Family Therapist Connections - The Podcast

Anne Cunningham, Educational Advocate, shares the first steps concerned parents must take to support their child needs specialized instruction and support in school to access the curriculum. Without data 📈, parental concerns will go unheard and your child will continue to struggle academically, socially/emotionally, and behaviorally. Ms. Cunningham identifies the specific information parents shou...

Lori Melnitsky, Speech Therapist, owner of All Island Speech, and hostess of the podcast,  Stuttering Demystified , speaks today about the things parents need to know about stuttering. From important information, to debunking myths about stuttering, and explaining how stuttering can impacta student or adult, Ms. Melnitsky shares her expertise. Ms. Melnitsky is available to provide you or your love...

Penny McGoey, Certified Marriage & Relationship Coach, discusses how to honor your relationship while parenting your child during challenging times. Putting aside judgement and blaming, Anne Cunningham & Penny McGoey talk about identifying what your child needs to to succeed, creating a home with a predictable routine, and how to love and support each other. Penny McGoey can be reached at:...

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Scott Soifer and Dylan Makani, co-creatures of Ner Chat, the newly released First Ever in-app AAC Messaging Board (found in your smart phone 📲 app store), speaks today about their amazing creation. Ner Chat breaks through the once isolating use of an AAC when students could only communicate directly with the person by them. Ner Chat allows for our nonverbal learners to communicate, text, post on...

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Dr. Donna Geffner, expert in the field of Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), identifies the symptoms of CAPD, how it can be confused with other disorders when not evaluated for. Dr. Geffner shares steps parents can take, how it impacts your child's reading, writing, and social interactions; and how it can be identified in a student as young as 3.6 years old. For an appointment 📞 51...

Dr. Danielle Williams, Director of Alternative PRograms for Valley Stream Central High School District, and CEO & Founder of STIGMA Consulting Group LLC, discusses the importance and impact of alternative programs/ transition (night high schools).  Valuing the students, understanding their needs, allowing them to start over, and forgiving when necessary are some of the compnents that male Dr....

Dr. Robin Collins, ✒️Literacy Expert 📖, and owner of the The Literacy Barn  in Ridgefield, Connecticut, talks about the symptoms and cues teachers and parents should be looking for to identify if their child may have a writing issue. Our students diagnosed (or not yet diagnosed) with ASD, ADHD, Executive Functioning, a reading disability, or writing disability can become overwhelmed by the many s...

Sarah White, LMHC, CCSPADHD, CYT, located in Goshen, New York , discusses other symptoms of ADHD and Executive Functioning that impacts students diagnosed (or undiagnosed). Ms White discusses🗣️ the impact of these diagnosis when they go left untreated in a therapy where strategies and coping mechanisms can be taught and supported. Ms. White explains and supports why some students may need to take...

Mr. Rashan Fray, New York City  🏙️ Educator of 18 years, Father, and Doctorate Candidate, discusses how parents can set their middle schoolers and high schoolers up for success ✨✨ in the new school year.  Addressing the needs and support of the whole student, Mr. Fray shares vital tips and recommendations to help your middle schooler or high schooler be successful by supporting academic skills,...

Amy Thompson Martin, Pediatric OT and Feeding Specialist, shares how she supports parents with their picky eater virtually and in person.  Her deep understanding of the obstacles our children encounter due to a medical issue, sensory issues, motor challenges, or temperament, and how they impact a child at meal time guides the support she provides familes. Amy shares immediate suggestions and tips...

Dr. Naeema Burgess, Clinical/School/Neuropsychologist, founder of Giving Hope LLC, located in Mount Vernon, New York, speaks about neuropsychological evaluations to determine your child's strengths, weaknesses, and develop an appropriate plan. She also discusses how ADHD and Executive Functioning impacts a student academically, socially, and behaviorally. Explaining the wide array of services...

In Part   2 , Penny McGoey, Certified Relationship & Marriage Coach, chats with Anne Cunningham, Educational Advocate, about the pressure, obstacles, and demands put on parents, and the even higher demands put on parents of children with special needs. Penny discusses steps married couples need to take to prioritize their relationship and show up as a strong team to support their family. Spend...

In Part I of II, Penny McGoey, Certified Relationship & Marriage Coach, chats with Anne Cunningham, Educational Advocate, about the pressure, obstacles, and demands put on parents, and the even higher demands put on parents of children with special needs. From skewed life dreams for their family or child, to the different ways such demands can impact a couple socially, emotionally, physically,...

Matthew Kennedy, Rapid Prompting Method Letter Board Practitioner with 15 years experience and Yale graduate, speaks about a different form of communication for our nonverbal communicators. The success many individuals have experienced in sharing their thoughts, feelings, academic knowledge, and building meaningful friendships through RPM is discussed. Mr. Kennedy shares how the non-contact therap...

Melissa Bianchini, therapist and owner of Sensory Stepping Stones, speaks about her approach to ADHD, ADD, Executive Functioning and PANDAS diagnosis. Using typical therapies and other therapies such as Syntonic Phototherapy, auditory retaining, and vestibular therapy, Melissa offers a free consultation to parents where they can share their concerns and create a plan.  Speak with Melissa today bu...

Marcy Nirschel, Autism & Developmental Specialist, holds an Advanced Certification in DIR Floortime. Ms. Nirschel holds a BS and Masters in Special Education. DIR Floortime therapy was developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan in the 1980’s, and follows the natural building blocks of childhood development. DIR in Floortime stands for Developmental, (following) Individual Differences, and Relationship...

Emily Rudolph, Occupational Therapist,  joins us today to talk about our favorite little children who may be experiencing sensory issues. What does that look like and how do sensory issues impact young children cognitively, behaviorally, and emotionally? Ms. Rudolph let's us know. Ms. Rudolph also explains the difference between a "picky eater" and a "Problem Eater". Learn...

Gabrielle Carmody, BCBA, LBA, and Certified Behavioral Sleep Specialist discusses with host, Anne Cunningham, Educational Advocate, the barriers and obstacles parents encounter with their young children diagnosed with autism at bedtime and sleeping through the night. Ms. Carmody explains what sleep latency, sleep dependency, sleep stealer, night waking is. Ms. Carmody explains how to create good s...

Welcome to Family Therapist Connections! A podcast where parents and families can meet a new therapist or provider who can assist with a pressing issues with their child or family. Anne Cunningham, Educational Advocate, introduces and chats with therapists who unpack an obstacle parents may be experiencing with their child or family. Every therapist or provider's contact information can be fo...