The OT is IN with Sarah Collins the Homeschool OT

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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.

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This episode takes a heartfelt look into the Collins family's homeschooling journey, especially focusing on the unique sensory and learning needs of my children, Annabelle and Kaleb.

The conversation dives into how homeschooling allowed both Annabelle and Kaleb to better understand and support their own learning styles—whether that meant planning and organizing, or moving around to stay focused. The family shares candidly about what worked (and what didn't), navigating sibling relationships with different sensory needs, and the importance of communication and self-advocacy.

You'll hear anecdotes from their homeschooling days, their experiences with tools like the Zones of Regulation, and thoughtful insights about adjusting environments and parenting strategies to support each child's growth. If you're a parent, educator, or just curious about how families work through challenges and celebrate differences, you'll find practical ideas, laughs, and a few candid confessions in this warm, relatable conversation.

• Annabelle introduces herself (age, homeschooling history, activities)
• Kaleb introduces himself (age, schooling plans, energy differences)
• Contrast in homeschooling experience and personal energy levels between the siblings
• Early Homeschooling Experiences
• Reflections on starting homeschooling after public school
• Comparison of Annabelle and Kaleb's temperaments as young children
• Discussion of behavioral and learning differences
• Understanding and Managing Energy & Sensory Needs
• Use of "energy" to describe learning and activity preferences
• Annabelle as more planner/organizer; Kaleb as high-energy/movement-oriented
• Sarah reframes "energy" in terms of regulation and sensory processing
• Introduction of the Zones of Regulation framework in their home
• The role and value of using regulation language
• Parenting Strategies: What Helped and What Didn't
• Homeschooling as facilitating better self-regulation
• Strategies that helped each child understand themselves (e.g. movement breaks)
• Honest discussion of what did not work, like forced tours and over-explaining in learning situations
• Acknowledgement of the importance of self-discovery in learning styles
• Adapting Educational Approaches
• Annabelle's experiences with various learning formats (dual enrollment, asynchronous classes)
• Experiences with different subjects (math vs history)
• Discovering and leveraging personal learning styles and advocating for oneself
• Managing the Learning Environment
• The impact of environment on focus and sensory needs
• Adjustments made for sibling differences
• Sibling Relationships & Sensory Needs
• Conflicts arising from mismatched sensory needs (quiet vs noise/movement)
• Navigating these differences as children grow
• Use of environmental and sensory strategies to defuse tense situations
• Communication and Advocacy
• Learning to speak up about personal needs (self-advocacy)
• How sibling dynamics evolved to include better communication and mutual anticipation of needs
• Parental Support and Fairness
• Reflections on uneven parental attention due to different needs
• Annabelle's perspective on independence and desire for attention/support
• Kaleb's need for more movement and direct support
• Evolution of parental approach to meet both children's emotional needs
• Long-Term Family Dynamics & Growth
• Emphasis on the ongoing process of learning and adjusting as a family
• Acknowledging that sibling relationships will outlast the parental focus
• Highlighting continuous progress and the importance of maintaining strong family bonds

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Connect with Sarah Collins on IG
• Games That Teach Executive Function
• Executive Functioning For Teens Course
• Zones Of Regulation
• How To Integrate The Zones At Home
• Back To School: Student Interview Questions
• 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 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 44: Prioritizing Slow in Homeschooling: A chat with Leslie Martino

If you have more questions you want to ask two homeschooled teens, feel free to email here: [email protected]

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

I am joined by Gretchen Rowe for a heartfelt and insightful conversation about navigating learning challenges with neurodivergent kids. Gretchen shares her personal journeys through homeschooling, discussing everything from the decision to seek formal diagnoses for her children to the ups and downs of finding the right support and resources.

Together, we explore how to talk with kids about learning differences in a positive, empowering way, the importance of fostering self-advocacy skills, and the crucial role that other caring adults and community play in supporting children as they grow. With stories from our own families, practical advice, and plenty of warmth and humor, this episode is a must-listen for any parent, educator, or caregiver seeking a path forward when learning feels hard.

