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PODCAST · kids

Mind by Design

by Jana Parker

I’m Jana Parker, a licensed educational psychologist, bringing you interviews with helping professionals in the Bay Area and beyond, so that when you need help, you know where to go. My goal is to connect parents and their kids to the community resources they need to thrive.

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Episodes

  1. Strength-Based Education for Neurodivergent Kids with Young Scholars Academy Founder Sam Young

    In this episode of the Mind by Design Podcast, I sit down with Sam Young, M.Ed., the incredible founder and Head of School at Young Scholars Academy. Sam has built something truly special—a virtual enrichment school designed to help twice-exceptional, gifted, and neurodivergent students feel...

  2. From Classroom Teacher to Literacy Entrepreneur | Turning Passion into Impact with Mohini Pollock

    In this episode of the Mind by Design Podcast, Jana chats with Mohini Pollock, the inspiring founder of Literacy Playground, who shares her journey from classroom teacher to successful entrepreneur. Mohini opens up about what drove her to step away from the traditional education system and create…

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  3. Empowering Neurodiverse Kids | Discussing Brain-Aligned Strategies with Heather Erba

    In this episode of the Mind by Design Podcast, host Jana Parker chats with Heather Erba, co-founder of ConnectEd Developmental Therapies, for a warm and insightful conversation about helping kids thrive—emotionally, socially, and academically. ConnectEd, based in San Jose, has been supporting...

  4. The Future of High School Education | Mind by Design Podcast | Michael Prater | Tessellations School

    In this episode of the Mind by Design podcast, host Jana Parker sits down with Michael Prater, the visionary behind Tessellations High School. Michael shares his story from traditional education spaces to the forefront of educational innovation at this unique school in Cupertino, CA, revealing…

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  5. IEP Support | Mind by Design Podcast | April Rehrig | Rise Educational Advocacy

    Join Jana as she welcomes April Rehrig, a Special Education Advocate, IEP trainer, Parent Coach, and the visionary behind Rise Educational Advocacy. April's passion for empowering families as they work to understand the often overwhelming world of IEPs and 504 plans shines through as she shares…

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  6. The Key to a Brighter Future | Mind by Design Podcast | Harmony King | Key Collective | Mentorship

    Join Jana for this episode of the Mind by Design Podcast as she welcomes Harmony King of the Key Collective. Listen as Harmony shares how this innovative organization is changing lives by offering first-class, personalized support services that cater to clients with a wide range of needs…

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  7. Healing and Hope | DBT | Mind by Design Podcast | Tricia Minarik | Marriage & Family Therapist

    In this episode of the Mind by Design Podcast, Jana is joined by Tricia Minarik, a licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed professional clinical counselor, and the visionary behind the DBT Center of Silicon Valley. Tricia welcomes you into her world of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)…

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  8. A Kaleidoscope of Learning | Mind by Design Podcast | Polly Fry | Educational Therapist | LEP

    Join Jana as she sits down with Polly Fry, an innovative educational therapist and the founder of Kaleidoscope Educational Therapy. Polly shares her transformative journey from concerned parent to pioneering educational therapist offering a unique approach to addressing dyslexia and other…

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  9. School Review: Imagination Lab School

    In today's episode, Jana reviews Imagination Lab school. Jana shares her perspective about ILS, asmall but growing independent school, in its first few years of conception. The Head of School is Chris Bezsylko. ILS is located at the Cubberley Community Center within the Palo Alto School District....

  10. Athena Academy Review: The Licensed Educational Psychologist Perspective

    In today's episode, Jana visits Athena Academy. Jana shares her perspective about Athena Academy, a school in Palo Alto, California, that specializes in teaching students with dyslexia and twice exceptional learners who have strong visual spatial skills. The school takes a holistic approach to...

  11. St. Nicholas Private School Review: The Licensed Educational Psychologist Perspective

    In today's episode, Jana visits St. Nicholas private school in Los Altos Hills. Jana shares her perspective on how St. Nicholas school measures up and why this school might be a good choice for your family. At Mind by Design we work with so many families who have questions about schools…

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  12. School Review: St Christopher School

    In this episode I review St Christopher School in San Jose. Find them at https://www.stchris.us/

  13. School Review: Los Altos Christian School and Touchstone Learning

    I’m really excited to be getting back into podcasting and sharing what I learn from community providers and schools with the community! I had the opportunity to visit Los Altos Christian School and Touchstone Learning and this is a short review of both of those schools. At Mind by Design we work...

  14. Who Doesn’t Love a Laughing Giraffe?

    I was in into this interview with Aaron DeNardo, founder of Laughing Giraffe Therapy, and occupational therapy clinic in San Jose, CA. Visit the website, www.laughinggiraffetherapy.com.

  15. Therapy Works!

    In this episode I interview Yamile Bowman of the Bay Area’s Therapy Works! This is a prominent therapy clinic with offices in Santa Clara and Santa Cruz Counties. To access their services, visit www.mytherapyworks.com or email [email protected]. I can be reached at www.themindbydesign.com…

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  16. Digital Detox Works!

