Episode 8: Navigating School Supports: IEPs, 504 Plans, and Advocacy with Taiisha Calbert-Foster, PhD
In this episode of 'Tuning into Development,' host Kassie Allison and Dr. Taiisha Calbert-Foster, a school psychologist, discuss comprehensive strategies to support students in the academic setting. They delve into the processes of 504 plans, IEPs, and student and parent rights. The conversation covers how to identify and address different student needs through classroom monitoring, building-level referrals, and comprehensive assessments, and what parents can do to advocate for their children's educational needs.
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Episode 7: Navigating Complex Feeding Challenges: From Picky Eating to Tube Feeding, with Karen Dilfer, MS, OTR/L, and Savannah Sunvold, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC
In this episode of 'Tuning into Development,' host Kassie Allison delves deep into a variety of feeding issues with guest experts Karen Dilfer, an occupational therapist, and Savannah Sunvold, a speech-language pathologist. Both guests provide insights on feeding therapy assessment and intervention practices. Karen shares her experience as a 'Get Permission' clinician, emphasizing a child-led, parent-supported approach. Savannah discusses medically complex eaters, and issues like aspiration, swallow studies, and feeding tubes. The episode concludes with resources and support recommendations for families dealing with feeding issues.
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Episode 6: Exploring the Magic of Play, from Development to Dinosaurs, with Rachel Ottley, OTR/L and Rebecca Berg, OTR/L, IMH-E
In this episode of 'Tuning into Development,' host Kassie Allison explores the significance of play in children's development with guests Rachel Ottley and Rebecca Berg. Rachel and Kassie discuss how play encompasses various developmental aspects such as motor skills, sensory processing, and social interaction. The episode also highlights different play types, addressing misconceptions and offering strategies for therapists and parents to foster playful interactions. Additionally, Rebecca Berg shares her family's unique tradition of 'Dino-vember,' showcasing how whimsical practices can nurture creativity and family bonding. The conversation underscores the fundamental role of play in fostering joy, safety, developmental progress, and meaningful connection between children and caregivers.
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Episode 5: Aggressive Behaviors and Building Safety with Gilbert Foley, EdD, IMH-E and Linda Cervenka, MA, CCC-SLP
In this episode of Tuning In to Development, host and pediatric occupational therapist Kassie Allison teams up with developmental experts Gilbert Foley, EdD, IMH-E and Linda Cervenka, MA, CCC-SLP to explore what aggression really is, what it reveals about a child’s internal state, and how caregivers and professionals can respond effectively. We discuss prevention strategies, how to support children in the heat of the moment, and ways to help repair and recover afterward. Emphasizing that aggression is often a response to sensory overload, dysregulation, and misperceived threat, we highlight the importance of creating felt safety, practicing empathy, and using co-regulation. This episode offers practical guidance to support children through challenging behaviors by focusing on connection, self-regulation, and safety.
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Episode 4: Hope-Filled Evaluations and the Hidden Roots of Behavior with Dr. Ricki Robinson - Part 2
In this episode of Tuning In to Development, host Kassie Allison continues her rich conversation with Dr. Ricki Robinson about the powerful role of hope in supporting children with developmental differences. Together, they explore how medical issues can sometimes present as behavioral challenges and the importance of clinicians acting as detectives when a child’s behavior shifts unexpectedly.
Kassie and Dr. Robinson share their thoughtful, relationship-centered approaches to intake and assessment. Both clinicians highlight how their processes were developed over years of experience, with a shared foundation: deeply understanding the child and giving the family hope.
Filled with real-world examples and grounded insights, this episode is a must-listen for parents, professionals, and anyone supporting children. At its core is a shared message: when we slow down, listen deeply, and build strong relationships, we lay the foundation for clarity, hope, and lasting impact.
Join Profectum’s Kassie Allison on a journey into the transformative world of development through the lens of the DIR® model. Together, we’ll unpack key insights, share practical strategies, and explore the latest research—all while keeping the focus on connection, growth, and potential for individuals and families.
Along the way, we’ll chat with some truly inspiring guests, bringing you valuable perspectives and real-world experiences. Whether you’re a parent, professional, or simply curious about development across the lifespan, this is the place for you!
South Africa