Diverse Thinking Different Learning

Jan Stewart, author of 'Hold On Tight: A Parent’s Journey Raising Children with Mental Illness,' shares her experience raising children with different mental health needs. She discusses the challenges of diagnoses, the importance of trusting parental instincts, and the necessity of seeking proper help. Jan emphasizes the need for proactive support for parents facing similar struggles and provides insightful advice for navigating the journey of raising children with mental health challenges.

Today, we’re answering the question, “Can play therapy help my child?” But first, we need to understand what play therapy is and what it is not. Our guest, Cathi Spooner shares insights on helping children navigate complex emotions through play therapy. And there’s a lot to talk about! We’ve had several episodes discussing different treatment modalities and information about ways we can provide social and emotional support to our children and adolescents. Play therapy might be the right fit for your child and your family. Listen to find out how Cathi has used play therapy to support children and adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, divorce and separation, attachment issues, self-regulation issues, and grief and loss.    Show Notes: [2:56] - Play therapy is about helping children access the therapeutic powers of play through a specific therapy modality. It’s grounded in a theoretical model. [4:32] - Play is the language of children. [5:13] - It is more than just pulling out games and toys. [6:29] - To an outsider looking in, it looks like the counselor or therapist is just playing. But they know how to use play to work through emotions. [7:36] - Children naturally work things out and make sense of the world through play. [10:43] - Cathi describes the types of toys and games in a play therapy room. [12:36] - Anger and aggression are normal emotions and parents tend to want to avoid them. [15:12] - Play gives therapists a way to see what’s going on underneath a child’s behavior. [17:32] - Children need parents to be able to co-regulate emotions. [19:31] - Children can’t be the ones responsible for learning how to regulate their emotions. [22:02] - One key is to empower parents to continue this work at home outside of the therapy room. [24:22] - Parents need support and guidance on how to help their children. [28:20] - If parents don’t trust the therapist, they will not be able to feel comfortable and confident in being the parent they want to be. [31:26] - Expressive art is an amazing modality to incorporate into play therapy to show children other ways to work through and make sense of things without verbally articulating. [33:14] - When we’re in distress, making sense of things is challenging. Play makes it more accessible.   About Our Guest: Cathi Spooner is an LCSW and RPT-S. She has worked with children, adolescents and their families since 1982 in a variety of capacities including therapeutic recreation, teaching special education for children with emotional and learning difficulties, residential mental health treatment programs, substance abuse treatment, and outpatient psychotherapy. Her expertise includes working with children, adolescents and families experiencing trauma and attachment issues as well as depression, anxiety, grief & loss, behavior problems, court-involved youth, homeless populations, ADHD, foster care and adoption issues, parental separation and divorce, and school problems.  Cathi has conducted numerous professional play therapy training sessions at the local, state, national, and international level. Her Play Therapy Academy program prepares child and adolescent therapists to become play therapists. She is the author of Attachment-Focused Family Play Therapy: An Intervention for Children and Adolescents After Trauma (Routledge).   Connect with Cathi: Renewing Hearts Play Therapy Training Website Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Facebook Group LinkedIn Instagram YouTube   Links and Related Resources: Episode 131: Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Kids and Teens with Dr. Shadab Jannati Episode 116: How Dialectical Behavior Therapy Helps Children and Teens with Patricia Gieselman, MFT Episode 130: How Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Strengthens the Family Relationship with Dr. Karrie Lager Q&A with Dr. Karen Wilson Register for Our Self-Paced Mini Courses with LIVE AMA Sessions   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.

