Mountain Climbers | Podcast on RSS.com

Mountain Climbers

Mountain Climbers

by Life Services Alternatives

Season 1

This Is Who I Am | Mountain Climbers Podcast

Growing up, many of us are told who we should be. Todd Erickson reminds us why every person deserves the opportunity to define that for themselves. In this episode of Mountain Climbers, Todd shares his story in his own words. As a filmmaker, self-advocate, Assistant Caregiver, and mentor, he reflects on identity, independence, communication, and the importance of being seen beyond assumptions. Throughout the conversation, Todd speaks about the passions that drive him, the experiences that have shaped him, and why having a voice—and being truly heard—can transform not only individual lives, but entire communities. His story is a powerful reminder that every person deserves the opportunity to express who they are and be valued for their strengths. This episode is for anyone who has ever wanted to be understood. Every family, educator, caregiver, and community member committed to creating spaces where people are heard, respected, and empowered to lead with their own voice. Walk with us. 🎙️ Subscribe to Mountain Climbers so you never miss a story: https://linktr.ee/lifeservicesalternatives 🤝 Learn more about Life Services Alternatives: https://lsahomes.org 💛 Support our mission: https://lsahomes.org/donate

Becoming Myself | Mountain Climbers Podcast

What does it mean to become yourself? In this episode of Mountain Climbers, Morgan O'Malley shares her journey of growing into adulthood with confidence, purpose, and independence. She reflects on the people who have shaped her, the challenges she has overcome, and the everyday experiences that have helped her discover who she is. As the conversation unfolds, Morgan speaks about resilience, self-belief, and the quiet milestones that often matter most. From volunteering in her community and competing in Special Olympics to building friendships and pursuing the things she loves, her story is a celebration of growth on her own terms. This episode is for every person learning to believe in themselves. Every family encouraging independence with love and trust. Every community working to create opportunities where adults with I/DD can thrive, contribute, and define success for themselves. Walk with us. 🎙️ Subscribe to Mountain Climbers so you never miss a story: https://linktr.ee/lifeservicesalternatives 🤝 Learn more about Life Services Alternatives: lsahomes.org 💛 Support our mission: lsahomes.org/donate

Work, Purpose, and Possibilities | Mountain Climbers Podcast

Ashley knows that meaningful work is about more than a paycheck. In this episode of Mountain Climbers, Ashley reflects on what employment means to her—not simply as a job, but as a source of purpose, independence, confidence, and pride. Through her work, volunteerism, and commitment to lifelong learning, she has discovered the value of contributing to her community and continuing to grow through new experiences. As the conversation unfolds, Ashley shares what she enjoys most about working, the skills she has developed along the way, and how having meaningful responsibilities has strengthened her sense of self. Her story highlights the importance of routine, belonging, and being recognized for what you can do rather than being defined by limitations. Together, we explore why meaningful employment matters, what inclusive workplaces can look like, and how opportunities for contribution help create a fuller vision of adulthood for people of all abilities. This episode is for anyone who has ever found purpose through their work. Every employer looking to build a more inclusive workplace. Every person who believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to contribute, grow, and be valued. Walk with us. 🎙️ Subscribe to Mountain Climbers so you never miss a story: https://linktr.ee/lifeservicesalternatives 🤝 Learn more about Life Services Alternatives: https://lsahomes.org 💛 Support our mission: https://lsahomes.org/donate

Growing Up a Sibling | Mountain Climbers Podcast

Christine Wang understands that growing up with a sibling with I/DD can shape not only your childhood, but the person you become. In this episode of Mountain Climbers, Christine reflects on her relationship with her younger brother Didi, who was born with Down Syndrome, and what it meant to grow up beside him in a Chinese-American household navigating disability, cultural expectations, and family responsibility. While Christine has spent decades supporting young people as an educator and social emotional learning leader, many of her earliest lessons about empathy, resilience, and advocacy began within her own family. As the conversation unfolds, Christine shares memories of childhood, the unspoken dynamics siblings often absorb, and the emotional complexity of balancing protectiveness, independence, frustration, pride, and love. She speaks honestly about the ways growing up with Didi shaped her identity—from the responsibilities she quietly carried to the perspective she now brings into her work and relationships. Together, we explore how siblings are impacted by disability too: the roles they step into, the expectations families may never fully name, and the ways those experiences continue into adulthood. Christine also reflects on the cultural stigma surrounding developmental disabilities in some immigrant communities and the understanding she has gained over time about her family, her brother, and herself. This conversation is for every sibling who grew up learning how to care early. Every family navigating roles that evolve over time. Every person trying to understand how empathy, identity, and responsibility are shaped through love. Walk with us. 🎙️ Subscribe to Mountain Climbers so you never miss a story: https://linktr.ee/lifeservicesalternatives 🤝 Learn more about Life Services Alternatives: https://lsahomes.org 💛 Support our mission: https://lsahomes.org/donate

