Episodios

  • Maddie Sober: Finding the Right Mental Health Partner for Your Complex Kid
    Apr 28 2025

    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

    Más Menos
    51 m
  • Michelle Kennedy, LCSW – The Advocate Inside the System: What Social Workers Want Every Parent to Know
    Apr 21 2025

    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

    Más Menos
    37 m
  • Amanda Preston – Parenting 8 Neurodivergent Kids: Advocacy, PDA, and Real-Life Wisdom
    Apr 15 2025

    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

    Más Menos
    36 m
  • Jenna Rowe – Music Therapy for Complex Kids: Confidence, Connection & Communication Through Song
    Apr 7 2025

    In this episode of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle sits down with Jenna Rowe, board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) at Small Talk OC—and one of Drake’s favorite providers. With warmth, insight, and a little melody, Jenna shares how music therapy opens up new ways for complex kids to express themselves, regulate emotions, and build confidence.

    Jenna explains how music therapy differs from music lessons, why songs are so effective for language development, and how families can integrate music into everyday life to support their child’s progress. From co-treating with SLPs to creating personalized “social songbooks,” this episode is packed with real-life stories and actionable takeaways.

    Whether your child is preverbal, navigating behavioral challenges, or just lights up with music—this conversation is a beautiful reminder of how powerful and healing music can be.

    👤 About the Guest

    Jenna Rowe is a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) with a degree in Music Therapy from the University of Kansas. At Small Talk OC, she collaborates with speech-language pathologists to support children with developmental, behavioral, and neurological differences. Jenna has clinical experience in intellectual and developmental disabilities, apraxia, cerebral palsy, TBI, hospice care, and more. She provides adapted music lessons for voice, piano, guitar, ukulele, and percussion, and is trained in the Nordoff-Robbins approach. Her mission is to use music as a bridge to connection, growth, and joyful expression.

    🔗 Connect with Jenna
    Website: www.smalltalkoc.com
    Email: jenna@smalltalkoc.com

    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

    Más Menos
    33 m
  • Jesseca Perez – Real Talk About Speech: Sensory, Connection & Communication That Counts
    Mar 31 2025

    In this episode of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle sits down with Jesseca Perez, a pediatric speech-language pathologist who brings a refreshing, neurodiversity-affirming approach to communication. Jesseca is not only a dedicated SLP at Small Talk OC—she's also one of Drake’s therapists, making this conversation especially personal.

    Together, they explore what authentic speech therapy looks like when sensory needs are honored, communication is viewed as more than just words, and connection leads the way. Jesseca breaks down what parents should look for in a provider, how to build a collaborative team, and why supporting regulation is the first step toward meaningful language development.

    From movement-based sessions to practical strategies parents can start today, this is a must-listen for anyone navigating speech therapy with a complex kid.

    👤 About the Guest
    Jesseca Perez is the Lead Speech-Language Pathologist and Assistant Clinical Director at Small Talk OC, a neurodiversity-affirming private practice in Newport Beach, CA. She specializes in working with autistic children ages 2 through school age and is trained in gestalt language processing, sensory integration, and AAC. Jesseca is passionate about building connection through communication and empowering families to embrace their child’s strengths.

    🔗 Connect with Jesseca
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessecaperezslp
    Email: jcperezslp@gmail.com

    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

    Más Menos
    38 m
  • Elissa Kaustinen – When First Responders Understand: Autism, Law Enforcement & Sensory Support
    Mar 31 2025

    In this powerful episode of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle talks with Elissa Green Kaustinen, the director of the FAST program at CHOC’s Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center—and a former school psychologist and special education administrator—about a groundbreaking collaboration between families and law enforcement.

    Elissa shares how a local partnership with Irvine PD led to post-certified autism trainings for police officers and the development of sensory support bags now carried in patrol cars and ambulances. These tools, designed to reduce stress and increase understanding during emergency interactions, are changing the game for families of neurodivergent kids.

    From real-life bodycam footage to nationwide efforts in Arkansas, Elissa explains how her team is influencing first responder training across the country—and what families can do right now to prepare for the unexpected. Plus, Michelle opens up about her own personal experience navigating a police call involving her son, Drake.

    This is a must-listen for any parent of a complex kid who’s ever asked, “What if this happens to us?”

    👤 About the Guest
    Elissa Green Kaustinen is the director of the Families, Agencies, and Schools Together (FAST) program at the Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center at CHOC. She has over 17 years of experience in public education, serving as both a school psychologist and a special education administrator. Elissa is passionate about inclusive practices, IEP development, and bridging the gap between systems to better support neurodivergent children and their families.

    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

    Más Menos
    46 m
  • Jill Lerman – Redefining Play for Complex Kids
    Mar 31 2025

    In this episode of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle is joined by Jill Lerman—play and parenting coach, early childhood educator, and mom—who believes that every child is capable, curious, and worthy of connection through play.

    Jill and Michelle dive into what it means to let go of perfection and instead create space for sensory-seeking, out-of-the-box, messy, real-life play. Whether it’s a child who breaks every toy or refuses to join an activity, Jill shows how behavior is communication—and how parents can tap into that to support growth and regulation.

    They talk about teacher-parent communication, early intervention, how to approach differences in play, and why play isn’t about outcomes, but about relationships. For parents of complex kids, this is an invitation to reimagine what success looks like, one joyful moment at a time.

    👤 About the Guest
    Jill Lerman is a play and parenting coach, early childhood educator, play expert, and mom to a preschooler. She empowers overwhelmed parents and caretakers to connect and engage with their little ones through simple invitations to play and create—making parenting feel more joyful and manageable. Jill also consults with brands, teaches classes, and runs workshops on play and early childhood development.

    🔗 Follow & Support Jill
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillybeansnyc
    Website: https://www.jillybeansnyc.com
    Playful Parenting Membership: https://jillybeansnyc.thrivecart.com/playful-parenting-membership/
    Free Guide to Independent Play: https://jillybeans-nyc.ck.page/0d7fab4ab9

    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

    Más Menos
    37 m
  • Erin Trier – From Burnout to Balance: How I Learned to Care for Myself While Raising a Complex Kid
    Mar 31 2025

    In this episode of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, host Michelle Choairy sits down with women’s wellness coach and medical mom, Erin Trier, for a candid conversation about what it really looks like to take care of yourself when you’re raising a child with complex needs.

    Erin shares how her own journey—from fitness burnout and hormone imbalance to simple, sustainable self-care—changed everything about how she shows up as a mother, advocate, and coach. Together, they unpack why moms often end up at the bottom of their own to-do list, and how shifting that priority can be the most powerful gift we give our kids.

    This conversation is real, relatable, and filled with refreshing takeaways—especially if you’ve ever felt like “self-care” is just another task you don’t have time for.

    👤 About the Guest

    Erin Trier is a women’s health coach, entrepreneur, podcast host, and mom of four—including one amazing complex kid. With a Master’s in Social Work and certifications in personal training, nutrition, and women’s hormonal health, Erin is the founder of the Empowered in Health Podcast and creator of the EMPOWER Method—a simple, sustainable approach to wellness that helps moms feel energized, aligned, and in control of their own health journeys. Through her personal story and powerful coaching, she’s helping women ditch the burnout and rediscover their strength.

    🔗 Connect with Erin
    Instagram: @erinktrier
    YouTube: @erinktrier
    Podcast: Empowered in Health
    Website: www.erintrier.com
    Freebie: Quick Tips to Optimize Hormones

    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

    Más Menos
    45 m
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