Research shows that individuals with learning and thinking differences are at higher risk for substance abuse. It is also known that there is a connection between mental health problems, like depression and anxiety, and substance abuse. But now that we know that, what do we do about it? Today’s guests support neurodiverse youth and help with substance use and abuse concerns. Eric Rydzewski and Chris Wilson join me today from Aspen Growth Coaching to help guide us through some of the misinformation on this topic and the many things that people generally don’t understand about the connection between neurodivergence and substance abuse.  In the end, we can’t always stop a teenager from being impulsive, but we can understand why they are more vulnerable to substance abuse and learn what to do to help them.   Show Notes: [2:36] - Teenagers with ADHD are at greater risk for substance use and abuse. [4:37] - Receiving a later diagnosis of something that impacts someone’s daily functioning can lead to seeking comfort in drugs and alcohol. [6:21] - Some people don’t need an official diagnosis to know that they are drawn to substances that make them feel calm or stimulated. [7:59] - Drugs and alcohol seem like a “quick fix” to a struggle or challenge. [9:32] - There is also a lot of societal pressure especially for teens who already feel isolated. [10:44] - It is common for drugs and alcohol to be used as performance enhancement in social connections. [14:20] - Eric and Chris work with a lot of people who function well while using substances, but the dependence grows. [16:48] - Teenagers are naturally impulsive and experimental. Some who are neurodiverse may be more impulsive. [18:51] - The risk of substance abuse is also connected to nutrition and sleep. Part of the work Eric and Chris do is addressing taking care of their bodies. [21:25] - Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety increase risks of substance abuse. These mental health conditions are also seen in those who are neurodiverse. [24:00] - Parents get lost in these situations, but it is important to have healthy boundaries. [25:23] - There are thousands of families in the United States dealing with this. There are a lot of support groups. [27:11] - A critical part of building resilience is knowing there is a caring adult in their corner who can have difficult but supportive conversations with them. [28:40] - What does it look like when an intervention works? Everyone is very different. [32:26] - Recognize if your child is on a self-destructive path and seek the support they need to learn to be healthy and independent.   About Our Guests: Eric Rydzewski Eric is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in working with adolescents and young adults with comorbid neurodivergent stress and addiction issues  He is trained in autism identification and screening and uses an emotionally focused approach to the families he works with as a way of enhancing connection rather than dividing through intervention. He has over 12 years of experience working with neurodivergent populations. Eric lives in Grand Junction, Colorado with his wife and family.   Chris Wilson Chris is a Sobriety, ADHD, and Life Coach. He has a bachelor’s in English Literature and a long professional history as a corporate executive in the maritime shipping industry. After a decade in this high-powered career, Chris walked away from his business success to hike the Pacific Crest Trail and prioritize sobriety and living a more intentional life. After this dramatic life change, Chris has dedicated himself to supporting others with similar experiences. Using the skills he brought with him from his business background, Chris supports his clients to set themselves up for success. Moving away from shame and a failure-focused mindset, Chris teaches a “back to the basics” approach, helping clients establish lifestyle changes that encourage a healthy life while practicing resiliency in the face of relapse, attention challenges, and identity struggles.   Connect with Eric and Chris: Aspen Growth Coaching Website Email Eric: eric@aspengrowthcoaching.com Email Chris: chris@aspengrowthcoaching.com    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.

Today’s topic is no stranger to the Diverse Thinking Different Learning Podcast. We’re talking about sleep, but this time, we’re discussing the impact of sleep (and lack thereof) on teens. Lisa Lewis explains it all beautifully in her book The Sleep-Deprived Teen: Why Our Teenagers Are So Tired, and How Parents and Schools Can Help Them Thrive. And in our conversation today, she shares some interesting facts about the adolescent brain, how sleep deprivation impedes brain development, and what we can do about it as parents and as a society.   