The OT is IN with Sarah Collins the Homeschool OT

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!  who specializes in reading and writing instruction. Together, we dive deep into the world of note taking—what it really means, why it's essential, and how it can be tailored to fit every kind of learner (yes, even the ones who love doodling during Shark Week!). Michelle shares her personal journey of transition...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!  This episode takes a heartfelt look into the Collins family's homeschooling journey, especially focusing on the unique sensory and learning needs of my children, Annabelle and Kaleb. The conversation dives into how homeschooling allowed both Annabelle and Kaleb to better understand and support their own learnin...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!  I am joined by Gretchen Rowe for a heartfelt and insightful conversation about navigating learning challenges with neurodivergent kids. Gretchen shares her personal journeys through homeschooling, discussing everything from the decision to seek formal diagnoses for her children to the ups and downs of finding t...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!  Kelly Edwards, a homeschool parent and creator of the 90 Minute School Day framework shares how early in her own homeschooling journey, Kelly's insights from podcasts and social media were a guiding light. We dive into Kelly's unexpected beginnings with homeschooling, the challenges she faced as a foster and ad...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!  I got the chance to sit down with Katie Cooper, a seasoned occupational therapist turned health coach, who shares her journey from burnout to wellness and how that fueled her passion for supporting other moms. Drawing from nearly two decades of OT experience and her own story of overcoming stress and overwhelm...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!  I am joined by Amirra Condelee—an occupational therapist, stay-at-home mom, and finance advocate who's passionate about empowering families to make intentional choices around work, family, and money. Amirra shares her fascinating journey from pursuing pediatric medicine to finding her calling in occupational th...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!  We'll explore everything from setting the right mindset for both parents and kids, to adopting a belief in every child's competence—no matter their age or learning style. You'll learn how to foster a growth mindset, build routines that balance predictability with flexibility, and adapt activities for learners a...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!  We're exploring a simple yet transformative shift in how we communicate with children facing social-emotional challenges: using declarative language. I'll break down exactly what declarative language is, how it differs from giving direct commands, and why this small change can make a big impact on fostering con...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!  We're welcoming Anna Galloway, an occupational therapist and music therapist whose passion lies in blending the power of music with the practice of OT. With a background that stretches from working in mental health, hospice, and early intervention to championing collaboration across therapies, Anna dives into h...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!  Dr. Jody Jedlicka and I explore the signs and symptoms of APD, delve into its close connections with reading, speech, and even other sensory systems, and break down the process of getting a diagnosis. Most importantly, we highlight the hope and progress possible through effective treatments like auditory traini...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out! Tom breaks down what misophonia really is, how it differs from simple sound sensitivity, and why it's so crucial for families to recognize the signs early. They discuss current research, the lack of mainstream resources, and practical, real-world strategies families can use to support children struggling with th...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!  Dr. Moore, a cognitive psychologist and the Director of Psychology and Research at LearningRx, brings her wealth of knowledge and experience. With a background that spans cognitive training, homeschooling, and ADHD, Dr. Moore is an advocate for understanding and nurturing the unique cognitive landscapes of ever...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!  I'm sitting down with Tere Bowen Irish, an occupational therapist with over 45 years of experience who specializes in mindfulness and yoga, particularly for kids who don't fit into traditional schooling. Tere's name kept popping up for her innovative work in blending occupational therapy, mindfulness, and movem...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!  I'm joined by fellow OT Sarah Anderson—an incredible therapist with over a decade of experience, now specializing in mental health. We dive deep into the intersection of OT and anxiety, especially how it shows up in neurodivergent kids with ADHD or autism. Sarah shares her journey into the mental health field a...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!  Joining me is my great friend and collaborator, Jackie Adrian. We've been friends since our early 20s, and today, we're thrilled to share something we've been working on together – our brand-new book that highlights the sensory processing journey of two chameleons, Sally and Seth. Jackie's not only an author an...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!  Katie Zelinski discusses the intricacies of motor planning, also known as praxis, and its impact on handwriting and daily activities. Katie, with over 11 years of experience in pediatric OT and founder of The Well Balanced OT, shares her wealth of knowledge on how motor planning affects children, from dressing...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!  This week I am talking with Rachel Tidd, an innovative educator renowned for her groundbreaking approach to learning through nature. Rachel has developed curricula like Wild Math and Wild Reading that I have been recommending to families for years. Her knowledge and insights into the outdoor learning world will...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!  -- Julie, a prolific author and expert in writing education, shares her journey from growing up with an award-winning author as a mother, to navigating the world of professional writing and homeschooling. We dive into the unique ways professional writers teach writing, contrasting it with traditional school met...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!  We're diving deep into the world of dysgraphia with our special guest, Cheri Dotterer. Cheri and I first connected through a shared passion for handwriting education, and our journey since has led to fruitful discussions and collaborations. Cheri shares her insightful journey from recognizing her own child's st...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!  -- I am welcoming Carol Brown, an expert in neuroscience and the founder of Equipping Minds. This episode dives into Carol's inspiring journey, motivated by her experiences and research, to better understand and enhance executive functioning. Carol shares how her personal experiences as a mother led to the deve...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!  Rebecca Ray Hodgson, a dedicated occupational therapist based in New Zealand, is a professional who works closely with neurodivergent and chronically ill adults. Rebecca brings her personal lived experience into the discussion, sharing invaluable insights into the nuanced world of rest. Rebecca passionately unp...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!  I'm so excited to share a conversation with my longtime friend and fellow OT, Hana Eichele. We go way back to when we were both starting our occupational therapy businesses, navigating the ups and downs of building something from the ground up. While my work has focused on supporting homeschool families with se...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!  I address how to help children navigate group participation designed for neurotypical children, such as Sunday school, sports and summer camps, and offer practical advice for parents. I share my personal experiences as a mother and educator and explore how identity and family stories contribute to a child's cou...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!   --  I am thrilled to celebrate episode 50, where I deep into your most pressing questions in a special Q&A session. As part of my mission to support the homeschool community, I address the everyday challenges families and caregivers face, offering encouragement, practical strategies, and a sense of hope. I tac...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!   --  Homeschooling is about so much more than academics—it's about connection, emotional regulation, and creating an environment where kids thrive . That's why I'm excited to share powerful strategies from Marnie Love , a Connected Families coach and occupational therapist, who specializes in teaching self-regu...