Shows
Wine with WitaHow far would you go to give your child a sense of belonging? - with Nick CanellaHi everyone, This week on Wine with Wita, I sat down with Nick Canella,father of three, die-hard AC Milan fan, and the heart behind Football4All at Moorebank Sports Soccer Club. We talked about a father navigating the complexities ofraising a child with one of the rarest neuromuscular disorders in Australia: a condition so rare his son was the first recorded case in the country. In this conversation, Nick shares:⚽️ The heartbreak of hearing his son’s diagnosis and the weight of “we just don’t know what the future holds” 2025-07-2454 minWine with WitaThey said he had four hours to live, now he’s in a mainstream classroom, writing his name. Youssef Dib's storyHi everyone, This week on Wine with Wita, I sit down with Youssef Dib, one of Australia’s most recognised boxers, part of a legendary fighting family, and a father of three. But this episode isn’t about titles or trophies. It’s about what happens outside the ring: in hospital corridors, therapy rooms, and quiet moments of doubt and faith. Youssef’s middle child, Jibreel, was born at just 25 weeks, weighing around 830 grams. After spending four months in NICU and receiving a cerebr...2025-07-1741 minWine with WitaThe power of being seen: how sport changed everything with Heroes with AbilityHi everyone, What if you were told your child would never walk, talk, or be included? In this week’s episode of Wine with Wita, I sit down with two remarkable humans: George Tonna and Marco Quintao, founders of Heroes with Ability, a grassroots organisation changing the lives of children and young adults with disabilities through inclusive sport. George, who has cerebral palsy, went from being left out at school to representing Australia in the Paralympics. Marco, a proud father to a so...2025-07-101h 00Wine with WitaFrom the Boxing Ring to Autism Advocacy: Meet Junior FaHi everyone, This week on Wine with Wita, I sat down with someone whose heart speaks louder than his fists: retired international heavyweight boxer, Junior Fa. You might know him from the ring, but in this conversation, you’ll get to know him as a father, a fierce autism advocate, and someone who chose to walk away from professional boxing to align with something much deeper: his purpose. Junior is a proud dad of three, including his son Ezra who is autistic. In this honest chat, we speak about what it’s re...2025-07-0351 minWine with WitaDancing to a different rhythm - with Megan JessopHi everyone, When you think of a dance studio, you might picture competitions, costumes, and choreography. But for Megan Jessop, Director of Dance Habit, dance is about so much more than that. It’s about belonging. Connection. Confidence. And creating a space where every child is seen, celebrated, and supported. This week on Wine with Wita, Megan shares the story behind her childhood dream turned thriving business. From teaching ballet at age 16 in New Zealand to founding one of Melbourne’s most inclusive studios, Megan has never followed the traditional path, and that’s exac...2025-06-2639 minWine with WitaThe slow lane is the fast lane (and other things Nicola taught me)Hi everyone, This week’s episode of Wine with Wita is a little different. It’s not about children. Or disability.It’s about us. Us as women. Us as mothers. Us as humans who spend so much time doing, we forget to be. I sat down with my breath-work coach and dear friend, Nicola Laye. I first met Nicola when I was deep in transition, between phases of motherhood, between who I was and who I was becoming. I didn’t know it then, but I was hold...2025-06-1951 minWine with WitaCoffee, Connection & Mental Health with Ben ☕️Hi everyone, This week on Wine with Wita, I sat down with someone many of you know – Ben, the friendly face behind the coffee machine at Wattle Grove. Beyond his great coffee and warm smile is a powerful story of resilience, fatherhood, and mental health.Episode Highlights:✨ Ben shares his journey with depression, anxiety, and self-harm starting from age 12. ✨ We discuss the stigma around men’s mental health and the need for open conversations. ✨ Ben reflects on becoming a father to baby Parker and how it’s shaped his...2025-06-1248 minWine with WitaA phone call, a little boy, and a leap of faith 💬Hi everyone, This week’s episode is so much more than just a conversation. It’s the story that started it all - from a bottle of wine to "Wine with Wita".Episode 57 of Wine with Wita marks three beautiful, humbling, life-changing years since I opened the doors to RS Speech Pathology. And to honour that milestone, I’m sitting down with the person who made it all start: Nicky, the very first parent who took a chance on me. Her son Serge was my fir...2025-06-0548 minWine with WitaShe wasn’t responding to her name, and that changed everything with Crizli MartinsHi everyone, What would you do if two of your children needed more support than the system was designed to offer? In this week’s episode of Wine with Wita, I sit down with Crizli Martins, a mother of four, two of whom have additional needs. What began as early signs with her son Frank evolved into years of advocacy, therapy, learning, and eventually, doing it all over again with her youngest daughter, Erica.In this episode we explore:💡 The early red flags Crizli noticed and how she trusted her instincts ...2025-05-291h 02Wine with WitaWhy mealtimes feel so hard (and what’s really going on underneath) with Rachel ZabelHi everyone, If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “I don’t care what you eat, just eat something…” this episode is for you. This week on Wine with Wita, I’m joined by the incredible Rachel Zabel. She’s a PhD-qualified clinical dietitian, neuro-affirming feeding therapist, and mum of four. We’re talking all things feeding and neurodivergence. Because as Rachel explains, feeding is never just about food. It’s about your child’s nervous system, their sensory profile, and whether they feel safe enough to explore what’s on their plate. Inside the episode:2025-05-2245 minWine with WitaThe Invisible Disability No One Talks AboutHi everyone, This week on Wine with Wita, I’m sharing a solo episode that’s very close to my heart.As a speech pathologist, I’ve spent the past 15 years supporting children with communication disorders. What I’ve seen, time and time again, is how often these children (and their families) are misunderstood, judged, or dismissed simply because their challenges aren’t visible. We don’t talk enough about the invisible disability that is a communication disorder.In this episode, I explore:🧠 Why society is quicker to empathise with physical d...2025-05-1507 minWine with WitaFatima Tomoum: Part 2 – The Story ContinuesIn this surprise follow-up, Fatima Tomoum returns to share more of her powerful journey through motherhood, advocacy, and raising neurodivergent children. We delve deeper into the emotional side of parenting, navigating early diagnoses, and using your voice when it matters most. There was more to share, and this episode holds some of the most powerful moments yet. Listen now and connect with us on Instagram @winewithwitapodcast or visit www.rsspeechpathology.com.au.Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must not rely...2025-05-1350 minWine with WitaFatima Tomoum: Infertility, triplets at 26 weeks, and building a new lifeHi everyone, This week on Wine with Wita, I sat down with Fatima Tomoum, a woman whose story crosses countries, careers, and incredible challenges. Born in New York, raised in Brisbane, and now living in the UAE, Fatima built a stellar international career across Japan, China, France, the UK, India and beyond. But behind the success, she faced a deeply personal battle: ten rounds of IVF before welcoming her boy-boy-girl triplets, born at just 26 weeks. Fatima opens up about what it took to keep going, her strong faith, the importance of...2025-05-0849 minWine with WitaThe Fairy Godmother of Disability Advocacy ✨ - Jenny NechvatalHi everyone, When I first received Jenny’s email, I honestly felt like acelebrity. She found Wine With Wita after watching my BizCover grant video and reached out with a simple message: “I’d love toshare my story.” What unfolded from there felt like a love story between two women passionate about supporting families navigating the world of disability. Jenny is an Early Childhood Teacher with over 30 years of experience, a mother to three children (including twin sonswith level 3 autism), and the founder of two businesses dedicated to helping families thrive. Her live...2025-05-0152 minWine with WitaMore Than a Sister: Emily Hanlon on Guilt, Growth and the Power of AdvocacyHi everyone, What happens when you’re five years old, and your baby brother is diagnosed with autism? In this episode of Wine with Wita, I sat down with Emily Hanlon, a Clinical Psychologist, mum of three, and the proud big sister of Richard, who was diagnosed with autism as a baby.Emily shares her powerful story of growing up as a sibling to someone with high support needs, from the guilt she carried for decades, to the deep love and responsibility she still feels toda...2025-04-2448 minWine with WitaThe strength to speak up: Lynda’s storyHi everyone, In this episode of Wine with Wita, I sat down with Lynda Tran – a proud mum of two boys, both diagnosed with autism, and a former catering business owner known for her love of good food and community. Lynda shares the raw and emotional journey of steppingaway from her career to support her family, the financial and emotional challenges of navigating the NDIS system, and the ongoing stigma surrounding disability in culturally diverse communities. Her story is filled with honesty, strength, and a deep desire to help other families feel less al...2025-04-1644 minWine with WitaTurning Challenge into Change: A Father’s Support MissionHi everyone, Sometimes the most meaningful support comes from someone who’s walked the same path.In this episode of Wine with Wita, I sit down with Atilio Brito, a devoted father, finance professional, and founder of Dads Speak, a support network for fathers raising children with special needs. Atilio opens up about the moment his son Alexis was diagnosed with Level 3 autism and ADHD, and how that news sent him into a dark space. Like so many fathers, Atilio felt pressure to hold everything together. He didn’t speak up. He d...2025-04-1048 minWine with WitaBreaking Barriers in Disability Advocacy – A Conversation with Jessica LabbanHi everyone, In this episode of Wine with Wita, I sat down with Jessica Labban – a devoted mum of two, passionate teacher, and one of the most determined and warm-hearted parents I’ve had the honour of working alongside. Jessica shares her deeply personal journey navigating earlysigns of autism in her son Jacob, the trauma of his birth, and the emotional toll of seeking support when the system didn’t always make it easy.She opens up about the moment a daycare refused to accepther child, the inner conflict of being in “teacher mode” ra...2025-04-0356 minWine with