Unbabbled

Ask Us Anything: Listener Questions and Answers | Season 8 Episode 10

In this episode, the topics and questions came directly from the Unbabbled Listeners. Unbabbled hosts Stephanie and Meredith answer questions submitted through social media and email by listeners, Parish School families and even one former student. Topics covered include strategies for supporting children who struggle with homework, social events like birthday parties, why a child may be referred for a speech-language evaluation in elementary school, what’s the difference between speech and language and what is the average amount of time a child receives therapy before being dismissed. These questions were thoughtful and ones we hear often from parents we work directly with. We look forward to hearing more from you on what questions or topics you would like to hear more about. Stephanie is the co-host of The Parish School’s podcast, Unbabbled, which strives to help parents, caregivers, educators and therapists navigate the world of communication delays and learning differences. She earned a BA in Psychology from Butler University in Indianapolis in 2005 and a MS in Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences from Purdue University in 2008. Since joining The Parish School in 2008, Stephanie has worked as a Speech Language Pathologist in the Early Childhood, Primary and Elementary classes. She has also worked with individual clients at The Carruth Center, the school’s onsite pediatric therapy clinic. Meredith is the Director of Special Projects/Assistant to the Head of School at The Parish School. She earned her BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Texas in 2006, and her MS in Communication Disorders from Texas State University in 2008. Meredith came to The Parish School in 2008 and has worked as a SLP for the Early Childhood and Elementary classes, as well as for The Carruth Center, the school’s onsite pediatric therapy clinic. She also led groups for the school’s Social Learning program and attends Camp Social Superheroes every summer. Among the many hats she wears at The Parish School, Meredith is also the co-host of The Parish School’s podcast, Unbabbled, which strives to help parents, caregivers, educators and therapists navigate the world of communication delays and learning differences. Support the show

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Sensory Haircuts with Dee Foster | Season 8 Episode 9

In this episode, we speak with hairdresser Dee Foster about her passion for sensory-friendly haircuts. Dee shares insights on what makes a positive sensory friendly haircut, why she feels they are so important to support families and tips for families looking for a sensory-friendly haircut experience. Dee also shares helpful self-advocacy strategies for families and acknowledges how something as seemingly simple as a haircut can make a big difference in a child’s life. Dee Foster owns Miss Dee and Friends Magic Hair Bus in Houston, Texas. She has over 15 years of experience in the hair industry, with a true passion for working with children, specializing in caring for kids' unique hair needs. She has found her niche in creating positive, stress-free experiences. Over the past nine years, Dee has dedicated herself to growing her business by meeting children exactly where they are whether at home, in a therapy setting or at school. Her top priority is ensuring every child feels safe, comfortable and confident every step of the way. Links: Miss Dee and Friends website Miss Dee Instagram The Parish School Support the show

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Camp For All – Barrier-Free Summer Camp with Pat Sorrells | Season 8 Episode 8

For many people, summer camp is a life-changing experience. Camp For All was designed so children and adults with disabilities, challenging illnesses and special needs can have these same life-changing experiences. In today’s episode, we speak with Camp for All CEO, Pat Prior Sorrells about the impact of barrier-free camps on children’s lives. Pat discusses what a barrier-free camp environment looks like and how every detail, including the bunk houses, activities, food, walkways and bathrooms, are specifically designed to accommodate everyone. She also discusses what makes Camp For All so unique, touches on a few of the schools and associations Camp for All partners with and gives information on how parents can find a camp for their child. Throughout the episode Pat, Meredith and Stephanie share stories about Camp For All including how it directly impacted them and the children of The Parish School. It was a joy to speak with Pat – a former Parish School parent and employee – about Camp For All. We hope you leave inspired to make some adventurous memories of your own. Pat Prior Sorrells has served as President and CEO of Camp For All since 2007. Pat began her career in advertising and marketing at Metzdorf Advertising in Houston and Point Communications in Dallas. She is an active volunteer and has served on the boards for St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, The Periwinkle Foundation, the Neuhaus Education Center and St. John’s School Alumni Board. Pat’s professional nonprofit experience began at The Parish School where she served as the Director of Development and launched the annual giving campaign. This was followed by 10 years as the Executive Director of The Periwinkle Foundation before beginning her time at Camp For All. Camp For All is a barrier-free summer camp for children and adults with challenging illnesses, disabilities or special needs. Camp For All intentionally delivers unique, truly barrier-free experiences throughout the year by collaborating with more than 65 nonprofit organizations to enable thousands of campers and their families to discover camp life. Camp For All was designed with no barriers for children and adults with special needs to experience the thrill of camping and nature, just like their able-bodied peers. All of the programming is “adaptive,” meaning that the activities can be accomplished regardless of the campers’ challenges, be it mobility, emotional or learning issues. Links: Camp For All Camp SOCIAL The Parish School Support the show

