Ninety-Nine Percent Effective

Parent Perspective: Middle School Years

In our next episode of Parent Perspective, Jen and Tesha welcomed Christopher Marra as our special guest to discuss his experience with his son, Jonathan, during his middle school years. In the fourth episode of this series, Chris expresses Jonathan's struggles in Middle School, such as making new friends, going through puberty, and returning to school after the COVID pandemic. Overall, this episode is informative yet filled with resources for any family with a child starting middle school.

Show Notes: 

• Jen Kostek, 860-399-1888 ext. 311
• Tesha Tramontano-Kelly, ttk358consultingllc@gmail.com
• Elyssa Tomczyk, 860-399-1888 x331
• Learn more about SARAH Inc KIDSTEPS Early Intervention

Have a question or want to leave us feedback? Email us at Marketing@sarah-inc.org call us at 860-399-1888 ext 200. 

Ninety-Nine Percent Effective is recorded and edited by Elyssa Tomczyk. 

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed during this episode belonging to hosts and speakers do not necessarily reflect SARAH Inc.’s. 

Parent Perspective: Elementary Years

In this episode of Parent Perspective, Jen and Tesha were fortunate to have our guest Paula Schaeffer as our guest discussing her experience as a parent during the elementary years. In the third episode of this series, she explains her experience bringing her son William from pre-k to elementary school. She expresses her struggles yet gives excellent recommendations to any parent with a child settling into elementary school.

Show Notes: 

• Jen Kostek, 860-399-1888 ext. 311
• Tesha Tramontano-Kelly, ttk358consultingllc@gmail.com
• Elyssa Tomczyk, 860-399-1888 x331
• Learn more about SARAH Inc KIDSTEPS Early Intervention

Have a question or want to leave us feedback? Email us at sarahsolutions@sarah-inc.org or call us at 860-399-1888 ext 200. 

Ninety-Nine Percent Effective is recorded and edited by  Elyssa Tomczyk. 

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed during this episode belonging to hosts and speakers do not necessarily reflect SARAH Inc.’s. 

Parent Perspective: Birth To Three Part 2

In our next episode of Parent Perspective, Jen and Tesha were fortunate to have our return guest Danielle Gonyea, Autism & Special Needs Consultant, Certified Cruise Counselor, and Disney Expert, as our Parent Perspective guest representing the Birth to Three Program. In the second episode of the two-part series, she explains her experience exiting Birth to Three for her three children diagnosed with autism. She describes her point of view when departing the program and gives fantastic recommendations that everyone should hear if going through this process.

Show Notes: 

• Danielle Gonyea email: Danielle@premiercustomtravel.com
• Visit the Premier Custom Travel website
• Premier Custom Travel: 281-301-5818
• Jen Kostek, 860-399-1888 ext. 311
• Learn more about Connecticut Birth to Three 
• Learn more about KIDSTEPS Birth to Three

Have a question or want to leave us feedback? Email us at sarahsolutions@sarah-inc.org or call us at 860-399-1888 ext 200. 

Ninety-Nine Percent Effective is edited by Elyssa Tomczyk. 

 

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed during this episode belonging to hosts and speakers do not necessarily reflect SARAH Inc.’s. 

Parent Perspective: Birth to Three Part 1

We are excited to announce that our SARAH Solutions podcast is re-launching with a brand new look! We are kicking it off with a very informative series about the parent perspective and navigating each stage of life as you care for a loved one with differing abilities.

In our first episode of Parent Perspective, Jen and Tesha were fortunate to have Danielle Gonyea, Autism & Special Needs Consultant, Certified Cruise Counsellor, and Disney Expert, as our first Parent Perspective guest representing the Birth to Three Program. In this first episode of a two-part series, she explains her experience throughout the Birth to Three Program for not just one child but three children, who are all diagnosed with autism. Not only is this episode informative, but it is also an incredible resource filled with wisdom and inspiration.

Show Notes:

• Danielle Gonyea contact information: Danielle@premiercustomtravel.com
• Visit the Premier Custom Travel website
• Premier Custom Travel: 281-301-5818
• Jen Kostek, 860-399-1888 ext. 311
• Learn more about Connecticut Birth to Three
• Learn more about KIDSTEPS Birth to Three

Have a question or want to leave us feedback? Email us at sarahsolutions@sarah-inc.org or call us at 860-399-1888 ext 200.

Ninety-Nine Percent Effective is edited by Elyssa Tomczyk.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed during this episode belonging to hosts and speakers do not necessarily reflect SARAH Inc.’s.

CT Department of Developmental Services (DDS): Level of Need

In this episode, Jen and Tesha were fortunate to have Brian Smith, Assistant Regional Director of Individual and Family Support DDS, back again for another informative session covering what the level of need (LON) is and all of the factors that go into determining an individual’s LON.  This episode covers several facets of the process, such as who is involved in completing the LON, how often it is reviewed, and what different levels mean. If you have questions about the DDS level of need, this is your resource!

Show Notes:

• DDS Portal Website
• DDS Case Management
• DDS Transition to Adulthood
• Jen Kostek, 860-399-1888 ext. 311
• Learn more about SARAH Inc.

Videos to review:

• DDS Video Resource Library

Have a question or want to leave us feedback? Email us at sarahsolutions@sarah-inc.org or call us at 860-399-1888 ext 200.

Intro music composed by James Hodgdon.

Ninety-Nine Percent Effective is edited by Elyssa Tomczyk.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed during this episode belonging to hosts and speakers do not necessarily reflect SARAH Inc.’s.

