Star Students | Where Curiosity Drives Learning
Kimberly Gawne is an educator and founder of Star Students, a program that creates personalized learning plans driven by each childโs interests. Starting as a tutor during COVID-19 school closures, she now supports families with homeschooling, curriculum guidance, and real-world learning experiences, helping students develop critical thinking and a love of learning.
Guest host Kathryn Collins dives into the key topics with Kim:๐ฅ Why did Kim leave the public/private school systems and begin tutoring?
๐ฅ How does Star Students work to support parents who home school?
๐ฅ What are the age ranges, daily instructional time and choices for parents?
๐ฅ What are the challenges of homeschooling and some solutions?
๐ฅ Why is critical thinking so important?
๐ฅ How can parents prepare themselves to begin?
๐ฅ World Schooling - How families travelling the world are educating their children.
Holiday Magic Without the Meltdown
Laurel Crossley joins us again with guest host Kathryn Collins to explore how small, thoughtful decisions can make a huge difference for families during the holidays. From keeping little ones comfortable and predictable to helping older kids engage in meaningful ways, we cover boundaries, calm moments, and simple strategies to create lasting memories without the overwhelm.
Key Points:
๐ฅ Keeping young children settled and comfortable, even when routines are challenged.
๐ฅ Setting clear expectations with extended family to reduce tension and stress.
๐ฅ Creating calm spaces and rhythms that support babies, toddlers, and new parents.
๐ฅ Reimagining gift-giving and holiday activities to boost connection, not clutter.
๐ฅ Involving older children in planning, budgeting, and traditions that teach life skills.
๐ฅ Recognizing when itโs time to pause or step back to protect your childโs well-being.
Before Birth and Beyond: The Lasting Power of Calm Beginnings
๐๐ข๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ค๐ง๐จ๐ฐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฆ ๐๐๐๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ข๐ซ๐ญ๐ก ๐ฌ๐ก๐๐ฉ๐๐ฌ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ญ๐จ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ซโ๐ฌ ๐๐ฆ๐จ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ? ๐๐จ๐ฐ ๐๐๐ง ๐๐๐ซ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฆ ๐ก๐๐ฅ๐ฉ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ญ๐จ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ซ ๐จ๐ซ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐๐ก๐จ๐จ๐ฅ๐๐ซ ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ข๐ ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฌ?
Educator and wellness expert Laurel Crossley shares insights from 30 years of supporting families, and the science behind calm beginnings that lead to confident kids.Laurel Crosby shares how a motherโs emotional state, even before birth, can shape a childโs development for years to come.
๐ฅ She explains the importance of supporting maternal mental, emotional, and spiritual health
๐ฅ How early calm and connection lay the foundation for resilient, empathetic children.
๐ฅ From mindfulness in everyday life to modelling emotional regulation during tantrums
๐ฅ Practical strategies for parents and educators
๐ฅ The power of outdoor play, sensory tools, and storytelling to help children manage their emotions.
Rewiring the Brain: Neurofeedback for Kids and Teens
How can non-invasive neurofeedback can help children and adolescents struggling with ADHD, learning differences, anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and more?
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and neurofeedback specialist Lisa Cramer explains how brainwave patterns influence focus, behavior, and emotionsโand how neurotherapy can gently guide the brain toward healthier, more functional states.
Key topics:
๐ฅ What happens during a neurofeedback assessment
๐ฅ When it should be considered, and why itโs becoming an increasingly trusted option for families
๐ฅ Real-life success stories
๐ฅ The science of brainwaves and neuroplasticity. What does the research say?
๐ฅ How to find a qualified practitioner.
๐ฅ Safety and contraindications parents need to consider
๐ฅ Emotional regulation can be brain based
๐ฅ Neurofeedback in training, not treatment
THERESA ALEXANDER INMAN | UNLOCKING DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES ... SMALL INTERVENTIONS TO BIG TRIUMPHS
Theresa Alexander Inman is an experienced and accomplished parent coach with expertise as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist.
๐ฅ Discover why early intervention is key and why it's essential to trust your instincts as a parent. ๐ฅ The importance of creating a nurturing environment from birth to three years, where children can develop vital skills, especially in communication. She introduces the CDC developmental milestones and offers actionable recommendations to seamlessly incorporate them into your daily routine. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html ๐ฅ Learn about engaging educational tools like the Carrots and Cake app, designed to promote educational and healthy screen time habits. What's the "Wait Until 8th" movement and the significance of limiting technology use. ๐ฅ Explore the subtle cues that can reveal your child's progress and potential challenges. Shared attention, reaching out, and laughter are indicators of linguistic development. ๐ฅ Embrace your child's interests and play styles. ๐ฅ Discover practical strategies for helping children with focus so they can thrive. Understanding their interests and observing their play can be instrumental ... acceptance, patience, and mirroring positive energy. ๐ฅ How well-intentioned assistance can sometimes hinder a child's growth. Learn about the power of allowing children to struggle, problem-solve, and build resiliency.
