In this episode of This is Beacon, hosts Reuben and Brandon engage in a deep and insightful conversation with Shandi Speller, a seasoned family peer advocate with CoveCare Center for over eight years. Shandi shares her journey from being a classroom teacher in the South Bronx to becoming a family peer advocate. She discusses the importance of addressing children's behavioral issues by involving the entire family, the role of community resources like public libraries and recreation departments, and the necessity of building robust support systems for effective advocacy. Shandi also emphasizes the critical need for parental involvement in special education and the benefits of persistence in navigating available services. Her inspiring stories and valuable advice shed light on how communities can come together to support the mental health and well-being of families.
00:00 Introduction and Hosts
00:43 Meet Shandi Speller: Family Peer Advocate
01:02 Shandi’s Journey to Advocacy
04:21 Hobbies and Personal Interests
10:47 Building a Village: The Importance of Community
14:31 Challenges and Strategies in Family Support
22:39 Advocating for Special Education
34:09 Success Stories and Community Impact
40:20 Teaching Life Skills and Community Engagement
42:29 The Importance of Community Centers
45:02 Supporting Families and Youth
47:46 Community Resources and Services
53:22 Challenges and Success Stories
55:43 The Role of Empathy and Advocacy
58:53 Final Thoughts and Reflections
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