More Than Words: Treating the Whole Child

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Susan Danker about Structured Literacy. Susan is one of the co-owners of The Reading & Language Learning Center. She has always loved reading and is happy to have created a position as a speech-language pathologist that allows her to share her love of literacy with others. Today you will learn:   What structured literacy is and its purpose How many children rea...

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Ashlee about dyslexia and creativity. Ashlee is a student with dyslexia who enjoys playing sports, building lego sets, and drawing. We appreciate Ashlee coming on the podcast to share her experience with dyslexia with you all! Today you will learn: When Ashlee found out she had dyslexia and how it made her feel If she received reading support and if she liked i...

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Gracie about living with dyslexia. Gracie is a student with dyslexia who loves to play sports. We appreciate Gracie coming on the podcast to share her experience with dyslexia with you all! Today you will learn:   How Gracie felt to learn that she had dyslexia If she attended reading therapy and if she liked it. How she has advocated for herself in school How d...

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Diane Douglas about Written Expression and Dyslexia. Diane is an SLP here at RLLC. While everyone at the clinic specializes in dyslexia, Diane also specializes in writing therapy. Today you will learn: What written expression is  Why it’s so hard for students to get started with writing assignments  The connection between language and written expression How dys...

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Nick Bruno about living with a stutter. Nick is an SLP with us here at RLLC. Today you will learn: What stuttering is Nick’s experience with speech therapy Do people get more fluent as they get older? What it’s like studying speech as a person who stutters What it’s like getting a job in the SLP field as a person who stutters Advice for parents of children who...

In this episode of the podcast, we share a bit of a different format because we are celebrating our 1 year anniversary of the podcast! Instead of hearing from one expert, we thought it would be fun to hear success stories from our therapists! We hope you enjoy this fun episode!    We have loved creating and sharing this podcast with you all and we look forward to future episodes.    Make sure to s...

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Denae Sullivan about going back to school with dyslexia. Denae is an SLP here at the Reading and Language Learning Center.  If you’re looking to work with Denae feel free to book a chat with us on our website. Today you will learn:   What parents should do to prepare their children to go back to school How child with dyslexia need to prepare a little differentl...

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Dr. Sabine Heisman about COVID-19 & Mental Health. Dr. Heisman is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Northern Virginia area. She specializes in child psychology. She works for MindWell Psychology where they take a cognitive-behavioral approach to therapy. Today you will learn: How COVID-19 has impacted the mental health crisis What types of symptoms are se...

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Dr. Kathleen Wawrzyniak-Webb about Cognitive Behavioral Basics. Dr. Wawrzyniak-Webb is a licensed clinical psychologist in Hartford, Connecticut. She specializes in mental and emotional health for all: children, teens, adults, and families. She owns the practice Greater Hartford Wellness where they provide therapy for all to work towards their best emotional he...

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Krista Gauthier about Dyslexia and STEM. Krista is the executive director of Sliding Doors where they give students with dyslexia the opportunity to explore STEM that they may not otherwise receive in the typical school setting. They also offer a component of teaching to educators by way of seminars through Dyslexic Edge Today you will learn:   What STEM stands...

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Gabriele Nicolet about Orchid Kids. Gabriele is an SLP, parenting coach, and self-dubbed “toddler whisperer” in the DMV area. She specializes in family communication. She co-owns Raising Orchid Kids where they coach parents to raise their Orchid children with confidence. She also owns a practice called Speech Kids offering speech therapy to children.  Today you...

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Samantha Crooks about AAC in the Classroom. Sam is an SLP in the DMV area. She specializes in AAC in and outside of the classroom. She is the Clinical Lead for AAC Services at National Therapy Center. Today you will learn: What AAC stands for  How SLPs determine if a child would benefit from an AAC device  Possible changes in a child once they have a device Wha...

