Diverse Thinking Different Learning

Welcome to today's episode, where we are navigating the complex landscape of public and private school options for children with learning differences. While many families have had great experiences in both settings, others face challenges that necessitate exploring alternative educational environments. Today, we're diving into the independent school option for those with learning differences, with the expertise of our guest, Collette Bowers Zinn. Collette Bowers Zinn brings over 20 years of dedication to connecting children with the educational environment that is best for them. As a litigator, fourth-generation educator, and founder of multiple educational initiatives, Collette's unique background equips her with insights into the educational system. She founded Private School Axis and Zinn Education Management aiming to bridge the gap between families and schools while promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accountability. In this episode, we’ll discuss why some parents are turning to independent schools, particularly when public schools fall short, especially for kids of color. Collette shares her personal journey with her children's education and provides her advice on finding the right match for your child's needs. We'll also address the misconceptions about private school affordability and accessibility, along with financial aid options. Collette emphasizes the importance of family and school partnerships, transparency, and thorough research to ensure the best educational fit for your child. Show Notes: [2:47] - The primary reason many parents are seeking independent school enrollment is because public schools have failed some of our kids, especially kids of color. [3:38] - There are a lot of things to consider - class size, case load for teachers, state testing, and government regulations. [5:15] - Private schools are more accessible and affordable than most people think. [6:46] - There are some cons that people need to consider about private education as well. No system is perfect. [8:23] - With current circumstances, Collette’s children attend an independent school. You have to find the right match for your child. [9:32] - To properly support a child in their learning journey, the family has to be in partnership with whatever educational institution they choose. [10:52] - It is equally as important to interview the institution as it is for the institution to interview you. Ask all the questions needed to make a decision. [14:18] - The only way to develop a thriving partnership is through transparency. [15:38] - It is important to remember that independent schools are businesses. Do your research to find what is the right match for you. [18:12] - At the end of the day, the end goal for you, your child, and the institution is the same: finding the best place for your child. [20:17] - You can’t be connected and in partnership without showing up. [21:10] - Collette discusses financial aid options for private school tuition. [24:32] - How do children navigate the socioeconomic differences between students in private schools? [28:12] - Prioritize gratitude over focusing on socioeconomic status. [29:56] - No matter what, everyone should be able to access a learning environment that will lead them to a lifetime of amazing experiences. [30:55] - Diversity within a learning environment leads to better outcomes for all learners. [32:19] - Collette has started a non-profit called Private School Axis to aid students in accessing the educational route that is best for them. [36:07] - Dream big and learn what you wish was different. Take that list and formulate the must-haves for your child’s learning environment and start the research. About Our Guest: For more than 20 years, Collette Bowers Zinn has been dedicated to bringing impact and humanity to the work of connecting children with high caliber education. Her unique professional experiences, both as a litigator and fourth-generation educator, have deeply informed her mission to serve and guide students, families, teachers, and school leadership. Through her own innovative work as a school administrator and a diversity, equity, inclusion and accountability (DEIA) practitioner, Collette recognized the dynamic daily challenges within education and identified how the needs of students and classrooms could be most effectively met. She created Private School Axis, Zinn Education Management, and The Onyx Movement to connect families and schools across the nation with the counsel they need. With each of these endeavors, Collette is designing ways to help students reach their full potential while elevating the culture of independent schools towards meaningful diversity, equity, inclusion, and accountability. Collette holds an M.Ed. from Pepperdine University, a J.D. from the University of Southern California, and a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania.  Connect with Collette: Private School Axis Website Zinn Education Consulting Email: collette@privateschoolaxis.org eRaced Podcast Links and Related Resources: Episode 132: Social Justice: A Framework for Equity in Education with Charles A. Barrett Episode 37: Literacy: A Social Justice Issue with Resha Conroy Connect with Us: Get on our Email List Book a Consultation Get Support and Connect with a ChildNEXUS Provider Register for Our Self-Paced Mini Courses with LIVE AMA Sessions The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.

Join Stacy Payne, a seasoned speech-language pathologist, as she discusses the profound impact of early language interactions on cognitive development. Explore the importance of creating a language-rich environment for children and the role of parents in fostering language skills. Learn about the complexity of the developing brain, the importance of repetition in creating neural pathways, and opportunities for maximizing learning during summer months.

