The Commissioner & The Dadvocates - Lived experience meets statewide leadership. A kitchen table conversation with OPWDD Commissioner Willow Baer - Episode 6

What happens when lived experience meets statewide leadership?

In this episode of Dadvocating, Simcha Weinstein and fellow dadvocate Steve Gonyea sit down with Willow Baer, Commissioner of the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, for a candid kitchen table conversation about dads, disability, and what families really need from systems.

From what OPWDD actually oversees, to why father engagement matters, to how families can find their voice inside big systems, this episode is about showing up, being seen, and building real partnership.

Commissioner Baer shares what drew her to this work, how New York is working to protect family stability, and what gives her hope when the work feels heavy.

From services to self care, and even a surprise reveal at the end, this is a candid conversation you will want to stay for.

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⁠Steve Gonyea - ⁠Finding Common Ground⁠

⁠⁠Rabbi Simcha on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠www.jewishautismnetwork.com⁠⁠⁠

www.opwdd.ny.gov