TAKING THE HELM with Lynn McLaughlin

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐲, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐝?

Erin Plumb talks with guest host Kathryn Collins about the signs parents should watch for when a child may need extra academic, social, or emotional support - from school avoidance and homework battles to difficulty with reading, writing, math, organization, or following instructions.

💥What are some signs to watch for (tears, fears, avoidance etc)?

💥How can learning challenges affect a child’s confidence and behaviour?

💥How parents can start a productive conversation with their child’s teacher and questions to ask.

💥 What support is available through the Learning Disabilities Association? Families don’t necessarily need a formal diagnosis to reach out. (Including academic programs (Reading, Math, etc.) , tutoring, executive-function support, social-emotional programs, and youth coaching.)

💥 What to look for and what to do next.

💥 What are a few practical things parents can do to support learning while protecting their relationship and their child’s confidence?

This episode is a must for a parent who is thinking, “This sounds like my child,” and is wondering what to do about it.

Connect with Erin: https://www.ldawe.ca/

The Primary Purpose of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice or Services. The Views and Opinions Expressed are Those of The Guests. Their Appearance on The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement of Them, Their Products, or Their Services.

Connect with Lynn:

Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/

Substack: https://lynnmclau.substack.com/

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye...

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla...

Yvette Lehman is an Ontario Certified Teacher with over 16 years of experience across the classroom, district leadership, and math education. She began as an elementary homeroom teacher and went on to serve as a district Coordinator, where she supported all elementary content areas with a specialization in mathematics, focusing on teacher capacity building, instructional coaching, and curriculum implementation.

💥 What happens when a child decides, “I’m not a math person”? And how early does that belief begin?

In this episode, Yvette and guest host Kathryn Colins explore what it really takes to build confident, capable math learners—and why the answer is about much more than math facts.

We talk about:

💥 The role teachers’ own attitudes and beliefs about mathematics play in shaping how students see themselves as learners.

💥 Why games and joyful experiences can be powerful entry points to mathematical thinking.

💥 How productive struggle helps students develop reasoning and resilience, and why we need to rethink how we approach fluency and math facts.

Yvette also tackles one of the biggest challenges teachers face: How do you teach a classroom full of students who are all at different levels?

💥 We discuss assessment that actually helps teachers understand how children think

💥 The importance of small-group instruction, purposeful practice, repetition and automaticity, and the challenge of deciding what mathematics is truly essential when teachers are faced with an overwhelming number of curriculum expectations.

Most importantly, Yvette challenges us to look beyond “Can the student get the answer?” and ask:

How does this child think about mathematics—and what do they need from me next?

Because the goal isn't simply to get children through the math curriculum.

It's to help them see themselves as capable mathematicians.

And imagine ending the school year amazed by what your students are actually capable of.

Make Math Moments Podcast: https://makemathmoments.com/podcast/

Connect with Yvette: https://makemathmoments.com/contact/

Yvette now serves as Chief Academic Officer for Make Math Moments, partnering with schools, districts, and ministries of education across North America to co-create equitable, effective math programs and sustainable plans for growth. She is also a frequent presenter at national conferences on math content and leadership.

The Primary Purpose of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice or Services. The Views and Opinions Expressed are Those of The Guests. Their Appearance on The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement of Them, Their Products, or Their Services.

Connect with Lynn:

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye...

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla...

Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/

Learning to read is one of the most important skills a child develops - but teaching reading requires more than simply exposing children to books. It requires an understanding of how the brain learns to read and the evidence-based practices that help learners build strong foundations.

Host Lynn McLaughlin welcomes Mary-Anne Mouawad, Founder and Director of The Reading Clinic and a literacy educator with more than 25 years of experience supporting children, youth, and adults on their reading journeys. Mary-Anne shares her passion for the Science of Reading and explains why explicit, systematic, sequential, and multisensory instruction matters.

They explore how readers develop skills, why some learners struggle, and what parents and educators can do to provide meaningful support.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

💥 Why many educators feel unprepared to teach children how to read and why understanding the Science of Reading is essential

💥 The four key components of effective reading instruction:

💥 Explicit instruction* Systematic instruction with a clear scope and sequence

💥 Sequential skill development

💥 Multisensory learning approaches

💥 The connection between decoding and language comprehension, and why both are necessary for reading comprehension

💥 The difference between phonological awareness and phonemic awareness, and why these skills begin with listening before reading and writing

💥 How young children can build early literacy skills through rhyming, songs, chants, syllable activities, and sound play.

💥Practical strategies for parents, including ways to support pre-reading skills with young children

💥 Why older students who struggle with reading need assessment to identify specific areas for support

💥 How educators can use evidence-based resources and approaches aligned with the Science of Reading

💥 Why choosing a literacy tutor or support provider who understands how reading develops matters.

Mary-Anne holds Bachelor’s degrees in Arts and Education, as well as a Master’s in Education from the University of Windsor.Throughout her career, Mary-Anne has worked as a classroom teacher, Special Education teacher, Learning Support teacher, and literacy specialist.

