The OT is IN with Sarah Collins the Homeschool OT

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

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I am welcoming Carol Brown, an expert in neuroscience and the founder of Equipping Minds. This episode dives into Carol's inspiring journey, motivated by her experiences and research, to better understand and enhance executive functioning. Carol shares how her personal experiences as a mother led to the development of the Equipping Minds cognitive development curriculum, which is being used globally to support individuals from children to seniors facing various cognitive challenges. The conversation explores the vital differences between academic and cognitive skills, emphasizing the importance of strengthening core executive functions such as inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility.

• Carol's motivation: educating herself and her children
• Working with children and families with struggles
• Son's traumatic birth and need for intervention
• Recognition of unmet needs in cognitive development
• Carol's background in neuroscience
• Transition from strategies to direct strengthening of executive functions
• Foundation of Equipping Minds in 2009
• Use and reach of Equipping Minds curriculum
• Identification of cognitive skills as foundational
• Overview of executive functioning
• Inhibitory control, attention, self-control
• Working memory and cognitive flexibility
• Handling the question of "fixing" a child
• Emphasis on whole-brain development
• Aligning training with the child's goals and aspirations
• Explanation of Equipping Minds cards and games
• How activities help with processing speed and cognitive training
• Encouragement to start using the materials and accessing resources

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Equipping Minds Website
• NCBI- WWW Error Blocked Diagnostic
• ESQ-R Self Report Assessment Tool- Smart but Scattered Kids
• The Brown Model of ADD/ADHD
• Connect with Sarah on Instagram
• 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
• What Are Executive Functioning Skills?
• Is My Child Ready To Handle Current Events?
• Field Trips Can Build Executive Function Skills

Dr. Carol Brown has over 40 years of experience as a principal, teacher, cognitive-developmental therapist, social worker, reading and learning specialist, speaker, special needs consultant, and mother.

She is a contributing author in the book Neuroscience and Christian Formation and Human Development: Equipping Minds with Cognitive Development, Equipping Minds Cognitive Development Curriculum, and School Violence and Primary Prevention.

She has served as a learning specialist, teacher, principal, and head of school in classical Christian schools in North Carolina, Georgia, Northern Virginia, and Lyon, France. Carol trains public, private, and homeschool educators in the Equipping Minds Cognitive Development Curriculum she created.

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

Rebecca Ray Hodgson, a dedicated occupational therapist based in New Zealand, is a professional who works closely with neurodivergent and chronically ill adults. Rebecca brings her personal lived experience into the discussion, sharing invaluable insights into the nuanced world of rest.

Rebecca passionately unpacks the misconceptions surrounding rest in modern society and provides an in-depth analysis of the essential types of rest we often overlook. We dive into the societal pressures of self-care and the ways in which rest is misconstrued as a luxury, rather than a necessity.

• Rebecca Ray Hodgson's Background
• Modern Society's Misconceptions About Rest
• Reframing the Concept of Rest
• Types of Rest According to Rebecca's Model
• Spiritual Rest
• Physical Rest
• Cognitive Rest
• Emotional Rest
• The Importance of Rest and Self-Care
• Practical Strategies for Incorporating Rest

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Different Kinds Of Rest - Chronic Resilience
• Resources Shop- Chronic Resilience: Lived Experience Occupational Therapy
• Keep A Balance Between Work, Play, Rest & Sleep- Saimaalife
• Chronic Resilient OT Website
• 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
• Connect with Sarah on Instagram

Rebecca, otherwise known as The Chronically Resilient OT, is a neurodivergent and chronically ill Occupational Therapist. She combines her clinical knowledge and lived experience to support neurodivergent and chronically ill clients in private practice and is passionate about educating other health professionals to improve care for a larger number of people.

• Connect With Rebecca on Facebook
• Connect With Rebecca on Linkedin

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

I'm so excited to share a conversation with my longtime friend and fellow OT, Hana Eichele. We go way back to when we were both starting our occupational therapy businesses, navigating the ups and downs of building something from the ground up. While my work has focused on supporting homeschool families with sensory processing, executive functioning, and handwriting, Hana has carved out a specialized niche in pediatric feeding disorders.

