Voices of Compassion

CHC

Featured on Voices of Compassion are CHC mental health, wellness and learning specialists, parents in the trenches and other experts who can help us with the mighty job of raising compassionate and courageous kids. CHC focuses on ADHD, Learning Differences, Autism, Anxiety & Depression, providing best-in-class learning and mental health services to kids, teens and families. CHC’s Voices of Compassion Podcast host Cindy Lopez has worked in K-12 education for roughly 30 years as both a teacher and an administrator, in public and private schools. Find us online at podcasts.chconline.org or email us at podcasts@chconline.org. Find us on Facebook @chc.paloalto, Twitter and Instagram @CHC_paloalto, and visit our YouTube channel at chconlinepaloalto. And we are on LinkedIn. Subscribe to Voices of Compassion on Apple podcasts, Spotify and other podcast apps! Sign up for our Virtual Village email list at chconline.org/enews so you never miss an update or an episode. I always love to hear from you so send me an email or a voice memo at podcasts@chconline.org.

  1. 1D AGO

    Neuropsych Evaluations Explained

    Wondering what a neuropsychological evaluation actually tells you – and what to do with the results? In this episode, CHC experts, Joaquin Burciaga, PhD, and Whitney Geller, PhD, break down how neuropsych testing helps clarify a child's learning, attention, memory, language, and emotional regulation – so families can move from questions to a clear plan. You'll discover what a neuropsych evaluation for kids really is (and what it isn't), how it differs from the psychoeducational testing done through schools for IEP or 504 support, and the signs that suggest it might be time to consider one – whether you're navigating ADHD, autism, learning differences, or anxiety. Our experts also share practical guidance on how to cut through the jargon, focus on the summary and recommendations section, and turn that thick report into actionable next steps that actually help your child. Whether you're just starting to wonder if testing might provide answers or you've got a report sitting on your desk that feels overwhelming, this conversation will help you understand what these evaluations reveal and how to use them to advocate effectively for your child. CHC offers free 30-minute consultations to help families decide their next steps. Resources: CHC OnlineCHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical ServicesCHC's Resource Library Sign up for our Virtual Village email list to receive our latest episodes and recent CHC updates. Visit Voices of Compassion online for full show notes including additional resources. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and visit our YouTube channel for videos. Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you listen! We love to hear from you - email us at podcast@chconline.org. Santo Rico by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org/

    31 min
  2. FEB 11

    Hope, Agency, and Universal Design for Learning

    What if hope isn't just a feeling – but a teachable skill that can transform learning? In this episode, we explore the powerful intersection of hope science and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) with Brenda Green, a former math teacher turned educational leader from CAST. Learn how the UDL framework creates the conditions for hope to flourish by honoring learner variability, removing barriers in design (not in students), and providing flexible options for engagement, representation, and expression. Whether you're new to UDL or looking to deepen your practice, this conversation offers practical strategies you can start using tomorrow: from creating choice boards to designing goals that don't embed the means, to gathering student feedback that amplifies their voice. Most importantly, you'll understand how small, intentional shifts in lesson design can create meaningful change – building not just academic success, but the agency and belonging every student deserves. Ready to redesign learning with hope at the center? Listen in! Resources: CHC OnlineCHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical ServicesCHC's Resource Library Sign up for our Virtual Village email list to receive our latest episodes and recent CHC updates. Visit Voices of Compassion online for full show notes including additional resources. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and visit our YouTube channel for videos. Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you listen! We love to hear from you - email us at podcast@chconline.org. Santo Rico by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org/

