Family Therapist Connections - The Podcast

Family Therapist Connections - The Podcast

Helping parents and families address pressing issues impacting their child socially, emotionally, behaviorally, and academically in school and at home one therapist at a time. Meet a new therapist every week you can connect with.

Episodes

July 21, 2025 33 mins
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Allison Westrup Pianka, Co-Founder and CEO of My Path, mother to a beautiful daughter diagnosed with ASD and ADHD, speaks openly about her grief and loss for the future she had planned for herself and her family.

Allison's honesty and how she has moved forward on a new path is a conversation of loss and then hope parents of children with a disability can understand and relate to. 

It is the love and understanding you will receiv...

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Marcy Nirschel, DIR Floortime Therapist, returns at the start of Season Two to discuss her new practice, My Path, co founded with Allison Westrup-Pianka. Marty Nirschel, Communication Partner Speller Therapist and DIR Floortime Assistant, joins the conversation as we discuss how My Path was created and why.

Individual conversations with each of these amazing therapist and practitioners will follow in the next three episodes. But, to...

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Tamelly Jimenez, MA, CCC-SLP, speaks in detail of the indicators or symptoms of Autism parents may notice in their young child.

Ms. Jimenez, who has offices in Bronxville, Larchmont, and Hartsdale, offers evaluations services, speech therapy, and social groups. It is also worth noting Ms. Jimenez can conduct the ADOS for parents to take to their Development Pediatrician.

Miss Tammy mentioned the 16 By 16 Series! Here's the link ...

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Ms. Debbi, Darchi, Certified Financial Planner, discusses why it is important for families with Special Needs children to start financial 📆  planning for the long term future and now

Ms. Darchi discussed how she and the team at Enable help and support parents in all aspects of their planning, what accounts should or should not have your child's name on them, and the government programs your child with a disability may qualif...

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Sharon Mischio, PCI Certified Parent Coach and former Educator, talks about giving your child age appropriate autonomy, listening to your Mom or Dad Gut, sitting in the uncomfortableness of saying 'no' to your child, and what to do if you or your child becomes dysregulated. Listeners will quickly identify Sharon is loving and supportive, has a sense of humor, and deeply understands your child isn't being a jerk, nor ...

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The best time to collect data on your child's academic strengths and weaknesses is now! If you haven't been collecting scores and work samples on your child's progress throughout the year, right now may be he last opportunity you have to so.

Anne Cunningham, Educational Advocate, encourages parents to have their own collection of data in the event they need to seek out support for their child. The school has their dat...

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Lydia Librizzi, BCBA and owner of Transitions ABA, discusses the Science of Consistency, specifically Behavior Contrast and Schedules of Reinforcement

This episode isn't just for our families with a loved one diagnosed with Autism! This episode helps everyone understand the importance of consistency and the long term effects it has on all children (and ourselves) when parents and educators are not consistent! 

Check out Ms. Li...

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Ms. Fallon Jordan, Certified Brain Health Coach and Irlen Syndrome Screener speaks to us about Irlen Syndrome and how she supports students and parents.

Irlen Syndrome has symptoms that can be confused with  📕 dyslexia syndromes. Mr. Jordan shared this link 💻 for listeners to watch to develop a true understanding of what Irlen Syndrome is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FARizLljRkc

Contact Ms. Jordan at

💻  http://www.fallonjordan....

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Emilia Del Pino, SLP and Board Certified Orofacial Myology, discusses how OMD Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder impacts small children and adolescents. 

Contact Emilia Del Pino for more information and to assist you

Emilia del Pino, M.S., CCC-SLP/COM® (Licensed SLP in NY & NJ)

📩 email: edelpinoslp@yahoo

🖥️  website: www.cnyspeechpathology.com

Licensed SLP in NY & NJ

📖 Read an article written by Emilia in 315 Mom Magazine 📖

http...

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Emily Varon, BCBA, talks today about  🛌 bedwetting. . . what's normal, why it's normal, and when to seek out medical help. 

Emily's kind, understanding of the the needs of parents and children shines through!

Contact Emily at  🖥️ https://www.readysetsleep.com

Get her free Sleep Resource Kit

❤️🖥️ https://www.readysetsleep.com/opt-in

Read 📕 Emily's article on Bedwetting: https://www.readysetsleep.com/blog/bed-wetti...

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Marcus Boyd, nine time award winner 🏆, designer, DJ, and Internal Autism Activist shares how we, as a community, country, and world can assist families and individuals stand in the Greatness helping each individual achieve all that they can.

Mr. Boyd addresses uncomfortable topics such as giving people with disabilities a 🥣 "free bowl of excuses" and our fear of addressing them so we walk on egg shells. Mr. Boyd is passi...

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Why is Anne Cunningham, Educational Advocate, talking about 🏕️ Summer Camp ☀️ during the cold, cold days of February?! Because the academic and social benefits to your child are so great parents don't want camp registration to pass by them!

Summer camp 🏕️ allows your child to grow and expand his/her schema and knowledge that allows reading  📖 comprehension and writing ✍️ to strengthen. Summer camps allows for students to piv...

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Anne Cunningham, Educational Advocate, shares the importance of parents reflecting on their observations and data they have collected on their child to prepare an effective and impactful Parent Input Statement at their child's IEP/CSE/PPT Meeting.
Anne discusses the three  📋 categories: to include in your Parent Input Statement  #1) What's going well for my child, #2) What my child is struggling with, and 3) What my ...

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It's February! 📆 Have you submitted your request in writing 💻 to the CSE to have your child evaluated for Special Education Services? Today's episode is a re-run from December 30, 2024 when Anne Cunningham, Educational Advocate, explained why January was the time to submit such request. The timeline is crazy from request to evaluate, to Initial Meeting, to IEP implementation  is crazy Lengthy!

TIME IS OF THE ES...

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DISCLAIMER

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, please seek advice from a qualified healthcare provider. If there is an immediate risk of harm to oneself or others, please contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in...

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Christine Dodaj, Founder of 📲 Parent IEP Manager, explains the features of the app that is revolutionizing and simplify the collection of data, documents, and other information parents need to become empowered Team Members and contributors at their child's CSE/PPT Meeting. Ms. Dodaj also talks about the Directory to find a therapist or provider that is found on the app.

Download the app from the Apple Store today!

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Anne Cunningham, Educational Advocate, shares why it is imperative parents request their child is evaluated for Special Education services before the month of January concludes.

Anne explains by starting the process early in the year, you allow ample time for the evaluation, meetings, and implementation of the IEP. This proactive approach ensures that your child has the support they need in place by the time the new schoo...

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Shadei Williams, shares her transcendence from struggling student to successful, thriving adulthood.
Listen to this amazing woman who has authored two books, supports people in her community, and has a mindset that is unconquerable. With the love and support of her mother, Stephanie, Ms. Williams shares how she is conquering the world today.

My gift to you . . . The Warrior Queen 👸


Check out Ms. William...

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