The Achievement Center for Therapy is fighting to stay open after major disruptions from TRICARE's management change. With TRICARE West taking over in 2024, unforeseen system glitches have left providers like us struggling. Help us keep vital therapy services alive—your support makes all the difference. Donate today! #SupportTherapy, #SaveOurCenter, #TRICARECrisis,…
"There’s nothing quite like the moment you meet your future adopted child for the very first time. The nerves. The hope. The instant wondering—'Is this real life?' In this episode, we’re getting real about that first meeting: the excitement, the awkwardness, the fears, and the undeniable spark that begins the…
"Hearing the words 'You’re not my mom' from your adopted child can feel like a punch to the heart. But what if we told you…it’s actually normal? In this episode, we dive into the complicated emotions of adoption parenting—especially when discipline, attachment, and big feelings collide. We talk openly about…
"There’s something incredibly powerful about the word 'chosen.' In adoption, it means everything. In this episode, we explore what it truly means to be chosen—to belong, to be loved, and to have a story that's worth celebrating. We talk about how families are built not just through biology, but through…
"What happens when you open the door to your biological family? In this episode, I share my deeply personal journey of navigating the unexpected, from the moment my birth father questioned if I was truly his, to the years it took for me to process, heal, and finally meet the…
"Adoption is a journey filled with patience, love, and unexpected moments that stay with you forever. In this episode, I share one of my favorite memories from when my now 29-year-old daughter first joined our family. With humor, innocence, and all the feels, she reminded me that sometimes all it…
"If you're a parent navigating special education, you already know: being fluent in IEPs isn't optional—it's essential. At The Achievement Center for Therapy, we support families through the overwhelming process of educational meetings, evaluations, and constant advocacy. As a parent of three kids with IEPs myself, I understand firsthand how…
"For years, The Achievement Center for Therapy has proudly served the children of military families—providing essential therapies for kids with disabilities who often face the added challenges of frequent moves and having a deployed parent. Inspired by a deep personal connection to the military community, our team has been honored…
"At The Achievement Center for Therapy, we know that access to quality care shouldn’t depend on where you live. That’s why we’ve expanded beyond our center’s walls—offering expert-led teletherapy and masterclasses designed to support families in even the most remote areas. Whether local options have fallen short or there’s no…
"At The Achievement Center for Therapy, we help children—from babies leaving the hospital to pre-teens with autism—build the communication, social, and life skills they need to thrive. With specialized speech therapy, social skills groups, and individualized care, we guide kids step by step to become their best selves. But now,…
"Military families and Veterans across the country are facing an unthinkable crisis—TRICARE payments have stopped since January 1st, leaving providers unpaid, surgeries delayed, and life-saving therapy centers like The Achievement Center for Therapy on the brink of closing their doors. No warning. No support. And no answers. This is more…
"The Achievement Center for Therapy is changing lives by providing essential services for children who need speech therapy, feeding therapy, IEP support, and more. With resources and opportunities that didn’t exist decades ago, this center is helping kids reach their full potential—but now, it faces the risk of closing without…
"Shawn Manvell is on a mission to expand access to therapy by reaching families far beyond her center’s walls. With her Achievement Center for Therapy facing financial challenges, she’s launching masterclasses to provide expert guidance on speech and feeding strategies, IEP navigation, and more—helping families in remote areas who struggle…
"From helping her younger brother find his voice as a child to founding the Achievement Center for Therapy, Shawn Manvell’s journey has always been driven by passion and purpose. Inspired by her family's struggles navigating speech delays and learning disabilities, she turned her childhood efforts into a lifelong mission—creating a…
"Trust is the foundation of effective therapy, and building rapport is where it all begins. In this insightful podcast, we explore the delicate balance therapists must navigate—earning the trust of both children and their parents while aligning therapeutic goals with family expectations. From first impressions to long-term connection, we discuss…
"Navigating the world of IEPs and special education advocacy can feel like learning an entirely new language—especially when you're the only parent at the table. In this insightful podcast, we dive into the challenges and strategies of advocating for children with special needs, from understanding your rights to pushing back…
"Every child deserves the love, stability, and support of a family—but for those who age out of the system without one, the loss is immeasurable. In this powerful podcast, we explore the realities of youth who leave foster care without a permanent home, the deep bonds they form with each…
"Meeting your adopted child where they are means embracing their unique identity, history, and needs with intentional love and understanding. In this heartfelt podcast, we explore the deep, thoughtful ways families connect—whether it’s honoring cultural backgrounds, creating inclusive traditions, or simply listening to what a child may not yet have…
"Identity, family, and the ever-evolving journey of adoption—this podcast dives into the real stories behind the search for biological connections and the many ways adoptees navigate their past. From children to adults, each adoption story is unique—some seek out their biological parents, while others find peace in the families they’ve…
"Adoption is a journey as unique as every family it creates. In this heartfelt podcast, we explore the deeply personal and beautifully diverse stories of adoption—highlighting the emotional first days, the love that binds families, and the importance of inclusive storytelling. With insights from adoptive parents, adoptees, and social workers,…
"Who do they go home to? Aging out of the system is a turning point that too often leaves young people without support, stability, or a place to call home. In this heartfelt podcast, we dive into the realities of foster youth aging out—sharing stories of 16- and 17-year-olds on…
Every child deserves to be tucked in at night. Every child deserves a family. Go to Real Talk with Tina and Ann and hear Sasha Saidman talk about being adopted and her children's book: First Night. Subscribe and like #adoption , #adoptionrocks , #family , #childrensbooks , #childrensauthor , #sashasaidman…
"Adoption beautifully blends the concepts of nature and nurture—shaping who we are beyond genetics. In this heartfelt episode, we explore the profound impact of upbringing, love, and shared experiences in shaping identity. From inherited traits to learned behaviors, we discuss how family is built through connection, not just biology. Join…
