Get Inspired with Dr. Barb

Get Inspired with Dr. Barb

By Barbara Vokatis, PhDEducationHow To
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Get Inspired with Dr. Barb episodes

  • What Autistic Parents Want the System to Understand

    In this episode, Dr. Minakshi Koch shares her inspiring journey advocating for autistic children and the systemic changes needed in education. We discuss the importance of understanding child needs, systemic challenges, and the value of parental and teacher advocacy. Her journey of helping her own autistic son shows strength, resilience and power of parents of neurodivergent children. Her advocacy is incredible and has tangible results. You will be inspired!

    Please connect with Amazing Dr. Koch and see her extraordinary activity:

    Dr. Minakshi's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-amb-minakshi-koch-0b0a4618/

    IGC for Autism: https://ishkama.co.uk/igc-for-autism/

    Star Autism Mums book: https://amzn.eu/d/03YT9ExB

    Facebook page for IGC Autism: https://amzn.eu/d/03YT9ExB


    33 min
  • Revolutionizing Education: 8 Months to a Master's Degree

    In this engaging interview, Prof. Dr. Marc Oliver Opresnik shares his insights on innovative online education, purpose-driven management, and how technology is transforming mathematics education and learning more broadly. Discover practical strategies for accessible education, the future of AI in teaching, and inspiring advice for young graduates.

    Specifically, the 8-month online MBA pathway offered through Opresnik Business School is a flexible, practice-oriented fast-track program designed for ambitious professionals who want to strengthen their leadership, strategic management, and business skills while continuing their careers. The program combines a Level 7 Diploma with an MBA dissertation pathway through partner universities and is delivered fully online, making it accessible for working professionals worldwide. In special cases, experienced professionals may also enter through alternative admission routes, even without a traditional bachelor’s degree. The core idea is to make high-quality management education more flexible, practical, and accessible.


    Connect with amazing Prof. Opresnik and see his extraordinary resources;

    8-Months-MBA Program Brochure: https://www.opresnik-management-consulting.de/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Opresnik-Business-School-Brochure-2026.pdf

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcoliveropresnik/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/OpresnikManagementConsulting

    Instagram: http://instagram.com/marcoliveropresnik/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marc.oliver.opresnik

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarcOliverOpresnik

    Website: www.opresnik-management-consulting.de (http://www.opresnik-management-consulting.de/)

    PIVOTAL book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FL222RRP

    All Prof. Opresnik's links in his Linktree: https://linktr.ee/marcoliveropresnik

    59 min
  • Neurodivergence as a Messenger

    Grab my latest book ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Unshakable-Parenting-through-Courage-Purpose/dp/B0FWB72V93⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and connect with me through ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ !

    In this insightful interview, Claire Zee shares her journey from high-pressure finance environments to becoming an advocate for neurodivergent individuals. She discusses the importance of rethinking labels like a 'disorder' as a 'messenger' and emphasizes the power of inner regulation, authenticity, and understanding in leadership and education.


    Please connect with incredible Claire and check out her amazing resources:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairezee?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearseecoaching

    The new website and program "Your Neurodiversity Edge" is coming very soon! Please stay tuned!

    51 min
  • Revolutionizing Reading: How AI is Transforming Literacy Education

    Grab my latest book ⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Unshakable-Parenting-through-Courage-Purpose/dp/B0FWB72V93 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and connect with me through ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ !


    In this insightful interview, I speak with Dr. Dianne Henderson about innovative AI-powered tools designed to improve reading skills among children, especially those with learning difficulties. We explore the science of reading, the impact of technology in education, and future developments in literacy assessment and intervention. Learn about the tool that can help children and teens read!


    Connect with incredible Dianne and check the Amira Learning sites to learn more about this amazing tool:

    LinkIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannehendersonphd?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios

    Amira Learning website: https://amiralearning.com/


    46 min
  • From Disability to Global Stages: Mastering Business, Networking, and Mastermind Methodology

    Most high-achievers started with a struggle—Gil Petersil shares how overcoming dyslexia, ADHD, and language barriers fueled his groundbreaking success in networking, business strategy, and education. Discover the unconventional mindset shifts and practical hacks that turned his perceived disadvantages into superpowers, transforming lives and building global communities. Every teen, parent, and educator teaching teens should tune in!


