When parents are overwhelmed, stressed, or running on empty, it does not just affect them. It impacts the entire family dynamic. In this episode of More Than Words: Treating the Whole Child, we sit down with therapist Stephanie Kaiser to talk about a topic that often gets overlooked: parent mental health.

Instead of focusing only on strategies for children, this conversation shifts the lens back to the parent. Stephanie shares why taking care of your own mental health is one of the most powerful ways to support your child’s emotional development, behavior, and overall well-being. We also break down what therapy actually looks like, how change happens, and where parents can realistically start.

If you have ever felt burnt out, reactive, or unsure how to better support your child, this episode offers both reassurance and practical next steps.

• Why parent mental health directly impacts child behavior and development
• How stress and burnout show up in parenting moments
• What actually happens in therapy and how it creates change
• Common patterns parents fall into without realizing it
• How to respond differently when you feel overwhelmed
• Realistic ways to start prioritizing your mental health
• The connection between self-regulation and your child’s regulation
• A simple mindset shift that can reduce stress at home

Stephanie Kaiser is a psychotherapist who works with adults, with a focus on supporting parents as they navigate stress, emotional regulation, and personal growth. Drawing from her background in child and adolescent mental health, she helps parents better understand how their own experiences, habits, and emotional patterns influence their children. Stephanie is passionate about making therapy feel accessible and helping families create healthier, more supportive environments by starting with the parent.

If this episode helped you see your role as a parent in a new way, please subscribe, rate, and review on your podcast platform. It helps other parents and educators find support and practical tools.

• Mid-Atlantic Psychotherapy: https://midatlanticpsychotherapy.com/
• RLLC's Website: http://www.readingllcenter.com
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/readingllcenter
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/readingllcenter
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWlbl8Ea8DJFADaNU9ZK1Vw
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-reading-and-language-learning-center

In this episode of More Than Words, we take a closer look at what actually happens during an AAC evaluation and why it is much more than choosing a device. Speech-language pathologist Carleton Levert walks us through the full process, from initial referrals and case review to device trials, observations, and recommendations.

We also explore what makes AAC successful in real life, including team collaboration, personalization, and ongoing support. Along the way, Carleton addresses common myths that can delay access to AAC and shares practical ways families and professionals can better support communication across environments.

• What an AAC evaluation looks like from start to finish
• Why AAC evaluation includes language, motor access, vision, hearing, and environment
• The role of device trials in finding the right communication system
• How collaboration with OTs, teachers, and caregivers supports success
• Red flags that an AAC system is not truly being used or supported
• Why personalization and buy-in are essential for meaningful communication
• How AAC support should evolve as a child grows and changes
• Common myths about AAC, including funding, readiness, and perceived ability

Carleton P. Levert, M.S., CCC-SLP is a licensed speech-language pathologist based in Washington, D.C. He is the founder of We Ask Speech, where he provides speech-language therapy and AAC services across school, clinic, and community-based settings. Carleton works with individuals across the lifespan and is especially passionate about functional communication and real-world application of AAC. His approach emphasizes collaboration, personalization, and empowering individuals to communicate across environments. Outside of his clinical work, he values community-based care and creative ways to support communication in everyday life.

• Carleton’s Website: https://weaskspeech.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/we_ask_speech/
• DC Assistive Technology Program: https://odr.dc.gov/page/assistive-technology-resources

If this episode helped you see your child’s communication, learning, or behavior in a new light, please subscribe, rate, and review on your podcast platform. Your support helps other parents, educators, and clinicians find tools and conversations that make daily life a little easier.

To learn more about services, resources, and upcoming programs, visit us online and connect with us on social media:

• Website: http://www.readingllcenter.com
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• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/readingllcenter
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWlbl8Ea8DJFADaNU9ZK1Vw
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-reading-and-language-learning-center

Psychoeducational evaluations can sound intimidating for families, but they are designed to do something very important: help us understand how a child learns. In this episode of More Than Words: Treating the Whole Child, host Tristen speaks with licensed school psychologist Megan Davis about what psychoeducational evaluations really are and how they help uncover the strengths and challenges that shape a child’s learning experience.

Megan explains how these evaluations look at the whole child by examining cognitive skills, academic performance, executive functioning, and social-emotional development. She also walks through what parents and children can expect during the evaluation process, how private evaluations differ from school-based testing, and when it might be the right time to consider an evaluation.

If you have ever wondered whether your child might benefit from an evaluation or felt unsure about what the process involves, this conversation helps remove the mystery. Megan reframes evaluations as a tool for understanding and advocacy, giving families a clearer path forward to help their child thrive.

🔎 What a psychoeducational evaluation is and the questions it helps answer about a child’s learning

🧠 The different components of an evaluation, including cognitive, academic, executive functioning, and social-emotional assessments

👪 What parents and children can expect during the evaluation process from intake to feedback

📊 Signs that it may be time to consider an evaluation for your child

🏫 How private psychoeducational evaluations differ from school-based evaluations

📚 How evaluation results can help families advocate for support at school, in therapy, and at home

💡 Why diagnoses are not about labeling children but about creating clarity and access to the right supports

Megan Davis, Licensed School Psychologist, is the co-owner of Counseling and Assessment Practice of Fairfax (CAP Fairfax). She has over 20 years of experience in school psychology, including 15 years working in public schools before transitioning into private practice. Megan specializes in comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations that help families better understand how their children learn and what supports will help them succeed.

In addition to her clinical work, Megan supervises graduate students at George Mason University, helping train the next generation of school psychologists. Her work focuses on providing clear, practical insights that help families navigate complex educational and developmental systems while supporting each child’s unique strengths.

Counseling and Assessment Practice of Fairfax Website: https://capfairfax.com

Social Media Instagram: @capfairfax Facebook: @capfairfax

More Than Words is brought to you by The Reading & Language Learning Center, where we believe in treating the whole child.

Website: https://www.readingllcenter.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/readingllcenter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readingllcenter YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWlbl8Ea8DJFADaNU9ZK1Vw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-reading-and-language-learning-center

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast so more families can find these conversations and resources.