Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?  Download Why Choose OT to find out! 

t down with Ross Forsyth, Executive Director of the National Weather Museum and Science Center in Norman, Oklahoma. Together, we explore an unexpected but universally relatable topic: the weather. From its role as a classic conversation starter to its powerful ability to spark curiosity and connection, we dive into how weather can serve as a gateway for building social skills, executive functioning, and even fostering shared experiences within families and homeschool communities.

Ross shares his personal journey and the story behind the National Weather Museum, revealing how weather brings together people with different interests—whether it's science, photography, music, or even aviation. He explains how their Weather Kids program helps students find excitement and learning opportunities in the weather all around them, and why understanding and discussing the weather can be such a valuable tool for growing curiosity and meaningful relationships.

• Ross Forsyth shares his personal and professional background
• Executive Director of the National Weather Museum and Science Center.
• How the museum was founded by his father, a retired meteorologist.
• Evolution from a mobile museum to a permanent facility.
• The museum's unique artifacts, like the thunderstorm-research plane.
• Weather as a Shared Social Experience and Tool for Connection
• Importance of weather as a conversation starter and social glue.
• Weather as a "common denominator" and part of daily lived experience.
• How discussing weather fosters relationships and teaches social skills.
• Children sharing personal weather-related stories at the museum.
• Building rapport through shared, relatable experiences (e.g., bad weather, event cancelations).
• Piquing Curiosity and Fostering Interests Through Weather
• Weather as a gateway to multiple interests and disciplines
• Weather's Role in Building Deeper Social and Academic Skills
• Deeper connections formed as kids engage with weather topics
• Use of personal experiences to express themselves.
• Facilitating early conversations and "ping pong" exchanges around weather.
• Weather in Diverse Areas of Life and Learning
• How weather connects to various academic and creative fields
• Music (e.g., "The Thunder Rolls" by Garth Brooks).
• Storytelling and entertainment (e.g., Wizard of Oz tornado scenes).
• Food supply, gardening, and farming.
• Careers: aviation, emergency management, entrepreneurship (e.g., weather-related products). The possibilities for integrating weather into nearly any domain of learning or professional path.
• Weather as a Real-World Lens for STEM Education
• Weather's application in teaching advanced mathematics and science:
• Real-life examples of thermodynamics and calculus via weather phenomena.
• Making abstract concepts tangible and relevant for students.
• Sensory Experience and Self-Reflection Through Weather
• Occupational therapy perspective: Weather as a tool for teaching sensory awareness (interoception) in children.
• Developing self-reflection and communication about bodily sensations and emotional states. "What to wear" as an entry point for young children to connect with weather.
• The Weather Kids App and Interactive Learning
• Dashboard adapts to age level (basic choices for young kids, more data for older).
• Incorporating self-reflection and shared parent-child activities.
• Executive Functioning and Forward Planning Skills
• Weather as a tool to teach flexibility, problem-solving, and emotional control.
• Reacting and adapting to uncontrollable events (like weather changes).
• Building planning and forecasting skills
• The Weather Kids Program, Curriculum, and Parent Involvement

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Connect with Sarah Collins on IG
• The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers
• Executive Functioning For Teens Course
• Social Skills & Executive Functioning
• Connect With Ross On Instagram
• Connect With Ross On Facebook
• Episode 26: Sensory Safe Evacuation: Preparing for Emergencies with Kids' Sensory Needs in Mind

Ross Forsyth is a seasoned startup founder with experience managing multi-million dollar projects. He is an engineering graduate from the University of Oklahoma who began his career working in oil/gas field operations, later transitioning to reservoir engineering where he was responsible for over $100 million in reserves estimates. Finding his passion in building digital and technology experiences, he transitioned to software development and led teams to design and build digital experiences. He's worked with clients such as Pepsi, Balance Athletica, Punch Bowl Social, Climate Reality Project, US Air Force and many others. He is an entrepreneurial engineer with experience in the space of Virtual/Augmented Reality and product development. He most recently followed in his father's love for weather in helping to create the National Weather Museum and Science Center, where he currently is the Executive Director.

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?  Download Why Choose OT to find out! 

I sat down with Liz Downing, a pediatric occupational therapist from Wilmington, Delaware, whose passion for nature-based therapy and supporting children's emotional and sensory needs shines through her practice, In the Woods OT. We first connected at the American Occupational Therapy Association conference, where we bonded over our shared interest in helping children navigate social and environmental pressures.

In this episode, we dig deep into the realities kids face both in traditional school settings and beyond. Including overwhelming schedules, academic demands, and the increasing lack of unstructured play. Liz explains how children—especially those who are neurodivergent, often feel compelled to "mask" their true selves to meet external expectations, and how this can take a real toll on their nervous systems and emotional well-being.

