255 – Steve Chatman of Cookeville, TN, Pastor, Father of Five Including Two with Down Syndrome & VP at Rising Above Ministries

Our guest this week is Steve Chatman of Cookeville, TN who is a pastor and VP at Rising Above Ministries, a Christian non-profit whose mission is ‘to provide special-needs families with support, encouragement, inspiration, and community based a belief that God deeply loves all families and wants them to know that love in an authentic and meaningful way.” Steve and his wife, Lori Ann, have been married for 25 years and are the proud parents of five children: Taylor (27), Josie (20), Emily (19), Mallory (17) and Russell (12). The three oldest are adopted and Josie & Emily ‘the Downs

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249 – Robert Hendershot of Irvine, CA, Founder of Angels For Higher, Providing Employment for People With Down Syndrome

Our guest this week is Robert Hendershot of Irvine, CA owner of Material Engineering, a manufactures’ rep firm, founder of Angels For Higher, a non-profit dedicated to providing employment for young adults with Down Syndrome, and author of the book Angel For Higher. Robert and his wife, Melissa, have been married for 37 years and are the proud parents of three boys: Tanner (28), Taylor (30) and Trevor (32), who has Down Syndrome. Trevor is a team greeter for the Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Rams and Anaheim Ducks. Trevor’s experiences lead Robert to create Angels for Higher, working with

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248 – Olivier Bernier of Montclair, NJ, A Filmmaker Tells The Story Of His Son, Emilio, Who Has Down Syndrome

Our guest this week is Olivier Bernier of Montcliar, NJ, who is a writer, producer, filmmaker and owner of Rota6 Film Company. Olivier and his wife, Hilda, are the proud parents of two; Camila Rose (1) and Emilio (6) who has Down Syndrome. We’ll hear Olivier’s story including his lifelong love for film and discover details about his award winning documentary, “Forget Me Not: Inclusion In The Classroom.” That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Show Notes – Email – olivier@rota6.com Website – https://www.forgetmenotdocumentary.com/ Website – https://rota6films.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivier-bernier-baba3616/ The Film “Forget Me Not: Inclusion In The Classroom” – https://www.forgetmenotdocumentary.com

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246 – Paul Peterangelo of Tonowanda, NY, Father of Five Daughters Including One With Down Syndrome

Our guest this week is Paul Peterangelo of Tonowanda, NY, who is clinical supervisor at Fidelis Care, Director of Worship Band Psalm 151 at Saint Amelia RC Church, and father of five girls including one with Down Syndrome. Paul and his wife, Renee, have been married for 29 years and are the proud parents of five daughters; Sonia (37), Emilia (36), DeAnna (28), Amanda (26) who has Down Syndrome and Tabitha (21). We’ll hear Paul’s story which includes: his role as a nurse practitioner, including 15 years in the ER on the night shift, the ups and downs of raising

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227 – Joshua Carrigg of Gaithersburg, MD, Master Sergeant U.S. Army & Father of Three All with Special Needs

Our guest this week is Joshua Carrigg, of Gaithersburg, MD, a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Army. Joshua and his wife, Austin, have been married for 20 years and are the proud parents of three: Christian (20), Nicholas (17) who has Autism and adopted daughter Melanie (9) who has Down syndrome and other special healthcare needs. Joshua joined the US Army at 20 and has served for 19 years including two deployments to Iraq ’in 03-’04 and ’06-’07. Joshua’s wife, Austin, is the founder and CEO of the Exceptional Families of the Military (EFM), a volunteer-led, non-profit organization specializing in helping

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220 – Dr. Anju Usman Singh of Lisle, IL A Board Certified Family Practitioner & Medical Director at True Health Medical Center

Our guest this week is Dr. Anju Usman Singh, a board certified family practitioner and the medical director at True Health Medical Center in Naperville, IL, providing integrative and biomedical treatments that enhance traditional medical care. Dr. Usman is director and owner of True Health Medical Center and Pure Compounding Pharmacy in Naperville, Illinois. She also is the Chief Science Officer for True Healing Naturals. She specializes in biomedical interventions for children with ADD, Autism, PANDAS/PANS, Down Syndrome and related disorders. She has been involved in research regarding copper/zinc imbalances, metallothionein dysfunction, biofilm related infections and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. She serves