In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to have Fran Kenton with us to discuss social emotional learning (SEL). Fran holds a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology, along with credentials in General and Special Education, and is a Certified Health and Wellness Coach. She is the founder of Autonome, a dynamic and interactive SEL program designed for teens and young adults. In our conversation today, we’ll explore how Fran's unique approach can cultivate crucial skills in kids and teens. She shares insights on what motivated her to focus on SEL, the importance of understanding what motivates a child, and how SEL encompasses a broad range of life skills. We’ll discuss the proven benefits of SEL, its integration into curriculum, and why these skills are best taught in an educational setting where all children can be reached. Recognizing a critical gap in traditional education, Fran founded Autonome to integrate SEL and mindfulness practices into the learning experience. Her innovative approach equips young people with the necessary skills to manage life's complexities, fostering self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, social awareness, and relationship skills. These competencies form the foundation of Autonome’s program, reflecting a culmination of Fran’s experiences. Join us as Fran Kenton shares her vision for empowering young people with the tools they need to navigate life successfully.  Show Notes: [1:53] - Fran has culminated all her experiences as an educator and counselor. She shares what has inspired her to put her focus on social-emotional learning. [3:45] - In the early years of her career as an educator, Fran found herself drawn to helping students who struggled with social-emotional learning. [6:28] - We need to know what motivates a child to truly engage them in learning. [8:12] - Oftentimes when parents see their child struggling, there is a tendency to focus on academic performance. But that’s not the only thing we should look at. [10:12] - Social-emotional learning is an umbrella that encompasses a series of skills and competencies to successfully navigate life in general. [11:44] - There are five broad interrelated SEL competencies: self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, social awareness, and relationship skills. [14:44] - Research and data support social-emotional learning. [16:15] - It has been shown that school is the best place to learn these skills because more children can be reached. These skills don’t necessarily come naturally. [17:59] - SAFE is an acronym for Sequence, Active, Focused, and Explicit. [21:26] - Parents and families need to learn these skills as well in order to reinforce them at home. [22:28] - Before we can manage any task and emotion, we have to stop and tune in to what we are sensing at that moment and understand our perception. [24:40] - Mindfulness is the beginning. Then we need to move forward with tools to manage emotions and tasks. [26:01] - Fran explains her motivation and inspiration in founding Autonome. [29:04] - Autonome’s program can be integrated into a school’s curriculum and teachers do not need any formal training to be able to use it. [31:24] - It is important for parents to understand that these skills are not natural. They need to be taught and modeled. About Our Guest: Fran Kenton, M.A. in Educational Psychology with credentials in general and special education, is the founder of Autonome, a social emotional learning (SEL) program for teens and young adults. With a background as a middle school teacher and counselor in the Lawndale School District, Fran has extensive experience working with at-risk youth. She later continued her career in the Las Virgenes Unified School District, focusing on special needs students and co-creating the Transition Curriculum to aid their post-high school transitions. Certified as a Health and Wellness Coach, she also provides life coaching services and works with The Robert and Susan Kozlowski L.I.F.T. Foundation. Fran's dedication to integrating SEL and mindfulness into education led to the creation of Autonome, aimed at equipping young people with essential life skills. Connect with Fran Kenton: Autonome101.com Email: fran@autonome101.com  Links and Related Resources: What is Social Thinking? Episode 79: How to Develop Social Thinking Skills with Michelle Garcis Winner Connect with Us: Get on our Email List Book a Consultation Get Support and Connect with a ChildNEXUS Provider Register for Our Self-Paced Anxiety, ADHD and Youth Anxiety Mini Courses The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.

