Episodes

  • Bonus Episode! Finding Common Ground On Location: Pathways for Success

    Bonus Episode! Finding Common Ground On Location: Pathways for Success
    Oct 9 2025
    Steve and Guest Host Alexandra Fernandez speak with Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, Parent Advocate and founder of Better Together Kathy Caruso and others about the Pathways for Success event which brought experts and advocates from across New York State to Utica. Check out the full video of the event on our YouTube Channel:

    https://youtu.be/pIiFhcaPYqs

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/finding-common-ground--6199849/support.
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    12 mins
  • Straight Answers to Tough Questions with Assembly Member Brian Miller

    Straight Answers to Tough Questions with Assembly Member Brian Miller
    Oct 1 2025
    What if the fastest way to protect disability services this year isn’t a viral post—but scheduling a meeting now, before legislators head back to Albany? In this episode, AM Brian Miller gives straight answers and a playbook you can use now—from timing your outreach to crafting testimony that actually moves votes.

    Why listen: Unlike many politicians, Miller doesn’t dodge the tough stuff. He leans in. Listen as he dives into the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), looming Medicaid reforms (including the CDPAP rollout), DSP wages, the red tape that blocks common-sense partnerships, and how to make your voice count before this legislative session begins.

    You’ll learn practical moves:
    • Perfect timing: While summer is a great time to connect with legislators, fall works too—and it’s not too late. Now is the moment to book longer, substantive meetings that won’t be possible once session starts, so your stories can shape bills before legislators are back in Albany.
    • How to advocate: Replace mass emails with personal letters/calls that get read and get returned.
    • Testify like a pro: Use a 5-minute structure (personal story → crisp facts → clear ask) and always follow up with the panel afterward.
    • Unstick the system: Pair innovative pilots with smarter funding routes (Veterans, Aging, Education, Medicaid) and identify one word or phrase that could be tweaked in law/reg so that solutions aren't blocked.
    • Policy focus areas: ADA/Olmstead compliance, DSP wage action, pausing/assessing rushed reforms, and making oversight reports accessible to the public and legislators.
    Standout quotes:
    • “Really get involved and understand how the different funding streams and different groups can work together to help our loved ones because this could be a difficult chapter coming up, but it’s not the end of our story.” — Heather M. Burroughs
    • “Don’t rely on a form letter. Try to connect in person and be precise, but also personal.” — AM Brian Miller
    What Brian Miller models: Bridge-building, engineering-style problem solving (root-cause → corrective action), and a consistent record of showing up for disability families, on the record and in the room.

    Listen if you’re:
    Parents & caregivers, self-direction leaders, DSPs and providers, advocates preparing testimony, or anyone ready to trade outrage for outcomes. Hit play to grab the blueprint—and pass it to a friend who needs it.



    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/finding-common-ground--6199849/support.
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    48 mins
  • Pathways to Success

    Pathways to Success
    Sep 19 2025
    In this episode, we sit down with three incredible women—Bethany Wendt, Kathy Caruso, and Kim Karcic—to talk about Pathways for Success: Together We Thrive, a powerful event happening in Utica, NY.

    Each guest shared why they felt called to be part of this initiative and how families of individuals with disabilities often feel lonely, overwhelmed, and unsure where to turn. Their stories highlight the importance of coming together, building community, and making sure no one walks this journey alone.

    Guests
    • Bethany Wendt – Director of Community Relations at the Kelberman Center
      Website: https://www.kelberman.org/family-connect/family-education-and-training/
    • Kathy Caruso – Mom & Lead Facilitator for Better Together: Support and Advocacy
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Better-Together-Support-and-Advocacy-100057210018852/
    • Kim Karcic – Family Member, Teacher, and Advocate
    About the Event
    Saturday, Sept. 27
    9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
    The Parish on Broadway, 730 Broadway, Utica, NY
    Parking available at City Hall

    Who should attend?
    Parents & caregivers of individuals in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) community.