WitaFrom Fear of Water to Paralympic Podium 🥇 with Ruby StormHi everyone, In this episode of Wine with Wita, I had the absolute honour of sitting down with Ruby Storm — Australian Paralympian, medal winner, and an all-around superstar.Ruby has earned gold and silver medals at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. But what’s even more inspiring? She was once terrified of water.From a shy toddler afraid to get into the pool… to walking out on the world stage with Australia on her back, Ruby’s story is one of resilience, strength and pure determination.What w...2025-03-2729 minWine with WitaThe Woman Behind the Swim Teacher of the Year: A Mother’s Strength and AdvocacyHi everyone, In this episode of Wine with Wita, we take a deeper dive into the story of Connor Bailey, the Swim Teacher of the Year for Learners with Disabilities, but from a new perspective—his mother, Linda. Behind every incredible success story, there’s often a pillar of strength, and for Connor, that’s his mum, Linda. She’s been his unwavering support through his diagnosis, education, and career journey—advocating, adapting, and challenging the system to ensure he had the best opportunities to thrive.What We Discussed:✅ The power of unconditi...2025-03-2042 minWine with WitaEmpowering All Kids to Swim with Natalie Flintrop-ClarkeHi everyone, In this episode of Wine with Wita, I had the privilege of sitting down with Natalie Flintrop-Clarke, founder of Swim 4 All. As both a dedicated swim teacher and a mother of a neurodivergent child, Natalie has built a swim school that welcomes children of all abilities, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn this life-saving skill.In this powerful episode, we discussed:WHAT WE DISCUSSED: ✔️ How to create swim classes that support children with disabilities ✔️ The importance of working closely with parents to build confidence and safe...2025-03-1351 minWine with WitaDrowning Prevention & Inclusive Swim Education with Rhiannon KocmarHi everyone, This week on Wine with Wita, I had the privilege of speaking with Rhiannon Kocmar, the National Educational Manager at SWIM Australia. With a 27-year career spanning teaching, coaching, and advocating for water safety, Rhiannon is at the forefront of initiatives supporting neurodivergent children in swimming. She is deeply passionate about water safety, drowning prevention, and creating inclusive environments for children of all abilities. In this powerful episode, we discussed:💦 The high drowning risk for autistic children and the need for water safety education. 💦 How sensory needs, wandering, and safety...2025-03-0642 minWine with WitaFinding Magic in Connection: A Conversation with Michael WebbHi everyone,✨ Magic isn’t just abouttricks—it’s about connection.This week onWine with Wita, I had thepleasure of chatting with the incredible Michael Webb—better known asMagic Mike (no, not that Magic Mike 😆).Michael is a magician, but his story goes far beyondillusions and sleight of hand. If you’re a Hamish & Andy fan, you might know Michael from their podcast or Hamish’s legendary Cake Night on Instagram.If you watched Australia’s Got Talent, you’ve likely seen —it’sbeen viewed over 50 million times in the past six weeks! And if that’s...2025-02-2741 min
The Science of Reading FormulaHow to Support Early Literacy Through Speech and Language Development with Rita ShamounHave you ever had a student who struggles to pronounce words clearly—or one who seems to have trouble following directions or understanding new vocabulary? You might be seeing early signs of speech and language difficulties, which can directly impact reading success.In this episode, I sit down with pediatric speech pathologist Rita Shamoun to explore the critical connection between oral language development and literacy. We break down how speech and language delays affect phonemic awareness, reading comprehension, and spelling—and, most importantly, what teachers can do to provide effective support.You'll learn:Th...2025-02-2431 minWine with WitaSurprising Factors Affecting Your Child’s Jaw and Airway Health, with Dr Shereen Lim (Part 2)Hi everyone,This week’s episode ofWine with Witacontinues the conversation with Dr. Shereen Lim.In Part 2, we explore surprising factors that can shape your child’s development and health.Dr. Lim sheds light on:✨ How teeth grinding signals underlying airway issues.✨ The impact of everyday habits like sippy cups, dummies, and thumb sucking.✨ Practical steps parents can take to support better jaw and airway health.In this second episode, Dr. Shreen Lim revealssurprising factors affecting your child’s development, liketeeth grinding, theuse of si...2025-02-1928 minWine with WitaWhy Airway Health Matters for Your Child, with Dr Shereen LimHi everyone,In this week’s episode ofWine with Wita, I’m joined by Dr. Shereen Lim, author of Breathe, Sleep, and Thrive.Together, we delve into the crucial topic of airway health and its profound impact on children’s development.Dr. Lim explains why good nasal breathing is the cornerstone of thriving health and how it supports better sleep, attention, and learning outcomes.We also discuss:✨ The links between snoring and developmental challenges.✨ How breathing affects attention and grey matter in the brain.✨ The jaw’s role i...2025-02-1333 minWine with WitaThe Black Dress Trick for Better Communication with your ChildrenHi everyone,
In this solo episode of Wine with Wita, I’m sharing one of my favourite strategies for supporting children’s communication—the Black Dress Analogy.
