Navigating the IEP process can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this powerful episode of Get UnPuzzled, we sit down with Karen Mayer Cunningham, also known as the Special Education Boss, to break down what families, educators, and providers really need to know about building strong IEPs and advocating with confidence.

Karen shares real-world strategies for collaborating with IEP teams, understanding your rights, avoiding common mistakes, and preparing for meetings in a way that leads to better outcomes for students. Whether you’re a parent just starting your special education journey or a seasoned advocate looking to sharpen your skills, this episode is packed with practical tools you can use immediately.

You’ll walk away feeling more empowered, more informed, and more prepared to show up for your child, and yourself.

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In this episode of Get UnPuzzled, we are joined by Dr. Marc Ellison, a longtime leader in autism education, advocacy, and systems change.

Marc Ellison, Ed.D., is the Executive Director of the West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall University and a Licensed Professional Counselor. For more than 40 years, he has worked alongside individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who support them, helping build person-centered services across the lifespan.

Marc began working in the autism field at just 19 years old and has witnessed firsthand how support systems have evolved, from institutional care to inclusive education, employment, relationships, and higher education access. He currently serves on the Board of the Autism Society of West Virginia and chairs the Autism Society of America’s Panel of Professional Advisors.

This conversation explores how autism support has changed over time, what progress has been made, and where advocacy must continue to grow. It is a meaningful look at the impact one dedicated advocate can have on thousands of lives across our state.

In this deeply honest and much-needed conversation, we sit down with Dr. Cheri Timko, a couples and sex therapist with over 20 years of experience helping neurodiverse couples strengthen their communication, rebuild connection, and rediscover intimacy.

Together, they open up about the often-unspoken challenges that come with parenting a child with a disability — the strain it can place on relationships, the emotional distance that can form over time, and the quiet grief and guilt that so many couples carry but rarely discuss.

This episode sheds light on the realities behind closed doors: love, loss, burnout, and the ongoing effort to stay connected when life feels overwhelming. Dr. Timko offers both compassion and practical insight for couples navigating the balance between caregiving and connection — reminding listeners that healing and closeness are still possible, even in the most challenging seasons.

💙 Because sometimes, the hardest conversations are the ones that bring us closer.

To hear more about our mission and the work we are doing at UnPuzzled Parents Connect, you can follow us at www.unpuzzledparentsconnect.com or find us on Facebook at Facebook Page

Connect with Dr. Cheri Timko:

https://www.facebook.com/TimkoCounseling

Her Newest Book : The Neurodiverse Couples Sex Therapy Workbook

https://www.amazon.com/Neurodiverse-Couples-Sex-Therapy-Workbook/dp/B0DR3SQDRS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PMN0FBQE0NU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dixA3tdeSrQb07FO-peXGr_QffplWr7Lik887hptsHszbqd9cv6VZraDIUYHKHX4dgOz5_SX3af90SezQBqLQQ.Byi374_FRkQLShG2uPi9YuTMPeD5_AOuHUm9Bc4HDKM&dib_tag=se&keywords=cheri+timko&qid=1761423189&sprefix=cheri+timko%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-1

Her website : https://couplescounselingcenter.online

In this episode of Get UnPuzzled, we sit down with Harry Psaros, father, advocate, and author of From Struggle to Strength: Living Life with Autism. Harry shares his family’s journey raising a child with autism and how it has shaped his mission to advocate, spread awareness, and inspire hope.

Together, we talk about the realities of navigating a diagnosis, the perseverance it takes to keep pushing forward, and the power of community support. Harry’s story is a reminder that while the challenges are real, so too are the victories, the growth, and the connections that sustain us.

If you or someone you know is struggling to accept their child’s diagnosis, this episode is for you. It’s a conversation filled with encouragement, honesty, and the message that no family walks this path alone.

For more information about our mission, visit our website at www.unpuzzledparentsconnect.com

In this deeply moving episode of Get UnPuzzled, we welcome Dr. Kerry Magro, a once nonspeaking child diagnosed with autism who has become a nationally recognized speaker, bestselling author, and leading disability advocate.

Dr. Magro opens up about his personal journey — from the early days of struggling to communicate, to facing intense bullying and isolation, to discovering his voice and purpose. Through resilience and the support of his community, he turned his challenges into a mission to help others feel seen, heard, and empowered.

Today, Dr. Magro is not only an inspiration to the autism community but also a beacon of hope for families navigating similar paths. He shares powerful insight on inclusion, advocacy, and what helped him thrive — including his journey to becoming a best-selling author and a speaker who has reached audiences around the world.

This is more than a story — it’s a reminder of what’s possible. 💛

Check out Dr. Magro's Facebook Kerrys Autism Journey

For more information about our mission to help families in the disability community thrive, you can visit our website

We’re joined by two of everyone’s favorite moms from the hit Netflix docuseries Love on the Spectrum—Lise Smith and Nicci Smith. These two incredible women aren’t just TV moms—they’re real-life rockstars who have navigated the ups and downs of parenting four children each, including one on the autism spectrum.

From laughter to heartbreak, routines to resilience, Lise and Nicci are sharing the good, the bad, and the beautifully realstories behind the cameras. You won’t want to miss this honest and heartfelt conversation about motherhood, neurodiversity, and the power of connection.

For more information about our Nonprofit and our mission, visit our website : www.unpuzzledparentsconnect.com

Facebook : Facebook Page

In this episode of Get UnPuzzled, we sit down with two of West Virginia’s leading advocates, Christina Smith of Astrive Advocacy and Christy Black of Disability Rights of West Virginia. These powerhouse advocates have dedicated their lives to fighting for their children and the disability community, leading four IDD Waiver rallies in their ongoing battle for change.

We discuss the challenges families face, the importance of advocacy, and what steps need to be taken to ensure better support and services for individuals with disabilities. If you’re a parent, caregiver, or advocate looking to make a difference, this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in and join the movement for change!

For more information about our Nonprofit and our mission, visit our website at www.unpuzzledparentsconnect.com

Want to make a real impact in your community? In this episode of Get UnPuzzled, we sit down with Delegate Kayla Young to break down the steps to effective communication in the legislature. She was a strong voice when the WV IDD Waiver was threatened with cuts last year, and she continues to fight for the disability community. Learn how to advocate for change and ensure your voice is heard!

Check out our website at www.unpuzzledparentsconnect.com to follow our mission and sign up for the latest trainings and events.