For WOA's final episode, guests from the Residential Program, Day Program, and ECF Program gather around the mic to talk all things Thanksgiving. Trent, Matt Moore, Christy Webb, John Lynch, Beth Hughes, Waves Executive Director Lance Jordan, and Waves Development and Community Relations Director Stavi Davis start the show with Thanksgiving traditions. Listen to the group share who invested in the food and who's there for the Thanksgiving parade. The group dives into past Thanksgivings together, having known each other for years through Waves. As the conversation goes through what everyone has planned for the holiday season, we also hear the table share what they're most thankful for this year. Everyone has a special thanks for Waves and the 50 years that have been committed to providing inclusive and quality care to the individuals receiving services. Enjoy this week's episode as family and community are at the forefront of everyone's mind. This podcast is made possible through partnerships with Spread the Positive, TN's Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the Community Foundation of Middle TN. If you like what you hear, share it with a friend and leave a review on any streaming service. Got an idea for a guest, email us at podcast@wavesinc.com.

When it comes to treatment for Autism, WOA welcomes Jenny Baggett to share the best, current information for you to learn from. Jenny Baggett works with Vanderbilts Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD) as a Behavioral Analyst. Jenny is joined by Waves Early Learning Director Gina Wilson to talk about their many collaborations together over the years, having supported the same families and assisted their growth. Trent and Matt listen to Gina and Jenny discuss how research and treatment have evolved over the years for autism and how some of the treatments would be useful for anyone to use. Listen to Matt give life updates after his big Cinderella debut and what's coming up down the line. This podcast is made possible through partnerships with Spread the Positive, TN's Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the Community Foundation of Middle TN. If you like what you hear, share it with a friend and leave a review on any streaming service. Got an idea for a guest, email us at podcast@wavesinc.com.

WOA heads to Fairview for this week's episode and it's a packed house! With Trent, Hannah Rose, Jimmy, Jeff, Eric, Adam, Paul and our special guest Debbie Rainey the episode is packed with conversation. Debby Rainey currently works for United Way in Fairview but first connect with Waves through Meals on Wheels, where she worked for 14 years. She regularly saw the Waves Fairview Day Program Adults volunteer there and built a bond with the group. Jimmy shares her connection with Debbie and how they've built a positive relationship through community outreach. The rest of the group shares there plans for Halloween with the Annual Fairview Halloween party around the corner! Hannah Rose shares her favorite shows on Disney Plus and even mentions a few pillars of society we all could take a note from. Listen to the full episode to hear everyone share the podcast spotlight! This podcast is made possible through partnerships with Spread the Positive, TN's Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the Community Foundation of Middle TN. If you like what you hear, share it with a friend and leave a review on any streaming service. Got an idea for a guest, email us at podcast@wavesinc.com.

This week's episode features a special event for the entire Waves family. This year marks 50 years of spreading awareness and supporting adults and children with developmental and intellectual disabilities for Waves. To celebrate the amazing community Waves supports, Waves hosted their annual Brews & Grooves Fundraiser featuring performances by Aaron Bucks and Waves Adults. Additionally, the event hosted an online auction with an amazing array of items for anyone to bid on and support Waves. During the event Waves of Awareness host Trent Denson set up and interviewed guests you've heard on the podcast and newcomers supporting the fundraiser. Listen to Trent enjoy conversations with everyone about their lives and their relationship with Waves! If you would like to show your support for Waves, head to https://wavesinc.kindful.com/?campaign=1257617. Any amount goes a long way to support our adults and children and continue to serve the Waves mission to empower the individuals we support and create an inclusive community. This podcast is made possible through partnerships with Spread the Positive, TN's Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the Community Foundation of Middle TN. If you like what you hear, share it with a friend and leave a review on any streaming service. Got an idea for a guest, email us at podcast@wavesinc.com.

Waves of Awareness can't let October go by withour a special Movie Review! This episode features The Addams Family (1991 v.) Movie Review with Trent, Matt, Christy, and Eric. Listen to the group talk about their thoughts on a classic Halloween movie. Trent asks the group who their favorite characters are, which scenes stood out, and if they'd recommend it to a friend. This podcast is made possible through partnerships with Spread the Positive, TN's Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the Community Foundation of Middle TN. If you like what you hear, share it with a friend and leave a review on any streaming service. Got an idea for a guest, email us at podcast@wavesinc.com.

