Ask Jen Psych: Recent Episodes
Jennifer Hunt Roden
Friendly neighborhood School Psychologist, Jennifer Roden, has been a public educator in Pennsylvania for 24 years. Her goal is to provide a nonjudgmental, friendly space for parents and teachers to ask questions about learning and behavior. Whether you want general advice and are not ready to involve the school, perhaps you'd like a second opinion, or perhaps you don't know where to start, Jen is here to help! Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jennifer-hunt-roden/support
SummaryJenna Mazzillo, a board certified behavior analyst from New York State, shares her journey from real estate and finance to becoming a behavior analyst and teacher. She discusses the importance of building a positive parenting environment and understanding the function of behavior. Jenna also highlights the need for balance in parenting styles and the challenges of finding reliable information in the age of social media. She introduces her comprehensive parenting course that teaches parents how to implement behavior principles and proactive strategies to improve their child's behavior and overall well-being. The conversation covers various strategies for managing behavior in children, including engaging them in activities, building relationships, and setting boundaries. It emphasizes the importance of positive reinforcement and focusing on the desired behaviors. The conversation also touches on the significance of parent-teacher collaboration and co-parenting, highlighting the need for consistency and positive communication. The guest shares insights from her parenting course and emphasizes that behavior can be changed at any age.I highly endorse Jenna's parenting course! You can purchase it here, with discount code JENNIFER for 15% for a limited time only! https://stan.store/abanaturally/p/real-stuff-without-the-fluffKeywordsbehavior analysis, parenting, positive parenting, behavior principles, proactive strategies, behavior management, strategies, engagement, relationships, boundaries, positive reinforcement, parent-teacher collaboration, co-parenting, consistency, communicationTakeawaysBuilding a positive parenting environment and understanding the function of behavior are key to improving child behavior.Finding a balance between authoritative and gentle parenting styles can be challenging but important.There is a need for reliable and comprehensive parenting resources in the age of social media.Providing lots of opportunities for children to respond in a lesson can improve instructional outcomes.Modeling and coaching behavior change is more effective than simply telling someone what to do. Engaging children in activities and embedding questions can prevent problem behavior.Building relationships with children and knowing their interests can foster positive behavior.Positive reinforcement and focusing on good behaviors are essential for behavior management.Consistency and positive communication between parents and teachers are crucial for effective collaboration.Behavior can be changed at any age with the right strategies and support.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Editing Disclaimer00:02 Introducing Jenna Mazzillo, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst00:47 Jenna's Journey to Becoming a Behavior Analyst and Teacher02:58 Creating an ABA Program in a School District05:58 The Need for a Comprehensive Parenting Course08:06 Challenges in Parenting Styles12:02 The Power of Attention in Behavior Change15:46 Navigating the Challenges of Parenting Information18:25 Building Rapport and Addressing Pushback22:31 Supporting Students in the Least Restrictive Environment23:23 Improving Instructional Outcomes through Opportunities to Respond24:49 Building Relationships and Fostering Positive Behavior25:46 The Importance of Positive Reinforcement27:07 Effective Parent-Teacher Collaboration28:21 Co-Parenting and Consistency39:17 Behavior Can Be Changed at Any Age--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jennifer-hunt-roden/support
Today, NWPA native Marin Cogan joins us via zoom from Switzerland to talk about surviving in the aftermath of a school shooting. In January 2022, Marin published the article for Vox, "The School Shooting Generation Grows Up". In the article, Marin highlights interviews with various school shooting survivors across the country and their experiences as they try to heal. https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/22878920/school-shootings-survivors-columbine-mental-health
According to her bio, Marin Cogan is a senior correspondent at Vox. She writes features on a wide range of subjects, including traffic safety, gun violence, and the legal system. Prior to Vox, she worked as a writer for New York magazine, ESPN the Magazine, GQ, National Journal, Politico, and the New Republic. She has also contributed to the Washington Post, the New York Times, and several other publications. She is the winner of a National Association of Black Journalists Salute to Excellence Award and is the co-director of the Princeton Summer Journalism Program for aspiring student journalists from low-income backgrounds.
Thank you for listening!
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Today I had the pleasure of chatting with the lovely and talented school psychologist, Amber Moore! She is a new school psych friend of mine from Instagram, and I have been admiring her beautiful, functional office decor creations for some time. She has a shop on Etsy, and I will share the link, below.
Recently, Amber and I have connected regarding the many stressors that folks experience during the holidays. The holidays aren't always happy, and we honor doing what is needed to feel safe and respected. Our Instagram followers provided some ideas for us to discuss. Today, we talk about handling the holidays in the shadow grief and loss, avoiding shame regarding lifestyle or financial status, and creating new traditions. Key takeaway: Boundaries are magical, as are scripts to prepare what to say when you feel cornered.
