Libsyn Directory

Ep. 230: Executive Functioning & Navigating the Yearly Calendar with Michelle Porjes

Release Date: 03/25/2025

Ep. 259: Autism and ADHD Masking: The Signs & Hidden Costs with Dr. Deanna Dow

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

We warmly welcome Dr. Deanna Dow to the podcast. Dr. Dow is a licensed clinical psychologist with over two decades of experience supporting neurodivergent individuals and families. She is the founder and CEO of Spectrum Psych LA, a multidisciplinary clinic that provides assessment, therapy, occupational therapy, medication management, and community-based support, and she has trained and worked in autism clinics and research centers at major institutions including the University of Michigan, the University of North Carolina, Florida State University, and UCLA where her research has...

Ep. 258: Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, and ADHD: Why Math Feels So Overwhelming for Some Kids with Adrianne Meldrum & Heather Brand

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

We are so thrilled to have not just one guest this episode but two - Adrianne Meldrum and Heather Brand! Adrianne Meldrum founded and owns Made for Math, a fully online math center that supports students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and other math-related learning challenges. She is a certified Multisensory Math Instructor and holds a master’s degree from Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity. Adrianne lives in Arizona with her husband and three sons, where she enjoys the beautiful sunsets. Heather Brand, M.Ed., is a licensed educator with two decades of experience teaching...

Ep. 257: Helping Kids with Dyslexia and ADHD Build Confidence Through Stories with Lynn Greenberg

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

We are so excited to have Lynn Greenberg join us for this edition of the show. Lynn has devoted her life to being an advocate for children as a trained attorney specializing in family law and pro bono work. When her youngest son, Jonathan, was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD, she stepped into the role of being his advocate, using her expertise to help carve a path toward his success. The experience inspired her to support neurodivergent children more broadly, and she discusses how co-writing the children’s book with Jonathan became a natural next step, allowing her to create characters in...

Ep. 256: How to Help Neurodivergent Teens and Young Adults Navigate Dating with Dr. Elina Veytsman

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

We are so happy to have Dr. Elina Veytsman join us for this episode of the show! Dr. Elina Veytsman is a licensed psychologist and the Director of Training at the UCLA PEERS® Clinic, where she leads groups for neurodivergent youth and their caregivers while also training interns, postdocs, and professionals. She earned her Psychology degrees at UCLA and UC Riverside, researching developmental disabilities and transition experiences for youth and parents, and completed her doctoral internship providing therapy, parent training, and diagnostic assessment services. Since joining the UCLA PEERS®...

Ep. 255: How to Talk to Siblings About Neurodiversity with Liz Angoff, Ph.D.

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

Join us for this episode of Diverse Thinking, Different Learning as we welcome Liz Angoff Ph.D. to the podcast. Dr. Angoff is a Licensed Educational Psychologist and Diplomate in School Neuropsychology who offers assessment and consultation services for children and families in the Bay Area, California. She wrote the Brain Building Books series and Our Brains, which help neurodivergent children better understand, appreciate, and advocate for their unique minds. Learn more about Dr. Liz and her work at her . Throughout our conversation, we talk about how when one child in a family is identified...

Ep. 254: Why Handwriting Is So Hard for Neurodivergent Kids (and Why Practice Isn’t the Answer) with Leslie Catlett

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

Please join us in welcoming Leslie Catlett, MS, OTR/L to the podcast! Leslie is the founder of , where she helps children develop confident, functional handwriting skills that support real learning. As a pediatric occupational therapist and mom of two, she approaches handwriting challenges by looking beyond neatness to understand the deeper factors affecting each child. Leslie specializes in working with children with ADHD, dysgraphia, dyslexia, and autism, creating individualized, engaging strategies that make writing more accessible and meaningful. She holds a Master’s degree in...

Ep. 253: When Motivation Disappears: How to Help Tweens and Teens Reconnect with Dr. Ellen Braaten

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

I am so happy to welcome back for her third time on the show! In case you missed those episodes and/or need a refresher, Dr. Ellen Braaten is the founding director of the Learning and Emotional Assessment Program at Massachusetts General Hospital and an associate professor at Harvard Medical School. She is a prolific researcher and author whose work focuses on ADHD, learning disorders, child psychopathology, processing speed, intelligence, and children’s motivation, including bestselling books for parents and professionals. Deeply committed to public education, she frequently speaks on...