Show Notes: [2:19] - In the early years of our child’s life, we think about naps and sleep often. But it is something that becomes overlooked as they get older. [3:24] - Adolescence is a time of major brain development. [5:02] - Sleep, specifically, is incredibly important for this process. [6:18] - The number of hours needed for a teen is more than for adults. Teens should be getting 8-10 hours at least of sleep. Young teens should be getting 11 hours. [8:02] - Naturally, teens will start going to bed later. This is a normal rhythm change. [9:25] - There are a number of factors behind why teens are not getting enough sleep. [11:08] - The biggest policy change that could greatly benefit adolescents is a later school start time for middle and high school students. [13:04] - Tech use late at night is a big factor as well as overscheduling. [15:10] - Lisa explains some of the processes that are impacted by sleep deprivation, specifically academically. [16:23] - Mood, irritability, and emotional regulation are greatly impacted by sleep. This is true for adults as well. [17:50] - Sleep deprivation also has a link to suicidality, mental health issues, and impulsivity. [19:20] - Many teens are involved in athletics and sleep deprivation increases risk for injury. Sleep deprivation is a concern for teens learning to drive as well. [20:54] - What are some of the things we can do as parents and as a community? [23:01] - There are many things to consider including homework time and extracurricular activities. [25:11] - Technology is here to stay. But how is it impacting sleep? [26:58] - There are some best practices for parents and teens regarding tech use at night. [29:27] - Making changes in the home needs to be collaborative. [31:26] - Part of technology rules and wind-down routines is being a good role model.   About Our Guest: Lisa L. Lewis is the author of The Sleep-Deprived Teen: Why Our Teenagers Are So Tired, and How Parents and Schools Can Help Them Thrive (described as “a call to action” by Arianna Huffington and “an urgent and timely read” by Daniel H. Pink). Her book, which was reviewed by The New York Times, is an outgrowth of her previous work on the topic, including her role in helping get California’s landmark law on healthy school start times passed. Lewis has written for The Atlantic, The Washington Post, The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times, among others, and has appeared on the TODAY show, WBUR “On Point,” BBC World Radio, and local radio and TV in Los Angeles, San Francisco and elsewhere. She has a master’s degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, an MFA from Mills College, and a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley. The parent of a teen and a recent teen, Lewis lives in California with her family.   Connect with Lisa: The Sleep-Deprived Teen: Why Our Teenagers Are So Tired, and How Parents and Schools Can Help Them Thrive by Lisa Lewis LisaLLewis.com   Links and Related Resources: Episode 148: How Sleep Affects Academic Performance and Mood The Teen Brain - 6 Things to Know   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.

Parents frequently find themselves searching for the perfect educational environment for their child. And when you have a child who thinks and learns differently, you may also look for an environment where your child has access to interventions that address their unique needs, a program that incorporates clinical support, helps your child develop social-emotional learning and adaptive functioning skills, and provides them with the support of a community of educators and peers. For some students, that could mean a residential or boarding program, where they live and learn in the same place.  Sara Jackson joins us today to talk about the benefits of this type of program for neurodivergent youth. Listen to learn more.   Show Notes: [2:30] - A boarding school is special because a student is getting the full academic learning, but their life after school is intentionally programmed as well. [4:35] - Boarding school integrates social-emotional learning into the day-to-day schedule for students which in many other environments is missing. [6:42] - There is a lot of opportunity for incidental learning. [8:02] - The biggest benefit for neurodiverse students in a residential program is the built-in community. [9:33] - Sara explains that the students they serve are experiencing life-changing events that are building self-confidence. [11:04] - Who is a good candidate for a residential program and what is the right age? It’s a whole family decision. [13:06] - For a child with learning challenges, the struggles are often the focus. But, a personalized education program like this gives the opportunity to focus on strengths and interests. [15:13] - In order to thrive, some students need a specialized program. [16:48] - When students are successful outside of school, it increases confidence during academic learning as well.  [19:01] - Sara describes a typical day for students at Riverview School. [21:16] - Parents are close partners with Riverview School. [22:49] - For more information, visit their website. There are virtual and in-person information sessions available.   About Our Guest: Sara has a BA in Neuroscience from Hamilton College and Master of Social Work from Boston University. She is a licensed clinical social worker. Sara has worked at Riverview School since 2001, in a number of positions including as direct care staff, a clinician, the social pragmatics and behavior specialist and currently as the coordinator of the middle school/high school boarding program.    Connect with Sara: ChildNEXUS School Profile Riverview School Website   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.