What's the difference between "helping" and "doing" and encourages parents to empower their children to ask for help or tackle tasks on their own. ๐ฅ Self-care is presented as a selfless act, and techniques like EFT tapping are discussed.
Theresa offers free ebook, insightful articles, engaging TikTok content and her course, "Breakthrough Parenting Solutions."
JULIA RECKER AND KELSEY TIMIUK | CHILD YOUTH PRACTIONERS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE ... WHY NOT?
Julia Recker and Kelsey Timiuk are Child and Youth Care Workers who are offering counselling services through private practice. The centre they work in is one of few currently available in Ontario.
Kelsey has specific trauma training and trauma care from Arizona Trauma Institute. She runs a private practice called Soulful Connections. Through counselling, she believes that focusing on individuals' strengths and providing a safe non-judgemental environment for her clients is essential. Julia Recker is the owner of Helping Hand Counselling, She specialize in individuals up to the age of 28, helping those who cross her path through goal setting, behaviour management, and motivational training. Julia and Kelsey discuss how they work with their clients, the 3 year college program and how they are helping close the gap for affordable and accessible counselling.
๐ฅ What is the role for Child and Youth Care Workers in supporting children, youth and adult mental health needs? ๐ฅ Why do so few students graduating with this qualification consider private practice as an option? ๐ฅ What is Rosie's Mission and how does using vocabulary, talk therapy and books help people cope?
๐ฅ Kelsey and Julia also share how self-regulation as an adult is important to children's well-being as well as resources that are available.
MELISSA LYONS | THOUGHT NUTRITION ... SHIFT WORRIES INTO WELLNESS
One of Melissaโs gifts is her ability to help people shift worries, fears and challenges into wellness and desired results. learning to shift perspectives and make better choices at any given moment allows them to create better outcomes and more fulfilling experiences, creating pathways for continuous growth, strategic thinking and increased happiness. Everyone wins!!! Our guest shares why she sold a prospering business to take what resulted in a long self-realization sabbatical to becoming an international best-selling author, coach, and course/program creator that has changed thousands of lives.
๐ฅ We all agree that feeding our bodies with wholesome foods in vital for ourselves and our families. Don't our minds require intentional care and nourishment like our physical bodies do?
๐ฅ Taking time to pause is more critical than ever but what does that really mean?
๐ฅ How do our childhood experiences generate the ingrained beliefs, patterns, and fear that hold us back from living our most joyful lives?
๐ฅ What can we do to give our children a head start to avoid being blocked by fear?
๐ฅ We can gain clarity to make intentional choices every day.
๐ฅ When we are in the most challenging times facing stress, anxiety, or self-doubt, what is a thought rescue plan? How can we have it ready to use when we need it most?
JODI NOLIN | CULTIVATING WELL-BEING FOR A CALM AND FOCUSED CLASSROOM
Whether you are a new teacher or seeking ways to calm your classroom, this podcast is your guide to fostering well-being and non-reactivity in both teachers and students.
Working as an Educator for 25 years, now on Special Assignment for Student Well-Being, Jodi Nolin continues to be on an incredible and rewarding journey. Jodi is dedicated and committed to the social/emotional and academic growth and development of all students/educators. She is passionate about sharing the benefits of mindfulness practices, well-being, and all things eco-friendly, helping people to be the healthiest and happiest versions of themselves.
๐ฅ Dive deep into the world of mindfulness, sharing personal experiences, practical techniques and insights to help educators cultivate calm and focus within themselves and their students.
๐ฅ From kindergarteners to high school seniors, our aim is to provide valuable tools that can be applied throughout the entire K-12 journey. Our approach is secular and inclusive, ensuring that anyone can benefit. We'll explore how this has transformed educational environments and improved overall well-being.
๐ฅ What's your superpower? Through 40 years of data and research, we'll discuss the compelling evidence behind the effectiveness of mindfulness in reducing stress, enhancing attention, and fostering resilience.
๐ฅ Gain valuable insights and practical strategies to create a calm and focused learning environment from the very start of the new school year.
DR. ANNA ESPARHAM | CALMING YOUNG MINDS: EXPLORING RESEARCH-BASED MIND BODY THERAPIES
Dr. Anna Esparham, MD , founder of Health Is PowHer, Is a nationally-recognized physician. The field of pediatrics offers us many evidence-based possibilities to help our children become resilient, self-confident, empathetic, motivated, and able to solve the hurdles life will throw at them. Dr. Anna Esparham works with children and youth who have anxiety, ADHD, are sleep deprivation, have chronic pain, or other challenges.
๐ฅ Our guest shares many of these approaches and walks us through how we can all use the technique of "tapping" to calm ourselves.
๐ฅ Acupuncture or acupressure?
๐ฅ There are many mind/body therapies including self-hypnosis. How can children use this themselves?
๐ฅ If we can activate our parasympathetic systems, it will serve us well in all areas of our being - mind, body, soul and spirit.
๐ฅ The power of breathing, yoga, various forms of meditation, distracting techniques and nutrition.
๐ฅ How does osteopathic medicine relate to emotional regulation and awareness?