Raising Innovators

Feeling overwhelmed after an autism diagnosis or concerned about your child's development? You are not alone! In this powerful episode, we sit down with the incredible team from ABA Alliance to demystify early intervention and share some truly exciting news. We're diving deep into what ABA therapy really is, the crucial first steps for parents, and how a family-centered approach creates amazing success stories. Get ready to feel empowered, hopeful, and inspired by a mission to change lives!

✨ KEYPOINTS ✨ 0:00 - Welcome to Raising Innovators! 0:24 - Meet the Experts from ABA Alliance 1:02 - What is the mission of the ABA Alliance? 1:40 - A Parent's Journey: The First Steps in Early Intervention 3:20 - The "ABA 101" Program for Newly Diagnosed Families 4:30 - The Life-Changing Benefits of Starting Therapy Early 7:10 - The Power of a Family "Alliance" in Therapy 7:40 - What is ABA Therapy? A Play-Based Approach to Success 9:10 - Supporting the Parents: The Critical Role of Mental Health 10:50 - Practical Parent Training for Real-World Challenges 12:45 - Other Essential Services: Integrating Speech Therapy 13:30 - Why Are More Children Needing Support Today? 15:30 - The Ultimate Goal: Helping Your Child Thrive Independently 18:00 - Early Signs & Developmental Markers to Watch For 20:55 - HUGE NEWS: Introducing the "Alliance for Autism" Non-Profit! 22:00 - Final Thoughts & How to Connect

🎙️ Today's Special Guests We are excited to welcome two incredible advocates, Rocky Tarantello and Monica Quinones, who are the driving force behind the newly launched Alliance for Autism. As the nonprofit wing of ABA Alliance Therapy, their mission is to ensure every child gets the support they deserve.

❤️ About Alliance for Autism Alliance for Autism is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to help low-income families with children on the autism spectrum gain access to the therapy services they need. They believe early intervention is key and are committed to delivering high-quality, child-first behavioral therapy in a compassionate and supportive environment. A full 100% of donations go directly to funding therapy services for families in need.

About Raising Innovators: The Raising Innovators podcast, hosted by Marnie Forestieri, is dedicated to helping parents and educators equip children with the skills, attitudes, and values they need to succeed in the 21st century.

Connect with Marnie Forestieri (Host):

• Website: https://marnieforestieri.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raising.innovators

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnie-forestieri/

Connect with Young Innovators Academy:

• Website: https://www.younginnovatorsacademy.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/younginnovatorsacademy

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/younginnovatorsacademy/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/YoungInnovatorsAcademy

Feeling like you're constantly running on empty and missing out on quality time with your kids? You're not alone! In this episode, Marnie Forestieri reveals why you can STOP stressing about grand gestures and discover three incredibly simple, powerful ways to spark deep connection and curiosity with your children in the small moments you already have. Get ready for practical hacks you can start using today!

This Week's Family Spark Challenge! About Raising Innovators: The Raising Innovators podcast, hosted by Marnie Forestieri, is dedicated to helping parents and educators equip children with the skills, attitudes, and values they need to succeed in the 21st century.

Connect with Marnie Forestieri (Host): Website: https://marnieforestieri.com/ Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/raising.innovators LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnie-forestieri/ Connect with Young Innovators Academy: Website: https://www.younginnovatorsacademy.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/younginnovatorsacademy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/younginnovatorsacademy/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/YoungInnovatorsAcademy

Feeling stressed when your child has a meltdown over a small setback? You're not alone! In this episode, Marnie shares three simple but powerful strategies to help your child develop emotional resilience—the crucial skill they need to bounce back from challenges, manage stress, and thrive. Let's turn those tough moments into powerful teaching moments!

About Raising Innovators: The Raising Innovators podcast, hosted by Marnie Forestieri, is dedicated to helping parents and educators equip children with the skills, attitudes, and values they need to succeed in the 21st century.

Connect with Marnie Forestieri (Host): Website: https://marnieforestieri.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raising.innovators LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnie-forestieri/

Connect with Young Innovators Academy: Website: https://www.younginnovatorsacademy.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/younginnovatorsacademy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/younginnovatorsacademy/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/YoungInnovatorsAcademy

Unlock Your Child's Potential with 3 Simple Dinnertime Questions | Raising Innovators

Are your family dinners filled with one-word answers? What if you could turn that short, disconnected time into a powerhouse for developing your child's innovative mindset?

In this episode of Raising Innovators, Marnie Forestieri shares three simple yet powerful questions you can ask at the dinner table to go beyond "How was school today?". Learn how to transform any meal into an "innovation lab" at home, sparking the curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills your child needs to thrive in a changing world. Stop focusing only on the food and start feeding their minds!