Hana's expertise in feeding therapy is incredible, and she has a gift for breaking down the complexities of challenges in a way that makes sense. If you've ever wondered what signs to look for when it comes to struggles, Hana shares key developmental milestones and when it might be time to seek professional support.

• Overview of Hana's private practice, Roots Pediatric Therapy
• Services offered, including virtual telehealth
• Explanation of how eating fits into the framework of OT
• Connection between motor skills, meal times, and social components
• What families should look for in developmental milestones
• Indicators that something might be wrong
• Stages of development for eating and chewing
• Recognizing when children are behind milestones
• Importance of timely intervention
• Differences between behavioral-based and responsive approaches
• Finding the right professionals and programs
• Resources and practical steps for seeking help
• Mention of Hana's contributions, such as books and online resources
• Encouragement to look into support networks
• Final thoughts and reiterating the importance of supportive connections

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• What is Pediatric Feeding Disorder?- Feeding Matters
• Why Parents Should Use Responsive Feeding With Their Babies- Harvard Health
• Beyond A Bite Parent Edition: Playful Sensory Food Exploration For ASD & Neurodivergent Kids
• Developmental Milestones- SOS Approach To Feeding
• Roots Pediatric Therapy
• 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 41: Building Your Support Network as a Homeschooling Parent Especially during the holiday season
• Do You Need Help Implementing These Strategies In Your Family?
• Connect With Sarah On Instagram

Hana Eichele, MOT, OTR/L is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist and Feeding Specialist with a strong background in providing effective therapy services through her private practice, Roots Pediatric Therapy LLC.

Hana's approach is rooted in the tenets of Responsive Feeding Therapy, which means honoring Autonomy, Relationships, Competence, Holistic ideas, and Individualized solutions during the process. Above all else, this means she partners with families to build new skills needed for successful feeding relationships - and easier mealtimes.

Hana is the co-founder of the feeding collective, an educational platform for professionals. In her love to educate, she also co-authored two books with a dietitian in 2021: Beyond a Bite Professional Edition and Beyond a Bite Parent Edition, both can be found anywhere books are sold.

You can connect with her on Instagram at: @the.mealtime.maven, @roots.pediatricfeeding, or @thefeedingcollective.

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

I address how to help children navigate group participation designed for neurotypical children, such as Sunday school, sports and summer camps, and offer practical advice for parents. I share my personal experiences as a mother and educator and explore how identity and family stories contribute to a child's courage and belonging. Drawing inspiration from Amber Johnston's book "A Place to Belong," nurturing a strong, harmonious family story to combat societal pressures.

• Helping Children Navigate Participation in Neurotypical Groups
• Importance of family and faith in forming identity
• Double empathy problem: communication gap between neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals
• Role play scenarios at home
• Focus on strengths
• Allow breaks for regulation
• Supporting an Autistic Child with Severe FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
• Reframe FOMO as an issue of prioritization and commitment
• Importance of teaching prioritization (executive functioning skill)
• Create rituals and visual calendars
• Addressing fear aspect of FOMO
• Coping skills and regulation techniques

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Anxiety and Sensory-Based Coping Skills For Kids- The OT Toolbox
• Addressing Childhood Anxiety- OT Strategies For Calm
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Episode 31: Cultivating Calm
• Connect With Me On Instagram
• If you need help implementing these strategies, book a call with me!

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

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I am thrilled to celebrate episode 50, where I deep into your most pressing questions in a special Q&A session. As part of my mission to support the homeschool community, I address the everyday challenges families and caregivers face, offering encouragement, practical strategies, and a sense of hope.

I tackle important topics like maintaining motivation with therapeutic exercises, balancing the needs of sensory seekers and avoiders, and helping children cope with changes in their routines or environment.

