Mona and Minali have a deeply honest and insightful conversation with Amy Van Dorp, Executive Director of WithIt. They explore the reality of caregiving, motherhood, and career decisions through the lived experience of Amy. From navigating multiple careers to raising three children, one with special needs, Amy shares what balance really looks like behind the scenes. This conversation dives into working motherhood, financial trade-offs, mom guilt, special needs advocacy, and the power of building strong support systems. With wisdom, vulnerability, and encouragement for new and seasoned parents alike, this episode reframes success, leadership, and self-care through the lens of caregiving. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to “do it all,” this episode will remind you that grace, not perfection, is the real goal.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) – Why “balance” is a myth for working parents

(03:00) – Freelancing, childcare costs, and early career tradeoffs

(04:00) – Navigating special needs diagnoses and caregiving logistics

(09:00) – Social pressure, grief, and redefining success as a parent

(11:00) – Mom guilt, resilience, and giving kids individual attention

(13:00) – Self-care, support systems, and asking for help

(14:30) – Advice to younger parents: give yourself grace

(16:00) – Resources, employment programs, and advocacy for special needs adults

Key Topics Discussed:

Three Takes, Ishana Nigam, Minali Nigam, Mona Nigam, Caregiving and Career Decisions, Working Motherhood, Special Needs Parenting, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Women in Leadership, Mentorship for Women, WITHIT Organization, Freelancing as a Parent, Childcare Cost Tradeoffs, Mom Guilt, Parental Resilience, Servant Leadership, Self-Care for Caregivers, Parenting Through Life Stages, Support Systems for Families, Special Needs Resources, Project Search Program, Advocacy for Special Needs Adults, Leadership Lessons from Caregiving

Mentions:

Amy’s Website: https://withit.org/

Amy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyvandorp

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