Ask Jen Psych
By Jennifer Hunt Roden
Ask Jen PsychJan 04, 2024
Marin Cogan: “The School Shooting Generation Grows Up”
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!
Validating Holiday Stressors with Amber Moore
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
Over the River and Through the Woods to Guilt and Shame We Go?
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!
Starting a Ripple of Kindness with Cindy Lair and Cheryl McLaughlin
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
Ryan Hogan: The World's Okayest School Psychologist
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
Athletics and Concussion Managment with Michael Balko
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: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michaelbalkoshow?fbclid=IwAR2xjkbLXTHEsy7etmHCKrLuCpzOPCOHgt2nhYwYil38L0FWUa9OufrWx6U
On Instagram: @themichaelbalkoshow
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/themichaelbalkoshow/
To learn more about brain injury awareness and second impact syndrome:
www.biausa.org/public-affairs/public-awareness/brain-injury-awareness
www.brainsteps.net/default.aspx
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448119/
Dr. Byron McClure and Dr. Kelsie Reed: Hacking Deficit Thinking
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
United Way Community Schools: Removing the Barrier Beast with Joelyn Bush and Sara Musone
To learn more about the "Barrier Beast":
www.unitedwayerie.org/our-impact/student-success/community-schools/
To meet the Community School Directors:
www.unitedwayerie.org/learn/the-team/the-team-csds/
To Donate:
www.unitedwayerie.org/csdrive/
On Social Media:
Instagram: @unitedwayerie
Facebook: Grover Cleveland Elementary, A Community School
Chatting with Sonya Byes
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
The Corporate Class
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:
www.thecorporateclass.com/contact-us
www.radiusco.work/member-list/heather-morris-leea-thigpen
@thecorporateclassllc on Facebook and Instagram
linktr.ee/thecorporateclass
Children's Author Samantha Randall
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:
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!
Mothers talking Motherhood: Amanda Duncan and Jenny Marofsky-Poff
I met both women at Radius CoWork where I record. You can learn more about them here:
www.radiusco.work/member-list/amanda-duncan
www.radiusco.work/member-list/jenny-poff
www.radiusco.work/about
www.unitedwayerie.org/our-impact/student-success/community-schools/
John Roden and Dave Tatar: Band is Healing (2 of 2)
John Roden and Dave Tatar: Band is Belonging (1 of 2)
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!
Casie Lucas-Szumigala and Cathy Davis: Communication before Kindergarten
In addition to speech pathology, Casie is also the small business owner and Communication Consultant at Click Pragmatics: clickpragmatics.com/
www.radiusco.work/member-list/casie-lucas-szumigala
If you'd like to browse the resource noted by Cathy: 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:-)
Dr. Ed Snyder from PennWest Edinboro
-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: www.edinboro.edu/academics/majors-and-programs/graduate/school-psychology-eds/index.php
Or @pennwestboroschoolpsych on Instagram
Holiday Boundaries: Cold North Wind or Warm Sun?
Please subscribe, rate, download, and leave a message if you're feeling inspired!
Dennis Scheuer: Making Connections
Chris Marz and Shelby Malone: Building Routines
Bountiful Boundaries
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:-)
Stephanie Kalivoda: Self Care, Tough Coparenting, and Post-Pandemic Recoup
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!