Welcome back to another episode of Diverse Thinking Different Learning! Tune in this episode as Dr. Karen Wilson welcomes educational therapist Hunja Koimburi to the podcast to discuss end-of-year strategies for students with learning differences. As the school year winds down, students and parents alike face many challenges, including but not limited to completing final projects and managing increased stress levels. Hunja shares his expertise on how parents can support their children during this critical time, highlighting how important it is to understand the unique needs of students with learning differences. He reveals what initially drew him to this field and how his journey from studying economics and law to educational therapy has molded the ways that he helps students. He discusses the importance of using personalized strategies that are tailored to each individual student's unique learning challenge(s), focusing especially on time management and prioritizing tasks. Hunja also elaborates upon practical advice for parents to help their children finish the school year strong, discussing how breaking down large projects into manageable tasks and encouraging a balance between academic commitments and social activities can help relieve overwhelm and stress. Hunja also touches on the importance of helping students reflect on past experiences to improve future performance. As summer quickly approaches, Hunja offers practical ways that parents can effectively use this time to support their child's learning and development, suggesting that parents use the summer to focus on areas that need improvement, but he emphasizes the value of maintaining a balance between relaxation and productive activities to ensure students return to school feeling confident and prepared. Hunja’s insights are a valuable resource for parents seeking to support their children through the end of the academic year and beyond, so tune in to gain practical strategies for helping your child navigate the end-of-year pressures and make the most of their summer break, setting them up for a successful start to the next school year.   Show Notes: [2:10] - Hunja Koimburi is here to share his expertise on supporting students with learning differences as they transition to college. [3:01] - Inspired by his experience supporting students with learning differences, Hunja empowers educators and parents to specially tailor teaching and parenting strategies. [5:32] - Hunja emphasizes the importance of addressing learning differences to support students during busy school periods. [8:49] It's important to break down large projects and prioritize them to avoid overwhelm. [11:09] Hunja highlights the need for helping students with learning differences with time management and prioritization. [14:10] Executive functioning coaching can help tackle time blindness and enhance study techniques. [15:01] - Hunja values strategic planning over impulsive optimism to help students with learning differences manage their time. [17:32] - Hunja argues that supporting students with learning difficulties through compassion and practical time management strategies is most effective. [20:56] - Parents can relieve pressure on students by providing external support and temporarily reducing their chores during busy times. [22:43] - Some students experience a downward spiral of anxiety and self-doubt about their academic performance. [24:46] - Providing early deadlines can help students with learning differences manage workloads and reduce anxiety. [26:56] - Help students prepare for transitions and familiarize themselves with upcoming materials in order to reduce stress and overwhelm. [28:17] - Hunja reiterates the importance of early deadlines and long lead times. [31:19] - Short-term rewards motivate students, especially when they're exhausted from a long academic year. [34:51] - Hunja highlights self-paced online tools like IXL and ALEKS for learning differences, adding that there is a need for accountability and additional support. [36:59] - Hunja suggests that while summer is less ideal due to a lack of current work, it can still be useful for passion projects that require accountability. [38:39] - High schoolers can benefit from summer projects like getting a driver's license or applying for jobs. [39:59] - What are the best ways to get in touch with Hunja?   About Our Guest: Hunja Koimburi is a Director at Hayutin Education, where he specializes in executive functioning support. He is passionate about the intersection of neurodivergence, executive functioning, and learning. He believes that developing a growing self-understanding of one’s learning profile is key to building lasting executive functioning skills and effective study (and life) skills. This allows us to proactively anticipate challenges rather than always reacting to them. As one of the lead trainers at Hayutin, Hunja prepares educators at Hayutin to support neurodivergent students with appropriate strategies and tools to thrive in the classroom.   Links and Related Resources: End of Year Checklist Young Scholars Academy IXL ALEKS Connect with Hunja: Hayutin Education Contact Hayutin Education Hayutin on ChildNEXUS Email: hunja@hayutineducation.com Phone: T 310-829-7505, x114   Connect with Us: Get on our Email List Book a Consultation Get Support and Connect with a ChildNEXUS Provider Register for Our Self-Paced Mini Courses for Better Understanding and Supporting Your Child with ADHD, Dyslexia & Anxiety   The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.  

Dr. Monica Blied discusses late diagnoses of ADHD and autism in marginalized communities, gender disparities in diagnosis, masking autistic characteristics, challenges in assessing ADHD in girls, and the importance of self-advocacy and understanding learning differences.

Dr. Casey Ehrlich delves into Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) as a nervous system disability, offering insights on its root causes and misunderstood nature. She shares practical strategies for parents to navigate PDA behaviors and connect with their child, emphasizing the need for tailored support and understanding of neuroception-driven demand avoidance.