Halloween is around the corner and that means kids of every age will be out repping their best costumes. This week we welcome Waves Early Learning Director Gina Wilson and Waves Early Interventionist Jen Choate to help you prep your child for the experience! With host Trent and co-host Christy Webb, the group started off by sharing their own experience with Halloween. Gina and Jen remember prepping their kids when they were younger for talking with strangers, getting candy, and exploring the neighborhood! We hear Christy share her plans for Halloween after she finishes her shift at Goodwill, and also how she's hit her 3 year with Goodwill this month. As we listen to the group share their stories we also hear the best way to prepare for Halloween is to practice! Gina and Jen give helpful tips on practicing scenarios with your child before the big night and going through several situations. Listen to the full podcast for details and share the episode with anyone who might find the conversation helpful!  Want more examples of preparing for Halloween? Head to Instagram and follow the Waves Early Learning account @earlylearningwaves or follow us on Facebook at Waves, Inc. The Waves Early Learning team regularly shares helpful tips on countless topics that can be used for any child! This podcast is made possible through partnerships with Spread the Positive, TN's Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the Community Foundation of Middle TN. If you like what you hear, share it with a friend and leave a review on any streaming service. Got an idea for a guest, email us at podcast@wavesinc.com.

WOA has two celebrations to cover in this week's episode, with Waves' very own Matt "The Man" Moore celebrating his 34th birthday and Backlight Productions celebrating 10 years! The Executive Director of Backlight Productions, Melissa Smith, joins us and shares how Backlight has been offering opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to engage with the performing arts for 10 years now. This year they're putting on their biggest production yet, "Cinderella", with over 100 individuals performing and only half the time they usually have to put the show together. Matt talks about his own work on Cinderella as a dancer with 5 dance numbers throughout the play. Melissa and Matt have worked together on various shows for a while now and swap stories with WOA on their time together. Here to share her own memories with Matt, Waves Early Learning Program Director Gina Wilson joins the episode and tells us about her favorite birthday memory with Matt. Gina's son Eric Wilson has also been a part of Backlight Productions and speaks on how Backlight brought out an entirely new side of Eric after he joined the production company. Enjoy listening to Matt, Melissa, and Gina chat about their favorite memories together and how Backlight Productions has empowered the community of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Cinderella's first performance will be held on Oct. 22. For access to tickets head to: https://www.tpac.org/event/2023-10-22-to-2023-10-22-cinderella/ For more information on how to get involved with Backlight Productions head to: https://backlightproductions.org/ This podcast is made possible through partnerships with Spread the Positive, TN's Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the Community Foundation of Middle TN. If you like what you hear, share it with a friend and leave a review on any streaming service. Got an idea for a guest, email us at podcast@wavesinc.com.

This week WOA is providing you with the most brazen episode yet. Our host Trent welcomes coach Jason Jones to the table along with a few Williamson County Special Olympics Athletes- Norris Peterson, Eric Wilson, and Matthew Drumright. Waves provide various type of services to both Nooris and Eric and have had the pleasure of meeting Matt through their friendship. To add some more fun to the conversation, we have parent John Wilson on the mic. Listen to the group share their experience being a team that motivates each other as much as they tease each other. Jason stumbled into his role as Weightlifting Coach not knowing that it would be a life-changing experience. Now, 25 years later, Jason gets to work with an incredible community and focus on learning what motivates his team. As the conversation progresses Norris, Eric, and Matt find themselves swapping favorite stories and challenging each other to win. The trio have an unbreakable bond as they meet every Wednesday to train, take vacations together, and (even if they aren't on the same team) find ways to push each other towards their goals. Norris shares about his own feature on ESPN, Matt talks about his upcoming game as the assistant coach, and Eric speaks on what it's like to be a part of a team. Listen to the entire conversation and find yourself laughing with the whole room! This podcast is made possible through partnerships with Spread the Positive, TN's Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the Community Foundation of Middle TN. If you like what you hear, share it with a friend and leave a review on any streaming service. Got an idea for a guest, email us at podcast@wavesinc.com.