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199 – Damion Navarro of Frankfort, IL Father of Three Including A Son With Down Syndrome & Co-Founder Of Navarro Farm

Our guest this week is Damion Navarro of Frankfort, IL, owner of NES Environmental, a father of three, including son Carter, who has Down Syndrome, and now a farmer! Damion and his wife, Sherri, are co-founders of Navarro Farm, a place to grow and employ people with all types of ability. We’ll hear Damion’s and the Navarro Farm story in this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Navarro Farm – https://www.navarrofarm.orgEmail – damion@navarrofarm.orgLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/damion-navarro-31314160/CBS Story – https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2021/08/13/navarro-farm-frankfort-illinois-special-needs/ Transcript: Coming Soon

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192 – Eliya Stromberg of Jerusalem, Author, Fatherhood Advocate & Father of Three, Including A Son With Down syndrome

Our guest this week is Eliya Stromberg, the founder of Fathers Connect and author of Chosen Fathers. Eliya and his wife Esther have several grandchildren and parent of three grown children, including Ariel (32) who has Down Syndrome. We’ll hear Eliya’s story about growing up in Los Angeles, taking degrees from UC Berkeley, Yeshiva University (NYC) and University of Kansas and how his career took him all across North America, before landing in Jerusalem. We also learn about his transformation from being an educator of to the parent of a child with special needs and his calling to assist fathers, which

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170 – Paul Mannino, CFO At The Archdiocese of Chicago And Father Of Four, Including A Daughter With Down Syndrome

Our guest this week is Paul Mannino of Libertyville, IL, who is CFO at the Archdiocese of Chicago and the father of four, including Sofia (18) who has Down syndrome. Paul talks very openly and authentically about his career, which included overseas assignments, his family and recent divorce. We’ll hear Paul’s story on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulvmannino/ Western DuPage Special Recreation Association – https://www.warrenvilleparks.org/programs/wdsra/ Transcript: Tom Couch: Special thanks to Horizon Therapeutics for sponsoring today’s Special Father’s Network Dad to Dad podcast. Working tirelessly to research, develop, and bring forward medicines for people living with

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139 – Lyle Liechty’s Daughter with Down Syndrome Inspired Him To Help Create DADS (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome)

Our guest this week is Lyle Liechty, a father of three including a daughter with Down Syndrome. We’ll hear Lyle’s family story, which includes being adopted, and about his work with DADS (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome), a group that offers support for dads of kids with Down Syndrome, now in dozens of communities across the country. We also learn how Lyle’s family and faith have shaped his journey as we’ll as his involvement with All Pro Dads. That’s’ all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. DADS National – https://dadsnational.orgDSI (Down Syndrome Indiana) DADS – https://dsindiana.orgAll Pro Dads – https://www.allprodad.com Transcript: Tom

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138 Don Raineri – Father of Four Including Twins; One With Down Syndrome, The Other Who Passed Away At Childbirth

Our guest this week is Don Raineri, president of Dads of Steele. Don is the father of four children,, including twins; one with Down Syndrome and the other who, sadly, died at childbirth. We’ll hear Don’s family story, about his faith and Dads of Steele, a charity dedicated to strengthening dads to be more present in their children’s lives. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast. Learn about Dads of Steele – https://dadsofsteele.org/mission-focus/ Contact Don at don@dadsofsteele.org Learn more about Special Fathers Network – https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network/ Transcript: Tom Couch: The special father’s network is thrilled to be sponsored by Rubin

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133 – Seven Time Emmy Award Winning Broadcast Journalist Rob Johnson Reflects On Growing Up With A Brother With Down Syndrome

Our guest this week is Rob Johnson who is a seven time Emmy award winning broadcast journalist and an outspoken advocate for those with disability. He has a brother, Edward (48) who has Down Syndrome. David Hirsch talked to Rob about his life experiences and lessons from growing up with a brother with special needs. Rob is also the author of Timothy Trainor: Head In The Game (2015), which is a children’s book about a hockey player who suffers a concussion. And we’ll hear that discussion on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Concussion Legacy Foundation – https://concussionfoundation.org Chicago Youth

