Season 3
March 9, 2023 | Episode 17, Season 3

with NCLD Young Adult Leadership Council Alumni
Our first ever LIVE Voices of Compassion Podcast episode - Register today!

February 22, 2023 | Episode 16, Season 3

with Tracy Cavaligos, PsyD and Olivia McDonald, PsyD
A 2022 Pew Research Center study revealed that nearly 80% of 13-17 year-olds check at least one social media feed at least hourly, and over a third said they did so “almost constantly.” How can we develop healthy social media practices that support, not hinder, our mental health? In today’s podcast episode, CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services experts Dr. Tracy Cavaligos, Licensed Psychologist and Dr. Olivia McDonald, Psychology Postdoctoral Fellow, talk about how to manage social media’s influence and develop skills to check-in with and take care of ourselves.
February 22, 2023 | Episode 15, Season 3

with Krislyn Li Conklin, MA and Kaila Sugiyama, MA, LMFT
Today’s episode was developed in response to a request from our partners at Palo Alto Unified School District…and while it’s great for all listeners, is intended especially for teachers! Increasingly, educators are being asked to manage not just the academic and social-emotional wellbeing of their students, but also address mental health challenges and learning differences in the classroom. We know it’s not possible to do it all, but today’s podcast episode shares some structures and strategies to support struggling students and promote a safe, positive learning environment for all. In addition to tips and takeaways, CHC’s Esther B. Clark (EBC) Schools staff Krislyn Conklin, MA and Kaila Sugiyama, MA, LMFT, remind teachers that “recognizing your own humanity in all of this is the most important.”
February 14, 2023 | Episode 14, Season 3

with Sharmila Roy, PhD
In honor of Valentine’s Day, today’s podcast is all about pursuing what you love. While it’s never too late to follow your dreams, we hope you’ll share this inspiring episode with the young adults in your life! We have all heard the phrase, “find a job you love, and you’ll never work another day in your life.” But is it really possible? Do we have to choose between happiness and a living wage? What if we’re still figuring out what fulfills us? While “pursuing your passion” may not be as easy as it sounds, Dr. Sharmila Roy, Special Projects Consultant at The Schwab Learning Center at CHC shares her sage advice in this special episode. “Explore yourself and give time to finding out what you love, then life will love you back.”
January 30, 2023 | Episode 13, Season 3

with Melina Foden, PsyD and Atira Roberson
Navigating learning and mental health challenges is difficult; adding racial and ethnic diversity to the mix can magnify the inequities and complexities of the journey. In today’s podcast episode we talk with Dr. Melina Foden, licensed clinical psychologist at CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services and Atira Roberson, a full-time learning disabilities advocate who proudly proclaims, “I'm black, I'm female, and I have a learning disability.” Our guest host is my CHC colleague, Natalie Tamburello, who has dyslexia and has invested the past several years advocating for young adults with learning differences. The conversation delves into diagnosis, accommodations, stigma and resilience.
January 17, 2023 | Episode 12, Season 3

with Erin Hoolihan, PsyD and Kimberly Yu, MS
We are all different, and we know that not every child fits into a specific category. Is your child struggling with learning or behavioral outbursts? Your child is not broken and you are not a bad parent. One helpful tool may be getting your child evaluated. An evaluation is not about labeling, but providing useful information and practical insights on strengths and weaknesses so your child can thrive throughout their lifespan. Listen to today’s episode featuring CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services experts Dr. Erin Hoolihan, Licensed Psychologist and Kimberly Yu, Doctoral Psychology Intern.
January 3, 2023 | Episode 11, Season 3

with Joan Baran, PhD and Meghan Collins, MS, MPhil
Self-advocacy is more than speaking up for yourself--it’s about self-awareness, understanding our needs and clear communication. It’s about asking for what we want and need, but not demanding it. In today’s podcast episode, CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services experts Joan Baran, PhD, licensed clinical psychologist and Meghan Collins, MS, MPhil, doctoral psychology intern share strategies for parents and caregivers to model and build self-advocacy skills, independence and confidence in our kids.
December 12, 2022 | Episode 10, Season 3

with Nicole Ofiesh, PhD
Many twice exceptional (2e) children feel different, like they just don’t fit in, and can be more susceptible to mental health challenges. They may feel isolated from their peers because of their giftedness and their neurodiversity, whether it be autism, learning differences, ADHD, anxiety or otherwise. Some live with the constant feeling that they are not living up to their ‘gifted’ potential, or feel the weight of the world on their shoulders. With this in mind, how can parents, caregivers and educators effectively support 2e children? Join us for today’s podcast episode as we talk with Christine Pearston, PsyD, licensed clinical psychologist at CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services, who suggests we start by looking at the whole child — strengths, interests and challenges alike.
December 5, 2022 | Episode 9, Season 3