Loving Forward | Mountain Climbers Podcast

Monisha Perkash knows that loving someone means thinking not only about who they are today, but about the future you hope they’ll have. In this episode of Mountain Climbers, Monisha shares her experience growing up alongside her sister, Minerva, and the questions that many siblings quietly carry as they think about long-term care, independence, and what happens as families grow older. While Monisha is known professionally as an entrepreneur, investor, and educator at Stanford University, some of the most meaningful lessons in her life have come through her relationship with Minerva. As the conversation unfolds, Monisha reflects on the emotional complexity of planning ahead—balancing hope with uncertainty, personal goals with family responsibility, and commitment that comes not from obligation, but from love. She speaks honestly about the fears that can surface when thinking about the future, while also sharing what gives her confidence: community, support systems, and the belief that every person deserves a place where they are valued and can thrive. This episode is for every sibling wondering what their role will look like in the years ahead. Every family trying to prepare for the future with care and intention. Every person learning that “loving forward” means building support that lasts a lifetime. Walk with us. 🎙️ Subscribe to Mountain Climbers so you never miss a story: https://linktr.ee/lifeservicesalternatives 🤝 Learn more about Life Services Alternatives: lsahomes.org 💛 Support our mission: lsahomes.org/donate

Raising a Child, Navigating a System | Mountain Climbers Podcast

Tina Underwood knows what it means to raise a child while navigating systems that don’t always come with a roadmap. In this episode of Mountain Climbers, Tina shares her journey raising her son, Kevin, who has an intellectual and developmental disability, and the reality of working through schools, therapies, and service systems along the way. What begins as a parent trying to do what’s best for their child often becomes something more—learning how to advocate, speak up, and push for the support their child deserves. Those experiences shape not only the path forward, but the role a parent is asked to step into. Through honesty and reflection, Tina shares the emotional weight of becoming an advocate while still wanting to simply be a parent. She speaks to the challenges, the learning curve, and the resilience it takes to keep showing up—for your child, and for others walking a similar path. This conversation is for every parent navigating systems that feel overwhelming. Every family learning how to find their voice. Every advocate working to make those systems better for the next. Walk with us. 🎙️ Subscribe to Mountain Climbers so you never miss a story: https://linktr.ee/lifeservicesalternatives 🤝 Learn more about Life Services Alternatives: lsahomes.org 💛 Support our mission: lsahomes.org/donate

Letting Go, While Holding On | Mountain Climbers Podcast

Meet Mimi Giannini, a mother navigating one of the most complex and deeply personal parts of parenting — guiding her daughter into adulthood. In this episode of Mountain Climbers, Mimi reflects on what it means to raise her daughter, Morgan, who has an intellectual and developmental disability, while supporting her growth and independence in a world that doesn’t always make space for families like theirs. She shares the balance between protecting and letting go, and the ongoing journey of advocating for inclusion, understanding, and belonging. Those experiences shape how she approaches each stage of life. Through honesty and reflection, Mimi shares what it means to grow alongside your child, to navigate uncertainty with love, and to continue showing up—not just as a parent, but as an advocate. This conversation is for every parent thinking about the future. Every family seeking understanding. Every community learning what true inclusion really means. Walk with us. 🎙️ Subscribe to Mountain Climbers so you never miss a story: https://linktr.ee/lifeservicesalternatives 🤝 Learn more about Life Services Alternatives: lsahomes.org 💛 Support our mission: lsahomes.org/donate

The Moment Everything Changed | Mountain Climbers Podcast

Meet Ramaswamy “Ranga” Ranganathan, a father whose journey began with a moment many parents know all too well — the day his child received a diagnosis. In this first episode of Mountain Climbers, Ranga reflects on what it means to be a literal mountain trekker and how that experience mirrors his family’s journey raising their daughter, Sitara, who has an intellectual and developmental disability. He shares the emotions and uncertainty that followed her diagnosis, and the moment they realized the road ahead would require strength, resilience, and unwavering love. Those early moments shaped everything that followed. Through honesty and reflection, Ranga shares what he learned about advocacy, perseverance, and the responsibility parents carry to be a voice for their children. This conversation is for every parent who remembers that moment. Every family learning to find their footing. Every advocate climbing their own mountain. Walk with us. 📚 Read Madhu Ranganathan's Book to learn more about their story, The Child Who Never Knew: https://bit.ly/3P58d8j 🎙️ Subscribe to Mountain Climbers so you never miss a story. 🤝 Learn more about Life Services Alternatives: lsahomes.org 💛 Support our mission: lsahomes.org/donate

Meet Your Host: Hadiyah's Story | Mountain Climbers Podcast

Before the interviews, before the stories. Meet Hadiyah Fain, host of the Mountain Climbers Podcast and Vice President of Marketing & Development at Life Services Alternatives. Four years ago, Hadiyah gave birth to her son, Elijah Joshua Fain. He had I/DD. Three days later, he passed away. Those three days changed everything. In this short but powerful introduction, Hadiyah shares the personal story behind her mission — and why she is committed to telling the stories of parents, siblings, and individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in a way that is honest, hopeful, and true. This podcast is for every family searching for answers. Every parent who feels alone. Every individual with I/DD who deserves to be seen and heard. Walk with us. 🎙️ Subscribe to Mountain Climbers so you never miss a story. 🤝 Learn more about Life Services Alternatives: lsahomes.org 💛 Support our mission: lsahomes.com/donate

Mountain Climbers Podcast – Official Trailer | Stories from the IDD Community

Welcome to the Mountain Climbers Podcast, a storytelling series from Life Services Alternatives. This trailer gives you a glimpse into the series, which shares real stories from parents, siblings, and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Each season, we explore the joys, challenges, and everyday experiences of the IDD community, offering practical resources, listener questions, and ways to support inclusion and lifelong supports. Subscribe now to hear inspiring stories, connect with a supportive community, and learn how you can make a difference through LSA.