Dear Valued Listener/Viewer,
In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I interview Gal Erez, a literacy teacher and therapy dog partner. We discuss the innovative inclusion of therapy dogs in educational settings, exploring how these animals can enhance learning, emotional well-being, and social skills among students. Gal shares her journey of integrating therapy dogs into her teaching, the positive impacts observed in children, and practical activities that educators can implement to foster a more engaging and supportive learning environment.
Connect with incredible Gal:
https://www.instagram.com/gal.dogtherapy?igsh=aGhqMGt1bzg4NzFt
Grab my latest book Unshakable https://www.amazon.com/Unshakable-Parenting-through-Courage-Purpose/dp/B0FWB72V93 and connect with me through https://barbaravokatis.com !
Dear Valued Listener/Viewer,
In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I interviews Gayle Knowles and Amanda Trisdale, who are leading an initiative to support autistic children through dance. We discuss their personal experiences with autism, the importance of understanding and patience in teaching, and how their collaboration aims to create an inclusive environment for neurodivergent children. The conversation highlights the transformative power of dance as a tool for communication and expression, and the need for personalized attention in teaching. We also share insights on the challenges faced by autistic children in traditional educational settings and the importance of adapting to their unique needs. The episode concludes with advice for parents and educators on fostering growth and understanding in autistic children.
Connect with amazing Amanda and Gayle:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amanda.n.trisdale
Leta Tap Styles Podcast: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562557047377
Grab my latest book Unshakable https://www.amazon.com/Unshakable-Parenting-through-Courage-Purpose/dp/B0FWB72V93 and connect with me through https://barbaravokatis.com !
Dear Valued Listener/Viewer,
In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I speak with Stefani Cohen, a clinical social worker specializing in helping children and adults overcome their fear of dogs. We discuss the importance of understanding the roots of this fear, the impact of therapy dogs in classrooms, and strategies for parents and teachers to help children cope with their anxieties. Stefani shares her personal journey that led her to this field, the effects of the pandemic on children's fears, and the significance of education about dog behavior. The conversation emphasizes the need for awareness and proactive measures to prevent and address dog-related fears in children and adults alike.
Connect with Stefanie and check oit her amazing resources!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/overcomefearofdogs?igsh=dXczcnh2OGxucW41
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OvercomeDogFear
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefani-cohen-lcsw-53975b3/
https://overcomefearofdogs.com
https://www.amazon.com/Overcoming-Your-Childs-Step-Step/dp/1662900198
Please see my latest book Unshakable https://www.amazon.com/Unshakable-Parenting-through-Courage-Purpose/dp/B0FWB72V93 and subscribe to my email: https://barbaravokatis.com .
Please rate and review the show!
Dear Valued Listener/Viewer,
In this episode of Get Inspired with Dr. Barb, I sit down with Dr. Kristen Wilcox, a professor and researcher dedicated to bridging the gaps between educational research, policy, and practice. We explore the importance of understanding neurodiversity in education, the unique strengths of positive outlier schools, and the innovative tools being developed to support better learning outcomes. Throughout our conversation, we highlight the power of collaboration among educators, parents, and researchers as we work toward creating effective, inclusive learning environments for all students—especially those who are neurodivergent.
Please connect with extraordinary Dr. Kristen Wilcox and see her initiatives she is involved in:
NyKids Website: https://ny-kids.org/
NYKids Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nykids_?igsh=MTc4em1td2RjcnVrYg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
NYKids LinkedIn: nykids
NYKids Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BNiJEpbgq/?mibextid=wwXIfr
NYKids Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/nykids.bsky.social
Connect with me at https://barbaravokatis.com and grab my latest book Unshakable: https://www.amazon.com/Unshakable-Parenting-through-Courage-Purpose/dp/B0FWB72V93
Dear Valued Listener/Viewer,
In this episode of 'Getting Inspired with Dr. Barb', I engage with Perry Knoppert, founder of the Octopus Movement, to discuss the challenges faced by neurodivergent students in education. We explore the importance of nonlinear thinking, the role of parents in supporting their children, and the need for systemic change in educational practices. The conversation also touches on the significance of human-centric education, the potential of AI in transforming learning, and the creation of the Human Score to measure educational effectiveness. Perry shares personal anecdotes and insights, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding in educational environments.
Connect with incredible Perry:
Website: https://www.theoctopusmovement.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perryknoppert/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perry.knoppert
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lord_knop/
Connect with me on https://barbaravokatis.com ! Thank you for being here!