Ep. 252: How to Make the School System Work for Your Child with Stacey Shubitz

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

We are joined in this episode by , K-6 literacy consultant, a former elementary school teacher, and the co-founder of the blog and podcast. Her forthcoming book, empowers parents to navigate the special education system. In this episode, we talk openly about what it really takes to support a child with learning challenges in today’s school system. Drawing from decades of experience on both sides of the table, Stacey shares why she wrote Make the School System Work for Your Child with Disabilities and what she wishes someone had told her when she was first trying to make sense of...

Ep. 251: Sensory Processing & Regulation: How Play Rewires the Brain with Dr. Allie Ticktin, MA, OTD, OTR/L

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

We happily welcome Dr. Allie Ticktin to Diverse Thinking Different Learning! Dr. Ticktin is dedicated to helping children and their families thrive through sensory-based play, having founded Play 2 Progress and writing Play to Progress, introducing parents to all eight senses and offering practical ways to support them at home. Blending child development science with playful learning, Dr. Ticktin focuses on building kids’ confidence and supporting their growth across emotional, social, physical, and academic areas. At the core of her philosophy is the belief that empowering parents from the...

Ep. 250: Reimagining Learning: The Evolving Power of 1:1 Learning in 2025 with Jaime Porras

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

We are happy to welcome Jaime Porras for this episode! Jaime Porras is the District Vice President for , overseeing nine campuses across Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. With more than two decades in education (including fourteen years at Fusion), he has held roles from teacher to Head of School and is passionate about fostering student-centered, relationship-driven learning environments. He holds an MA in Education with a focus on Social Justice from Antioch University Los Angeles and a BA in English from Ohio State University. A proud Buckeye and Culver City resident, Jaime enjoys sports,...

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We are honored to welcome returning guest Michelle Porjes to the show for this episode. Michelle is a licensed educational psychologist and credentialed school psychologist in California with over twenty-five years of experience in education. She holds advanced degrees in Educational and School Psychology from the University of Denver and the University of South Florida, specializing in learning, emotional, and behavioral assessments, as well as teacher coaching and program development. Michelle runs an executive function practice and has authored two e-books on the topic.

Michelle joins us in this episode to explore strategies for supporting students in developing essential skills throughout the school year, sharing some practical insights into how families can structure time management, organization, and planning around the academic year.

In this episode, we discuss the rhythm of the school year and how certain executive functioning skills are more important at specific times, such as reassessing schedules in March and April, preparing for standardized tests, and managing the demands of spring sports and performances. Michelle highlights helpful strategies for building habits like checking supplies, updating calendars, and ensuring work is completed and submitted.

Throughout our discussion, Michelle highlights key techniques such as "show me, don’t tell me” and the importance of self-regulation, especially during stressful periods. She also stresses that executive functioning isn’t just a skill for students but is important for adults too as they take on tasks and effectively manage their time.

This episode offers valuable tools for improving executive functioning and reducing stress, helping students and adults balance demands while staying organized and focused. Be sure to check out Michelle’s book Navigating the Yearly Calendar, and we hope that you enjoy this conversation!

Show Notes:

[2:41] - Michelle points out that executive functioning is essential for everyone, with strategies improving over time and varying throughout the year.
[5:28] - The school year has a rhythm and consistent tasks like updating calendars help maintain organization.
[7:33] - Michelle explains that March and April are key for reassessing schedules, and stresses having consistent study blocks.
[11:01] - In April, check supplies, clean backpacks, and focus on self-regulation to help manage stress.
[12:42] - Revisiting schedules and using executive functioning skills are important for maintaining organization and balance.
[15:32] - Even during vacations, check school tasks to avoid surprises and to balance responsibilities with fun.
[18:11] - Tasks aren’t done until shown, and students often need guidance to ensure completion, especially during testing.
[19:28] - Michelle argues that standardized testing is important for colleges, teaching time management, and task completion skills.
[22:11] - Michelle adds that a structured homework process, self-regulation, and proper preparation are key to performing well.
[25:08] - Real success is about balancing priorities and managing time, not just completing tasks.
[27:48] - Michelle points out that self-reflection and breaking tasks into smaller pieces can help improve executive functioning.
[29:45] - Michelle addresses procrastination, stressing that it often stems from anxiety or avoidance.
[31:49] - Accountability can help fight procrastination by addressing underlying issues.
[34:43] - Coaching teaches executive functioning skills and provides individuals with guidance on how to apply strategies effectively.
[37:11] - Coaching varies per individual, but ongoing support is important for lasting success.

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