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For a family raising a child with special needs, life can be difficult. There are many storms to weather and struggles to address, and we often feel isolated and alone due to the nature of our circumstances. Families have a need to connect and find resources, a need to be encouraged, and a need for hope as we walk down what can be a very hard road at times. Hope on the Hard Road Special Needs Podcast was created for this purpose. Our vision is to grow a thriving community, where families with children of all ages with special needs can feel connected, be encouraged, and find hope for the road ahead.
For a family raising a child with special needs, life can be difficult. There are many storms to weather and struggles to address, and we often feel isolated and alone due to the nature of our circumstances. Families have a need to connect and find resources, a need to be encouraged, and a need for hope as we walk down what can be a very hard road at times. Hope on the Hard Road Special Needs Podcast was created for this purpose. Our vision is to grow a thriving community, where families with children of all ages with special needs can feel connected, be encouraged, and find hope for the road ahead.
Episodes

Monday Feb 16, 2026
“Marriage and Caregiving” with Kara & Dan Ryska
Monday Feb 16, 2026
Monday Feb 16, 2026
Marriage and Family Series:
“Marriage and Caregiving” with Dan & Kara Ryska

Hey guys, welcome back to the Hope on the Hard Road Podcast. We are in our Marriage and Family series and we’re excited to introduce you to our guests, Dan and Kara Ryska.
Dan and Kara have been married for 22 years. Kara is the host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast, and Dan is a local high school Assistant Principal with 15 years of experience in education. They have four children, ranging from ages 7 to 17, including one son with diverse disabilities, encompassing physical, visual, behavioral, and medical challenges.
On this episode Dan and Kara sat down with us to share their story both from the perspective of a married couple as well as caregivers, a reality we know many of our listeners and viewers can relate to. So let’s get started and listen into the conversation.
Bio
Dan Ryska is a high school assistant principal with over 15 years of experience in education and a father of four uniquely different kids. Outside of work, he steps up to coach youth sports and fights the good fight against the creeping inertia of his 40s.
Kara Ryska is the host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast. Driven by their personal experiences, Kara has become an advocate for families facing similar hurdles, offering support through her role as a life coach. Her commitment extends beyond the microphone as the creator of "Pathway to Peace," a transformative group coaching community that has touched and changed countless lives. Kara's resilience and wisdom make her a sought-after speaker, sharing her insights on navigating the complexities of parenting children with special needs.
Ladies please join us for Moms Day Out this May 1-3 where Kara will be one of our amazing speakers. We hope to see you there! Tap the link for more info and to register:
https://hopeonthehardroad.regfox.com/moms-day-out-conference-may-2026
Contacts
www.kararyska.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-special-needs-mom-podcast/id1523926612
For a family raising a child with special needs, life can be difficult. There are many storms to weather and struggles to address, and we often feel isolated and alone due to the nature of our circumstances. Families have a need to connect and find resources, a need to be encouraged, and a need for hope as we walk down what can be a very hard road at times. Hope on the Hard Road Special Needs Podcast was created for this purpose. Our vision is to grow a thriving community, where families with children of all ages with special needs can feel connected, be encouraged, and find hope for the road ahead.
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Hope on the Hard Road, Inc. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, medical, or legal advice.

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