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Speech and Language Evaluations with Allison Feldman, MS, CCC-SLP, and Jennifer Rose, MS, CCC-SLP | Season 8 Episode 7

In this episode, speech-language pathologists Allison Feldman, MS, CCC-SLP, and Jennifer Rose, MS, CCC-SLP, give helpful information for families seeking a speech and language evaluation. Jennifer and Allison take us through the entire evaluation process from where to start, to what the evaluation may entail and what to expect after an evaluation. During the episode, we discuss how a child qualifies for therapy based on their evaluation and why this may differ in private practice compared to public schools or early intervention services. Jennifer and Allison also give information on what parents may look for when deciding whether to get an evaluation, what advice they give parents who hear “wait and see” from their pediatrician and touch on the benefits of an evaluation and intervention for children labeled “late talkers.” Allison Feldman, MS, CCC-SLP, and Jennifer Rose, MS, CCC-SLP, are licensed and certified speech-language pathologists and co-owners of The Speech Garden, a private practice with two locations in Houston, Texas, and one in Denver, Colorado. They both attended The University of Texas at Austin and earned their bachelor’s in communication sciences and disorders and went on to earn their masters of speech and language pathology from The University of Texas at Dallas, Callier Center. Jennifer and Allison have a wide range of experience in clinical, public school and private school settings, including time spent at The Parish School. Jennifer’s areas of expertise include diagnosis and treatment of expressive and receptive language disorders, articulation and fluency disorders, oral motor functioning and pragmatic disorders in children. Allison’s areas of expertise include diagnosis and treatment of expressive and receptive language disorders, articulation disorders and pragmatic disorders in children. Both Allison and Jennifer have a passion for working with toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children. Links: The Speech Garden The Parish School Support the show

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Navigating Dyslexia Laws in Texas Public Schools with Dr. Erika Westreich, PsyD, LSSP | Season 8 Episode 6

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Erika Westreich, PsyD, LSSP, about understanding dyslexia identification and intervention laws in Texas. Dr. Westreich has over 10 years of experience in public and charter schools providing educational evaluations. Throughout the episode, we discuss the new law passed in Texas moving dyslexia from general education support to special education services. Dr. Westreich talks about the way evaluations and supports were provided prior to the change, what the change means for students that have already been identified, as well as those who have not yet been identified, and what way the law changed. Dr. Westreich also discusses the positives and drawbacks of changing dyslexia to full under the special education umbrella. The public education system can be confusing and difficult to navigate for parents and professionals; hopefully this episode provides information to help families advocate for their children and better understand the system. Dr. Erika Westreich, PsyD, LSSP is a Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Specialist in School Psychology. She obtained her doctorate at St. John’s University in Flushing, NY. She has spent the past 10 years working both in the private sector and within the Alief ISD Public Schools and YES Prep Charter Schools. Dr. Westreich specializes in conducting psychological and psycho-educational assessments for children as well as diagnostic testing for adults seeking clarity or differential diagnosis. She takes a strength-based approach to her work, striving to identify and leverage student’s strengths to address any weaknesses impacting their academic and/or home performance. In addition, she has extensive experience supporting families as they navigate the often-complex process of securing appropriate school services for their children. Support the show

