In this conversation, Sarah Collins, occupational therapist and founder of HomeschoolOT, explores what it looks like to build a learning environment that actually fits the child in front of you. Drawing from her work with homeschooling families and her own experience as a homeschooling parent, Sarah unpacks how sensory needs, motor development, and learning style should shape the way kids are taught — not the other way around. The discussion covers practical strategies for parents who want to move beyond a one-size-fits-all curriculum, how occupational therapy principles translate directly into the home learning environment, and why understanding your child's unique profile is the starting point for everything else.

Brought to you by Pacific Preparatory.

Full episode notes available at www.pacificpreparatory.org.

In this conversation, Dr. Jade Starleaf, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in autism, OCD, ADHD, and anxiety, offers a refreshingly human perspective on what it means to truly understand a neurodivergent child. As both a clinician and a mother of a neurodivergent child, she brings a rare dual lens to the conversation — one that holds space for the worry and uncertainty parents feel while never losing sight of the extraordinary strengths their children carry. The discussion explores what the diagnostic process actually looks like, why a strength-based approach changes the trajectory for kids and families, and how greater understanding within the home can unlock connection, confidence, and growth.

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Full episode notes available at www.pacificpreparatory.org.

In this conversation, Dr. Viannae Carmona Nelkin, a licensed pediatric neuropsychologist trained across some of the country's most respected children's medical centers, brings rare clinical depth to the question of how we identify and understand neurodivergence in kids. As the founder of The Children's Neuropsychology Center, Dr. Nelkin specializes in early childhood development and complex developmental presentations — including the female phenotype of neurodivergence, which is too often missed or misdiagnosed. The discussion explores what comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations actually reveal, why early identification changes outcomes, and what parents and educators need to understand about the way neurodivergent children — especially girls — think, learn, and experience the world.

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Full episode notes available at www.pacificpreparatory.org.

In this conversation, Tricia Xavier, an independent school admissions leader with over a decade of experience across Los Angeles, pulls back the curtain on how families can navigate educational decisions with more clarity and less anxiety. Drawing from her work at Westmark School and the International Dyslexia Association, Tricia brings a deeply informed perspective on supporting students with language-based learning differences — including dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and ADHD — and why finding the right fit earlier makes all the difference. The discussion explores what the admissions process looks like from the inside, how parents can better advocate for their child's needs, and why the most important question isn't which school is the best, but which school is the best for this kid. Brought to you by Pacific Preparatory.

Full episode notes available at www.pacificpreparatory.org.

In this conversation, Flora McCormick, licensed counselor and founder of Sustainable Parenting, shares her framework for raising kids who are confident, cooperative, and genuinely connected to the adults in their lives. With nearly two decades of experience coaching parents and educators, Flora unpacks what it actually looks like to be both kind and firm at the same time — and why most families are swinging too far in one direction without realizing it. The discussion explores brain-based tools for navigating everyday power struggles, building cooperation without coercion, and how parents and teachers can work together to raise resilient kids in an increasingly complicated world.

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Full episode notes available at www.pacificpreparatory.org.

In this episode, Cory and Elizabeth Hamblett dive into what students with learning differences really need to succeed in college—and it’s not just accommodations. They unpack the shift from high school support systems to college expectations, highlighting the importance of self-advocacy, emotional resilience, and true independence. Elizabeth challenges the idea that more support is always better, urging families to focus on skill-building, not just paperwork.

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Full episode notes available at www.pacificpreparatory.org.

In this episode, Cory and educator Carl Hooker dive into the fast-moving world of AI and what it really means for the future of learning. Far from sounding the alarm, they explore how AI can enhance creativity, personalize education, and help students think more critically—not less. Carl shares practical ways teachers can bring AI into the classroom without losing what matters most: human connection. They talk about scaffolding, rethinking assessments, and why failure is essential for growth. From college applications to classroom equity, this conversation challenges old assumptions and reimagines what teaching—and learning—can look like in the age of AI.

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Full episode notes available at www.pacificpreparatory.org.

In this episode, Cory sits down with Vida Mercer to break down what modern homeschooling really looks like—and it’s far from one-size-fits-all. They unpack common myths, explore the challenges and freedoms of unschooling, and dive into how educational trauma shapes families' choices. Vida, a second-generation homeschooler and education consultant, shares why the parent-child relationship is at the heart of a thriving homeschool experience. From trusting the learning process to preparing for college and life beyond the classroom, this conversation is a fresh, empowering look at how families are redefining education on their own terms.

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In this episode, Cory and college admissions expert Jess Chermak unpack the high-stress world of high school course selection and the myths surrounding AP overload. They explore why students don’t need to take every advanced class to impress colleges—and how chasing perfection can backfire. From the politics of AP credits to the value of authenticity in applications, Jess shares how students can craft a meaningful academic path that reflects who they are, not just what looks good on paper. It's a conversation about letting go of pressure and leaning into purpose.

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Full episode notes available at www.pacificpreparatory.org.

In this episode, Dr. Ellen Bratton discusses the growing issue of low motivation in children, exploring its causes and implications. She emphasizes the importance of balancing aptitude and pleasure in children's activities, the impact of societal pressures, and the role of parents in fostering motivation. The conversation covers various aspects, including sports, academics, screen time, and the need for open communication between parents and children. Dr. Bratton provides practical strategies for parents to support their children's motivation and well-being.

Brought to you by Pacific Preparatory.

Full episode notes available at www.pacificpreparatory.org.