• Introduction of Liz Downing
• How Sarah and Liz met (AOTA conference)
• Liz's professional background: pediatric occupational therapy, hospital-based experience, transition to nature-based OT
• Liz's family background and experiences traveling during COVID
• Founding of "In the Woods OT" (nature-based practice in Wilmington, DE)
• Focus on emotional regulation and supporting both kids and parents
• Defining Social and Environmental Pressures
• Explanation of "social pressures" and "environmental pressures" from Liz's perspective
• Primary struggles observed in children, especially in school environments
• Growing expectations placed on children (school duration, structured activities, reduced unstructured play)
• The adult perspective: cultivating compassion and re-evaluating expectations for children
• The Concept of Masking in Children
• Definition of masking, particularly among neurodivergent children
• Attempts by children to "fit in" or meet external expectations at the expense of authenticity
• Emotional and psychological impacts of masking: shame, energy drain, and exhaustion
• The daily versus occasional need to "wear a different persona"
• Comparison to adult experiences of situational masking
• The Neuroscience of Masking and the Nervous System
• The nervous system's "safe/connected" versus "protected" (fight/flight/freeze) modes
• How masking keeps kids in a protected, energy-draining state
• Physical and emotional consequences: fatigue and aftermath (e.g., after-school meltdowns)
• The parent's role: understanding, empathy, and recognizing dysregulation
• Parental Strategies for Supporting Dysregulated Kids
• Managing after-school meltdowns: recognizing the need for reconnection and restoration
• Practical strategies: providing snacks, space, co-regulation, and minimizing choices when overwhelmed
• Importance of parental regulation to support the child
• Balancing support with age-appropriate expectations
• Avoiding perpetually low expectations; instead, nurturing growth and capacity
• Practicing body/sensory awareness in regulated moments
• Building emotional language and self-awareness in children for proactive regulation

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Connect with Sarah Collins on IG
• The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers
• Executive Functioning For Teens Course
• Social Skills & Executive Functioning
• Connect With Liz On Facebook
• Connect With Liz On Instagram
• In The Woods OT
• Episode 13: Beyond the Five Senses: Understanding Your Child's Interoceptive World with Cara Kosinski
• Episode 14: Outdoor Activities to Develop Interoception in Children with Guest Caroline Santangelo
• Episode 15: From Morning to Night: Incorporating Social Emotional Learning in Homeschool
• Episode 16: Navigating the Interoceptive Sense: Insights and Strategies for Parents
• Episode 28: Risky Play: Understanding the Benefits and Strategies for Safe Child Development
• Episode 29: Parenting with Co-Regulation
• Episode 30: Sensory Processing and Co-Regulation: Insights for Parents
• Episode 49: Connection Over Curriculum: Building Strong Bonds in Homeschooling
• Episode 61: Mindful Moments: Supporting Focus and Calm in Children

Liz Downing is a pediatric occupational therapist with 17 years of experience supporting kids and families across hospitals, early intervention, schools, and private practice. She now runs In the Woods OT, a nature-based solo practice in Wilmington, DE, with a focus on emotional regulation and whole-family support. Outside of work, she's a wife, mom to three awesome kids, and a new dog mom to a rescue mini poodle.

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?  Download Why Choose OT to find out! 

m joined by the incredible Janine Halloran—a licensed counselor with over 20 years of experience supporting children and families as they build their coping toolkits.

Janine has dedicated her career to developing accessible, effective resources for families, from workbooks and activity cards to evidence-based strategies you can use at home. In our conversation, she shares her personal journey into counseling, why healthy coping skills are so essential, and how every child's way of managing emotions is unique. We dig into what parents can expect at different developmental stages, how the digital age is changing the way kids regulate emotions, and why having a variety of coping options is so important.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or therapist, you'll walk away with practical insights on helping kids handle life's stresses in healthy, safe ways—and maybe even a few new ideas for yourself! Stay tuned as we explore the colorful world of coping skills with Janine Halloran.

• Janine's journey to becoming a counselor
• Experience as a school counselor and focus on coping skills
• Development of resources (checklists, workbooks, card decks)
• Core mission: teaching coping skills to kids, teens, and adults
• Defining Coping Skills
• Janine's definition: strategies for dealing with big feelings, thoughts, and stressful situations
• Healthy vs. unhealthy coping skills
• Example for children: handling frustration during play without harming others
• The Individual Nature of Coping
• Emphasis on the need for personalized coping strategies
• Importance of finding what's helpful for each individual
• Developmental and Cultural Norms in Emotional Regulation
• Children's first experiences with emotions
• Emotional intensity in young children and its developmental trajectory
• Brain development periods: toddlers and teens
• Variability in emotional regulation based on age and development stage
• Variability in Coping from Day to Day
• Reasons for inconsistent coping ability (e.g., sleep, stress, environment)
• Parental expectations vs. daily reality
• Helping Kids Identify and Label Emotions
• The importance of naming and talking about emotions from a young age
• Using books and media (e.g., Bluey, Mo Willems books) as conversation starters
• The Digital Age and Changing Coping Skills
• Impact of growing up in a digital era (in-person vs. online interactions)
• Learning and managing social skills in virtual environments
• Emotional regulation during digital activities (e.g., video games, social media)
• Recognizing when digital engagement becomes unhealthy
• Family Communication and Screen Time
• Importance of open communication about screen habits
• Understanding each child's unique interaction with screens
• Aligning digital habits with family values
• Practical Example: Screen Fasting
• Host's experience with family "screen fasts"
• Observations and outcomes from time off screens
• Children's awareness of their own emotions and self-regulation post-fast
• Developing and Choosing Coping Skills Strategies
• Janine's process for developing resources
• Iterative development based on real-world results
• Challenges of implementing coping skills in the heat of the moment
• Importance of practice and early intervention
• Using visuals and making concrete plans for expected stressors
• Post-challenge reflection: what worked, what didn't