    What to expect:
    • Sessions on Early Intervention, School-Age Supports, Adult Services & Transition Planning
    • OPWDD Resources & Future Planning
    • Q&A Panel + Resource Tables featuring OPWDD, ARC, Life Plan, Kelberman & more
    • Light refreshments provided
    A full day of learning, connecting, and finding support—together.
    Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/KLFtaUPGG9

    If this event isn’t happening near you, but you think your community could benefit from something like this—consider this your blueprint!

    Be inspired, and reach out to any of these women to learn how you can make it happen in your hometown.

    Visit us at www.fcgadvocacy.org, follow us on social media, and help us grow our audience and impact.

    Together, we can build stronger pathways for success everywhere.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/finding-common-ground--6199849/support.
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    44 mins
  • Flawless Farms Grows Real Hope: Kristina Cope's Vision for Supporting Profound Needs

    Flawless Farms Grows Real Hope: Kristina Cope's Vision for Supporting Profound Needs
    Sep 12 2025
    What do families do when every call for help is desperate, every door seems to slam shut, and the only thing longer than the waitlist is the list of hoops to jump through—especially when their loved one with profound autism needs support now?

    In this episode of Finding Common Ground, we sit down with Kristina Cope—Michigan mom of three on the spectrum, RN, and founder of Flawless Farms. She’s on a mission to create an intentional community that welcomes families with profound needs instead of shutting them out.

    Together we explore housing deserts, “boarding” in hospitals, transportation gaps, and the growing crisis of catatonia. Kristina’s vision is clear: bring people together, secure land, build the first home, and create a model of community life where meaningful work, recreation, healthcare, and belonging are part of every day. If you’ve ever thought, “someone should build this,” this conversation will show you how to start—right where you are.

    Quotes that stay with you

    Kristina captures the urgency of the housing crisis when she says, “We could have a Benjamin’s Hope in every county and every state—and it would not be enough.”

    Steve reminds us that solutions won’t come from waiting on the system: “The cavalry is coming—it’s us.”

    And Kristina doesn’t shy away from the hard truth how sometimes “the model of inclusion then excludes them.”

    This episode is raw, inspiring, and practical. If you need hope and a path forward, you won’t want to miss it.

    Support the show by subscribing on your favorite podcast app, leaving a review, sharing it with a friend, and subscribing on YouTube. Every click helps other families find the solutions they’ve been searching for. Learn more and connect with us at www.fcgadvocacy.org and explore Kristina’s work at www.flawlessfarmsmi.com.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/finding-common-ground--6199849/support.
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    47 mins
  • 🎙️ Kathleen Hayes: Breaking Down Barriers to Community Mental Health Care

    🎙️ Kathleen Hayes: Breaking Down Barriers to Community Mental Health Care
    Sep 4 2025
    “It’s not a job, it’s a way of life.” Kathleen Hayes didn’t just take a position at the Neighborhood Center—she found her purpose. In this powerful episode of Finding Common Ground, we explore how one small organization in Utica, NY is reimagining what mental health and family support can look like when systems get out of the way and people are met where they are.

    Kathleen shares her journey from frontline provider to program supervisor, opening up about the real-life impact of community-based treatment, in-home therapy, and 24/7 crisis response teams. You’ll learn about Kindred Connections, a trauma-informed support system for adoptive and guardian families that helps combat isolation and build resilience—with birthday parties, family fun days, and intentional peer connections at its heart.
    But this isn’t just a feel-good story about one organization doing good work—it’s a blueprint. As Steve puts it: “If I was an executive director anywhere else and I knew this service was needed, I’d be looking to replicate it.”
    If you’ve ever wondered what’s actually working in youth mental health, how to prevent crisis before it happens, or what real trauma-informed care looks like outside a hospital or institution, this conversation is a must-listen.
    Whether you’re a parent, policymaker, therapist, advocate, or just someone trying to make your corner of the world better, this episode will give you hope—and a few ideas worth stealing.
    Tune in now to learn:
    • Why group therapy is giving providers new insight into kids’ needs
    • How mobile crisis teams are preventing hospitalizations
    • What makes adoptive family support stick
    • Why Kathleen says the work is hard—but worth it
    Don’t miss this glimpse into what’s possible when community leads the way and PLEASE check out our new website: https://www.fcgadvocacy.org/


