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In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Dr. Melissa Wellner and co-host Sam Straub tackle three of the most common and harmful myths they hear from parents about kids and mental health. From the idea that “teens are just moody” to the belief that “my kid would tell me if something was wrong,” Melissa and Sam break down why these myths persist—and what parents can do instead.

They also take on one of the biggest fears in child psychiatry: the myth that medication will change a child’s personality. Through clinical insight, personal experience, and compassion, this episode offers a clear-eyed, practical approach to supporting your child’s mental health at any age.

If you’ve ever second-guessed whether your child is truly okay, this conversation will help you feel informed, empowered, and less alone.

Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection.

Contact: [email protected]

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Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching
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Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos.

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This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care. 

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In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Melissa and Sam are joined by Maria Alessandri—mom of five, natural horsemanship coach, and founder of the Horse and People Project. Maria shares how training rescue horses taught her profound lessons about parenting, presence, boundaries, and communication.

From teenage pushback to tattoo negotiations, Maria reveals how showing up with intention and releasing pressure can transform the way we connect with our kids. Through powerful stories—both in the horse ring and at home—she reminds us that what we bring to a relationship, energetically and emotionally, matters more than what we say.

Whether you’re feeling unheard, struggling with boundaries, or just craving a more connected way to parent, this episode is full of wisdom (and a few laughs) to guide you back to what matters most: the relationship.

About Maria

With over 20 years of experience in corporate project management, Maria combines her business expertise with a deep passion for personal growth. As a mom of five, Maria has a unique perspective on balancing family, career, and personal development. A knowledgeable horse enthusiast, Maria founded the Horse and People Project, an initiative that partners horses with individuals to foster self-awareness and personal development, especially with regards to parenting. Her work is rooted in self-help principles, empowering others to find clarity and growth through connection with horses.

Connect with Maria

Website: https://www.horseandpeopleproject.com/

Instagram: @horseandpeopleproject

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064009806562

Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection.

Contact: [email protected]

Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes.

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Sam – Instagram & Facebook
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Work with Us:
Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching
Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry

Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos.

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This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care. 

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In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Dr. Melissa Wellner and co-host Sam Straub sit down with special guest Vanessa Kellner, a registered play therapist and founder of Wholesome Healing in Severna Park, Maryland. Together, they explore the true nature of play therapy—how it offers children a language beyond words to process deep emotions and experiences. Vanessa breaks down how play therapy works, why it’s far more than “just play,” and shares fascinating insights on how children express anxiety, trauma, and healing through toys, art, and imaginative worlds. 

Whether you're a curious parent or a professional working with kids, this episode offers a warm, eye-opening look at how play becomes a powerful path to connection and transformation.

About Vanessa

Vanessa Kellner is a licensed clinical counselor and the owner of Wholesome Healing, a private practice specializing in Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), located in Severna Park, MD. She is an author, play therapist and play therapist supervisor, credentialed as a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S) through the Association for Play Therapy (APT), and certified as a Child-Centered Play Therapist (CCPT) through the University of North Texas Center for Play Therapy (UNT) and a Child-Centered Play Therapist Supervisor (CCPT-S) through the National Institute of Relationship Enhancement (NIRE). Vanessa was honored to receive the 2024 Play Therapist of the Year Award from the MD/DC Association for Play Therapy branch.

Connect with Vanessa

Website: https://www.wholesomehealingforall.com/

Facebook: Wholesome Healing

Instagram: @wholesomehealingmd

Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection.

Contact: [email protected]

Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes.

Follow:
Sam – Instagram & Facebook
Melissa – Facebook

Work with Us:
Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching
Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry

Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos.

Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care. 

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An autism diagnosis can feel overwhelming for families—but what if there was a better way to navigate it? In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa sit down with Dr. Taylor Day (Dr. Tay), a licensed psychologist specializing in neuroaffirming care for autistic kids and their families.

Dr. Tay shares her personal journey of growing up with a younger brother on the spectrum, how that shaped her approach to autism care, and why she created her whole-family model to support not just autistic children, but their parents and siblings as well. They also discuss early signs of autism, common misconceptions, concerns about ABA therapy, and how to create affirming environments for neurodivergent kids.

If you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver looking for a more compassionate, informed approach to autism support, this episode is packed with expert insights and practical strategies.

About Taylor

Dr. Taylor Day is a licensed psychologist specializing in neuroaffirming care for autistic children and their families, including very early diagnosis and early intervention. She has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is the CEO and founder of Dr. Tay Concierge Clinical Care. Her practice integrates The Whole Family Approach, a process she created utilizing evidence-informed principles after seeing a gap in autism care. Her passion for child psychology and her focus on autism is in many ways tied to her own personal experience growing up with a brother who was diagnosed at 23 months of age.

Connect with Taylor

Website: drtaylorday.com

Instagram: @the.dr.tay

Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection.

Contact: [email protected]

Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes.

Follow:
Sam – Instagram & Facebook
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Work with Us:
Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching
Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry

Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos.

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This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care. 

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Every new parent needs support—but what if we told you there's a whole profession dedicated to making birth and postpartum easier? In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa sit down with Kimberly Marie Ferrol, pediatric sleep specialist, doula, and founder of Vela Haven, to talk about the vital role of doulas, sleep consultants, and postpartum care.

Kimberly shares why every family deserves a village, how doulas support parents beyond childbirth, and why sleep education is just as important as swaddles and pacifiers. She also dives into common misconceptions about doula work, the emotional challenges of new parenthood, and how postpartum support can make all the difference in preventing burnout, anxiety, and exhaustion.

If you’ve ever thought, I wish I had more help when my baby was born, or Why didn’t anyone prepare me for this?, this episode is for you.

About Kimberly

Kimberly Marie Ferrol is a Pediatric Sleep Specialist, Birth and Postpartum Doula, and the Founder of Vela Haven -Sleep Consulting & Maternal Services. She is also the author of My Pregnancy Haven, a pregnancy and postpartum interactive journal designed to support mothers through their journey. Passionate about education and family well-being, Kimberly founded the Academy of Pediatric Sleep Care to provide pediatric sleep training and resources for perinatal professionals. Through her work, she empowers families with the knowledge, confidence, and tools they need to navigate pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood with ease.

Connect with Kimberly

Website: www.velahaven.com

Instagram: @velahaven

Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection.

Contact: [email protected]

Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes.

Follow:
Sam – Instagram & Facebook
Melissa – Facebook

Work with Us:
Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching
Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry

Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos.

Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care. 

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Middle schoolers can test every parenting instinct, especially when their behavior at school doesn’t match the values you’ve worked so hard to teach them. In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa respond to a listener’s concern about her 13-year-old son—who is smart, confident, and well-liked, but has been acting out and getting in trouble at school.

They dive into why middle schoolers struggle with impulse control, how brain development impacts decision-making, and why peer approval often overrides parental expectations. Sam and Melissa also discuss the "You Screwed Up" conversation framework, how to approach discipline with curiosity instead of shame, and why a single bad report doesn’t mean you’re raising a toxic kid.

If you’ve ever worried about your child's behavior or found yourself over-apologizing to teachers, this episode is for you.

Contact: [email protected]

Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes.

Follow:
Sam – Instagram & Facebook
Melissa – Facebook

Work with Us:
Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching
Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry

Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos.

Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care. 

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Divorce is never easy, but does it have to be a battle? In this episode, Dr. Melissa Wellner and Sam Straub sit down with family law attorney Val Anias to discuss how to navigate divorce in a way that minimizes conflict and prioritizes children’s well-being.

Val shares her expertise on co-parenting strategies, avoiding common legal pitfalls, and why putting kids first leads to better outcomes. She also introduces her collaborative divorce package, designed to help couples separate amicably—without spending a fortune on litigation.

If you're facing divorce or co-parenting challenges, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

About Val

Valerie E. Anias is owner and founder of A Team Family Law, LLC. Val brings compassion, understanding, and thoroughness to the table when taking on a case. She is passionate about assisting underrepresented individuals and advocates for her clients irrespective of their gender, race, sexual orientation, family status, etc. Whether the issue involves a child custody dispute, divorce, adoption, or creating your Estate Plan, Val’s approach provides her clients with top notch legal representation and ensures that her clients’ rights and voices are represented passionately and efficiently. 

Connect with Val

Website: www.ateamfamilylaw.com

IG: @ateamfamilylaw

Facebook: facebook.com/ateamfamilylaw

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/valerie-e-anias-esq-bb162a32/

Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection.

Contact: [email protected]

Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes.

Follow:
Sam – Instagram & Facebook
Melissa – Facebook

Work with Us:
Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching
Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry

Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos.

Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care. 

