Who We Are Inside

On this week's episode of Who We Are Inside, Susan is in the Studio with Dr. Bridget Keown, a researcher and historian bringing science into the humanities. The pair talk about neurodivergence, research, storytelling, and the power of connection through history.

This week Dr. Alexus Brown, senior scientist at the University of Pittsburgh Center on Race and Social Problems, sociolinguist, and storyteller, joins Susan in the studio. Storytelling, creativity, and language are the topics of the day. You won't want to miss this episode!

This week Susan and a recent graduate of the University of Pittsburgh's PA Studies Program, Gina Bartlett! Gina worked as an EMT and a paramedic before becoming a PA and this conversation takes a look at what it's like to be there on people's worst days.

This week we welcome Sarah Ahmad! Sarah is one of Susan's former students and the pair have a great conversation about what it's like to be a first-generation college student from a low-income background navigating higher education.

Who We Are Inside is back with season 2! In this week's episode, Susan and Dr. Leah Fabiano have a timely conversation about language, bilingualism, overcoming racist systems, and protecting our communities. It's a big one, and we're so glad you're here for it!

Show notes

This week, Dr. Farrah Holmes and Susan talk about their shared experience of raising kids with superpowers. 

Dr. Holmes was kind enough to share a list of resources:

Early Intervention Services:

Alliance For Infants & Toddlers (0-3 years)

Address: 2801 Custer Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15227

Areas served: Pittsburgh and nearby areas

Phone: (412) 885-6000

Allegheny Intermediate Unit (3-5 years)

Phone: 412-394-5904

PA Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Connect Helpline: 1-800-692-7288

Support:

Autism Pittsburgh https://www.autismpittsburgh.org/

Autism Connection of Pennsylvania https://autismofpa.org/ Phone: 412-515-3938

PEAL (Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership) Center https://pealcenter.org/

Address: 2325 E Carson St #100a, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

Phone: (412) 281-4404

Diagnosis:

Child Development Unit (CDU)

Oakland Medical Building 3420 Fifth Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Primary Contact: 412-692-5560

Billing: Fax: 412-692-5679

https://www.chp.edu › Locations › DMS CHP Main CDU

As You Are (Online Virtual Autism Diagnostic Evaluation for kids – 16 months – 10 years)

https://asyouare.com/

Jigsaw Diagnostics (Online resource)

https://www.jigsaw-dx.com/why-jigsaw

Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) / ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) Therapy

Matilda Theiss IMPACT: Serves children up to age 8

[email protected]; Phone: 412-383-1559

Helping Hands Family

https://hhfamily.com; Phone: 412-283-6232 x 3101

Watson Institute

https://www.thewatsoninstitute.org; Phone: 412-749-2894

Wesley Family Services

https://wfspa.org; Phone: 412-342-2270 #3

Service Coordination

Children’s Institute https://www.amazingkids.org/ 412-420-2400

Family Links https://familylinks.org/ 1-866-583-6003

HSAO https://www.hsao.org/ (412) 884-4500

Milestone https://www.milestonepa.org 412-243-3400

Wesley Family Services https://wfspa.org/ 412-342-2270 #3

Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

Allegheny Children’s initiative https://www.pfq.org/allegheny-childrens-initiative-inc 412-431-8006

Echo Counseling Services https://www.echo-counseling-services.com/ 412-559-8665

Family Behavioral Resources https://www.familybehavioralresources.com/ 724-850-8118

Counseling and Wellness Center of Pitt

https://counselingwellnesspgh.com/ 412-322-2129

Wesley Family Services https://wfspa.org/ 412-342-2270 #3

This week, we wlcome back Karthik Hariharan! He and Susan dive deep into the concept of belonging, talking about the difference between fitting in and belonging and what it feels like to be a parent in 2025.

This week, Susan and Christie Cyktor, an occupational therapist, advocate, and disability justice leader talk about creating space for children with disabilities to advocate for themselves and become leaders in their community. Christie talks about her academic journey to becoming an occupational therapist as a someone who has used a wheelchair since childhood.

Join Dr. Sheila Confer as she and Susan talk about Sheila's journey through academia, community activism, the arts, baking, n'at. The pair discuss the power of leading with curiosity and empathy, especially when working with folks who have differing opinions.

This week, Kelly Tatone, Associate Director for Student Success Operations in the Office of the Provost at the University of Pittsburgh, joins Susan in a conversation about knowledge sharing, motherhood, undervalued work, and much more.