Although today’s guest is a declutter coach and has been featured as a guest on the podcast before, she’s here for a completely different reason today. Today, Wendy Zanders is here in her role as a mom who homeschools. This episode is a down-to-earth and realistic conversation about the popular topic of homeschooling. Wendy shares her journey, the ups and downs, the reasons behind her family’s decision, and the possibilities homeschooling has opened up for her children.  If you are thinking about homeschooling or have questions about how you can homeschool more effectively, Wendy will have some answers in this conversation.   Show Notes: [2:06] - Even though the homeschool journey for Wendy is for the whole family, both of her children are homeschooled differently. [3:10] - Some families changed to homeschooling during the pandemic in 2020 and made the decision to continue. [4:22] - Wendy shares the experience of meeting another family that was homeschooled and her daughter knew right away she wanted to be homeschooled as well. [6:20] - It is okay to simply try homeschooling. If you don’t like it or it isn’t the right fit for your family, you can always go back to public school or find another option. [7:48] - If you feel that you are not qualified or not feeling confident in a certain subject, you can find a tutor for support. [9:19] - Wendy shares a bit about their structured school schedule and the things they do that are outside the traditional structure. [10:49] - There are so many different options and you can make the decision that is best for you and your family. [13:14] - Wendy shares the recent milestones for her children. [15:26] - Through her son’s passion and interests, Wendy was able to create the perfect curriculum for him and he is now in a program for welding. [17:10] - An important component of homeschooling is a community. [19:14] - It is a myth that homeschooled children are missing out on the socialization opportunities provided in public schools. [20:42] - There was a big mental shift that Wendy had to make. Unschooling has been the best fit for her and her family. [23:52] - It is not at all required to spend a ton of money on a homeschool curriculum. [25:30] - There doesn’t always have to be a dedicated school space in your home. Your kids may not learn that way.   About Our Guest: Wendy Zanders is a professional organizer, Your Declutter Coach, and a United States Army veteran. Her family has been homeschooling both kids since 2019. They are a special needs homeschooling family that loves to learn outside the box. Her 16-year-old son graduated and is now a professional welder pursuing a career in the automotive industry. Their 10-year-old wants to be a scientist, and they enjoy exploring that path with her. Wendy is the biggest cheerleader for her kids and their journeys.    Connect with Wendy: ChildNEXUS Provider Profile Email: wendy@yourdecluttercoach.com  Your Declutter Coach Website   Links and Related Resources: Episode 123: How Decluttering Helps to Manage ADHD Symptoms with Wendy Zanders Episode 151: Parenting with ADHD Insights and Inspiration with Holly Blanc Moses   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.

With a new dyslexia screening law coming into effect next year in the state of California, parents need to know what to expect and what the rights of their children are. To help educate us on what this screener is and what it means for our children, educational attorneys Vickie Brett and Amanda Selogie join the podcast again. Vickie and Amanda are both attorneys and founders of the Inclusive Education Project, which includes an IEP Learning Center and a podcast. As educational attorneys, they focus on advocating for and educating families on their legal rights, especially when it comes to the services their child is entitled to through public education. Today, we’re discussing what this law means and how it impacts all students in Kindergarten through second grade in the state of California. You’ll learn what to expect and how you can be prepared for pushing for a comprehensive evaluation in the event that your child is found to be at risk for dyslexia.   Show Notes: [1:49] - Welcome back, Vickie and Amanda! They were previously on during the COVID-19 pandemic discussing legal rights of students needing services. [4:00] - October is specifically a busy month for IEP meetings and initial assessments. [6:42] - Because of holidays and the busy season, there are a lot of things to accomplish in a short amount of time. [8:08] - It is so important for parents to understand the rights their children have. [9:31] - In 2024, California will have funding for universal screening for dyslexia in students from Kindergarten through second grade. [11:34] - Schools are supposed to implement these screenings in 2024. The goal with this law is it uses a universal screener. [13:23] - Interventions being provided through RTI and reading groups are not enough. [16:46] - The timing in California also coincides with the universal pre-Kindergarten program. [18:18] - Screening is not the same thing as intervention or assessment. They identify kids who are at risk for dyslexia. But then what? [20:30] - Vickie explains how the law works and the requirements it outlines. [23:03] - For a screener to really work, it needs to be done for all students. [24:30] - One common trait of children with dyslexia is that they are able to compensate in the early years of school and tend to be overlooked. [26:47] - Being at risk should be enough of an alert to proceed with a comprehensive evaluation. [29:19] - There are certain things that the school will take care of, but parents need to be vigilant in requesting more if it's needed. [30:52] - With a universal screener, there should be a universal intervention. [34:59] - Amanda thinks that implementation will be left to each county and school district. [37:04] - Is every county going to be able to train and implement this screener? [40:15] - You can find more information on the Inclusive Education Project website.   