She is passionate about the Science of Reading and believes every child can learn to read when provided with explicit, systematic, sequential, and multisensory instruction.

Mary-Anne developed The Reading Clinic’s Structured Literacy program to support struggling readers of all ages and to help educators and parents implement evidence-based reading practices. She has also served in leadership roles with the Ontario College of Teachers, the International Dyslexia Association, and several organizations supporting students with learning disabilities.

Today, Mary-Anne continues to advocate for early literacy and is dedicated to closing the reading gap by equipping teachers, parents, and schools with practical, research-based strategies that change lives.

Connect with Mary-Anne: https://thereadingclinic.info/mary-anne-mouawad

The Primary Purpose of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice or Services. The Views and Opinions Expressed are Those of The Guests. Their Appearance on The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement of Them, Their Products, or Their Services.

Connect with Lynn:

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye...

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla...

Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/

𝐈𝐧 𝐚 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩 𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬, 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞?

Guest host Kathryn Collins sits down with entrepreneur and youth advocate Rob Heller, founder of the Boost Program. Rob shares how a search for life skills training for his own teenage son led him to create a program that is now being used by schools and organizations across the country.

Together, they explore why social-emotional learning matters more than ever, the impact of smartphones and social media on youth engagement, and the skills that help young people build confidence, resilience, responsibility, and self-leadership. Rob also discusses the importance of practice, the role of caring adults, and why he remains optimistic about the next generation.

Academic success alone isn't enough. Skills such as communication, responsibility, goal setting, self-awareness, and resilience can be taught and practiced.

💥 Information isn't the same as learning.

💥 What is the impact of Social media and phones from the eyes of our youth?

💥 What action can we take to build the skills and character our children and youth need for life?

💥 One caring adult can make a lasting difference. Parents, educators, coaches, and mentors all have the power to positively influence a young person's confidence, mindset, and future.

💥 Confidence and resilience grow through practice.

💥 There is reason for optimism!

Despite today's challenges, the next generation will thrive when adults intentionally teach and model the skills needed for life, leadership, and healthy relationships.

Connect with Rob: https://boostprogram.com/

The Primary Purpose of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice or Services. The Views and Opinions Expressed are Those of The Guests. Their Appearance on The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement of Them, Their Products, or Their Services.

Connect with Lynn:

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye...

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla...

Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐠𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭'𝐬 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬, "𝐖𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐄𝐏," 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐨 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬?

Lisa Richer is a neurodiversity consultant, speaker, coach, and founder of Journey2Bloom. Drawing from both professional expertise and lived experience as the mother of two neurodivergent sons, Lisa helps parents, educators, and professionals navigate the complexities of neurodiversity with greater clarity, confidence, and understanding. Through coaching, advocacy, and education, she empowers families to recognize strengths, foster collaboration, and create environments where neurodivergent children can thrive.

One of Lisa's most powerful insights is that "neurodiversity is the prism lighting the table." Rather than viewing differences as deficits, she encourages families and educators to see neurodiversity as a lens that brings new understanding, perspective, and opportunity to every conversation.

Guest host Kathryn Collins and Lisa talk about how parents can approach IEP meetings with greater confidence, why communication and teamwork matter, and how keeping the child at the centre of every discussion leads to better outcomes for everyone involved.

Most importantly, Lisa reminds parents that they do not have to navigate this journey alone.

💥 What an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is and how it differs from a 504 Plan in the United States

• Connect with Lisa: https://journey2bloom.com/

  
  

  The Primary Purpose of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice or Services. The Views and Opinions Expressed are Those of The Guests. Their Appearance on The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement of Them, Their Products, or Their Services.

  
  

  Connect with Lynn:

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

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

  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye...

  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla...

  Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/

  
  

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐈-𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐬𝐤 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞?

Guest host Kathryn Collins sits down with Derek Crager to explore how AI is beginning to reshape learning in practical, student-centered ways. Derek is the creator of Pocket Mentor, an AI-powered platform designed to provide real-time, voice-based support for learning and reflection. Derek shares why Pocket Mentor is grounded in a “human-first” approach - where AI is designed to support, not replace, the role of educators, parents, and professionals.

For students who hesitate to speak up, it creates a private space to build confidence. For those ready to go further, it removes limits on how deeply they can learn.

Key points:

💥 Students are not accessing the world wide web - only the information in the data base of the program.

💥 What about accuracy?

💥 What about over-reliance or the human connection?

💥 How can tools like this can offer immediate support when traditional systems are limited by time, cost, or availability?

💥 What does this mean for a generation of children growing up with AI: the opportunities, the risks, and the responsibility to use it with intention and clear boundaries?

This is not an all-or-nothing conversation. It’s a balanced, forward-looking discussion about how AI can enhance learning, support confidence, and expand what’s possible - when we keep people at the center.

Derek Crager is a leader in applied AI and the founder of Human First AI, where he focuses on building technology that works alongside people - not in place of them. His work centers on helping individuals and organizations use AI to think more effectively, make better decisions, and extend their capabilities in meaningful ways.

