Does your child with special needs struggle with health issues? Or, have you considered making a change from a traditional pediatrician?
There are options special families...and there is hope! Learn about pediatric integrative health care from our guests Dr. Bret and Dr. Renee (Pacific Integrative Pediatric Health, mypiph.com).​

Dr. Bret Gerber MD
I came to Integrative Medicine through a long-time commitment to listening and learning from the needs of my patients. I was first introduced to alternative and complementary medical treatments in my undergraduate work at the University of Michigan. I never forgot learning about chi, chakras, yin and yang energy, and meridians. I experienced forms of energy medicine and mind-body medicine first-hand that at the time were just starting to be studied by the scientific method. I continue to seek out these experiences, practice yoga and am mindful of my dosha and food sensitivities.

Dr. Renee PhD, APRN, CPNP
I have been a pediatric nurse practitioner for over 40 years. I am married to a retired Navy Dentist and raised 2 children and have 5 grandchildren. My husband’s career gave me the opportunity to practice in 8 states and live 3 years in the Philippines where I studied the Faith Healers.  This ignited a lifelong passion to learn about the health care practices of other cultures and some of the many places we have traveled include China, Tibet, Singapore, Russia, South Korea, and India where I have lectured and learned. During these years of practice, I specialized in pediatric dermatology and infectious disease in pediatric primary care. I started 3 private practices including one with a midwife providing home births. I have spent the last 30 years practicing in San Diego while I added teaching, research, and academic administration to my experiences.

Crystal Sanford, M.Ed., M.A. CCC-SLP
Crystal is the president and director of Sanford Autism Consulting (https://www.sdautismhelp.com​), a consulting practice offering IEP advocacy and parent empowerment classes for fellow special needs families throughout the U.S. Crystal specializes in supporting families like her own impacted by Autism, as well as other unique challenges such as learning disabilities and ADHD. To learn more about assistance in advocating for the special education your child deserves, contact Crystal at info@sdautismhelp.com.

Want to schedule a 20-minute FREE consultation with Crystal? Get empowered! ​

Kanika McDougall
Kanika is the mom of two teenage boys on the autism spectrum.  She has been working in the accounting field for 20 years and has a Bachelors of Science of Science in Management Science from UC San Diego.  Kanika received her masters degree in Accounting from Florida Atlantic University in 2010.  Kanika has always enjoyed crafting.  As a young girl she learned how to crochet from her grandmother.  In 2019, Krafts by Kanika (@kraftsbykanika on IG, FB, etsy) was created to provide personalized gifts and cards to the community.

Talena Adams
Talena is the mom of two kids, a girl and a younger son who is on the autism spectrum. Talena has been working for a large public accounting firm for the last 10 years in in the Audit, Resource Management field.  She has her MBA in Business Administration from University of Phoenix with an BS in Criminal Justice from San Jose State University.  Talena is also a dance mom  and very active with her daughter's dance studio.  She loves all things Cricut crafting from making t-shirts, cards and anything to brighten up someone's day.  Talena is in the process of starting her new business (T.E.A. Creations). In her free time, she enjoys running and getting outside with her family.

Crystal Sanford, M.Ed., M.A. CCC-SLP
Crystal is the president and director of Sanford Autism Consulting (https://www.sdautismhelp.com​), a consulting practice offering IEP advocacy and parent empowerment classes for fellow special needs families throughout the U.S. Crystal specializes in supporting families like her own impacted by Autism, as well as other unique challenges such as learning disabilities and ADHD. To learn more about assistance in advocating for the special education your child deserves, contact Crystal at info@sdautismhelp.com.

Want to schedule a 20-minute FREE consultation with Crystal? Get empowered! 

Caregivers need to prioritize themselves in order to better support their loved ones. Learn more from our guest Tim James, coach, speaker, author, and raw food chef. Tim sheds light on powerful tips, such as cleaning our air and bodies from toxins to promote better health for special needs caregivers. You won't want to miss this fun and inspiring episode. ​

Navigating the preschool transition for children with unique needs can be confusing and overwhelming. Learn how to prepare as your child moves from IFSP (early intervention services) to IEP (public school district services). Our guest, special education attorney Seth Schwartz, Esq., shares several helpful tips including knowing relevant timelines and maintaining good documentation as you prepare for your child's first IEP meeting. ​

Helping preschoolers with special needs to learn at home can be quite challenging. But, there is help and hope! Check out our recent discussion with Amy Salazar, BCBA as she shares ways to help your preschool learner thrive. Tips include starting with small tasks, imbedding learning into your existing routing, and rewarding with high-interest items. ​

Learn how to put the fun back into learning for our kiddos with unique needs. Learn from expert Pam Garrity of Triton Support Services as she shares tips for parents and caregivers. Tips include creating colorful visual schedules, building in break time, and piling on the compliments for your learner. ​

Pam Garrity
Pam Garrity is the parent representative and community liaison for Triton Support Services. Her background ranges from being a special education teacher to being the program director and community liaison for an ABA company for many years. Pam feels that parents know their child the best and the entire family can benefit by giving parents tools to support the family.

