Shows
School Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners41: A Week in the Life of a School PsychologistSend us a textHave you ever wondered what a school psychologist does with their time? Why does it feel like they're everywhere at once or simultaneously nowhere to be found? Hopping in and out, but flying into the building within minutes when a crisis occurs. The role of a school psych can vary widely, depending on the situation. I'm not just talking from country to country, province to province, or state to state. The role of a school psych at one school could look completely different from the school down the street.In this...2025-05-0642 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners40: My 3 Favourite Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) ProgramsSend us a textHow do we give our kids the tools for identifying, expressing, and managing emotions? How do we teach our kids social skills and conflict resolution? Social-emotional learning (SEL) programs are a way we can proactively help our kids thrive in "the real world." If you're a teacher, school clinician, or homeschool parent, this episode is for you! Let's dive into 3 evidence-based SEL "programs" I keep coming back to over and over again and why (and no, they have not sponsored this episode):1. Kimochis (https://www.kimochis.com/)2. We Thinkers! (h...2025-04-2932 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners39: The 101 on Supporting LGBTQ YouthSend us a textIn this interview with Dr. Emily Fisher, we talk A LOT about how to support LGBTQ+ children in our families, schools, and communities. We cover some definitions, such as what is sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as some of the common inclusive acronyms used by and for our queer and questioning youth (e.g., 2SLGBTQIA+, GSM, SOGI, SOGD, GSA). We also discuss how to respond when young people "come out" to us, how to proactively discuss gender identity and sexual orientation, and how to promote inclusion. Dr. Fisher shares the number...2025-04-221h 08School Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners38: Flip That Script When Describing Our KidsSend us a textFinally an episode that is relevant for literally ANY adult supporting kids in any capacity! Teachers, parents, clinicians, doctors, principals, educational assistants, daycare providers, this one is for all of us! This episode covers several descriptors often used to describe kids and reframes them using more positive, solution-focused language. This is about focusing on our kids' strengths, rather than assuming these traits are shortcomings.If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, direct message me on Instragram @SchoolPsychPodcast, or click "...2025-04-1514 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners37: Beyond the Report Card - 7 Essential Skills for Kids to DevelopSend us a textIs academic success the key to a thriving adulthood? In this episode, I'm sharing a hot take that might challenge some perspectives - academic skills, while important, aren't the be all end all when it comes to our growing kids. From kindness and communication to critical thinking and executive functioning, these skills shape who our kids become as they develop into adults. And no, this teaching isn't just on schools or just on parents - it's a shared effort. Let's rethink what success really means and how we can se...2025-04-0827 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners36: Why Active Listening Is the Key to Supporting Kids (and How to Do It Well)Send us a textWhether you're a parent, teacher, or school clinician, these tips can transform your conversations and strengthen your connection with the kids in your life. If you want to support your kid - whether they're toddlers, teens, or somewhere in between, there's one skill that makes all the difference: Active Listening. When kids feel truly heard, they're more likely to open up, trust you, and accept guidance or reassurance. In this episode, we dive into six simple, practical strategies for listening in a way that helps kids feel safe, valued, and understood. A...2025-04-0128 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners35: 10 Organization and Focus Tips for School CliniciansSend us a textAre you a school clinician or consultant who struggles to manage your time? In this episode, we dive into practical strategies for school clinicians to keep an organized schedule and maintain focus. For example, a monthly "brain dump," colour-coding your calendar by school, and being strategic about when your are checking and responding to your emails (spoiler alert: it's not "all day").If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, direct message me on Instragram @SchoolPsychPodcast, or click "Send Us a...2025-03-2542 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners34: How to Set Boundaries as an EducatorSend us a textIn this episode, we dive into practical strategies for teachers (and other school staff) to establish clear and respectful boundaries in their professional lives. For example, being direct and concise. If you have not been in the practice of setting boundaries, take baby steps. Even then, you may experience pushback. Listen to this episode to hear some tips on how to address that resistance.If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, direct message me on Instragram or Threads @SchoolPsychPodcast...2025-03-1825 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners33: Why Teachers Struggle With Boundaries and Where to StartSend us a textAre you a teacher or school clinician who struggles to find balance? Then this episode is for you. We explore the challenges educators face in setting boundaries and identify key areas where these boundaries are important. We discuss the internal and external pressures that make boundary-setting difficult and provide practical examples of where limits can be beneficial, including communication with parents, work-life balance, student interactions, and collaborations with colleagues and administrators. By understanding these aspects, educators can take the first step in creating a sustainable and fulfilling