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Connect with Sarah Collins on IG
• The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers
• Executive Functioning For Teens Course
• Social Skills & Executive Functioning
• Coping Skills For Kids Website
• Janine's Website
• Connect with Janine on Instagram
• Connect with Janine on Facebook
• Follow Janine on Youtube
• Episode 2: Decoding Behavior in homeschooling- sensory overwhelm, emotional control, perseverance
• Episode 15: From Morning to Night: Incorporating Social Emotional Learning in Homeschool
• Episode 17: Neuro Affirming Homeschool Environments with Keisha Berry
• Episode 19: Understanding Screen Time Effects on Children's Development and Relationships
• Episode 31: Cultivating Calm: Understanding Nervous System Dysregulation in Children and Practical Solutions for Parents
• Episode 53: Redefining Rest: An approach to Spiritual, Physical, Cognitive, and Emotional Rest
• Episode 59: Translating OT Concepts: Creating a Children's Book for Sensory Processing Awareness
• Episode 60: Tackling Childhood Anxiety: How Occupational Therapy Can Help
• Episode 61: Mindful Moments: Supporting Focus and Calm in Children

Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has been working with children, teens, and their families for over 20 years. She has been helping children and teens build their coping skills throughout her career in a variety of settings, including schools, mental health clinics and in her private practice. She founded Coping Skills for Kids to help children and teens learn healthy and safe ways to manage big feelings. She has written several books, including the bestselling Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, the Coping Skills for Teens Workbook and the Social Skills for Kids Workbook. She is also the host of the Calm & Connected Podcast and the founder of the Coping Skills Community Hub. Her work has been featured in the Boston Globe, CNN, Huffington Post, and The Skimm Newsletter. Janine lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two children.

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?  Download Why Choose OT to find out! 

This week I'm joined by Dr. Isabella "Bella" Tate, a pediatric occupational therapist and recent doctoral graduate, who shares her journey from New Jersey to Sacramento as a traveling OT. I first met Bella at the AOTA Conference in Philadelphia, where Bella was presenting her doctoral capstone research on the STASI Protocol—a new screening tool designed to assess social skills and developmental needs in youth, especially in group therapy and community settings.

We'll dive into the essential social, executive functioning, and communication skills that children need to thrive, with a particular focus on the homeschool community. Bella discusses the gaps she observed in existing screening tools, how her protocol helps parents and therapists identify strengths and challenges, and why building a supportive team and meeting children where they are is crucial for growth and participation—wherever learning happens. Whether you're a fellow OT, homeschool parent, or just curious about child development, this episode is full of practical insights, encouragement, and real-life experiences to support your child's unique journey.

• Dr. Tate's occupational therapy (OT) journey
• Recent graduation with a doctorate from Duquesne University.
• Her first travel OT contract in Sacramento, California.
• Passion for pediatric OT but desire to travel and explore different settings.
• Personal background: originally from New Jersey, journeying cross-country.
• The STASI Protocol Development
• Presentation at AOTA conference: Capstone project titled "STASI Protocol."
• Initial working title "Sassy," later changed for appropriateness.
• Rationale for the protocol:
• Bridging the gap between parent-reported intake issues and observational presentation in therapeutic groups.
• Need for a quick, cohesive screening tool (not a full evaluation).
• Key Social Skills for Children (Developmental Focus)
• Social skill requirements for group settings (relevant to homeschoolers)
• Executive functioning as a core social skill component
• Problem-solving, attention to task, and "theory of mind."
• Reading nonverbal cues and adapting behavior to environment.
• Communication's pivotal role
• Expressing feelings, needs, and navigating behaviors.
• Overlap and collaboration between OT and speech pathology.
• Executive Functioning and Social Development
• Components of executive functioning discussed
• Task initiation, persistence, flexible thinking, impulsivity/safety.
• Challenges of observing executive function in homeschool settings:
• Parental accommodations mask struggles outside the home.
• Socialization in Homeschooling Contexts
• Differences in socialization between standard schools and homeschools
• Mixed-age interactions, multi-generational influence in co-ops.
• Opportunities to build communication skills across various ages.
• Homeschooling strengths: flexibility, diverse groupings, natural mentorship.
• The Assessment Process & Tools for Parents
• Direct, quick, activity-based screening by the therapist (STASI activities)

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Connect with Sarah Collins on IG
• The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers
• Executive Functioning For Teens Course
• Social Skills & Executive Functioning
• Dare To Lead By Brené Brown
• Amplify OT
• Child And Adolescent Scale Of Participation
• Developmental Milestones For Productivity
• The Relationship Between Children's Executive Functioning, Theory Of Mind, And Verbal Skills
• Social And Emotional Learning
• Homeschooled Children's Social Skills
• Episode 2: Decoding Behavior in homeschooling- sensory overwhelm, emotional control, perseverance
• Episode 15: From Morning to Night: Incorporating Social Emotional Learning in Homeschool
• Episode 17: Neuro Affirming Homeschool Environments with Keisha Berry
• Episode 49: Connection Over Curriculum: Building Strong Bonds in Homeschooling

Dr. Isabella Tate is an occupational therapist. She completed her occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) this past December from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. She has had a lot of experience working in pediatrics throughout her education and life. Her doctoral capstone addressed screening children for therapeutic groups at an outpatient pediatric site and the way she fell in love with the profession was by growing up watching her mom, who is also a pediatric OT. She feels not only do children have a lot to learn from us, but us from them as well, and looks forward to one day having a permanent job with the bright, young minds. She is working as a travel OT, currently on her first contract in Sacramento, CA at a skilled nursing facility.

