Diverse Thinking Different Learning Karen Wilson

In this episode, we’re exploring something that is often misunderstood and rarely talked about: gap years. Many parents and students don’t really know exactly what a gap year is or how taking one could be the right choice for them. So today, we are exploring the benefits and considerations of gap years for teens and young adults with learning differences. I’m thrilled to introduce our guest, Julia Rogers, a professional gap year counselor and founder of EnRoute Counseling. Julia is an expert on this topic, and she’s here to shed light on how gap years can be particularly beneficial for those who learn and think differently.
A gap year is more than just a break from academics; it’s an intentional period of personal growth supported by diverse learning opportunities. We have a lot of misconceptions about what gap years really are, so having Julia break it down will provide a lot to think about. Over the past 15 years, the reasons people choose to take a gap year have evolved, and Julia will share some common motivations behind this decision. She will also discuss the unique benefits that gap years can offer to different types of students, including the opportunity to develop social skills and catch up, especially in the post-pandemic world.
The ultimate goal is to guide our young people into a life of fulfillment. Join us as we dive into the world of gap years with Julia Rogers, and discover if this might be the right path for your teen to thrive.
 
Show Notes: [3:17] - A gap year is an intentional period of personal growth supported by learning opportunities.
[4:35] - Over the last 15 years, the reasons people choose to take a gap year have shifted and changed. Julia shares a lot of common ones.
[5:59] - The benefits are a lot different for different types of students.
[7:23] - Benefits can also include “catching up” and developing social skills, especially now post-pandemic.
[8:45] - When working with her students, Julia sets three types of goals with them: personal, practical, and professional.
[11:01] - There are endless possibilities of what a gap year could look like.
[12:04] - If a young adult knows they want to be college bound, it is possible to apply and defer, or they can wait till after their gap year to begin applying.
[15:47] - The goal is to guide our young people into a life of fulfillment.
[17:48] - Julia describes gap year programs and what they offer.
[20:16] - What role should parents play in planning or supporting the plan for a gap year?
[23:45] - Give yourself the permission to explore nontraditional plans and paths for success.
[24:32] - There are some reasons that a gap year is not recommended, including certain scholarships or financial aid.
[26:59] - Julia lists the different types of gap year programming opportunities that could benefit students with learning differences.
[29:24] - A gap year is a great time for students to “get out of their bubble.” That means different things for different students.
 
About Our Guest: Julia Rogers is an internationally recognized speaker, entrepreneur, and expert in experiential education with over 14 years of experience as a professional gap year counselor. She is the founder of EnRoute Consulting, a socially responsible enterprise aimed at fueling the gap year movement and cultivating a generation of compassionate, driven, and resourceful global citizens.
Julia partners with educators, service-learning organizations, non-profits, government entities and families around the world to develop creative educational pathways that result in young adults being better prepared to succeed in life and work. Julia is a TEDx speaker, a podcast host and President Emeritus of the Gap Year Association, a US-based nonprofit dedicated to the intentional growth of the gap year option through research, standards-setting and advocacy efforts.
 
Connect with Julia: EnRoute Counseling
Instagram
LinkedIn
Email: Julia@enroutegapyear

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 in

Today, I’m excited to discuss the profound impact of early language and speech experiences on cognitive and academic skills, specifically reading skills. Joining us is a seasoned expert in the field, Stacy Payne, a speech-language pathologist and the founder of Bright Beginnings Pediatric Services.
Stacy shares her insights on the importance of creating a language-rich environment for children from an early age. She explains how these early interactions, much more than simple bedtime stories, are integral to cognitive development. Through everyday activities and conversations, parents and caregivers can significantly influence a child's language acquisition and communication skills.
We also explore the complexity of the developing brain and how language and communication skills evolve throughout childhood. Stacy highlights the importance of repetition in creating new neural pathways and how incorporating language-building strategies into daily routines, like grocery shopping, can make a huge difference.
For those concerned about missing critical language milestones in early childhood, Stacy offers reassurance that the brain can learn new skills and adapt at any age. She also shares exciting opportunities to maximize learning during the summer months, including intensive skill-building camps provided by Bright Beginnings Pediatric Services.
This is definitely a conversation you don’t want to miss!
Show Notes: [2:33] - Speech and language therapy addresses more than just articulation. [3:47] - Stacy explains that speech and language pathology includes everything “above the waist.” [5:01] - It is anything that can get in the way of a person communicating. [7:15] - Language doesn’t just include verbal communication. The brain is very complex and we have a lot of modalities to communicate. [8:36] - Stacy explains how language and communication develop in an infant’s developing brain. [12:17] - We need to be able to provide a language-rich environment for our developing children. [13:52] - There are so many opportunities in simple day-to-day interactions to integrate language development strategies. [15:12] - The brain requires repetition to develop a new skill and create a new neural pathway. [16:51] - Build language into your day. Think about the countless opportunities at the grocery store. [19:04] - Stacy describes some of the important considerations if a child is growing up in a household of multiple languages. [22:28] - It is important to continue these conversations throughout the child’s life, not just in the early years. [24:39] - Talking through things is also a form of modeling. These are all teaching and learning moments. [26:39] - A lot of times, people don’t have the words to express themselves. [28:08] - After articulation, pay attention to reading and writing. [31:30] - Sometimes we forget about the things that we can pull into language development as we work on goals and articulation. [33:35] - Stacy discusses cognitive training that speech-language pathologists go through that are typically unexpected by most people. [35:06] - If something is missed in childhood, it’s not forever. The brain can still learn new things and how to do things in new ways. [41:26] - We can maximize the summer months to work intensively on these skills. Stacy shares the summer camps available. About Our Guest: Stacy St. Amant Payne is a licensed speech-language pathologist who holds the Certificate of Clinical Competency awarded by the American Speech Language and Hearing Association, a certified lactation educator, a certified ADHD-Rehabilitation Services Provider, and an extensively trained clinician and lecturer in the areas of dysphagia, motor speech disorders, reading disabilities, language-based learning disorders, and ADHD. She is the recipient of several ACE awards from ASHA for her ongoing commitment to continuing education. 
Stacy founded Bright Beginnings Pediatric Services over 10 years ago after

