14. Sibling Series: Amanda Yoder and Andréa Vugteveen

Amanda Yoder describes what it’s like to have much of her life shaped by growing up with her younger brother, Spencer, who has autism. The uncertainty and violence that is often a reality in families living with autism lead to a life of anxiety and hiding behind a mask of perfectionism. Upon going to college, Amanda began to find out who she really is and at age 22, she still wonders what her future with her brother holds. Andréa Vugteveen is a Sibshops Facilitator, Children and Youth Coordinator/Volunteer Coordinator for Circles Grand Rapids, Social Work Lab Instructor at Calvin University, and Spiritual Direction Apprentice. Her purpose and passion is to walk alongside people, empowering them to thrive. One of her favorite ways to live out her purpose and passion is through her role as a Sibshops Facilitator. Sibshops are monthly peer support groups for children and youth who have siblings with special needs. She has created safe and engaging communities of support, encouragement, understanding and education for sibs in the Grand Rapids area for the past eight years. She’s looking forward to expanding the impact of Sibshops by bringing groups to Ottawa County this summer. TEDxSanAntonio - Alicia Arenas - Recognizing Glass Children https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSwqo-g2Tbk Host, Lara Kitts Website, Flight Club and Blog https://www.larakitts.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/larakittsllc Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lara.kitts/?hl=en The Sibling Support Project https://siblingsupport.org/ Founded in 1990, the Sibling Support Project is the first national program dedicated to the life-long and ever-changing concerns of millions of brothers and sisters of people with special health, developmental, and mental health concerns. Our work spans books and publications, online communities for teen and adult siblings, and workshops and training. We are best known for helping local communities start Sibshops—lively peer support groups for school-age brothers and sisters of kids with disabilities and health concerns. Grand Rapids, MI Area Sibshops Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/siblingsgroup/ Ottawa County, MI Area Sibshops Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Ottawa-County-Sibshops-110430560572443