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?  Download Why Choose OT to find out! 

This week I sat down with Tiffany Parsons, a pediatric occupational therapist and homeschooling mom with a deep passion for supporting families outside of traditional school settings. Tiffany shares her unique journey from clinic-based therapy to homeschooling her twin boys, and how that experience inspired her to bridge the gap for homeschool, micro school, and private school communities seeking occupational therapy resources.

We break down what occupational therapy really is, how parents can identify if their child might benefit from OT support, and why movement and developmental milestones—like crawling and rolling are so crucial to a child's learning and emotional wellbeing. We discuss practical ways parents can observe their child's movement to spot potential challenges, creative activities to support development (hint: it's not just about handwriting worksheets!), and friendly, hands-on advice for making therapeutic activities a natural part of everyday life at home.

• Tiffany's background as a pediatric occupational therapist
• Experience in outpatient clinics and decision to homeschool her twin boys
• Recognition of limited OT resources for homeschool, micro school, and private Christian school families
• Initial challenges in offering therapy services to families unaware of OT benefits
• Shift toward educating parents and educators through in-services
• Defining Occupational Therapy and Identifying Needs
• Tiffany's broad definition of "occupation" for children
• Explanation of how OT addresses all areas affecting a child's quality of life: play, academics, self-help skills
• Observing and Understanding Movement in Children
• Tiffany's perspective on observing children's movement as an indicator of nervous system and brain function
• Developmental Milestones and the Link to Functional Challenges
• Importance of achieving developmental milestones in order
• Example symptoms: emotional regulation difficulties, picky eating, sleep issues
• The connection between early movement and later struggles
• The neurological connection between spinal rotation, brain processing, and self-regulation
• Simple assessments (e.g., ask a child to turn while standing, observe ability to cross midline)
• The Critical Role of Crawling
• Relevance of crawling, despite changes in pediatric milestone recommendations
• Developmental foundation offered by crawling: proprioception, bilateral integration, ocular motor skills
• The impact of crawling on hand-eye coordination, depth perception, and learning readiness
• What to do if a child didn't crawl or only crawled briefly
• Creative and functional ways to encourage crawling behaviors at any age
• Practical difficulties: shifting focus between near/far tasks, copying from board to paper
• How underdeveloped crawling or movement can impact visual and physical skills needed for reading and writing
• Tips for parents to frame OT-based activities as playful and family-wide, not "fixes" for deficits
• The importance of making adaptations natural, fun, and group-oriented
• Handwriting Without Handwriting
• Why direct handwriting practice is often less effective than movement and play-based activities
• Vertical surface activities, Play-Doh, and other proximal (core/shoulder) to distal (hand/finger) strengthening
• How developmental readiness and explicit instruction should be balanced

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Connect with Sarah Collins on IG
• The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers
• Connect With Tiffany Parsons On Facebook
• Executive Functioning For Teens Course
• Handwriting Motor Assessment
• Primitive Reflexes Resource Guide
• Episode 8: Beyond the Pencil: Exploring Vision's Impact on Homeschool Handwriting Success
• Episode 23: Blending Sensory Integration and Fitness for Better Handwriting
• Episode 38: Practical Learning Tools from a Homeschool Graduate: Sensory Kits for Homeschool Success
• Episode 56: Unlocking Writing Confidence in Children: The Role of Personal Expression

Tiffany is a pastors wife, bonus mom, twin mom, homeschool mom and pediatric occupational therapist. She is a 2014 graduate from West Virginia University. She is passionate about educating others on what occupational therapy is and how it can benefit

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?  Download Why Choose OT to find out! 

Sarah Muldoon shares her journey from working in school systems, where she noticed traditional methods weren't engaging kids—to self-publishing a series of imaginative, doodle-driven books that help children build core handwriting skills through play and storytelling. They dive deep into the foundational skills behind handwriting, from core strength and visual-motor integration to the magic that happens when kids are having fun and using their imagination.

Whether you're an OT, a parent, an educator, or part of the growing homeschool world, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips for making learning both functional and fun. Plus, hear about the importance of the "pre-writing" stage, the power of art in literacy, and how Muldoon's journey led her to national recognition.

