Shows
Stream of DreamearlyEpisode 15: How to make Two Months Last a Lifetime: The Secret Power of Summer CampWhat really makes sleepaway camp so magical, and who’s working behind the scenes to keep it all running? In this episode, Alana sits down with Sean Steinmetz and Ilana Rosenzweig, director and assistant director of Camp Lavi, for an honest, funny, and inspiring conversation about the joy and responsibility of leading camp. They talk about what it means to create a culture of care, how they support homesick campers (and anxious parents!), why professional development is important for staff throughout the summer, and the generational impact of Jewish camp. If you've ever wondered how a 60-day experience leaves a...2025-07-1344 minStream of DreamearlyEpisode 14: Meaningful Play Starts at Home: A Montessori Approach What if helping your child thrive didn’t require fancy art projects or constant entertainment? In this episode, parenting expert and Montessori guide Anya Garcia shares how to create meaningful play experiences at home using simple materials, clear boundaries, and a whole lot of intention. We explore what Montessori really means, how to set up your space to support independence, and why that matters so much for your child’s development. Plus: you’ll get access to a free downloadable sensory bin play guide, a high impact way to spark creativity and connection without the overwhelm. Anya Garcia, founder of Mont...2025-07-0148 minStream of DreamearlyEpisode 13: Not Just Story Time: Building Meaning with Play and ParshaWhat if Torah study started with a dance, a question, or a cardboard box? In this episode, Jonathan Shmidt Chapman, educator, theater artist, and author of Let There Be Play, invites us into a world where young children don’t just hear the story of the Parsha, they experience it. We explore how he’s transforming sacred texts into playful, immersive experiences that are both joyful and deeply meaningful. If you’ve ever wondered how to bring Torah to life for young children, this conversation is a must-listen. To purchase Jonathan's book, Let There Be Play: Bringing the Bible...2025-06-2439 minStream of DreamearlyEpisode 12: Shifting Into Summer: Structure, Sunshine, and SanitySummer promises sunshine, freedom and a whole lot of unpredictability. In this episode of Stream of Dreamearly, Alana is joined by clinical social worker, Rebecca Jerozolim, to explore how families can move from school year structure to summer mode without losing their minds (or their routines). They unpack how to reframe boundaries, ease parent anxieties, and foster independence in children through simple, meaningful summer shifts. From negotiating the ice cream truck to communicating with teen counselors, this episode offers real life problems and strategies for a smoother, saner summer. It’s a must listen for any parent hoping to trade the...2025-06-0448 minStream of DreamearlyEpisode 11: Misfit or Missed Fit: Shifting Our Thinking To Help Kids Thrive, Especially When They’re Outside The BoxIn this episode, Sam Archibald shares his deeply personal story of being a kid whose strengths didn’t fit into the typical school mold. While classrooms left him feeling boxed out, Sam reflects on the talents and perspectives he carried all along and how they’ve shaped his work and parenting today. Now a professional who creates environments where others can thrive, Sam talks about what he wishes adults had known back then, and how we can unlock the potential of kids who don’t fit the mold. Whether you’re a parent, or teacher, this conversation will help you see stru...2025-05-0637 minStream of DreamearlyEpisode 10: Sense & Sensorybility: Raising Regulated, Focused & Balanced Neurodivergent KidsWhat do you do when your child melts down over a sock seam? Or can’t sit through a story, much less a school day? In this episode, we chat with the amazing Lisa Chan (@lisaparentcoach), a pediatric occupational therapist and parent coach, who specializes in helping families support neurodivergent kids struggling with sensory processing, executive function, and emotional regulation. Lisa shares the tools, mindsets, and magic moments that help kids feel safe in their bodies, manage big feelings, and build the skills they need to thrive at home and school. Whether your child is constantly on the move or...2025-04-0152 minStream of DreamearlyEpisode 9: Decoding the Struggle: Supporting and Unlocking the Potential of Kids with Language-Based Learning DisabilitiesLanguage-based learning disabilities can make school a daily struggle but with the right support, children can thrive. In this episode, I sit down with Ilana Ruskay-Kidd and Rebecca Ritter, founders of the Shefa School, to explore how to identify these challenges early and what truly works in supporting kids with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. We discuss the power of specialized instruction, fostering confidence, and how parents and educators can create environments where every child can succeed. Plus, I’m joined by my daughter Rosie, who has a diagnosis of dyslexia, to share her own insights on what hel...2025-03-1155 minStream of DreamearlyEpisode 8: Toddlers, Trust & Tiny Yeses: Building Real Relationships with KidsIn this episode, Alana chats with Dr. Noah Hichenberg about his new book and how we can build reciprocal, trusting relationships with toddlers. Noah challenges the traditional adult-child dynamic, emphasizing collaboration over control and the power of being an ally in a child’s world. They explore how small shifts—saying “yes” instead of “no” and truly listening—can foster connection, trust, and social growth. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this episode offers practical strategies to deepen your relationship with young children. To get in touch with Dr. Noah Hichenberg, to read his Substack, or to order his book...2025-02-1144 minStream of DreamearlyEpisode 7: Habit Hackers: Mastering the Art of Family RoutinesJanuary is the perfect time to refresh your family’s routines! Whether you’re returning from vacation or reflecting on habits that didn’t quite stick, this episode is here to help. Join host Alana Rifkin Gelnick and social worker Yael Shayne as they explore the benefits of routines for young children, and offer practical strategies for committing to new habits or recommitting to the ones that have fallen by the wayside. From morning madness to bedtime battles, you’ll gain tools and insights to create routines that bring more ease and connection to your family’s daily life. You can...2025-01-2442 minStream of DreamearlyEpisode 6: Your Gift is Ever Present: Kids, Gifts, and Teaching Gratitude During the HolidaysToday’s podcast features the dynamic Dr. Sarah Roer. Together, we shed preconceived notions dictating holiday expectations and celebrations in favor of prioritizing physical presence and a recommitment to our core values. Through this new lens we hope to reframe the holiday experiences. The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts, by Gary Chapman The 5 Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans, by Dr. Aliza Pressman Siblings Without Rivalry: How to Help Your Children Live Together So You Can Live Too, by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish Rais...2024-12-1833 minStream of DreamearlyEpisode 5: Therap-Ease - PCIT Unpacked; Simply and EasilyDr. Jennifer Allen joins Stream of Dreamearly to unpack the essentials of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and how its strategies can transform relationships. Learn simple, effective tools to build connection and support positive behavior with kids at home and in the classroom.2024-11-2450 minStream of DreamearlyEpisode 4: Brave GoalsIn this episode, Corey Costella, a gifted BCBA, shares strategies to extinguish behaviors that aren’t working for your child or family. Learn how to set family goals that guide supportive practices in your home, fostering a more balanced family environment. Visit Corey's website at https://progressive behavior support pllc.com/about-corey.2024-10-3143 minStream of DreamearlyEpisode 3: Igniting Joy in the New YearIt’s that time of year - holiday time - and we all want to make the experience as meaningful for our kids as possible. Listen in as Sharon Richter helps us all feel inspired as we plan for this special season, including some fantastic ideas to bring your family together, to help children actually enjoy the services, and much more. (And don't miss her explanation of why you absolutely should not make that extra side dish!) Check out the Dreamearly Instagram page here, and Sharon's Instagram page here. Visit Parsha Pals on YouTube, Spotify, and...2024-09-2437 minStream of DreamearlyEpisode 2: Sounds of SilenceSelective mutism expert Dr. Rachel Busman joins Stream of Dreamearly for an important discussion exploring selective mutism and the tips and tricks that can be used to support all children. Check out the Dreamearly Instagram page here!2024-09-1639 minStream of DreamearlyEpisode 1: From Stress to Finesse. A Blueprint for Beginnings.As back-to-school time approaches, both children and parents often experience a mix of emotions. With the rhythm of life shifting from summer's ease to the structure of the school year, it can bring lots of feelings. In this episode, we discuss strategies to ease this transition, offering practical tips to make the coming weeks more manageable—and maybe even enjoyable. Check out the Dreamearly Instagram page here! Click here if you want to order a family book (this is a blank book that parents can decorate for their child and leave it in his backpack so h...2024-08-2932 minStream of DreamearlyWelcome to Stream of Dreamearly!Stream of Dreamearly is a podcast for everyone who cares about kids, inspired by the Dreamearly mission: help people help kids. Hosted by Alana Rifkin Gelnick, a passionate educator, leader and mom. Each episode brings together experts in education and psychology to share real experiences and tips that empower adults to support and nurture children. We’re here to offer actionable solutions and tangible takeaways that will inspire you, make your life easier, and most importantly, help the children in your life be the best versions of themselves. Tune in to join a community that’s dedicated to making a po...2024-08-2904 min
Opening UPSAR Opens Up About Celebrating the Simcha of Adar with Our Young ChildrenHost: Rabbi Binyamin Krauss
Ft: Alana Gelnick and Dr. Shoshana Dachs
Listen in as our host, Rabbi Binyamin Krauss, opens up about celebrating the simcha of Adar at SAR, with Alana Rifkin Gelnick (ELC Associate Principal) and Dr. Shoshana Dachs (ELC Psychologist).Join us as we discuss the excitement, and considerations, surrounding celebrating this joyous time with our young children.2023-03-0324 min
The YHTPoVDiscussing Educational Trends And Ideas, And What To Look For In A School With Alana Rifkin Gelnick, Associate Principal Of The Early Learning Center At SAR (Episode 4, Season 4)YHT alum, parent, and SAR's current Associate Principal of the Early Learning Center, Ms. Alana Rifkin Gelnick, joins Dr. Kletenik to talk about their respective career paths, current ideas and trends in early childhood education, missteps and lessons learned along the way, and what parents should look for in a school.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/hartorah
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Twitter: www.twitter.com/hartorah2021-11-0938 min