About Our Guests: Vickie Brett Vickie Brett was born and raised in Southern California and through the Inclusive Education Project she focuses on advocating and educating families about their legal rights. Vickie is committed to strengthening her clients who come to her disheartened and beaten down by the current education system. Because Vickie is bilingual, she represents and empowers many monolingual Spanish-speaking families.  She is a dedicated pro bono attorney for the Superior Court of Los Angeles’s Juvenile and Dependency 317(e) Panel and in the past was a supervising attorney for the UCI Law School's Special Education Law Project.   Amanda Selogie Amanda Selogie received a bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development, specializing in Education from California State University, Northridge and a Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School where she served as a Fellow in the prestigious Center for Children's Rights Fellowship Program and served in the school's pro-bono Special Education Legal Clinic. Amanda immersed herself in the world of civil rights and educational advocacy through her work in education, empowerment and advocacy with the Inclusive Education project, supporting inclusion in early education through her appointment to the Orange County Child Care and Development Planning Council and their Inclusion Collaborative Committee, previous work serving as a supervising attorney for UCI Law School’s Education Rights Pro-bono project and coaching of AYSO’s VIP (Very Important Player) program coaching players living with disabilities and creating an inclusive soccer program.   Connect with Vickie and Amanda: Inclusive Education Project Website @inclusiveeducationproject on Instagram Email admin@iepcalifornia.org    Links and Related Resources: Register for Our Self-Paced Mini Courses with LIVE AMA Sessions Inclusive Education Project Podcast Dr. Karen Wilson on the Inclusive Education Project Podcast   Connect with Us: Get on our Email List Book a Consultation Get Support and Connect with a ChildNEXUS Provider Check out some amazing schools for incredible students   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.

If you have a teen who is preparing for or thinking about applying to college, you are likely aware that some colleges and universities are test optional or even test blind when it comes to ACTs and SATs. But what does that mean? Should students with learning differences, test anxiety, or struggles with test-taking in general take these tests? Annika Guy is the Director of Independent Study/Homeschool and SAT/ACT programming at Hayutin Education and a valued ChildNEXUS member. And while they know so much about test-optional and test-blind colleges and universities, they are here to tell us that it is a constantly changing landscape. We’ve definitely entered a new era of college acceptance processes and even the tests themselves have gone through some evolution over the last several years. So if you and your teen are considering colleges, we now need to answer the question: to test or not to test?   Show Notes: [2:42] - So much has changed in the last few years and it continues to evolve very quickly. [3:49] - There is a lot of conflicting information and opinions when it comes to testing and college prep. This makes the decision to test that much harder. [4:59] - It can be very frustrating to go through testing and then learn that the university or college doesn’t require it. [5:38] - Test-optional means that schools will not require test scores to be submitted when applying, but will look them over if submitted. [7:21] - Test blind means that schools don’t even look at test scores at all even if you submit them. [9:08] - A big concern for students and parents is that learning differences and test-taking difficulties result in scores that don’t reflect a student’s ability and potential. [11:24] - Although it can be confusing, it is ultimately a good thing that there are test-optional and test blind schools. [13:10] - Testing companies are beginning to shift their thinking around the necessity and accuracy of test scores. [14:43] - The SAT has gone through a lot of changes in the last ten years. Now it is a much shorter test and is provided digitally. [17:53] - There are some things that can be put into a test-prep plan including practice tests and test-prep tutors. [21:24] - Hayutin Education is very transparent about the murky waters of testing and test prep. They help students navigate this decision. [23:19] - Homeschooled students need to test and there are other demographics that feel more pressured to test like international students and athletes. [25:01] - Test prep should not be prioritized over keeping up a GPA. [26:36] - Hayutin Education offers a number of services including test prep services, college application guidance, and academic support.   About Our Guest: Annika Guy is the Director of Independent Study/Homeschool and SAT/ACT programming at Hayutin Education. Annika joined the Hayutin administrative team in 2021 after two years on the educator team. Annika has worked with students ranging from elementary school through college in a variety of humanities-based subjects as well as math, science, executive function coaching, independent study/homeschool, and test prep. As Director of Independent Study, Annika is passionate about custom curriculum design and developing the best program for each student’s unique learning style. In their role as Director of Hayutin’s SAT/ACT program, Annika consults with families about the changing landscape of college admissions in the test-optional era, and what that means for students facing the question of whether or not to test.   Connect with Annika Guy: ChildNEXUS Provider Profile Hayutin Education Website   Links and Related Resources: Episode 16: The Independent Study Option with Maya Varga Episode 126: Why Self Awareness and Self Determination are Important for College Success with Elizabeth Hamblet Episode 15: From High School to College: Steps to Success for Students with Disabilities with Elizabeth Hamblet   Connect with Us: Get on our Email List Book a Consultation Get Support and Connect with a ChildNEXUS Provider Check out some amazing schools for incredible students   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.