teaching (or clinician) experience. I...2025-03-1123 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners32: 10 Traits of Amazing Parent AdvocatesSend us a textBeing a strong advocate for your child can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone - or perfectly! In this episode, we're diving into ten key traits that help parents become effective advocates for their children. From persistence, to communication, to "sense of humour," these qualities can help you navigate school team meetings, appointments, and support services with purpose. If you've ever wondered, "Am I doing enough?" or felt unsure about how to speak up for your child, this episode will give you plenty of encouragement, practical tips, a...2025-03-0436 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners31: Top 5 Myths About DyslexiaSend us a textDyslexia is one of the most common learning differences, yet it's wildly misunderstood. In this episode, we're busting five of the biggest myths about dyslexia - including the misconception that it's not just about reversing letters, that kids can "outgrow" it, and that schools will automatically catch it. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or someone who works with kids, this episode will give you some facts you need to better understand struggling readers. If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.c...2025-02-2523 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners30: Deep Dive on Executive FunctioningSend us a textWe hear about executive functions a lot - but what does it really look like in everyday life? In this episode, we're breaking down each core executive function skill, such as working memory, time management, emotional regulation, and more. Let's explore how challenges in these areas show up for kids of all ages, from the middle school student constantly losing their homework to the high school student who procrastinates on every big project. Whether you're a parent, a teacher, or just curious about how to better support kids' learning and development, this episode...2025-02-1843 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners29: Executive Function Challenges: Strategies for Supporting Students at Home and SchoolSend us a textExecutive function skills are the foundation for success in school and beyond - helping kids manage their time, stay organized, regulate emotions, and adapt to new situations. But what happens when these skills don't come naturally? In this episode, we break down what executive function is, as well as how parents and teachers can support kids in building these critical skills. If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, direct message me on Instragram @SchoolPsychPodcast, or click "Send Us a T...2025-02-1133 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners28: How Can Psychological Assessment Empower Children and Adults?Send us a textIn this interview with licensed educational psychologist Dr. Christa Cusimano, we talk about the benefit of approaching assessment through a neuropsychological lens. Spoiler alert - it can lead to better intervention. We also discuss some challenges of the public education system. We cover LOTS more topics, such as the importance of clearly communicating a diagnosis after assessment (no matter what age), our thoughts on the increase in ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) diagnosis, differences between assessing children and assessing adults, teasing apart ADHD from other mental health challenges, and the power in finding a...2025-02-0453 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners27: Underlying Reasons Your Kid is Having a Hard TimeSend us a textAre you a parent, teacher, or educational assistant of young kids? Have you gone through "episodes" of BIG feelings and behaviors and wondered, "What the heck is going on for this little person?" If so, this episode is for you! We cover 6 possible reasons your child (or a student) is having a tough time.If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please click "Send Us a Text," email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, or direct message me on IG @schoolpsychpodcastIf you like the...2025-01-2834 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners26: Diffusing Defiance - What To Do When "No!" is All You HearSend us a textAre you a parent or teacher of young kids who feels exasperated by constant "No! Don't want to! Not doing it"? If so, this episode is for you! First, I share 5 proactive strategies for how to set ourselves and our kids or students up for success when moving through tasks and routines. Then, we discuss how to respond when you are using those strategies, but you still hear "No!" Keep your head up, you're doing a great job! If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please c...2025-01-2137 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners25: What Does a School-Based OT Actually Do?Send us a textIn this interview with Jen Fisher, we discuss all the domains a school-based Occupational Therapist can help with. Spoiler alert - it's not just toileting and fine motor skills! Jen and I talk about everything from the primary role of an OT in any setting, to supporting students with additional needs, to suggestions for anyone interested in pursuing occupational therapy as a career. Thank you Jen Fisher, for sharing about your work in schools. Enjoy!If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at s...2025-01-1448 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners24: Top 5 New Year's Resolutions for EducatorsSend us a textThis week we cover my top 5 new year's resolutions for those of us working in Education - school clinicians, teachers, educational assistants, administrators, and other school staff. How do we thrive through the next 6 months, not just survive? Which of these resolutions will resonate with you? If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please click "Send us a text". You can also DM me on Instagram (@schoolpsychpodcast), or email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com If you like the podcast or find it helpful, please foll...2025-01-0728 min