Get Inspired with Dr. Barb

Dear Valued Listener/Viewer, In this conversation, I talk with Matthew Kenslow. He is a teacher who grew up as an autistic individual. This conversation explores the significance of understanding students in the educational process, emphasizing the need for teachers to get to know their students' interests and strengths. It discusses how this knowledge can inform differentiated instruction, ultima...

Dear Valued Listener/Viewer, In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I interview Gal Erez, a literacy teacher and therapy dog partner. We discuss the innovative inclusion of therapy dogs in educational settings, exploring how these animals can enhance learning, emotional well-being, and social skills among students. Gal shares her journey of integrating therapy dogs into her teach...

Dear Valued Listener/Viewer, In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I interviews Gayle Knowles and Amanda Trisdale, who are leading an initiative to support autistic children through dance. We discuss their personal experiences with autism, the importance of understanding and patience in teaching, and how their collaboration aims to create an inclusive environment for neurodivergent chil...

Dear Valued Listener/Viewer, In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I speak with Stefani Cohen, a clinical social worker specializing in helping children and adults overcome their fear of dogs. We discuss the importance of understanding the roots of this fear, the impact of therapy dogs in classrooms, and strategies for parents and teachers to help children cope with their anxiet...

Dear Valued Listener/Viewer, In this episode of  Get Inspired with Dr. Barb , I sit down with Dr. Kristen Wilcox, a professor and researcher dedicated to bridging the gaps between educational research, policy, and practice. We explore the importance of understanding neurodiversity in education, the unique strengths of positive outlier schools, and the innovative tools being developed to support be...

Dear Valued Listener/Viewer, In this episode of 'Getting Inspired with Dr. Barb', I engage with Perry Knoppert, founder of the Octopus Movement, to discuss the challenges faced by neurodivergent students in education. We explore the importance of nonlinear thinking, the role of parents in supporting their children, and the need for systemic change in educational practices. The conversation also to...

Dear Valued Listener/Viewer, In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I engage in a deep conversation with educator Jackie Scully about the evolving landscape of education. We discuss the importance of holistic learning, the role of alternative education programs like Kumon, and the need for teachers to have more agency in their practices. Jackie shares her journey in education, em...

Dear Valued Listener/Viewer, In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I engages in a deep conversation with Dennis Pitocco, a visionary leader in the non-profit sector. We discuss the importance of innovation in education, the journey of transitioning from a corporate career to a non-profit focus, and the critical role of soft skills in personal and professional development. Dennis shares...

Dear Valued Listener/Viewer, In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I interview Dr. Todd Feltman, an experienced educator and author of 'Transforming into a Powerful Third, Fourth or Fifth Grade Navigator of School Success'. We discuss the importance of empowering students through practical strategies that enhance their educational experience. Dr. Feltman shares insights from his diverse...

Dear Valued Listener and Viewer, In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I speak with Bill Dolan, Emmy- Nominated Video and Life Event Director, about the importance of innovation in education, the power of storytelling, and the impact of personal experiences on professional growth. Bill shares his journey of overcoming a life-threatening health crisis and how it transformed his p...

Dear Valued Listener/Viewer, In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I interview Jess Toft, an educator and advocate for using AI in education. We discuss the importance of improving children's experiences in education, the challenges of bullying in modern schools, and the innovative platform Bully Buddy, designed to support students, teachers, and parents in addressing bullying. Jess sha...

Dear Valuable Valuable / Listener , In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I speak with Joe Stafrace and Dor Gatt from the Service Dogs Malta Foundation. We discuss the importance of education in improving children's experiences through interactions with both service dogs and therapy dogs, the foundation's mission to provide service dogs to individuals in need, and the ex...

Dear Valued Listener/Viewer, In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I interview Dr. Taylor Chastain Griffin, an expert in animal assisted interventions. We discuss the importance of innovation in education, particularly through the responsible inclusion of therapy animals. The conversation covers the challenges schools face in implementing therapy animal programs, the resources available...

Dear Valued Listener/Viewer, In this episode, Valerie Probstfeld and I discuss the intersection of parenting and education, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between parents and teachers. Valerie shares her journey from music to healthcare, highlighting the significance of a growth mindset and the need for awareness in parenting. They explore the concept of creating space between reactio...

Dear Valued Viewver/Listener, In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Lameen Abdul-Malik, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, about the intersection of education and artificial intelligence. We discuss the importance of education for society, the potential of AI to enhance teaching and learning, and the ethical considerations surrounding...

Dear Valued Listener/Viewer, In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I speak with Danny Combs, a leading advocate for neurodiversity and the Inaugural Director of the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office. We discuss the importance of inclusive education for neurodivergent individuals, the innovative approaches taken by TACT to provide employment training, and the challenges faced in imp...

Dear Valued Listener/Viewer, In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I interview David Schatzkamer, a licensed mental health counselor and registered play therapy supervisor. We discuss the significance of play therapy in child development, the role of therapists, and how parents can engage in play therapy techniques at home. David shares insights on the importance of unstructured...

Dear Valued Viewer/Listener, In this episode, I interview Dr. Jennifer Fraser, a leading expert on bullying and its effects on the brain. We discuss the importance of understanding the psychological and neurological impacts of bullying, particularly on children and adolescents. Dr. Fraser emphasizes the need for advocacy and intervention in bullying situations, the role of empathy in preventing bu...

Dear Valued Viewer/Listener, In this episode of Get Inspired with Dr. Barb, Paul L. Gunn Jr. discusses the intersection of education and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of personal experiences in shaping business aspirations. He highlights the significant role teachers play in influencing students' lives and the need for educational systems to foster resourcefulness and collaborat...

Dear Valued Viewer/Listener, In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I interviews Todd Cherches, a leadership expert and author, discussing the intersection of leadership and education. We explore the importance of redefining leadership for students, the power of visual thinking in communication, and practical strategies for teachers to engage students effectively. Todd emphasizes...

Dear Valued Listener/Viewer, In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', Dr. Risë VanFleet discusses her extensive experience in Animal Assisted Play Therapy®, emphasizing the importance of relationships between children and animals. She shares powerful stories of transformation, illustrating how animal interactions can significantly impact children's emotional and social development. The con...

Dear Valued Listener/Viewer, In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I discuss the transformative role of therapy dogs in education with guests Ginette Garrity, a teacher, and Katie Baron, a therapy dog advocate. They explore how therapy dogs can enhance learning experiences, foster engagement, and create a positive classroom environment. The conversation highlights innovative teaching me...

Dear Valued Listener/Viewer, In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I engage with Iuri Melo, the founder of SchoolPulse, to discuss the importance of proactive mental health support in education. We explore the collective responsibility of education, the need for positive relationships between students and educators, and the role of parents in fostering a supportive environment....

Dear Valued Listener/Viewer, In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I speak with Donna Lee Zmenak, a thought leader and expert in biofield energetic communication. We discuss the importance of authenticity in healing and teaching, the challenges faced by neurodivergent children, and the role of parents in advocating for their children's needs. Donna shares her personal journey of overcom...

Dear Valued Listener/Viewer, In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I interview Jonathan Macdonald, the CEO and founder of Potency. World, an initiative aimed at transforming education for children, particularly girls. Jonathan shares his journey from working with children in hospitals to volunteering in schools, emphasizing the importance of engaging and empowering children thro...