Crystal Sanford, M.Ed., M.A. CCC-SLP
Crystal is the president and director of Sanford Autism Consulting, a consulting practice offering IEP advocacy and parent empowerment classes for fellow special needs families throughout the U.S. Crystal specializes in supporting families impacted by Autism, as well as other unique challenges such as learning disabilities and ADHD. To learn more about assistance in advocating for the special education your child deserves, contact Crystal at info@sdautismhelp.com. ​

Is your teen struggling to engage in distance learning, hybrid learning, etc.? There is help and there is hope! Learn more from our special guest Kathleen Smith who brings over 25 years of experience supporting teens with IEPs in public schools. Kathleen's tips include reaching out to teachers and asking for 1-1 sessions as needed to better understand your child's assignments. 

Kathleen Smith
Kathleen Smith is a wife and mother who has raised seven children with her husband of 30 years.  She has worked in education for over 25 years as a paraprofessional, supporting children with IEPs of all ages. Kathleen is a huge advocate for a good parent/teacher relationship because she believes it is critical for the success of students. Kathleen is also a seamstress and enjoys home decorating.

Crystal Sanford, M.Ed., M.A. CCC-SLP
Crystal is the president and director of Sanford Autism Consulting, a consulting practice offering IEP advocacy and parent empowerment classes for fellow special needs families throughout the U.S. Crystal specializes in supporting families impacted by Autism, as well as other unique challenges such as learning disabilities and ADHD. To learn more about assistance in advocating for the special education your child deserves, contact Crystal at info@sdautismhelp.com. 

Subscribe. Like. Share

As caregivers of children with unique needs, we often struggle to care for ourselves. This leaves us exhausted, frustrated, etc. Join us in this episode as we discuss hope and help for caregivers with guest, Kelly Haugh, author, business owner, health/wellness coach, and fellow special needs parent.

Kelly Haugh
Kelly Haugh is a Certified Holistic Health and Wellness Coach, Stress Resilience and Mental Wellness Trainer, Nutritional Psychology Practitioner, Certified Life Coach, Speaker, Author, and Mental Health Advocate. She trained at the Health Coach Institute and has served countless clients by working together to relieve their chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and digestive issues. Her personal journey began over twelve years ago with her daughter’s health challenges, including autism and seizures. She later experienced her own health challenges that were rooted in chronic stress. Kelly decided to master the art and science of the gut-brain connection, which leads to transformational and lasting healing. Her clients now experience peace, energy, joy, and enthusiasm for life again!

Kelly’s mission is to inspire others to gain their best health and wellness without all the struggle. She shares her health expertise, including goal-oriented coaching, nutritional knowledge about how to heal the gut and optimize the gut-brain connection, and guidance on how to truly nourish the body, mind, and spirit for healing. She empowers her clients to use tools such as meditation, breathing techniques, body scans, and grounding. She is an avid hiker; she loves horses, nature, and spending time with her family; and she regularly participates in 5K races. Kelly lives in Westminster, Colorado. Connect with Kelly: Mindyourgutbook.com

Crystal Sanford, M.Ed., M.A. CCC-SLP
Crystal is the president and director of Sanford Autism Consulting, a consulting practice offering IEP advocacy and parent empowerment classes for fellow special needs families throughout the U.S. Crystal specializes in supporting families impacted by Autism, as well as other unique challenges such as learning disabilities and ADHD. To learn more about assistance in advocating for the special education your child deserves, contact Crystal at info@sdautismhelp.com. 

Subscribe. Like. Follow

Does your child struggle to share their thoughts and needs? Is it hard to follow your child in a conversation? Learn tips for supporting your child with a language disorder or delay at home. Our guest is speech-language pathologist and Board Certified Language Specialist, Melissa Jakubowitz of elivenow.com. ​

Melissa Jakubowitz
Melissa Jakubowitz is the CEO/Founder of əLiveNow which is developing a platform for SLPs to provide telepractice services. She also consults with schools and private practices regarding teletherapy. She is a Board Certified Specialist in Child Language, spending most of her career working with preschool through high school age students. Melissa has extensive administrative experience running a multi-office practice and leading the clinical department at a large telepractice company prior to starting her current company, əLiveNow.

Melissa has served on many committees and boards at ASHA and was president of CSHA after serving on the CSHA Board for many years. She is the mother of two grown children. In her spare time she enjoys reading, traveling and meeting up with friends.

Crystal Sanford, M.Ed., M.A. CCC-SLP
Crystal is the president and director of Sanford Autism Consulting, a consulting practice offering IEP advocacy and parent empowerment classes for fellow special needs families throughout the U.S. Crystal specializes in supporting families impacted by Autism, as well as other unique challenges such as learning disabilities and ADHD. To learn more about assistance in advocating for the special education your child deserves, contact Crystal at info@sdautismhelp.com. ​

Subscribe. Like. Follow