• Maintaining Motivation for Exercises
• Balancing a Sensory Seeker and Avoider
• Challenges of managing different sensory needs
• Setting a family tone that respects everyone's needs
• Practical tips for balancing sensory inputs
• Coping with Changes
• Thanks to listeners for 50 episodes of support
• Brief mention of more questions to be answered in episode 51

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Our New Concierge Services
• Episode 16: Navigating the Interoceptive Sense: Insights and Strategies for Parents
• Episode 32: Homeschooling During Crisis: finding balance with self-care and family support
• Follow me over on Instagram and lets connect!

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

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Homeschooling is about so much more than academics—it's about connection, emotional regulation, and creating an environment where kids thrive. That's why I'm excited to share powerful strategies from Marnie Love, a Connected Families coach and occupational therapist, who specializes in teaching self-regulation and reconciliation through creative approaches like pillow slugging, movement breaks, and connection over curriculum.

Sometimes, the most important lessons aren't in a textbook but in the moments we connect and grow together. If you've ever struggled to balance academics with your child's emotional needs, you're not alone—let's dive into how fostering connection can transform your homeschooling journey!

• Strategies to Help Children Manage Stress
• Importance of Teaching Life Skills
• Homeschooling Emphasis on Life Skills
• Equipping kids with skills for life success, even at the expense of some academic content
• ConnectedFamilies.org Resources
• Connection and Activities in Homeschooling
• Physical Activity for Emotional Regulation
• Affirmation and Encouragement
• Tailoring Activities for Homeschool Groups
• Multi-age group activities
• Addressing needs of sensitive and intense children
• Parenting Challenges in Homeschooling
• Incorporating Sensory Activities
• "Connection Over Curriculum" Concept

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Connected Families Website
• Sensitive & Intense Kids Online Course
• Connected Families Facebook
• Connect with Connected Families on IG
• Episode 15: From Morning to Night: Incorporating Social Emotional Learning in Homeschool
• Episode 17: Neuro Affirming Homeschool Environments with Keisha Berry

Lynne Jackson​ has over 27 years of experience as a pediatric occupational therapist working with children with sensory processing disorder, ADHD (including her own kids!), OCD, ODD, and autism spectrum disorders. As a speaker, certified life coach, podcaster, and author, Lynne has helped thousands of parents learn to be peaceful, purposeful, and confident. In 2002, she and her husband, Jim founded Connected Families, a ministry that helps parents learn to embody God's grace in the midst of family life.

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

I'm thrilled to introduce Julia, a dynamic problem solver who has combined her background in education and fashion design to create sensory-friendly and adaptive apparel for children with tactile sensitivities. Julia's journey took her from a fashion design student at Cornell University to working in special education, where she saw firsthand the challenges faced by kids with sensory needs.

Her innovative clothing designs have no tags, flat seams, and include features like built-in sound reduction and adjustable compression, aimed at enhancing comfort and sensory regulation. Julia shares her inspiring journey, the impact of her designs in the classroom, and her vision for expanding her business to help even more families.

• Julia's Background
• Development of Sensory-friendly Clothing
• The realization of the clothing need in an autism preschool
• Producing adaptive apparel on a larger scale
• Combining sensory tools into comfortable clothing
• Innovative Features of the Clothing
• Benefits of these clothing
• Practical Applications in the Classroom
• Using compression shirts as part of a daily routine
• Initial small-scale production and trials in the classroom
• Leaving teaching to focus on expanding the business
• Future goals

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• How to Help Kids with Sensory Issues with Clothes
• Clothing Sensitivity Red Flags
• How To Handle Your Child's Sensory Issues With Clothing
• Episode 2: Decoding Behavior in homeschooling- sensory overwhelm, emotional control, perseverance
• Episode 14: Outdoor Activities to Develop Interoception in Children with Guest Caroline Santangelo
• Episode 30: Sensory Processing and Co-Regulation: Insights for Parents
• Shop Sensational You

Julia graduated from Cornell University in 2020 with a bachelor's in Fashion Design and minors in Human Development and Business. After graduating, she began teaching in special education with autistic students. She saw her students struggle with clothing and sensory regulation. She used her expertise in fashion to design a line of adaptive clothing to help them with their sensory needs and stay regulated.

