Ep. 159: The Benefits of Boarding for Diverse Learners with Sara Jackson
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Release Date: 11/14/2023
Ep. 190: Should Your Teen Take a Gap Year? with Julia Rogers
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
In this episode, we’re exploring something that is often misunderstood and rarely talked about: gap years. Many parents and students don’t really know exactly what a gap year is or how taking one could be the right choice for them. So today, we are exploring the benefits and considerations of gap years for teens and young adults with learning differences. I’m thrilled to introduce our guest, Julia Rogers, a professional gap year counselor and founder of EnRoute Counseling. Julia is an expert on this topic, and she’s here to shed light on how gap years can be particularly beneficial for...
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Ep. 189: The Private School Option for Kids with Learning Differences with Collette Bowers Zinn
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Welcome to today's episode, where we are navigating the complex landscape of public and private school options for children with learning differences. While many families have had great experiences in both settings, others face challenges that necessitate exploring alternative educational environments. Today, we're diving into the independent school option for those with learning differences, with the expertise of our guest, Collette Bowers Zinn. Collette Bowers Zinn brings over 20 years of dedication to connecting children with the educational environment that is best for them. As a...
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Ep. 188: Enhancing Reading Skills Through Speech-Language Therapy with Stacy Payne MS, CCC-SLP
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Today, I’m excited to discuss the profound impact of early language and speech experiences on cognitive and academic skills, specifically reading skills. Joining us is a seasoned expert in the field, Stacy Payne, a speech-language pathologist and the founder of Bright Beginnings Pediatric Services. Stacy shares her insights on the importance of creating a language-rich environment for children from an early age. She explains how these early interactions, much more than simple bedtime stories, are integral to cognitive development. Through everyday activities and conversations, parents and...
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Ep. 187: What is Social Learning? with Fran Kenton
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to have Fran Kenton with us to discuss social emotional learning (SEL). Fran holds a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology, along with credentials in General and Special Education, and is a Certified Health and Wellness Coach. She is the founder of Autonome, a dynamic and interactive SEL program designed for teens and young adults. In our conversation today, we’ll explore how Fran's unique approach can cultivate crucial skills in kids and teens. She shares insights on what motivated her to focus on SEL, the importance of understanding what motivates...
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Ep. 186: Final Sprint: Tips for a Strong School Year Finish - Hunja Koimburi
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Welcome back to another episode of Diverse Thinking Different Learning! Tune in this episode as Dr. Karen Wilson welcomes educational therapist Hunja Koimburi to the podcast to discuss end-of-year strategies for students with learning differences. As the school year winds down, students and parents alike face many challenges, including but not limited to completing final projects and managing increased stress levels. Hunja shares his expertise on how parents can support their children during this critical time, highlighting how important it is to understand the unique needs of students with...
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Ep. 185: Late Diagnosis: Why Did I Get Missed? with Dr. Monica Blied
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Hey there, welcome back to Diverse Thinking Different Learning! Today, we're diving into a topic that's often overlooked but incredibly important: late diagnoses of ADHD and autism, particularly in women, people of color, and LGBTQ individuals. It's a conversation that's long overdue, and we're so grateful to have Dr. Monica Blied joining us to shed some light on this crucial issue. As a clinical psychologist and founder of Faces of Health, Dr. Blied brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. In her private practice, she specializes in providing psychological assessments for...
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Ep. 184: Could Pathological Demand Avoidance Clarify My Child’s Challenges? with Dr. Casey Ehrlich
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Some parents may describe their child as very strong-willed. That child may show an extreme avoidance of everyday demands, expectations, and requests. But what if the behaviors are not an indication of strong will, but rather occur because a child feels overwhelmed by demands and perceives them as threats to their autonomy and self-control? Are there specific strategies that would be helpful when raising a demand-avoidant child or teen? Today, we’re going to be talking about Pathological Demand Avoidance with Dr. Casey Ehrlich. She is the CEO and founder of At Peace Parents where she...
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Ep. 183: Unlocking Potential: A Dyslexia Journey with Rosalin Abigail Kyere-Nartey
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Welcome to today's episode, where we turn the spotlight to dyslexia awareness and advocacy, featuring the remarkable journey of Rosalin Abigail Kyere-Nartey. Rosalin's story is nothing short of inspiring as she navigates her own experience with dyslexia to become an advocate for change for dyslexic individuals across Africa and beyond. From struggling in academics to finding her passion in culinary school, Rosalin's personal journey highlights the importance of understanding and embracing neurodiversity. Through her organization, the Africa Dyslexia Organization (ADO), Rosalin is making...
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Ep. 182: How to Support Emotionally Intense Children with Samantha Moe
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Today, we're digging into the complex and often challenging world of parenting emotionally intense children. I'm thrilled to introduce our special guest, Samantha Moe, a certified parent coach and speaker who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Samantha's work is nothing short of amazing, providing invaluable support and guidance to parents navigating the complexities of raising emotionally intense children. In this episode, Samantha sheds light on the intricacies of parenting emotionally intense children and shares practical strategies to help parents navigate this often...
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Ep. 181: Youth Anxiety: How Parents Can Help with Dr. Elizabeth Karp
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Welcome back to the Diverse Thinking Different Learning Podcast. Today, we're diving into a crucial topic that affects families worldwide: childhood anxiety. Joining us is Dr. Elizabeth Karp, a licensed clinical child psychologist and adjunct lecturer at Stanford University School of Medicine. With her expertise in evidence-based interventions for ADHD, anxiety, and autism spectrum disorder, Dr. Karp provides invaluable insights into supporting children and families facing these challenges. In this episode, we're building on our previous discussions about childhood anxiety, delving deeper into...
info_outlineParents frequently find themselves searching for the perfect educational environment for their child. And when you have a child who thinks and learns differently, you may also look for an environment where your child has access to interventions that address their unique needs, a program that incorporates clinical support, helps your child develop social-emotional learning and adaptive functioning skills, and provides them with the support of a community of educators and peers. For some students, that could mean a residential or boarding program, where they live and learn in the same place.
Sara Jackson joins us today to talk about the benefits of this type of program for neurodivergent youth. Listen to learn more.
Show Notes:
[2:30] - A boarding school is special because a student is getting the full academic learning, but their life after school is intentionally programmed as well.
[4:35] - Boarding school integrates social-emotional learning into the day-to-day schedule for students which in many other environments is missing.
[6:42] - There is a lot of opportunity for incidental learning.
[8:02] - The biggest benefit for neurodiverse students in a residential program is the built-in community.
[9:33] - Sara explains that the students they serve are experiencing life-changing events that are building self-confidence.
[11:04] - Who is a good candidate for a residential program and what is the right age? It’s a whole family decision.
[13:06] - For a child with learning challenges, the struggles are often the focus. But, a personalized education program like this gives the opportunity to focus on strengths and interests.
[15:13] - In order to thrive, some students need a specialized program.
[16:48] - When students are successful outside of school, it increases confidence during academic learning as well.
[19:01] - Sara describes a typical day for students at Riverview School.
[21:16] - Parents are close partners with Riverview School.
[22:49] - For more information, visit their website. There are virtual and in-person information sessions available.
About Our Guest:
Sara has a BA in Neuroscience from Hamilton College and Master of Social Work from Boston University. She is a licensed clinical social worker. Sara has worked at Riverview School since 2001, in a number of positions including as direct care staff, a clinician, the social pragmatics and behavior specialist and currently as the coordinator of the middle school/high school boarding program.
Connect with Sara:
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The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.