Dear Valued Listener/Viewer,
In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I engage in a deep conversation with educator Jackie Scully about the evolving landscape of education. We discuss the importance of holistic learning, the role of alternative education programs like Kumon, and the need for teachers to have more agency in their practices. Jackie shares her journey in education, emphasizing the significance of foundational skills and the impact of technology on learning. The conversation also touches on the importance of community collaboration, supporting special needs children, and fostering empathy and interpersonal skills in students. As we explore curriculum development, they highlight the necessity for students to have agency in their learning process, ultimately aiming to create a more effective and inclusive educational environment.
Please connect with Jackie:
Website: https://www.jackiecscully.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackie.c.scully?igsh=aDNvZGNyeGVzYzB0
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D1FAmHy3F/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Book "The Guided Teacher" on Amazon: https://a.co/d/1oHlrG2
YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@jackie-scully
The Teacher Story Podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/theteacherstory/
The Jackie Scully Show Podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-jackie-scully-show/
Please connect with me at https://barbaravokatis.com and grab my latest book Unshakable https://shorturl.at/LfmNa !
Dear Valued Listener/Viewer,
In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I engages in a deep conversation with Dennis Pitocco, a visionary leader in the non-profit sector. We discuss the importance of innovation in education, the journey of transitioning from a corporate career to a non-profit focus, and the critical role of soft skills in personal and professional development. Dennis shares his unique experiences, including his lack of formal education and how he built a successful career through hard work and integrity. The conversation emphasizes the need for educators to instill core values in students and the importance of being dependable and reliable in the workplace.
Connect with incredible Dennis Pitocco and see his incredible
360° nation:
https://www.bizcatalyst360.com/inside-360-nation/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennisjpitocco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/360nationnow/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dennis.pitocco
Connect with me at https://barbaravokatis.com and grab my latest book Unshakable: https://www.amazon.com/Unshakable-Parenting-through-Courage-Purpose/dp/B0FWB72V93
Dear Valued Listener/Viewer,
In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I interview Dr. Todd Feltman, an experienced educator and author of 'Transforming into a Powerful Third, Fourth or Fifth Grade Navigator of School Success'. We discuss the importance of empowering students through practical strategies that enhance their educational experience. Dr. Feltman shares insights from his diverse background in education and hotel industry, emphasizing the need for a supportive and engaging learning environment. The conversation highlights the book's user-friendly approach, designed to help children take charge of their education and develop essential social-emotional skills.
Connect with Dr. Feltman and grab his amazing book:
Website: https://toddfeltman.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toddteaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/successfulschoolnavigator/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toddteaching/
Connect with me at https://barbaravokatis.com!
Dear Valued Listener and Viewer,
In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I speak with Bill Dolan, Emmy- Nominated Video and Life Event Director, about the importance of innovation in education, the power of storytelling, and the impact of personal experiences on professional growth. Bill shares his journey of overcoming a life-threatening health crisis and how it transformed his perspective on life, relationships, and the importance of being present. The conversation emphasizes the need for educators to foster meaningful connections with students and the significance of nurturing relationships in both personal and professional contexts.
Please connect with incredible Bill Dolan, learn more about his creative work, and grab his incredible book:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billdolan/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billdolan_spiritmedia/
Spirit Media: https://www.spiritmedia.com/
7DRM: https://www.7drm.com/
Please connect with me at https://barbaravokatis.com, follow the show, and share this episode to get the word out about what is possible in education. Thank you for being here!
Dear Valued Listener/Viewer,
In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I interview Jess Toft, an educator and advocate for using AI in education. We discuss the importance of improving children's experiences in education, the challenges of bullying in modern schools, and the innovative platform Bully Buddy, designed to support students, teachers, and parents in addressing bullying. Jess shares her personal journey in education, her insights on the nuances of bullying, and how Bully Buddy aims to empower users by documenting incidents and providing support. The conversation highlights the potential of AI to enhance mental health support in educational settings without replacing human professionals.
Please connect with Jess:
Website: BullyBuddyAI.com
Collaborator's website:Glee-labs.com
Please connect with me at https://barbaravokatis.com, follow the show, and share this episode to get the word out about what is possible in education. Thank you for being here!
