Hello! I guide parents of kids with disabilities to create a forever home for their child.
'Live with Intention & Embrace the Journey.' Hi, I’m Valerie!
I’m passionate about guiding parents who have children with disabilities to a place where together we have created a roadmap for a forever home for their child. Having successfully established a forever home for my oldest it brings me joy to help others with all the nuances involved in setting up the home they want for their child.
This looks likes an amazing place to stay for families with a wheelchair user!
DID YOU KNOW....🤔
Many families believe the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) doesn’t apply to them—especially if their child isn’t earning income.
But here’s the truth:
The DTC is not just a tax credit… it’s a gateway. REALLY??? REALLY!!!
In this final episode with Gordon VanderLeek and Annie VanderLeek, we explore how the DTC unlocks access to critical supports like the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and the Canada Disability Benefit.
We also talk about:
• Why so many applications get denied (and what to do next)
• The importance of clearly telling your child’s daily reality
• How even families with limited income can still benefit
One of the most powerful reminders from this episode:
Even if you don’t think you qualify… apply anyway.
You don’t have to navigate this alone—and the long-term impact could be life-changing.
🎧 Listen to the episode or 🎥 watch - Links in the comments.👇🏽
Live with Intention - Embrace the Journey.🎒
Truth!!!
Let your mom know how much you appreciate her!💜
What role does music play in regulation, memory, healing, and belonging for children and adults with disabilities?🤔
In this beautiful and insightful conversation, I sit down with Jennifer Buchanan from JB Music Therapy to explore the incredible impact music has on the brain, nervous system, emotional wellness, and connection.💜
We discuss:
✨ Music therapy and neuroplasticity
✨ Autism, regulation & emotional wellness
✨ Music and memory
✨ Creating connection through music
✨ Why music matters in forever homes
✨ Helping children with disabilities express themselves
Jennifer reminds us that music is not reserved for performers — it belongs to all of us.
As a mum to two with disabilities, this conversation deeply resonated with me, especially reflecting on how music has always been part of our daughter Melody-Anne’s life and expression.
🎧 Listen now or 🎥 watch (link in comments)
Live with Intention - Embrace the Journey🎒
Here’s the replay if you missed this conversation 3 weeks ago....
There’s something most people don’t realize about the homes we live in…
They’re not built for our future.
Not for aging.
Not for disability.
Not for the reality that at some point… we may all need accessibility.
In my latest podcast episode, I sat down with builder Adam Arsenault, who is challenging the way we think about housing—and opening our eyes to what’s possible.
We talked about:
• Why accessibility is often overlooked
• The real reason homes aren’t designed this way
• The pros and cons of renovating vs building new
• And why planning early can make all the difference
Despite growing awareness around aging populations and disability inclusion, most single-family homes are still not built to support accessibility.
Why?
• Legacy construction practices (including basement-based design)
• Municipal and infrastructure constraints
• Lack of consumer demand driven by “not me” thinking
• Persistent stigma around accessible design
One insight that stood out:
Accessible housing isn’t a niche need—it’s a lifecycle need.
Yet many families delay planning until they are forced into reactive, often costly decisions.
🎧 Listen now or 🎥 watch (link in comments)
I’d love to know… have you ever thought about whether your home would work for you in the future?
Live with Intention - Embrace the Journey🎒
Know your worth and don’t be afraid to speak your value!
Attention families of children with disabilities....
Many families believe the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) doesn’t apply to them—especially if their child isn’t earning income.
But here’s the truth:
The DTC is not just a tax credit… it’s a gateway.
In this final episode with Gordon VanderLeek and Annie VanderLeek, we explore how the DTC unlocks access to critical supports like the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and the Canada Disability Benefit.
We also talk about:
• Why so many applications get denied (and what to do next)
• The importance of clearly telling your child’s daily reality
• How even families with limited income can still benefit
One of the most powerful reminders from this episode:
Even if you don’t think you qualify… apply anyway.
You don’t have to navigate this alone—and the long-term impact could be life-changing.
🎧 Listen to the episode or 🎥 watch - Links in the comments.👇🏽
Live with Intention - Embrace the Journey.🎒