Quillo Pod

Replay: Strengthening Our Bridges : A conversation on inclusion ft. Lisa Drennan

Special guest Lisa Drennan joins John Dickerson and Cynthia Morraz to discuss the importance of inclusion and community.
“Inclusion is not a destination it's a journey.”
Connect with Lisa Drenan on LinkedIn or Facebook
Learn more about the Merge Inclusion Project or visit her website
Pathway to Friendship Project :
www.mergeconsulting.orglisadrennan@mergeconsulting.orghttps
Episode Transcript
Want to share your stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com
To learn more about Quillo Connect, visit MyQuillo.com

What Are Natural Supports? Finding Joy and Community

You might have heard the term "natural supports" in meetings or in IDD spaces — but what does it actually mean in everyday life? In this episode, Cynthia and John break down the concept of natural supports: what they are, where the term comes from, and why they matter for people with IDD and their families.
Together, they explore how finding your "village" starts with one simple question: What brings you joy?
To learn more about MyQuillo visit MyQuillo.com 
Episode Transcript 
Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com
To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

The Building Blocks of Friendship

 
In this week's episode, join John and Cynthia  explore the building blocks of friendship and tools to make it happen. They dive into MyQuillo's content by Karyn Harvey, unpacking her insights on friendship and strategies for fostering real connection. For parents and caregivers who worry about social isolation this episode is a resource.
 
To learn more about MyQuillo visit MyQuillo.com 
Episode Transcript 
Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com
To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

Feeding Hope: What Families Are Saying Across the Country

In this episode of Quillo Pod, hosts Cynthia Morraz and John Dickerson sit down to reflect on a powerful webinar conversation with families, self-advocates, and professionals from coast to coast. They dig into what people said worries them most right now — and more importantly, how they're choosing to feed hope anyway. From hiking groups to theater troupes to circles of support, this episode is a reminder that no one has to go through this alone.
Episode Transcript Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about Quillo visit MyQuillo.com

Finding hope in hard times

In this episode, hosts Cynthia Morraz and John Dickerson have a conversation about mainintaining a positive outlook and keeping hope alive. Tune in to learn more about their upcoming webinar with Special Guests Dr.Karyn Harvey and Dr. Robert Naseef. 
📅 Webinar Date: March 3rd | Afternoon & Evening Sessions Available🔗 Register below: 
Register Here - Afternoon Session ➡️ bit.ly/overwhelm1pm
Register Here - Evening Session ➡️ bit.ly/overwhelm7
Because we are always stronger together.
Quillopod@myquillo.comTo learn more about MyQuillo visit MyQuillo.com
Episode Transcript 

Overwhelmed but Not Alone : Finding Hope in Hard Times

In this episode, hosts Cynthia Morraz and John Dickerson have a conversation about what that overwhelm looks like on the ground — and why, even in the hardest of times, hope and community are still within reach.
John shares a powerful reminder that budget cuts don't just reduce dollars — they reduce hope. And hope, for families who have never had an easy road, is everything. Cynthia and John also explore why words matter, why joy is not a luxury, and how small, intentional acts of community can make a profound difference.
You'll also hear the remarkable story of Nate, a young man in Minnesota with a disability who — without any formal support system — helped three of his friends with disabilities find meaningful employment, proving that peer connection and community can accomplish what systems sometimes cannot.
Cynthia and John also announce two free, interactive webinars coming in March featuring MyQuillo authors Dr. Karyn Harvey and Dr. Robert Naseef. 
This episode is for families, self-advocates, Direct Support Professionals, providers, and anyone who shows up for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
📅 Webinar Date: March 3rd | Afternoon & Evening Sessions Available🔗 Register here:
Register Here - Afternoon Session
Register Here - Evening Session
Because we are always stronger together.
Quillopod@myquillo.comTo learn more about MyQuillo visit MyQuillo.com
Episode Transcript 

Replay: Let’s celebrate Black History Month: Remembering Betty Williams

In this week's episode, John and Cynthia celebrate Black History Month by remembering Betty Williams, a self-advocate leader in Indiana. 
Learn more about Betty Williams 
Betty Williams Interview
Early Leaders: Betty Williams · Self-Advocates of Indiana
 
Want to share your stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com
To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

Beyond Transition in the IDD Community: Where Would You Like to Visit

In this week's episode, we  explore what happens after the transition years end—when adults with IDD in their 20s, 30s, and 40s are navigating work, friendships, and where to live. The transition period can feel uncertain. How do you avoid feeling stuck at home? How do you find meaningful work and real friendships? We discuss how to reframe the job search, build authentic connections, and create a life that feels right for you.
In this episode:
   Why "Where would you like to visit?" is a better question than "Where do you want to work?" 
The difference between independence and interdependence—and why being more independent can sometimes mean being more alone
Real stories of friendships
Creative approaches to living arrangements
How clubs, faith communities, and neighbors can lead to meaningful connections
Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.comTo learn more about MyQuillo visit MyQuillo.com
Episode Transcript 

Who Will Help? Building Your Circle Through the High School Transition

In this episode, hosts Cynthia Morraz and John Dickerson explore the high school transition years for students with IDD and their families. This period brings big decisions and even bigger questions: Who will help? What do we do? How do we get ready for what comes next? Cynthia and John discuss how to build community, find your circle of support, and use this time to prepare for life after high school.
In this episode:
🎓 How to navigate the transition from high school to work or college 👥 The power of finding your circle of support—and why you don't need a big one, just the right people
💼 Practical tips for exploring career paths and building meaningful connections
🤝 How schools, families, and organizations can create welcoming, inclusive environments
Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com
To learn more about MyQuillo visit MyQuillo.com
Episode Transcript 

Replay: MyQuillo Is Your Safe Space to Learn, Discover & Connect

Big news from hosts Cynthia Morraz and John Dickerson: My Quillo is here! The app is now available nationwide to anyone who wants to build their circle of support—no waiver required.
✨ Why Families asked for MyQuillo
✨ The story behind the name
✨ How to try it for FREE for a month 
Episode Transcript
Learn more about MyQuillo