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Art Therapy with Ania Wasowicz | Season 8 Episode 5

In this episode, we discuss Art Therapy with Ania Wasowicz, LCAT. During the conversation, Ania explains what Art Therapy is, who may benefit from art therapy and how she found her passion for supporting people through the creative arts. Ania also discusses why art therapy may work better for some kids than more traditional talk therapy. Finally, she touches on myths and misunderstandings around Art Therapy. For example, Ania reassures us that you don't have to be an artist to benefit from Art Therapy! Ania is a board-certified and licensed creative arts therapist in New York with over eight years of experience using art therapy and EMDR across inpatient settings, schools, and private practice. She works with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, and trauma. She also currently serves on the Art Therapy Credentialing Board. Ania believes deeply in the power of creativity as a supportive, grounding tool for expression, regulation and meaningful healing. Links: American Art Therapy Association Art Therapy at The Parish School Unbabbled Instagram Support the show

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Benefits of Nature-Learning with Amanda McMickle | Season 8 Episode 4

In this episode, we sit down with nature-learning educator and expert, Amanda McMickle, M.Ed. Amanda has over 20 years of experience as an educator and school leader working in nature-based programs in private and public Elementary and Early Childhood schools. During the episode, Amanda discusses her personal journey as an educator that led to her passion and knowledge of nature-based learning. She talks about the many benefits of nature-based learning including academic, social-emotional and physical benefits. Amanda also shares research supporting its positive impacts and gives tips for educators looking to bring a bit of nature-learning into their classrooms. Meredith and Stephanie also give first-hand accounts of the positive impact nature-learning has here at The Parish School. Amanda is the Vice President of Education at the San Antonio Zoo. Amanda is the founder of NEST (Nature-based Education Support in Texas), a regional group focused on nature-based philosophy, best practices, and advocacy. She also serves on the leadership board of Natural Start Alliance, the early childhood initiative of North American Association of Environmental Education (NAAEE). Amanda is working on her Ph.D. in a program at the University of the Incarnate Word entitled Adult Education, Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Support the show

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It's More Than Numbers with Sarah Powell | Season 8 Episode 3

When most people think about math, they picture numbers and equations. Today’s guest, Dr. Sarah Powell, explains that math is more than just numbers – it’s vocabulary, language comprehension, cognition and executive functioning on top of understanding number sense! Throughout the episode, Sarah digs into the language of math, gives tips on how to teach math vocabulary and discusses why supporting all of the underlying skills builds stronger learners now and in the long run. Sarah Powell is a professor in the College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin and associate director of the Meadows Center for Preventing Educational Risk. She is a former kindergarten teacher who became interested in school-based research. Her research, teaching and service focus on mathematics, particularly for students who experience mathematics differently. Powell is currently principal investigator on a number of grants and research projects looking into word-problem solving and working collaboratively with elementary and middle school teachers who provide mathematics instruction to students with mathematics difficulty. Support the show

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Making Life Skills at Home Fun with Beth Rosenbleeth from Days with Grey | Season 8 Episode 2

In this episode, we chat with Beth Rosenbleeth from Days with Grey about helping children learn a variety of life skills for both their daily lives now and in the future. This includes gamifying learning and breaking skills down into simplified, easy-to-follow steps. Throughout the episode, Beth shares why she developed her Life Skills for Big Kids cards, how her own boys have responded to learning new skills and tips for families teaching new skills at home. From simple tasks like using a peeler or tying a shoe, to bigger ones like ordering food or speaking up at the doctor, these skills build a sense of independence and confidence. Beth shares her goal of going beyond teaching chores or tasks to develop bite-sized wins that help your child become more independent and thrive even when you’re not around. Beth is an educator certified in K-12 with a master’s degree in reading. After teaching for 13 years, she started Days with Grey in 2016 to share the educational activities she was doing with her two boys. Now a mom to three boys, Beth shares her Breakfast Invitations and activity cards with families all over the world through her blog and Instagram. She has something for toddlers through tween years to help you support your child learn and play at home. Links: Life Skills for Big Kids Cards Days with Grey website Unbabbled Season 3 Episode 11 At-Home Toddler Activities with Beth from Days with Grey Support the show