• Gretchen's background
• The Process and Value of Diagnosis
• Gretchen's view that diagnosis is not a destination, but just a point on the path.
• Questions about whether and how to share a diagnosis with children.
• Avoiding limiting language tied to a diagnosis.
• Seeking Diagnosis: Personal Experiences
• Gretchen's experience seeking a formal diagnosis for her son with acute dyslexia.
• Comparison with Sarah's experience using public school evaluation:
• Deciding on Diagnosis and Accommodations
• Reflecting on reasons for pursuing diagnosis (information, resources, labels, fear of stigma).
• Discussion of accommodations for standardized testing (SAT/ACT) and the need for an established paper trail.
• Timing and consequences of seeking/not seeking accommodations.
• Talking to Kids About Their Diagnosis and Learning Differences
• When and how to initiate conversations with children.
• Changing "I can't" statements into productive collaboration.
• Encouraging children to ask for help and reframe challenges.
• Parenting Strategies for Navigating Neurodiversity
• Teaching children to seek help productively.
• Modeling adaptive behaviors and self-awareness as parents.
• Handling setbacks and being open about parental mistakes and learning together.
• Preparing Neurodivergent Teens for Independence and Adulthood
• Teaching practical life and self-advocacy skills.
• Encouraging mentorship and guidance from other adults besides parents.
• Empowering teens to seek feedback about their strengths.
• Supporting Teens' Transition to Work or College

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Connect with Sarah Collins on IG
• Games That Teach Executive Function
• Demme Learning
• What Are Executive Function Skills?
• Field Trips Can Build Executive Functioning
• Episode 2: Decoding Behavior in homeschooling- sensory overwhelm, emotional control, perseverance
• Episode 43: Collaborative Problem-Solving in Education and Parenting
• Episode 60: Tackling Childhood Anxiety: How Occupational Therapy Can Help
• Episode 66: Shifting From Compliance to Connection: The Power of Declarative Language in Supporting Kids

Gretchen Roe has 21 years of home education experience with her six children, all of whom have now graduated. With a degree in psychology and child development, she has spent the last 27 years in positions of homeschool advocacy, developing special bonds with families of children who work harder to learn. With Demme Learning since 2014, first as a Special Needs Placement Specialist, now serving as the company's Community Outreach Coordinator, she loves the outdoors, all things furry, chicken raising, and beekeeping. She is a high school swim coach and a second-degree Taekwondo Black Belt.

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

Kelly Edwards, a homeschool parent and creator of the 90 Minute School Day framework shares how early in her own homeschooling journey, Kelly's insights from podcasts and social media were a guiding light. We dive into Kelly's unexpected beginnings with homeschooling, the challenges she faced as a foster and adoptive parent, and how her journey evolved from recreating a traditional classroom at home to gradually letting go of rigid expectations. Kelly opens up about navigating the unique needs of her neurodivergent children, the process of deschooling, and the internal work necessary to truly embrace homeschooling freedom.

You'll also hear practical strategies for self-care as a homeschool parent, balancing sibling relationships, and what a day in the life looks like using Kelly's 90 Minute School Day approach. Whether you're brand new to homeschooling or looking for reassurance and inspiration, this is full of honesty, encouragement, and actionable advice.

• The start of homeschooling: Not originally planned.
• Early exposure to homeschooling through a friend.
• Becoming foster and adoptive parents in West Virginia.
• Specific family needs leading to the decision to homeschool.
• Daughter's academic, social, and emotional needs not fully met in traditional school.
• Desire to build stronger family bonds and attachment.
• Attempt to replicate traditional school at home (gradebooks, schedules, pledge, etc.).
• Realizing the Need for Flexibility
• Letting go of unnecessary routines and structures.
• Dropping unneeded activities (e.g., spelling tests).
• Navigating self-doubt and seeking validation from others.
• Advice from Akilah Richards ("resistance is the roadmap") and what that means in practice.
• Identifying and responding to resistance points in homeschooling.
• Transition Toward Deschooling
• Understanding "behavior as communication."
• Gradually dropping what didn't work; picking up what did.
• Moving from strict frameworks to intuition and permission.
• The importance and discomfort of making individualized choices.
• Challenges of Homeschooling
• Navigating neurodivergence within the family.
• Evolving as a parent and the grief of changed expectations.
• Managing Parental Needs and Self-Care
• The 90 Minute School Day Philosophy
• Explaining skill areas (reading, writing, math) and content areas (family time, activities, exploration).
• Emphasis on layering and reinforcing learning as children grow older.