Grounded in a belief that AI should enhance human potential, Derek advocates for responsible, bounded systems that prioritize accuracy, accessibility, and human connection.

Through his work and writing, including his book Human First AI, Derek is helping shape a future where technology strengthens - not replaces - the human experience.

Connect with Derek:https://www.practicalai.app/community

The Primary Purpose of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice or Services. The Views and Opinions Expressed are Those of The Guests. Their Appearance on The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement of Them, Their Products, or Their Services.

Connect with Lynn:

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye...

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla...

Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧’𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥?

Guest host Kathryn Collins sits down with Lisa Danahy, founder of Create Calm, to explore what it really means to support a child’s emotional and behavioural regulation. We often focus on what we see -tantrums, defiance, big reactions - but beneath it all is something deeper: the connection between the mind, the body, and a child’s developing sense of self.Lisa shares a powerful shift in perspective… from controlling behaviour to creating the conditions where children feel safe enough to learn how to regulate themselves.Key points:

💥 Why discipline needs to be redefined

💥 The role of movement, breath, and the nervous system

💥 Why children need us to model the skills we expect from them

💥 How “testing limits” is actually a sign of trust and growth💥 Simple, practical ways to build regulation before challenging moments happen.

This conversation is a reminder that calm isn’t something we demand from children… it’s something we help them discover, starting with ourselves.

With an MS in Yoga Therapy and BA in Psychology, over 30 years as a school administrator and SEL curriculum developer, and certification as an advanced educator and trainer, Lisa is highly skilled at creating accessible, evidence-based, successful curricula for behavioral and emotional regulation, as well as physical and mental health.

Connect with Lisa: https://linktr.ee/lisadanahy?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=

The Primary Purpose of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice or Services. The Views and Opinions Expressed are Those of The Guests. Their Appearance on The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement of Them, Their Products, or Their Services.

Connect with Lynn:

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye...

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla...

Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/

Some children shine in obvious ways. Others quietly wonder if anyone truly sees them.

Guest Host Kathryn Colins speaks with Dr. Mark Perloe, a retired IVF specialist and grandfather, whose relationship with his two grandsons inspired him to write his first children’s book. One grandson is highly focused and neurodivergent. The other sometimes feels invisible -but uses humour as his superpower to connect.

We explore:

Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is simply see a child - and help them recognize the superpowers they already have.

Connect with Mark: https://www.milossuperpower.com/

The Primary Purpose of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice or Services. The Views and Opinions Expressed are Those of The Guests. Their Appearance on The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement of Them, Their Products, or Their Services.

Connect with Lynn:

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye...

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla...

Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/

Dr. Theresa Lyons, Ph.D. in chemistry from Yale University, shares her unique perspective as both a scientist and a mother of a daughter with autism. Drawing on cutting-edge research and her personal journey, Dr. Lyons explores the underlying health and environmental factors that can influence a child’s development beyond the autism diagnosis. She launched "Navigating Awetism" to help parents.

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐬𝐤, “𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞?” Dr. Lyons breaks down complex research into actionable insights that parents and caregivers can understand and apply.

Key takeaways include:

• ​💥 Understanding the role of genetics and risk factors in autism and how research informs what we can address.
• ​💥 Exploring environmental factors that can influence a child’s sleep, health and behaviour.
• ​💥 Looking at gut health, food allergies, and sensitivities as possible contributors to well-being. (Gluten, Candida and other gut infections.)
• ​💥 How functional medicine approaches, including Vitamin D, B12, and other assessments, can uncover hidden opportunities for improvement.
• ​💥 The role of detoxification and overall health management in supporting daily functioning and quality of life.
• ​💥 Emphasizing a whole-child approach that empowers parents to take proactive steps while respecting each child’s unique needs.
• ​💥 Supporting the entire family. ​

Dr. Lyon's Website: https://awetism.net/Dr. Lyon's Autism

Science Links: https://awetism.net/category/cutting-edge-autism-science/

The Primary Purpose of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice or Services. The Views and Opinions Expressed are Those of The Guests. Their Appearance on The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement of Them, Their Products, or Their Services.

Connect with Lynn:

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye...

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla...

Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/

Kimberly Gawne is an educator and founder of Star Students, a program that creates personalized learning plans driven by each child’s interests. Starting as a tutor during COVID-19 school closures, she now supports families with homeschooling, curriculum guidance, and real-world learning experiences, helping students develop critical thinking and a love of learning.

Guest host Kathryn Collins dives into the key topics with Kim:

💥 Why did Kim leave the public/private school systems and begin tutoring?

💥 How does Star Students work to support parents who home school?

💥 What are the age ranges, daily instructional time and choices for parents?

💥 What are the challenges of homeschooling and some solutions?

💥 Why is critical thinking so important?

💥 How can parents prepare themselves to begin?

Star Students Website: https://www.starstudents.co/

The Primary Purpose of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice or Services. The Views and Opinions Expressed are Those of The Guests. Their Appearance on The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement of Them, Their Products, or Their Services.

Connect with Lynn:

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye...

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla...

Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/