• Accomplished Activists
    Nov 12 2025

    Welcome back to Soaring High with So Kids SOAR (SKS), hosted by Glenda Fu Smith and Michael Simmons! Join us as we take a dive into SKS and learn how they help youth to Strive, Own, Achieve, and Realize their potential!


    In this episode, we are given a chance to talk with drummer and YPTS graduate Jacob Varghese and the creator of Eric’s ID Law, Eric Carpenter-Grantham! Join us as we discuss the importance of advocacy, how these two amazing men have changed the world, and how their mothers have supported them along the journey!

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    33 mins
  • Ode to OT
    Oct 15 2025

    Welcome back to Soaring High with So Kids SOAR (SKS), hosted by Glenda Fu Smith and Michael Simmons! Join us as we take a dive into SKS and learn how they help youth to Strive, Own, Achieve, and Realize their potential!

    In this episode, we discuss the importance of occupational therapy with Mikkayla Lindgren of Lindy’s Lineup and Cortney Mosle of The Point Occupational Therapy. Listen in as we discuss how it helps kids to grow and develop hobbies. In addition, cheer Michael and Cortney as they play a match of table hockey!

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    27 mins
  • Funders to Family
    Jun 2 2025

    Welcome back to Soaring High with So Kids SOAR (SKS), hosted by Glenda Fu Smith and Michael Simmons! Join us as we take a dive into SKS and learn how they help youth to Strive, Own, Achieve, and Realize their potential!

    In this episode, we talk with the founders of Panda Exteriors and The Alzner Foundation, two important organizations and funders for So Kids Soar. Listen in as they discuss how their community has impacted and inspired them, as well as how they each work to better their community. In addition, be amazed as Glenda charms the guests with an amazing magic trick!

    Thank you to our sponsors Panda Exteriors and The Kimsey Foundation!

    https://www.pandaexteriors.com

    https://www.kimseyfoundation.org

    Join us as we celebrate resilience, community, and the power of believing in every individual's ability to SOAR.

    https://www.sokidssoar.org

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    37 mins
  • Realizing the Potential with Kai and Pier Penic
    May 2 2025

    Welcome back to Soaring High with So Kids SOAR (SKS), hosted by Glenda Fu Smith and Michael Simmons! Join us as we take a dive into SKS and learn how they help youth to Strive, Own, Achieve, and Realize their potential!

    In this episode, we talk with Kai Penic, a talented DJ who graduated from the Your Path to Success program in 2020, and his mother, Pier! Discover how Kai was able to find his voice through music, as well as some of his accomplishments! In addition, for this episode’s special segment, listen in as Kai plays “Guess the Tune” and try to see if you can recognize any of the songs yourself!

    Thank you to our sponsors Panda Exteriors and The Kimsey Foundation!

    https://www.pandaexteriors.com

    https://www.kimseyfoundation.org

    Join us as we celebrate resilience, community, and the power of believing in every individual's ability to SOAR.

    https://www.sokidssoar.org


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    25 mins
  • How We SOAR with Kierra Johnson
    Mar 19 2025

    Welcome to the debut episode of Soaring High with So Kids SOAR! Hosted by Michael Simmons and Glenda Fu Smith, this podcast highlights the inspiring stories of participants, graduates, parents, and partners of the So Kids SOAR (formerly Dreams for Kids) community.

    In this episode, Glenda, Executive Director of So Kids SOAR, shares the mission of this incredible nonprofit—empowering youth with physical and developmental disabilities through adaptive sports, vocational training, and community-building programs.

    Our special guest, Kierra Johnson, a 2022 graduate of the Your Path to Success vocational program, reflects on her journey from participant to full-time staff member at So Kids SOAR. She opens up about overcoming challenges, the impact of mentorship, and the confidence-building experiences that shaped her path. Plus, we introduce a fun segment highlighting unique talents, featuring a game of P.I.G. with a charitable twist!

    Thank you to our sponsors Panda Exteriors and The Kimsey Foundation!

    https://www.pandaexteriors.com

    https://www.kimseyfoundation.org

    Join us as we celebrate resilience, community, and the power of believing in every individual's ability to SOAR.

    https://www.sokidssoar.org

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    22 mins