Cultivating Excellence Podcast

Dr. Rebecca Resnik
  • 5.0 (9)
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  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Cultivating Excellence is the podcast for professional parents who are passionate about their children's education, success, and happiness. Your host, Dr. Rebecca Resnik, Licensed Psychologist, brings you some of the 'best and brightest' experts from psychology and education for lively conversations about raising kids in an age that is increasingly complex and competitive.

  1. 2D AGO

    What Works for Students with LDs

    When learning environments are designed to match how the brain actually works, students who learn differently can thrive. In this episode, Dr. Bob Lane, Director of Admissions, explains how learning differences are often misunderstood as deficits rather than natural variations in how brains process information. He discusses why reading and writing are not innate skills and must be taught through explicit, systematic, evidence-based instruction, particularly for students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and executive functioning differences. The conversation explores how Orton-Gillingham–based multisensory instruction and small-group diagnostic teaching support skill development, and why writing must be taught intentionally rather than assumed. Dr. Lane also examines the limits of accommodations, emphasizing the need to build foundational skills first, and highlights how emotional safety, belonging, and strong relationships free cognitive bandwidth and foster authentic confidence through real success. Tune in and learn how the right environment can transform learning differences into strengths. Resources: Connect with and follow Dr. Bob Lane on LinkedIn. Follow Lab School of Washington on LinkedIn. Visit the school website to learn more about Lab’s mission, programs, and approach to supporting students who learn differently Interested in applying? Complete an inquiry on this page and register for one of the upcoming Admissions Info Sessions on this page “Sold a Story” Podcast by Emily HanfordA deep dive into how reading instruction shifted from evidence-based practices to ideology-driven approaches and the impact on studentshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sold-a-story/id1649580473 Dr. Rick Lavoie’s FAT City: How Difficult Can This Be?A powerful video for educators that simulates what it feels like to have learning disabilitieshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9NfoGiLKdA The Reservoir GroupExpert services in occupational therapy, psychological services (including testing), and speech and language therapy Learn more here about The Lab’s summer programs and learning opportunities

    52 min

  2. MAR 6

    Raising kind, confident and prepared kids

    Raising kind, confident, and prepared kids has never felt more urgent. In this episode of the Cultivating Excellence podcast, Danny Vogelman, Head of School at the Washington Episcopal School in Bethesda, Maryland, discusses the importance of intentionally educating the whole child in a post-pandemic world. He shares why kindness must be directly taught and modeled with the same care as academics, starting with the adults who shape school culture. Danny explains how confidence grows through emotionally safe environments that encourage developmentally appropriate risk-taking and resilience. He also highlights how a balanced approach to academic rigor, real-world experiences, and non-academic elements, such as recess, executive functioning, and joyful learning, prepares students for life beyond the classroom. Tune in to learn how schools can help students thrive, not just academically, but as whole individuals.  Resources: Connect with and follow Danny Vogelman on LinkedIn. Follow Washington Episcopal School in Bethesda, Maryland, on LinkedIn and visit their website.

    47 min

  3. FEB 27

    The Hidden Pressures Shaping Modern Girlhood

    Resilience in girls grows when adults set clear expectations, model boundaries, and allow them to struggle safely. In this episode, Kimberlie Hogan and Nicki Iadarola from Connelly School of the Holy Child discuss how cultural pressures, from constant digital access to achievement-driven environments, shape girls’ development and well-being in a post-pandemic world. They explain how real-time grades, virtual academics, and nonstop screen use heighten stress, fuel comparison, and erode delayed gratification, even as they offer new forms of accessibility. Kim and Nicki outline practical ways parents can set limits while supporting independence, along with the importance of understanding friendship dynamics and recognizing signs of harmful social behavior. They also highlight how schools can build resilience, self-advocacy, healthy habits, and strong character to support girls as they grow. Tune in and learn how to guide girls toward resilience, confidence, and well-being in an increasingly complex world! Resources: Connect with and follow Kimberlie Hogan on LinkedIn. Follow the Connelly School of the Holy Child on LinkedIn and visit their website.

    55 min

  4. FEB 20

    How Bright Students With Learning Differences Can Truly Flourish

    Every child needs a champion who sees their strengths first. In this episode, Barry Davis, Head of the McLean School of Maryland, and Cathy Patterson, Director of Enrollment, discuss how bright students with learning differences can thrive when education emphasizes their abilities rather than their deficits. They emphasize the importance of building confidence, celebrating talents, and sharing test results openly so that students understand both their strengths and challenges. Small class sizes, strong teacher-student relationships, and safe, supportive environments are presented as essential for encouraging risk-taking and growth. The guests also explore evidence-based literacy instruction, such as Orton-Gillingham, explicit writing instruction, handwriting, and word study, alongside mindfulness practices that reduce anxiety and open space for learning. Enrichment opportunities in arts, sports, and robotics further allow students to shine, while testing is framed as a tool to guide instruction and help children face challenges with optimism. Tune in and learn how to unlock the potential of twice-exceptional learners through strengths-based education, evidence-based practices, and meaningful connections! Resources: Follow and connect with Cathy Patterson on LinkedIn. Learn more about the McLean School of Maryland on their LinkedIn and website.

