In today’s episode, we’re talking to John Thomas about Cultivating a positive mindset for going back to school. Mr. Thomas is a former classroom teacher in the northern Virginia area. He specializes in creating positive and fun learning environments to build students up and help them achieve their best potential. John is now a tutor in the area hel…

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Irene Ilachinski about ADHD in Mothers. Irene is a licensed clinical social worker in the Northern Virginia area. She specializes in treating adults with PTSD and High-functioning women with ADHD. Her practice is called Open Bridges Counseling and it’s located in Fairfax, VA. Today we will answer these questions…

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Dr. James Siddall about How Schools Identify And Support Students With Dyslexia. Dr. Siddall is a licensed school psychologist in Northern Virginia. He owns his own practice where he offers psychoeducational services to students of all ages. Today we will answer these questions: Can you tell us what happens befo…

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Joan Green about The Benefits Of Tech To Support Attention, Organization, Literacy, and Communication. Joan is an SLP and Inclusive Assistive Technology Specialist in the DMV area. Through her practice, Innovative Speech Therapy, she specializes in assistive tech for individuals of all ages. Today we will answer…

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Judith Bass about Fostering Independence & Self-Advocacy. Judy is a certified educational planner based in Maryland. She specializes in the field of college and postsecondary placement for students who learn differently. Today we will answer these questions: What is self-advocacy? How do you teach self-advocacy …

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Joanna Salzman about IEPs, 504 Plans, the laws that make them possible, and More. Joanna is an educational consultant in Maryland. Joanna is a strong advocate for families in the initial identification of students who need an IEP and 504 plan. She is well-versed in the law, IDEA, and ensures that schools follow …

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Amy Mounce & Shari Perry about removing before and after-school roadblocks for student success. Amy & Shari are the owners of Proactive Strategies & Solutions where they equip all stakeholders with the knowledge base and strategic approaches to facilitate children and adolescents’ academic, behavioral, and socia…

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Aubrey Huntsman about occupational therapy handwriting exercises you can do at home. Aubrey is the Lead Occupational Therapist at The Arc of Loudoun/Aurora Behavior Clinic in Loudoun County Virginia. Today we will answer these questions: How does occupational therapy help handwriting? What kind of handwriting wa…

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Lynn Klaiman about Raising A Future Reader. Lynn is an educational specialist in the DC area who specializes in helping parents find educational solutions for their unique students. Today we will answer these questions: At what age should you introduce literacy concepts? What are some ways you can support litera…

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Dr. Layne Kalbfleisch about Stealth Dyslexia. Dr. Kalbfleish is an educational psychologist & cognitive neuroscientist with offices in Virginia and New Mexico. Dr. Kalbfleisch works with adults of all ages, parents, and their kids to maximize the results of testing from educational and clinical assessments throu…

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Jen Dryer about Coaching Parents To See Beyond Their Children’s Behavior. Jen is a parent coach, advocate, and educational consultant in the DC, Maryland, Virginia area. Jen specializes in supporting families and teachers of neuro-different children. Today we will answer these questions: Why would a parent need …

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Jonathon Wilkins about testing accommodations. Jonathon is the Director of Advising and Outreach at Top Score Education in the DC Metro Area. Top Score Education is one-on-one in-home & virtual test prep, tutoring, and skills-based learning individualized for each child. Today we will answer these questions: Wha…

Episode Notes In today’s episode, we’re talking to Wendy Weinberger about ORganization & Anti-Procrastination. Wendy is the President & Co-Founder of Illuminos in the Northern Virginia area. We’re happy to have Wendy with us in this episode to discuss strategies for improving success in children with ADHD or Executive Function struggles. Today we w…

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Shira Woodlee about Children & Phone Usage at Bedtime. Shira is an executive function coach in the DC-Maryland-Virginia area. She's the founder and owner of EdFront Online, where they specialize in advocacy, executive function coaching, and online college coaching. Today we will answer these questions: Why do yo…

