Let’s Plant Houses

Wendy Ernzen
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Daily

Let’s Plant Houses shares heartfelt stories from families living with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Host Wendy Ernzen brings families together for warm conversations about daily challenges, parenting, inclusive living and special needs parenting. The families who join the show are powerful advocates who build smart and practical solutions for employment, housing, services and long term support for their loved ones with IDD. Their ideas often ripple through the disability community and support many other families along the way. Join us every other week as we celebrate a new family story. Learn more about the show at www.letsplanthouses.com or email Wendy at letsplanthouses@gmail.com.

  1. 6d ago

    LPH72: Mary McDirmid on Special Needs Trusts and Disability Financial Planning

    How do you plan for your child’s future when you know you won’t always be there? Special needs financial planning, ABLE accounts, special needs trusts, and government benefits can feel overwhelming, but getting started can protect your loved one’s future. I talked with Mary McDirmid, CEO of All Needs Planning, certified special needs consultant, co-author of Care, Protect, Grow, and mom to Ruth, her daughter with the rare disease tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). We talk about how Ruth’s diagnosis changed Mary’s family and her work as a financial planner, and why families need to think beyond today’s caregiving needs. We also covered protecting Medicaid and Social Security benefits, using ABLE accounts and special needs trusts, preparing for adult housing and care, and recognizing everything parents do as caregivers. Her message is a reassuring one: you don’t have to figure out the entire future today. You just have to take the next step. More about the show… Learn more about Mary McDirmid and All Needs Planning: https://allneedsplanning.com/ Find more information about LPH host, Wendy Ernzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyernzen. Real stories. Real insights. Real life. Join the LPH newsletter: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/newsletter/ Follow LPH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsplanthouses/ Follow LPH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsplanthouses/ Feel free to contact Wendy Ernzen via email: letsplanthouses.com. Thank you!

  2. Sep 21

    LPH71: Therapist Danniel Worthen Cullumber on Adult Diagnosis and Neurodivergence

    What happens when an autism diagnosis finally explains years of behaviors, challenges, and differences? Trauma therapist and mom Danniel Worthen Cullumber shares her family’s experience with late autism diagnosis, neurodivergence, masking, and parenting. Drawing from more than 15 years as a clinician and her own experience raising neurodivergent children, Danniel brings both a professional and personal perspective to understanding brains that work differently. Danniel opens up about her daughter’s autism diagnosis at age 21, the coping skills that helped her navigate life before a diagnosis, and the surprising way that diagnosis sparked realizations across three generations of their family. She also shares practical lessons about emotional regulation, caregiver self-care, communication, boundaries, and celebrating every milestone. This conversation is a reminder to honor your child’s path, recognize their progress, and make room for a future that may look different than you expected. More about the show… Learn more about Danniel Worthen Cullumber and her clinical practice, Willow Medela Wellness: https://www.willowmedelawellness.com/ Find more information about LPH host, Wendy Ernzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyernzen. Real stories. Real insights. Real life. Join the LPH newsletter: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/newsletter/ Follow LPH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsplanthouses/ Follow LPH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsplanthouses/ Feel free to contact Wendy Ernzen via email: letsplanthouses.com. Thank you!

  3. Sep 14

    LPH70: Author Tracy Envernizzi is Finding Peace in Autism Parenting

    What does life really look like when you’re raising a child with severe autism and lifelong support needs? Author and full-time caregiver Tracy Envernizzi shares her family’s journey with profound autism, caregiver burnout, respite care, and planning for the future. After more than 15 years of caring for her daughter, Tracy knows the challenges, fears, breakthroughs, and deep love that can come with autism parenting. Tracy also shares the turning point that changed everything: moving from what she calls “camp cure” to acceptance. She opens up about finding support before burnout took over, rediscovering herself through writing, and creating her book, Walking Through Autism Inspirations. If you’re an autism parent, a professional who supports families, or someone who wants to better understand severe autism and complex support needs, this episode offers a powerful glimpse into this everyday reality. More about the show… Learn more about author Tracy Envernizzi and her book, Walking through Autism Inspirations: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHHCMGX6?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback Find more information about LPH host, Wendy Ernzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyernzen. Real stories. Real insights. Real life. Join the LPH newsletter: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/newsletter/ Follow LPH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsplanthouses/ Follow LPH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsplanthouses/ Feel free to contact Wendy Ernzen via email: letsplanthouses.com. Thank you!

  4. Sep 7

    LPH69: Author and Filmmaker Cari Noga Shares the Story Behind Pacific Pilgrimage and More

    How can storytelling help families feel less alone? In this episode, Cari Noga shares her family’s autism journey, from her son Owen’s diagnosis to navigating special education, caregiving, respite care, and advocacy while finding purpose through storytelling. She explains how parenting a child with autism changed the way she sees the world and inspired her to write. Cari opens up about raising a young adult with autism, the importance of respite and community support, and her family’s current journey as Owen receives treatment for catatonia. She also shares how her novel, Sparrow Migrations, grew into the short film Pacific Pilgrimage, helping others better understand the autism experience through storytelling. This heartfelt conversation reminds families that even when the road is uncertain, hope, creativity, and perseverance can lead to unexpected opportunities.   More about the show… Learn more about author Cari Noga, her book Sparrow Migrations, her movie Pacific Pilgrimage, and her other powerful work: https://www.carinoga.com/ Find more information about LPH host, Wendy Ernzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyernzen. Real stories. Real insights. Real life. Join the LPH newsletter: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/newsletter/ Follow LPH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsplanthouses/ Follow LPH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsplanthouses/ Feel free to contact Wendy Ernzen via email: letsplanthouses.com. Thank you!