    47 min

  5. FEB 18

    EP 32: Resilient Parenting during Tough Times

    SC Nealy, LPC, CCMHC, ACS, NCC, MA, MA(Pronouns: they/she) With over 16 years in the mental health field, SC Nealy is a queer, gender fluid psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, and group practice owner in Arlington, VA called LGBT+ Counseling Collaborative. SC operates a team of all gay and trans-identifying therapists with the focus of bringing clinicians with lived experiences to the queer community and their families. They also work locally and nationally to advocate for queer rights, accessible mental health care, and bringing more awareness to the needs of the queer community. Their upcoming book published by Bloomsbury Academics, Healing Sacred Wounds, focuses on giving folx a guide map for processing and exploring their experiences in religious or spiritual trauma. As a therapist, they specialize in religious trauma, lesbian and sapphic identities, sapphic and genderfluid-identifying couples counseling, mixed orientation marriages, transitioning genders within a relationship, complex-PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder, interpersonal process group therapy, and non-faith based premarital counseling. In their personal life, they are a parent to two children, happily partnered, and have written over 30+ romance novels for fun. Learn more at lgtbcounselingdmv.com. lgbtcounselingdmv.cominstagram.com/scnealyinstagram.com/lgbtcounselingdmvfacebook.com/lgbtcounselingdmvfacebook.com/booksbysarahrobinsonlinkedin.com/in/sarahnealy/

    47 min

  6. FEB 4

    EP 31: Finding your dream school with the Loper App

    The Loper App homepage https://www.getloper.com/Eric and Sam are spotlighted as innovative Georgetown Alums https://alumni.georgetown.edu/alumni-spotlight-eric-menna-sfs18-sam-bernstein-c18-co-founders-of-loper/

    45 min

  7. JAN 21

    EP 30: Why Mattering Matters

    In this conversation, Dr. Sarah Bennison discusses the Mattering Movement, which aims to combat feelings of inadequacy and loneliness, particularly among young people. She shares her experiences as an educator in underprivileged areas and highlights the importance of small acts of kindness and service learning in fostering connections and a sense of belonging. The discussion also touches on the pressures of achievement culture in education and the need for both students and teachers to feel valued and empowered. Dr. Bennison emphasizes the actionable nature of fostering mattering in educational settings and provides practical steps for parents and educators to create supportive environments. The Mattering Movement, which includes tools for parents and teachers https://www.thematteringmovement.com/Dr. Jonathan Kozol, author of the book that inspired so many of us idealistic young teachers, Savage Inequalities https://www.jonathankozol.com/ (a book every American should read!)Trinity School NYC Service Learning Program (designed by Sarah) https://www.trinityschoolnyc.org/our-programs/public-serviceCreating a Class: College Admissions and the Education of Elites by Dr. Mitchell Stevens (highly recommend!)To read more about the concept of 'thwarted belonging' as a risk factor, check out Dr. Tom Joiner's Why People Die By Suicide (this book is intense, so proceed with caution)The Pain of Social Rejection, Dr. Kipling Williams, the experiment that replicates being excluded from a game that suggests that social rejection activates the same neurological response as physical pain https://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/04/rejectionBennison Gives https://www.bennisongives.com/ If you need to buy baby clothes for a great cause! The Mattering MovementThe Mattering Movement provides powerful tools to help parents, students, and teachers untangle self-worth from achievement: it is called mattering.The Mattering MovementHome | Jonathan KozolJonathan KozolPublic ServiceBennison

    47 min

  8. JAN 7

    EP 29: Executive Functioning: The Key to Success

    In this conversation, Debbie and Lindsay discuss the importance of executive functioning skills in students and how these skills impact learning and achievement. They explore various cognitive processes that make up executive functioning, the role of emotions, and the significance of naming these skills for better understanding. The discussion also highlights the parent-child dynamic in learning, the need for structure and routines, and the importance of curiosity in overcoming barriers to learning. They emphasize that coaching and explicit instruction can help students develop these essential life skills, ultimately leading to greater academic success and personal growth. The Study Pro : https://thestudypro.com/

    52 min
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About

Cultivating Excellence is the podcast for professional parents who are passionate about their children's education, success, and happiness. Your host, Dr. Rebecca Resnik, Licensed Psychologist, brings you some of the 'best and brightest' experts from psychology and education for lively conversations about raising kids in an age that is increasingly complex and competitive.

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