
Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver
The Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver podcast offers a candid, unfiltered space to confess the good, the bad, and the ugly of being a caregiver through storytelling, guest interviews, and information sharing. JJ & Natalie are a dynamic duo of sisters supporting their mom living with Parkinson's and a husband who survived cancer. Along with their guests, they discuss their shared experiences in caregiving. Viewers and listeners alike will relate to our reluctance, be affirmed in their ability to be caregivers and gain the courage to confidently step out of the shadows to express their own needs. You are sure to laugh, cry, and everything in between but in the end, all will leave feeling better for the journey and part of the sisterhood of care. So grab your favorite guilty pleasure, and let's get to confessing!
Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver
Military Service to Autism Advocacy: Maureen’s Confession
"I suffered from caregiver fatigue." - Maureen Elias
Maureen shares her journey from a structured military career to the unpredictable world of caregiving. As a mother of children on the autism spectrum, she opens up about the challenges and triumphs of parenting, the impact of military life on family dynamics, and the importance of advocacy and community support. Through personal stories of resilience, she highlights the need for understanding, resources, and the power of acceptance in the face of adversity.
Maureen Elias, a former U.S. Army counterintelligence agent, transitioned from military service to a life dedicated to advocacy and caregiving. After a medical separation in 2006, she spent 11 years as a stay-at-home mom while her husband, a 21-year Army veteran, served overseas.
Raising three children on the autism spectrum, Maureen pursued a master’s in mental health counseling, leading to roles in top veteran service organizations, the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. She also teaches storytelling to veterans and has recently embraced off-roading as a newfound passion.
Social Media
Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/maureenelias
Twitter: @maureenelias2
Instagram: @maureenelias2
Highlights:
🔹 Parenting & Autism – Insights into raising children on the autism spectrum and the triumphs along the way.
🔹 Military Life & Family Dynamics – How structured service life shaped her approach to caregiving.
🔹 Challenges & Resilience – Overcoming obstacles with strength, understanding, and support.
🔹 The Power of Community – Why caregivers need advocacy, resources, and a strong support system.
🔹 Acceptance & Education – How awareness and compassion transform lives.
💡 Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on caregiving, resilience, and making a difference!
This heartfelt conversation is a must-watch for caregivers, military families, and anyone passionate about autism awareness.
#AutismAwareness #Caregiving #MilitaryFamilies #Parenting #Advocacy
Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver
Sisterhood of Care, LLC