Tune in to discover how these conversation starters can help you nurture a future-ready innovator, one meal at a time.

About Raising Innovators: The Raising Innovators podcast is dedicated to helping parents and educators equip children with the skills, attitudes, and values they need to succeed in the 21st century. Hosted by Marnie Forestieri, CEO of Young Innovators Academy.

Connect with Marnie Forestieri: Website: https://marnieforestieri.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marnieforestieri/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnie-forestieri/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raising.innovators Connect with Young Innovators Academy: Website: https://www.younginnovatorsacademy.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/younginnovatorsacademy/

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

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

#RaisingInnovators #ParentingTips #EarlyEducation #FutureReadyKids #CriticalThinking #FamilyDinner #InnovationForKids #ChildDevelopment

Curiosity made her feel different. Now it's the reason she's making a difference.

Dr. Karen Davidowitz Corbin didn't grow up knowing scientists.

She grew up in Puerto Rico watching Wonder Woman reruns, playing with a toy microscope, and asking questions no one around her could answer.

That curiosity led her into nutrition research and eventually to founding Geeks That Speak, helping kids and scientists find their voice.

In this episode, she shares how parents, teachers, and even failure shaped her journey and how one small moment can spark a child's future.

Swap fear for curiosity and help your kids dream bigger. Tune into the full episode: ▶ ️ Shaping the Future: Dr. Karen Davidowitz Corbin on Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Young Innovators.

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Dr. Karen Davidowitz Corbin is the founder of Geeks That Speak®, an organization inspiring the scientific community to share their work with clarity and impact—and encouraging young girls to pursue careers in

STEM. Growing up in Puerto Rico with a deep love for science, she turned her passion into a career in clinical-translational research. Now a researcher at AdventHealth, Karen blends her expertise in human nutrition, metabolism, and metabolic diseases with the art of storytelling—empowering others to communicate discoveries that can change lives.

Connect with Dr. Karen Davidowitz Corbin:

Website: https://www.geeksthatspeak.com/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geeks.that.speak/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-corbin-phd-rd-75229111/

Young Innovators Academy is redefining early education by fostering an innovative mindset in children from infancy to school age. With a curriculum grounded in the latest brain research, the academy equips young learners with critical skills, attitudes, and values to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Teachers create hands-on, joy-filled learning environments where children tackle real-world challenges through creativity and collaboration. Leadership and staff are dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring a nurturing atmosphere that inspires a lifelong love of learning.

Website: https://www.younginnovatorsacademy.com/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/younginnovatorsacademy/?hl=en

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

Marnie Forestieri is a passionate advocate for reshaping education to meet the demands of tomorrow's workforce. With experience spanning classroom teaching, childcare administration, and entrepreneurial ventures, she has dedicated her career to empowering young minds. Marnie believes traditional education methods are insufficient for preparing children for the future, emphasizing the need for critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. Her work focuses on guiding parents and educators to foster skills that align with emerging technologies and dynamic career landscapes.

Website: https://marnieforestieri.com/

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnie-forestieri/

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

The first school bell signals more than a new day. It sparks excitement, discovery, and the first steps of a child's learning adventure.

In this episode, Lucas Wilson and Emma Wilson, graduates of Young Innovators Academy, share their honest and adorable memories of what starting school felt like.

From making new friends to building forts out of cardboard, and even facing those big first-day jitters, their stories remind us that confidence is built one moment, one mistake, one joyful discovery at a time. Lucas and Emma also talk about the after-school programs that helped them find their voice—from book clubs to art and coding—and how early encouragement shaped their love for learning.

If you're wondering how to help your child feel seen, safe, and supported, this episode is for you. Tune in NOW: ▶️ First Bells & Big Feelings: Young Innovators Share Their First School Memories

Lucas Wilson, a shining example of what it means to grow up with the Young Innovators mindset. Lucas joined Young Innovators Academy at just 18 months old and is now thriving as an afterschool student. He embodies the Four Pillars of the program — Growth Mindset, Emotional Intelligence, Maker Capacities, and Philanthropy — every single day. Lucas has found his voice and leadership through our enrichment programs, especially in Book Club, where he mentors younger students and inspires a love for reading. His passion for storytelling and technology has led him to author original children's books and explore coding.

Emma Wilson is also a proud Young Innovators graduate, having participated in both after-school and summer camp programs. Emma's creativity shines through her love for the arts, making, and her unwavering growth mindset. Like her brother Lucas, Emma is a compassionate, curious learner who isn't afraid to take risks and dream big.

Young Innovators Academy is redefining early education by fostering an innovative mindset in children from infancy to school age. With a curriculum grounded in the latest brain research, the academy equips young learners with critical skills, attitudes, and values to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Teachers create hands-on, joy-filled learning environments where children tackle real-world challenges through creativity and collaboration. Leadership and staff are dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring a nurturing atmosphere that inspires a lifelong love of learning.