CT Department of Developmental Services (DDS): Your Complete Guide

In this episode, Jen and Tesha were fortunate to have Barbara Poplawski, Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Transition Advisor, and Brian Smith, Assistant Regional Director of Individual and Family Support DDS, join in for a very informative conversation about the overview of what DDS does, whom they serve, and their primary goals. This episode covers several topics, such as who is eligible, the case management process, various services they offer, and valuable resources for individuals and families needing or receiving support from DDS.

This is filled with incredible knowledge, guidance, and resources you do not want to miss!

Show Notes:

• DDS Portal Website
• DDS Case Management
• DDS Transition to Adulthood
• Jen Kostek, 860-399-1888 ext. 311
• Learn more about SARAH Inc.

Videos to review:

• DDS Video Resource Library

Have a question or want to leave us feedback? Email us at sarahsolutions@sarah-inc.org or call us at 860-399-1888 ext 200.

Intro music composed by James F. Hodgdon. 

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed during this episode belonging to hosts and speakers do not necessarily reflect SARAH Inc.’s.

Holiday Spotlight with Shayna B’s By The Sea

This holiday season, we are excited to share our recent podcast featuring a local business partner, Shayna B’s By The Sea located in Westbrook, CT.  Shayna B’s is a dedicated vegan and gluten-free bakery serving delicious meals to the shoreline area. This episode features Christine Reed, the owner of Shayna B’s and SARAH Inc. supported worker, Gianna Catalano. From a young age, Gianna discovered her passion for the culinary arts. In this episode, she discusses her journey of following her dreams and obtaining gainful employment with the help of SARAH Inc. and loyal community partners with our Employment Services Program. Be sure to check out their holiday menu posted on their social media.

Show Notes:

• Jen Kostek, 860-399-1888 ext. 311
• Visit Shayna B’s By The Sea Website 
• Shayna B’s By The Sea Facebook 
• Call Shayna B’s By The Sea to order for the holidays, 860-339-3144
• Learn more about SARAH Inc.

Have a question or want to leave us feedback? Email us at sarahsolutions@sarah-inc.org or call us at 860-399-1888 ext 200.

Intro music composed by James F. Hodgdon. 

Ninety-Nine Percent Effective is produced by George Reid-Perry and edited by Chrissy Racho.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed during this episode belonging to hosts and speakers do not necessarily reflect SARAH Inc.’s.

Gaining Independence: Tips for Stepping into the Workforce

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which celebrates the success stories of employment and the disability community. We are excited to share our most recent podcast, featuring SARAH Inc.’s Jen Kostek, Intakes and Special Projects Coordinator. With over a decade of experience in our employment programs, Jen is just the right person to help us understand the immense value that people with differing abilities bring to businesses that employ them. In this episode, Gaining Independence: Tips for Stepping into the Workforce, she also gives a detailed look into how SARAH Inc. helps individuals identify their scope of capabilities, establish a career plan, and lead them toward gaining newfound independence.

Show Notes:

• Jen Kostek, 860-399-1888 ext. 311
• CT's Department of Labor: The Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities
• U.S. Department of Labor: Workers with Disabilities
• Eliminating 14(c) & Subminimum Wage
• Learn more about NDEAM and SARAH Inc.

Have a question or want to leave us feedback? Email us at sarahsolutions@sarah-inc.org or call us at 860-399-1888 ext 200.

Intro music composed by James F. Hodgdon. 

Ninety-Nine Percent Effective is produced and edited by Stephanie Cona

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed during this episode belonging to hosts and speakers do not necessarily reflect SARAH Inc.’s.

Taking the Stress Out of Potty Training

In this episode we are introduced to Ashley Hickey, a Potty Training Specialist and Owner of Successful Potty Training. Ashley is a graduate of Northeastern University and was clinically trained in Applied Behavior Analysis at Emory Autism Center post-graduation. Ashley specializes in Potty Training autistic children but has also trained hundreds of kids with differing abilities. The goal of Ashley’s program is for the child to be able to wear underwear fulltime, utilize the potty, and independently self-initiate. Ninety eight percent of the children achieve these goals by the end of the program; most in as little as four days.

We hope you enjoy listening to Ashley and Tesha as much as we did.  Take a seat and get ready to learn some fool proof tips!

Show Notes:

• Successful Potty Training
• "Ashley's Guide for Potty Training" by Ashley Hickey
• "The Best Potty Chairs for Little Ones Who Are Ready to Ditch the Diaper" by Julie Evans and Katrina Cossey
• "9 Best Potty-Training Seats and Chairs for Toddlers Who Are Ready to Ditch the Diapers" by Kate Bayless
• "Top 10 Potty Training Step Stools for Kids" By Michele Tripple

Have a question or want to leave us feedback? Email us at sarahsolutions@sarah-inc.org or call us at 860-399-1888 ext 200.

Intro music composed by James F. Hodgdon. 

Ninety-Nine Percent Effective is produced and edited by Stephanie Cona

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed during this episode belonging to hosts and speakers do not necessarily reflect SARAH Inc.’s.

Weekend Tea with Gabby and Amanda - Bonus Short #3

Summer is sailing by and we at 99 Percent Effective hope you have been able to stop and enjoy some summer fun.

Speaking of fun, this week’s Weekend Tea with Gabby and Amanda is all that and more!  Gabby will put a smile on your face and give you a good chuckle as she shares the details of her for her 40^th birthday celebration.  You don’t want to miss this episode!

So take a break, relax and listen to how Gabby enjoys a good time with family and friends.

Have a question or want to leave us feedback? Email us at sarahsolutions@sarah-inc.org or call us at 860-399-1888 ext 200.

Intro music composed by James F. Hodgdon. 

Ninety-Nine Percent Effective is produced and edited by Stephanie Cona

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed during this episode belonging to hosts and speakers do not necessarily reflect SARAH Inc.’s.