If you've ever been overwhelmed with the idea of volunteering and figuring out how to get connected, this week WOA sheds some light on the topic! Special guests from the Workman Group, Eric and Katie Workman, share their perspectives on volunteering and why it's so important to the community. Eric and Katie are excellent examples of committing to helping their community, having volunteered with Waves in the past and continuing to set aside time for Waves. We also welcome John Lynch, aka Johnny Sunshine, onto the podcast to share what volunteering means to him. Eric and Katie have personally volunteered at John's home a part of Waves' Semi-Independent Living Program, helping John and his roommate William wherever assistance is needed. Eric and Katie speak on how volunteering keeps them connected with their community and allows them to actively support others without expecting anything in return. When it comes to giving back, Eric and Katie share that it doesn't have to mean giving money- giving any time at all to help those in need of support makes an amazing impact on the community. Listen in to Eric and Katie share amazing stories and John share some life updates of his own! This podcast is made possible through partnerships with Spread the Positive, TN's Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the Community Foundation of Middle TN. If you like what you hear, share it with a friend and leave a review on any streaming service. Got an idea for a guest, email us at podcast@wavesinc.com.

And just like that, Waves of Awareness is back with Season 6! WOA couldn't be more excited to welcome you back and kick things off right with one of our partners at the Williamson County Animal Center, Molly Darr. Molly leads the Pawsabilities Program at WCAC, which partners volunteers with special needs with a mentor for 1:1 interactions with the pets at WCAC. Waves has been honored to partner with WCAC for Pawsabilities and create the training that spreads awareness to mentors partnering with volunteers with special needs. Molly was able to combine her three passions, teaching, animals, and volunteer work through Pawsabilities and support her community. Not only does Molly go in-depth on explaining Pawsabilities, but she also shares about WCAC and their amazing success of 95-97% save rate for animals who come to WCAC. We wouldn't be able to start Season 6 off right without Trent Denson, Matt "the Man" Moore, Eric Wilson, and Christy Webb joining the table! Christy personally has been volunteering at WCAC for nearly 2 years now and couldn't wait to share her experiences with the animals at WCAC. Eric and Matt share what they've been up to during this off-season and their excitement for Waves' Brews & Grooves event on September 21. Matt and Eric will be performing exceptional music in addition to a live performance by Aaron Bucks! Listen to the full episode and hear all the best details from Trent, Molly, Matt, Eric, and Christy. If you're interested in volunteering for Pawsabilities with WCAC, head to https://www.adoptwcac.org/258/Become-a-Volunteer and click "Contact our Volunteer Coordinator." In your email be sure to mention the Pawsabilities program and someone from WCAC will help get you connected! This podcast is made possible through partnerships with Spread the Positive, TN's Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the Community Foundation of Middle TN. If you like what you hear, share it with a friend and leave a review on any streaming service. Got an idea for a guest, email us at podcast@wavesinc.com.

For the final episode of the season, WOA switches modes and becomes the movie review source you didn't know you needed. We have folks from the Fairview Day Program, Jimmy Parnell and Hannah Rose, come down to join hosts Matt Moore and Trent Denson. In addition, Waves Early Learning Program Director Regina Wilson and her son Eric Wilson, who is a part of the Waves Employment Program, join the episode. Everyone sits down and reviews the movie Champions, starring Woody Harrelson. Champions released this year and tells the story of a former minor-league basketball coach who is assigned a court order to manage a team of basketball players with intellectual disabilities. We couldn't think of a better team to review Champions than our Waves Adults who can offer an honest opinion on whether the film accurately portrayed the community of disabilities. Listen to Hannah, Jimmy, Eric, and Matt all give their reviews, sharing their favorite and least favorite things about the movie. Gina also offers her opinions having watched it from the perspective of a mother to a son with disabilities. She shares her hesitations and worries going into the film but ultimately loved the message and conclusion of the story (barring one exception). Trent goes over the plot of the film with the table and the whole crew decides the movie was a raving success! This podcast is made possible through partnerships with Spread the Positive, TN's Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the Community Foundation of Middle TN. If you like what you hear, share it with a friend and leave a review on any streaming service. Got an idea for a guest, email us at podcast@wavesinc.com.

This week on WOA we have the unique pleasure of bringing together Hippie Radio 94.5 Whit Hubner and Hannah Rose, who is a part of Waves Fairview Day Program. Hannah has a personal goal of being on the radio one day and what better way to facilitate that goal than to connect her with a radio expert? Whit and Hannah are welcomed by your host Trent Denson and co-host Matt Moore to explore what it looks like to get involved with the radio and the various joys that come with it. Whit shares his journey to radio, having started in sales before his boss suggest joining Hippie Radio. He spent 4 years with Hippe Radio before joining WMOT for 6 years. Just this past February Whit returned to Hippie Radio and currently produces the Sunday Night Vinyl Series with Bill Edwards at 9 pm. Hannah doesn't miss the opportunity to ask Whit what he loves most about radio and eagerly listens to Whit's advice on how to pursue the career. We wouldn't be WOA without hearing from Matt "the Man" Moore on his passion for music. Listen along as the team talks radio, The Simpsons, and what we can look forward to next from Whit.  This podcast is made possible through partnerships with Spread the Positive, TN's Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the Community Foundation of Middle TN. If you like what you hear, share it with a friend and leave a review on any streaming service. Got an idea for a guest, email us at podcast@wavesinc.com.