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Homeschool Daily Set Up: Parental Planning Guide
• Join Me At The BRAVE 2025 Conference Online
• Akilah Richards- Raising Free People: Unschooling as Liberation
• How To Integrate The Zones At Home
• Structure, Schedules, and Unschooling?
• Episode 30: Sensory Processing and Co-Regulation: Insights for Parents
• Episode 33: Dyslexia Demystified: Marianne Sunderland's Approach and Homeschooling Tips
• Episode 53: Redefining Rest: An approach to Spiritual, Physical, Cognitive, and Emotional Rest
• Episode 61: Mindful Moments: Supporting Focus and Calm in Children
• Connect With Sarah On Instagram
• 90 Minute School Day
• Connect With Kelly On Instagram

Kelly Edwards is the founder of The 90-Minute School Day™, a framework that helps parents transition from a school-based mindset to natural learning. She helps families create a thriving homeschool by prioritizing felt-safety, connection, self-awareness, while honoring biological rhythms and neurodivergence. Through her Day in the Life community, Guide Training™ program, and The 90-Minute School Day™ podcast, Kelly supports parents in unlearning school-based conditioning, trusting natural learning, and redefining success by focusing on strengths, not setbacks. A wife and long-time homeschooling parent of three girls, she is also a parent coach, educator, and trauma-informed foster care advocate. Learn more at 90minuteschoolday.com

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

I got the chance to sit down with Katie Cooper, a seasoned occupational therapist turned health coach, who shares her journey from burnout to wellness and how that fueled her passion for supporting other moms. Drawing from nearly two decades of OT experience and her own story of overcoming stress and overwhelm during the pandemic, Katie opens up about practical strategies for calming the nervous system—strategies that are especially useful for homeschool families and any parent juggling busy roles. From quick, restorative rituals to the science behind movement, breathing, and even the power of a 20-second hug, this conversation dives deep into why our modern lives leave us on constant high alert—and what to do about it. Whether you're a homeschooler, a busy mom, or just looking for real-world tips to manage the pressures of daily life, this is packed with relatable stories and actionable advice.

• Roles vs. Identity
• How changes in roles can impact one's sense of self
• The importance of recognizing shifts in roles, especially for mothers and homeschool parents
• Modern Stress and Nervous System Activation
• Explanation of why nervous systems are frequently activated in modern life
• Chronic exposure to stressors and the body's fight or flight response
• The impact of constant connectivity and information overload
• Comparison of past and present sources of stress
• The Culture of Busyness
• Societal expectations around busyness and parental pressure to provide experiences
• How removing traditional chores has led to filling time with structured activities
• The challenge of saying "no" to opportunities for children and balancing self-care
• Importance of modeling healthy boundaries for children
• Practical Ways to Calm the Nervous System
• Integrating quick, accessible calming techniques into daily life
• Movement as a tool for regulation (e.g., walking, stretching, dancing)
• Differentiating helpful movement from stressful exercise
• Incorporating movement into family routines
• Breathing exercises as a stress-management tool (e.g., 4-7-8 breathing)
• Implementation with children and families
• Use of props like bubbles or straws for younger kids
• Tools and Sensory Supports for Regulation
• Introduction to calming strips and tactile supports
• The relevance and benefit for both kids and adults (including OTs themselves)
• The Impact of Digital Connectivity
• Increased difficulty in regulating due to the omnipresence of digital media
• Brief reflection on historical perspectives and ongoing challenges with chronic stress
• More Calming Strategies
• The 20-second hug and its physiological effects (lowering stress hormones, heart rate)
• Using laughter as a tool to reduce stress and relax the body
• Building family rituals for regulation and connection
• Understanding the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems
• Explanation of terms: fight or flight (sympathetic) vs. rest and digest (parasympathetic)
• How to recognize when the parasympathetic system is activated (e.g., yawning, sighing)
• Tips for increasing bodily awareness and noticing stress patterns
• Katie's Coaching Work and Approach
• Overview of Katie's current work as a health coach for moms and parents
• Structure of her coaching engagement (3–6 months, regular meetings, goal-setting)
• Emphasis on support, accountability, and gradual life changes