Send us Fan Mail

When we think of play, we often think of children—but what if play is just as essential for adults? In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Melissa and Sam sit down with TJ Matton, a psychotherapist and coach specializing in developmental trauma and play for adults. They explore how play is a biological necessity, not just a pastime, and how reintroducing play into our lives can improve mental health, flexibility, and even parenting.

TJ also breaks down different play styles, why some adults struggle with play, and how trauma and societal expectations often lead us to abandon it. Plus, practical tips on how even the busiest parents can reconnect with play for a more joyful, balanced life.

About TJ

TJ Matton is a social worker, psychotherapist, and coach that specializes in developmental and relational trauma and how to integrate play back into adulthood. Play is a biological need across the lifespan that is chronically neglected in adulthood. TJ is helping adults integrate play into their mindfulness work and reclaim play because cause joy is awesome, important, and needed.

Connect with TJ

Website: theplayfulrevolution.com

IG: @theplayfulrevolution

Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection.

Contact: [email protected]

Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes.

Follow:
Sam – Instagram & Facebook
Melissa – Facebook

Work with Us:
Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching
Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry

Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos.

Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care. 

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, hosts Sam Straub and Dr. Melissa Wellner sit down with therapist and yoga teacher Ruth Milsten, LCSW-C, RYT, to explore the challenges and strengths of being a highly sensitive parent. Ruth shares insights on recognizing high sensitivity, understanding nervous system regulation, and using somatic therapy to move beyond overwhelm. Whether you're navigating overstimulation, parenting with past trauma, or simply seeking deeper self-understanding, this episode offers practical tools and empowering takeaways. Tune in for expert guidance, personal reflections, and strategies to parent with more calm, connection, and self-compassion.

About Ruth

Ruth Milsten, LCSW-C, RYT, is a licensed clinical social worker, registered yoga teacher, and somatic therapist specializing in working with highly sensitive individuals, particularly women and mothers. With extensive training in trauma-informed therapy, Imago relationship counseling, and polyvagal theory, Ruth helps clients understand and regulate their nervous systems to move beyond self-criticism and overwhelm. She integrates somatic movement, yoga, and sound healing in her practice, offering a holistic approach to mental wellness. Ruth sees clients at Perilla Wellness in Arnold, Maryland, and teaches workshops on somatic healing and self-regulation.

Connect with Ruth

Website: https://www.reclaimwellnesstherapy.com/

IG: @reclaimwellnesstherapy

Other resources mentioned in the episode:

Free HSP quiz by Dr. Elaine Aaron

The Highly Sensitive Parent-Dr. Elaine Aaron

Perilla Wellness, where Ruth practices

Annapolis Crystals

Deb Dana's nervous system info

Imago Relationship Therapy

Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection.

Contact: [email protected]

Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes.

Follow:
Sam – Instagram & Facebook
Melissa – Facebook

Work with Us:
Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching
Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry

Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos.

Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care. 

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In a world filled with diet trends, wellness fads, and constant pressure around food and body image, how can we help our kids develop a healthy relationship with eating? In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa sit down with registered dietitian nutritionist Jacqueline Stern to discuss intuitive eating, health at every size, and how parents can foster a positive food environment at home. Jacqueline shares insights on how to neutralize food, avoid harmful messaging, and support kids in listening to their own bodies. Whether you're concerned about diet culture, picky eating, or body image issues, this episode is packed with expert advice to help your family navigate it all.

About Jacquelyn

Jacquelyn Stern is a registered dietitian nutritionist who specializes in helping adults and children find peace with food and their bodies. She has over 30 years of experience helping people improve their health from a non-diet, intuitive eating lens. Her clients like how relatable and authentic she is and how this comes through in the one on one work they do together. Whether she is working with children or adults, she helps each person meet their goals with easy to follow suggestions and lots of compassion and care.

Connect with Jacquelyn

Instagram and Facbook: @annapolisnutrition

Website: www.annapolisnutrition.com

How to Raise an Intuitive Eater

Information on Division of Responsibility with Feeding

You know when your kid screws up in some way, and you're sure of the lesson you want them to learn from it....but you’re not sure how to say it in a way they’ll actually hear?  

Download Sam's free video guide that walks you through a simple, step-by-step process for handling these tough conversations called the L.O.V.E.D. framework.

Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection.

Contact: [email protected]

Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes.

Follow:
Sam – Instagram & Facebook
Melissa – Facebook

Work with Us:
Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching
Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry

Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos.

Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.