In Episode 136 of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie and Crystalyn chat with Frances Okonkwo, CEO of SEEDS International ABA Services, who shares her personal and professional journey into applied behavior analysis (ABA). Originally pursuing a medical career, Frances discovered ABA through a friend and quickly fell in love with the field because of the meaningful impact it had on individuals and families. Her background as a child of immigrants and her experiences doing mission-style work in Nigeria shaped her desire to serve underserved communities and advocate for individuals with disabilities.

Resources:

S.E.E.D.S. International ABA Services Website: https://www.seedsinternationalabaservices.com

Contact info for the podcast: [email protected]

E-Diagnostic Learning Website: https://ediagnosticlearning.com

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

Twitter: @diaglearning

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/diagnostic-learning-services/

Instagram: @diaglearning

In Episode 135 of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie discusses the emotional impact of learning disabilities and ADHD with Jacob Santhouse, a licensed counselor and the founder of Olive Counseling. Santhouse, who is dyslexic himself, focuses his practice on the emotional side of neurodivergence rather than just the academic or language-based struggles typically associated with dyslexia. He notes that many individuals with learning disabilities suffer from persistent self-doubt, social disconnection, and a sense of being "othered" in various contexts.

Resources:

Olive Counseling Website: https://www.olivecounseling.com

Contact info for the podcast: [email protected]

E-Diagnostic Learning Website: https://ediagnosticlearning.com

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

Twitter: @diaglearning

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/diagnostic-learning-services/

Instagram: @diaglearning

In Episode 134 of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie interviews Christine Levy, the founder of Levy Educational Advocacy. Christine shares that her passion for advocacy grew from her diverse background in education, which included roles in elementary education, specialized instruction, and administration.

Resources:

Levy Educational Advocacy Website: https://www.levyadvocacy.com/

Contact info for the podcast: [email protected]

E-Diagnostic Learning Website: https://ediagnosticlearning.com

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

Twitter: @diaglearning

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/diagnostic-learning-services/

Instagram: @diaglearning

In Episode 133 of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie interviews Nancy Disbrow, founder of Neuro-osity. Nancy shares her background as a former corporate HR executive who, after 20 years, realized her calling to advocate for neurodiversity in the workplace. Living with dyslexia and ADHD herself, she recognized how little awareness there was in corporate environments about differently wired brains. Her mission became to educate leaders about neurodiverse talent, promote inclusion, and unlock untapped potential within organizations.

Resources:

Neuro-osity’s Website: https://neuro-osity.com/

Nancy’s Bio: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qefvdp8cgdksdx1ougip6/Nancy-Disbrow-Biography.pdf?rlkey=8e4srv7g0lh4ivhkg3ym5byy1&dl=1

Contact info for the podcast: [email protected]

E-Diagnostic Learning Website: https://ediagnosticlearning.com

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

Twitter: @diaglearning

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/diagnostic-learning-services/

Instagram: @diaglearning

In Episode 132 of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie interviews Alex Merrill, founder of Alliance Tutoring, about specialized tutoring services for students with learning disabilities and executive functioning challenges. Alex shares his journey from being a teacher for 15 years at various New England private schools to launching Alliance Tutoring in 2019, initially working with students experiencing mild to moderate anxiety conditions. The conversation explores Alliance's growth, their approach to tutoring students with ADHD and other learning differences, and how they help students develop crucial executive functioning skills alongside academic support.

Resources:

Alliance Tutoring Website: https://alliancetutoring.com

Let's Talk Learning Disabilities Website: https://ltldpodcast.com

Contact info for the podcast: [email protected]

E-Diagnostic Learning Website: https://ediagnosticlearning.com

Social:

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

X: @diaglearning

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/diagnostic-learning-services/

Instagram: @diaglearning

In Episode 131 of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie interviews Chris Wang, founder of Shimmer Coaching, about accessible ADHD coaching and support services. Chris shares her personal journey from an undiagnosed hyperactive child to an entrepreneur who struggled to find affordable coaching after her diagnosis at age 28, which inspired her to create Shimmer. The conversation explores what ADHD coaching is, how it differs from therapy, the platform's unique matching process, and Shimmer's mission to make coaching accessible through significantly reduced pricing and comprehensive support services.

Resources:

Shimmer Coaching Website: https://www.shimmer.care/

Podcast Listener Promo Code: DLS2025

Let's Talk Learning Disabilities Website: https://ltldpodcast.com

Contact info for the podcast: [email protected]

E-Diagnostic Learning Website: https://ediagnosticlearning.com

Social:

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

X: @diaglearning

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/diagnostic-learning-services/

Instagram: @diaglearning

In Episode 130 of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie interviews Kelli Fetter, founder of Handwriting Solutions and a pediatric occupational therapist. Kelli shares her journey into the field of handwriting remediation, which began when her own child was diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia. Frustrated by the lack of understanding and resources for dysgraphia, Kelli immersed herself in research and training. Her discoveries and personal success helping her daughter led to the creation of Handwriting Solutions, a program designed to support children struggling with handwriting difficulties around the world.

Resources:

Handwriting Solutions Website: https://www.handwritingsolutions.org

Free Consulation: https://www.handwritingsolutions.org/free-consultation?utm_source=collab&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=letstalk

Kelli's Email: [email protected]

Let's Talk Learning Disabilities Website: https://ltldpodcast.com

Contact info for the podcast: [email protected]

E-Diagnostic Learning Website: https://ediagnosticlearning.com

Social:

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

X: @diaglearning

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/diagnostic-learning-services/

Instagram: @diaglearning

In Episode 129 of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie speaks with Jacqui Byrne, founder of Flex School, about the topic of twice-exceptional (2e) students. Byrne defines a 2e student as someone who is gifted in one or more areas but also has a complicating factor that interferes with their ability to demonstrate that intelligence.

Resources:

FlexSchool Website: https://www.flexschool.net

Free Accommodation Makeovers Worksheet: https://flexschool.plus/accommodation-makeovers-free-download

Let's Talk Learning Disabilities Website: https://ltldpodcast.com

Contact info for the podcast: [email protected]

E-Diagnostic Learning Website: https://ediagnosticlearning.com

Social:

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

X: @diaglearning

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/diagnostic-learning-services/

Instagram: @diaglearning

In Episode 128 of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie welcomes two new directors at Diagnostic Learning Services, Crystalyn and Melinda. Both come from strong educational backgrounds, having worked in general and special education, as well as serving as diagnosticians in public schools. They share how transitioning into their new roles has allowed them to expand their expertise and support clients of all ages, from young children to adults, in understanding and navigating learning differences.

Resources:

Let's Talk Learning Disabilities Website: https://ltldpodcast.com

Contact info for the podcast: [email protected]

E-Diagnostic Learning Website: https://ediagnosticlearning.com

Social:

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

X: @diaglearning

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/diagnostic-learning-services/

Instagram: @diaglearning

In Episode 127 of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie reconnects with DJ Tharrington to hear about his incredible journey from struggling with dyslexia to graduating law school. After facing workplace discrimination due to his learning disability, DJ decided to pursue his long-held dream of becoming a lawyer. Despite being discouraged by several education consultants and rejected by 18 out of 19 law schools due to low LSAT scores and a modest GPA, he was eventually accepted by Southern University.

Resources:

Let's Talk Learning Disabilities Website: https://ltldpodcast.com

Contact info for the podcast: [email protected]

E-Diagnostic Learning Website: https://ediagnosticlearning.com

Social:

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

X: @diaglearning

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/diagnostic-learning-services/

Instagram: @diaglearning