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 T

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, ad

Hey there, welcome back to Diverse Thinking Different Learning! Today, we're diving into a topic that's often overlooked but incredibly important: late diagnoses of ADHD and autism, particularly in women, people of color, and LGBTQ individuals. It's a conversation that's long overdue, and we're so grateful to have Dr. Monica Blied joining us to shed some light on this crucial issue.
As a clinical psychologist and founder of Faces of Health, Dr. Blied brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. In her private practice, she specializes in providing psychological assessments for adults and children who suspect they may have Autism, ADHD, or learning differences. With a keen focus on supporting adults living with chronic medical and mental illnesses, Dr. Blied has dedicated her career to helping individuals navigate the complex intersection of mental and physical health.
Today, dive deep into the reasons why certain conditions like ADHD and autism are often diagnosed late, despite their significant impact on individuals' lives. From systemic biases to misconceptions and missed opportunities for support, Dr. Blied will be sharing invaluable insights and advice for anyone who suspects they may be struggling with an undiagnosed condition and what parents can look for in their children that could be signs of struggle.
Show Notes: [2:13] - People are often overlooked and it seems that there are systemic biases. There are studies that show that particularly people of color are misdiagnosed. [3:42] - There are many misconceptions. Something important to remember is that most of the time, certain behaviors are not willful. [6:03] - One reason someone’s diagnosis is missed is fewer outward symptoms or struggles, especially when compared to a sibling. [9:34] - Dr. Blied shares an experience in seeing the similarities and differences in siblings and the tendency to put more focus on one child over another. [11:24] - A late diagnosis could also be due to a family normalizing and nurturing certain behaviors. [13:38] - Externalized behaviors are obvious. The kids who internalize are often missed. [15:46] - Individuals who are born female are often misdiagnosed or completely overlooked as children. [17:44] - The average age of ADHD diagnosis in women is 37. By 18 years old, 80% of women who are autistic are still undiagnosed. [20:45] - Special interests can be misleading. [23:51] - Girls and women tend to be very good at masking, until the demands are more difficult to adjust to. [25:07] - In children, ADHD and autism are diagnosed in 4 boys to every 1 girl. But in adulthood, it is a 1 to 1 ratio. It is a misconception that it is more common in boys. [28:21] - There is the belief, even among medical professionals, that ADHD isn’t a real struggle or problem. [29:12] - Dr. Blied describes what ADHD and autism might look like in a girl especially during childhood. [31:11] - There are higher rates of autism and ADHD in those with other types of medical issues and in LGBTQIA+ individuals. [33:36] - A late diagnosis leads to years of missed opportunities for support and intervention. [34:27] - Dr. Blied shares some first steps and advice if you suspect that you could need a diagnosis or are late diagnosed. About Our Guest: Dr. Monica Blied is a clinical psychologist, adjunct professor of psychology at Pepperdine, and the founder of Faces of Health in Claremont, California. In her private practice, Dr. Blied provides psychological assessments for adults and children who suspect they have Autism, ADHD, and/or learning differences. With a special interest in supporting adults who are living with chronic medical and mental illnesses, Dr. Blied has also developed expertise in the mind-body health connection.
She currently serves as the Chair-Elect (and former Treasurer) of the California Psychological Association's Division of Education and Training, where she has been a member of the Executive Board for over 10 years. Since 2020,