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Homeschool Daily Set Up: Parental Planning Guide
• Calming Strip Stickers
• Understanding Sensory Self Care
• Katie Cooper Wellness
• Connect With Katie Cooper On Instagram
• Katie Cooper Wellness 10 Quick Ways To Calm Your Nervous System
• 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 19: Understanding Screen Time Effects on Children's Development and Relationships
• Episode 28: Risky Play: Understanding the Benefits and Strategies for Safe Child Development
• Episode 30: Sensory Processing and Co-Regulation: Insights for Parents
• Episode 32: Homeschooling During Crisis: Finding Balance with Self Care and Family Support
• Episode 53: Redefining Rest: An approach to Spiritual, Physical, Cognitive, and Emotional Rest
• Connect With Sarah On Instagram

Katie Cooper is a board-certified health coach with over 16 years of experience in the health care industry as an Occupational Therapist. After overcoming burnout, Katie started Katie Cooper Wellness to help fellow moms banish burnout and regain energy and passion for life. Katie is a mom of two and avid skier, quilter and baker. She is on a mission to help her clients overcome stress and find sustainable balance in their careers and lives.

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

I am joined by Amirra Condelee—an occupational therapist, stay-at-home mom, and finance advocate who's passionate about empowering families to make intentional choices around work, family, and money. Amirra shares her fascinating journey from pursuing pediatric medicine to finding her calling in occupational therapy, and she opens up about the pivotal moment she decided to transition from full-time OT work to being at home with her young children. The conversation dives deep into the practical and emotional aspects of making that decision, including how Amirra and her husband navigated the big financial questions, worked as a team to pay down an extraordinary amount of student debt, and planned for future family goals.

Whether you're a homeschooling parent, a therapist considering your next step, or just someone looking for actionable financial advice, this episode is packed with real talk, helpful strategies, and a lot of encouragement.

• Amirra's Occupational Therapy (OT) Journey
• Early aspirations: from wanting to be a pediatrician to discovering OT.
• Influence of attending a science/medical camp and exposure to neonatology/NICU.
• Transition after finding chemistry challenging; discovering OT through nannying for a hand therapist.
• Commitment to OT: switching majors and shadowing experiences, particularly in NICU settings. Shift from NICU aspirations to early intervention (EI) due to job opportunities.
• Experience practicing full-time in EI, then the personal choice to pause her career after pregnancy.
• Transition to being a full-time stay-at-home mom, podcast host, and content creator while retaining her OT influence.
• Decision-Making Process: Transitioning to Stay-at-Home Mom
• The decision-making involved in transitioning from full-time work.
• Emotional and logistical (especially financial) factors in the decision.
• The importance of open communication with her husband regarding finances.
• Financial Strategies and Adjustments
• Budgeting and Financial Compromises
• Teaching Financial Responsibility to Children
• Paying Off Significant Debt: The Milestone
• Evaluating Higher Education and Debt ROI for Children
• Recommended Resources for Financial Literacy
• Practical Tips for Financial Organization and Communication

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Personal Finance Club
• Save My Cents
• Wealth Is A Mindset
• Episode 29: Parenting with Co-Regulation
• Episode 30: Sensory Processing and Co-Regulation: Insights for Parents
• Episode 31: Cultivating Calm: Understanding Nervous System Dysregulation in Children and Practical Solutions for Parents
• Episode 32: Homeschooling During Crisis: Finding Balance with Self Care and Family Support
• Episode 41: Building Your Support Network as a Homeschooling Parent Especially during the holiday season
• Episode 53: Redefining Rest: An approach to Spiritual, Physical, Cognitive, and Emotional Rest
• Homeschool Daily Setup: Parental Planning Guide
• Connect With Amirra on Instagram
• Amirra's Facebook Group
• Check Out Amirra's Podcast Here
• Free Guide: Personal Finance Crash Course
• Connect With Sarah On Instagram

Dr. Amirra Condelee, OTD, OTR/L, is a pediatric occupational therapist based in Phoenix, AZ, with a specialization in Early Intervention for infants and young children with sensory processing challenges, premature births, and substance exposure. A graduate of MGH Institute of Health Professions, she conducted doctoral research at Seattle Children's Hospital on OT's role in the NICU and Pediatric Intensive Feeding Program. In 2021, she was named Occupational Therapist of the Year by the Arizona OT Association for her leadership in clinical practice, advocacy, and public awareness. Amirra is currently on a career pause to stay home with her young children and is passionate about supporting fellow OTs navigating motherhood, money, and career pivots. She is the host of The Money Matters in OT Podcast and co-host of The Real OTs of Early Intervention podcast. In her free time, she enjoys Pilates, traveling, and spending time outdoors with her family.