    33 min
  3. JAN 28

    Nurturing Confident Voices in Different Learners

    What does it take for students with learning differences to find their voice and advocate for their own needs? In this episode, we explore self advocacy with CHC experts, Emily Hsu, PhD and Yi-Hua Lin, PsyD as a learnable skill that's critical for academic success and beyond. We'll discuss when students can start developing this ability, how it evolves from elementary through high school, and the practical strategies kids can use to speak up in the classroom—even when they feel different from their peers. We'll also tackle the parent perspective: how to build your child's confidence at home without overstepping, and how to partner with teachers to create a safe environment for self-advocacy. Whether you're a parent, educator, or advocate, you'll walk away with actionable strategies to help every learner stand up for themselves. Resources: CHC OnlineCHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical ServicesCHC's Resource Library Sign up for our Virtual Village email list to receive our latest episodes and recent CHC updates. Visit Voices of Compassion online for full show notes including additional resources. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and visit our YouTube channel for videos. Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you listen! We love to hear from you - email us at podcast@chconline.org. Santo Rico by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org/

    32 min
  4. JAN 14

    Why CHC: Hope, Healing & Help

    Join us for an important conversation about the mental health challenges facing young people in our community where academic pressure, perfectionism, and social media create unique stressors for students and families. We talk with CHC’s CEO, Ryan Eisenberg, EdD, about how CHC can come alongside families in their toughest moments with compassionate care – through clinical services, school partnerships, and innovative community programs. CHC is working to make mental health support accessible to all – including free parent consultations and free parent support groups to culturally competent services in multiple languages. Discover practical steps parents and educators can take today: normalize conversations about mental health, engage support systems, and remember that we're all part of a community. This episode offers hope that when we work together and eliminate the shame around asking for help, every young person can thrive. Resources: CHC OnlineCHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical ServicesCHC's Resource Library Sign up for our Virtual Village email list to receive our latest episodes and recent CHC updates. Visit Voices of Compassion online for full show notes including additional resources. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and visit our YouTube channel for videos. Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you listen! We love to hear from you - email us at podcast@chconline.org. Santo Rico by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org/

    35 min
  5. 12/17/2025

    Executive Functioning in Neurodivergent Teens and Young Adults

    Executive function is the brain's management system – helping us plan, organize, manage emotions, and adapt to change. But for neurodivergent youth, these skills develop differently. In this episode, psychologist Dr. Mayra Quezada, PsyD and Rosinel Ermio, MS  break down what executive function really means. Learn to recognize the difference between defiance and genuine executive function struggles, discover practical strategies for supporting youth, and understand when to seek professional help. Our experts share insights on time management challenges, task initiation difficulties, and the role technology can play in building independence. Whether it’s struggling with homework completion, keeping track of schedules, or adapting to routine changes, this episode offers compassionate, actionable guidance. Discover how to balance scaffolding with independence as your youth prepares for adulthood, and learn to celebrate progress, no matter how small. Resources: CHC OnlineCHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical ServicesCHC's Resource Library Sign up for our Virtual Village email list to receive our latest episodes and recent CHC updates. Visit Voices of Compassion online for full show notes including additional resources. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and visit our YouTube channel for videos. Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you listen! We love to hear from you - email us at podcast@chconline.org. Santo Rico by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org/

    37 min
4.4
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Featured on Voices of Compassion are CHC mental health, wellness and learning specialists, parents in the trenches and other experts who can help us with the mighty job of raising compassionate and courageous kids. CHC focuses on ADHD, Learning Differences, Autism, Anxiety & Depression, providing best-in-class learning and mental health services to kids, teens and families. CHC’s Voices of Compassion Podcast host Cindy Lopez has worked in K-12 education for roughly 30 years as both a teacher and an administrator, in public and private schools. Find us online at podcasts.chconline.org or email us at podcasts@chconline.org. Find us on Facebook @chc.paloalto, Twitter and Instagram @CHC_paloalto, and visit our YouTube channel at chconlinepaloalto. And we are on LinkedIn. Subscribe to Voices of Compassion on Apple podcasts, Spotify and other podcast apps! Sign up for our Virtual Village email list at chconline.org/enews so you never miss an update or an episode. I always love to hear from you so send me an email or a voice memo at podcasts@chconline.org.