Join us on this heartfelt episode of Empowering Exceptional Minds, where we dive into the inspiring journey of a 2E Coach, Yekaterina Tsipenyuk O'Neil, a passionate immigrant parent navigating the twists and turns of raising a twice-exceptional child in the US. From the eye-opening moment she discovered her little one's unique blend of extraordinary gifts and challenges, to realizing the traditional school system just wasn't clicking—Yekaterina shares her raw, relatable story of frustration, hope, and breakthrough. Tune in as she opens up about her bold switch to homeschooling, proving there's no one-size-fits-all path—no right or wrong way, just what works for your family. We'll bust common myths and clear up the misinformation swirling around homeschooling (spoiler: it's not all about isolation or rigid schedules—it's flexible, fun, and full of real-world learning!). Whether you're a fellow parent pondering alternatives or just curious about neurodiversity and education, this chat is packed with encouragement, practical tips, and a whole lot of "aha" moments. Grab your coffee, hit play, and let's celebrate the power of personalized paths together!

In this episode, we are honored to welcome Dr. Kelli Sandman-Hurley, a nationally recognized expert in dyslexia whose work has shaped how educators, clinicians, and families understand learning across the lifespan.

Dr. Sandman-Hurley brings together something rare and powerful: deep research expertise, extensive clinical practice, and lived experience as a parent and advocate. From early childhood through adulthood, her work illuminates what dyslexia truly is—and what meaningful, effective support can look like at every stage of life.

In this conversation, we explore:

Dyslexia as a lifelong neurodivergence

Advocacy for children and adults with dyslexia

Evidence-based dyslexia remediation

The role of Structured Word Inquiry in reading and spelling development

Bridging science, practice, and real-world educational systems

This episode is both informative and deeply human. Whether you are an educator, clinician, parent, or neurodivergent adult, Dr. Sandman-Hurley’s insights will challenge assumptions, affirm lived experiences, and offer a clearer, more compassionate path forward.

You won’t want to miss this one

Sandman-Hurley, Kelli. Dyslexia Advocate!: How to Advocate for a Child With Dyslexia Within the Public Education System. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016.

Sandman-Hurley, Kelli. Dyslexia and Spelling: Making Sense of It All. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2019. 

Sandman-Hurley, Kelli. The Adult Side of Dyslexia. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2021.

In this deeply personal and emotional episode, Maayan honors the life and legacy of her mentor, guide, and honorary mother, Sue Strand — an extraordinary educational therapist who transformed the lives of countless children and families. Sue is the reason Maayan entered the field, the person who believed in her before she believed in herself, and the woman whose compassion shaped generations.
Through stories, memories, and heartfelt reflection, this episode celebrates Sue’s lifelong dedication to children with learning differences, her advocacy for families, and the profound impact she left on everyone she touched.
This is a tribute to a life lived with purpose, kindness, and unwavering belief in the potential of every child.

In this episode, I’m joined by a psychiatric nurse practitioner, Dr. Kathryn Satyukov, DNP, PMHNP, from Rising Sun Mental Health, a telehealth practice specializing in compassionate, evidence-based care for teens and young adults.

Together, we explore how therapists and prescribers can collaborate to support mental health, ADHD, and the unique needs of neurodiverse individuals.We dive into the powerful role of creative and tactile hobbies in emotional regulation and self-care — and why they’re far more than “optional extras.”

We unpack what happens psychologically and neurologically when we engage in creative practices, and how these activities can help reduce anxiety, enhance focus, and build resilience.Our conversation covers:What creativity does to the brain and nervous systemReal examples of creative practices that helped clients regulate emotionsStrategies to move past perfectionism and the pressure to be “good” at somethingThe role of self-compassion in creative healingHow to shift from performance to process-oriented creativityWhy hobby-based approaches are especially powerful for ADHD, autism, and sensory sensitivitiesSimple, accessible ways to help listeners start a creative self-care routineWe close with one big takeaway about creativity, mental health, and caring for ourselves in ways that feel authentic, sustainable, and deeply human.

You know those meltdown moments—getting out the door, homework battles, screen-time transitions, showers, or family visits—when your child resists, melts down, and you get triggered too. It’s especially tough with neurodivergent kids or clashing family temperaments.