with Christine Pearston, PsyD
Many twice exceptional (2e) children feel different, like they just don’t fit in, and can be more susceptible to mental health challenges. They may feel isolated from their peers because of their giftedness and their neurodiversity, whether it be autism, learning differences, ADHD, anxiety or otherwise. Some live with the constant feeling that they are not living up to their ‘gifted’ potential, or feel the weight of the world on their shoulders. With this in mind, how can parents, caregivers and educators effectively support 2e children? Join us for today’s podcast episode as we talk with Christine Pearston, PsyD, licensed clinical psychologist at CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services, who suggests we start by looking at the whole child — strengths, interests and challenges alike.
November 14, 2022 | Episode 8, Season 3

with Chris Harris, MEd and Miki Walker
Most kids complain about school sometimes. But if your child’s gripes come almost daily and they are begging you not to go to school at all, you might be wondering if there’s something deeper going on. Are they falling behind? Not making friends? Does the pace of instruction leave them feeling lost and confused? If feedback from parent/teacher conferences validates your concerns, perhaps it’s time to consider a different type of school environment. Join us for this timely conversation with CHC education experts, Chris Harris, MEd, Chief Schools Officer and Miki Walker, Director of Sand Hill School, as we discuss the many different types of specialized schools and how to know whether to make the change for your child.
November 2, 2022 | Episode 7, Season 3

with Leeanne Merritt, LCSW and Karen Moos, LCSW
Emotional regulation is the ability to control our emotional state so that it matches the situation at-hand. It is not something we are born knowing how to do, but rather we learn over time. How can we teach our kids to respond to various situations appropriately, even if it means behaving on the outside differently than they are feeling on the inside? In today’s podcast episode, CHC Licensed Clinical Social Workers Leeanne Merritt and Karen Moos share strategies for helping our kids and teens develop critical emotional regulation skills. Hint: it’s not about jumping in and trying to solve or make those feelings change or go away. “Sometimes,” says Karen, “they just need to sit with the feeling and eventually figure out how to regulate themselves.
October 11, 2022 | Episode 6, Season 3
with Eric Loughhead, LMFT and Jensi Gise, MA
Sleep. We all need it and yet most of us don’t get enough of it. Did you know that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 9-12 hours per night for younger kids and 8-10 hours for teens? It’s hard to fit everything in––from school work and sports to social lives and screens. But the importance of sleep on our physical and mental health cannot be understated. Tune into today’s podcast episode to hear from CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services experts Eric Loughhead, LMFT and Jensi Gise, MA as they share the science and strategies behind a good night’s sleep.
October 5, 2022 | Episode 5, Season 3
with Audrey Schield, ASW
Almost every day it seems that we are exposed to various acts of violence — school shootings, war, terrorism and more. As a result, our kids can end up feeling confused, frightened and unsafe. How can we validate those feelings while providing comfort to our kids? How do we encourage them to ask questions, even if we may not have all the answers? Should we wait until they come to us or bring it up ourselves? In today’s podcast episode, we talk with Audrey Schield, bilingual Associate Social Worker at CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services, as she shares strategies for crafting developmentally appropriate conversations with your kids about violence.
September 21, 2022 | Episode 4, Season 3

with George Alex Lazo, PsyD
In honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we continue our coverage of this complex topic in our Voices of Compassion podcast series with a brand new episode. For youth ages 10-24, suicide is the second leading cause of death in the US. It is complicated, tragic and often preventable: knowing the warning signs can help save lives. Join us for a conversation with Jennifer Leydecker, LMFT, Clinical Program Manager at CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services, who works with high-risk teens every day in our RISE Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Jennifer shares expert advice on how to talk about emotions with your child or teen, where to find resources and support, and warning signs and protective factors for suicide.
September 19, 2022 | Episode 3, Season 3

with George Alex Lazo, PsyD
Nearly half of Americans report feeling left out or alone, and over two-thirds of teens report being lonely. Research shows that loneliness and social isolation are twice as harmful to physical and mental health as obesity. But did you know that even just one friend can be enough? Tune in to today’s episode as we talk with Dr. George “Alex” Lazo, licensed clinical psychologist at CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services, about the difference between being alone and lonely, how to build tolerance in our kids and the importance of “checking in.”
September 19, 2022 | Episode 2, Season 3

with Jody M. Miller, EdD, BCBA
School avoidance has become a major issue, exacerbated by long periods of distance learning and isolation. What causes school avoidance? How does it show up in kids and how can parents effectively support their children in getting back to the classroom? In today’s conversation with Dr. Jody Miller, Head of Esther B. Clark Schools at CHC, we learn that by identifying the motivating factors for kids to want to go to school, we can better understand and address the anxiety around their absence. Dr. Miller is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and has spent her career working with students who struggle to participate in typical classroom settings.
September 14, 2022 | Episode 1, Season 3

with Christopher Harris, MEd
Social-emotional health is fundamental to life and learning: in fact, research shows that it is a greater predictor of academic success than IQ. As our kids head back to school, we are mindful of what they have been through in the past few years and the youth mental health crisis in our midst. How can we as parents best support our children’s social-emotional wellbeing at home and in the classroom? CHC’s Chief Education Officer, Chris Harris, MEd shares timely tips in today’s podcast episode.