Unbabbled The Parish School

In this episode we speak with dyslexia specialist, Marilyn Zecher, MA, CALT, about using her expertise and experience as a Certified Academic Language Therapist to teach mathematics. During the episode, Marilyn explains what it means to teach using a “multisensory approach”, discusses the intersection of language and mathematics and talks about why it is so important to use real world, hands-on learning experiences. She also gives parents and teachers specific multisensory activities they implement today to make math more concrete and fun.


Marilyn Zecher, MA, CALT, has been in the field of dyslexia education since 1976. She has a masters in education from University of Maryland, is Orton-Gillingham trained, and is the first Orton-Gillingham Fellow in Mathematics. She specializes in teaching educators how to use a multisensory approach in their math classes from the primary years through highschool. She speaks at national conferences  and her online graduate level multisensory math courses have a world wide reach. 


Links:
Marilyn's Website
 Webinars and Professional Development


The Parish School
The Original Mexican Café
Gateway Academy Houston



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In this episode Stephanie speaks with Dr. Michele Joseph, Head of School at Gateway Academy about supporting high school students as they transition into young adulthood. Gateway Academy is a private school in Houston, Texas that serves 6th-12th grade students with academic and social challenges. Through their programming, Gateway supports students on their path to employment, college, and life beyond high school. Throughout her years in education, Michele has found teaching and addressing specific skills such as social communication, problem-solving, time management, and other executive functions have increased all students’ success post high school no matter which direction they take. Michele shares with us her knowledge, talks about Gateways’ unique programing, and gives advice to all parents as they prepare for the young adult years.


Dr. Michele Joseph, EdD is the Founding Head of School of Gateway Academy in Houston, Texas. Her background includes a BS in Speech/Language Pathology, MEd specializing in special populations, and experience as a classroom teacher, Behavior Specialist, and Learning Resource Teacher for 13 years in public schools.  She has been the Principal and Head of School in private schools since 1999. She obtained her Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a Dissertation topic of Predictors of Post-Secondary Participation of Neurodiverse Individuals.



Links:
Gateway Academy
The Parish School
Kids 360 Dentistry



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In this episode we speak with Elizabeth Elder about finding a community and support system as a mother of children with special needs. Elizabeth is the founder of Steel Magnolia Moms, a Houston based support group for Mothers of children with special needs. Steel Magnolia Moms offers a variety of programs, events, and an online community designed to share knowledge, resources and, most importantly, encourage moms to find themselves again. Throughout the episode Elizabeth discusses her journey to starting Steel Magnolia Moms, shares how finding a community of other special needs Moms has positively changed her life and provides resources offered by Steel Magnolia Moms. Elizabeth also encourages everyone to reach out to others and take small steps toward building a supportive community wherever you are. 
Elizabeth Elder, is the founder and Executive Director of Steel Magnolia Moms in Houston, Texas. She is a Houston native and mother of three. Elizabeth’s two oldest children, Annabelle and Blair, were diagnosed with Lee Syndrome, a neurodegenerative disease, in 2015. Shortly after Elizabeth was inspired to create a facebook support group for Moms in Houston. Over the past 9 years the group has grown to include thousands of Moms across the country. Steel Magnolia Moms now offers a variety of programs, in person events, and an online community designed to share knowledge, resources and, most importantly, encourage moms to find themselves again. 


Links:
Steel Magnolia Moms website
Steel Magnolia Moms Facebook Group
Steel Magnolia Moms Programs


Gateway Academy
The Original Mexican Cafe



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In this episode Elizabeth Montero-Cefalo, former special education teacher and Conscious Discipline Master Instructor, discusses the positive impact of using Conscious Discipline at home and in her classroom. Elizabeth highlights the changes she implemented in her classroom and home that had the greatest impact as well as which elements of conscious discipline she started with and why. She also gives advice on what she recommends parents begin with at home. Throughout the episode, Elizabeth comes back to the core themes of seeing behaviors as communication, the importance of adults regulating themselves first, and the importances of structure and routine. 
Elizabeth Montero-Cefalo, MEd, graduated from the University of Miami with a Masters in Early Childhood Special Education. She worked in public schools as a special education teacher before becoming a Conscious Discipline Master Instructor. Elizabeth’s special education classroom was recognized as a Conscious Discipline model classroom by Dr. Becky Bailey and the Miami-Dade County Public School District. As a trainer, Elizabeth assists teachers and administrators in deepening their understanding of Conscious Discipline and adapting it to working with the special needs population and infant/ toddler population. As a coach, she guides teachers through a manageable, step-by-step process of internalizing the skills and powers of Conscious Discipline. 


Links:
 Conscious Discipline 
The Parish School
Sponsors:
Bay Area Arts Conservatory
Kids 360 Pediatric Dentistry



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Screens are becoming increasingly interwoven into our children’s everyday lives. Unfortunately, a lot of the information around screen usage is either contradictory, vague, or rooted in extremes. This can leave parents confused, frustrated, or feeling guilty as they navigate screen usage for their family. In this episode, educator Ash Brandin (@TheGamerEducator) gives tips and information to help families make screens work for everyone. They provide ways for parents to reframe their thinking about screen time, give tips on helping children and adults become aware of how screens make their bodies feel, and helpful phrases to use when talking about screens with kids. Ash also gives tips on parental controls and ways to teach your child to use chat features responsibly. 
Ash Brandin, EdS, is a middle school librarian, speaker, and parent educator. Through their blog and instagram account, The Gamer Educator, they educate parents and caregivers on how to navigate video game technology and provide strategies to help find a balance that works for their home. Ash also provides resources for educators wanting to bring gaming into the classroom to support learning and motivate students. 
Links:
The Gamer Educator Website
The Gamer Educator Instagram


Sponsors:
The Original Mexican Cafe
Kids 360 Pediatric Dentistry



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In this episode we sit down with Speech-Language Pathologist and executive functioning expert, Sarah Ward to discuss strategies to support the development of executive functions at home and school. Sarah starts off by giving a brief overview of what “executive functioning” means in everyday life then jumps into practical and effective ways parents, caregivers, teachers, and therapists can support students as they develop these skills. 
Sarah Ward, MS, CCC-SLP is the Co-Director of Cognitive Connections, LLP in Massachusetts. She  has over 25 years of experience in diagnostic evaluations, treatment and case management of children, adolescents and adults with a wide range of developmental and acquired brain-based learning difficulties and behavioral problems. Sarah is a dedicated clinician and internationally recognized expert on executive function skills who presents seminars and workshops across the globe on the programs and strategies she has developed. She has a proven track record for translating complex ideas into practical strategies that work to improve executive function skills.



Links:
Sarah's website: Cognitive Connections
The Parish School's website
Unbabbled on Instagram


Sponsors:
The Original Mexican Cafe
Kids 360 Pediatric Dentistry
Support the Show.