Empowering Lives Through Art & Employment: Hozhoni Foundation Leaders Share Their Vision

In this compelling episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes the incredible team behind the Hozhoni Foundation to share their inspiring mission and groundbreaking work. Joining Mike are CEO Antonia Klopstein, COO Lex Heerding, Employment Program Head Michele Eisenberg, and Art Manager Shay Vigil. Together, they discuss how the foundation empowers individuals with disabilities through innovative programs that promote independence, creativity, and community engagement.

The Hozhoni Foundation has been a beacon of hope and opportunity for decades, dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This episode delves deep into their holistic approach, combining employment programs, art initiatives, and personalized care to help individuals achieve their fullest potential. Antonia Klopstein and Lex Heerding explain the foundation’s long-standing commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Michele Eisenberg highlights the transformative impact of the Employment Program, which equips participants with essential skills and places them in meaningful jobs within the community. The program not only enhances independence but also fosters connections between participants and local businesses.

Art Manager Shay Vigil takes us inside the Hozhoni Art Studio, a vibrant space where creativity flourishes. Learn how art serves as both a therapeutic outlet and a powerful means of self-expression for the foundation’s participants. Shay shares heartwarming stories of artists who have gained confidence, recognition, and a sense of purpose through their work.

Throughout the episode, the Hozhoni team emphasizes the importance of celebrating every individual’s unique talents and abilities. They discuss the challenges faced by the disability community and how the foundation continues to adapt and innovate to meet evolving needs.

Whether you’re an advocate for inclusion, someone looking for inspiration, or simply curious about how organizations like Hozhoni make a difference, this episode offers valuable insights and heartfelt stories.

Learn more about the Hozhoni Foundation and how you can support their mission: https://www.hozhoni.com/

#HozhoniFoundation #DisabilityEmpowerment #Inclusion #ArtTherapy #EmploymentPrograms #Inspiration #WeAreNotStumped

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Watch on YouTube

Listen on Spotify

  • Finding Work When You're Disabled

July 24th, 2025|

In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland gets real about the challenges of finding a job while living with a disability. Born without his right hand, Mike has firsthand experience navigating interviews, workplace bias, and the self-doubt that can creep in during the job search. He shares tips that helped him—and that can help you—stand out for the right reasons, from understanding your rights under the ADA to deciding when (or if) to disclose your disability. If you’ve ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or unsure where to start, this episode offers encouragement, strategies, and real-world advice from someone who’s walked the walk. 🛠️ Topics include: How to highlight your strengths, not your limitations Disability-friendly job boards and resources Why owning your story is your greatest strength Whether you were born with a disability or acquired one later in life, this episode is for anyone ready to pursue meaningful work and thrive.

  • Bilateral Above-Knee Amputee Latonyia Billops on Resilience

July 22nd, 2025|

In this uplifting episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Latonyia Billops, a bilateral above-knee amputee, who shares her remarkable story of surviving a traumatic car accident that changed her life forever. While helping a stranded motorist, Latonyia was struck by a truck that crossed the highway median—resulting in the loss of both her legs. Despite unimaginable trauma, Latonyia never lost her faith. She opens up about how her spiritual foundation guided her recovery, her refusal to fall into depression, and how she’s used her experience to advocate for others navigating prosthetic care and life with limb loss. Latonyia also shares insights into the adaptive equipment she uses to maintain independence—such as a sliding board, bath bench, and commode topper—and how these tools have helped her live with greater comfort and dignity. Plus, she reveals her dream of entering a wheelchair pageant, showcasing her confidence and self-love.

  • virtual coaching program helping amputees

July 15th, 2025|

In this empowering episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Dr. Jackie Garcia, PT, DPT — a bilingual physical therapist, neurologic specialist-in-training, and founder of Nxt Stride Rehab — a virtual coaching program transforming how amputees recover, rebuild, and thrive. Jackie opens up about her journey into physical therapy, her passion for supporting individuals with limb loss and spinal cord injuries, and how a gap in care inspired her to launch a program that brings expert support directly into people’s homes — no matter where they live.

By |2024-12-19T11:34:22-07:00December 19th, 2024|General Disability Related Resources and News|Comments Off on Empowering Lives Through Art & Employment: Hozhoni Foundation Leaders Share Their Vision

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Go to Top