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112 – Jack Lavin, CEO of Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Reflects on Raising a Child with Down Syndrome

Meet Jack Lavin. Jack has a storied business career including his current role as CEO/President of the Chicago Chamber of Commerce. He’s the father of three children including Emily, 24, who has Down Syndrome. We’ll hear Jack’s inspiring story and the commitment he and his wife Kathy have made to serving those with disability, on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Show Links: Contact Jack Lavin at: JLavin@chicagolandchamber.org Find out about the Gateway to Learning at: https://www.gtlchicago.com/programsThe email is: info@gatewaytolearning.org Transcript:   Dad to Dad 112 – Jack Lavin, CEO of Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Reflects on Raising a Child with

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108 – Nik Nikic’s Son Chris Who Has Down Syndrome Is Training for Ironman Florida – 1% Better Every Day

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast we hear from SFN father Nik Nikic. Nik has two children including son Chris (20), who has Down Syndrome. Nik has developed the 1% Better Every Day method to help Chris set and achieve goals, like being a triathlete and now public speaker. It’s a great story and it’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Show links:Find out all about Chris and his amazing accomplishments at: https://chrisnikic.com Transcript:  Dad to Dad 108 – Nik Nikic’s Son Chris Who Has Down Syndrome Is Training for Ironman Florida – 1%

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107 – Mike Carmody Has A Brother With Down Syndrome & Is Co-Founder of Opportunity Knocks

Meet Mike Carmody whose brother John has Down syndrome. Mike has spent the last decade running Opportunity Knocks, a non profit that provides activities, programs and general kindness to young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Mike’s our guest on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast. To find out more about Opportunity Knocks go to: www.opportunityknocksnow.org Transcript: Dad to Dad 107 – Mike Carmody Has A Brother With Down Syndrome & Is Co-Founder of Opportunity Knocks Mike Carmody: He’s been like the guiding force in my life to help me learn who I am and what I need to

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003 – Skip Gianopulos: Raising Four Daughters Including Two With Down Syndrome

Skip Gianopulos Is the father of four daughters; two with special needs. Take a listen to see just how this man’s life has been changed, and how he’s helped change the lives of many more through his work with GiGi’s Playhouse. Transcript: Dad To Dad 3 – Skip Gianopulos: Raising Four Daughters Including Two With Down Syndrome Tom Couch: This is the Special Fathers Network podcast. The Special Fathers Network is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs through our personalized matching process. New fathers with special needs children connect with mentor fathers in

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006 – Paul Gianni And The Founding of Gigi’s Playhouses for Individuals With Down Syndrome.

Paul and his wife Nancy are co-founders of Gigi’s Playhouse, which are Down syndrome achievement centers for individuals, like their daughter Gigi, who have Down syndrome. There are now more than 30 Gigi’s Playhouses across the country. Listen to Paul share his life with and commitment to his special daughter, Gigi. Transcript: Dad To Dad 6 – Paul Gianni And The Founding of Gigi’s Playhouses for Individuals With Down Syndrome. Tom Couch: This is the Special Fathers Network podcast. The Special Fathers Network is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs through our personalized

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017 – How John Cronin, who has Down Syndrome, and his dad Mark launched John’s Crazy Socks.

Meet John Cronin. John and his Dad, Mark, own the successful on-line business John’s Crazy Socks. John has Down Syndrome and it was his idea to start a business selling colorful crazy socks with his Dad. Today David Hirsch talks to John’s Dad, Mark Cronin about the journey that led to this crazy successful business idea. That’s on this Special Fathers Network Podcast.  Transcript: Dad To Dad 17 – How John Cronin, who has Down Syndrome, and his dad Mark launched John’s Crazy Socks. Tom Couch: This is the Special Fathers Network podcast. The Special Fathers Network is a dad

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023 – Joe Ciriano tells of becoming a widower and raising a special needs child solo.