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/finding-common-ground--6199849/support.
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    35 mins
  • Redefining Autism Support: LaShona Johnson’s Roadmap for Families

    Redefining Autism Support: LaShona Johnson’s Roadmap for Families
    Aug 28 2025
    What if an autism diagnosis wasn’t the end—but the spark that ignites a journey toward connection, advocacy, and growth?In this deeply moving episode of Finding Common Ground, Heather and Steve welcome LaShona Johnson, whose dual roles as a parent and disability community advocate uniquely inform her insights. Together, they explore how LaShona’s experience raising her son with autism evolved into a mission—and ultimately, a guidebook—for others navigating the path ahead.
    LaShona's journey is full of moments that feel too familiar

    —to be real, raw, and hopeful all at once:“I just kept feeling like…something is not quite right. Something is off.”
    — On trusting that gut when early signs emerged“It was relief and grief all at the same time.”

    — On the emotional paradox of finally receiving a diagnosis“If this door isn’t open, let’s call another person until we find somewhere for him to go.”
    — On the power of persistence and relentless advocacy“He can tell you all about model trains… that’s his special interests.”
    — On how a child’s passion can become a powerful bridge“This diagnosis isn’t the end. It’s just a shift in perspective … instead of focusing on fixing, let’s focus on connection, advocacy, and growing together.”
    — On reframing the narrative for familiesIn this episode, Heather, Steve, and LaShona cover:
    • Early signs and the complicated road to right-fit diagnosis and intervention
    • Navigating preschool, reading challenges, and the tough school-system pivots
    • how writing The Autism Roadmap: From Early Diagnosis to Academic Success became LaShona’s way of lighting the path for families just getting started
    • Tips for building a vital support network—3 to 5 people who serve as your crew
    • Reimagining success: supporting fathers, blending professional knowledge with parental emotion, and moving toward adult services with creative strategies
    If you’ve ever searched for practical tools to move beyond overwhelm, this episode delivers—with warmth, transparency, and hope. LaShona’s experience isn’t just inspirational—it’s a blueprint you can test in your own backyard.
    LaShona’s book is available now: https://a.co/d/iPiEiwK Give it a listen for honest conversation, real wisdom, and a roadmap that reminds us: the journey continues, and it can feel like home.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/finding-common-ground--6199849/support.
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    47 mins
  • 🎧 Dawn O’Hara: Building Inclusive Solutions Beyond What NYS Offers

    🎧 Dawn O’Hara: Building Inclusive Solutions Beyond What NYS Offers
    Aug 21 2025
    What happens when families stop waiting for the system to fix itself—and start building what their loved ones need?

    In this episode of Finding Common Ground, Heather and Steve sit down with Dawn O’Hara, a mother of two adult children with disabilities, to explore what it really takes to support independence, dignity, and inclusion. From leaving behind one system in Pennsylvania to navigating New York’s evolving landscape, Dawn shares what she’s learned and why she refuses to sit on the sidelines.

    Early in the episode, Dawn shares a moment no parent forgets: watching her daughter work hard for a paycheck—only to lose her benefits because of it. It’s a gut‑punch that too many families know too well, and it raises critical questions about what we’re really incentivizing in our systems. Dawn reflects, “You are your children’s strongest advocate and their loudest voice.” Her honesty speaks directly to those who may feel defeated or unsure—reminding us that staying quiet doesn’t serve our kids.