Allison Livingston gets it. As a parenting coach and mom of two strong-willed daughters, she’s turned daily chaos into calm connection. In this episode, she shares:Real-life examples of the hardest triggers parents faceWhat not to do when you’re both escalatedSimple, immediate tools that bring relief and reconnectionHow to replace power struggles with lasting trust and self-esteemAllison’s approach weaves Nonviolent Communication, Brené Brown’s vulnerability insights, Enneagram awareness, and mindfulness into doable, real-world strategies. Parents who work with her see permanent transformations—without adding more to their to-do list.

Hope exists. You’re not alone, and it doesn’t have to stay this hard.

https://www.5stepstoconnect.com/about

In this episode, we’re honored to welcome Dotan Galron, co-founder (with Rani Glaser) and CEO of WizTherapy — a platform reimagining how families and professionals connect, collaborate, and thrive while supporting learning differences such as ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and executive-function challenges.

Dotan shares his journey from tech startup entrepreneur to mission-driven leader, and how his shift into the neurodiversity space was inspired by the real-world challenges families and providers face every day.

We also explore WizTherapy’s forward-looking vision — what the future of neurodiversity-informed learning and workplace support could look like, with technology, community, and human-centered design at its core.

🔗 Learn more about WizTherapy: wiztherapy.com

Buckle up for a mind-bending chat with Dr. Gilly Kahn, the psychologist who’s flipping the script on women’s ADHD. In this electric episode, we dive into her game-changing book Allow Me to Interrupt: A Psychologist Reveals the Emotional Truth Behind Women’s ADHD.

Think ADHD is just “can’t sit still”? Think again. Dr. Kahn exposes the hidden emotional rollercoaster—shame spirals, rejection sensitivity, and the secret superpower of hyperfocus—that society’s been misdiagnosing for decades. From late diagnoses to masking mastery, she spills the tea on why women are slipping through the cracks… and how to finally see ourselves.

Warning: Side effects include “aha” moments, tears, and the urge to interrupt everyone with your new ADHD wisdom.

Hit play. Your brain will thank you.

Books we mentioned on this podcast:

Allow Me to Interrupt: A Psychologist Reveals the Emotional Truth Behind Women's ADHD by  Gilly Kahn Ph.D. 

ADHD 2.0: New Science and Essential Strategies for Thriving with Distraction - from Childhood Through Adulthood  by Edward M. Hallowell M.D. and, John J. Ratey M.D. 

Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You  by Sonia Sotomayor 

https://www.additudemag.com/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-adhd-symptom-test/?srsltid=AfmBOoobtBtxiRMBZWyctbbvHdTkim_taImEe4LeGbfpmRZ_ux6yhSpM

In this episode of Empowering Exceptional Minds, I’m joined by Neta Shani, founder of Mistake and Friends, to explore the fascinating connection between sensory integration, gut health, and how they impact emotional regulation and attention.

Together, we discuss how sensory processing challenges can shape daily experiences for neurodivergent individuals, why the gut-brain connection plays such a powerful role in mood and focus, and practical strategies to support balance and well-being.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or professional supporting neurodiverse learners, this conversation offers valuable insights into the mind-body connection — and how understanding it can lead to greater self-awareness, calm, and focus.

Tune in to learn how small, mindful changes can create meaningful shifts in attention, regulation, and emotional resilience.

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@mistakeandfriends Website: https://www.mistakeandfriends.comFun Form to help find your child's element:  https://www.mistakeandfriends.com/product-page/the-elements-within-meExercises for Anger, Overwhelm and more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhE8tZ2Uh20

In this episode of Empowering Exceptional Minds, we sit down with Dr. Sutton to unpack the complexity of diagnosing ADHD. While many assume that checklists and questionnaires tell the whole story, the reality is far more nuanced. Dr. Sutton shares insights into the clinical process, overlapping conditions, and the importance of understanding each individual’s lived experience beyond the data.

Together, we explore how context, co-occurring challenges, and neurodivergent strengths shape a more accurate — and compassionate — understanding of ADHD.

https://www.drkeithsutton.com/

https://www.sfiap.com/our-staff.html

In this episode of Empowering Exceptional Minds, we sit down with Sereana Lee, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in trauma-informed care and anxiety disorders, to explore the complex intersection of OCD, trauma, and school environments. Sereana shares insights from her clinical work supporting children and adolescents, offering practical strategies for creating safe, compassionate learning spaces that promote emotional regulation and genuine inclusion. We discuss how to recognize trauma responses versus OCD patterns, how to shift from behavioral management to emotional understanding, and why rethinking “support” in schools is critical for long-term student well-being.

Whether you’re an educator, therapist, or parent, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and leave you with actionable steps to foster resilience and safety in the classroom.