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Dr. Zachary Cohen about Physical Therapy. Dr. Cohen is a physical therapist in the Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia area. He specializes in physical therapy for adults with active lifestyles and young athletes. Dr. Cohen is the owner of Cohen Health and Performance with locations in Bethesda and McLean. Today we will be discussing: What is physical therapy a...

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Kristen Masci about Dysgraphia. Kristen is an Occupational Therapist in the Northern Virginia area. She is the founder and CEO of “Skills on the Hill” where they provide a variety of different pediatric therapies. Today we will discuss: What is dysgraphia? How is it treated? Why is pencil grip so important?  What are some tools to improve fine motor skills? Do...

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Lauren Coughlin about Regulation. Lauren is an Occupational Therapist (OT) and the Clinical Director at Creative Development in Avon, Connecticut. She works primarily with children and some young adults at Creative Development doing Occupational Therapy. She also works at a private school, offering therapy to those with autism. Today you will learn: What Occupa...

In the second half of this two-part episode, we are chatting with Dr. Lynn Adams who is an SLP working for Moore Pediatric Therapy Services. She specializes in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Child Language Disorders. Today you will learn: What a visual schedule is and why it’s important? The difference between an IFSP and IEP About Asperger syndrome Links and Resources Moore Pediatric Therapy Servic...

In the first half of this two-part episode, we are chatting with Dr. Lynn Adams who is an SLP working for Moore Pediatric Therapy Services. She specializes in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Child Language Disorders. Today you will learn: Some of the challenges parents may face How parents can approach the research regarding ASD What strategies/techniques might parents want to include in their home?...

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Lorraine Hightower about navigating private therapy and school support. Lorraine is a Certified Dyslexia Advocate in the Northern Virginia area working to ensure that the 1 in 5 children that have dyslexia receive the support they need. She assists families at every stage of the special education process and remains dedicated to her aforementioned mission. Whil...

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Kimberly Glassman about the Role of an Education Attorney. Kimberly is a special education attorney in the DMV area working at the Law Office of Brian K. Gruber, P.C. She specializes in special education law and has been representing parents, guardians, and adult students since 2005. Today you will learn: What an education attorney is and why you would need one...

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Dr. Cindy Sherman about Expressive Writing. Dr. Sherman is a Speech-Language Pathologist with a doctorate in Special Education in Washington D.C. She is the CEO and owner of The Write Turn where they specialize in serving students who struggle with written language. Today you will learn: What Expressive Writing is The correlation between language and written ex...

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Sara Zeglevski about Music and Movement. Sara is an SLP at The Reading and Language Learning Center and a Soprano in the Detroit Area. Sar has 7 years of combined experience working with children as a preschool music teacher, applied behavior analysis technician, and phonics and reading tutor. She is passionate about using augmentative and alternative communica...

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Kim Sabourin about the impact of stuttering on the family. Kim is a clinical instructor at Temple University where she primarily runs their fluency specialty clinic. She also owns a small private practice and does teletherapy. She runs support groups for parents, teachers, and adults. In the summertime, she runs the Speak Now Camp for young pre-adolescents and...

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Dr. Matthew Lerner about Facilitating Social Connections For & Among Those with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Dr. Lerner is an Associate Professor of Psychology and an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry & Pediatrics at Stony Brook University. His research focuses on understanding mechanisms of and developing interventions for social and emotional functioning (in pa...

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Adrian Yeates about Wellness and Managing Anxiety. Adrian is a professional freelance wellbeing presenter and Mental Health advocate in Dublin, Ireland. He is the owner of Lizado Services which provides training, presentations, and talks on Mindfulness, Stress Management, and Mental Health in the workplace. This episode is a perfect reminder to everyone to take...

In today’s episode we’re talking to Dr. Jeffery Kranzler about Bullying and Anxiety for Children with Autism. Dr. Kranzler is a therapist in  Bethesda, Maryland. He specializes in Treating Children, Adolescents, and Adults With: Autism Spectrum, Mood Disorders, Anxiety, Panic, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and School-Related Stress. He owns his own practice and provides telemedicine as well as in...