    Steve adds his own challenge to the status quo: “If OPWDD didn’t exist, families would still find a solution. They’d fix it.” It’s a powerful reminder that waiting for change isn’t the same as creating it—and families have always led the way when the system came up short.
    • Family Support Services (FSS) is a New York State program that provides limited but essential help—like respite, reimbursement, and recreational opportunities—for families caring for a loved one with a developmental disability at home. Learn more and explore how to get involved with a local FSS Advisory Council here: https://app.box.com/s/4rlpx9opnrwgm44ywo33064mw4t7wg5p
    Whether you’re just beginning your journey or facing the hard questions of what happens after you're gone, this episode will remind you: we are the cavalry we’ve been waiting for—because, as Heather says, “we can’t afford to wait for the people in boardrooms to save us.” There’s power in linking arms with others who get it. Tune in now to feel seen, supported, and recharged.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/finding-common-ground--6199849/support.
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    1 hr
  • Larissa Martin: Why CDPAP Matters & How to Speak Up Before Aug 18th

    Larissa Martin: Why CDPAP Matters & How to Speak Up Before Aug 18th
    Aug 12 2025
    In this urgent and deeply personal episode of Finding Common Ground, Heather and Steve welcome Larissa Martin — a self-advocate who has relied on New York’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) for 17 years. Larissa’s voice is raw and real as she shares why this program has been her lifeline, how the rushed transition to Public Partnerships LLC (PPL) has shaken the system, and why now is the moment to speak up. Over 70,000 people have already been forced into more expensive agency-based care. Thousands more have lost their caregivers altogether — often because aides quit after wrong, delayed, or missing paychecks. This isn’t just inconvenient; it’s led to declining health, hospitalizations, forced institutionalization, and, tragically, preventable deaths. One of CDPAP’s greatest strengths is the ability to hire people we trust — not strangers an agency assigns. Larissa puts it simply: “Even if we don’t know a caregiver well at first, many become like family over time. That’s why it was so painful for consumers to see New York hire a company with a record of payroll violations. Like Senator Rivera has said, the harm is no longer hypothetical. PPL is repeating their pattern. They are driving down enrollment by forcing our caregivers to quit.” One of Larissa's own caregivers, already stretched thin with five kids, now worries every payday if she’ll be paid correctly. This constant stress is unnecessary, inhumane, and dangerous. In just 20 weeks, PPL has caused more chaos, potential fraud, and harm than our previous Fiscal Intermediaries did in the decades since CDPAP began — which is why CMS, the DOJ, and the FBI are now involved. But where is our own Department of Labor? Felony-level wage theft on this scale demands their attention, yet there has been no public acknowledgment that one of the largest workforces in our state is being exploited in plain sight. Every day they stay silent, more families lose the care they depend on, and more workers pay the price for a crisis they didn’t create. The DOH Commissioner promised the transition would make it easier for caregivers to get paid and save the state money. In reality, people are losing care, being pushed into costlier options, and facing devastating consequences. Anger is justified — but Larissa challenges all of us to go further: share our stories, put the harm on record, and be part of the solution. If you’ve been affected by the CDPAP transition, you have until Monday, August 18th to submit written testimony. It doesn’t have to be long or perfect — just honest. Your voice matters. Without it, change may never come. How to Submit Testimony:
    1. Write about your personal experience with CDPAP and the impact of PPL’s takeover.
    2. Share specifics: payment delays, insurance issues, caregiver shortages, or disruptions.
    3. Keep it respectful but real — your lived experience is powerful.
    4. Email your testimony to steen@nysenate.gov. If you choose to be anonymous, sign as “Jane Doe.”
    Whether you’re a CDPAP consumer, caregiver, family member, or concerned New Yorker, your testimony matters to the 700,000 people who were connected to CDPAP before PPL’s monopoly. When someone told Larissa she should move to another state that would treat her better, she replied: “I want to stay and fight not just for me, but for other people in the program that don’t have that option to leave.” Listen now to hear Larissa’s powerful story — and learn how you can make yours heard before the deadline.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/finding-common-ground--6199849/support.
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    39 mins