Member shines on radio show

Jolie Peters is helping Cheyenne Stanely with LIFEPlan’s Core Services: Referral to Community Supports and Comprehensive Transitional Care.

Tune into Froggy 97, a radio station out of Watertown, NY, and you may hear Garth Brooks singing “Beaches of Cheyenne.” Or you may hear LIFEPlan Member Cheyenne Stanley, who is using self-direction to live her dream of radio broadcasting.

In front of the mic

Cheyenne, 20, is on the autism spectrum, but that doesn’t keep her from performing as a radio DJ on the Country and Western music station. As an intern, she accompanies James Pond on the “Morning Splash” from 7 to 8 a.m. on weekday mornings. It’s what’s known as drive-time in the business. It’s when listening is at its peak for radio.

“Cheyenne is the most passionate and energized person I have ever met. Her love for music, especially country music, is unbelievable,” James said. “Cheyenne glows when she puts those headphones on and adjusts the mic. What gets to me is that Cheyenne uses her disability as her ability! The world needs more people like Cheyenne. I, along with the listeners, are grateful for her.”

She’s a little bit Country.

According to Cheyenne’s Care Manager, Jolie Peters, Cheyenne’s country music knowledge is deep. “She and her mother have shared the love of country music, so Cheyenne knows all the artists and songs. I think that’s why she’s been so successful on the radio station.”

Cheyenne’s Aunt had a connection with the radio station, which led to Cheyenne’s voice as a regular feature on the morning show about a year ago. Jolie is helping Cheyenne transition into making it a regular job. “Since Cheyenne has been working there, the station has been really happy with her work. I’ve been helping her think about making it a permanent job.”

“I appreciate James Pond and the Froggy 97 crew for allowing me to have the opportunity to be an intern on the radio because of the passion it brings me,” said Cheyenne. “It helps me get through the day when I’m having a stressful time.”

Jolie says that, of course, it would be up to the radio station and Cheyenne’s self-direction. Jolie points out that there are pre-employment programs that will train individuals like Cheyenne to be successful. It will be up to Cheyenne’s self-direction.

Ain’t nothing to it

In the meantime, Cheyenne is doing a recorded preshow with James Pond for an upcoming concert by the country band Parmalee in Watertown in June. The band has eight entries on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs.

“The fact they have Cheyenne doing the preshow says to me that the station is pretty confident in her abilities,” said Jolie. “It’s astonishing to me that Cheyenne is a radio talent. She’s really quiet and timid, but get a mic in front of her and ask about Country music, and she shines.”

One of Cheyenne’s favorite country singers of all time, Cody Johnson, says not to give up on anything that comes your way. “And I believe in what he says,” said Cheyenne. “He’s not only a singer but also an influencer and motivator.”