More Than Words is for parents and people working with children who notice that their child is struggling to keep up with their peers, be it academically, socially, or emotionally. In each episode, we share resources, guidance, and a sense of assurance on the path to helping your child.
Episodes
Wednesday Mar 20, 2024
Wednesday Mar 20, 2024
In today’s episode, we’re talking to Aubrey Huntsman about occupational therapy handwriting exercises you can do at home. Aubrey is the Lead Occupational Therapist at The Arc of Loudoun/Aurora Behavior Clinic in Loudoun County Virginia. Today we will answer these questions:
- How does occupational therapy help handwriting?
- What kind of handwriting warrants the help of an OT?
- What makes it difficult for students to have neat handwriting?
- What do students need to be aware of to improve their handwriting (pencil grasp, line height, letter sizing, etc.)?
- What exercises can parents use at home to improve handwriting?
- Who might benefit from these exercises?
- Do these exercises work for a child without dysgraphia who might just need help making their writing a bit more legible?
More about Aubrey:
Aubrey is the Lead Clinical Occupational Therapist at the Aurora Behavior Clinic! She is from New England originally and moved to Northern VA in 2020. Aubrey graduated from Springfield College in Massachusetts with her Bachelor of Health Science in 2018 and again with her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2019. She has been in the field for 3 years and has experience in both pediatrics and geriatrics. Aubrey has worked at Skilled Nursing Facilities, Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospitals, and Pediatric Outpatient Clinics, working closely with other disciplines and a variety of diagnoses throughout the years. She is currently on the road to becoming a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist, as she gains more knowledge in working with children with ASD through each course.
She has always had a passion for working with children ever since her early days working in daycares and developing additional clinical experience in early intervention and pediatric clinics in college. As a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), Aubrey has attended conferences and participated in professional development opportunities such as guest lectures and hands-on activities to increase her knowledge of the ever-growing field.
Throughout her time at the Aurora Behavior Clinic, Aubrey has co-founded two programs. She has begun the Feeding Therapy Program and the Play and Say Group, alongside their speech therapist! Aubrey is always looking for ways to grow their clinic, which is evident in these early advances she has made!
Links and Resources:
- The Arc of Loudoun: https://abc.thearcofloudoun.org/
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Wednesday Mar 06, 2024
Wednesday Mar 06, 2024
In today’s episode, we’re talking to Lynn Klaiman about Raising A Future Reader. Lynn is an educational specialist in the DC area who specializes in helping parents find educational solutions for their unique students. Today we will answer these questions:
- At what age should you introduce literacy concepts?
- What are some ways you can support literacy at home?
- What are some ways you can support literacy while you’re out of the house (running errands, on a road trip, visiting with friends, etc.)
- What are some things you should avoid doing when promoting literacy in your little ones?
- Should you teach your child the alphabet before kindergarten?
- When can you start encouraging your child to read?
- When should parents worry that their child isn’t reading?
More about Lynn
Lynn is a teacher, author, learning specialist, and private educational consultant. Lynn is proud to have worked in some of the very best schools in NYC and DC such as Dalton, Sidwell Friends, and Georgetown Day School. Most recently, Lynn worked as the lower school learning specialist for over a decade at Georgetown Day School. In my many years working with children, she truly enjoyed learning what makes each child unique.
Lynn especially enjoys those “ah-ha” moments when kids make the connections needed to succeed at what was once challenging for them. By helping children discover their innate capacity to learn, she sets them on a path to unlock imagination, innovation, and all the possibilities in their life’s journey. She’s seen again and again that with the right tools and support, including working closely with parents, all children can feel confident and successful. Lynn is excited to share with you and your child the tools and tips that I have collected along the way.
Currently, she lives in Washington, DC with her amazing husband. She has two grown children who make her very proud. For fun, she likes to take long walks with friends, go boating on the South River, swim in the ocean, read novels, and try new restaurants.
Links and Resources:
- Lynn’s practice: https://www.lynnklaimaneducation.com
Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode!