Host David Hirsch talks to Special Father, Joe Ciriano. Joe and his late wife, Joy were married for 21 years and had four children. Ashley, 28, Emily, 25, Charles,18 and 14-year-old Grace who has Down Syndrome. Joe has had his challenges and his life became even more challenging when he became an only parent after his wife Joy passed away in 2009, due to breast cancer. Joe and six other fathers who had also lost their wives became a part of a support group, their story is told in the book, The Group, by Donald J Rosenstein and Justin Yopp. Joe

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101 – Dr. Ben Satterfield – Has Two Kids with Down Syndrome & Spent a Career Helping Special Needs Kids Communicate

Ben Satterfield is David Hirsch’s guest on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast. Ben and his wife Pat are parents to five children, including Kathleen and Blake who both have Down Syndrome. Ben has spent his much of his life developing computer solutions that help those with disabilities communicate with their families and loved ones. We’ll hear Ben’s fascinating life story on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Show Links: https://gatfl.gatech.edu/index.php Email Ben direct at: Ben@gatfl.org Transcript: SFN Dad to Dad 101 Dr. Ben Satterfield – Has Two Kids with Down Syndrome & Spent a Career Helping

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092 – Montage Of SFN Mentor Fathers Reflecting On Raising Children With Down Syndrome Dads

This is the Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast. Of the close to 100 Dads we’ve interviewed thus far, many are the proud parents of kids with Down Syndrome. So today we’re going to hear clips from these Dads. We’ll hear how they reacted to the news that they’re child has Down Syndrome, and we’ll hear how these children have been a real blessing. That’s all on this Dad to Dad Podcast, presented by The Special Fathers Network. Dad to Dad 92 Montage Of SFN Mentor Fathers Reflecting On Raising Children With Down Syndrome Dads Special Dad: I was

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091 – Rob Wrubel, CFP, Special Needs Planner, Author and Father of a Daughter with Down Syndrome

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast, host David Hirsch speaks with Rob Wrubel, a father of three, including Sarah, who has Down Syndrome. Rob is a financial planner who specializes in helping special needs families invest in their future. He’s an author, an advocate for children with special needs and he’s David Hirsch’s guest on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast. Show Links: Cascade Investment Group: https://ciginc.net Rob Wrubel’s website: https://robwrubel.com Transcript: Dad to Dad 91 Rob Wrubel, CFP, Special Needs Planner, Author and Father of a Daughter with Down Syndrome Rob Wrubel: Some of the funniest

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087 – Juan Vagilenty Has Two Children with Special Needs: Pallister-Kallian & Down Syndrome

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast, host David Hirsch speaks with special Father Juan Vagilenty, a lawyer from Chicago. Juan and wife Anna, have two children with special needs. Amelia, age 9, has Pallister-Killian Mosaic Syndrome, or PKS and Max, age 7, has Down Syndrome. We’ll hear the Vagilenty family story and how religion has been an important part of their life. Transcript: Dad to Dad 87 – Juan Vagilenty Has Two Children with Special Needs: Pallister-Kallian & Down Syndrome Juan Vagilenty: But I just want to mention one thing that, um, sister Rosemary thought powerhouse behind

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082 – Josh Avis, Father of 3 Adopted Children (2 With Down Syndrome) & Co-Founder of The Lucky Few

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast, host David Hirsch speaks with Josh Avis, father of three and cofounder of The Lucky Few Instagram account and podcast. Josh and his wife Heather have adopted three children two of whom have Down Syndrome. Josh and Heather consider themselves among the lucky few to have two children with special needs, in fact, Avis has written a book entitled The Lucky Few: Finding God’s Best in the Most Unlikely Places, which you can find at Amazon. We’ll hear all about the Avis family and The Lucky Few on this Dad to Dad

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068 – John Dodd, A Father of a Girl With Down Syndrome is Incredibly Upbeat!

John Dodd is our guest on this Dad to Dad podcast. John has a daughter with Down Syndrome. He’s also had some significant challenges in his life but has remained incredibly upbeat. He’s a model for us all. Hear John’s incredible story on this Dad to Dad podcast, presented by the Special Fathers Network. Transcript: Dad to Dad 68 – John Dodd, A Father of a Girl With Down Syndrome is Incredibly Upbeat! John Dodd: I had some wisdom that people have shared from time to time that I kind of created a David Letterman top 10 list. So if

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