Judy Winter

Author. Speaker. Advocate.

The Power Of One ❤️

My Books

Puppy Love

Media

Wordsmith Wednesdays

RicStar’s Camp

Winter Images

Kitchen Talk

Sunday Spirit

Musings

Wanderlust

Garden Moments

Sassy Fashionista

About Judy 

Judy Winter is a nationally recognized voice on special needs parenting issues. She is the author of Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations, co-founder of the Eric ‘RicStar’ Winter Music Therapy Camp at Michigan State University, and a 2019 L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth Honoree. Judy’s words have appeared in dozens of publications, several books, and online, including at Forbes.com. She is at work on her first children’s book. Judy lives in Michigan—and visits Paris and Mackinac Island every chance she gets. She is passionate about improving the lives of children.

My Books 

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs challenges families and professionals to help children with special needs reach their full potential by using a motivational, how-to parenting approach that works. This practical, inspiring book provides detailed information on how to let go of the “perfect-baby” dream, avoid the no-false-hope syndrome, access early intervention services, and avoid the use of limiting labels. It includes practical guidelines for working more effectively with professionals, understanding the law and inclusion, and planning for your child’s future. This book features several interviews, including with Tim Shriver, CEO of Special Olympics, and the late Dana Reeve of the Christopher Reeve Foundation. (Jossey-Bass/Wiley Publishers).

 

Or, order from your local independent bookstore.

L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth 

Judy Winter, co-founder of RicStar’s Camp, receives national recognition for her unwavering dedication to honor her son’s legacy through a one-of-a-kind music therapy camp, and utilizes the power of music to change the world for those with special needs. Watch the story of Judy Winter:

Winter Ramblings 

As a contributing newspaper columnist, I usually have something say about life and even the
most unnerving world events. You can find those sassy, passionate and heartfelt musings here.

Brothers-

Brothers-

"We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools." -Martin Luther King, Jr. Winter Images 2024. All rights reserved.

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Sweater Weather-

Sweater Weather-

This week's Sassy Fashionista features a full-length, dark brown sweater with faux-fur cuffs/collar from a new favorite online store I discovered recently. That's right! Not Anthro. Not Free People. Not even T.J. Maxx. This week it's a sweet brick and mortar store in...

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Kind Words 

“As an honoree of the 2019 Women of Worth Program, Judy represents the very best of us— showing that large-scale change begins with the actions of a passionate few. We are honored to recognize her as a member of our L’Oreal Paris family.”

 

Ali Goldstein

President, L’Oreal Paris, USA

"Judy Winter’s book is a wonderful story filled not only with practical insights but also with inspirational ideas for how parents can imagine a future filled with high hopes for every child."

 

Timothy P. Shriver, Ph.D.

Chairman of the Board of Special Olympics

“You channeled the unthinkable pain of losing a child into a way to support other children across our state and I am proud of all your hard work. Your strength and dedication is a testament to some of Michigan’s best qualities. Michigan is lucky to have individuals like yourself who have left a lasting positive impact on the lives of hundreds of Michigan children.”

Gretchen Whitmer

Michigan Governor

“From getting over the myth of the perfect baby, to dealing with staring, to maneuvering the school system, Judy Winter’s wisdom is both practical and inspiring.”

 

Parenting Magazine

Contact Me ❤️

Want to connect about speaking gigs, book signings, interviews, ask a specific question or just share your positive thoughts about my work? Message me— I’d love to hear from you.

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