You've heard him mentioned, you've seen him on our social media (@waves_serves), and now you can hear his story. This week we welcome Mark Israel (aka Izzy) on Waves of Awareness! Izzy recently joined the Employment and Community First (ECF) program with Waves and has already made a huge impact. In this episode we have our hosts, Trent Denson, Matt Moore, and Marci Cohen join the conversation and chat with Izzy about what led him to this career path. Izzy wasn't always working in this field, he used to be a part of the music industry- on the road and making your sound dreams come true. He even shares his favorite memory from that time of his life (we dare you not to laugh), before diving into the deeper meaning behind why he joined Waves. Don't miss out on Izzy's impactful words and melodic singing voice. Waves is grateful to Izzy and all of our staff who make the time to commit to a great cause and community that needs support.  This podcast is made possible through partnerships with Spread the Positive, TN's Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the Community Foundation of Middle TN. If you like what you hear, share it with a friend and leave a review on any streaming service. Got an idea for a guest, email us at podcast@wavesinc.com.

As if WOA couldn't be lucky with even more influential guests, this week we welcome one of our Tennessee State Representative's, Sam Whitson onto the show. Whitson joins the table with Matt Moore, Christy Webb, and Lance Jordan to speak on his history and current journey as State Representative. Matt and Christy take the lead in asking Whitson questions covering his past jobs and what he loves about his position now. Having served in the army for 26 years prior to his role as State Representative, Whitson is passionate about the importance of serving your community and doing everything in your power to make a positive impact. We also get to hear from Lance Jordan and his experience in working with Whitson to help families in need of support for disabilities. Lance and Whitson speak on their own individual experiences with the Katie Becket wavier, having personally known families who were refused support prior to its establishment. Listen in to this impactful conversation and even hear the team speak about superpowers and Whitson's own nickname for the House of Representatives. This podcast is made possible through partnerships with Spread the Positive, TN's Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the Community Foundation of Middle TN. If you like what you hear, share it with a friend and leave a review on any streaming service. Got an idea for a guest, email us at podcast@wavesinc.com.

This week we have a special WOA edition you won't want to miss. With part of the WOA team on vacation, we couldn't think of a better host to take the lead and the mic than Matt "the Man" Moore! Matt hits us with life updates and takes us back to his personal favorite episode with WOA, Season 2 Episode 6 with Tennessee’s Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Brad Turner. This episode shares information on the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities and Turner's personal journey to Commissioner. Join us in hearing from Brad Turner and don't forget to share Matt's Take Over with everyone you know! This podcast is made possible through partnerships with Spread the Positive, TN's Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the Community Foundation of Middle TN. If you like what you hear, share it with a friend and leave a review on any streaming service. Got an idea for a guest, email us at podcast@wavesinc.com.

Ever wonder what a parent's experience is with Early Intervention? In this week's episode of Waves of Awareness, you find out what that process is like with special guest Chelsey Herron! We are also joined by Waves Early Learning Interventionists Jen Choate and Kate Harris, as well as WOA regulars Christy Webb and Staci Davis. Christy and Staci come fully equipped with questions and allow Chelsey, Kate, and Jen to educate us on what Early Intervention truly entails. As a parent of a daughter with Down Syndrome, Chelsey shares what her journey has been like and how having Waves Early Interventionists has fostered growth for her daughter. Jen first began supporting Chelsey's daughter and eventually passed the baton over to Kate Harris, who is currently supporting Chelsey's daughter and cheering her on every step of the way. The two Interventionists share what Early Intervention means to them as they are given the honor of being let into homes and trusted with loved ones. Kate personally lets us in on how having a child with Down syndrome herself has strengthened her skills in the field. Early Intervention can often have a daunting experience but, as Chelsey shares, that fear has turned into overwhelming joy and fostered her desire to help others going along a similar journey.  This podcast is made possible through partnerships with Spread the Positive, TN's Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the Community Foundation of Middle TN. If you like what you hear, share it with a friend and leave a review on any streaming service. Got an idea for a guest, email us at podcast@wavesinc.com.