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

We'll explore everything from setting the right mindset for both parents and kids, to adopting a belief in every child's competence—no matter their age or learning style. You'll learn how to foster a growth mindset, build routines that balance predictability with flexibility, and adapt activities for learners at all different stages. I'll also share my own daily rhythm, helpful tips for including toddlers and preschoolers, and strategies for sparking curiosity and connection in daily learning.

If you're looking for ways to create a more peaceful, productive, and connected homeschool environment—this conversation is for you. Get ready for actionable ideas, thoughtful reflections, and encouragement as you chart your own unique path in homeschooling.

• Importance of mindset in homeschooling
• Common worries (e.g., "Am I doing enough?", distributing attention among kids)
• Reassurance: homeschooling parents are not defined by perfect execution
• Essential values: curiosity, compassion, and connection
• Growth Mindset Theory
• Introduction to Dr. Carol Dweck's work on Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset
• Phrases to encourage growth mindset (e.g., "You might not understand it yet…")
• Encouraging parents to shift self-talk toward growth
• Modeling growth mindset for children
• Homeschool-specific context: lack of classroom comparison—importance of modeling struggle and correction
• Presuming Competence in Learners
• Definition and importance of presuming competence
• Reference to "Presuming Competence" article by Douglas Biklen & Jamie Burke
• Potential harms of presuming incompetence (lowered expectations, limited opportunities)
• Examples of how to presume competence in a homeschool setting
• Establishing Routine and Rhythm
• Difference between strict schedules and flexible rhythms
• Value of predictability to allow for flexibility ("predictability allows for flexibility")
• Anecdotes about morning routines and handling unpredictability
• Sample daily rhythm in Sarah's homeschool
• Incorporating Movement and Chores
• Chores as structured movement and sensory input for kids
• Personalization of chores to children's sensory and developmental needs
• Importance of movement right after morning time
• Transitioning Between Subjects
• Connecting the Day to Family Needs
• Adapting for Mixed Ages and Abilities
• Managing Homeschool with Babies and Toddlers
• Encouraging Curiosity in Older Kids
• The COWLICKS Mnemonic for Field Trips
• Building Connection and Independence

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Carol Dwerk On Mindset- Book
• Presuming Competence
• Inclusive Schooling On Presuming Competence
• What To Do When Your Child Says "I Can't" Workshop
• Homeschool Daily Setup: Parent Planning Guide
• Episode 9: The Impact of Music on Executive Functioning: A Homeschooling Perspective
• Episode 12: Executive Functioning in Homeschooling: A Teenager's Experience with Organization and Planning
• Episode 25: Understanding Hippotherapy: Therapeutic Equestrian Activities for Children's Development
• Episode 42: Executive Functioning Skills for Families: Holiday Edition
• Executive Functioning Skills
• Is My Child Ready To Handle Current Events?
• Executive Functioning And Field Trips
• Connect With Sarah On Instagram

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

We're exploring a simple yet transformative shift in how we communicate with children facing social-emotional challenges: using declarative language.

I'll break down exactly what declarative language is, how it differs from giving direct commands, and why this small change can make a big impact on fostering connection, self-reflection, and problem-solving skills in our kids. Drawing on resources like The Declarative Language Handbook by Linda Murphy and Communicating with Compassion by Bobbi Cook, we'll share real-world examples, discuss both the benefits and the challenges of this approach, and bring in perspectives from autistic adults and parents.

