Navigating Loss, Motherhood, Homeschooling, and Dyslexia with Stephany Rios Artwork

The Different Ability® Podcast

Why am I different? Why do things have to be so difficult? Am I dumb? Why am I scared? Will it be this hard forever? Will I ever find the help I need to succeed? When will being different be accepted? Welcome to The Different Ability® Podcast where we will answer all of these questions and a whole lot more! Each week host Katey Fortun brings you tips and tricks on how to navigate being different, along with inspiring stories of guests that are living an amazing life having Different Abilities of their own. Parents and Educators of kids with Different Abilities share their stories to encourage others that they are not alone and we can all get through this together! Katey, who has dyslexia, shares her personal Different Ability stories to show you that being different is a gift, being different is amazing and using your Different Abilities, you too can create and live the life you have always dreamed about! Katey believes that everyone has Different Abilities and it's time to let our Different Abilities shine bright! You are amazing, you are important, you are strong, you are smart and the world needs you just the way you were made! Are you ready to be inspired and encouraged to be the person you were made to be, Different Abilities and all? We know you're ready, so come along, we are all in this together! "You can do anything you put your mind to, with a lot of hard work, determination and never giving up! It's not your disability, it's your Different Ability®!" - Katey

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The Different Ability® Podcast

Navigating Loss, Motherhood, Homeschooling, and Dyslexia with Stephany Rios

March 27, 2026 • Katey Fortun • Season 7 • Episode 280

0:00 | 56:13

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In today’s episode, I’m joined by Stephany Rios, host of the Homeschool with Steph podcast, homeschooling mom of five, and entrepreneur.

Stephany shares her powerful life story—growing up and stepping into a caregiving role at a young age while her mom battled cancer. In her early 20s, she helped care for her mom, supported her eight younger siblings, along side her dad, and followed in her mom’s footsteps by becoming a nurse. Through it all, she experienced deep loss, resilience, and growth that shaped the woman and mother she is today.

Now a wife and mom of five, Stephany homeschools her four older children while raising her youngest toddler. In this conversation, we dive into her homeschooling journey, how she learned to trust herself as a parent, and the moment she realized her daughter has dyslexia.

This episode is filled with heart, honesty, and encouragement for any parent navigating challenges, trusting their instincts, and showing up for their family in the best way they can.

If you’re a parent, caregiver, or someone learning to trust your voice in life’s hardest moments—this episode is for you.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, motherhood, and embracing your Different Ability®!

Stephany's Bio:

Stephany Rios is the host of the Homeschool with Steph podcast and a homeschooling mom of five. With a background in entrepreneurship as a jewelry business owner, she brings a grounded, encouraging perspective to conversations about homeschooling, motherhood, and helping women trust themselves to lead their families well.

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