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Dr. Layne Kalbfleisch about Unmasking. Dr. Kalbfleish is an educational psychologist & cognitive neuroscientist with offices in Virginia and New Mexico. Dr. Kalbfleisch works with adults of all ages, parents, and their kids to maximize the results of testing from educational and clinical assessments through coac…

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Julie Skolnick about her top 10 strategies for successful communication between parents and educators of 2e students. Today we will answer these questions: What does it mean to be a 2e student? When should parents begin talking to their children’s teachers about their twice exceptionality? Why is it so important…

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Stephanie Gerstenblith about Executive Function and Organization. Stephanie is the owner and founder of Enhancing Your Strengths, which specializes in Supporting academic success through developing individual plans to help with enhancing your strengths. Stephanie’s passion for helping others overcome challenges …

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Dr. Jaclyn Halpern about A Neurodiversity Affirming Approach to Autism/ADHD Support . Dr. Jaclyn Halpern is a licensed psychologist in Maryland, DC, Delaware, and Virginia with Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) under the PSYPACT. She is the Director, Co-Founder, and Clinical Supervi…

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Dr. Carey Heller about ADHD & Anxiety. Dr. Carey Heller is a licensed psychologist and founding partner of Heller Psychology Group. He specializes in the evaluation and treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), executive function issues, learning disabilities, and related items including anxi…

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Debbie Rosen and Lindsey Thoms of The StudyPro about Ways to Supercharge Executive Functions. Debbie and Lindsey are executive function specialists in the Northern Virginia area. They opened The StudyPro to build stronger students by cultivating study and Executive Function skills. Today we will answer these que…

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Karese Laguerre about Myofunctional Therapy & Sleep. Karese is a registered dental hygienist in South Florida. She specializes in orofacial myology. She owns her own practice based in South Florida and Central New Jersey, and can also see people virtually. Today we will answer these questions: How do you determi…

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Stephanie Frumkin about School Options for Twice Exceptional Students. Stephanie is an educational consultant in the DC Metropolitan Area. She specializes in helping families with students who are very bright or gifted and have learning differences such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or anxiety find the best school …

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Wesley Diener about Teaching Language Through Music. Wesley is a singer and vocal music educator in the Chicago area. He is the founder and owner of WD Studio where students learn to use their voices to their full potential through virtual voice training. Today you will learn: What WD Studio is The age range the…

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Carmen Zahra about the soft skills needed for post-secondary success. Carmen is the National Director of Outreach at The College Living Experience (CLE). At CLE they specialize in aiding students to live independently. Today you will learn: What CLE is Who CLE is for How long students stay in the program The sof…

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Lori Melnitsky about Stuttering & Acceptance. Lori is an SLP in New York. She specializes in stuttering. Lori owns her own practice called All Island Speech, where they provide stuttering help to children and adults. Today you will learn: Why Lori, as a person who stutters, decided to pursue a degree to become a…

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Dr. Lindsey Dogali about the Signs & Symptoms of Dyslexia. Dr. Dogali is a licensed clinical psychologist in Maryland. She specializes in psychological testing for children. She owns a practice in Chevy Chase, Maryland where they provide ADHD testing, learning disability testing, and social/emotional testing. To…

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Jacobo Diaz about living with dyslexia. Jacobo is a student in London. We appreciate Jacobo coming to share his story with us today! Jacobo is working on an app for dyslexia called Activate which is a gamified version of dyslexia intervention. He hopes to help others like him along their journey with dyslexia! T…

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Stephanie Howley about the coaching approach to early intervention. Stephanie is a licensed SLP in the Richmond, Virginia area. She works with Soar365 specializing in early intervention speech therapy. Today you will learn: What is EI and how it works How children are referred for early intervention services Wha…

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 l…

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 …

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. H…

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…

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 perso…

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 loo…

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 wi…

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 …

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 thera…

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 Dysl…

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 Ki…

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 Possibl…

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…

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…

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 th…

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 …

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/techni…

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 rem…

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 a…

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 …

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 …

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…