Camp ASCCA: The Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Danielle Peters—Occupational Therapist and owner of BlueBird Pediatric Therapy Services—joins us this episode to share her journey from Camp ASCCA summer staff member to Occupational Therapist. What began as a simple summer job quickly opened the door to the world of disability care and sparked a lifelong calling.

BlueBird Pediatric Therapy Services offers occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and feeding services for children ages 0–18. Danielle reflects on discovering her “why,” the impact of inclusive experiences, and how Camp ASCCA shaped her passion for serving children with disabilities.

Listen in to learn more about what occupational therapy is, the services BlueBird Pediatric Therapy provides, and a journey rooted in inclusion, purpose, and heart.

In our latest episode, we welcome back Trish Robinson, Regional Program Manager with Down Syndrome Alabama and Administrative Assistant with Magical Travel Destinations. She shares with our listeners the services she offers to families who want to travel but may face challenges when traveling with a child who has a disability. Trish explores the world of accessible travel and what it truly means to experience a journey without limits.

In this episdoe of Camp ASCCA: The Podcast, we had the opportunity to chat with Dr. Elizabeth Stewart. Elizabeth is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Alabama. She is also heavily involved with United Ability and Alabama's Accessing Potential Through Assistive Technology (APT AT). Elizabeth worked as a counselor at Camp ASCCA in 2002 and says that it has played a role in where she is with her career now. 

Lindsey Piazza is an assistant clincial professor in the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences as well as an instructor for the EAGLES program at Auburn University. This episode dives into what speech pathology is, the EAGLES program, and augmentative and alternative communication devices. To learn more about Lindsey visit: https://cla.auburn.edu/directory/lindsey-piazza/

Camp ASCCA's Director, Matt Rickaman, sits down with long-time camper Carmine Vara to discuss what ASCCA means to him. Having attended Camp for over 20 years, Carmine holds a special place in the hearts of everyone on our staff. To know him is to love him. 

In this episode, we welcome Allison Ashurst, the mother of first-time camper Scarlett. This summer marked Scarlett's first experience at Camp, and we'll explore how Allison navigated the challenge of letting go and placing her trust in Camp ASCCA.

In our latest episode, we are joined by Suzy Montgomery, a Senior Instructor, Recreational Therapy Program Coordinator, and Recreational Therapy Internship Coordinator at the Univesity of South Alabama. Suzy has known Camp Director, Matt Rickman for over 25 years. In this episode we dive into what recreational therapy is and its importance of it. 

In our latest episode, Josie and her mom, Catherine, join us and share their personal experience with Camp ASCCA. They describe what it was like to attend, Josie as a camper and Catherine as a summer nurse. The relationships built, memories that linger, and reaching maximum independence are what Camp ASCCA is all about. Listen today to learn more!

Join us as we get to know Camp ASCCA's Outdoor Education Program Specialist! Chris Pendergrass joined our full-time staff in April, but has a long history with Camp ASCCA. Listen today to learn more!

In this episode Regional Manager of Down Syndrome Alabama, Trish Robinson joins us. This episode will dive into Trish's career with DSA, her personal life, as well as, life with a five year old son with Down Syndrome. Listen today!