Dear Valuable Valuable / Listener ,
In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I speak with Joe Stafrace and Dor Gatt from the Service Dogs Malta Foundation. We discuss the importance of education in improving children's experiences through interactions with both service dogs and therapy dogs, the foundation's mission to provide service dogs to individuals in need, and the extensive training and socialization process these dogs undergo. The conversation highlights the positive impact of service dogs and therapy dogs, the application process for families seeking assistance, and the ongoing support provided to service beneficiaries. Joe and Dor emphasize their commitment to helping others and the unique position of their organization in Malta.
Please connect with Joe and Dor and learn about their foundation:
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/16zeVSfFU3/
Website:
https://www.servicedogsmalta.org/
YouTube channel:
https://youtube.com/@servicedogsmalta1155?feature=shared
Please grab my latest book here: https://www.amazon.com/Unshakable-Parenting-through-Courage-Purpose/dp/B0FWB72V93
Please connect with me at https://barbaravokatis.com, follow the show, and share this episode to get the word out about what is possible in education. Thank you for being here!
Dear Valued Listener/Viewer,
In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I interview Dr. Taylor Chastain Griffin, an expert in animal assisted interventions. We discuss the importance of innovation in education, particularly through the responsible inclusion of therapy animals. The conversation covers the challenges schools face in implementing therapy animal programs, the resources available for educators, and the profound impact these animals can have on students' emotional and social development. We also explore the various types of therapy animals, the need for standardized practices in the field, and the future directions for animal assisted interventions in education.
Please connect with amazing Dr. Taylor Chastain Griffin and see the amazing organizations in which she holds key roles she :
Pet Partners:
Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals
Dr. Taylor Chastain Griffin's LinkedIn page:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-chastain-griffin-phd-05a5a2b3/
Dr. Taylor Chastain Griffin's website:
Please connect with me at https://barbaravokatis.com, follow the show, and share this episode to get the word out about what is possible in education. Thank you for being here!
Dear Valued Listener/Viewer,
In this episode, Valerie Probstfeld and I discuss the intersection of parenting and education, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between parents and teachers. Valerie shares her journey from music to healthcare, highlighting the significance of a growth mindset and the need for awareness in parenting. They explore the concept of creating space between reaction and response, the power of simple gestures, and the importance of presence in both parenting and teaching. The conversation concludes with reflections on learning from mistakes and the connection between parenting and teaching.
Please connect with Valerie and grab her amazing book:
Book: "To Mom Is To Love: Pioneering a New Kind of Motherhood": https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F6X36Y8X
Website: https://www.tomomistolove.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerie_probstfeld/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-probstfeld-23022448/
Please connect with me at https://barbaravokatis.com, follow the show, and share this episode to get the word out about what is possible in education. Thank you for being here!
Dear Valued Viewver/Listener,
In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Lameen Abdul-Malik, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, about the intersection of education and artificial intelligence. We discuss the importance of education for society, the potential of AI to enhance teaching and learning, and the ethical considerations surrounding its use. Lameen shares his experiences in healthcare, particularly in establishing Zambia's first cancer hospital, and outlines his future aspirations to impact lives through innovative projects. The conversation emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to technology in education, ensuring that human interaction remains central to the learning process.
Please connect with amazing Lameen:
Website: https://honestmanagement.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromcoffeewithlove?igsh=MXhtbWNqMGZtMjYxOQ==
Please connect with me at https://barbaravokatis.com, follow the show, and share this episode to get the word out about what is possible in education. Thank you for being here!
Dear Valued Listener/Viewer,
In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I speak with Danny Combs, a leading advocate for neurodiversity and the Inaugural Director of the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office. We discuss the importance of inclusive education for neurodivergent individuals, the innovative approaches taken by TACT to provide employment training, and the challenges faced in implementing effective programs. Danny shares his personal journey, insights on changing the narrative around autism, emphasizing the strengths and talents of neurodivergent individuals, and incredible statistics TACT shows . The conversation highlights the need for better data, funding, and awareness to create a more inclusive society.
Please connect with incredible Danny and see his amazing initiatives:
TACT (Teaching the Autism Community Trades) website: https://www.buildwithtact.org
The Nation's First Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerse:
Colorado Disability Opportunity Office: https://cdoo.colorado.gov
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-combs-m-a-bccs-cas-90987613a/
Please connect with me at https://barbaravokatis.com, follow the show, and share this episode to get the word out about what is possible in education. Thank you for being here!
