The DirectLine

Lighthouse Cove

The DirectLine is Lighthouse Cove’s weekly podcast, and hosted by the voices behind the work. Each episode brings you closer to the real stories shaping the I/DD field, featuring DSPs, leaders, students, partners, and advocates. Through honest conversations and powerful storytelling, the DirectLine highlights the impact of our programs, the people driving change, and the relationships that move our mission forward. Whether you’re in the field or connected to the work, this is your inside look at the stories that matter most.

  1. 12h ago

    Deciphering Debt - Episode 3 of the Financial Fitness Series

    In Episode 3 of The DirectLine | Financial Fitness Series, Lighthouse Cove and First Financial Bank sit down with Suzanna Humbert, Work-Life Specialist with First Financial Bank, to talk about understanding and managing debt. Suzanna breaks down the difference between good and bad debt, explains how credit scores impact borrowing, and shares practical strategies for paying down debt and improving financial health. From understanding your debt-to-income ratio to using the snowball and avalanche methods, creating a budget, building an emergency fund, and knowing when to communicate with your lenders, this episode offers practical tools to help you take control of your finances. Suzanna also shares resources available to Lighthouse Cove DSPs through First Financial Bank including personalized financial guidance and specialized banking programs. Whether you're working to pay off credit cards, improve your credit, or simply feel more confident about your financial future, this episode is full of actionable advice to help you move toward financial freedom. Topics include: Understanding your credit score and credit reportGood debt vs. bad debtCredit card interest and debt managementDebt-to-income ratiosBudgeting and the 50/30/20 guidelineThe debt snowball and avalanche methodsDebt consolidation and refinancingBuilding savings while paying down debtAvoiding payday loans and debt settlement companiesResources available to Lighthouse Cove DSPs Listen to previous episodes in the Financial Fitness Series on budgeting, saving, and credit and stay tuned for the final episode covering identity protection, scams, and protecting your money.

  2. Aug 11

    Your Voice Matters: Advocacy, Leadership & the Power of the Lighthouse Cove Council

    What does it mean to be a leader when you don’t have a leadership title? In this episode of the DirectLine Podcast, Becky Watson sits down with Melissa Chesney-Booth, an Independent Provider, DSP and Lighthouse Cove Council member, to talk about her 15-year journey in the IDD field, the importance of advocacy, and why the voices of DSPs and frontline professionals matter. Melissa shares her experience serving on the Lighthouse Cove Council, how it has helped her grow personally and professionally, and why she believes DSPs are an important voice at the table. She also discusses leadership, the rapidly changing IDD field, and her advice for anyone who wants to become an advocate but isn't sure where to start. Her message to DSPs and frontline supervisors is simple and powerful: “Keep going. You’re so needed.” If you are interested in learning more about serving on the Lighthouse Cove Council click here: https://lighthousecove.org/empower/councils/

  3. Aug 5

    Meet Brooklyn Toledo: Storytelling, Service & Making an Impact

    In this episode of the DirectLine Podcast, host Kevin Metz welcomes Lighthouse Cove's newest team member, Brooklyn Toledo. Fresh out of college with a degree in Organizational Leadership, Brooklyn shares her journey from disability services and customer service to joining the Lighthouse Cove team. She talks about the experiences that shaped her, the importance of accessibility and advocacy, and why she's passionate about telling meaningful stories that highlight the impact of the I/DD community. Plus, get a sneak peek at Lighthouse Cove's upcoming "Day in Our Life" video series. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to stay up to date with future episodes and stories from Lighthouse Cove.

  4. Jul 29

    From DSP to Leader: Randy Davis' Journey of Growth

    In this episode of the DirectLine, Katrina Sacay sits down with Randy Davis, Program Administrator at CRSI and longtime Lighthouse Cove supporter, to explore his inspiring career journey from working in pediatric healthcare to becoming an independent provider, Direct Support Professional, frontline supervisor, and now a leader overseeing more than 80 staff across two counties. Randy shares how a chance encounter at a local gas station changed the course of his career, the lessons he learned in every role along the way, and why supporting Direct Support Professionals remains at the heart of his leadership philosophy. He also reflects on nearly a decade of involvement with Lighthouse Cove, including serving on the Frontline Supervisor Council, participating in Leadership LAUNCHpad, joining the Board of Directors, and volunteering at countless events. Along the way, Randy discusses how stepping outside his comfort zone helped him become a confident trainer, speaker, and leader. Whether you're a DSP, frontline supervisor, or someone passionate about developing leaders in the I/DD profession, this conversation is filled with practical insights, encouragement, and a reminder that investing in people creates lasting impact.

