In this episode of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle welcomes Madeline "Maddy" Sober, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) who brings deep expertise—and heart—to supporting complex kids and their families.

As Director of Operations and Clinical Supervisor at Mind Health Institute, Orange County, Maddy shares why finding the right mental health professional is critical, what parents should really look for when building their child’s care team, and how to navigate the challenges (and emotions) that often come with it.

Together, Michelle and Maddy dive into the real behind-the-scenes process—what it takes to advocate for your child, why mental health support should extend to the entire family, and how early, individualized intervention can change everything.

This conversation will leave you feeling more equipped, more empowered, and most importantly, less alone on the complex kid journey.

👤 About the Guest:
Madeline "Maddy" Sober is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies, and a Certified CBT Therapist. She provides individual psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and young adults and supervises clinicians at Mind Health Institute, Orange County. Maddy is passionate about tailoring her approach to each child’s unique needs and is active in leadership, advocacy, and research at national, regional, and county levels. She is currently completing a Ph.D. focused on educating and training therapists in child mental health.

🔗 Connect with Maddy:
Website: Mind Health Institute, Orange County
Educational Resources: Mental Health Resources
Instagram: @mhiorangecounty
LinkedIn: Mind Health Institute OC
Facebook: Mind Health Institute OC on Facebook

Listen to this episode and more at
https://wisdom4complexkids.com/complexkidssimplesolutions

🎧 Connect with Michelle:
Website: www.wisdom4complexkids.com
Instagram: @michellechoairy
Join the community: Wisdom 4 Complex Kids Facebook Group

💌 Have a question or want to share your story? Email Michelle at michellechoairy@gmail.com

🧠 Want simple tools that actually work?
Download the free advocacy toolkit: wisdom4complexkids.com/the-ultimate-advocacy-toolkit-pdf

In Episode 8 of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle Choairy sits down with Michelle Kennedy, a licensed clinical social worker who’s spent over a decade navigating pediatric healthcare systems alongside families of medically complex kids. From hospitals to home care, Michelle K. has seen it all—and she’s here to share what really goes on behind the scenes.

They talk about the essential role social workers play in advocating for children, coordinating care, and guiding parents through the emotional and logistical overwhelm of complex diagnoses. If you’ve ever wondered what support is available inside the healthcare system—and how to access it—this episode is your roadmap.

Expect real talk, insider tips, and powerful moments of advocacy you won’t want to miss.

👤 About the Guest
Michelle Kennedy, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with over ten years of experience in healthcare. She specializes in pediatric care for medically complex patients and is deeply committed to improving access, communication, and support for families. Michelle works at the intersection of clinical care and advocacy, helping parents feel confident as they navigate healthcare systems.

🔗 Connect with Michelle Kennedy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msimeskennedy/

Listen to this episode and more at
https://wisdom4complexkids.com/complexkidssimplesolutions

🎧 Connect with Michelle:
Website: www.wisdom4complexkids.com
Instagram: @michellechoairy
Join the community: Wisdom 4 Complex Kids Facebook Group

💌 Have a question or want to share your story? Email Michelle at michellechoairy@gmail.com

🧠 Want simple tools that actually work?
Download the free advocacy toolkit: wisdom4complexkids.com/the-ultimate-advocacy-toolkit-pdf

In this powerful episode of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle sits down with Amanda Preston, a mom to eight neurodivergent children, a late-diagnosed ADHD adult, and a fierce advocate for families navigating complex needs.

Amanda brings a rare blend of personal insight and professional expertise. As a registered social worker, author, and CEO of Deer Creek Family Support & Therapy, she specializes in Autism and PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) and leads a national nonprofit serving foster and adoptive families. Her coaching business, Amanda Preston Co., helps parents feel seen, supported, and equipped to lead their families with compassion and clarity.

Michelle and Amanda dive into what it really looks like to parent multiple neurodivergent kids, how to recognize PDA when typical parenting approaches fall short, and why traditional behavior models often do more harm than good. Amanda shares hard-won wisdom, a refreshing sense of humor, and the belief that thriving is possible—even in the chaos.

This is an episode you’ll want to share with every parent who feels like they’re doing it alone.

👤 About the Guest
Amanda Preston is a mom to eight neurodivergent kids and a late-diagnosed ADHD adult. She’s an author, social worker, founder of a national nonprofit supporting foster/adoptive families, and CEO of Deer Creek Family Support & Therapy, a practice that supports neurodivergent families and specializes in Autism and PDA. Amanda also runs a coaching business offering courses and support for parents through Amanda Preston Co.

🔗 Connect with Amanda
Website: www.amandaprestonco.com
Therapy Practice: www.deercreektherapy.ca
Instagram: @the_neurodivergent_bunch
Instagram: @thefostermomsocialworker

Listen to this episode and more at
https://wisdom4complexkids.com/complexkidssimplesolutions

🎧 Connect with Michelle:
Website: www.wisdom4complexkids.com
Instagram: @michellechoairy
Join the community: Wisdom 4 Complex Kids Facebook Group

💌 Have a question or want to share your story? Email Michelle at michellechoairy@gmail.com

🧠 Want simple tools that actually work?
Download the free advocacy toolkit: wisdom4complexkids.com/the-ultimate-advocacy-toolkit-pdf