The KIND Families Podcast

The Executive Function Junction at Home and in School with Debbie Tipton, M.Ed

Does your child suffer from “Pig Pen Syndrome?” Are you tired of repeating the same instructions over and over with no action? Have you replaced 14 lost water bottles so far this year?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, it is possible your child struggles with Executive Function.  Executive Function deficiencies are common in the KIND community regardless of the diagnosis, and the impact is broad and significant across every aspect of life.
Debbie Tipton has a master’s degree in special education and spent the last 25 years helping kids of all ages with Executive Function at home and in school.  Currently she is an Academic Interventionalist for the Missoula County Public Schools.
As a KIND mom herself, she recognizes that kids with Executive Function problems need understanding but also strategies to overcome the very real hurdles that can impede success.  This conversation will provide clues to uncovering Executive Function challenges, as well as practical strategies to address the potential pitfalls that threaten to derail our kids from the time they wake up until they go to sleep each night.
Check out one of Debbie’s favorite resources for EF tools from Sarah Ward’s 360 Thinking Program, which can be accessed at www.efpractice.com. 
 
Did you hear I have a new book??   Finding KIND: Discovering Hope and Purpose While Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences is available for preorder! Visit www.findingkind.myshopify.com to get your copy today!  Release is scheduled for summer, 2024.
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The Writing is on the Wall with Megan Eldridge of Scribble to Script

Does your child’s writing leave you wishing you had a translator?  Today the KIND Families Podcast welcomes Megan Eldridge, Founder of Scribble 2 Script in Scottsdale, Arizona.  Megan has been an Occupational Therapist in various settings for over 20 years, and founded Scribble 2 Script in 2003.  Her practice provides more than just handwriting help.  Therapists treat both the root cause and the external symptoms of neurological conditions that impair a child’s gross and fine motor function. 
Megan and Kari talk about the signs that should spur parents to seek an evaluation, the tandem treatment of internal and external factors that impact a child’s performance, and much more!Visit www.scribble2script.com to learn more, or click here for a link to schedule an exploratory call.
Did you hear I have a new book?? Finding KIND: Discovering Hope and Purpose While Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences is available for preorder! Visit www.findingkind.myshopify.com to get your copy today!  
Connect with Kari on Instagram
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Visit www.kariabaker.com and www.kindfamilies.com for more content!
Subscribe HERE!
 

ADAPTability: Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace with Amanda Gioia, VP of Mastercard

Amanda Gioia has been an executive with Mastercard for over 23 years, and she has been a KIND mom for almost as long.  Amanda’s son was diagnosed with autism at age two, and while she navigated evaluations, therapies, and IEP meetings, she found support and encouragement from her community at work. 
Her personal and professional lives intersected when her supervisor at Mastercard encouraged her to join another colleague to start the ADAPTability Business Resource Group.  Just eight years after its launch, ADAPT serves over 1,000 Mastercard employees who are neurodiverse, physically disabled, or who are caregivers or allies of those who identify as differently-abled. 
Mastercard utilizes creative hiring and managing processes to produce outcomes that are beneficial for neurodiverse employees and the organization.  You won’t want to miss my conversation with Amanda and her powerful tips on parenting and managing with KIND-ness.
Did you hear I have a new book??   Finding KIND: Discovering Hope and Purpose While Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences is available for preorder! Visit www.findingkind.myshopify.com to get your copy today!  Release is scheduled for summer, 2024.
Connect with Kari on Instagram
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@kariabaker
Visit www.kariabaker.com and www.kindfamilies.com for more content!
Subscribe HERE!

Creating Safe and Welcoming Environments for All Kids with Kim Botto

Kim Botto is a force for good in the KIND world!  Kim’s passion is creating safe, welcoming and fun environments for all kids, especially those who have experienced trauma or who are neurodiverse.  Kim was a children’s and student pastor for decades, and now is a national speaker, author, and trainer for churches and other organizations who want to build inclusive experiences for families. 
Kim is also part of a KIND family!  She has five kids, two who were adopted as adolescents, and ten grandkids, one of whom is a young boy with autism. 
If you know or love a Kid with Invisible Neurological Differences, or any other child dealing with trauma or a disability, you will want to follow Kim on Instagram for daily inspiration, @kimbotto!  Or, you can check out her website at www.kimbotto.com.
Did you hear I have a new book??   Finding KIND: Discovering Hope and Purpose While Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences is available for preorder! Visit www.findingkind.myshopify.com to get your copy today!  

Identifying, Evaluating, and Treating Autism in Children - Part 2 of 2 with Dr. Joe Gentry and Mckenzie Bogardus-Murphy

One of the goals of the KIND Families Podcast is to bring you conversations with experts and advocates you may not otherwise get to hear from in your own KIND journey.  Today we let you listen in on part 2 of a conversation with Dr. Joe Gentry, the founder and CEO of Gentry Pediatric Behavioral Services.  Dr. Gentry is a licensed psychologist, school psychologist and BCBA and has worked with kids with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and a variety of other conditions for over twenty years. 
Joining Dr. Gentry is another KIND mom turned therapist extraordinare , Mckenzie Bogardus-Murphy, who is the Director of ABA at Gentry PBS.  Mckenzie and Dr. Gentry have facilitated positive change in the lives of hundreds, maybe thousands of kids with autism, including my son. 
Continuing last episode's conversation, we discuss recommended therapies if a child is diagnosed with autism.  We address the common misperceptions about ABA therapy, what constitutes helpful versus harmful therapy, and how parents can tell the difference.
You can reach Gentry Pediatric Behavioral Services through their website, www.gentrypbs.com.  Dr. Gentry and his wife Sarah also have a foundation that provides free evaluations and parent liaison services to families in need.  For more information visit The Gentry Foundation for Autism at www.thegentryfoundation.org.
Did you hear I have a new book??   Finding KIND: Discovering Hope and Purpose While Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences is available for preorder! Visit www.findingkind.myshopify.com to get your copy today!  
 
Connect with Kari on Instagram
@kariabaker
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@kariabaker
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@kariabaker
Visit www.kariabaker.com and www.kindfamilies.com for more content!
Subscribe HERE!

Identifying, Evaluating, and Treating Autism in Children - Part 1 of 2 with Dr. Joe Gentry and Mckenzie Bogardus-Murphy

One of the goals of the KIND Families Podcast is to bring you conversations with experts and advocates you may not otherwise get to hear from in your own KIND journey.  Today we let you listen in on a conversation with Dr. Joe Gentry, the founder and CEO of Gentry Pediatric Behavioral Services.  Dr. Gentry is a licensed psychologist, school psychologist and BCBA and has worked with kids with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and a variety of other conditions for over twenty years. 
Joining Dr. Gentry is another KIND mom turned therapist extraordinare , Mckenzie Bogardus-Murphy, who is the Director of ABA at Gentry PBS.  Mckenzie and Dr. Gentry have facilitated positive change in the lives of hundreds, maybe thousands of kids with autism, including my son. 
In part one of our conversation we are introduced to the very personal reasons our guests are passionate about helping KIND kids.  We discuss developmental milestones and delays or signs that may warrant an evaluation by a professional. 
You can reach Gentry Pediatric Behavioral Services through their website, www.gentrypbs.com.  Dr. Gentry and his wife Sarah also have a foundation that provides free evaluations and parent liaison services to families in need.  For more information visit The Gentry Foundation for Autism at www.thegentryfoundation.org. 
Did you hear I have a new book??   Finding KIND: Discovering Hope and Purpose While Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences is available for preorder! Visit www.findingkind.myshopify.com to get your copy today!  
Connect with Kari on Instagram
@kariabaker
Connect with Kari on Facebook
@kariabaker
Connect with Kari on LinkedIn
@kariabaker
Visit www.kariabaker.com and www.kindfamilies.com for more content!
Subscribe HERE!

Thriving In Between with Lori Taylor

When you became a KIND family, did you feel like you had to leave behind the life you knew for a life of uncertainty?  Did you feel stuck in the middle of therapies, evaluations, and school challenges, with no vision of what the future might hold for you and your KIND kid?  How do you not just survive that “in-between” place, but thrive there?
Today’s guest will give us concrete advice on how to posture ourselves during these “liminal” spaces in our lives.  We go in depth on two postures that are woven throughout the KIND journey, Mourning and Pilgrimage.  Tune in to hear actionable steps you can take to approach the unknown in a more healthy, intentional way.
Lori Taylor is the director of Thriving in Between, an organization that supports people facing transitional seasons through education, resources, and coaching.  Lori has a Master’s degree from Fuller Seminary and her Doctorate of Ministry in Spiritual Formation from Azusa Pacific Seminary. 
Visit Lori at www.thrivinginbetween.com, where you can sign up for online coaching or in person retreats.  Lori is also an outdoor educator and adventure guide. Her business, www.mountaintreks.com Mountain Treks, offers adventure trips and retreats for people seeking personal growth, physical challenge, and spiritual renewal.
Did you hear I have a new book??   Finding KIND: Discovering Hope and Purpose While Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences is available for preorder! Visit www.findingkind.myshopify.com to get your copy today!  
Connect with Kari on Instagram
@kariabaker
Connect with Kari on Facebook
@kariabaker
Connect with Kari on LinkedIn
@kariabaker
Visit www.kariabaker.com and www.kindfamilies.com for more content!
Subscribe HERE!

Cultivating KIND-ness with Special Guest Bob Goff!

I am so honored to be joined by the one and only Bob Goff for this heartfelt conversation about KIND parenting, being available to people, dealing with negativity, and more!  Bob is the King of kind, and you won’t want to miss his inspirational message of hope.
In addition to writing numerous New York Times bestsellers, Bob is a speaker, coach, podcaster, and the founder of Love Does, a human rights organization that helps kids around the world find safe places to live and learn.
You can find Bob at www.bobgoff.com, or on socials @bobgoff.   Also check out Love Does at www.lovedoes.org.
Did you hear Bob mention I have a new book??   Finding KIND: Discovering Hope and Purpose While Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences is available for preorder! Visit www.findingkind.myshopify.com to get your copy today!  
Connect with Kari on Instagram
@kariabaker
Connect with Kari on Facebook
@kariabaker
Connect with Kari on LinkedIn
@kariabaker
Visit www.kariabaker.com and www.kindfamilies.com for more content!
Subscribe HERE!

Welcome KIND Families!

Welcome to the KIND Families Podcast!  KIND stands for Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences, and it describes millions of kids around the world who look just like other kids but are considered neurodiverse.  If you know or love a KIND kid, this podcast is for you!