Season 2
-
Carrie Corby & Dr. John Keesler
Novenber 8, 2024
Join hosts Heather and Steve on Finding Common Ground as they sit down with two powerful voices for the IDD community: dedicated social worker Carrie Corby and university expert Dr. John Keesler. Despite not having a personal connection to IDD, both have chosen to devote their careers to supporting those with autism and other developmental differences, bringing fresh perspectives on systemic gaps that often go unnoticed. Read more…
-
Vin Scalise's Approach to Community Service
November 21, 2024
On this episode of Finding Common Ground, our guest Vincent Scalise, a decorated Army veteran, shares his inspiring journey from serving on the battlefield to transforming his community. After returning from Iraq, Vin made it his mission to help his fellow veterans and neighbors by turning local challenges into opportunities.
As Executive Director of the Utica Center for Development, Vin embodies the philosophy he shared on the podcast: "Hesitation is the worst thing you do... Read more…
-
Brad Hansen Shares Solutions
December 11, 2024
In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Brad Hansen, Director of Public Policy at Families Together in New York State, to discuss the alarming crisis in youth mental health services and the game-changing solutions that could make all the difference. Read more…
-
Jennifer Everett on IDD Emergency Response
January 03, 2025
In this episode of Finding Common Ground, Heather and Steve sit down with Jennifer Everett, a seasoned first responder, to discuss the crucial role of emergency responders when supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Jennifer’s journey into the field began with a simple flyer in college - and the rest is history. She opens up about her early experiences supporting people with disabilities and the limited training available to first responders at the time. Read more…
-
Innovation Meets Compassion in Autism
January 17, 2025
In this episode of Finding Common Ground, Heather and Steve sit down with the powerhouse leadership team of the Kelberman Center: Maria Cappoletti (CEO), Kelly Carinci (Chief Development and Communications Officer), and Bethany Wendt (Director of Community Relations). Serving over 1,000 families in Central New York, Kelberman is a beacon of hope, offering a “true north” for families navigating their autism journey. Read more…
-
January 22, 2025
In this episode Heather and Steve dive into the vital role recreation centers play for adults with autism and developmental disabilities. Kathy Caruso, founder of the Better Together Recreation Center, shares her journey as a parent advocate and how she’s addressing the service gaps many families face. Read more…
-
How Karilyn’s Law Can Help
March 12, 2025
On this episode of Finding Common Ground with Heather and Steve, we sit down with Howard Nash - a filmmaker, actor, and father who has spent over 15 years fighting to reconnect with his son. With his industry connections and resources, you’d think he could overcome any legal challenge But when his son with profound autism turned 18, a legal loophole allowed his ex-wife to block him from any contact without justification. Read more…
-
Fayna Pearlman’s Insights on Community Building
March 20, 2025
What does it really mean to belong? How can embracing radical self-honesty and internal security transform our relationships and the communities we live in? In this episode of Finding Common Ground, Heather and Steve sit down with Fayna Claire Pearlman, a community-building expert, to explore these profound questions.. Read more…
-
Driving Change with Jackie Kancir and Tammy Snyder
April 07, 2025
Don’t expect transparency. That’s what you have to dig for.” – Eamonn Scanlon, The Children's Agenda
In this powerful episode, Heather and Steve sit down with Jackie Kancir, Executive Director of the National Council on Severe Autism (NCSA), and Tammy Snyder, New York State Chair for NCSA—two incredible women who live the reality of severe autism every single day and fight to make a difference far beyond their own families. Read more…
-
CDPAP Presser 04/11/2025
April 14, 2025
Many people connected to NY's CDPAP home care program have been voicing concerns for months, but after the state's chosen FI didn't pay 1000s and 1000s of caregivers this payroll period, the pleas for help are exploding across the state.
When caregivers don't get paid, they quit, and the consequences are devastating for the disability community who take on much of the responsibility when they choose this program Read more…
-
With Eamonn Scanlon
April 16, 2025
Don’t expect transparency. That’s what you have to dig for.” – Eamonn Scanlon, The Children's Agenda
What happens when over 140,000 students are suspended from school each year in New York? When families can’t get basic developmental services until it’s too late? When the people in power act like the system is working just fine? This week on Finding Common Ground, Heather and Steve are joined by Eamonn Scanlon from The Children’s Agenda to expose the cracks in the foundation of our education and care systems—and what we can do to fix them. Read more…