Quirky Catholic Kids: Supporting Parents with Ginny Kochis

Dr. Jaime Madison Vasquez sits down with author and educator Ginny Kochis to explore how Catholic school leaders can better understand and support neurodivergent (“quirky”) students and their families. Drawing from her book, Quirky Catholic Kids, and her work with the Quirky Catholic Kids ministry, Ginny offers practical tools, spiritual insight, and a deeply human perspective on formation.What We Cover* What neurodivergence is and how it shows up in student behavior* Why behaviors like meltdowns and stimming are forms of communication, not defiance* How to distinguish between disciplinary and developmental needs in students* Practical strategies for supporting emotional regulation and learning differences in the classroom* How educators can better partner with and support parents on the journey of diagnosis and acceptanceChapters* 00:00: Introduction and Background* 04:03: Rethinking the Purpose of Education* 06:40: Understanding Neurodivergence* 10:22: Behavior as Communication* 14:21: Discipline vs. Development* 21:10: Responsibility, Reason, and Excuse* 24:08: The Parent Experience and Comparison* 28:15: Identity, Parenting, and Self-Discovery* 33:29: Partnering with Parents* 33:29: Grief, Denial, and Diagnosis* 42:05: Saints and “Quirky” Holiness* 47:27: Practical Classroom Strategies & Q&AQ&A* How can teachers balance discipline with developmental understanding in situations like aggression or defiance?* What are effective ways to describe concerning patterns to parents without overwhelming or alienating them?* How should educators respond when families resist evaluation or support services?* What can teachers say (or not say) in the middle of a meltdown or escalation?* How do you talk to other parents and students about neurodivergent behaviors while respecting privacy?Email [email protected] or reply to the newsletter to submit a question for a future Q&A Segment.Resources Mentioned* Quirky Catholic Kids: Navigating Neurodivergence with Faith and Joy by Ginny Kochis (Amazon, Bookshop, Abe Books)* Jaime’s book review of Quirky Catholic Kids* Quirky Catholic Kids Website* Emotional Regulation Cards* The Brain God Gave Me: Neurodivergence for Catholic Kids* Executive Function for Catholic Youth: Peace on Purpose* Made for Greatness: Thrive Edition, a Catholic Growth Mindset Survival Guide for Tweens and Teens* A Rule of Life for Catholic Youth: Ora Et LaboraJoin the conversation* Leave a comment and subscribe at familiaris.substack.com* Become a paid subscriber at familiaris.substack.com/subscribePaid subscribers gain access to monthly collaborative office hours. Office hours are hosted on Zoom and are not recorded. Pop in to ask a question, get feedback on what you’re working on with families, hear what other leaders are doing in their schools.Upcoming dates:* Friday, April 10th at 12pm CST* Monday April 27th at 3pm CSTVisit familiaris-consulting.com to learn more about consulting, workshops, and speaking engagementsGod bless!Produced by Saint Kolbe Studios Get full access to Familiaris at familiaris.substack.com/subscribe