Educational therapist, Rachel Kapp, discusses virtual educational therapy and its benefits for students with learning differences. She explains how the pandemic highlighted the need for such services and how therapy impacts academics and life skills. Rachel emphasizes the efficiency and effectiveness of virtual therapy, offering quick improvement and flexibility for tailored interventions.

Today’s guest is Ashley Harding and we’re discussing the importance of students having a sense of belonging in their learning environment. Ashley is a valued member of the ChildNEXUS community and a compassionate advocate for diverse learners. In this episode, Ashley explains how impactful a sense of belonging is to a student. Knowing they hold a significant space somewhere, feeling a sense of connection and safety, and knowing that their educational needs are being met while also getting the support they need are critical keys to the concept of “mattering”. All of these things have long-term outcomes that go far beyond academic mastery and it's important for educators to foster this and value a child’s sense of belonging. This is what is going to help students thrive and reach their full potential. It’s not just about academic mastery. Listen on to find out how students can learn self-efficacy and self-advocacy and how this can change the trajectory of their success.   Show Notes: [2:31] - North Star Academics was founded on three principles: academic mastery, self-efficacy, and parent engagement. [3:38] - In Ashley’s experience, the disconnect for a lot of students is not having a feeling of belonging. [5:37] - Students have ecosystems of their own. How do they feel connected to their school and is there a gap? [7:04] - Ashley describes some of the things they look at when a student begins with North Star Academics. [8:11] - We have to start with our own internal biases. Bias is well beyond culture. [9:34] - Communicating with educators can be challenging with new families. [10:47] - How are we evaluating processes in order to have a continuum of success? [12:58] - Investment in private and independent schools is a social justice issue. [14:33] - Stakeholders need to be tuned into the needs of every student, but students need to also be aware of their own learning profile as well. [16:05] - Academic mastery is often the easier part of this. [18:37] - When parents have a deference with teachers, it prevents the child from getting what they need. Advocacy needs to be modeled. [21:27] - You are not waiting to be empowered. You have power and are working in collaboration. If you aren’t empowered, is this the right placement? [24:16] - If students aren’t getting the accommodations they require, is it the right place for them? [26:55] - This is a long term process. What does it take for your child to be successful not just this school year, but the next one and beyond? [28:01] - It’s important to meet with the school in order to support the child. [29:53] - Schools are often focused on academic mastery. [31:20] - Research shows that if a child has just one person invested in them, they are more likely to be successful. [33:30] - Space is not just physical space. People at school should be safe spaces for students as well.   About Our Guest: Ashley Harding is a passionate fourth-generation educator and the Founder of North Star Academics. With a decade of experience, she's committed to improving the educational experience for children and families nationwide. Born and educated in West Los Angeles, she holds a Bachelor of Science from USC and a master's degree from Tufts University. Her focus includes creating social capital and support for students and families of color, and she has previously served as Director of Family and External Engagement for KIPP DC. Ashley's interests include promoting veganism, wearing black Chucks, and enjoying 1990s R&B.   Connect with Ashley Harding: ChildNEXUS Provider Profile Email: ashley@northstaracademics.org North Star Academics Website   Connect with Us: Get on our Email List Book a Consultation Get Support and Connect with a ChildNEXUS Provider Check out some amazing schools for incredible students   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.