In this powerful and heart-centered conversation, therapist Candice Fraser LPC joins us to discuss the evolving landscape of mental health and how we can make it more accessible, inclusive, and supportive—especially for families.

We explore the importance of accessibility in mental health care and Candice's innovative approaches to therapy that meet clients where they are. She dives into the complexities of parent-child dynamics and how to recognize when therapy might be the right next step.

From tips on choosing the right therapist to the importance of community support for parents, Candice shares practical insights rooted in empathy and lived experience. She also speaks to building a strong foundation for families and the value of collaborative care in mental health.

We close with an uplifting conversation on the role of community and friendship in healing, leaving listeners with a renewed sense of connection and possibility.

Connect with Candice Fraser:

• Website: candicefraserlpc.com
• Instagram: @candicefraserlpc
• Podcast: The Couch Next Door with Candice Fraser

Follow us on Instagram @thepausethatconnects and don't forget to subscribe!

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Disclaimer:
This episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for individualized medical, behavioral, or mental health advice. Always consult with a qualified provider regarding your unique situation. 

In this episode, we sit down to pause and listen to Nicole Santiago, M.Ed., educator and founder of Family Addventures (@familyaddventures), as she shares her insight and lived experience navigating the world of special education. From decoding ARD meetings, IEPs, and 504 plans to advocating for strength-based, collaborative approaches, Nicole offers practical guidance for parents and caregivers at every stage of the journey. Her calm, informed voice reminds us that understanding your child’s rights and knowing how to communicate with schools can truly change the trajectory of a student’s educational path.

Nicole emphasizes the importance of building strong, respectful partnerships between families and schools, and highlights how empowering parents with resources and support can make a world of difference. Whether you're preparing for your first ARD meeting or seeking better communication strategies with educators, this episode covers key moments like transitioning between educational stages and viewing the child as a whole person—not just a diagnosis or set of challenges.

For families looking to dive deeper, we recommend exploring organizations such as The Arc (thearc.org) and COPAA (copaa.org) for up-to-date guidance on special education rights, advocacy training, and legal protections. You can also learn more from Nicole’s work at familyaddventures.com, where she provides support, tools, and workshops for navigating school systems with confidence and care.

In this first episode, host Amber Olson, Board Certified Behavior Analyst and consultant, shares the personal journey that led her to create The Pause That Connects -- a space for slowing down, listening deeply, and learning how to better support neurodivergent individuals and their families. 

From her early days as an EMT to years of working closely with families and professionals, Amber opens up about what she saw missing: collaboration, clarity, and compassionate guidance. She reflects on the questions so many families ask--Who can help? What can I do? Where do I turn? -- and how this podcast aims to be part of the answer.

You'll also get a glimpse of what's ahead:

-Mini episodes with practical strategies for parents and professionals

-Support tools for educators, paraprofessionals, and medical providers

-Honest conversations

-And meaningful moments of insight and connection

Whether you're a parent, teacher, clinician, or simply curious-- this is a place to pause, reflect, and grow together. 

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Follow us on Instagram: @thepausethatconnects

Visit Amber's consulting website: www.shinebehaviorconsulting.com

Visit Shine's Instagram: @shinebehaviorconsulting