Dear Valued Listener/Viewer,
In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I interview David Schatzkamer, a licensed mental health counselor and registered play therapy supervisor. We discuss the significance of play therapy in child development, the role of therapists, and how parents can engage in play therapy techniques at home. David shares insights on the importance of unstructured play, the integration of play therapy in schools, and the future of play therapy for both children and adults. The conversation emphasizes the need for play in education and mental health, advocating for a more playful approach to learning and emotional expression.
Please connect with David:
Website: www.center4playtherapy.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidschatzkamer/
Please connect with me at https://barbaravokatis.com, follow the show, and share this episode to get the word out about what is possible in education. Thank you for being here!
Dear Valued Viewer/Listener,
In this episode, I interview Dr. Jennifer Fraser, a leading expert on bullying and its effects on the brain. We discuss the importance of understanding the psychological and neurological impacts of bullying, particularly on children and adolescents. Dr. Fraser emphasizes the need for advocacy and intervention in bullying situations, the role of empathy in preventing bullying, and the importance of educating both children and adults about the effects of bullying. The conversation also touches on the need for schools to implement effective strategies to create safe environments for students and the potential for brain science to inform educational practices.
Please connect with Dr. Fraser and see her books:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-fraser-phd-1466a417/
Website (includes links to books, Psychology Today series, and more): https://bulliedbrain.com/
Psychology Today Series: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-bullied-brain
Please connect with me at https://barbaravokatis.com, follow the show, and share this episode to get the word out about what is possible in education. Thank you for being here!
Dear Valued Viewer/Listener,
In this episode of Get Inspired with Dr. Barb, Paul Gunn Jr. discusses the intersection of education and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of personal experiences in shaping business aspirations. He highlights the significant role teachers play in influencing students' lives and the need for educational systems to foster resourcefulness and collaboration between parents and educators. Paul shares insights on navigating challenges in education and offers advice for aspiring educators and students alike, encouraging them to explore different paths and embrace their unique learning styles.
Please connect with amazing Paul:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-l-gunn-jr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulgunnjr/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kuoginc/
Website: https://kuoginc.com/
Please connect with me at https://barbaravokatis.com, follow the show, and share this episode to get the word out about what is possible in education. Thank you for being here!
Dear Valued Viewer/Listener,
In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I interviews Todd Cherches, a leadership expert and author, discussing the intersection of leadership and education. We explore the importance of redefining leadership for students, the power of visual thinking in communication, and practical strategies for teachers to engage students effectively. Todd emphasizes the need for relevance in education and the use of metaphors and analogies to connect learning to students' interests. The conversation highlights the significance of creativity and experiential learning in teaching, encouraging both educators and students to embrace innovative approaches to learning.
Connect with Todd:
Websites:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddcherches/
TEDx talk "The Power of Visual Thinking": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmF5A6zZj0E
Todd's book "VisuaLeadership":
https://www.amazon.com/VisuaLeadership-Leveraging-Visual-Thinking-Leadership/dp/1642933376
Please connect with me at https://barbaravokatis.com, follow the show, and share this episode to get the word out about what is possible in education. Thank you for being here!
Dear Valued Listener/Viewer,
In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', Dr. Risë VanFleet discusses her extensive experience in Animal Assisted Play Therapy®, emphasizing the importance of relationships between children and animals. She shares powerful stories of transformation, illustrating how animal interactions can significantly impact children's emotional and social development. The conversation also touches on the challenges and the future of animal-assisted therapy in educational settings. Dr. VanFleet explains how understanding animal behavior is crucial for effective therapy practices and how the future of animal-assisted therapy lies in understanding the needs of both the animal and the child.
Please connect with Dr. VanFleet and see information about her incredible organization and activity:
Personal Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/rise.vanfleet
Professional Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RiseVanFleetPhD
Dr. VanFleet's Email: info@iiaapt.org
International Institute for Animal Assisted Play Therapy®
(training and supervision): https://iiaapt.org
International Association for Animal Assisted Play Therapy®
(community, magazine, newsletter): https://iaaapt.org
Animal Assisted Play Therapy® International Certification Board (standards, competencies, certification): https://aaptcertboard.org
Facebook Group: Animal Assisted Play Therapy® Community
https://www.facebook.com/groups/AnimalAssistedPlayTherapy/
Please connect with me at https://barbaravokatis.com, follow the show, and share this episode to get the word out about what is possible in education. Thank you for being here!