• The motivation for bringing Sarah Muldoon onto the podcast: sharing her products and story with educators and the homeschool community
• Sarah Muldoon's Occupational Therapy Journey
• Sarah Muldoon's background as a school-based occupational therapist (OT)
• Challenges with existing handwriting materials: lack of engagement for kids
• The significance of handwriting as a referral point ("canary in the mine") for OT-related problems
• The OT perspective: the importance of imagination and play in children's occupations
• Development of Play-Based Handwriting Materials
• The spark for creating imaginative, play-based handwriting books
• Realization of a gap in the market for handwriting materials that link letter formation to creativity and story
• Sarah Muldoon's process: self-publishing, using graphic design and illustration skills
• Rapid success: from publishing the first book to creating 15 titles, role of social media in her growth
• Understanding Underlying Skills in Handwriting
• Discussion of foundational skills involved in handwriting:
• Core strength, wrist/hand strength, and their importance
• Visual motor integration and oculomotor skills
• The complex interplay of visual scanning, board-to-paper copying, and neurological processes
• OT interventions: warming up muscles, adapting equipment, building visual-motor skills
• Importance of Play in Learning and Skill Acquisition
• Role of play in accelerating skill learning ("400 repetitions vs. 20-30 when play-based")
• Ways to incorporate play into handwriting practice
• How Sarah Muldoon's books embed playful, imaginative activities aligned with OT strategies
• Modifying Activities to Support Individual Needs
• How to adapt doodling and handwriting exercises for different children or needs
• Example: breaking down drawing steps, allowing for tracing, providing multiple attempts
• Emphasizing creativity and engagement over perfection
• Defining Play and Its Role in Handwriting
• OT's definition of play: flow state, imagination, creation, intrinsic enjoyment
• Linking letter formation to storytelling and meaning-making
• How her books foster both skill development and personal expression
• Standardized Assessment in Occupational Therapy
• Introduction to standardized tests like the BOT (Bruininks-Oseretsky Test)
• What OTs are assessing and why: focus on function and "occupation"
• Using tests for pre/post measurements rather than just "teaching to the test"
• Translating test scores into meaningful activities
• Bridging Functional Skills and Playful Practice
• The rationale behind combining assessment-driven skill-building and playful activities
• Examples of how handwriting and drawing practice support broader life skills
• Encouraging continued skill reinforcement throughout daily activities
• Expanding the Reach: Products for Different Ages and Needs
• Overview of Sarah Muldoon's product line

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Connect with Sarah Collins on IG
• The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers
• Executive Functioning For Teens Course
• Handwriting Motor Assessment
• Handwriting Course
• Doodles Help Handwriting Website
• Connect With Sarah Muldoon On IG
• Free Doodles
• Improving Handwriting Without Actually Writing
• Skills Nature Builds
• Building Fine Motor skills Using Handicrafts
• Episode 6: Harnessing the Great Outdoors for Visual Development and Learning
• Episode 14: Outdoor Activities to Develop Interoception in Children with Guest Caroline Santangelo
• Episode 22: Supporting Children Through Play-Based Reflex Integration
• Episode 28: Risky Play: Understanding the Benefits and Strategies for Safe Child Development
• Episode 39: Outdoor Adventures: Developing Fine Motor Skills Through Nature-Based Therapy with Carmela Trejo
• Episode 40: Crafting Holiday Memories while Building Handwriting Skills
• Episode 56: Unlocking Writing Confidence in Children: The Role of Personal Expression

Sarah is an occupational therapist who has worked with kids as an OT and beyond. She has always been interested in drawing and loved handwriting.

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?  Download Why Choose OT to find out! 

We're joined by Renee Mathews, an occupational therapist known for her innovative activity ideas geared toward kids both indoors and out. This lively conversation dives into Renee's journey from working in inpatient rehab to becoming a leader in the world of school-based teletherapy, where she helps students and families access vital OT services no matter where they are.

We'll chat about the ins and outs of teletherapy, exploring what it looks like for families in remote areas or those who choose virtual schooling, and how occupational therapy can be adapted creatively for the online space. Renee shares her process for developing fun, accessible activities that support kids' body awareness, motor skills, and overall development—using everyday household items and a spark of creativity! Plus, you'll hear practical tips for parents considering teletherapy, advice for building an at-home OT toolkit, and resources to help keep kids moving and engaged throughout the year.

Whether you're new to occupational therapy or looking for inspiration to shake up your daily routine, this episode is packed with fresh ideas, expert wisdom, and plenty of encouragement for both parents and professionals.

• Renee Mathews' professional journey
• Education: Master's in Occupational Therapy from Seton Hall University
• Initial work in inpatient rehabilitation and transition to school-based OT
• Experience coaching a Special Olympics unified track and field team
• Move to teletherapy in 2019, especially with COVID-19's onset
• Creation of digital resources (YouTube, Instagram, Teachers Pay Teachers)
• Current role as a teletherapy clinical manager
• Teletherapy: What It Looks Like and Who It Serves
• Teletherapy as an option for families far from OT services or choosing virtual education
• Roles of caregivers, schools, and support staff in teletherapy
• Dispelling myths about teletherapy
• Flexibility: Activities can be hands-on, in different environments (even outdoors)
• Creativity and adaptability required for effective teletherapy sessions
• Considerations for Choosing Teletherapy
• How to find a teletherapist
• Through school assignments, private providers, or online searches
• Assessing whether teletherapy is the right fit
• Activities for Body Awareness and Movement
• Renee's approach to designing activities
• Engaging her audience for feedback on needed activities
• Theming activities (e.g., summer-themed surfboard video)
• Making activities accessible using common household items
• Tips to adapt video pace for varying child needs
• Importance of movement for children