    Interview with Caitlin Hoffman, founder of Academic Coaching Works, Parent Coaching Works, and Digital Detox Works!

  17. Connecting to Tutors: Interview with Chris Bonfilio

    Chris Bonfilio is the Founder/Owner of Connecting to Tutors, a tutor matching service in the Silicon Valley. After working as the Director of Student Services for 10 years with a reputable tutoring company, Chris takes her passion for working with families and has founded her new company…

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  18. Life Coach and Executive Function Coach: Interview with Sandy Reader

    In this episode I chat with Sandy Reader, a Life Coach who specializes in Executive Function Coaching. Sandy's services are virtual and she can support students literally anywhere in the country! Check out her website at https://www.efcoachreader.net/ and don't hesitate to reach out and connect...

  19. Reading Specialists do Exist in Public School!

    There is often a misconception in public education that if a student has problems reading, special education services may be in order. After working in special education for 15 years, I can tell you that if a student can be support in general education, that is ideal. Some people think that…

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  20. Better Health Therapy: Interview with Dr. Danielle

    In this episode, I connect with Dr. Danielle Wischenka, a therapist licensed in both California and Colorado. Dr. Danielle is the founder of Better Health Therapy, and is dedicated to helping children, teens and adults feel better, and develop, improve, and transform all aspects of health. I just...

  21. Transgender School: Interview with Bridget Sampson and Jackie Thornhill

    Check out my interview with Transgender School’s founders, Bridget Sampson and Jackie Thornhill. They are a loving mother and her transgender daughter with a vision of saving lives, keeping families together and making school, work, and all spaces safe for transgender people. Transgender School...

  22. Performance and Mindset Coaching: Interview with Todd Parker

    Check out my first interview of 2021 with none other than MY BROTHER, Todd Parker, Performance and Mindset Coach, Executive Leadership Coach, and College Professor. Todd and I discuss emotional intelligence, developing habits, and perspective as we start the new year. And of course, we throw some...

  23. Pacific Preparatory School and Tutor Corps: interview with Jesse Roselin

    Listen in as I interview Jesse Roselin, Head of School for Pacific Preparatory and Tutor Corps. Pacific Prep is an accredited K12 Online Private School that supports students in-home and virtually, through individualized learning. Tutor Corps supports students through tutoring of all content…

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  24. Methods for Success: Interview with Lorette Keane, Educational Therapist and Dyslexia Specialist

    Lorette Keane is the founder of Methods for Success, an Educational Therapy practice. Lorette specializes in supporting dyslexia but also tutors in other academic areas. Listen in to our conversation about differently-wired learners and support through these unprecedented times of COVID and…

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  25. OnTarget College Consulting: Interview with Jennifer Piercey

    Jennifer Piercey is the founder of OnTarget College Consulting. She helps students explore their academic interests, community engagement, extracurricular activities and what the idea of the “right fit” college means for each student. Then she helps students work their way through the entire...

  26. Launch Learning with Executive Function Coach, Ali Meyers!

    Ali Meyers, Executive Function Coach and Writing Specialist, is the founder of Launch Learning! Ali provides EF coaching for students from middle school through college and also specializes in tutoring for writing as well as college essay writing. Ali is a wealth of information and strategy…

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  27. Individualized Learning with Fusion Academy

    Is your student struggling with traditional school? Fusion Academy is a fully accredited private school offering one-to-one instruction and a robust social experience to students grades 6-12. Listen in to my interview with Aurora Terracina, Director of Outreach, a previous public school teacher…

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  28. Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Jimmie Brown! A therapist ready to bring the greatness out of you.

    Jimmie Brown is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and is as real as it gets. He has been working as a therapist in a school district for 17 years, is a consultant for the community, and has a private practice in Campbell, CA where he helps a range of individuals, children through adults....

  29. A Therapist for the Little’s! (and all other kiddos)

    What a therapeutic treat! Jessica O’Connor is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who loves working with the littles! She sees children in her practice as young as 3! You may not believe that infant mental health or toddler behavior can be helped through counseling, but if you are a parent…

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  30. When to Change the Podcast

    In this free flow of thought episode I use my morning podcast routine as a representation for self-awareness and metacognition. I talk about how this relates to our kids and their executive function skills, and one of the key things we can do as parents to increase their likelihood of becoming...

  31. Look Out for Parallel Learning!

    Viewers, be on the lookout for Parallel Learning! Diana Heldfond and team are developing the first of its kind collaborative platform in a one-stop shop for all things child-centered support. It's like she took the inside of my heart and brain and grew it a million fold! I am thrilled to bring…

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  32. All About NeuroPlay Academics: interview with Lexie Burns

    Lexie Burns, where have you been all my life! I feel like we are long lost kindred spirits! Listen in as Lexie and I discuss academic and executive function needs and supports during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lexie supports students currently in distance learning and hybrid models and her team has...

  33. Screen Addiction: How to support our teens and parents with healthy screen use

    In this interview I talk with Virginie Goldstein, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and founder of Tech Connect Reset. Virginie's passion is coaching parents to improve communication with their teens and promote healthy screen use. In a world where screens are the norm, how do we teach our...