  5. Aug 31

    LPH68: Kari Baker on Faith, Autism, and Hope

    Could embracing your child’s strengths change everything? In this episode, Kari Baker shares her family’s autism journey, from the early days of searching for answers to embracing autism parenting, ADHD, and faith with hope and purpose. She explains how letting go of the need to “fix” her son opened the door to seeing the incredible gifts he already had. Kari talks about raising her son, navigating school changes, supporting his love of writing and filmmaking, and learning to parent the child she has instead of the child she imagined. She also shares how her faith inspired her book, Finding Kind, and the Kind Families community, offering encouragement to parents who may feel alone. This conversation is a reminder that every child has purpose and every family has a unique journey. More about the show… Learn more about Kari Baker, her book, and the Kind Families community: https://kindfamilies.com/ Find more information about LPH host, Wendy Ernzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyernzen. Real stories. Real insights. Real life. Join the LPH newsletter: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/newsletter/ Follow LPH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsplanthouses/ Follow LPH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsplanthouses/ Feel free to contact Wendy Ernzen via email: letsplanthouses.com. Thank you!

  6. Aug 24

    LPH67: Cassie Enea on Trusting Your Parent Instincts

    Could trusting your instincts change your child’s future? In this episode, Cassie Enea shares her family’s autism journey, from noticing early developmental regression to fighting for the autism services, IEP support, and specialized school placement her daughter needed. Her story is a powerful reminder that parents are often their child’s strongest advocate. Cassie opens up about the emotions of an autism diagnosis, navigating early intervention, speech and occupational therapy, and years of advocating through the special education system. She explains how finding the right behavioral-based school transformed her daughter Haley’s confidence, independence, and daily life. This heartfelt conversation offers hope, practical advice, and encouragement for families learning to trust their instincts, build their support network, and never stop advocating for their child. More about the show… Real stories. Real insights. Real life. Join the LPH newsletter: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/newsletter/ Follow LPH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsplanthouses/ Follow LPH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsplanthouses/ Feel free to contact Wendy Ernzen via email: letsplanthouses.com. Thank you!

  7. Aug 17

    LPH66: Jessica Patay on Hope for Caregiving Moms

    What if the strongest caregiver is the one who asks for support? In this episode, Jessica Patay shares her family’s journey with Prader-Willi syndrome, caregiving, disability parenting, and caregiver support. She opens up about raising her son Ryan, building food security into everyday life, and creating hope for families through the nonprofit We Are Brave Together. Jessica explains the unique challenges of Prader-Willi syndrome, from constant food insecurity and anxiety to planning for adulthood and independent living. She also shares how her own caregiving journey inspired her to found We Are Brave Together, a nonprofit that connects moms through support groups, retreats, books, and community. Whether you’re raising a child with a disability, supporting a caregiver, or looking for encouragement on your own journey, this heartfelt conversation reminds us that no family should have to walk this road alone. Learn more about Jessica Patay and the We Are Brave Together Community: https://www.wearebravetogether.org/ Find more information about LPH host, Wendy Ernzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyernzen. Real stories. Real insights. Real life. Join the LPH newsletter: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/newsletter/ Follow LPH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsplanthouses/ Follow LPH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsplanthouses/ Feel free to contact Wendy Ernzen via email: letsplanthouses.com. Thank you f

  8. Aug 10

    LPH65: Dr. Eric Weiss on Brain Inflammation, Stem Cells, and Autism

    Could autism be more than a behavioral condition? This is what Dr. Eric Weiss is challenging with this work. Dr. Weiss spent decades as a surgeon and is the father to a son diagnosed with autism at age two. After years of trying every therapy he could find, a 2019 Duke University study on umbilical cord blood and stem cells changed everything for him. Today, his son lives independently, drives a car, and holds a job. Dr. Weiss left surgery behind to treat autistic children full time, and he shares what he believes families should know about brain inflammation, gut health and the emerging research shaping his work. His story is a powerful reminder that caregiving sparks ingenuity, and that parents are often the first to push medicine into new territory. If you are raising a child with autism, supporting a family who is, or simply want to understand the science shaping the future of care, this episode will give you a lot to think about. More about the show… Learn more about Dr. Weiss’ work and research: https://northfloridastemcells.com/ Find more information about LPH host, Wendy Ernzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyernzen. Real stories. Real insights. Real life. Join the LPH newsletter: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/newsletter/ Follow LPH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsplanthouses/ Follow LPH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsplanthouses/ Feel free to contact Wendy Ernzen via email: letsplanthouses.com. Thank you for leaving a review and rating for LPH today!

See All (72)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Let’s Plant Houses shares heartfelt stories from families living with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Host Wendy Ernzen brings families together for warm conversations about daily challenges, parenting, inclusive living and special needs parenting. The families who join the show are powerful advocates who build smart and practical solutions for employment, housing, services and long term support for their loved ones with IDD. Their ideas often ripple through the disability community and support many other families along the way. Join us every other week as we celebrate a new family story. Learn more about the show at www.letsplanthouses.com or email Wendy at letsplanthouses@gmail.com.

Information

You Might Also Like