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Connect with Sarah Collins on IG
• The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers
• Executive Functioning For Teens Course
• Handwriting Motor Assessment
• Connect With Renee On IG
• Connect With Renee On Youtube
• Miss Renee's Teachers Pay Teachers
• Episode 5: Beyond 20/20 vision: understanding crucial aspects of visual assessment in children
• Episode 6: Harnessing the Great Outdoors for Visual Development and Learning
• Episode 7: How Form Drawing Supports Vision, Handwriting, and Academics
• Episode 8: Beyond the Pencil: Exploring Vision's Impact on Homeschool Handwriting Success
• Episode 9: The Impact of Music on Executive Functioning: A Homeschooling Perspective
• Episode 21: Exploring Primitive Reflexes: From Birth to Integration
• Episode 22: Supporting Children Through Play-Based Reflex Integration
• Episode 23: Blending Sensory Integration and Fitness for Better Handwriting
• Episode 24: Understanding the Handwriting Journey: Tools and Techniques for Homeschoolers
• Episode 37: Reading, Writing, and Growing: The Bigger Picture of Developing Fine Motor Skills in Children
• Episode 55: Understanding Dysgraphia: Tools and Strategies for Homeschoolers

Renee is a licensed occupational therapist with a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Seton Hall University. She brings extensive experience across diverse settings, including inpatient rehabilitation, private and public schools, and teletherapy. Throughout her career, she has supported a wide range of populations and collaborated closely with families navigating both asynchronous and synchronous virtual learning environments. Renee is highly skilled in the use of teletherapy tools/resources and has developed original educational content to support therapists, educators, and families. Under the brand "Miss Renee OT," she shares resources through platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and Teachers Pay Teachers. Currently, she serves as a clinical manager, providing guidance to therapists and school districts to ensure student needs are met with evidence-based, individualized support.

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?  Download Why Choose OT to find out! 

I am joined by Ashton Tate, a passionate innovator in the homeschool community and creator of the FORM curriculum. Ashton takes us on a deeply personal journey, sharing how his own struggles with health, self-confidence, and weight in his teen years inspired him to transform not only his life, but the lives of countless children and families across the country.

• Ashton's Health Transformation Journey
• Issues with self-confidence and health during middle and high school
• Struggling with weight and lack of health knowledge
• Major personal transformation: losing 130 pounds by graduation
• Influence of mentors and support systems
• Building a Career in Health and Fitness
• Initial interest in helping others through personal training
• Switching college degree to focus on health
• Founding a home gym and building a local training facility
• Transition to Online Health Education and Curriculum Development
• Challenges of in-person training during COVID-19
• Recurring feedback from adult clients: wishing they'd learned these principles as kids
• The inspiration to create a health curriculum for children
• Creation and Structure of the Health Curriculum for Kids
• Collaborating with curriculum writers and kids' authors
• Making health concepts simple and accessible for younger audiences
• Development of an online platform for families and schools nationwide
• The Role of Occupational Therapy and Body Awareness
• Overview of occupational therapy in the context of homeschool and health
• Defining body awareness and its relationship to fitness
• Discussion of cultural pressure and guilt around fitness
• Understanding Hunger, Nutrition, and Interoception
• Ashton's personal experiences with food habits and cues during adolescence
• The challenge of distinguishing hunger, thirst, and emotional states in children
• Introducing interoception and its role in fitness and nutrition
• Teaching Nutrition: "Food as Fuel" and "Food as Fun"
• The importance of balancing healthy eating with occasional treats
• Methods for helping kids become intentional and mindful about food choices
• Using analogies (like cars needing fuel) to explain nutrition to children
• Practical Strategies for Families
• Emphasizing simplicity in health routines and messaging
• Navigating conflicting nutrition advice and keeping it approachable
• Sharing personal anecdotes (like sports nutrition questions from Connie's son)
• The FORM Curriculum: Four Pillars for Healthy Living
• Explanation of the FORM methodology:
  • Functional Fitness: Routine movement and physical activity
  • Optimal Nourishment: Balanced nutrition and healthy eating habits
  • Rest and Recovery: Preventive routines for sleep and stress management
  • Multiplied Maintenance: Maintaining habits through community, goal setting, and support
• Encouraging long-term health habits over quick fixes
• Addressing Resistance and Engagement in Kids
• Occupational Therapy Strategies for Increasing Body Awareness

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Connect with Sarah Collins on IG
• Executive Functioning For Teens Course
• Handwriting Motor Assessment
• Connect With Ashton On IG
• FORM PE Website
• Episode 7: How Form Drawing Supports Vision, Handwriting, and Academics
• Episode 14: Outdoor Activities to Develop Interoception in Children with Guest Caroline Santangelo
• Episode 23: Blending Sensory Integration and Fitness for Better Handwriting
• Episode 24: Understanding the Handwriting Journey: Tools and Techniques for Homeschoolers
• Episode 28: Risky Play: Understanding the Benefits and Strategies for Safe Child Development
• Episode 37: Reading, Writing, and Growing: The Bigger Picture of Developing Fine Motor Skills in Children
• Episode 40: Crafting Holiday Memories while Building Handwriting Skills
• Episode 51: Supporting Neurodivergent Kids in Neurotypical Spaces: Practical Tips and Insights
• Episode 53: Redefining Rest: An approach to Spiritual, Physical, Cognitive, and Emotional Rest

