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

Release Date: 03/25/2025

Ep. 248: The Power of Early Intervention: How Neuroplasticity Shapes Young Brains with Dr. Viannae Nelkin

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

Joining us for this episode of Diverse Thinking Different Learning is . Dr. Viannae Nelkin is a board-eligible pediatric neuropsychologist and founder of . She earned her master’s and doctorate in clinical psychology, training at top institutions including Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Cedars-Sinai, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, and Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Her work focuses on early intervention, neurodiversity-affirming care, and empowering families to help their children thrive. Deeply committed to supporting children with neurological and genetic...

Ep. 247: Helping Kids by Building Stronger Families: A Systems Approach to Support with Dr. Adi Soffer

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

We happily welcome to Diverse Thinking Different Learning this week! Adi Soffer, PsyD is a licensed psychologist who works with children, teens, and families, and she combines family structure therapy with evidence-based practices to help families strengthen communication, establish healthy boundaries, and deepen emotional connections. Passionate about guiding parents and children through challenges such as anxiety, behavioral issues, and major life changes, Dr. Soffer offers care via her private practice, Kesher Psychological Services. She sees clients in Los Angeles and provides virtual...

Ep. 246: Accommodations, Modifications, or Remediation? How to Know What Your Child Really Needs with Amy Cushner

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

For this episode of the show, we are joined by ! Amy has dedicated more than 30 years to the Shelton School and a lifetime to advocating for neurodivergent individuals, infusing passion, humor, and wisdom into every stage she graces. From classrooms in Dallas to conferences in China, she has become a sought-after voice championing inclusive, strengths-based approaches across both education and business.. In this episode, Amy breaks down the important differences between accommodations, modifications, and remediation in the education system, explaining how these terms are often used...

Ep. 245: What Is Executive Function Coaching? with Rana Lustyan

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

Joining us for this episode of Diverse Thinking Different Learning is Rana Lustyan! is the founder of Growing Minds Coaching, where she helps students with learning differences develop confidence, independence, and academic achievement. She combines strength-based coaching, neuroscience-informed methods, and practical executive function tools to create personalized routines that last. Rana shares her personal journey with ADHD and how it inspired her to help students, especially girls and young women, build the essential life skills needed for lasting confidence and independence. She...

Ep. 244: From Burnout to Balance: Supporting Parents Raising Neurodivergent Kids with Leslie Forde

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

Joining us for this episode of Diverse Thinking Different Learning is Leslie Forde! Leslie is the CEO and Founder of Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs® and soon-to-be published Author of Repair with Self-Care: Your Guide to the Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs. Her business provides evidence-based tools to help moms reclaim their time and well-being from the never-done-list while also helping employers retain working parents and caregivers. Since March of 2020, over 3,700 parents have participated in her research study (the longest-running of its kind) on the pandemic’s ongoing impact on work,...

Ep. 243: From Inclusion to Belonging: Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools with Amanda Morin

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

We are happy to welcome to the show this week! Amanda is a neurodivergent advocate for neurodiversity, an award-winning author of six books, an early childhood expert, and a nationally recognized speaker who is passionate about building accessible and inclusive spaces for neurodivergent people. Drawing on her background in learning and child development, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), special education, advocacy, and mental health, she translates complex information into clear, practical insights for parents, educators, and employers striving to design inclusive content, programs, and...

Ep. 242: How One Woman Rewired Her Brain and Created a Path for Struggling Learners with Barbara Arrowsmith-Young

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

Joining us for this episode of Diverse Thinking Different Learning is ! Barbara is a pioneering author and innovator in neuroeducation, known for applying neuroplasticity to improve cognitive function. Since 1978, her work has helped individuals with learning difficulties, brain injuries, addiction, and age-related decline, and it is now used worldwide. She shares her groundbreaking journey in her bestselling book and her , and continues advancing research as Director of the program. In this episode of Diverse Thinking Different Learning, Barbara shares her deeply powerful journey of...

Ep. 241: How to Be a ‘Screen-Smart’ Parent with Jodi Gold, MD

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

We are very excited to welcome of to the show this week. Dr. Jodi Gold is a board-certified pediatric and adult psychiatrist with expertise in child and adolescent pharmacology, reproductive psychiatry, psychotherapy for mood and anxiety disorders, and the impact of digital technology. She has earned multiple awards from esteemed organizations, including NIMH and AACAP. From 2006 to 2012, she led the child and adolescent psychiatry outpatient department at Weill Cornell and has since taught and mentored at both Cornell and Columbia. Dr. Gold is also the author of the acclaimed book , which...

Ep. 240: Using the Summer Months to Advance Reading Skills with Dr. Steve Truch & Devan Kublik

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

We have not just one but two guests for you this week - Dr. Steve Truch and Devan Kublik! Steve has over 50 years of experience in education, beginning as a junior high school English teacher and then working as a school psychologist, ultimately founding clinics across North America to provide one-on-one therapy for students with learning difficulties. He is the primary author of the Discover educational programs used at the clinics and has written several books and articles on reading and cognitive assessment. His work reflects a continued commitment to aligning educational methods with...

Ep. 239: Balancing Summer Rest and Learning Support for Diverse Learners with Ashley Harding

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

We are happy to welcome Ashley Harding to the podcast this episode. Ashley is a fourth-generation educator and is deeply committed to educational equity. She holds degrees from USC and Tufts University in Child Development, and her career spans more than a decade, during which she has supported students and families in private and independent schools and contributed to global education initiatives in South Africa and Belize. Formerly the Director of External Engagement for a national school network, she has co-authored research on disparities affecting Black and Latino males and has been...

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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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