At Sense-ational You, they are on a mission to increase the inclusion and academic success of autistic children through clothing that integrates sensory tools discreetly into the design for convenient regulation anywhere.

Connect with Julia here.

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

If you've been feeling anxious about changes in administration and what that could mean for your homeschool journey, trust me—you're not alone. I've got a special guest joining me today—Cheri K. Sessions from the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). Not only is she an experienced homeschooling mom, but she's also an advocate for educational choice. She's sharing her own homeschooling journey, breaking down legal concerns, and giving us insights on how to access resources that can support us along the way.

Whether you're just starting out or you've been homeschooling for years, this episode is packed with valuable information to help you feel more confident and supported in your educational choices. So, let's dive in and tackle those burning questions together!

• Cheri's background as a physical therapist and homeschool consultant
• Discussion on Homeschooling Choices
• The variety of homeschooling experiences
• The emotional aspect of homeschooling
• Government Administration and Public Education Concerns
• Parents' fears and concerns regarding new administration
• Legal Aspects and HSLDA Support
• Importance of HSLDA membership for legal support
• Role of HSLDA lawyers in answering legal questions
• Discussion on potential changes with the new administration
• Importance of contacting local representatives for change
• HSLDA and Homeschool Resources
• Resources available through HSLDA
• Other resources for homeschooling families
• Emphasis on the flexibility and personalization of homeschooling
• Encouragement for homeschooling families to seek community support
• Reiteration of the importance of using available resources

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• The HSLDA Website
• As a Teacher the Way Project 2025 Classifies Educators is Insulting
• Educational and Academic Freedoms
• How Trump's Polices Could Affect Special Education
• Episode 1: Unveiling the role of OT in Homeschooling
• Episode 2: Decoding Behavior in homeschooling- sensory overwhelm, emotional control, perseverance

Cheri Sessions (PT, DPT) has 18+ years of experience as a pediatric physical therapist, special needs advocate, educational consultant, and homeschooling mom. Cheri's 4 amazing children were all adopted and have a variety of unique needs.

She has experience in navigating the school system, the community mental health system, and the health care system. With her unique understanding of how these systems work, she is equipped to advocate for families that also need to access these services.

Cheri enjoys traveling and has spent three years living overseas in the beautiful country of Haiti, serving the Haitian people through various medical and therapy clinics.

Today we have the pleasure of hosting Amy Sloan. Amy is a second-generation homeschooler, an accomplished writer at Humility and Doxology, and the host of the Homeschool Conversations podcast. In this episode, we dive into the theme of prioritization, exploring how Amy balances homeschooling five children, navigating unexpected challenges like her son's cancer diagnosis, and maintaining a rich educational environment. From the heartwarming traditions of a "morning basket" routine to adapting homeschool plans during crises, Amy shares invaluable insights that will resonate with homeschooling families. Whether you're new to homeschooling or a veteran, this episode promises to be both inspiring and practically useful. Join us as we explore the intricacies of prioritizing what truly matters in education and family life.

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

• Overview of the monthly theme: prioritization
• Amy Sloan's Background as a Second generation homeschooler
• Difference between her homeschooling and her upbringing
• Influence of Amy's and her husband's own homeschooling experiences
• Decisions and excitement about homeschooling
• Initial setup and changes over time
• Early challenges and learning curve
• Homeschool Prioritization
• Initial priorities and reality clash
• Introduction of the morning time concept
• Reordering homeschool day priorities
• Eliminating traditional structure constraints
• Coping with Unexpected Challenges
• Reevaluating homeschool priorities after a child's cancer diagnosis
• Minimal viable homeschool day
• Importance of morning time, reading, and math
• Decision-making process during crisis
• Maintaining Family and Marital Relationships
• Support from the community and friends
• Ensuring one-on-one time with children
• Different activities to connect
• Keeping your marriage strong during extended hospitalizations
• Importance of accepting help
• Homeschool Philosophy and Adaptation
• Consistency in the classical education approach
• Truth and humility in learning
• Loving one's neighbor and a wide range of voices
• Changes in practice but not in core philosophy
• Simplification of reading lists and extra activities
• Learning from various homeschooling styles
• Importance of resting in the gospel
• Memory work and literature passion
• Providing resources and weekly poems
• Encouraging the study of Shakespeare