Ashton Tate is the founder of Glory to Glory Fitness in Nashville, TN and the creator of The F.O.R.M. Curriculum. He partners with homeschool families all over America to help them approach health and PE from a Biblical worldview. His mission is to equip and empower homeschool families so every student in America can have a quality health education. His work has been featured in publications such as USA Today and Fox News.

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?  Download Why Choose OT to find out! 

I am joined by Ivan Hardcastle, an experienced occupational therapist and parent coach from Idaho with nearly two decades of expertise. Ivan shares his journey from therapy rooms to parent coaching, highlighting the powerful impact that empowered, informed parents can have on their children's development especially in the teen years.

We take a deep dive into the realities of adolescence, busting the myth that the teenage years are doomed to chaos and disconnection. Instead, Ivan reframes teens' push for independence as a natural, beautiful part of development. The episode is full of practical wisdom on supporting teens' changing brains and bodies, managing explosive emotions, and fostering respectful, connected family relationships. With stories from his own family and actionable strategies, including how to balance boundaries with autonomy and why modeling self-care matters, Ivan equips parents to engage their teens with confidence and compassion.

• Ivan's experience as a pediatric occupational therapist in Idaho
• Motivation for moving into parent coaching
• The critical impact of parent involvement in therapy outcomes
• Transformation of home environments when parents are engaged
• Parenting Teenagers: Changing Perspectives
• Common stigmas and negative perceptions about parenting teens
• Sarah's positive experiences with her own teenagers
• Recognition that parenting teens can be challenging but also rewarding
• Teen Development: What's Really Happening?
• Physical, emotional, and neurological changes in adolescence
• The drive for independence and how it manifests as "rebellion" or "angst"
• The necessity of teens developing their own skill sets and opinions
• Ivan's observations with his own children's development
• Reframing Teen Independence and Emotional Growth
• Recognizing the beauty and necessity of teens seeking independence
• Understanding emotional reactions as part of healthy brain development
• The importance of parents' attitudes toward these changes
• Parental Self-Reflection and Growth
• The challenge and opportunity for parents to adapt their approaches
• Awareness that parents themselves are continually "growing up"
• Emphasizing lifelong learning by modeling adaptability for kids
• The Generational Gap & Today's Teen Experience
• Differences between parenting in the past (e.g., the 1990s) and today
• Acknowledgment of new pressures teens face (technology, social media, societal change)
• Recognizing that today's environment presents unique challenges
• Parents and teens both doing their best with available resources
• Parents identifying and utilizing support systems
• Bridging the gap between parents and teens to foster success together
• Risks of being too authoritarian (overly directive) or too hands-off
• The goal of finding a middle ground—modeling and invitation
• The significance of parental emotional regulation and self-awareness
• How parents' emotional states affect teens
• The Value of Modeling Rest and Mindfulness
• Challenging cultural norms equating "busyness" with worth
• The importance of modeling self-care, rest, and mindfulness for teens
• Embracing a "full" life over a "busy" life
• Practical Strategies for Connection and Collaboration
• Using chore charts and shifting from commands to invitations
• Implementing "notice and respond" approaches to household responsibilities
• Personal examples of increasing teen ownership/responsibility
• Dedication to preserving and growing the parent-teen bond
• Creating Opportunities for One-on-One Connection
• Scheduling individual time with each child (e.g., "daddy-daughter dates")
• Adapting activities to each child's personality and interests
• Using special routines (like sushi outings or art sessions) for deeper connection
• Fostering Sibling Relationships
• Intentional creation of spaces for siblings to connect
• Rotating opportunities for family members to interact one-on-one
• The importance of sibling bonds alongside parent-child relationships

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Connect with Sarah Collins on IG
• Games That Teach Executive Function
• Executive Functioning For Teens Course
• Insights To Reaching And Teaching Teenagers
• Tips For Communicating With Your Teen
• Connect With Ivan On Facebook
• Connect With Ivan On IG
• Connect With Ivan On Tiktok
• Ivan's Website
• Episode 11: Exploring Unique Learning Paths in Homeschooling with Guest Amy Bodkin
• Episode 15: From Morning to Night: Incorporating Social Emotional Learning in Homeschool
• Episode 19: Understanding Screen Time Effects on Children's Development and Relationships
• Episode 27: Preserving Childhood in a Digital World: Greta Eskridge's Expertise for Families
• Episode 54: Strengthening Executive Functions through Play: Insights from Carol Brown of Equipping Minds
• Episode 62: 62 Strategies for Enhancing Cognitive Skills in Children

Ivan is a pediatric occupational therapist who has been working with parents and children for over 18 years, focused on sensory processing, emotional challenges, and behavioral challenges. Last year he started an online parent coaching program to better meet the needs of parents who become overwhelmed by the challenges faced today meeting the needs of children (and yes, this includes teens!), including those on the spectrum, have emotional, or behavioral challenges. He loves to see families thrive and for parents to be empowered in their own homes to success, happiness, and peace.