Think about how you feel in a black dress: confident, comfortable, and validated.
Now, compare that to how you might feel in a white
dress—anxious, self-conscious, and unsure.
The way we give feedback to our children can have the
same effect.
💡 Key takeaway?
When we praise and encourage our children in a way that makes them feel good...2025-02-0607 minWine with WitaReading Challenges, Learning Styles and Supporting Teachers with Malia HollowellHi everyone,
This week on Wine with Wita, I'm speaking with the amazing Malia Hollowell, founder of Play Doh to Plato and host of The Science of Reading Formula.
Together, we discussed the magic of literacy, the challenges of early reading development, and how teachers and parents can work together to create confident, joyful learners.Our conversation explores:
✨ The foundations of oral language and their role in literacy.
✨ Why a team approach is vital for supporting children’s unique learning journeys.
✨ Strategies for developing phonological awareness (including Malia’s fun Play Doh activity...2025-01-3027 minWine with WitaHow Trauma Impacts Behaviour and Learning with Lorna GenoudThis week on Wine with Wita, I am bringing you a genuinely impactful conversation with Lorna Genoud, founder of The Safe Space Educator. Lorna is a dedicated and compassionate advocate for young people, especially those in out-of-home care.
With over a decade of experience in education and social services, she has devoted her career to creating trauma-informed, inclusive environments that empower children and young adults to thrive.
In this episode, Lorna shares her expertise on:
✨ How trauma impacts behaviour and learning.
✨ The importance of building meaningful relationships to support children’s development.
✨ Practical ways edu...2025-01-2354 minWine with WitaTransform Communication with Your Child: A Chat with Nisrine El-ChoueifatiHi everyone,
I’m excited to bring you the first interview of the year on Wine with Wita!
This week, I’m joined by the incredible Nisrine El-Choueifati—a dear friend, talented speech pathologist, clinical educator, and children’s author.
Our conversation explores:
✨ The power of reflection as a speech pathologist
✨ Supporting new graduates entering the profession
✨ The joy of connecting through food and friendship
✨ And a beautiful poem Nisrine wrote for Wine with Wita!
This episode offers a fresh perspective and plenty of valuable
takeaways.
You can connect with Nisrine on Inst...2025-01-161h 10Wine with WitaFrom Idea to Impact: The Story Behind Wine with WitaHi everyone,
Happy New Year!
I'm so excited to kick off 2025 with an incredible season of Wine with Wita.
This year, I'm bringing you even more powerful conversations to support you and your child on your journey.
But this year is extra special... because for the first time
ever, I'll be hosting solo segments Wita's Words -once a month!
In this debut solo episode, I share the story of how Wine
with Wita began, the meaning behind the name, and how it's evolved into a space for connection, support...2025-01-0914 minWine with WitaThe First Nine Months of Life with Donna BerryThis week on Wine With Wita, I’m excited to welcome back Donna Berry. Donna was the very first guest on the podcast, and it feels like a beautiful full-circle moment to have her as the final guest of 2024.
In this episode, Donna shares her profound insights into the crucial first nine months of life—starting from a mum’s pregnancy—and how these formative months shape who a child becomes.
We explore how understanding a baby’s connection to their mum during pregnancy provides a window into their developmen...2024-12-1254 minWine with WitaNavigating Motherhood, Guilt and Self-Care with Wendy GilroyAs a mum, have you ever felt like you need to ask for permission to take some time for yourself?
This week on Wine with Wita, we’re diving deep into the whirlwind of motherhood with the lovely Wendy Gilroy.
Wendy is a mum of two and a counsellor who specialises in
supporting mothers through all phases of parenting, from the chaos of early years to the challenges of raising teens.
With a holistic approach, Wendy shares her wisdom on:
✨ Letting go of g...2024-12-0544 minWine with WitaParenting, Neurodiversity, and Embracing the Journey with Natasha PiccoloThis week’s podcast episode features the incredible Natasha Piccolo. Natasha is a speech pathologist, author, and proud mum to a wonderful autistic toddler.
Her story is one of self-discovery, resilience, and learning to embrace the beauty of neurodiversity within her family. In our conversation, Natasha shares her unique perspective as both a professional and a parent, touching on topics like:
✨ Navigating the realities of burnout after her son’s diagnosis.
✨ Recognising neurodiverse traits in her son and reflecting on her own journey with OCD and exploring ADHD.
✨ Advocating for her family ami...2024-11-2857 minWine with WitaOvercoming Challenges with ASD, Swimming & Supporting Neurodiverse Kids with Connor BaileyThis week on Wine with Wita, I’m joined by Connor Bailey, an inspiring teacher who is making waves in the world of swim education.
Recently named the 2024 Australian Swim Teacher of the Year for Learners with a Disability, Connor shared his journey from being diagnosed with ASD at age 4 and overcoming childhood challenges to becoming a passionate advocate for inclusivity and neurodiversity.
In our conversation, we dive into:
✨ The social and learning challenges that led to homeschooling
✨ The power of understanding a child’s behaviour as their form of communication
2024-11-2147 minWine with WitaReading, Fatherhood, Music and Tourette's Syndrome - with James SismanesIn this week’s episode of Wine with Wita, I spoke with James Sismanes, an award-winning audio and visual storyteller from Melbourne. He recently, debuted his first children’s book (The Marvellous Mullabaloos Only Wear Blue) .
A few months ago, I reached out to James, as his book
explored empathy, uniqueness and beauty is being authentically you. A beautiful story for all children.
Throughout the conversation, James openly shared his
personal and private experiences with being diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome.
Tourette’s syndrome (TS) is a disorder that involves
repetitive movements or unwanted s...2024-11-1445 minWine with WitaI Love You Little Baby: A mother's NICU experienceNovember NICU Awareness Month is a time to highlight
the importance of Neonatal Intensive Care Units and their amazing staff around Australia. Offering specialised care and making a difference to the more than 48,000 babies born premature or sick each year.
This week on Wine with Wita, I interviewed Emma
Ferguson. Emma's path into motherhood didn’t go quite as expected—her little girl, Celeste, arrived nearly nine weeks early, weighing just 1.065 kg, after Emma faced complications with pre-eclampsia, IUGR, and low amniotic fluid. Those first six weeks were spent in the NICU, a time filled with challenges, hope, an...2024-11-0747 minWine with WitaSupporting your child's communication through music with, Childhood Music Educator - Jocelyn ManzanarezJocelyn Manzanarez, is on a mission to help
teachers thrive at circle time and beyond by integrating brain-based strategies with engaging activities that bring the fun back to teaching and learning. How?
Through music and movement! Two highly-effective, yet underutilized strategies too often missing in the classroom.
She owns and operates Musically Minded, a Seattle based early childhood music education program that provides weekly music classes at childcare centre and preschools and virtual.
Jocelyn is a frequent presenter at ECE conferences
throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond as well as the founder of Th...2024-10-3144 minWine with WitaRaising a child with neurofibromatosis type 1 and additional needs with Renee BellRenee Bell knew that something was wrong with her son Nik, despite her GP not addressing her concerns. Like all parents, her mother's intuition would not budge.
Unknowingly, she did like all parents and referred to Dr. Google.After a few consultations, her GP referred her to a paediatrician, which led to the journey of her son's diagnosis of Neurofibromatosis type 1.
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic condition that causes changes in skin pigment and tumours on nerve tissue. It can likely contribute to learning and developmental delays.
This week on Wine with...2024-10-2450 minWine with WitaHolistic health and nutrition for parents, with Deena Jane Kelaita, Clinical NutritionistAs parents, we tend to put our wellbeing to the side.
Managing busy lifestyles, work, proper nutrition and therapy appointments can take a toll on our health.
This week on Wine with Wita, I spoke with Deena Jane Kelaita, a registered Clinical Nutritionist with nearly a decade of experience specializing in gut health, genetic health, and personalized nutrition.
Deena dug deep into the impact of chronic stress, hormone health and gut health. All of these areas I find so interesting especially as I navigate better ways to support my health in our current g...2024-10-1747 minWine with WitaGrowing up with Autism, ADHD and Anxiety - with Lewis HuckstepIn this episode of Wine with Wita, I spoke with Lewis Huckstep, a performance and fulfilment coach dedicated to helping high achievers create a life on their own terms.
At a young age, Lewis was diagnosed with Asperger's and ADHD. He openly discussed his challenges particularly with communication, socialising and learning.
Lewis also faced several challenges in his youth, navigating mental health difficulties and a dysregulated nervous system.
Despite, the obstacles he faced with maintaining several businesses, he found his purpose in networking and coaching many individuals to live their best life.
2024-10-0753 min
Wine with WitaSupporting children's behaviour with Dave Jereb, Occupational TherapistWith over 20 years of experience as a paediatric
occupational therapist, Dave Jereb has made a significant impact in the Allied Health field. As co-founder of MoveAbout Therapy Services with his wife Kathy,
Dave’s vision is to create a world where all children lead meaningful lives and are valued within their communities.