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Finding Resources for Families with Judy Blake | Season 8 Episode 1

In this episode, we sit down with Judy Blake, the community outreach liaison at Innerlight Community Advocates, to discuss finding resources to support children and their families. Throughout the episode, Judy shares her personal experiences as a parent and her professional experience supporting families through her roles in a variety of Texas-based organizations. She provides both general advice applicable to families everywhere, as well as specific resources for those in the Houston area. Innerlight Community Advocates is a community-based behavioral health agency in Houston,Texas that provides wraparound and outpatient services. Judy also is a family faculty and board member of the LoneStar LEND Program where she works with medical residents, fellows, graduate students and professionals throughout an interdisciplinary training model. Judy is the co-coordinator of the Harris County Community Resource Collaboration Group, co-chair of the IDD Public Advisory Committee, and vice chair of the Mental Health Public Advisory Committee at The Harris Center for Mental Health. She previously worked at Family-to-Family Network, a Houston non-profit that provided programs that empower families of children and young adults with disabilities. Judy’s most cherished role is being a mother of two adult sons. Her younger son was diagnosed at a time when autism spectrum disorder was unknown to many, so she quickly became his advocate, always ensuring that he was living a meaningful life. Links: Texas Project First Navigate Life First Insurance and Financial FAQ Special Education Information Medical Wavers Family to Family Network Innerlight Community Advocates Lonestar LEND Program Support the show

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Curriculum in Elementary Schools: Accommodations, Modifications, Differentiation with Laura Causey, MAT, CALP | Season 7 Episode 10

In this episode, The Parish School’s Curriculum Specialist Laura Causey, MAT, CALP and Speech-Language Pathologist Stephanie Landis, MS, CCC-SLP discuss the differences and similarities between curriculum modifications, classroom accommodations and differentiation. Laura and Stephanie are a part of the elementary leadership team at The Parish School working collaboratively to design and align the elementary curriculum. Throughout the episode, they explain what it means for a curriculum to be aligned with state standards, give examples of ways curriculum can be modified to support students’ specific needs, provide examples of common accommodations given to students, explain differences and similarities of modifications, accommodations and differentiation. Laura and Stephanie also touch on the difference between a therapeutic school and a school that has access to classroom accommodations or individual interventions outside of the classroom. In addition, Laura provides a variety of questions parents can ask when speaking to schools regarding their curriculum. Finally, they also discuss the co-teaching model used at The Parish School and how it is conducive to the use of accommodations, modifications and differentiation within the curriculum. Laura earned both her bachelors and masters degree in Teaching from Louisiana State University. Before coming to The Parish School in 2017, Laura was a 3rd grade teacher in Spring Branch ISD and at an inner-city Houston charter school, where she taught general studies, math and science. At The Parish School, she taught in the Lower and Upper elementary classrooms and provided reading intervention before moving into the Curriculum Specialist role. Support the show

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Understanding Different Types of ADHD with Dr. Saporito, PhD | Season 7 Episode 9

In this episode, we speak with licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Saporito, PhD, about gender differences in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) presentations and the less frequently identified and talked about type of ADHD that often includes traits of inattentiveness, perfectionism and being rule bound. Dr. Saporito discusses both the stereotypical ADHD presentation and other ways children, especially girls, can present with ADHD. She also discusses ways parents and educators can help identify this type of ADHD and gives tips for families on ways to support all children diagnosed with ADHD. Dr. Saporito is the clinical director of Integrative Psychology Associates of South Jersey with over 20 years of clinical experience. She earned her BA from Boston University and her MA and PhD from Drexel University. Dr. Saporito sees a wide range of clients, with a specialty in diagnosing and treating children and adults with ADHD and Autism spectrum disorder. She is passionate about educating medical and mental health providers, as well as clients, about the different presentation by gender of children with neurodevelopmental differences. When she is not working, she is raising her family, gardening, cooking and trying to practice all of the things she teaches her clients. Support the show

