Unbabbled

In this episode, the topics and questions came directly from the Unbabbled Listeners. Unbabbled hosts Stephanie and Meredith answer questions submitted through social media and email by listeners, Parish School families and even one former student. Topics covered include strategies for supporting children who struggle with homework, social events like birthday parties, why a child may be referred...

In this episode, we speak with hairdresser Dee Foster about her passion for sensory-friendly haircuts. Dee shares insights on what makes a positive sensory friendly haircut, why she feels they are so important to support families and tips for families looking for a sensory-friendly haircut experience. Dee also shares helpful self-advocacy strategies for families and acknowledges how something as s...

For many people, summer camp is a life-changing experience. Camp For All was designed so children and adults with disabilities, challenging illnesses and special needs can have these same life-changing experiences. In today’s episode, we speak with Camp for All CEO, Pat Prior Sorrells about the impact of barrier-free camps on children’s lives. Pat discusses what a barrier-free camp environment loo...

In this episode, speech-language pathologists Allison Feldman, MS, CCC-SLP, and Jennifer Rose, MS, CCC-SLP, give helpful information for families seeking a speech and language evaluation. Jennifer and Allison take us through the entire evaluation process from where to start, to what the evaluation may entail and what to expect after an evaluation. During the episode, we discuss how a child qualifi...

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Erika Westreich, PsyD, LSSP, about understanding dyslexia identification and intervention laws in Texas. Dr. Westreich has over 10 years of experience in public and charter schools providing educational evaluations. Throughout the episode, we discuss the new law passed in Texas moving dyslexia from general education support to special education services. Dr. West...

In this episode, we discuss Art Therapy with Ania Wasowicz, LCAT. During the conversation, Ania explains what Art Therapy is, who may benefit from art therapy and how she found her passion for supporting people through the creative arts. Ania also discusses why art therapy may work better for some kids than more traditional talk therapy. Finally, she touches on myths and misunderstandings around A...

In this episode, we sit down with nature-learning educator and expert, Amanda McMickle, M.Ed. Amanda has over 20 years of experience as an educator and school leader working in nature-based programs in private and public Elementary and Early Childhood schools. During the episode, Amanda discusses her personal journey as an educator that led to her passion and knowledge of nature-based learning. Sh...

When most people think about math, they picture numbers and equations. Today’s guest, Dr. Sarah Powell, explains that math is more than just numbers – it’s vocabulary, language comprehension, cognition and executive functioning on top of understanding number sense! Throughout the episode, Sarah digs into the language of math, gives tips on how to teach math vocabulary and discusses why supporting...

In this episode, we chat with Beth Rosenbleeth from Days with Grey about helping children learn a variety of life skills for both their daily lives now and in the future. This includes gamifying learning and breaking skills down into simplified, easy-to-follow steps. Throughout the episode, Beth shares why she developed her Life Skills for Big Kids cards, how her own boys have responded to learnin...

In this episode, we sit down with Judy Blake, the community outreach liaison at Innerlight Community Advocates, to discuss finding resources to support children and their families. Throughout the episode, Judy shares her personal experiences as a parent and her professional experience supporting families through her roles in a variety of Texas-based organizations. She provides both general advice...

In this episode, The Parish School’s Curriculum Specialist Laura Causey, MAT, CALP and Speech-Language Pathologist Stephanie Landis, MS, CCC-SLP discuss the differences and similarities between curriculum modifications, classroom accommodations and differentiation. Laura and Stephanie are a part of the elementary leadership team at The Parish School working collaboratively to design and align the...

In this episode, we speak with licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Saporito, PhD, about gender differences in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) presentations and the less frequently identified and talked about type of ADHD that often includes traits of inattentiveness, perfectionism and being rule bound. Dr. Saporito discusses both the stereotypical ADHD presentation and other way...

