The Second Half

Jim Albright discusses living with cystic fibrosis and his journey with the disease since founding out he had the disease at 15 years old and being told that he had only a few years to live.  He also discusses how his condition has affected his life during the pandemic.  Jim spent twenty years in education, first as a teacher of students with disabilities, and then as a program coordinator for the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and then closing out his career as the Principal of Alice Deal Middle School for over eight years. Previously, Jim ran a television station, was an economic consultant, and an urban planner. Jim holds a Bachelor's degree from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service, Master's Degrees in Urban Planning and Administration and Supervision from University of Virginia, and an Executive Masters in Leadership from Georgetown University.  

Kate Hood talks about self care during the quarantine.  Kate is a certified life coach, health and wellness coach and working mom of three, currently navigating life in quarantine with her family.

Diane Cooper-Gould talks about the challenges of distance learning during quarantine especially for children with disabilities and learning differences. Diane is Co-Founder of Fairfax County Special Education PTA, was its inaugural President and now works as its Co-Chair of Advocacy.  Diane is the creator of several courses and workshops on a range of disability topics including: Navigating the Special Education System, Building a Community of Support, and Working Cooperatively with an IEP team.  She is also the founder and facilitator of an online support group for families navigating the world of disability.  

On today's show, instead of a guest, I talk about the challenges and joys that I've been going through during this pandemic. 

Dr. Cecily Havert talks about the developments and changes she's seen in her medical practice and the medical community since the quarantine has begun.  Dr. Havert is a family doctor with special interests in women’s health and mental health.  She’s been practicing for over 15 years.  She also teaches medical students at Georgetown University.   She’s gotten a number of awards including Washingtonian Magazine’s top doctor award numerous years including the last three years. 

Dr. Lawrence Ballon talks about psychiatry and psychology and how these treatments provide important tools to help people with their mental health.  Dr. Ballon is a board certified psychiatrist as well as a psychoanalyst and psychopharmacologist.   He has over 30 year of experience successfully treating thousands of patients, has held a 12 year term as Chief of Psychiatry at Virginia Hospital Center, and served as President and Medical Director of Arlington Psychiatric Group.  Dr. Ballon earned his M.D. and trained in psychiatry at Georgetown University Medical Center, and received his certification in psychoanalysis from the Institute of Contemporary Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis in Washington, DC.

Diane Cooper-Gould talks about falling in love with acting early in life and her journey of having a career in acting as a young professional, leaving it for over 10 years and coming back to it later in life with a new understanding of herself and her career.

Dr. Amy Heard talks about the tools we can use to deal with the anxiety and stress many of us are feeling during this pandemic.  Dr. Heard is a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with individuals and couples who are facing medical issues, life transitions, relationship problems, and work-life imbalances.  Her treatment integrates research-based strategies, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.  She specializes in helping people to cope with medical issues including chronic pain, pelvic pain, migraines, neurological conditions, cancer, sexual dysfunction and fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue.  She also works with caregivers and those facing grief and loss.  

Today I'm talking to Ella.  Ella didn’t want to use her real name but agreed to share the incredible and tragic story of how she lost her mother at the same time as she welcomed her daughter to the world.  

Dr. Cecily Havert discusses the novel coronavirus and its impact on healthcare providers and the community at large.  Dr. Havert is a family doctor with special interests in women’s health and mental health.  She’s been practicing for over 15 years.  She also teaches medical students at Georgetown University.   She’s gotten a number of awards including Washingtonian Magazine’s top doctor award numerous years including the last three years.