Secured Steps

In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff Llewellyn sits down with Janine Tang, a speech-language pathologist with over two decades of experience helping children find their voice. They explore the power of early intervention tips and language development for kids, the impact of speech therapy, and why starting early can make all the difference.

Janine opens up about her personal journey as a speech-language pathologist and shares practical parent coaching strategies to help boost communication skills for kids—from everyday play to structured exercises. The conversation also touches on her book, Play Dumb & Sabotage, a hands-on guide fo...

In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff Llewellyn speaks with John Fela, a national disability advocate and parent of a child on the autism spectrum. They discuss John's journey through disability advocacy, the challenges of raising a special needs child, the importance of community support, and the resources available for families. John shares insights on navigating housing and employment options for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing the need for belonging and connection within the community.

Connect with John:
www.johnfela.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/john-fela-0b839920
X: x.com/jfelageller74
Appearances: https...

In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff Llewellyn discusses the critical concept of anchoring in special needs financial planning. He emphasizes the importance of establishing a solid foundation for future planning by taking inventory of emotional and financial needs. The conversation covers tools like the Letter of Intent, the significance of vision casting, and the necessity of assessing one's starting point in financial planning. Jeff encourages listeners to shift from a reactive mindset to a leadership role in their family's financial journey, ultimately guiding them toward a secure future for their loved ones.

Connect with his team...

In this episode, Dr. Christopher Scott Wyatt shares his personal journey as an autistic self-advocate and father of neurodiverse daughters. He discusses the impact of teachers on neurodiverse students, the implications of labeling, and the challenges of group work in education. Dr. Wyatt emphasizes the importance of diverse communication styles and the need for educators to listen to their students. He also provides insights for parents navigating the education system and highlights the significance of understanding and listening to children.

Consider inviting Dr. Wyatt to speak to your organization or to appear as a guest on your...

In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff Llewellyn speaks with April Ratchford, an occupational therapist and advocate for autistic individuals. They discuss the challenges of parenting an autistic child, the importance of occupational and speech therapy, and the transition to adulthood for autistic individuals. April shares her insights on the role of play in learning, the need for community support, and the advocacy efforts in Kentucky to improve resources for autistic individuals and their families.

Check her out at: https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism
Apparel available at: https://adulting-with-autism-shop.fourthwall.com/collections/all

In this episode of Secured Steps, host Jeff Llewellyn sits down with Ryann M. Siclari, Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) and recipient of the Joseph B. Young Excellence in Legal Advocacy Award from Disability Rights New Jersey.

Ryann brings deep insight into the world of special needs and elder law, covering critical topics including:
• The differences between guardianship and less restrictive alternatives
• When and how to use ABLE accounts
• How to design special needs trusts that work in real life
• The importance of a personalized, family-centered legal strategy

Whether you're supporting a loved...

Choosing a trustee for a Special Needs Trust is one of the most important decisions a family can make—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of Secured Steps, we break down the key differences between bundled and unbundled trustee arrangements. You’ll learn how each model works, who’s responsible for what, and the pros and cons of each structure. Whether you're considering a corporate trustee, a family member, or a hybrid approach, this conversation will help you make an informed decision that protects your loved one and aligns with you...

What does inclusive higher education really look like in action? In this episode of Secured Steps, we shine a spotlight on Georgian Court University’s Transition and Career Studies (TCS) Program—an empowering path for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to experience college life, build independence, and prepare for meaningful careers.

Joining us are two of the program’s key leaders: Dr. Sharlene Smith, Operational Director of the TCS Program, whose expertise spans adult education, autism, and applied behavior analysis, and Tammy Laverty, the program’s Campus Life Coordinator and Admissions Counselo...

 In this episode of Secured Steps, we dive into one of the most overlooked but powerful Social Security benefits available to families supporting a loved one with a disability—the Disabled Adult Child benefit, or DAC. Host Jeff Llewellyn from Rockwood Wealth Management breaks down what DAC is, who qualifies, and why traditional retirement planning strategies often miss the mark when a disabled loved one is involved. You’ll also learn how to apply for DAC, what common pitfalls to avoid, and how this benefit can dramatically impact long-term financial security. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, this episo...

Government benefits are some of the most important—and confusing—resources available to families supporting a loved one with disabilities. In this episode of Secured Steps, host Jeff Llewellyn of Rockwood Wealth Management breaks down the alphabet soup of programs like SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Community Waivers in plain English.

You'll learn:

If you’re caring for a loved one with special needs, you’ve probably heard about ABLE accounts—but do you know how they actually work, or how they can protect eligibility for benefits like SSI and Medicaid?

In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff Llewellyn of Rockwood Wealth Management breaks down everything you need to know about ABLE accounts—Achieving a Better Life Experience accounts—and how they fit into a comprehensive special needs financial plan.

You'll learn:

Secured Steps is the podcast that helps parents, grandparents, and caretakers confidently navigate the financial planning process for individuals with disabilities. Hosted by Jeff Llewellyn of Rockwood Wealth Management — and a parent who’s walked this path — each episode delivers clear, practical guidance on topics including government benefits, special needs trusts, and budgeting, ABLE accounts, and investment management. Featuring expert guests in law, education, and community services, Secured Steps gives you the tools to build a secure and sustainable future, one step at a time. 

https://rockwoodwealth.com/special-needs-financial-planning/