Welcome to today's episode, where we turn the spotlight to dyslexia awareness and advocacy, featuring the remarkable journey of Rosalin Abigail Kyere-Nartey. Rosalin's story is nothing short of inspiring as she navigates her own experience with dyslexia to become an advocate for change for dyslexic individuals across Africa and beyond. From struggling in academics to finding her passion in culinary school, Rosalin's personal journey highlights the importance of understanding and embracing neurodiversity.  Through her organization, the Africa Dyslexia Organization (ADO), Rosalin is making an impact on dyslexia awareness, advocacy, and support. However, there are many barriers, including societal beliefs in African countries and lack of teacher resources. In this episode, Rosalin shares her own struggles and triumphs with dyslexia, including the pivotal moments that brought dyslexia to her own awareness and understanding. Rosalin's dedication to raising awareness and providing essential tools for educators and parents is truly inspiring and much needed in a world where dyslexia continues to be misunderstood. Show Notes: [2:35] - Rosalin always struggled in academics and knew from a young age that she was different. She explains why she has dedicated her life to dyslexia advocacy. [5:27] - Due to her struggles, Rosalin was not permitted to take exams to move forward into high school in Ghana. [7:10] - Rosalin chose to go to culinary school and this was a turning point for her. It was the first time she was in an environment where she loved to learn. [9:12] - She describes the first time a school administrator told her something positive. This turned her life around. [11:58] - As an adult, Rosalin had an assessment done and discovered her dyslexia. [13:05] - In her travels across Africa, Rosalin has found that there is little to no understanding about dyslexia. [15:07] - Rosalin has dedicated her life to spreading awareness of dyslexia in African countries. [18:16] - Rosalin’s organization is taking steps to prevent the wasting of valuable talents among dyslexic individuals. [21:12] - Inclusivity is crucial. Students with dyslexia need the same opportunities and support to thrive. [23:01] - Teacher training and resources for educators is a huge focus for the Africa Dyslexia Organization. [24:50] - Reaching out to the Ministries of Education in different locations in Africa is very difficult. Rosalin describes some of the barriers the organization faces. [26:39] - This is a global problem. There are people who are neurodivergent everywhere that need to understand the way they learn. [29:24] - Even with resources and awareness in the United States, students still fall behind and continue to face barriers to quality education and support. About Our Guest: Rosalin Abigail Kyere-Nartey Rosalin is an unwavering advocate for dyslexic individuals and the Founder and Executive Director of Africa Dyslexia Organization (ADO), non-profit organization is dedicated to raising awareness, advocacy, providing essential educational tools to teachers and parents, and offering support for individuals grappling with dyslexia and related learning disabilities. Rosalin holds an MSc in International Hospitality Management from Swiss Hotel Management School in Switzerland. She is Walt Disney Hospitality Leadership Fellow and currently a Lead Consultant at iQ Mundo and Country Rep for Swiss Education Group in Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Her multifaceted expertise and her commitment to inclusive education position her as a beacon of hope, igniting positive change for dyslexic individuals across Africa. Connect with Rosalin: Email: Rosalin@africandyslexia.org Africa Dyslexia Website Links and Related Resources: Register for Our Self-Paced Dyslexia Mini Course Dyslexia Episode 37: Literacy - A Social Justice Issue with Resha Conroy Episode 36: Empowering Professionals and Caregivers to Improve the Lives of Children Around the World with Sandy Dorsey Episode 111: Overcoming Dyslexia and Addressing the Reading Crisis with Sally Shaywitz Connect with Us: Get on our Email List Book a Consultation Get Support and Connect with a ChildNEXUS Provider The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.

Certified parent coach Samantha Moe shares insights on supporting emotionally intense children. Topics include understanding triggers, managing stress responses, brain-based parenting strategies, and creating harmonious home environments. Practical tools and advice for parents navigating the complexities of raising emotionally intense children.

Dr. Elizabeth Karp, a licensed clinical child psychologist, delves into childhood anxiety, its impact on families, and practical strategies for parents. She emphasizes recognizing signs of anxiety, parental involvement, and the SPACE program for empowering families. The episode offers valuable guidance for supporting anxious children and promoting self-paced courses.

Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown, a triple board-certified sleep medicine physician and pediatric pulmonologist, shares practical strategies for better sleep habits, focusing on the CREATE acronym: Consistency, Routines, Environment, Assigned bed for sleep, Technology management, and Elimination of disruptions. She discusses the recommended amount of sleep by age group and the impact of sleep quality on overall well-being, especially for neurodivergent children. Real-life success stories of families implementing these strategies are shared, emphasizing the importance of optimizing sleep for improved health.