Quillo Pod

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

Why DSPs Leave and How to Keep Them: A Conversation with Nate Beers

In this episode, hosts Cynthia Morraz and John Dickerson talk with Nate Beers, founder of IDD Leader, about why communication skills matter for frontline supervisors in the IDD field. Direct support professionals and supervisors play a vital role in supporting people with disabilities to live fulfilling lives, making strong leadership and retention essential.
In this episode:
💬 Nate introduces a three-part framework for difficult conversations
📉 Explains how predominantly negative communication drives turnover and burnout
🏆 Shares solutions and tips on how to build a winning team culture that's both supportive and accountable from day one
Connect with Nate Beers 📧
Resources mentioned: Reduce Turnover by Transforming Supervisor Habits
Show Transcript
Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com
To learn more about MyQuillo visit MyQuillo.com

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

REPLAY: Grateful for people’s gifts - ”YOUR gifts are important, too!”

This episode was originally published in 2022. In this week's episode, John and Cynthia are doing something different for November. They explore the topic of gifts all people have and how we can help them use those gifts in building a good life.
Check out our Quillo Connect video 
Episode Transcript
To learn more about Quillo Connect, visit MyQuillo.com

Introducing MyQuillo - 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

Replay: Creating a sense of community

In this week's episode, John and Cynthia discuss community gathering and its impact.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
Benefits of Community
Episode Transcript
Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com
To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com