To learn more about Amber: @signsndesignsbyAmber
To browse her Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SignsNDesignsbyAmber?ref=l2-about-shopname
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Please enjoy this replay of Jen's solo Thanksgiving episode about setting boundaries, and enjoying your holiday the way you deserve. We will be back with a full episode next week with a very special guest!
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Sisters Cindy Lair and Cheryl McLaughlin join Jen in the studio to share their book: What is a Friend? Jen and Cindy met 18 years ago, when she was a delightful third grade teacher in the building Jen was performing her school psych internship. Cindy has since retired, but her kind demeanor has supported kids of all ages for many years. Who better to provide lessons on making and keeping friends, and knowing appropriate friendship characteristics?
During the pandemic, Cindy and Cheryl realized that the world had grown so unkind, and wrote a book of rhymes for children to start a "ripple of kindness". Their nonprofit, Warm Heart Books, has shared the book throughout the world! If you are interested in obtaining a copy of the book, you can email Cindy at shadygrove72@yahoo.com
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Today on the show, Jen welcomes virtual guest Ryan Hogan, who has recently gained Instagram fame as the witty and jovial “World’s Okayest School Psychologist”. He has been a school psychologist for about 18 years in the state of Texas, and he also is the Dad to a boy with Autism. Thank you for joining us, Ryan!
Today in our discussion:
- We talk about how Ryan turns the art of making Instagram memes into a therapeutic activity
- How he and his wife came to realize and accept that their son demonstrated Autism symptoms
- What to look for if you suspect your child may have symptoms of Autism
- How families can support their child with a disability, while helping to curb resentment in their typically developing child
- Destigmatizing mental health treatment
Ryan is a wealth of information with his many years of experience as a school psychologist! He was a lot of fun to Zoom in to the studio!
Follow him on Instagram @worldsokayestschoolpsych
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Sports podcaster, Michael Balko, joins Jen in the studio to talk about his anticipation of fatherhood, overcoming childhood adversity, and how he began his dream of playing and talking about football! Because March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, we also talk about navigating concussions as an athlete who still wants to play.
According to his Podcaster profile, The Michael Balko Show is an inspiration-based podcast, is a podcast focused on interviewing high-level athletes and public figures and allowing them to share their stories in an effort to inspire the youth of our country. Balko, an Erie PA native, aims to not only put his city on the map-but to create some of the most unique content in the world. The Michael Balko Show is unique in it’s own right, and Balko urges you to give his show a listen.
Michael was a wonderful conversationalist, and we thank him for appearing on today's podcast! Never stop chasing your dreams!
To learn more about Michael and his show:
To listen to his podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michaelbalkoshow?fbclid=IwAR2xjkbLXTHEsy7etmHCKrLuCpzOPCOHgt2nhYwYil38L0FWUa9OufrWx6U
On Instagram: @themichaelbalkoshow
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themichaelbalkoshow/
To learn more about brain injury awareness and second impact syndrome:
https://www.biausa.org/public-affairs/public-awareness/brain-injury-awareness
https://www.brainsteps.net/default.aspx
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448119/
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Today, Nationally Certified School Psychologists, Dr. Byron McClure, D.Ed. and Dr. Kelsie Reed, Ph.D. remotely visit the studio to talk with Jen about:
- Reframing your view of students from what’s wrong to what’s strong!
- Supporting students' social-emotional skills
- Having difficult conversations with your kids about racism and tragedies in the news
- Positively guiding and building the future story for youth in need
Dr. Reed and Dr. McClure are co-authors of Hacking Deficit Thinking: 8 Reframes That Will Change The Way You Think About Strength-Based Practices and Equity In School
According to the authors, in Hacking Deficit Thinking, you’ll learn how to:
- Build on student strengths
- Think about student empathy
- Humanize your data
- Recognize the value of differences
- Think about teacher empathy
- Talk about equity in schools
- Tap into school-wide strengths
- Flourish as an educator
To learn more about today's guests:
https://www.strengthbasedcollective.com/who-we-are
On Instagram: @bmcclure6 @dr.kelsiereed @bestrengthbased
To purchase their wonderful book, Hacking Deficit Thinking: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1956512241?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_DYJT3QA10JMQC4R3KEZ2
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Today, Jen chats with Joelyn Bush, Vice President Marketing and Communications, United Way of Erie County and Sara Musone, United Way Community School Director, Grover Cleveland Elementary. The ladies share what resources and supports are available through Community Schools, how Community Schools came to Erie, the role of the Community School director, upcoming events, and more! According to Ms. Bush: Economic and workforce development implications of the community school model are critical and often overlooked. There is great economic impact our community can realize with an improved public school system. Student success has a direct tie to workforce development. Together with the public schools, United Way hopes to smash poverty, removing the barrier beast that impedes children in need from meeting their full potential.To learn more about the "Barrier Beast":https://www.unitedwayerie.org/our-impact/student-success/community-schools/To meet the Community School Directors:https://www.unitedwayerie.org/learn/the-team/the-team-csds/To Donate:https://www.unitedwayerie.org/csdrive/On Social Media:Instagram: @unitedwayerieFacebook: Grover Cleveland Elementary, A Community School--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jennifer-hunt-roden/support
My guest today is the lovely and inspiring Ms. Sonya Byes. You may know her from hosting the popular “Chatting with Sonya and Friends” on WICU Channel 12, Erie News Now. Sonya’s show features a diverse group of professional women of various talents and backgrounds engaging in real, relevant, and unscripted conversations. Sonya and I chat about her experience with motherhood, how racism impacts mental health, and all of the wonderful resources she shares for our community. Thank you, Sonya, for visiting me for a chat today!
