In this enlightening conversation, Ariela Koldorf and Colleen Stevenson from Choose Your Uni discuss the importance of preparing students for post-secondary education, particularly focusing on neurodivergent learners.

Colleen shares her insights on the gaps in university prep services, the significance of scholarships, and the challenges faced by students in navigating the university system.

They emphasize the need for better support systems, the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in education, and the importance of self-advocacy for students with disabilities.

Colleen's mission is to make education more accessible and to help students understand that their journey is unique and not solely defined by their academic performance.

www.chooseyouruni.ca

chooseyouruni_ca (Instagram)

In this episode, Ariela Koldorf is joined by Julie Cole, co-founder of Mabel’s Labels, to explore the intersection of parenting, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. Julie shares her experience raising six children—some of whom are neurodivergent—while building a successful business from the ground up.

The conversation dives into the origins of Mabel’s Labels, the challenges and rewards of parenting through different developmental stages, and the importance of fostering independence and mutual respect.

Julie reflects on the realities of work-life balance, the power of flexibility, and the deep need for community in both business and family life.

Together, Ariela and Julie discuss the role of advocacy in parenting neurodivergent children, the value of neuroinclusion in the workplace, and the ongoing personal growth that comes from navigating motherhood and leadership.

Follow Julie online:🌐 https://mabelslabels.ca/juliecole📱 Instagram: @juliecoleinc💼 LinkedIn: Julie Cole

In this episode of Beyond Behaviour, Ariela Koldorf sits down with psychotherapist Danielle Sugar to explore her personal and professional journey through trauma, resilience, and healing.

Danielle shares the life-altering experience of her husband Russell’s sudden medical collapse, which left him requiring round-the-clock care and dramatically changed the shape of their family life. She reflects on the complex grief of losing a partner to circumstances that don’t involve death, but still carry profound emotional impact.

Together, they discuss:

• Navigating ambiguous loss and shifting identities

• Supporting children through life’s hardest transitions

• The importance of community and seeking help

• The therapeutic relationship and its role in healing

• Lessons in resilience, gratitude, and finding strength in unexpected places

Danielle’s story also includes the trauma of a devastating house fire, and how her family continues to move forward with courage and connection.

🎧 Tune in for a raw and honest conversation about the messy nature of grief, the power of kindness, and the depth of human strength.

In this powerful episode, Ariela Koldorf is joined by Chris McMartin for a candid conversation at the intersection of entrepreneurship, parenting, and neurodiversity.

Chris shares her journey as the force behind the Scotiabank Women Initiative, highlighting the importance of building strong, supportive communities for women in business.

Together, Ariela and Chris explore the realities of raising neurodivergent children, the value of authenticity in leadership, and practical ways to support emotional regulation in a busy household.

This episode is a must-listen for parents, entrepreneurs, and anyone striving to lead with intention and compassion.

🔗 Connect with Chris:Instagram: @hypeher_bossLinkedIn: Chris McMartinLearn more: Scotiabank Women Initiative

In this episode of Beyond Behaviour, Ariela Koldorf talks with Nadia Maffucci Di Rienzo, a colorectal cancer survivor living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Nadia shares her journey through chronic illness, the emotional impact on motherhood, and how she uses open communication with her family. She also discusses founding Gutsy Girl Diaries to support others navigating similar challenges. Tune in for a powerful conversation about resilience, connection, and finding strength through community.

Follow Nadia at:

@gutsygirldiaries (IG)

www.gutsygirldiaries.com

In this episode of Beyond Behaviour, Ariela Koldorf talks with entrepreneur and leadership coach TJ Walia about his journey through burnout, anxiety, and healing. TJ shares how exercise, meditation, and family support helped him rebuild his mental health. Together, they explore the impact of burnout on relationships, the importance of open communication, cultivating gratitude, and redefining masculinity through vulnerability. A powerful conversation about mental health, personal growth, and leadership.

Connect with TJ: LinkedIn | Instagram | walia.ca | zentek.ai

In this episode of Beyond Behaviour, host Ariela Koldorf is joined by Shauna Eisen, founder of Songbird OT, to explore the powerful role of occupational therapy in supporting children’s emotional regulation and mental health.

Shauna shares her journey in creating a holistic, family-centered practice and the impact of providing families with practical tools and knowledge. They dive into the growing need for emotional regulation support post-COVID, the importance of transition strategies, and why personalized, strength-based approaches are crucial—especially for children with autism.

Together, they discuss how collaboration, community engagement, and recognizing each child's unique strengths can create meaningful change for families.

Learn more about Shauna and Songbird OT:
🔗 Website: www.songbirdot.ca
🔗 Instagram: @songbird_ot

In this episode of Beyond Behaviour, host Ariela Koldorf sits down with Megan Suggitt — neurodivergent entrepreneur and founder of Beautiful Minds — to discuss embracing neurodiversity and supporting neurodivergent youth.

Megan shares her personal experiences living with a nonverbal learning disability and how it fueled her mission to empower others. Together, they explore the importance of self-esteem, building healthy relationships, and providing tailored mentoring and academic support for neurodivergent individuals.

This conversation highlights the power of seeing strengths, not just struggles, and the impact of creating spaces where all minds are celebrated.

Learn more about Beautiful Minds:
🔗 Website: www.beautifulmindscanada.com
🔗 Instagram: @beautifulmindson

In this episode of Beyond Behaviour, host Ariela Koldorf talks with Jessica Pino — founder of Bonafide Psychotherapy and Counseling — about building genuine therapeutic relationships and supporting mental health beyond moments of crisis.

Jessica shares insights on trauma, EMDR, CBT, and DBT therapies, while also highlighting the importance of self-care, mindfulness in parenting, and proactive approaches to mental well-being. Together, they explore how therapy can be a powerful tool for growth, not just recovery, and the value of community support on the healing journey.

Connect with Jessica and Bonafide Psychotherapy:
🔗 Website: www.bftherapy.ca
📞 705-716-7130
🔗 Instagram: @bona.fidetherapy

In this episode of Beyond Behaviour, host Ariela Koldorf sits down with Julie Diamond, founder of Diamond Teachers Group — an online tutoring service connecting students with certified teachers.

Julie shares her passion for supporting students with special needs, especially those on the autism spectrum. They discuss how Diamond Teachers Group tailors learning experiences to build student confidence, the importance of certified educators, and the interactive tools used to make online learning engaging. Julie also highlights the mindfulness and emotional regulation programs available, along with exciting future offerings.

This is a must-listen for parents and educators looking for innovative, compassionate approaches to special education support.

Connect with Diamond Teachers Group:
🔗 Website: www.diamondteachersgroup.ca
🔗 Instagram: @diamondteachersgroup
🔗 LinkedIn: Diamond Teachers Group