In this episode, we speak with pediatrician Dr. Benjamin Ho, MD, FAAP, about concierge medicine. Dr. Ho is the Medical Director of Texas Children's Pediatrics Concierge Medicine Program – a program he recently helped bring to Texas Children’s. Throughout the episode, Dr. Ho discusses what concierge medicine is and how the delivery model differs from the traditional medical model. He also disc...

In this episode we speak with mental health professional Josie Gardner about ways to navigate tricky conversations with loved ones regarding our child and their needs, diagnosis, challenges and strengths. Josie discusses the positives, and possible negatives, of directly naming and speaking about a diagnosis your child might have. She also gives tips and scripts to help you navigate those conversa...

In this episode Dr. Natalie Montfort, PhD discusses eloping. She shares what it means for a child to elope or wander and where and when it can happen. She also answers questions about which children are most at risk of eloping and ways families and caregivers can prepare themselves. Throughout this conversation Dr. Montfort provides research-based information for families aimed at empowering, not...

In parenting, it’s often said that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. In other words, children are often a lot like their parents! This can be a great thing and also cause some frustration. In this episode we speak with licensed professional counselor, Courtney Suddath, about ways parents can support their children when they find themselves having the same struggles.  Courtney Suddath recen...

Today’s episode is from our podcast vault, previously released in our first season! We sit down with speech-language pathologist and Childhood Apraxia of Speech expert, Nancy Kaufman. Nancy is the owner and director of the Kaufman Children’s Center in Michigan where she has established the Kaufman Speech to Language protocol, a treatment approach to help children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech b...

It’s December and for many that means the start of a very busy holiday season. From travel, to major changes in schedules, to unfamiliar holiday traditions, this can be a difficult season for children to navigate. However, there are a few simple strategies parents can use to take some stress out of the holidays for the whole family.  This previously aired episode is from our first podcast season....

In this episode, we speak with legendary Speech-Language Pathologist, Dr. Carol Westby, about the importance of play and personal narratives in early learning for later language and academic success. During the episode, Carol discusses how she began researching play, and shares her years of experience supporting students in public schools. She also details the ways play development supports later...

In this episode, guest Dr. Matt Fugate discusses twice exceptional, or 2E, students. 2E students have been identified as Gifted and Talented along with another diagnosis such as a learning or neurological difference or communication disorder. We were surprised by Matt’s definition of what it means to be twice exceptional, which gave us a new perspective in viewing these students. He also discusses...

Parents and children all have the same dream – to spend their summer days having fun without the stress and pressure of the school year. However, many parents also worry that too much fun could cause a loss of progress or skills gained during the year, or as some call it, the dreaded “summer slide.” Luckily, there are many ways to have fun while still preparing for the school year ahead. In this e...

In this episode we speak with dyslexia specialist, Marilyn Zecher, MA, CALT, about using her expertise and experience as a Certified Academic Language Therapist to teach mathematics. During the episode, Marilyn explains what it means to teach using a “multisensory approach”, discusses the intersection of language and mathematics and talks about why it is so important to use real world, hands-on le...

In this episode Stephanie speaks with Dr. Michele Joseph, Head of School at Gateway Academy about supporting high school students as they transition into young adulthood. Gateway Academy is a private school in Houston, Texas that serves 6th-12th grade students with academic and social challenges. Through their programming, Gateway supports students on their path to employment, college, and life be...

In this episode we speak with Elizabeth Elder about finding a community and support system as a mother of children with special needs. Elizabeth is the founder of Steel Magnolia Moms, a Houston based support group for Mothers of children with special needs. Steel Magnolia Moms offers a variety of programs, events, and an online community designed to share knowledge, resources and, most importantly...

In this episode Elizabeth Montero-Cefalo, former special education teacher and Conscious Discipline Master Instructor, discusses the positive impact of using Conscious Discipline at home and in her classroom. Elizabeth highlights the changes she implemented in her classroom and home that had the greatest impact as well as which elements of conscious discipline she started with and why. She also gi...