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 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!
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
In today’s episode, we’re talking to Dr. Jaclyn Halpern about A Neurodiversity Affirming Approach to Autism/ADHD Support . Dr. Jaclyn Halpern is a licensed psychologist in Maryland, DC, Delaware, and Virginia with Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) under the PSYPACT. She is the Director, Co-Founder, and Clinical Supervisor of Washington Behavioral Medicine Associates, LLC's SOAR Program for Psychotherapy and Testing. Within WBMA, Dr. Halpern provides therapy to individuals of all ages, supervises testing and therapy for the staff, and provides parent coaching.
Dr. Halpern has spoken on NPR and DC's Fox 5 and on panels for WISER and Diamonds in the Rough. She has presented for local schools and groups including Fusion Academy, Auburn School, xMinds, and the MCPS Special Education Committee. Dr. Halpern presents regularly at conferences and trainings for mental health providers, educators, and parents. Dr. Halpern’s presentations and workshops have focused on topics including Neurodiversity Affirming Care, ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, social media, child and teen mental health, bullying prevention, parenting skills, the therapeutic relationship, cultural considerations, and sibling rivalry.
Along with writing blogs for WBMA, Dr. Halpern has recently published articles on accessing neurodiversity affirming care, parenting and discipline, understanding ADHD in both children and adults, social media’s impact on mental health, and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has contributed to articles about suicide, parenting, and dissociation. Dr. Halpern's writing and contributions have been featured in media including Psychiatry Today, Bustle, Autism Advocate, Verywell Family, Healthline, Everyday Health, and WUSA 9.
Today we will answer these questions:
- What is autism and what is adhd? Are they often comorbid?
- What is neurodiversity and why is it so important?
- What should parents look for in a therapist?
- What can parents do to foster a neurodiverse atmosphere for their family? Any directions they should give to siblings?
- What kind of self advocacy tips can parents give their children?
- What can teachers do to foster this environment in their classrooms?
- What can parents tell their children’s teachers to better help their child in the classroom?
Links and Resources:
- Dr. Halpern’s practice: https://www.wbma.cc/
Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode!
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
In today’s episode, we’re talking to Dr. Carey Heller about ADHD & Anxiety. Dr. Carey Heller is a licensed psychologist and founding partner of Heller Psychology Group. He specializes in the evaluation and treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), executive function issues, learning disabilities, and related items including anxiety. Today we will answer these questions:
- What is ADHD?
- What is Anxiety?
- Do they often exist together and why?
- Is anxiety different for children with ADHD as opposed to children without ADHD?
- How can anxiety and ADHD affect a child’s academics?
- How can parents identify this in their child?
- Should parents get their child tested for both?
- After getting a diagnosis or noticing symptoms what can parents do to help? Are there practical tools the children can use to help?
- What can parents/students tell their teachers to help them at school?
Links and Resources:
- Their practice:https://hellerpsychologygroup.com/
- CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)): https://chadd.org/
Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode!
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
In today’s episode, we’re talking to Debbie Rosen and Lindsey Thoms of The StudyPro about Ways to Supercharge Executive Functions. Debbie and Lindsey are executive function specialists in the Northern Virginia area. They opened The StudyPro to build stronger students by cultivating study and Executive Function skills. Today we will answer these questions:
- What is Executive Function?
- How can you tell if your child is struggling with their executive functioning?
- What are the 3 ways we can help improve executive function for the school year?
- 1: Find the friction-in a time to reflect that works for you and your child
- 2: Keep it simple- focus on planning and initiation
- 3: Water the seeds of success
- What’s the best way to implement these tips before the school year or at the beginning of the school year?
Links and Resources:
- Their practice: https://thestudypro.com/
Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode!
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
In today’s episode, we’re talking to Karese Laguerre about Myofunctional Therapy & Sleep. Karese is a registered dental hygienist in South Florida. She specializes in orofacial myology. She owns her own practice based in South Florida and Central New Jersey, and can also see people virtually. Today we will answer these questions:
- How do you determine who is appropriate for myofunctional therapy?
- How early can you start therapy?
- What are some sleep issues that lead people to see a myofunctional therapist?
- How does myofunctional therapy improve sleep?
- What does myofunctional therapy consist of?
- Does a child have to be diagnosed with a sleep disorder in order to receive therapy?
Links and Resources:
- Karese’s blog: https://airwaymatters.blog/
- Karese’s practice: www.themyospot.com
Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode!
Wednesday Aug 09, 2023
Wednesday Aug 09, 2023
In today’s episode, we’re talking to Stephanie Frumkin about School Options for Twice Exceptional Students. Stephanie is an educational consultant in the DC Metropolitan Area. She specializes in helping families with students who are very bright or gifted and have learning differences such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or anxiety find the best school fit for their child’s needs - these students are known as twice exceptional or 2e. She is the creator and owner of Exceptional Educational Solutions. Today you will learn:
- What it means to be a twice-exceptional (2e) student.
- What school options are available for students
- The pros and cons of each school option for 2e students
- How to start looking for different school options for your student
- Tips to transition a student to a new form of education
Links and Resources:
- Stephanie's practice: https://www.exceptionaleducationalsolutions.com/
Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode!
Wednesday Mar 15, 2023
Wednesday Mar 15, 2023
In today’s episode, we’re talking to Wesley Diener about Teaching Language Through Music. Wesley is a singer and vocal music educator in the Chicago area. He is the founder and owner of WD Studio where students learn to use their voices to their full potential through virtual voice training. Today you will learn:
- What WD Studio is
- The age range they teach
- What a typical vocal coaching session looks like
- What it’s like working with younger students
- If they see boosts in articulation after working with students
- What it’s like to work with young non-native speakers
- If students grasp language more quickly after working with a voice coach
- If clients gain more confidence after working a voice coach
Links and Resources:
- WD Studio: https://wdstudio.org/
- Youtube
Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode!