In this episode of More Than Words: Treating the Whole Child, Tristen sits down with Dr. Elizabeth (Lisa) Bennett, clinical psychologist at MindWell Psychology, to explore why many children with ADHD thrive when their days include intentional structure, movement, and supportive scheduling.

Dr. Bennett explains ADHD in accessible language—describing executive function as the brain’s “manager” and using memorable analogies to illustrate both hyperactive and inattentive presentations. Together, she and Tristen unpack the phrase “keep ’em busy,” revealing its neurological basis and how movement, motor activity, and the right “gear” help children regulate and succeed.

The conversation also explores research supporting structured activities, including the well-known Iceland Model, which demonstrated dramatic improvements in teen outcomes when communities increased access to supervised extracurriculars. Dr. Bennett and Tristen discuss what this means for younger children, particularly those with ADHD who benefit from consistent, growth-promoting routines.

Blending research, clinical expertise, and personal reflection—including Dr. Bennett’s experience raising a highly active child—this episode offers compassionate, realistic tools for parents seeking balance between structure and overscheduling, as well as thoughtful guidance for families hesitant about ADHD medication.

• What ADHD truly is and why executive function can be thought of as the brain’s “conductor”
• How understanding your child’s “gear” helps you match activities to their energy and attention needs
• The benefits of structured, supervised activities for children’s regulation, mental health, and safety
• How movement-based programs like Taekwondo, swimming, drumming, and performing arts build confidence and focus
• What research tells us about overscheduling vs. healthy involvement
• How parents can identify signs of burnout or overwhelm when schedules become too demanding
• A compassionate framework for thinking about ADHD medication options
• What to do when the “perfect” schedule falls apart — and how those moments still support growth

Dr. Elizabeth (Lisa) Bennett is a licensed clinical psychologist at MindWell Psychology in Chantilly, Virginia. With a professional background that spans preschool education, school psychology, and clinical psychology, she brings a holistic, whole-child perspective to her work with children and adolescents. Dr. Bennett specializes in ADHD, emotional regulation, developmental support, and helping families understand the individualized needs and strengths of their children. Known for her clear analogies and compassionate approach, she empowers families to create structure, balance, and routines that support healthy development.

MindWell Psychology: https://mindwell.us

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The Reading & Language Learning Center

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In this episode of More Than Words, Tristen sits down with Kellie Boyle, LPC, founder of Reprocess Therapy, to talk about two powerful, brain-based therapies: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Brainspotting.

Kellie explains how both methods help children with learning challenges, ADHD, or anxiety quiet the “negative noise,” process early experiences, and build more confident, flexible thinking. She also shares insights on how parents’ own emotions can shape their child’s growth and how staying regulated and self-aware can make all the difference.

• What EMDR and Brainspotting are, and how they work in the brain
• How these therapies help kids reprocess negative self-beliefs
• Signs a child might benefit from EMDR or Brainspotting
• The unique needs of kids and teens with ADHD or learning differences
• How parent anxiety and self-talk can impact a child’s progress
• What a brain-based therapy session looks and feels like for kids
• How parents and professionals can work together to support whole-child growth

Kellie Boyle, LPC, is a licensed therapist and founder of Reprocess Therapy, where she specializes in EMDR and Brainspotting for children, teens, and parents. Her work focuses on helping clients release stuck emotions, reframe negative self-beliefs, and develop clearer, more confident thinking. Kellie frequently supports children with ADHD and learning differences and brings personal insight as a parent of a child diagnosed with Childhood Apraxia of Speech. She’s passionate about helping families move from reactivity to resilience, one reprocessed thought at a time.

Kellie’s Practice, Reprocess Therapy: https://www.reprocesstherapy.com/

Kellie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reprocess_therapy/

Kellie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-boyle-41aa156/

• RLLC’s Website: http://www.readingllcenter.com
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/readingllcenter
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• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWlbl8Ea8DJFADaNU9ZK1Vw
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-reading-and-language-learning-center

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In this episode of More Than Words, host Tristen talks with Susan Danker, co-owner of the Reading and Language Learning Center (RLLC) and co-creator of the Sounds2Print™ Reading Program, which was recently accredited by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA).

Susan shares why dyslexia is fundamentally a language-based learning difference, not just a reading issue and how a strong foundation in oral language sets the stage for reading and writing success. Together, they explore what dyslexia looks like long before a child ever begins reading, why speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are uniquely qualified to serve as reading specialists, and how addressing language first is essential for effective literacy intervention.

Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of how phonological awareness, vocabulary, and syntax all contribute to reading development and why “language is the soil that reading grows in.”

Topics Covered:

• What dyslexia is and how it affects the brain’s processing of language and print
• Early signs of dyslexia in preschool-aged children
• The critical role of oral language—vocabulary, grammar, and listening—in reading success
• Why speech-language pathologists make exceptional reading specialists
• The importance of phonological awareness as the bridge to literacy
• When children need to strengthen receptive and expressive language before formal reading instruction
• How articulation challenges differ from spelling and decoding difficulties
• Explaining to parents why “strengthening language first” leads to better reading outcomes
• The Sounds2Print™ multisensory reading program and its recent IDA accreditation

About the Guest:

Susan Danker, M.S., CCC-SLP, is the co-owner and co-founder of the Reading and Language Learning Center (RLLC) and co-creator of the Sounds2Print™ Reading Program, recently accredited by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA).

A certified speech-language pathologist with more than two decades of experience, Susan specializes in helping children with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences build strong foundations in both oral and written language. At RLLC, she has pioneered approaches that integrate speech-language pathology with structured literacy instruction, empowering SLPs to take the lead in reading intervention.

Susan is passionate about helping professionals and families understand that reading grows out of language and that when we strengthen language first, we give children the foundation they need to become confident, capable readers.

Resources Mentioned:

• International Dyslexia Association – Definition of Dyslexia
• Reading and Language Learning Center
• Sounds2Print™ Reading Program

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• Website: http://www.readingllcenter.com
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In this episode of More Than Words: Treating the Whole Child, host Tristen Davenport speaks with Dr. Lauren Buford, President and CEO of The KCB Play Institute in West Springfield, VA. Dr. Buford is an expert in helping neurodivergent children — especially those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) — develop communication skills that empower them in everyday life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• What is Co-Treatment in Speech Therapy?
• How professionals from different disciplines collaborate for better outcomes
• Whether providers must work within the same practice for co-treatment to work
• The top benefits of co-treatment for children with speech and language challenges
• Signs that a child may be a good candidate for co-treatment
• A behind-the-scenes look at a typical co-treatment session
• Real-world success stories from Dr. Buford’s clinical practice

About Dr. Lauren Buford

Dr. Lauren Buford is a nationally certified, state-licensed pediatric speech-language pathologist passionate about helping children with autism and communication disorders. She has extensive experience in speech sound disorders, expressive/receptive language development, and social-pragmatic skills.

After earning her undergraduate degree from Hampton University and a master’s from Howard University, Dr. Buford completed her Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology at Northwestern University. Her doctoral work focused on family-centered care and shared decision-making for children with ASD.

She is deeply committed to reducing health disparities in communication disorder treatment, advocating for policy changes, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to “find their voice.” When not working, Dr. Buford enjoys family travel, historical documentaries, and time with her pug, Sasha.

Resources & Links Mentioned

• The KCB Play Institute
• Dr. Lauren Buford’s Website
• Instagram: @dr.talkback

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In today’s episode, we’re talking to Certified Mental Performance Consultant® (CMPC), Brendan Danker, about the essential topic of Building Mental Toughness in Athletics and beyond. We discuss the significance of mental toughness for young athletes and explore effective training methods to enhance it. Brendan shares insights on fostering sport confidence, overcoming self-doubt, managing nerves during competition, and the vital role of parents and coaches in supporting young athletes. Tune in for valuable strategies and advice that can help athletes thrive both on and off the field! Today we will answer these questions:

• Can you explain what mental toughness is and why it’s important for young athletes?
• Is mental toughness something that can be trained? If so, what are some effective methods?
• What are some key factors that contribute to building sport confidence in young athletes?
• How can athletes effectively let go of performance setbacks, such as poor performances or mistakes?
• What advice do you have for overcoming self-doubt and judgmental thinking in high-pressure situations?
• Can you share strategies for controlling nerves before and during competitions?
• How can parents and coaches support young athletes in developing mental skills for performance?
• In your experience, what are some common misconceptions about mental toughness among young athletes?

More about Brendan

Brendan Danker is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant® (CMPC) through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), and is also the founder and head mental coach with Clearmind Performance, LLC. Brendan consults with individuals and teams on the application of evidence-based psychological skills and techniques for optimizing human performance. His clientele consists of athletes, coaches and teams from youth-to-professional levels of sport, as well as high achievers in business and the performing arts.

Prior to establishing Clearmind Performance, LLC in 2016, Brendan coached college basketball and also fulfilled several roles within NCAA Division I student-athlete support services. Additionally, he has seasoned experience as a college instructor, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in sport psychology and sport leadership. Brendan's educational background includes a Master of Education in Sport Administration from Wichita State University (2008) and a Master of Science in Sport Psychology from Miami University (2016).

Brendan has been a featured keynote speaker at several conferences and events on the topics of mental toughness and developing a high performance mindset. He has served as the mental performance coach of four different Ohio High School Athletic Association State Championship Teams. Additionally, Brendan was the recipient of the 2016 Association for Applied Sport Psychology Distinguished Master's Student Practice Award, an international award in recognition of innovation and quality in delivering sport psychology consulting services.

Links and Resources:

• Brendan’s Practice: https://www.clearmindperformance.com/

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In today’s episode, we’re talking to Dr. Leslie Hawkins about ADHD & Dyslexia. Dr. Hawkins is a licensed clinical psychologist in Chantilly, Virginia. She specializes in evaluating and assessing educational/learning difficulties (e.g., dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia), ADHD and executive functioning, and cognitive impairment, as well as psychological and neuropsychological difficulties. Today we will answer these questions:

• What does comorbidity mean?
• Why are ADHD and dyslexia often comorbid?
• What are the signs of this comorbidity?
• Do the symptoms of one overshadow the other, or are they hard to tell apart? Do they share symptoms?
• How does this comorbidity affect a child's life differently than having just one of these conditions?
• How are these conditions treated - separately, together, or is there a combination of approaches?
• How often is this comorbidity diagnosed? Do children usually receive both diagnoses simultaneously, or does one tend to be diagnosed later?

More about Dr. Hawkins

Dr. Hawkins has worked across multiple settings, to include military and veteran hospitals, neuropsychological and rehabilitation clinics, public schools, community health centers, and private practice. Dr. Hawkins’ priority is to provide excellent clinical care in a warm and supportive environment. She works collaboratively with clients to promote personal growth and lasting changes.

Dr. Hawkins’ training has been diverse and has led to specialization in both psychological assessment and psychotherapy. She has expertise helping children, adolescents, and their families obtain a thorough understanding of difficulties related to learning, executive functioning, and attention that are impacting their functioning at school and at home. Dr. Hawkins also has expertise conducting diagnostic evaluations with clients of all ages who may be experiencing changes in mood or behavior. She focuses on tailoring assessments so that clients can gain a thorough understanding of their strengths and weaknesses and receive helpful recommendations moving forward.

Therapeutically, Dr. Hawkins takes an integrative approach to treatment. She is trained in several evidence-based therapies (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Mindfulness) that she implements based on each client’s individual needs. She believes psychotherapy is an empowering experience that focuses on building one’s strengths while also providing relief from current stressors. Dr. Hawkins works with each client to further develop their sense of efficacy over change and enhance their overall well-being.

When she is not working, Dr. Hawkins enjoys spending time with her husband and sons and catching up with friends. Her interests include running, reading, gardening, and spending as much time outdoors as possible.

Links and Resources:

• You can find Dr. Hawkins where she practices at Mindwell Psychology: https://mindwell.us/
• Dr. Hawkins’s email address: drhawkins@mindwell.us

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In today’s episode, we’re talking to Daniela Feldhausen about what happens after a dyslexia diagnosis. Daniela is a reading specialist who owns Kids Up Reading Coaches, a practice of reading and dyslexia tutors. The practice is entirely virtual, meaning students from anywhere can receive their services. Today we will answer these questions:

• What is dyslexia?
• What is the best treatment?
• What should I look for when I am searching for treatment options?
• How long will treatment take?
• Do I tell their school?
• Can I do anything at home to help them?

Links and Resources:

• Daniela’s practice: https://www.kidsupreadingcoaches.com/

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