Website: https://www.younginnovatorsacademy.com/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/younginnovatorsacademy/?hl=en

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

Marnie Forestieri is a passionate advocate for reshaping education to meet the demands of tomorrow's workforce. With experience spanning classroom teaching, childcare administration, and entrepreneurial ventures, she has dedicated her career to empowering young minds. Marnie believes traditional education methods are insufficient for preparing children for the future, emphasizing the need for critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. Her work focuses on guiding parents and educators to foster skills that align with emerging technologies and dynamic career landscapes.

Website: https://marnieforestieri.com/

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnie-forestieri/

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

With a little prep, structure, and the right mindset, the first day can feel like a confident step forward for both you and your child.

In this episode, Erika Seger, VP of Operations and Compliance at Young Innovators Academy, offers practical, heart-centered advice to help families prepare for the transition from summer to school.

From creating consistent morning routines to giving kids choices that empower them, Erika shares tools that calm the chaos and build emotional safety. She also breaks down how to handle separation anxiety, tackle tricky moments like outfit refusals, and establish communication rituals that strengthen parent-child bonds.

Replace tears with high-fives and make drop-offs smoother for everyone. Tune into the full episode: ▶️ From Chaos to Confidence: Navigating the First Day of School.

Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

Erika Seger is the VP of Operations and Compliance at Young Innovators Academy and a childcare expert with over 20 years of experience in early childhood education. Known for her leadership in multi-site operations and summer camp programs, she helps families and educators turn transitions into opportunities for growth. Erika blends structure with play, offering practical strategies to ease first-day-of-school jitters and build children's confidence from day one. Her approach empowers caregivers to support emotional development and create smooth, joyful starts to the school year.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-seger-4a7715142/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erika.pinedoseger/

Young Innovators Academy is redefining early education by fostering an innovative mindset in children from infancy to school age. With a curriculum grounded in the latest brain research, the academy equips young learners with critical skills, attitudes, and values to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Teachers create hands-on, joy-filled learning environments where children tackle real-world challenges through creativity and collaboration. Leadership and staff are dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring a nurturing atmosphere that inspires a lifelong love of learning.

Website: https://www.younginnovatorsacademy.com/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/younginnovatorsacademy/?hl=en

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

Marnie Forestieri is a passionate advocate for reshaping education to meet the demands of tomorrow's workforce. With experience spanning classroom teaching, childcare administration, and entrepreneurial ventures, she has dedicated her career to empowering young minds. Marnie believes traditional education methods are insufficient for preparing children for the future, emphasizing the need for critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. Her work focuses on guiding parents and educators to foster skills that align with emerging technologies and dynamic career landscapes.

Website: https://marnieforestieri.com/

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnie-forestieri/

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

#BackToSchoolTips #GracefulParenting #ConnectedParenting

As young children step into preschool for the first time, they need the right tools and support so those first steps can be full of confidence, not fear.

In this episode, Chelsie Smyth, PsyD, neuropsychologist at AdventHealth, explains how early cognitive exercises can help ease the shift from home to school.

From peek-a-boo to matching games, Dr. Chelsie outlines age-appropriate brain-building activities that support attention, flexibility, and emotional regulation. She also offers practical advice on how parents can recognize stress signals, build familiarity with the classroom, and foster a strong caregiver bond—especially in families navigating divorce or dual households.

If you're preparing your child for preschool or supporting them through early transitions, tune in to this episode! ▶️ Preschool Readiness: Cognitive Exercises to Help Your Child Thrive in a New Environment.

Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

Chelsie Smyth, Psy.D., is a neuropsychologist who earned her doctorate degree from Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona. She completed her residency at Centerstone in Bradenton, Florida, and a 2-year fellowship in clinical neuropsychology at AdventHealth Orlando. Dr. Chelsie has experience working with a variety of medical conditions, but is passionate about working with patients with epilepsy and seizures. She has conducted inpatient and outpatient neuropsychological evaluations for children and adults with epilepsy. As a researcher, Dr. Chelsie has numerous presentations and publications regarding burnout and has researched the effects of exercise and video gaming on executive functioning.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsie-smyth-psy-d-222236a0/

Young Innovators Academy is redefining early education by fostering an innovative mindset in children from infancy to school age. With a curriculum grounded in the latest brain research, the academy equips young learners with critical skills, attitudes, and values to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Teachers create hands-on, joy-filled learning environments where children tackle real-world challenges through creativity and collaboration. Leadership and staff are dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring a nurturing atmosphere that inspires a lifelong love of learning.