Dave is driven to support Allied Health businesses in
helping their therapists find authentic confidence and "burn in," not out. He advances this vision by empowering leaders within his MoveAbout team and across the Allied Health sector through targeted training, coaching, and
mentorship. He co-founded th...2024-09-1157 min
Wine with WitaTrauma Informed Practice, with Speech Pathologist - Kizzy Searle
Kizzy Searle is a Speech Pathologist who is deeply passionate about trauma-informed practice. She
regularly presents to organisations and private practices, advocating for the integration and awareness of trauma-informed practice in allied health settings and providing training on how to implement this.
Kizzy serves on the Mental Health and Trauma Advisory Panel of Speech Pathology Australia and is an active lived experience advisory member on several Sydney Local Health District committees focused on mental health.
Her dedication to trauma-informed practice stems from her own transformative experiences, both personally and
professionally.
Follow Kizzy - @attunedspeech
2024-09-0131 min
Wine with WitaRaising 3 children with special needs. A mother's drive to foster positive change and advocacy for her children.Kathrine Peereboom, is a distinguished advocate and prominent figure in the disability community. As the devoted mother of three profoundly disabled sons, Kathrine has dedicated herself to fostering positive change in support of individuals with disabilities across Australia for more than a decade.Kathrine holds the esteemed title of Australia’s only trainer of Law Enforcement to understand the disabled in the field. Since 2018, she has generously provided comprehensive training sessions to law enforcement officers nationwide, free of charge. Her outstanding contributions in this field have garnered recognition from the NSW Police Commissioner, QLD Police Commissioner as well as...2024-08-311h 07
Wine with WitaA mother's perspective - raising a child with complex medical needs and a profound disability.Last year, I created Wita's Words" is a segment I
created to give back. It was a place for parents/caregivers to feel informed, heard, and welcomed in a world of uncertainty, especially after their child's
diagnosis.
My first guest speaker was Jasmine from @theinclusionspot.
We funnily joked, lets have a wine and both yelled “Wine with Wita”, never did we imagine
it would turn into a reality.
Jasmine is a mother of 3, Olivia, who is 11, AJ- 9, and Jonah- 7, who has complex medical challenges and a profound disability.
She has worn a few different hats...2024-08-301h 03
Wine with WitaRaising a child with complex medical and learning needs. A mother's perspectiveLast year, Wine with Wita occurred via Instagram live.
My final interview of the year was my first client, Melanie. I will never forget Melanie and her son Jack. As a new
graduate, examining Jack's complex medical history and behavioural concerns, I secretly was scared and nervous.
He taught me lessons that changed me as a
clinician. Skills that were never taught or discussed at university.
Working closely with Melanie, she taught me the importance of family centred practice, working collaboratively and connection. Melanie is a remarkable woman.
Her gentle nature...2024-08-3046 min
Wine with WitaA mother's perspective into eloping and autismEloping is defined as to wander or run away from a safe place or caregiver.
Eloping is more common with children with ASD.
Last year, we were anxiously waiting for Hussein Al Mansoory to be found. Thankfully, he was found safe and well. However, throughout the news reporting's, it was quite interesting, in the lack of awareness of autism
let alone a child with a disability.
A special Wine with Wita, with returning guest Joline George, founder of @helpyoucope.
Joline recently hosted aa series around the concept of eloping.
On this...2024-08-3034 min
Wine with WitaA mothers insight to raising an autistic child and how it inspired her to develop an Autism support network for parents, Help You Cope.Driven by her youngest son’s autism diagnosis, Joline is on
a mission to eliminate the isolation often felt by caregivers.
She wholeheartedly believes in providing compassionate
support and essential resources to caregivers, understanding the profound importance of well-being and health throughout their caregiving journey.
Despite being a business owner, her true passion lies in
helping others, making it the most cherished and fulfilling aspect of her life.
Her son Jesse, an adorable & cheeky 8 yr old who was
diagnosed with autism level 3 at age of 18 mths.
He loves be...2024-08-3047 min
Wine with WitaA mother's experience with her daughter's cleft palate diagnosis, repair and treatmentIt was an absolute pleasure discussing Stephanie's
experiences and her daughter, Tori’s, cleft palate journey. Last year, Steph, reached out to me and wanted to take part in Wine with Wita.
Steph wanted to raise awareness of cleft palates, especially as it was not identified in her
ultrasound. Steph wished there were more support networks available to increase awareness around cleft palates and cleft lips.
We discussed cleft palates, impact on communication and swallowing, as well as her own
experiences.
Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provide information. Yo...2024-08-3049 min
Wine with WitaA mother's insight to raising an autistic child. The stigma, daily challenges and where she draws her strength fromKelly Elfalak, is a name we are all familiar with.