    Connect with Gil:

    LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilpetersil/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gilpetersil


    🎁 Free Quantum Connection E-book from Gil for our audience: https://gilpetersil.net/free-ebook

    39 min
  • Innovative Integration of Therapy Dogs into School Curriculum

    Grab my latest book ⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Unshakable-Parenting-through-Courage-Purpose/dp/B0FWB72V93 ⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠ and connect with me through ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ !

    In this engaging interview, Katie Baron shares her journey from corporate America to becoming a passionate advocate for animal-assisted education. Discover how therapy dogs like Archer are transforming classrooms, fostering kindness, and teaching essential social-emotional skills through innovative activities and curriculum integration.


    The previous podcast episode with Katie and her collaborating teacher:

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-inspired-with-dr-barb/id1787910982?i=1000722784766


    Connect with Amazing Katie and check teaching resources:

    Website: https://archerthetherapydog.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archerthetherapydog?igsh=N2dlNWtidm95Z3Nh

    41 min
  • Integrating Horses, Sheep, and Guinea Pigs into School Activities

    Grab my latest book ⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Unshakable-Parenting-through-Courage-Purpose/dp/B0FWB72V93 ⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠ and connect with me through ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ !


    In this inspiring episode, Marjorie Borreda shares her innovative approach to animal-assisted education in the US, including her work with horses, sheep, and guinea pigs to transform learning experiences for children of all abilities. Discover how collaboration, trust, and creativity are reshaping education without major systemic changes.


    Please connect with Marjorie:Website: ⁠https://www.lepetitranch.com⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/le.petit.ranch?igsh=MWpkMHhpMmdvejEzMg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/14bEvaK4o3/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠

    46 min
  • The Importance of Belonging in Education

    Grab my latest book ⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Unshakable-Parenting-through-Courage-Purpose/dp/B0FWB72V93 ⁠⁠.⁠ and connect with me through ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ !


    In this episode, I explore the critical role of belonging in education, sharing insights from recent research and personal experiences. Discover how a sense of belonging impacts student achievement and well-being, and what educators and parents can do to foster it.

    10 min
  • The Impact of Intentionally Designed Dog-Mediated Learning

    Grab my latest book ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Unshakable-Parenting-through-Courage-Purpose/dp/B0FWB72V93 . and connect with me through ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ !


    Discover how dogs are revolutionizing student well-being and learning in schools through the inspiring work of Kirsten Kinsella. Kirsten is a dog trainer, educator and Director of NYC Schools Comfort Dog Program. This episode explores the intersection of education, behavior, and animal-assisted programs, highlighting real-life success stories and practical insights for educators and policymakers.


    Connect with amazing Kirsten:

    Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/chuckspupsinc?igsh=MTd2bmV3dmtkNG41OQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

    Kirsten's NYCDOE email: [email protected] 

    1 hr
  • Building Community and Securing Resources: A Principal's Success Story

    Grab my latest book Unshakable ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Unshakable-Parenting-through-Courage-Purpose/dp/B0FWB72V93 and connect with me through ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ !


    In this inspiring interview, principal Luis Eladio Torres shares his journey from a challenging childhood to leading a transformative school in New York City. Discover innovative strategies for empowering students, building community, and securing resources to create a thriving educational environment.


    Connect with mazing Luis:

    Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/thebronxprincipal?igsh=bDc2MW53aXh3cWls

    LinkedIn:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-torres-27099948?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios

    See Luis's amazing TEDx talk:

    https://youtu.be/FM4ztC9NNNs


    32 min

About Get Inspired with Dr. Barb

From the publisher's feed

Get Inspired with Dr. Barb is a podcast featuring thought-provoking conversations with educators, researchers, authors, entrepreneurs, artists, healthcare professionals, and other changemakers whose…