Concierge Medicine with Dr. Benjamin Ho | Season 7 Episode 8

In this episode, we speak with pediatrician Dr. Benjamin Ho, MD, FAAP, about concierge medicine. Dr. Ho is the Medical Director of Texas Children's Pediatrics Concierge Medicine Program – a program he recently helped bring to Texas Children’s. Throughout the episode, Dr. Ho discusses what concierge medicine is and how the delivery model differs from the traditional medical model. He also discusses who may benefit from concierge medicine and why he chose this delivery model. Dr. Ho has a bachelor's degree from Brown University in neuroscience, attended McGovern Medical School and completed his residency training at Texas Children’s Hospital. He joined Texas Children’s Pediatrics PMG after graduation. After decades of practicing medicine, Dr. Ho began the Concierge Medicine program in 2024 at Texas Children’s. In addition to speaking English, he also speaks Cantonese Chinese and Spanish. Dr. Ho is passionate about giving children and families the highest standard of care and is passionate about direct communication with patients and a comprehensive approach to health that encompasses not just physical well-being, but emotional and developmental needs as well. Links: Texas Children's Concierge The Parish School Support the show

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Tips for Speaking with Loved Ones About Your Child with Josie Gardner | Season 7 Episode 7

In this episode we speak with mental health professional Josie Gardner about ways to navigate tricky conversations with loved ones regarding our child and their needs, diagnosis, challenges and strengths. Josie discusses the positives, and possible negatives, of directly naming and speaking about a diagnosis your child might have. She also gives tips and scripts to help you navigate those conversations while acknowledging they can be emotionally challenging for everyone. Josie’s tips will hopefully help parents feel empowered and secure in handling these tricky conversations. Josie Gardner is a Social Emotional Support Specialist at The Parish School in Houston, Texas. She is a licensed social worker, who earned her master’s degree in social work (MSW) from The University of Houston. Prior to being at The Parish School, Josie has experience working in childcare and afterschool care programs. She believes in extending patience and support to children as they learn and explore the world around them and is passionate about supporting families. Support the show

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Eloping: What is it and How Can We Address it? with Dr. Natalie Montfort | Season 7 Episode 6

In this episode Dr. Natalie Montfort, PhD discusses eloping. She shares what it means for a child to elope or wander and where and when it can happen. She also answers questions about which children are most at risk of eloping and ways families and caregivers can prepare themselves. Throughout this conversation Dr. Montfort provides research-based information for families aimed at empowering, not worrying. Dr. Natalie Montfort, PhD, works at Montfort Psychology Associates in Houston, Texas. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University, completed her doctoral internship at the UTHealth Science Center and completed her post-doctoral fellowship at The Stewart Center. Dr. Montfort has worked with children and adults with ASD since 2002. She has experience in a variety of training including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (with children, adolescents, and adults), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Relationship Development Intervention, Social Thinking and education/educational assessment. Her areas of interest include assessment of children, adolescents and adults; cognitive and behavioral differences in children with neurodevelopmental disorders; treatment of adoption-related issues; treatment of childhood trauma; and animal-assisted therapy. Links: Montfort Psychology Associates Be REDy Booklet The Parish School Support the show

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When Supporting Your Child Means Supporting Yourself, with expert Courtney Suddath | Season 7 Episode 5