In 2021, her son, Anthony Junior, AJ, went missing from the family’s rural NSW property.
As a nation, we all were anxiously waiting and praying for AJ.
We all became increasingly concerned especially as AJ is autistic and non-verbal.
However, AJ is a true miracle, he was found safe and well.
On Wine with Wita, Kelly and I discussed the stigma associated with an autism diagnosis and the daily challenges she faces.
Like all parents of special need...2024-08-1943 min
Wine with WitaRaising a child with Kleefstra Syndrome.Vanessa Khoury knew that something was wrong with her newborn daughter Gabby, despite doctors telling her she seemed fine.
Vanessa and her husband, Simon, refused to accept that answer and continued to push for a diagnosis. Finally, when Gabby was 11-months old, genetic testing diagnosed her with Kleefstra Syndrome (KS). There are only approximately 500 families with a child with KS in the world, and to their knowledge at the time, very few other cases in Australia.
They began scouring the internet and reaching out to other Kleefstra parents around the world looking for answers, and a way to make a difference. With t...2024-08-111h 06
Wine with WitaSupporting positive mindset, growth and happiness with Dr Maike NeuhausDr. Maike Neuhaus, founder of The Flourishing Doc, is one of today’s most forward-thinking and globally acclaimed psychologists, specializing in behaviour change strategies and positive psychology.
In her roles as speaker, coach, and educator, Dr Maike guides high achievers from mere success to true significance. She’s a highly-cited author, having published in international scientific journals, encyclopaedias, and the world’s largest psychology and wellness platforms and magazines.
Dr. Neuhaus stands out for her evidence-based approach, combining scientific rigor with practical wisdom to empower individuals to lead regret-free lives.
In her personal life...2024-08-0446 min
Wine with WitaFatherhood challenges and supporting your family with Joe WillliamsJoe Williams is a Wiradjuri/Wolgalu 1st Nations Aboriginal man born in Cowra, raised in Wagga NSW having lived a portion of his life as a professional athlete. Joe played in the National Rugby League for South Sydney Rabbitohs,
Penrith Panthers and Canterbury Bulldogs before switching to professional Boxing in 2009. As a boxer Joe was a 2x WBF World Jnr Welterweight champion and
also won the WBC Asia Continental title.
Although forging a successful professional sporting career, Joe battled the majority of his life with crippling mental health challenges. Throughout this road of
challenges, Joe felt his...2024-07-0540 min
Wine with WitaSupporting men's physical well being and finding the right "balance" to parentingAdam completed a Masters Degree in Exercise physiology and spent the better part of 2 decades dedicating his time
to helping people foster a healthier lifestyle and create a balanced and positive environment in which they live. Adam can confidently say that BALANCE is the key to living your best life.
Adam now spends his time helping companies, the general public and high level athletes and individuals find balance in all aspects of their life, be that personal, business, fitness and wellbeing.
Adam takes an empathetic approach to his work and only ever asks a client to perform s...2024-06-3057 min
Wine with WitaMaster your mindset and overcome adversity - Tim CurtisThe Resilience Shield Pty Ltd (‘TRS’) is a 100% Australian veteran-owned business committed to improving
individual and collective resilience. The proprietary Resilience Shield model was developed by Dr Dan Pronk, Ben Pronk DSC, and Tim Curtis, all of whom are
Australian SAS veterans with combat experience in theatres including Afghanistan, Iraq, Sierra Leone and Timor Leste as well as on counter terrorism/ special recovery operations.
Their service experience drove a deep desire to understand exactly what resilience was and – crucially – how it could be developed and improved.
Combining vignettes from the authors' lived experience with cutt...2024-06-2354 min
Wine with WitaUnderstanding and supporting father's mental health, Dr Ian Zajac - MenPsychDr. Ian Zajac is a Clinical Psychologist and the Director of MensPsych Psychology Services in Adelaide where he works exclusively with adolescent and adult males. With a blend of clinical and research expertise, as well as his own
lived experience, Ian is renowned for his engaging and relatable approach.
Known for making complex psychological ideas easy to understand, Ian covers a broad range of topics including gender sensitive therapy, common struggles experienced by men, effective communication in relationships, and building self-respect.
Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must...2024-06-2044 min
Wine with WitaFather, Family and Faith - A father's personal insight to raising children with special needsJoe Raish, a dedicated father to 5 beautiful children, openly discussed the challenges faced with raising 2 children with special needs.
Joe frequently refers to his faith as his amour. Which guided him through difficult times.
Father Sheldon Burke joined our conversation and discussed how to find meaning and guidance during a child's diagnosis and supporting families through these times.
Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy.