- Website: http://www.readingllcenter.com
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/readingllcenter
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/readingllcenter
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWlbl8Ea8DJFADaNU9ZK1Vw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-reading-and-language-learning-center
Wednesday Feb 21, 2024
Wednesday Feb 21, 2024
In today’s episode, we’re talking to Dr. Layne Kalbfleisch about Stealth Dyslexia. Dr. Kalbfleish is an educational psychologist & cognitive neuroscientist with offices in Virginia and New Mexico. Dr. Kalbfleisch works with adults of all ages, parents, and their kids to maximize the results of testing from educational and clinical assessments through coaching and skill development. She recently released a book Teaching to Every Kid’s Potential: Simple Neuroscience Lessons to Liberate Learners to help anyone and everyone on their journey to best understanding their children and students. Today we will answer these questions:
- What is stealth dyslexia and is it different from dyslexia?
- What are the red flags of stealth dyslexia as opposed to those of dyslexia?
- How does stealth dyslexia manifest in the classroom and at home?
- Do students with stealth dyslexia often get misdiagnosed and if so what misdiagnosis do they get?
- How do students get proper diagnoses?
- What age do students get diagnosed? Is it often older than those with the “typical” dyslexia red flags?
- What support should students receive?
Links and Resources:
- Dr. Layne Kalbfleisch’s Practice: https://the2e.com/
- Teaching to Every Kid’s Potential, Dr. Layne Kalbfleisch’s Book: https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393713084
- Dr. Layne Kalbfleisch’s Editorial we referenced: https://the2e.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/FFXTM_0816_Kalbfleisch_editorial.pdf
- Dr. Layne Kalbfleisch’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrLayneK
- Dr. Layne Kalbfleisch’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.laynekalbfleisch/
Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode!
Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
In today’s episode, we’re talking to Jen Dryer about Coaching Parents To See Beyond Their Children’s Behavior. Jen is a parent coach, advocate, and educational consultant in the DC, Maryland, Virginia area. Jen specializes in supporting families and teachers of neuro-different children.
Today we will answer these questions:
- Why would a parent need coaching?
- Who needs parent coaching?
- What does parent coaching look like?
- How long does parent coaching normally last?
- How do you help parents see beyond their child’s behavior if it’s disruptive?
- Should parents and their children receive their own separate support at the same time? If so, should they receive support from the same provider?
- What benefits do parents see after getting coaching?
More about Jen
Jen Dryer, MA, is a parent coach, advocate and educational consultant who supports families and teachers of neuro-different children. Jen has more than 20 years of experience working with children, families, and teachers in both NYC and DC as a public school teacher, staff developer, and parent advocate. Her younger son is autistic and has ADHD, and her older son has ADHD.
Jen wants to help parents feel seen, heard, and understood in the challenges they face raising an Orchid Kid. Her goal is to empower them to better understand and support the child who is in front of them, rather than the child who they wished they had been tasked to raise.
Realizing the power of community and connection in weathering the challenges of raising neuro-different children, she wants to assist parents in connecting with others who are navigating similar paths.
Jen values giving parents the space to reflect on what they really want, while stripping away the “shoulds” and the perspectives of those around them (family, peers, teachers, society, etc.). Her desire is to empower them to connect with their own internal values as they find creative ways to allow their Orchid Kid to feel loved, appreciated, connected, and competent.
Links and Resources:
- Jen’s practice: https://www.raisingorchidkids.com/
Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode!
Wednesday Jan 17, 2024
Wednesday Jan 17, 2024
In today’s episode, we’re talking to Jonathon Wilkins about testing accommodations. Jonathon is the Director of Advising and Outreach at Top Score Education in the DC Metro Area. Top Score Education is one-on-one in-home & virtual test prep, tutoring, and skills-based learning individualized for each child.
Today we will answer these questions:
- What do testing accommodations look like?
- What kind of testing can students get accommodations for?
- Why would a student need accommodations?
- How does a parent get these accommodations?
- When should parents request accommodations?
- How can students self advocate and remind their teachers that they need accommodations?
- How do these accommodations affect the student’s academic success?
More about Jonathon
As Top Score’s Director of Advising and Outreach, Jonathon partners with prospective and current families to design customized academic programs for their children. Jonathon is passionate about helping families find the best education solutions for their kids. In addition to advising Top Score families, Jonathon works towards scaling Top Score’s impact by developing meaningful external partnerships with schools, education consultants, college counselors, summer camps, and other organizations that align with our mission.
If you’d like to reach out to Jonathon, you can contact him at advisor@topscoreedu.com.