  34. Special Advantage and Denise Carbon: Helping children with special needs and their parents

    What is the Special Advantage? Listen in to my interview with special needs expert, Denise Carbon. Denise specializes in early childhood development, ages 0-5 and with children who have complex medical and special needs. She has been a resource and specialist in the community for over 20 years…

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  35. Should I Have my Child Tested? Demystification of the Psycho-educational Evaluation

    Ever wonder if you should have your child assessed for learning or attentional challenges? Curious about the difference between a psycho-educational and neuropsychological assessment? Are you a parent who really wants to know what's going on with your child but you're unsure of the process and…

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  36. Learning Support for Thriving Minds: Interview with Thriving Minds Learning Center

    Listen in to my interview with Andie Rich and Danielle Morgan of Thriving Minds Learning Center in Campbell, CA. Thriving Minds offers learning support in reading, writing, and math, to students between 1st and 8th grade. All services are provided one on one and tailored to meet the needs of the...

  37. Mindfulness and Heartfulness for Children: Special Education Tutoring and Distance Learning Support

    Diana Psyras is an educational specialist and owner of Learn Mindfully, an academic support center in Campbell, CA. She holds a Master's Degree in special education from Santa Clara University, is trained in the Linda Mood-Bell Seeing Stars program, and is a forever learner (like me!). Diana…

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  38. How to Find Balance while Parenting

    If there is one episode you don't want to miss, it's this one! Listen in to my interview with Caitlin Hoffman of Academic Coaching Works. Her education center in Campbell, CA has a new schedule and a menu of service options, from all day in person support for distance learning to virtual…

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  39. How to Support your Child’s Mental Health during Distance Learning

    Listen in to hear from Melissa Mayes, Executive Director for Teen Therapy Center and Family Therapy Center in San Jose, CA. We discuss critical mental health issues for families and teens during the COVID-19 pandemic, warning signs and when to reach out for help, and how these community resources...

  40. How to Support your Child’s Speech and Language Development!

    Listen in to my interview with Something to Say, speech pathology group, in San Jose, CA. Do you have a youngster who struggles with speech and/or language development? Are you worried that your child may not be talking as much as he should be for his age, able to understand and use language for...

  41. How to Practice Mindfulness Quickly and Easily

    In the heart of 2020 stress, John Lewis Parker (my dad) gives us some nuggets of goodness. He teaches us to practice mindfulness quickly and easily, through our busy days, when you need it most. Share this episode with someone who needs it.

  42. How to Support Attention, Sensory Processing, and Social Skills during Distance Learning

    Listen in to hear from Brittney Weinerth, occupational therapist and owner Almaden Valley Children's Therapy Center, in San Jose, CA. We discuss why a child might need occupational therapy, what it provides, and how to access support from Brittney and the clinicians at her center. Occupational...

  43. How to help your child with dyslexia

    Dyslexia = reading problem. I assess for dyslexia and other learning disabilities in my private practice. In this episode, listen in to hear from Karen Isaacson, Dyslexia Instructor and Master-Certified Barton Reading and Spelling Tutor. Karen is located in California but tutors solely online and...

  44. How to prepare your child for distance learning

    In this episode I talk about how to prepare yourself in your home for distance learning. By following some simple steps you can help both yourself and your children and set your family up for success. Listen in and if you like this episode, please rate and review on your favorite podcast player.…

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  45. How to know when you need a medical professional

    In this episode, Makenzie and I discuss questions like why you would seek out the support of a developmental and behavioral nurse practitioner, how she supports and helps her clients, and some tips and strategies parents can use for themselves and supporting their children. Makenzie works at the...

  46. How to support your child's behavior during distance learning

    Contact Margie for a free consultation at [email protected]. Connect with me at [email protected], my YouTube channel, and my website, www.themindbydesign.com. If you’d like to be a guest on the show, please reach out! Please like, comment, and review this podcast!

  47. How to maintain a positive attitude during distance learning

    We are in this distance learning thing together! We can complain as much as we want but it’s here and it’s happening. The attitude we bring to the next few months is going to set the tone for our own sanity as well as our kids. They need our support, our positivity, and our in-it-to-win-it…

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  48. I Bring to you my Passion Project!

    This is the beginning of EduSwitchboard. I hope you join me on this journey as I bring you tips and tricks for parenting (especially during distance learning) and interviews with community professionals whose passion is to support students and families.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

I’m Jana Parker, a licensed educational psychologist, bringing you interviews with helping professionals in the Bay Area and beyond, so that when you need help, you know where to go. My goal is to connect parents and their kids to the community resources they need to thrive.

HOSTED BY

Jana Parker

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Mind by Design have?

Mind by Design currently has 49 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Mind by Design about?

I’m Jana Parker, a licensed educational psychologist, bringing you interviews with helping professionals in the Bay Area and beyond, so that when you need help, you know where to go. My goal is to connect parents and their kids to the community resources they need to thrive.

How often does Mind by Design release new episodes?

Mind by Design has 49 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Mind by Design?

You can listen to Mind by Design on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Mind by Design?

Mind by Design is created and hosted by Jana Parker.
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