LivingHealthy Podcast by Latham Centers

PWS University 21: Learning from someone with PWS

In this LivingHealthy with PWS Podcast, Patrice Carroll, and Elizabeth Roof chat with Katrina Kozak about why they love the PWS population, the importance of buy-in when creating a successful environment for someone diagnosed with PWS, and the significance between empathy and sympathy. Elizabeth says, “ask questions with a real sense of curiosity,” and continues, “I think we have to be kind of flexible, figure out what’s possible instead of probable, and come up with an alternative path.”

PWS University Episode 20: The Magic of Latham, “it’s like Disney!”

Recently, two new students connected at Latham Centers who had been members of our virtual PWS community. One asked, “is it like Disney?!” The other responded, “yes!” In this podcast, we dive into the magic of the Latham community with Susan LaPlant, longtime staff, and current Admissions Officer. When Susan first heard the Latham/Disney comparison, she began to consider what makes Latham unique to these enthusiastic youngsters. You do not want to miss her beautiful perspective!

PWS University Episode 19: A Parents Perspective – Things we all Wish and Hope

In our PWS University Podcast Latham Centers always highlights different perspectives; recently, we’ve been hearing more from the students of Latham. In this podcast, we wanted to highlight our amazing parent community. Julie is Brooke’s mother and Robin is Audrey’s mother, both of whom beam when discussing their daughters. In this podcast they discuss the transition to our SummerTide program, the benefits to their entire family, and what they learned. Don’t miss this amazing podcast, where Robin tells an uplifting story about Audrey’s recent Homecoming experience, and Julie responds saying, “I think that this is an incredible story to hear because these are the things that we all hope and wish for.”

PWS University Episode 18: Quinn explains the feeling of winning awards and becoming a new student mentor

Quinn has been a student at Latham Centers for around four months and has made vast improvements and reached multiple goals. At a recent community meeting, he won the Student Hygiene Award. In this podcast, Quinn discusses the importance of good hygiene for all youngsters, especially during the time of COVID. Listen to Quinn’s shock as he hears that he won the award despite 44 other students also achieving hygiene goals. Quinn also discusses some of the challenges he faced when entering the Children’s Program for the first time and how he can lend a helping hand to new students in Latham’s new student Mentorship program.

PWS University Episode 17: SummerTide at Latham Centers with Student Joselyn

Joselyn has been a student at Latham Centers for a few years and has recently blossomed. In our August 2021 Community Meeting, she won the Healthy Lifestyle Award, and in our 17^th Podcast, she explains why. Also, Joselyn teaches our listeners about the SummerTide program, explaining the different components and activities. Throughout the short Podcast, you can hear Joselyn pridefully explain how far she’s come, discuss her upcoming goals, and consider how having PWS has never held her back. It’s as if you can hear her smile!

LivingHealthy Podcast 16: Bridget’s Vocational Successes

Meet Bridget! Bridget is a student at Latham Centers who has excelled in program. In this podcast, she explains her “forever” interest in animals, “I always knew that I wanted to work with animals.” Patrice Carroll and Katrina Fryklund talk to Bridget about her hobbies and passions. She suggests that you encourage somebody with PWS to make goals and achieve them just as you would anybody else. Having PWS does not make you less capable, “Let [people with PWS] go for what they want, and don’t hold them back.”

LivingHealthy Podcast 15: Mia’s Guide to Being a Good Friend

In our 15^th LivingHealthy Podcast, Patrice Carroll and Katrina Fryklund discuss friendships with Student Mia. Mia helps us navigate difficult friendships, explores the importance of safe friendships, and outlines the most important aspects of a good friendship. First, “you have to have their back, and always say good things about them,” next, “you want to be able to trust them to be a good friend back,” and finally, “you can’t change someone else’s personality.” To learn about the rest of Mia’s spot-on suggestions, listen to her 12-minute podcast!

PWS University Episode 14: Students Chris and Justin discuss the need for community and fitness

In this episode Patrice Carroll and Katrina Fryklund discuss community, friendship, and fitness with students Chris and Justin. Chris and Justin live in the same suite at Latham Centers, and while Chris is getting ready for graduation, Justin is beginning his Latham tenure. This podcast explores the PWS Specific virtual fitness program 'Let’s Go Fitness’' roll-out on campus  (https://www.letsgo.fit/), as well as Chris and Justin’s individual successes. Patrice emphasizes the importance of environment and community, “'Let’s Go Fitness' gives us another tool to be able to have the kids meet another role model.” She continues, “[it is] an example of how motivated they are by each other."

PWS University Episode 13: Mikey says “Latham is the best school for kids with PWS”

Mikey has been a student at Latham Centers for just over a year and a half and has excelled. In this podcast, Mikey discusses what it means to be a good friend and why he’s a good friend. He explains what it was like to first come to campus, “I was pretty happy because I wanted to be in a school with others who have my disability.” Finally, he gives a few words of advice for both kiddos with PWS and their parents, and dives into why he feels supported at Latham Centers, saying, “You’re never alone!”

PWS University Episode 12: Annika is a “Shining Example”

In this PWS University Podcast, listen to Annika, who was one of the first students ever to participate in recording a podcast one year ago. In her second interview, hear her discuss sharks and scary movies, the 2020 Summer program at Latham Centers, the importance of creativity, coping skills that she finds most helpful, and what she wants to be when she grows up.