• Understanding Declarative Language
• The Importance of Declarative Language
• Encouraging flexible thinking, problem solving, and social awareness
• Practical Examples of Declarative Language
• Sample statements from Linda Murphy's work (The Declarative Language Handbook)
• The Shift from Compliance to Connection
• Personal Reflections and Related Experiences
• Early exposure to these communication strategies
• Tips for Starting with Declarative Language
• Navigating Common Challenges
• Considering Neurodivergent and Autistic Perspectives
• Addressing Parental Concerns and Objections

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• When Declarative Language Doesn't Work
• When Declarative Language Activates The Nervous System
• Declarative Language Handbook
• Communicating With Compassion: By Bobbi Cook
• Episode 16: Navigating the Interoceptive Sense: Insights and Strategies for Parents
• Episode 32: Homeschooling During Crisis: Finding Balance with Self Care and Family Support
• Episode 50: Ask The OT, A Special 50th Episode

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

We're welcoming Anna Galloway, an occupational therapist and music therapist whose passion lies in blending the power of music with the practice of OT. With a background that stretches from working in mental health, hospice, and early intervention to championing collaboration across therapies, Anna dives into how music can regulate emotions, support sensory needs, and help families build connection. You'll hear her expert insights on using music in everyday life, tips for navigating musical interests in large families, and practical advice for parents looking to make meaningful use of music at home. Whether you're a homeschooling parent, a therapist, or someone just curious about music's impact on the brain and learning, this episode is filled with actionable ideas and heartfelt stories.

• Introduction and Background of Anna Galloway
• Anna's professional journey:
• Started as a music therapist after graduating from the University of Alabama.
• Worked in diverse settings: with refugees' families, older adults with dementia, inpatient psychiatric programs, hospice, home health, early intervention.
• Discovered occupational therapy (OT) while working in inpatient rehab, returned to school for OT.
• Now a faculty member with a research focus on integrating music and OT.
• Intersection of Music Therapy, Recreation Therapy, and Occupational Therapy
• Discussion of collaborative, creative interdisciplinary teams (e.g., working with recreational therapists).
• Application of prior therapeutic experiences to homeschooling and daily family life.
• Exploring Auditory Processing and Music's Role
• Transition to a general discussion on music and the brain, separate from specific programs.
• How Music Affects the Brain and Body
• Explanation of how music releases dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin.
• Roles of these hormones: motivation, mood, attention, social bonding.
• Using music therapeutically:
• For relaxation and coping in hospice/end-of-life care.
• In the NICU to calm infants, regulate physiological responses, promote bonding.
• Broader uses for environmental and emotional support, regulation, and coping.
• Understanding Individual Responses to Music
• Importance of individualized, person-centered music preferences for effective outcomes.
• Dangers of generic, prescriptive music interventions—what's relaxing to one person might be arousing to another.
• Non-verbal cues in infants and medically fragile populations to gauge music's effects:
• Watching for facial orientation, hand gestures, crying, physiological signs of overstimulation.
• Adjusting tempo and removing syncopation for NICU use.
• Using music to build tolerance or mask environmental noise as needed.
• Practical Strategies for Using Music with Children and Families
• Adapting music use based on intent (regulation vs. education vs. leisure).
• Tips for group settings or families with mixed music preferences:
• Collaborative playlist-making, ensuring everyone's input and adequate listening time.
• Observing engagement and adjusting duration to maintain participation.
• Using music for time management and transitions:
• "Three songs" as a non-ambiguous marker for children.
• Opportunities for social sharing and connection during music activities.
• Integrating Music into Occupational Therapy
• Anna's doctoral research: Training OTs to use music more effectively.
• Barriers OTs may face: comfort with music, creativity, and ambiguity.
• Basic musical elements: rhythm, tempo, use of beats per minute (BPM).
• Using tempo to match and guide activity pace:

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• TAP BPM- Online Beats Per Minute Calculator
• Find The BMP And Key For Any Song
• Music As An Occupational Therapy Tool
• Music As Support To Occupational Therapy
• Episode 9: The Impact of Music on Executive Functioning: A Homeschooling Perspective
• Episode 15: From Morning to Night: Incorporating Social Emotional Learning in Homeschool
• Episode 45: Engaging Children Through Project-Based and Interest-Led Homeschooling
• Episode 63: Misophonia Explained: Causes, Triggers, and Real Life Solutions
• Episode 64: Understanding Auditory Processing Disorder: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Support for Families

Anna is a Clinical Assistant Professor in Occupational Therapy at the University of Florida. She has been a music therapist for 13 years and occupational therapist for 7 years. Her current research explores uses of music within the occupational therapy scope of practice.