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?  Download Why Choose OT to find out! 

who specializes in reading and writing instruction. Together, we dive deep into the world of note taking—what it really means, why it's essential, and how it can be tailored to fit every kind of learner (yes, even the ones who love doodling during Shark Week!). Michelle shares her personal journey of transitioning from traditional teaching to homeschooling her neurodivergent daughter, and how this experience shaped her approach to individualized learning. The conversation covers everything from the benefits of classic note taking methods like Cornell Notes, to the creative freedom of sketchnoting, to practical strategies for kids who struggle with handwriting or prefer digital tools. Whether you're a homeschooling parent, an educator, or someone just curious about how to help learners capture and process information in ways that work for them, this episode is packed with actionable tips and a refreshing reminder: the best notes are the ones your child will actually take.

• Brief overview of Michelle's background as both a homeschooling parent and a college professor
• Michelle's unexpected journey into homeschooling due to her daughter's needs
• Comparison of homeschooling environment vs. public school and college-level teaching
• Transition from traditional teaching to online homeschool classes for middle and high schoolers
• Community and philosophy behind her educational approach
• Michelle's Teaching Platform and Community
• Introduction to Dayla Learning
• Description of available classes, resources, and the supportive parent community
• The Role and Value of Note Taking
• Addressing parental concerns about note taking and working memory
• Is note taking necessary in the digital age?
• Emphasis on note taking as a process rather than a product
• Value of making thought processes external and the variability among individual learners
• Anecdotes demonstrating different note-taking styles (color-coding, outlines, etc.)
• Importance of experimentation and flexibility with note taking
• Note Taking Methods: Personal Experiences
• Sarah's experiences teaching her son to take notes using Shark Week as a topic
• Reflection on traditional outline format and contrast with her son's drawing/sketchnoting style
• The challenge of letting go of preconceived ideas about note-taking formats
• Research and Best Practices in Note Taking
• Explicit Note-Taking Strategies and Teaching Approaches
• Sketchnoting
• Visual note-taking as a supplement to standard methods
• Use of mind maps, columns, bullet points, and illustrations
• Customization and Flexibility in Note Taking
• The value of having multiple templates and options for different subjects (e.g., timelines for history, concept maps for analysis)
• Encouraging learners to create their own templates and systems
• Handwriting vs. Digital Note Taking
• Research indicating the benefits of handwriting for retention, with caveats regarding digital natives
• Prioritizing accessibility and separating skills as needed (writing vs. synthesizing content)
• Supporting students who struggle with handwriting through guided notes and breaking down tasks
• Annotation as a Note-Taking Method
• Benefits of annotating texts (writing in books or using transparent sticky notes)
• Michelle's personal annotation symbol system and its long-term usefulness
• Annotation as a lower-pressure way for reluctant writers to engage with content
• Practicing Note Taking Across Formats
• In-class practice: taking notes on articles, videos, stories, and visual materials
• Self-evaluation of strategies to foster metacognition and executive functioning
• Recommended Resources and Tools
• Prepped Cornell Note material (printed or drawn)
• Direct instruction resources (e.g., YouTube library tutorials)
• Hands-on, personalized approaches (choosing or designing their own materials)

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Connect with Sarah Collins on IG
• Games That Teach Executive Function
• Executive Functioning For Teens Course
• Verbal to Visuals: Sketchnoting With Cornell Notes
• Cornell Note-Taking System From Cornell Itself!
• Middle School Writing Foundations Series: Setting Up for Long-Term Academic Writing Success!
• Connect With Michelle On Facebook
• Daya Learning
• Episode 10: Streamlining Your Space: Organizing for Better Executive Functioning
• Episode 11: Exploring Unique Learning Paths in Homeschooling with Guest Amy Bodkin
• Episode 12: Executive Functioning in Homeschooling: A Teenager's Experience with Organization and Planning
• Episode 43: Collaborative Problem-Solving in Education and Parenting
• Episode 59: Translating OT Concepts: Creating a Children's Book for Sensory Processing Awareness

Michelle Parrinello-Cason is a writer, educator, and lifelong seeker of stories that embrace tension and complexity. She holds a Ph.D. in rhetoric and composition from Saint Louis University, where she studied agonism and the interplay of oppression and freedom in remedial writing instruction.

After years in higher ed, she now creates ELA courses for the secular homeschooling community through her platform, Dayla Learning — a space for "homeschooling the humanities with humanity." Her work centers on writing as a reflective process and literature as a way to navigate ambiguity and meaning. A homeschooling parent and academic, Michelle helps students read critically and empathetically, especially when engaging with challenged or banned books. She believes students can approach complex texts with care, curiosity, and evolving ethical insight.

Her work has appeared in Pretty Much Pop and the Secular, Eclectic, Academic Homeschoolers magazine, and she has presented at academic and homeschool conferences. Her interests include pop culture as text, educational equity, neurodivergent learning, and empowering all readers and writers.