Before joining Top Score, Jonathon worked in private school admissions, marketing, communication, and advancement. His work in education started as a high school math teacher, and he has always been passionate about positively impacting students’ lives.
Originally from Vermont, Jonathon holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Mathematics from the University of Vermont and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from George Washington University. In his free time, Jonathon enjoys spending time with his family and friends, boating on the Potomac, and trying out new restaurants.
Links and Resources:
- Top Score Education’s website: https://topscoreedu.com/
- Top Score Education on Social Media:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TopScoreEducation/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/topscoreofficial/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/topscoreedu
Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode!
Wednesday Jan 10, 2024
Wednesday Jan 10, 2024
Episode Notes
In today’s episode, we’re talking to Wendy Weinberger about ORganization & Anti-Procrastination. Wendy is the President & Co-Founder of Illuminos in the Northern Virginia area. We’re happy to have Wendy with us in this episode to discuss strategies for improving success in children with ADHD or Executive Function struggles. Today we will answer these questions:
- Why do so many kids with ADHD struggle with school, despite being very smart and capable?
- What are Executive Functions?
- What might be signs that a student is struggling with EF challenges?
- Can you share about the difference or overlap between ADHD and EF skills?
- What tips can you provide for parents to help their child become more organized both academically and in their “kid” life?
- For younger children, are there ways to help build the right skills early on to help them later?
- For parents learning about an ADHD diagnosis when a child is older, is there still an opportunity to effect change?
- What are common mistakes parents make while trying to help their child with ADHD?
- How do parents help their child down the path of success at school without breaking down their relationship with that child, especially when teenagers?
- My child studies hard, but nothing sticks. Could that be an EF issue? What should the parents do?
- What are the 5 key takeaways from today’s discussion?
More about Wendy
Wendy is the President & Co-Founder of Illuminos, a passion project born from her experiences growing up with numerous family members with ADHD and other learning differences.
When a child close to her received the same diagnosis, she not only worked hard to help him overcome the many challenges but decided to bring her cousin Evan’s academic coaching business to the DC area to help students in her community with similar struggles.
A lifelong supporter of children’s causes, Wendy has been a long-time advocate for the Children’s Hospital & Children’s Health Network and has raised more than $625,000 for the facility.
Wendy holds a Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University Law Center, and a BS, cum laude, from the University of Maryland. Prior to founding Illuminos, she spent 25 years as an attorney, General Counsel and COO of publicly traded companies gaining a broad range of experiences that she leverages today in managing Illuminos.
Wendy lives in Ashburn, Virginia with her husband, Antonio, their 5 children, Sofia, Stella, Lola, Emme, & Grayson, and their 2 Golden Retrievers, Coco and Luna, and their 2 Bengal cats, Milo and Riley.
Links and Resources:
- Wendy’s practice: http://www.illuminos.co/
Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode!
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
In today’s episode, we’re talking to Shira Woodlee about Children & Phone Usage at Bedtime. Shira is an executive function coach in the DC-Maryland-Virginia area. She's the founder and owner of EdFront Online, where they specialize in advocacy, executive function coaching, and online college coaching. Today we will answer these questions:
- Why do you think children are on their phones at night instead of going to bed?
- How is it affecting them the following day?
- Is it having long term effects on things like their homework, focus, mental well being, etc?
- What do you recommend Parents do to combat this?Does phone usage affect executive functioning at other points in the day other than bedtime?
- Should parents limit cell phone usage?
- Do you have tips for parents to help their children avoid being on their cell phones so much?
More about Shira:
Shira Woodlee founded EdFront in 2013 with the goal of personalizing support through coaching one-to-one. Shira's dedication to supporting students and their families in receiving the most equitable education possible has brought coaching and tutoring support to many students. Every day, Shira works directly with students to ensure success in their academic life by promoting their strengths and advocating for their areas of challenge.
Shira began her journey in education as a Resource Specialist in various high school settings and as a private academic coach, leading her to serve in many roles inside and outside of the school setting. As she continued to coach her students, she honed her coaching techniques and now directly works in triage with her whole team to ensure support for as many students as possible.
Shira is honored to work with incredible coaches and tutors who are all on the mission to support unique and misunderstood students to meet their highest personal potential.
Links and Resources:
- EdFront Online: https://www.edfront.online/
Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode!