...2024-06-1633 min
Wine with WitaSibling perspective - growing up with a brother who has special needs.Many parents with special needs children, express guilt, and concern they are not spending quality time with their other children.
However, for David, this was not the case.
Episode 8 of Wine with Wita I interviewed David El-Hachem.
David is the youngest of 3 siblings. His eldest brother,
Jacob, has cerebral palsy.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect a
person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. CP is the most common motor disability in childhood.
David provided a raw insight into growing up with a si...2024-06-0933 min
Wine with WitaSupporting your child's emotional intelligence and raising resilient children - with Stephanie Pinto
Stephanie Pinto is a multi-award-winning Emotional Intelligence coach and international speaker.
She’s also the author of the best-selling book From Chaos to Connection, and host of the Emotionally Intelligent Parenting podcast.
Stephanie founded Let's Raise Emotionally Intelligent Kids, a rapidly growing community of over 110,000 parents. She’s also the co-founder of two international parenting conferences online, including Chaos to Connection and Delight in Parenting.
Stephanie is the Emotional Intelligence Mentor for Australia’s Nurture Parenting Magazine. She has written for numerous publications such as Guide & Grow, Kiddiepedia, and Teachers Matter.
She has r...2024-06-0437 min
Wine with WitaLorena Evangelista, mother and author of Help Zac to Speak provides personal insight to raising her autistic sonLorena Evangelista is based in Sydney, Australia, a wife and working mother of two children. Lorena also wrote "Help Zac to speak." The book was inspired by the journey of her family when her son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in 2022.
She hopes to inspire other families and friends with this
book and help them to learn how to interact and be more inclusive in engaging children with ASD, speech delays or even younger children who are just starting to learn how to speak.
Lorena is working on a sec...2024-05-2836 min
Wine with WitaImportance of physical and mental well being for mums as well as navigating NDIS system with Amelia PhillipsAmelia Phillips is a registered nutritionist and exercise
scientist with over 25 years of experience in health.
Amelia co-founded Australia's fastest growing,
female-focused health tech company 12WBT, which she and her husband ran for ten years, successfully exiting in 2020. Since then, she has been immersed in the
world of biotech, utilising new technologies in the proactive health and longevity space. She now runs online programs using biotech (such as blood biomarkers) to create behaviour change to boost health and longevity.
Amelia is a researcher having published a paper on the
impact of diet quality o...2024-05-2142 min
Wine with WitaThe role of an ENT and reasons why to refer, with Dr David McIntosh, ENTI was truly honoured to have Dr. David McIntosh as my guest on Wine with Wita.
Dr McIntosh is a Paediatric ENT Specialist with a particular interest in airway obstruction, facial and dental development and its relationship to airway problems, and middle ear disease.
He also specialises in sinus disease and provides opinions on the benefit of revision of previous sinus operations.
Dr McIntosh has also written:
📚 Snored to Death
📖 Don't ignore the snore
📚 Sleep disordered breathing - A parent's guide
2024-05-141h 16
Wine with WitaUnderstanding the importance of connection, secure attachment, trauma and behaviour with special guest, Donna Berry
Donna Berry has over 20 years of experience changing the lives of thousands of children and families. She believes that safe relationships are the key to a life of happiness and healing. Her personal site is a platform for sharing her expertise and helping others achieve their best selves.
Having touched the lives of thousands of families, she recognized the need for advocacy in early relationships and intervention. This realization led to the launch of Interplay International, a groundbreaking healing modality addressing intergenerational and early trauma within the crucial parent-child relationship.
During this...2024-05-0757 min
Wine with WitaScreen time and your children - the pros and consLast month, @telethonkidsinstitute released a study highlighting the impact of screen time on young children.
Screen time can be a confusing debate. How much is too much? What shows are appropriate or not? What is the impact of screen time? Are there better choices?
To support your insight into this matter, I have arranged a very special Wine with Wita panel.
The amazing panel includes:
2 Speech Pathologist, Julie @talkhqspeech and myself @rs.speechpathology
2 Occupational therapists Sarah @bambinihealth, Maria @moveplaygrow_ot
Dr Mary Brushe, from @telethonkidsinstitute who lead the research study
and2024-04-3057 min
Wine with WitaWhat is Wine with WitaWelcome to Wine with Wita
Get to know me and the reasons why Wine with Wita was created2024-04-2501 min
Let's Just Talk#224 - What's The Best Way To Help Your Child's Speech Development with Rita ShamounAs a father of 2 cheeky but fun girls, I constantly worry if what I'm doing and providing to my girls in the form of parenting, is helping them be the best that they can be.
Should I allow them on their iPads and if so, how much time is OK, is it OK to swear in front of them, when is the best time to teach them new skills and is the drill sergeant or honey giver the best approach and whats the best way to help their language development.
This week I...2023-04-0249 min