Tad's Links

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/atadbettercoaching/

Website:

https://coachtad.my.canva.site/atadbettercoaching

Connect With Chad and Daryl

Chad on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1/

Daryl on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/daryltperry

Episode Description

What does living with cerebral palsy look like when your disability isn't immediately visible to the people around you?

In this episode, host Chad Williams and co-host Daryl Perry welcome Tad Hop to share his experiences with mild cerebral palsy, sobriety, running, personal growth, and building a coaching business focused on helping LGBTQ+ individuals navigate religious trauma.

Tad's story begins with a serious childhood illness that nearly took his life. After being hospitalized with severe food poisoning in second grade, he was eventually diagnosed with cerebral palsy. To this day, it's unclear whether his cerebral palsy was present from birth or related to that illness.

Although Tad can walk, run half marathons, and participate in sports, he also experiences challenges that aren't immediately apparent to others.

He shares how everyday activities like tying his shoes, swimming, following assembly instructions, and putting together furniture can present significant obstacles.

Being capable of doing one thing doesn't mean someone isn't experiencing significant challenges in other areas of life.

The conversation explores how these experiences affect Tad's confidence, independence, and understanding of his disability, particularly after moving from the United States to Amsterdam.

Tad also shares how getting sober in 2017 led him to discover running.

What began as a way to stay active and occupy his time became something much more meaningful. Running helped him develop a stronger connection with his body, introduced him to new experiences, and eventually led him to join a softball team where he met his husband.

We also discuss the importance of appreciating personal progress without constantly comparing our abilities to those of other people.

Tad recognizes that cerebral palsy may influence his athletic abilities, but that doesn't diminish his enjoyment of running, participating in sports, or celebrating how far he's come.

Progress doesn't have to mean becoming the best at something. Sometimes it's about appreciating what you're able to do and how you've grown.

The conversation then shifts toward Tad's professional work and the development of A Tad Better Coaching.

Drawing from his background in nonprofit case management, seminary education, and hospital chaplaincy, Tad now focuses on helping LGBTQ+ individuals navigate religious trauma and explore what healing means to them.

After stepping away from his own path toward ordination and leaving Christianity, Tad recognized an opportunity to use his experiences and training to support others facing similar challenges.

His approach emphasizes allowing individuals to define healing for themselves rather than prescribing what their relationship with religion or spirituality should become.

We also discuss his goals for expanding his coaching practice, creating group programs and retreats, continuing disability advocacy, and building a life in Europe with his husband.

Throughout the conversation, Tad offers an important reminder that cerebral palsy is only one part of someone's experience.

Our disabilities, experiences, challenges, and abilities all contribute to our stories, but none of them has to define everything we're capable of becoming.

Join Chad, Daryl, and Tad for a conversation about recognizing invisible challenges, embracing personal growth, finding purpose through lived experience, and creating opportunities to help others along the way.

Connect With Us

Kaitlin Pais

https://www.instagram.com/kreationsbykittles/

Chad Williams

https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1/

Daryl Perry

https://www.instagram.com/daryltperry/

Episode Description

In this episode of the Cerebral Palsy Perspective, Chad Williams and I are joined by Kaitlin Pais for a conversation about cerebral palsy, adaptive fitness, mental health, community, and what it means to keep showing up for yourself.

Kaitlin recently completed a HYROX competition alongside her twin sister, something she once never imagined herself doing. She shares how she went from being able to handle one workout class a week to consistently training four or five days a week, including HYROX specific training.

We talk about how she adapts movements because cerebral palsy affects the entire left side of her body, including using an adaptive grip for lifting and modifying the wall ball portion of HYROX while still completing as much of the competition as possible alongside able bodied athletes.

But this conversation goes much deeper than one race.

Kaitlin opens up about growing up as a twin with cerebral palsy, constantly being compared to her sister, feeling different as a child, navigating anxiety, and learning how those childhood experiences can continue showing up well into adulthood.

She also talks about something many adults with cerebral palsy understand, reaching adulthood and suddenly feeling like the medical system that supported you as a child disappears.

We get into the importance of staying active as we age, finding doctors and treatments that work for us, and learning from other people with cerebral palsy who understand experiences that can be difficult to explain to anyone else.

Kaitlin also shares how starting her Instagram account changed her relationship with cerebral palsy. What began as a way to work on using her left hand eventually became a place to share her journey and connect with other disabled people.

There were times she wanted to stop posting. There were times she felt uncomfortable watching herself on video. There were times anxiety made her question whether she should share something at all.

Then someone would message her and say, “That is exactly how I feel.”

And that reminder kept her going.

One of my favorite parts of this conversation is Kaitlin’s perspective on progress.

You do not have to start by working out five days a week.

Kaitlin started with one.

Then she built from there.

The same idea applies far beyond fitness.

Start somewhere you can succeed. Give yourself something manageable to work toward. Adapt when you need to. Keep showing up.

Kaitlin’s HYROX finish represents something much bigger than finishing a competition.

It represents discovering what becomes possible when you stop measuring yourself against everyone else and start building from your own level.

James Mooney joins us on the Cerebral Palsy Perspective to share his story of growing up with cerebral palsy, navigating major surgeries, building a career, becoming a husband and father, staying active, and developing the mindset that continues to carry him forward.

James takes us back to childhood and talks about the surgeries that shaped his mobility, including a major procedure in fifth grade that involved multiple muscle groups in his legs and required him to essentially learn how to walk again.

But this conversation is about much more than surgeries or physical limitations.

James talks about the importance of attitude, resilience, gratitude, and surrounding yourself with people who remind you what is possible. He shares how cerebral palsy has made him more resourceful, more creative in solving problems, and more willing to work through challenges that other people might never have to think about.

We also get into work, fitness, aging with cerebral palsy, family, and the little everyday tasks that can require far more energy than most people realize.

One of the most powerful parts of the conversation comes when James talks about his family. He shares what it means to have a wife who supports him without hesitation, what parenthood has helped him understand about everything his own parents went through, and a moment with his youngest son that completely changed the way he thought about how his son sees him.

James also talks openly about the importance of movement, going to the gym, challenging himself physically, and doing what he can to stay ahead of some of the changes that can come with cerebral palsy as we get older.

Through all of it, one idea keeps coming back.

Cerebral palsy may shape how we move through the world, but it can also build resilience, problem solving, gratitude, and perspective.

James does not view cerebral palsy as something that prevented him from building the life he wanted. In many ways, he believes it helped make him the person capable of building it.

Connect With Us

James Mooney:

https://www.instagram.com/jamesmooney31/

Chad Williams:

https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1/

Daryl Perry:

https://www.instagram.com/daryltperry/

In this episode of the Cerebral Palsy Perspective Podcast, Chad Williams and I catch up on everything that has been happening in his world, and there has been a lot.

Chad shares how the second annual Doing Hard Things My Way event continued to grow, including an 89 percent increase in donations, expanded support, a corporate sponsor, and an in-person 5K in Portland with Cerebral Palsy Strong.

What started as an idea a couple of years ago has continued to grow into something that is creating a real impact within the cerebral palsy community.

That leads us into a bigger conversation about taking chances.

Neither of us believes you have to wait until you feel completely confident before trying something. The uncertainty, anxiety, and “what ifs” do not necessarily disappear as something becomes more successful. Sometimes you simply become more comfortable moving forward while those feelings are still there.

We also talk about Chad’s upcoming races, the knee pain he has been navigating for months, and why continuing to advocate for yourself can matter when the first explanation or treatment does not seem to be working.

For both of us, living with cerebral palsy means constantly learning our own bodies, adapting, experimenting, and figuring out what allows us to stay active without feeling like we are constantly fighting ourselves.

Sometimes the answer is simply to try it and see.

Connect with us on Instagram:

Chad Williams:

instagram.com/chadwillia1

Daryl Perry:

instagram.com/daryltperry

We’re back with a quick update on where things stand with The Cerebral Palsy Perspective.

Season two has already brought some great conversations, new guests, and a growing list of people who want to be part of the podcast. At the same time, both of us have a lot happening outside of the show, so the release schedule may look a little different over the next few weeks and months.

That does not mean the conversations are slowing down.

We are still recording, still connecting with guests, and still building what this podcast can become. The biggest difference is that we are allowing the schedule to be a little more flexible instead of feeling like a new episode absolutely has to come out every Monday.

In this episode, we talk about how the podcast has evolved from something very regimented into something that now has its own rhythm, structure, and momentum.

We also want to hear from you.

If you have cerebral palsy, work within the cerebral palsy community, have a story or perspective you want to share, or think you would be a good fit for a future conversation, this is a great time to reach out.

Connect with Chad on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1/

Connect with Daryl on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/daryltperry/

New episodes are coming. The consistency may just look a little different as we continue growing the show and making room for everything ahead.

What happens when you decide that cerebral palsy doesn't get to determine what you're still capable of trying?

In this episode, Chad Williams and Daryl Perry are joined by Janet Torres, cerebral palsy advocate, certified personal trainer, adaptive fitness specialist, bodybuilder, aspiring para track and field athlete, and founder of Diverse Abilities Fitness.

Janet shares how her relationship with movement changed after moving to Columbus, Ohio, and becoming more physically active in her twenties. Eventually, that journey led to running her first 5K and experiencing a feeling of freedom through running that completely changed the direction of her life.

We talk about Janet's path into the fitness industry, the gaps she saw in traditional fitness for people with disabilities, and why she eventually stepped out on her own to build Diverse Abilities Fitness.

We also dig into something many adults with cerebral palsy think about as we get older. What happens when our bodies begin to change?

Janet shares her experience being told she would need braces as she aged, how she initially accepted that this was simply what was going to happen, and why she eventually decided to see what her body was still capable of doing.

Today, she's running again and beginning her journey into para track and field.

Throughout the conversation, we explore adaptive fitness, aging with cerebral palsy, accessibility, faith, entrepreneurship, community, and why being active doesn't have to look the same throughout every stage of life.

Janet also shares an important reminder for anyone waiting until they feel completely ready to start.

You're probably never going to feel 100 percent ready.

Sometimes you have to take a small step, see what happens, adjust, find support, and keep moving forward.

Or, as Janet puts it, do it anyway.

Connect with Janet

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/diverseabilityfit/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583238440975

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/d.a.f.torres/

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@diverseabilityfitness4922

Follow Chad and Daryl on Instagram

Chad Williams

https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1/

Daryl Perry

https://www.instagram.com/daryltperry/

In this episode of The Cerebral Palsy Perspective, Chad Williams and co-host Daryl Perry are joined by cerebral palsy advocate, author, motivational speaker, and support group founder Shaniah Gunter.

Shaniah shares her experience growing up with cerebral palsy, which affects both of her legs, wearing AFO braces, having a learning disability, and navigating an IEP throughout school. She also opens up about experiencing bullying, struggling with low self-esteem, comparing herself to other people, and eventually learning to become more confident in who she is.

A major part of Shaniah's story is refusing to allow other people's expectations to determine what's possible for her. Despite people questioning whether she would graduate with a regular diploma, she did. Today, at 24, she's using those experiences to encourage other people through motivational speaking, advocacy, life coaching, her support group, and her work as an author.

Shaniah also discusses the importance of parents advocating for children with disabilities. She shares how much her mother's involvement and encouragement meant throughout her childhood and encourages parents to participate in IEP meetings, understand their child's needs, and continue advocating for the support that can help them succeed.

Faith is also central to Shaniah's life and message. She explains how her relationship with God helped her stop being afraid of who she was, develop confidence, find purpose in her experiences, and begin sharing her story with other people.

Throughout the conversation, we talk about disability, education, employment, family support, self-confidence, faith, advocacy, and the importance of moving through life at your own pace.

Shaniah's message is simple.

Don't give up because you're different. Don't look down on yourself because your life doesn't look like somebody else's. Keep going at your own pace and continue becoming who you're meant to be.

Connect With Shaniah Gunter

Find Shaniah Gunter's Books on Amazon:

https://us.amazon.com/s/ref=dp_byline_sr_book_4?ie=UTF8&field-author=Shaniah+Gunter&text=Shaniah+Gunter&sort=relevancerank&search-alias=books

Follow Shaniah on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mybabygunter/

Connect With Shaniah on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/shaniah.gunter

Connect With the Hosts

Follow Chad Williams on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1/

Follow Daryl Perry on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/daryltperry/

Sometimes the biggest impact begins with one simple decision.

In this episode, Chad Williams and I are joined by Vito, founder of Strides for Gianluca, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness for cerebral palsy while supporting individuals, families, research, and community initiatives through running events and fundraising.

Vito shares how his son's cerebral palsy inspired him to combine his love of running with a mission to give back. From local 5Ks to the New York City Marathon, charity hockey games, and community partnerships, Strides for Gianluca continues to grow while bringing people together around a shared purpose.

We also reflect on meeting at the Spring Lake Five Mile Run, discuss why community matters so much in the cerebral palsy world, and talk about how one person's passion can create opportunities for countless others.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The story behind Strides for Gianluca

• Raising awareness for cerebral palsy through running

• Supporting families, research, and community initiatives

• The Spring Lake Five Mile experience and why it has become such a meaningful event

• Organizing races, charity events, and fundraising throughout the year

• The upcoming Cerebral Palsy Awareness 5K and virtual race

• How community partnerships help expand awareness

• Why every conversation about cerebral palsy helps make a difference

Whether you're part of the cerebral palsy community, a runner looking for a meaningful cause, or someone who believes in using your passions to make a positive impact, I think you'll enjoy hearing Vito's story and learning about the incredible work Strides for Gianluca is doing.

Learn More About Strides for Gianluca

Website

https://strides4gianluca.com/

Follow Strides for Gianluca

https://strides4gianluca.com/follow-us-on-social-media/

Charity Hockey Game

https://strides4gianluca.com/charitygame/

Cerebral Palsy Awareness 5K & Virtual Race Registration

https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Hamilton/CerebralPalsyAwareness5K