  5. Jul 22

    Advocating for Change: DSPs, Disability Policy, and Building Bridges in Washington, DC

    Join us for a special edition of the DirectLine Podcast as our executive director, Bethany Toledo-McCray is featured on Episode 92 of the NickSpeaks Podcast where they talk about Advocating for Change: DSPs, Disability Policy, and Building Bridges in Washington, DC. In this episode, Nick Comstock sits down with Bethany Toledo and Aaron Mendoza to talk all things disability policy, advocacy, and the real work happening behind the scenes. Bethany is the Executive Director of Lighthouse COVE and this is her second appearance on the program. Aaron Mendoza works with Open Door Columbus as a theater coordinator for their theater and arts program while also working as a DSP. He’s been in the field for two years, and this was actually his first podcast appearance ever. Back in March, Bethany and Aaron traveled to Washington, DC to meet with lawmakers and discuss disability policy issues directly with the leaders helping shape our country. We talk about those meetings, fair DSP compensation, leadership programs, advocacy, technology, and why it’s so important that the disability community is willing to talk to both sides politically if we truly want to see change happen. Nicolas Comstock was born with congenital CMV and bilateral optic atrophy — conditions that affect his vision and require a wheelchair for mobility. He's spent his life learning that disability is not the obstacle most people assume it is. The obstacles are the assumptions. Today Nick speaks to corporate teams, nonprofits, schools, and churches on disability advocacy, inclusion that goes beyond compliance, and the kind of resilience that doesn't come from a TED Talk — it comes from waking up in a body that doesn't follow the rulebook and choosing to show up anyway. He hosts The Nick Speaks Podcast, where he interviews guests living unconventional lives and tells the stories that don't make the highlight reel.

  6. Jul 15

    Building the Future: Launching DSP-U at Cliff Park High School

    In this episode of DirectLine, Lighthouse Cove welcomes Christopher, the new DSP-U teacher of record at Cliff Park High School in Clark County, as the school prepares to launch its first DSP-U program. Christopher shares his own journey working as a Direct Support Professional and discusses what inspired him to bring this unique career pathway into the classroom. Alongside Lighthouse Cove's education team, he talks about how DSP-U introduces students to meaningful careers supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities while helping them develop valuable life and workplace skills. In this episode, you'll learn: What makes the DSP-U program unique. How students earn real-world experience through learning, application, and NADSP E-Badges. Why introducing young people to the DSP profession is critical for addressing workforce shortages. How the program creates pathways to careers in healthcare, education, therapy, and disability services. Christopher's advice for students considering enrolling in DSP-U. Whether you're an educator, student, provider, or advocate, this conversation highlights how DSP-U is preparing the next generation of compassionate professionals while strengthening communities across Ohio. Learn more about DSP-U and Lighthouse Cove at LighthouseCove.org.

  7. Jul 8

    Growing Together: Building Inclusive Classrooms and Future DSPs

    In this episode of the DirectLine, host Kevin Metz from Lighthouse Cove sits down with Katrina Kohout, Provider Support Coordinator at Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities, to discuss Growing Together an innovative educational program designed to teach students in grades 2–8 about disability awareness, empathy, inclusion, and respect. Katrina shares how Portage County is implementing the program in local schools, why introducing students to the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities at an early age matters, and how these lessons help build stronger communities while inspiring future Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). The conversation explores: How Growing Together promotes empathy and disability awareness. Why inclusion benefits every student, not just those with disabilities. How the program helps address the DSP workforce shortage. The real-world life skills students develop through the curriculum. Portage County's plans for launching the program in local schools. How simple acts of kindness can create lasting community impact. Whether you're an educator, provider, parent, or disability advocate, this episode highlights how teaching inclusion today can shape a more compassionate tomorrow. Learn more about the Growing Together program and Lighthouse Cove at LighthouseCove.org.

  8. Jun 25

    From Family Roots to Board Leadership: Ethan McPeak’s Heart for Direct Support

    In this episode of DirectLine by Lighthouse Cove, Katrina Sacay sits down with Ethan McPeak small business owner, longtime Lighthouse Cove board member, volunteer, and Booster, to talk about the personal experiences that shaped his connection to the direct support profession. Ethan shares how growing up with parents who worked in the developmental disabilities field, along with having a sister with profound disabilities, gave him a deep appreciation for the life-changing work of DSPs. He reflects on how those experiences led him to serve on Lighthouse Cove’s board, volunteer at events, and invest in the organization’s mission through giving.

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About

The DirectLine is Lighthouse Cove’s weekly podcast, and hosted by the voices behind the work. Each episode brings you closer to the real stories shaping the I/DD field, featuring DSPs, leaders, students, partners, and advocates. Through honest conversations and powerful storytelling, the DirectLine highlights the impact of our programs, the people driving change, and the relationships that move our mission forward. Whether you’re in the field or connected to the work, this is your inside look at the stories that matter most.

Information

  • Creator
    Lighthouse Cove
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    157
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Lighthouse Cove
  • Show Website
    The DirectLine