By exploring various modalities, such as listening to expert interviews and reading insightful books, I have found that understanding my work with children and families becomes much easier. There is no one-size-fits-all approach in this field. It’s all about finding what resonates with you and delving into those areas. So, pick your interests and dive deep down the rabbit holes. Enjoy the journey!

Leadership

Coaching for Leadership with Dave Stochowiak

Simon Sinek: Why Leaders Eat Last (Interview by Lewis Howes)

Communication 

Think Fast Talk Smart Podcast (Matt Abrahams)

Communicating Through Conflict: How to Get Along with Anyone

Science of People (Vanessa Van Edwards)

Communication With Confidence

Cultural Awareness

Lessons From the Playroom Podcast

Episode 116:  Liliana Baylon: Expand Your Cultural Lens When Working with Immigrants & Refugees

Expanding Your Lens:  Understanding Immigrant & Refugee Experiences with Liliana Baylon

Parenting 

Epsidode 20: How to not screw up your kids with Johanna Simmons (Stupid Cute Podcast)

Mental Health

Raising Awareness for Mental Health with Johanna Simmons

Trauma

Dr. Gabor Mate – Trauma

Dr. Gabor Mate – Childhood Development & Parenting

Dr. Aimie Apigian

Stephen Terrell

How to Help Anxious Kids Who Are Behaving ‘Badly’

Irene Lyon

Helping The Kids – Starts with Healing The Adults

Supporting Children with Grief and Loss

10 Common Questions from Children with Grief (Dallas Shirley)

Grief Dreams Podcast Episode 71 – Dallas Shirley

Neuro-Diversity

OT Butterfly – Laura Petix (Occupational Therapist)

The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Podcast

The Nervous System Budget: a new way to think about accommodations for neurodivergent individuals

How to have the ‘sensory cup” talk

What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

How to introduce neurodiversity and sensory tools to a general ed classroom

Why you shouldn’t worry about your preschooler’s handwriting skills

Clothing Sensitivities in Children

Is it a Meltdown or a Tantrum? With Dr. AnnLouise Lockhart

The one thing you need to know about meltdowns

Interoception

Kelly Mahler – Interoception Groupie and Occupational Therapist

Neurodiversity and interoception with Kelly Mahler, MS OTR/L

Neuro-Diversity

OT School House Podcast Hosted by Jayson Davies, OTR/L

Episode 104:  Supporting Parents of Neurodiverse Children with Laura Petix of The OT Butterfly

Embrace The Rain (Pediatric Therapy) – Nature Based Therapy 

Professional therapy services combined with the power of nature to support your child’s development and wellbeing through connection and play!

Pacific Peak Therapy (Pediatric Occupational Therapy  – Nature Based Therapy)

Understand Autistic

Can you make it to the end?

Make it Stop

Sensory Overload

ADHD & Sensory Overload: Why are we so sensitive?

Recommended Readings

Parenting Books

“Parenting From the Inside Out: How a Deeper Self-Understanding Can Help You Raise Children Who Thrive” by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., and Mary Hartzell, M.Ed.  

Trauma Related Books

“Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma” by Peter A. Levine, PhD.

“In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness”, by Peter A. Levine, PhD 

“What Happened to You?” Conversation on Trauma. Resilience, and Healing”, by Bruce D. Perry, M.D., PhD. / Oprah Winfrey

Neurodivergent Kids Books

“A Kids Book about Nervous System Regulation” by Dr. Joy Malik-Hasbrook

“A Kids Book about Neuro-Diversity” by Laura Petix, Ms OTR/L

“But Everyone Feels This Way:  How an Autism Diagnosis Saved My Life” by Paige Layle

“Navigating Autism: 9 Mindsets for Helping Kids on the Spectrum” by Temple Grandin, Debra Moore

Grief Books

“Death, Grief, and Loss:  A Guide for Parents, Caregivers, Educators, Counsellors, and Other Helpers to Talk about Difficult Topics” by Dallas Shirley (Author, Illustrator), Amanda Shirley (Illustrator)