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• "What is Executive Functioning?" Course from Homeschool OT
• 5 Tips for Starting Morning Time
• Homeschool Loop Schedule
• Episode 11- Exploring Unique Learning Paths in Homeschooling
• Episode 12- Executive Functioning in Homeschooling: A Teenager's Experience with Organization and Planning
• Episode 28- Risky Play: Understanding the Benefits and Strategies for Safe Child Development
• Episode 32- Homeschooling During Crisis: Finding Balance with Self-Care and Family Support
• More from Amy at her blog: Humility and Doxology Blog
• Free Homeschool Planning Guide from Amy Sloan

In this episode, I am sitting down with my friend Colleen Kessler, founder of "Raising Lifelong Learners." Colleen shares her unique approach to homeschooling with a focus on finding unique learning opportunities and tailoring education to each child's needs, especially for neurodivergent and gifted children. We'll chat about personalized education, the power of asking questions and leveraging community resources for unexpected learning experiences.

Colleen highlights the importance of project-based learning, sharing inspiring stories of her children's diverse educational journeys, from glassblowing to environmental projects. Whether you're a homeschooling parent or simply interested in creative educational strategies, this episode is packed with invaluable insights and practical tips. And don't miss Colleen's advice on balancing a child's interests with essential life skills.

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

• Colleen Kessler's Approach to Homeschooling
• Emphasis on unique learning opportunities.
• Importance of local classes, museum visits, and community offerings.
• Engaging with knowledgeable people.
• Example of learning from a neighbor (glass blowing).
• Using social media to connect with communities of interest.
• Importance and Nuances of Asking Questions
• Teaching children the power of questions.
• Addressing the fear of feeling dumb when asking questions.
• Differences between asking out of curiosity vs. questioning beliefs/opinions.
• Tailoring education to individual child's needs.
• Success stories of Colleen's children pursuing their interests.
• Flexible and individualized teaching methods.
• Discussion on Children's Interests and Motivation
• Leveraging children's interests in homeschooling.
• Addressing lack of motivation.
• Establishing a balance between necessary tasks and personal interests.
• Integration of Interests into Learning Projects
• Colleen describes projects like lapbooks and their educational value.
• Visual and hands-on learning benefits for neurodivergent children.
• Challenges and Successes of College Admissions
• Different methods: interest-led learning, unit studies, project-based learning.
• Lap Books and Executive Function Skills
• Explanation and benefits of lap books.
• Managing executive functions through structured learning activities.
• Project-Based Learning
• Real-world problem-solving focus.
• Examples of environmental health projects.
• Engagement in community projects like playgrounds or gardens.
• Importance of focusing on individual preferences in occupational therapy.
• Appreciation for homeschooling in accommodating individual learning preferences.
• Providing a Well-Rounded Education
• Covering essential skills while allowing personalized learning.
• Connecting educational content with practical applications.
• Balancing Fun and Practical Learning
• Project-based learning can extend to various community initiatives.
• Approaching household chores as a way to develop executive functioning skills.
• Utilizing charts or whiteboards to track learning interests and activities.
• Concept of "Strewing" from Unschooling
• Exposing children to a variety of activities.
• Balancing a child's interests with practical educational experiences.

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Lapbooking with Gifted Children from Raising Lifelong Learners
• Project-Based Homeschooling from Fearless Homeschool
• What is child-led therapy? from Meaningful Speech
• 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
• The Homeschool Advantage by Colleen Kessler
• Raising Lifelong Learners Website
• Connect with Colleen on Instagram