In parenting, it’s often said that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. In other words, children are often a lot like their parents! This can be a great thing and also cause some frustration. In this episode we speak with licensed professional counselor, Courtney Suddath, about ways parents can support their children when they find themselves having the same struggles. Courtney Suddath recently opened a private practice, Sycamore Family Counseling in Cypress, Texas. Previously she was the Clinical Director at Cy-Hope Counseling. In addition to her counseling services, Courtney provides supervision for Licensed Professional Counselor Associates. She has a Master’s degree in Psychology from Houston Baptist University. She has been working with children, teens, adults and families for over 20 years. Courtney worked in the classroom at The Parish School in the 90’s and later returned as the Director of Admissions and Family Services for several years. Courtney has experience in working with children who have special needs and their families. Her focus is to guide individuals and families to change patterns, discover positive and productive communication techniques, and strengthen relationships to increase success at home, at school, and in their community. Courtney’s ultimate goal in counseling is to give children and families hope and tools to work towards healing what has been negatively affected by the circumstances of life. Support the show

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Understanding Childhood Apraxia of Speech, with expert Nancy Kaufman | Season 7 Episode 4

Today’s episode is from our podcast vault, previously released in our first season! We sit down with speech-language pathologist and Childhood Apraxia of Speech expert, Nancy Kaufman. Nancy is the owner and director of the Kaufman Children’s Center in Michigan where she has established the Kaufman Speech to Language protocol, a treatment approach to help children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech become effective verbal communicators. She is a national and international speaker and has over 40 years of experience. The Parish School and Carruth Center have partnered with Nancy to complete research, training, and host her yearly to provide an educational talk for families and staff for over 10 years. During the episode, Nancy explains what makes Childhood Apraxia of Speech a unique speech disorder, discusses her treatment approach and provides steps parents can take toward a diagnosis and treatment. We look forward to having Nancy speak with our community through a virtual talk this January! Support the show

Navigating the Holidays | Season 7 Episode 3

It’s December and for many that means the start of a very busy holiday season. From travel, to major changes in schedules, to unfamiliar holiday traditions, this can be a difficult season for children to navigate. However, there are a few simple strategies parents can use to take some stress out of the holidays for the whole family. This previously aired episode is from our first podcast season. Our hosts Meredith and Stephanie discuss a number of tried and tested tips to help parents prepare for the challenges the holiday season may bring. While these tips are aimed for children who have language and social challenges, they are still excellent for trying with all children. Support the show

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Carol Westby, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL : The Importance of Play and Narratives in Early Learning | Season 7, Episode 2

In this episode, we speak with legendary Speech-Language Pathologist, Dr. Carol Westby, about the importance of play and personal narratives in early learning for later language and academic success. During the episode, Carol discusses how she began researching play, and shares her years of experience supporting students in public schools. She also details the ways play development supports later academic skills and how personal narratives support language development, academics and social-emotional skills. Dr. Carol Westby, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, an award-winning consultant for Bilingual Multicultural Services and fellow of the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). She has published and presented nationally and internationally on a wide variety of topics and is the developer of the renowned Westby Symbolic Play Scale, a research-based scale used to assess children’s social and play skills. Carol was also The Parish School's "2024 Giving Voice to Children" Luncheon keynote speaker and was longtime friend of The Parish School founder Robbin Parish. Support the show

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Matt Fugate, PhD : Understanding Twice Exceptional Students | Season 7, Episode 1

In this episode, guest Dr. Matt Fugate discusses twice exceptional, or 2E, students. 2E students have been identified as Gifted and Talented along with another diagnosis such as a learning or neurological difference or communication disorder. We were surprised by Matt’s definition of what it means to be twice exceptional, which gave us a new perspective in viewing these students. He also discusses signs a student may qualify as 2E, the benefits of the distinction, and how to support twice exceptional students in the classroom. Dr. Matt Fugate is Provost of Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity in Education. He received his doctorate in Gifted, Creative, and Talented Studies from Purdue University. Previously, Matt worked as an elementary teacher, Gifted Coordinator and Magnet School Coordinator in HISD. His research interests include twice exceptional students and students from underserved populations. He has presented on a variety of topics including the social-emotional needs of twice exceptional students, culturally responsive pedagogy and creativity. Matt is currently President for the Texas Association for Gifted and Talented and was named one of the 22 People to Watch in the neurodiversity movement by 2e Media. Support the show

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