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
In today’s episode, we’re talking to Dr. Layne Kalbfleisch about Unmasking. Dr. Kalbfleish is an educational psychologist & cognitive neuroscientist with offices in Virginia and New Mexico. Dr. Kalbfleisch works with adults of all ages, parents, and their kids to maximize the results of testing from educational and clinical assessments through coaching and skill development. She recently released a book Teaching to Every Kid’s Potential: Simple Neuroscience Lessons to Liberate Learners to help anyone and everyone on their journey to best understanding their children and students.
Today we will answer these questions:
- What is masking/unmasking?
- How does a person recognize that they’re masking?
- How does a person start the process of unmasking?
- Do you have specific tips to help along the way of learning how to unmask?
- What should parents do to help their children unmask?
- Should older children/individuals learn how to self-advocate on this journey of unmasking?
- How can friends and family be supportive on this journey?
Links and Resources:
- Dr. Layne Kalfleisch’s Practice: https://the2e.com/
- Teaching to Every Kid’s Potential, Dr. Layne Kalfleisch’s Book: https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393713084
- Dr. Layne Kalfleisch’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrLayneK
- Dr. Layne Kalfleisch’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.laynekalbfleisch/
Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode!
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
In today’s episode, we’re talking to Julie Skolnick about her top 10 strategies for successful communication between parents and educators of 2e students.
Today we will answer these questions:
- What does it mean to be a 2e student?
- When should parents begin talking to their children’s teachers about their twice exceptionality?
- Why is it so important that parents talk to their children’s teachers?
- What are your top ten strategies for successful communication between parents and educators of 2e students?
- 1. Foster Relationships
- 2. Collaborate
- 3. Make Deposits
- 4. Benefit of the Doubt
- 5. Don’t take it personally
- 6. Role Model
- 7. Respect
- 8. Avoid Long Emails
- 9. Take a break
- 10. Advocate
More about Julie:
Julie F. Rosenbaum Skolnick, M.A., J.D., Founder of With Understanding Comes Calm, LLC, passionately guides parents of gifted and distractible children, mentors 2e adults, trains educators and advises professionals on how to bring out the best and raise self-confidence in their 2e students and clients.
Julie’s studies at Colgate University, Boston College and Cornell Law School allowed her to take a deep dive into sociology and why people do what they do. Her advocacy focus orients her toward seeking what someone needs based on who they are and how they show up in the world.
Her community involvement mirrors her passion for the gifted and twice exceptional community serving as Secretary to the Maryland Superintendent’s Gifted and Talented Advisory Council, Advisor for the Masters of Education Program for the Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity, Maryland liaison for Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG), Committee member for the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) and as an advisor to “The G Word” feature documentary currently in production.
Julie produces Let’s Talk 2e! virtual conferences, hosts Let’s Talk 2e! Empowerment Groups, and publishes “Gifted & Distractible,” a free weekly newsletter.
Julie and her husband are parents of three twice exceptional children who keep them on their toes and uproariously laughing. Julie’s therapist is a red standard poodle named Tigger.
Links and Resources:
- Julie’s practice: www.WithUnderstandingComesCalm.com
- Julie’s book Gifted & Distractible (Out Fall 2023): www.GiftedandDistractible.com
Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode!
Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
In today’s episode, we’re talking to Stephanie Gerstenblith about Executive Function and Organization. Stephanie is the owner and founder of Enhancing Your Strengths, which specializes in Supporting academic success through developing individual plans to help with enhancing your strengths. Stephanie’s passion for helping others overcome challenges led her to become an Academic Therapist & Executive Function Coach. While her practice is based in Maryland they also see individuals virtually. Today we will answer these questions:
- What does executive function mean?
- How does executive function affect organization?
- What organizational strategies have you seen work for those struggling with executive function?
- What organizational strategies do NOT work for those struggling with executive function?
- How can parents help their child optimize their organizational skills? (including their desk, physical space, backpack, locker, school binders/folders, etc.)
- What can teachers do in the classroom to assist those who struggle to stay organized?
- Once a student gets organized, how do they maintain an organized space?
- Any anecdotes you want to share?
Links and Resources:
- Their practice: https://www.enhancingyourstrengths.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enhancingyourstrengths
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enhancingyourstrengths/
Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode!