Well-Being: A Boundless Podcast

This year as you do your spring cleaning, why not declutter your mind as well. In this episode we have great tips for being more focused and less stressed. Join two professional counselors Dr. Jamie Jones, Boundless, and Danielle Smart, client navigator, Ohio NAMI, who share proven ways to achieve better mental health. They join our host Scott Light to discuss meditation, breathing exercises, journaling and just getting outside to improve your state of mind. What impact do green spaces and blue spaces have on our health? Studies show they are helpful in calming our minds.

For Developmental Disability Awareness Month Bob Evans Farms partnered with Boundless to help build confidence and connections through cooking recipes with Bob Evans Farms products. Hear how four women we serve through our adult day program Without Walls (WoW) joined four food scientists/chefs from Bob Evans Farms at our SmartHome to cook together. Guests Hope Johnson, supervisor of the WoW program at Boundless, and Cassandra Binkley, senior manager community engagement & philanthropy at Bob Evans Farms, discuss how well the interactions went. Everyone learned something new from each other. Learning life skills is a great way to gain more independence.

Dating is tough for many people in this day and age and can be even more difficult if you are an adult with disabilities. Our host, Scott Light, is joined by Julie, a mom of an adult son with autism who has experienced dating, and Ana Santos, residential manager at Boundless, who works with many adults who desire to be in romantic relationships. With shows like Love on the Spectrum this topic is being discussed more often. How can family members and guardians support their adults looking for love? What can parents do to set up safe guidelines while still being encouraging about dating? Listen in to get these valuable perspectives.

When asked, “Who was/is a mentor to you?” We can all probably think of one or more people who have made significant impacts on our lives. Mentors are vital in learning social skills, working through tough situations, and helping you find the right place in your community. Boundless staff members Kelli James and Kiara James join host, Scott Light, to share stories about how mentors have impacted them personally as well as the impressive progress they’ve witnessed in individuals who are receiving mentoring services at Boundless. After all, we are all stronger when we have supportive people in our lives.

Hear from two mothers who both lost a loved one during the holidays last year and what lessons they learned and are willing to share with others. Karen Cousins, program director, NAMI Franklin County and Dr. Jill Crane, psychology post-doctoral fellow, Boundless, join host Scott Light for some heartfelt suggestions on not caving to expectations and celebrating in a way that works for you.

We’ve heard many times before that you can’t care for others if you’re not caring for yourself, but it’s easy to overlook your needs and feel guilty for prioritizing yourself. We are facing a burnout epidemic and caregivers are being hit the hardest, but the good news is you’re not alone. People around the country are dealing with these same issues and have found solutions to help them balance themselves and their passion. Hear the stories of three different caretakers, the struggles they face, and what they do to give back to themselves on this episode of Well-Being. Join Jess Waizmann, Community ABA Administrator at Boundless, Lisa Comes, Service and Support Advisor at Ohio Association of County Boards and mother of a son with disabilities, and Julie Callahan, mother of an adult son who Boundless serves, to hear real life examples of self-care.

We’ve reached that time of year where it seems everyday is filled with planning and prepping for upcoming holidays and family gatherings. This can be especially stressful for those with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their caretakers. What do you do if your loved one doesn’t want to wear a Halloween costume? Doesn't like anything prepared for Thanksgiving? Or your family gets frustrated that an individual only spent 20 minutes at family Christmas? We have answers and real-life examples for all that and more from our Boundless experts, Kristen Messer and Kelli James, and Janet, a parent of an adult with autism. Listen to this episode to ease some of your holiday stress.

We recognize the hard work that goes into being a Direct Support Professional (DSP). But it's a great career for those who have compassion and want to improve the lives of others. We just celebrated DSP Appreciation Week and Janet Griffiths nominated her daughter's DSP, Marquita, to be recognized for the 20 years she's helped Lori and their family. And Jayme Jurkovac joins host Scott Light to share some of the great benefits DSPs get if they choose to work at Boundless and we are hiring.

We discuss stigmas and misconceptions around adults with disabilities and why we must respect their life choices. Listen in as Ana Santos, residential manager at Boundless, and Jen Adkins, a 48-year-old woman who is a self-advocate and her own guardian, discuss the challenges they face while out in the community ordering alcoholic beverages. Beth Boswell, community engagement & partnerships coordinator at Rhinegeist, shares why they wanted to join forces with Boundless for their Beer for Humans campaign to help educate others that adults with disabilities can enjoy adult beverages and drink responsibly.

Listen to learn how authors with autism are writing books who have autistic characters as they share their own voices. How have libraries changed to become more inclusive to those with disabilities? They are no longer just quiet places. Kristen Messer, autism clinic director at Boundless, and Kris Hickey, youth services manager at the Whetstone branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, join host Scott Light to discuss neurodivergent characters and authors. You will want to add these books to your reading list.

Let's be honest, that momentous road trip where everyone sang songs, counted license plates from multiple states, and no one asked, 'Are we there yet' -- was still stressful. Factor in a child or adult with intellectual and developmental disabilities and that stress can be amplified. On this episode, you'll hear from two travel experts, who are also advocates for travel inclusivity. Ohio and every other state need more accessible restrooms with adult changing tables. Kim Boulter from the Ohio Changing Spaces campaign shares how they are helping make that happen and where you can find an interactive map. Plus, Boundless Community Integration Specialist, Hope Johnson, provides her best food, beverage and mental health tips for loading up the car and heading out. She has learned lots of lessons taking adults with disabilities out in the community for years!

Dr. John Ackerman, Nationwide Children's Clinical Manager for the Center for Suicide Prevention and Research joins Dr. Jamie Jones, Clinical Supervisor at Boundless Health, for a broad and frank discussion on mental health and suicide prevention, with special attention paid to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Both John and Jamie discuss effective ways to have tough conversations on these subjects with people you love. Host, Scott Light, also asks them about the state of mental health in America: what concerns them? And what gives them hope?

This episode follows Timothy Blackwell through his journey as an artist with autism. He has been drawing since he could hold a pencil. Next year his creations will be displayed in a solo art show! Learn how he recently became a paid freelance artist. Boundless has provided Tim with counseling, peer mentoring, community outings, and now MAX coaching services. A call for local artists helped him reconnect with The Awesome Company and earn income by selling his designs. Join Tim and his mom, Rebecca, Angela Bellin (MAX coaching specialist at Boundless) Kelli James (peer and transitions supervisor at Boundless) and Jacquie Mahan (CEO of The Awesome Company) and be encouraged by the power of connections and partnerships. Learn how more people can get involved in assisting adults with autism find self-reliance and economic inclusion.

Focusing on your fitness doesn't mean you have to do something you don't like. Learn how having choices can increase your desire to get moving. Join Peggy Mills, owner of Valemee Fitness, Amy Finkle, behavior analyst at Boundless, and Ryan Burnett, assistive technology manager, to hear how individuals with disabilities are working out all around town and at Boundless. They join our host, Scott Light, to discuss why it's important to give yourself grace in your exercise journey. We also share how BoundaryCare has partnered with Boundless to use technology to monitor health and enhance quality of life.

Let's be honest, we're hearty folks here in Ohio as our winter months bring loads of cold weather, gray skies, and frozen water of several iterations. All of which send the sun back into the shadows. Yes, we're used to it, but it doesn't mean we're not truly affected by it. Those factors and more lead to seasonal affective disorder and it's real. It's not just the 'winter blues'. SAD has symptoms and even direct correlations to major depressive disorder. Join Julie Battaglia, clinical lead supervisor at Boundless and Rejeana Haynes, chief clinical officer at St. Vincent Family Services to learn what awareness, exercise, self-care, medication, counseling and other changes in lifestyle could do to help you or someone you know with SAD.

Learn how our Parent Directed Program (PDP) lifts the weight off parents’ shoulders. Join Amanda Ryther, PDP parent, as she shares how she learned to best support her daughter Maddie and find time for herself again. Matthew Chapman, PDP administrative team member at Boundless, joins host Scott Light and explains how this unique program allows parents to get paid for caring for their loved one or hire people they choose to care for them while Boundless handles all the administrative tasks behind the scenes.

Finding the right Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) technologies improve overall health, build confidence, and help with verbal language. When can you get a language and device consultation? What is the process of pairing the right device with an individual? Join Brad Whitmoyer as he uses his eye tracker technology and a mouse/clicker activated by his knee to share his experiences both personally and professionally. It's pretty amazing! Along with Brad, you'll hear from Jennifer Monahan, senior AAC consultant from PRC-Saltillo who talks about technology today and what we may see in the technology of tomorrow. Also, Abby Harris, a speech language pathologist from Boundless shares the profound impact she's seen these devices have on individuals and their families.

With the holidays on the horizon, it is officially the season of giving and philanthropy. How do businesses build partnerships with organizations? What is “trust philanthropy”? And how does it benefit nonprofits? Join us to hear how Central Ohio businesses are helping the community. Erin Shannon, corporate relations manager of White Castle, and Christina Brown, regional director of community philanthropy and engagement at Huntington Bank, join our host Scott Light to share how they are putting their passions into practice helping others.

Did you know that being grateful can change your brain chemistry? What is a gratitude jar? Join us to learn practical things that you can do to embrace gratitude, improve your attitude, and enhance your life. Tammy Battle, state nursing director at Boundless, and Rachelle Martin, executive director of NAMI Franklin County, join our host Scott Light to share tips on being thankful this holiday season and all year long.

Organizations across Central Ohio are creating more and more successful, sensory-friendly events and providing a wide array of recreation activities tailored to the individual. Learn how rewarding these experiences are, not only for attendees but also for performers, staff, and entire organizations. Heather Garner (executive director of the New Albany Symphony), Rae Nutter (recreation therapist with the City of Columbus Parks and Recreation), and Kristen Messer (clinic director of ELM at Boundless) join host, Scott Light, to explore the growing need to offer more of these valuable programs.