This week is a special episode for Waves of Awareness as we invite Diane Giddens to share her history with Waves. Diane's brother Jimmy Dean started receiving services from Waves in the 1980s. Before Jimmy passed away he was a force to be reckoned with, both with Waves and in his community. Beth also returns this episode and shares her own memories with Jimmy, having connected with him through Waves and gone through rehabilitation together. Diane reflects on how Waves allowed Jimmy to exceed expectations and foster connections. With Waves providing support, Diane remembers how her mother was able to have the time and space to care for herself, knowing Jimmy was safe and cared for by Waves. We also welcome back Christy and listen to her reconnect with Diane Giddens, the two were both on the Board of Directors with Waves. Listen in as Diane, Beth, Matt, Christy, and Trent go on a journey into Waves' past and eventually find themselves in a celebrity standoff! This podcast is made possible through partnerships with Spread the Positive, TN's Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the Community Foundation of Middle TN. If you like what you hear, share it with a friend and leave a review on any streaming service. Got an idea for a guest, email us at podcast@wavesinc.com.

This week our hosts Trent, Gina, Matt and Christy welcome a special guest! Jim Littlefield is a fellow podcast connoisseur who most recently welcomed our Early Learning Program Director Gina Wilson on his own show. This time he's the one answering questions, as he dives into how being the parent of a child with special needs has shaped not only his home life but inspired his career focus today. Having a daughter born 1.5 pounds placed Jim and his wife in the world of Early Intervention and the support network that comes with that. Jim leads the @seeingabilitypodcast on Spotify and Facebook where he holds a conversation with people with disabilities and those who support them. Not only that, Jim is also currently working on a book centered around adults who have grown up with that disability and the parents that supported them.  With 63 interviews and counting, all this supports his main focus of getting people to see the ability and not the disability. We also get the chance to hear about Matt the Man Moore's upcoming Fall production, Gina's plans to keep her job this summer, and Christy's position on the summer heat. Be sure to give us a rating on your podcast app if you haven't already and share the show with a friend! Links mentioned in the show: SeeingAbility Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7aT8LcGl6ndoo9ZnagP6ou?si=d5c93635f88e483a Podcast Cross-over- Gina visits  SeeingAbility Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/12yV2VPCedTPxzNnAzqM7N?si=UAfmB1PtTGm4-onV04gAIg This podcast is made possible through partnerships with Spread the Positive, TN's Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the Community Foundation of Middle TN. If you like what you hear, share it with a friend and leave a review on any streaming service. Got an idea for a guest, email us at podcast@wavesinc.com.

This week we welcome Hannah Rose to Waves of Awareness! It's a full house on WOA this episode as Hannah speaks with Misty Bowker, the Program Manager for the Waves Residential and Day Services at Fairview. As well as our OG Matt the Man Moore and Marci Cohen, the Adult Service Director at Waves. WOA has the honor of being Hannah's first experience behind the mic as she makes moves towards her goal of being on the radio one day! Listen in as the crew chats about Hannah's love of the band KISS, Disney movies, and her time with the Day Program and Residential Services in Fairview. WOA may even be the birthplace of songwriting by Matt featured on the Hannah Rose radio. A future sensation? Listen to the full podcast to find out! This podcast is made possible through partnerships with Spread the Positive, TN's Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the Community Foundation of Middle TN. If you like what you hear, share it with a friend and leave a review on any streaming service. Got an idea for a guest, email us at podcast@wavesinc.com.

Season Five has arrived! Welcome back to Waves of Awareness, your favorite Wednesday podcast. Our first episode of the season features Matt, Beth, and Christy as they kick things off with their summer plans. Matt shares details on his summer musical debut, Beth lets us in on her travel plans, and Christy inspires us all with her amazing work ethic. The WOA crew is excited to announce a few major Waves, Inc. events coming up this year with its 50th Anniversary celebration. Join us in listening as the team gives a sneak peek to what Season Five will bring you! This podcast is made possible through partnerships with Spread the Positive, TN's Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the Community Foundation of Middle TN. If you like what you hear, share it with a friend and leave a review on any streaming service. Got an idea for a guest, email us at podcast@wavesinc.com.