Website: https://www.younginnovatorsacademy.com/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/younginnovatorsacademy/?hl=en

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

Marnie Forestieri is a passionate advocate for reshaping education to meet the demands of tomorrow's workforce. With experience spanning classroom teaching, childcare administration, and entrepreneurial ventures, she has dedicated her career to empowering young minds. Marnie believes traditional education methods are insufficient for preparing children for the future, emphasizing the need for critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. Her work focuses on guiding parents and educators to foster skills that align with emerging technologies and dynamic career landscapes.

Website: https://marnieforestieri.com/

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnie-forestieri/

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

Is your energetic child bouncing around while others sit quietly at storytime? If so, this episode is for you!

Join Dr. Debby Mitchell, a retired educator from the University of Central Florida, as she shares practical strategies for channeling high energy into joyful learning experiences. Learn how to turn your child's vibrant energy into their greatest strength and transform everyday moments into meaningful interactions.

Embrace their spirited nature. Tune in, learn, and watch them thrive!

▶️ What Do We Need To Do With High-Energy Children

Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

Dr. Debby Mitchell brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation, with expertise in STEAM education, brain development, children's wellness, and more. Having retired from teaching in the College of Education at the University of Central Florida, Dr. Mitchell continues to inspire with her passion for creating developmentally appropriate activities and resources. With over a decade of collaboration, Marnie and Dr. Mitchell have co-created books and content for children, parents, and educators. Together, they provide actionable advice and relatable discussions that empower listeners to create positive, engaging environments for high-energy kids. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or simply curious, this podcast offers a supportive space to explore what children need to thrive!

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrDebbyGeo

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

X: https://x.com/DrDebbyGeoPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drdebbygeo/

Checkout Dr. Debby Mitchell's books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00AR0O8GU/allbooks

Young Innovators Academy is redefining early education by fostering an innovative mindset in children from infancy to school age. With a curriculum grounded in the latest brain research, the academy equips young learners with critical skills, attitudes, and values to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Teachers create hands-on, joy-filled learning environments where children tackle real-world challenges through creativity and collaboration. Leadership and staff are dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring a nurturing atmosphere that inspires a lifelong love of learning.

Website: https://www.younginnovatorsacademy.com/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/younginnovatorsacademy/?hl=en

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

Marnie Forestieri is a passionate advocate for reshaping education to meet the demands of tomorrow's workforce. With experience spanning classroom teaching, childcare administration, and entrepreneurial ventures, she has dedicated her career to empowering young minds. Marnie believes traditional education methods are insufficient for preparing children for the future, emphasizing the need for critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. Her work focuses on guiding parents and educators to foster skills that align with emerging technologies and dynamic career landscapes.

Website: https://marnieforestieri.com/

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnie-forestieri/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raising.innovators

#EarlyLearning #ConfidentParenting #QualityChildcare

The current education system needs to see children NOT as mere numbers, but as boundless possibilities.

In this episode, Tanisha Taylor, an inspiring educator, opens up about what's broken in education and what we can do to fix it. She offers practical strategies that spark curiosity and honor each child's unique gifts.

Tanisha shares real stories of students struggling under testing stress, the loss of hands-on learning, and the importance of helping kids build confidence, resilience, and joy in learning. You'll hear how parents can support kids beyond test scores and how it fuels her mission to put children—not rankings—first.

Tune in for a powerful conversation that just might change how you see your child's potential. ▶️ Breaking Down What's Broken—and What Happens If We Don't Fix It.

Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

Tanisha Taylor is an experienced educator whose journey spans early childhood, elementary, public, and private education across Jamaica and the U.S. Passionate about transforming outdated systems, she champions personalized, hands-on learning that nurtures children's individuality, creativity, and resilience. Tanisha advocates for reducing test-driven pressure, building student confidence, and focusing on meaningful, collaborative learning experiences.

Young Innovators Academy is redefining early education by fostering an innovative mindset in children from infancy to school age. With a curriculum grounded in the latest brain research, the academy equips young learners with critical skills, attitudes, and values to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Teachers create hands-on, joy-filled learning environments where children tackle real-world challenges through creativity and collaboration. Leadership and staff are dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring a nurturing atmosphere that inspires a lifelong love of learning.

Website: https://www.younginnovatorsacademy.com/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/younginnovatorsacademy/?hl=en

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

Marnie Forestieri is a passionate advocate for reshaping education to meet the demands of tomorrow's workforce. With experience spanning classroom teaching, childcare administration, and entrepreneurial ventures, she has dedicated her career to empowering young minds. Marnie believes traditional education methods are insufficient for preparing children for the future, emphasizing the need for critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. Her work focuses on guiding parents and educators to foster skills that align with emerging technologies and dynamic career landscapes.

Website: https://marnieforestieri.com/

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnie-forestieri/

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