To learn more about Sonya and her show:
https://www.eriereader.com/article/chatting-with-sonya-friends
To watch previously recorded episodes:
https://www.erienewsnow.com/sonya
Follow on Instagram:
@chattingwithsonya
To learn more about the CROWN act and to take action in your state:
https://www.thecrownact.com/email-your-federal-legislator
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Heather Christie Morris and Lee'a Thigpen have created a tremendous community resource. Their business, The Corporate Class - The Pinnacle Leader Program is a four-week personal and career development initiative specifically engineered for young women of color, ages 18-24. Through their unique competency based curriculum, they are able to assist, inspire and support their candidates as they learn new techniques to strategically build and develop their professional capabilities. It is their goal to Coach, Consult, and Connect qualified, competent job ready women with local organizations throughout the city of Erie. They introduce their participants to community leaders for paid positions, volunteer opportunities, and internships. (Excerpted from their website)Today, Ms. Morris and Ms. Thigpen and I discuss their services and upcoming course (starting February 20), their "why", career readiness tips for parents of young girls, thinking about retirement in your 20s, and more! I can't wait to share their vision and support for the future!To learn more about these phenomenal women:https://www.thecorporateclass.com/contact-ushttps://www.radiusco.work/member-list/heather-morris-leea-thigpen@thecorporateclassllc on Facebook and Instagramhttps://linktr.ee/thecorporateclass --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jennifer-hunt-roden/support
What? Your son or daughter decided they want to be vegan, vegetarian, plant based? Or, do they suffer from allergies to milk, meat, fish, or eggs? No matter what you call it, or why your child needs a dietary adjustment, it can be daunting (but fun) learning a new way to cook. Luckily, Erie treasure, Samantha Randall, and her exceptionally handsome golden retriever, Charlie Ryan, are here to help!
Today, Samantha and Charlie come by the studio so she can read her first published children's book: "Charlie Ryan's Greatest Adventure". Samantha has written a beautiful story about her dear Charlie, as he works to save the planet by keeping things clean and being kind. We chat about her charities, and she offers some solid, simple advice for honoring your child's desire to stop eating animals. We talk about substitution ideas for eggs and dairy, and some very simple recipes that will keep your child nourished and happy.
In addition to being an author to TWO children's books, Samantha is the mastermind behind Erie PA's Sundae Vegan Desserts and Sundae Vegan ice cream truck, designs couture fashions at the House of Charlie Ryan, is a social justice activist who supports animals, the undernourished, and the planet. Additionally, since this recording, she has formally announced her second book, and her gourmet vegan ristorante, Sauce, is heavily in the works. There is literally nothing this woman cannot do!
Learn more about Samantha and her empire here:
https://www.eriereader.com/article/eries-40-under-40-class-of-2022/samantha-randall
On Instagram or Facebook: @sundaevegandesserts
On Instagram: @authorsamantharandall @sauceristorante
Please reach out if you need more support if one of your kids decides to adopt a plant-based lifestyle!
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Today, Amanda Duncan and Jenny Marofsky-Poff stop by the studio to talk with Jen about balancing motherhood with work and business, navigating modern problems facing children, self-care without guilt, and more! Finally, the ladies ask Jen some questions about school psychology and who to talk to at the school for different needs. Big shout out to our United Way community schools!
I met both women at Radius CoWork where I record. You can learn more about them here:
https://www.radiusco.work/member-list/amanda-duncan
https://www.radiusco.work/member-list/jenny-poff
https://www.radiusco.work/about
https://www.unitedwayerie.org/our-impact/student-success/community-schools/
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John Roden and Dave Tatar are back this week to punctuate our discussion about band creating a sense of belonging for students, and how band helped both gentlemen and their students heal from grief, trauma, and tragedy. Thank you kindly for listening, please subscribe, rate, download, and write a review on Apple Podcasts if you like what you hear!
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Happy New Year! This week's conversation was so much fun and chock full of great information, I decided to make it into a two part series. My two favorite music teachers, John Roden (my husband) and our friend Dave Tatar talk about the importance of selecting a quality band instrument, how to make practice into play, and how the band room facilitates meaningful relationships for students of all abilities and social status. Everyone deserves to belong, and the band room is one place where the playing field is leveled to include everyone who wants to participate, even if the rest of their school day is a struggle.
Next week, we dig deep about how music and band helped both gentlemen heal from grief and tragedy. You won't want to miss my dynamic conversation with these wonderful teachers!
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This week, Speech/Language Pathologist Casie Lucas-Szumigala and School Psychologist Cathy Davis join Jen in the studio to talk about their specialty: Little Kids! Tantrums, biting, hitting? We have tips galore for behavior and communication with kiddos who have not yet gotten to Kindergarten. We polish it off with some travel tips for holiday trips with toddlers. Even if your kids are older than five, these strategies may still be helpful when reinforcing desired behavior.
In addition to speech pathology, Casie is also the small business owner and Communication Consultant at Click Pragmatics: https://clickpragmatics.com/
https://www.radiusco.work/member-list/casie-lucas-szumigala
If you'd like to browse the resource noted by Cathy: https://challengingbehavior.org/implementation/family-engagement/#collapse2 There is something for anyone, in many languages!
Topics Discussed on this week's episode:
- Reducing throwing, biting, and tantrum behaviors
- Communication with a child during a tantrum
- General routines and boundaries (bedtime, bathtime, TV/Screen time)
- Travel tips
Thank you for tuning in! Please consider leaving a review if you like what you hear:-)
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School Psychology professor, Dr. Ed Snyder from PennWest Edinboro, joins us today to discuss the following listener questions:
-How to help a young child accept that their younger sibling has Autism or other disability
-Best techniques to help a child regulate overwhelm and self doubt
-How to help a teen struggling with anxiety
To find out more about Dr. Snyder or about becoming a school psychologist: https://www.edinboro.edu/academics/majors-and-programs/graduate/school-psychology-eds/index.php
Or @pennwestboroschoolpsych on Instagram
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In this bonus episode of Ask Jen Psych, Jen explores the old Aesop Fable about the Cold Wind and Sun, and compares it to boundary setting over the holidays.Please subscribe, rate, download, and leave a message if you're feeling inspired!--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jennifer-hunt-roden/support
Do you ever have a hard time getting your students or own children to settle down? Seasoned teacher, Dennis Scheuer, stops by the studio to talk about using connections with students to engage appropriate behavior; seeking special education services; and creating a sense of belonging.
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The holidays are almost here, and along with it comes a deviation from routine! School psychologists Shelby Malone and Chris Marz join Jen in the studio to talk about the importance of establishing a routine and mental health. While we recorded this episode in the summer, the topics transfer well to the return from holiday breaks!
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Over the river and through the woods to guilt and shame you go? The holiday season is drawing closer, and it is no secret that this time of year can be a smoldering cauldron of anxiety for many of us. It is normal to feel stressed and overwhelm over the holidays. Setting boundaries may feel uncomfortable, and it may make people upset, but in the long run healthy boundaries are worth it for your well-being!
I have been very encouraged by the positive feedback from episode one of Ask Jen Psych! As a thank you to our supporters, I decided to record some short bonus episodes to pepper in to our biweekly podcast. This is just the beginning of the conversation about boundaries. Every family and every situation is different, so please take that into account before following any advice posed here:-)
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Welcome to the first episode, featuring my dear friend and school psychologist colleague, Stephanie Kalivoda! We recorded this in the summer as I was learning this new platform, but the topics are timeless. Steph and I chat about supporting children as we emerge from the pandemic, self care, and how to navigate discord between parents. Thank you for listening! We are here to support you!
Parents, do you have a question you'd like to ask a certified school psychologist or other professional educator? This form allows you to anonymously submit a question about your child's learning, behavior, or development. If selected, your question will be discussed on air by experienced, certified school psychologists and professional educators. Identifying information, if any, will be protected. By submitting a question, you agree to have it discussed on air.
https://forms.gle/kcCD3UNn7LEQ9P7y6
or
AskJenPsych@gmail.com