A Podcast Presented by The Pediatric Movement Center

The Benefits of Recreational Therapy Featuring Heather Lindsay                          

Episode 16: In our November podcast, we discussed recreational therapy and its benefits  with Heather Lindsay, PMC's Wellness Manager, who is also a certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor and Spin Instructor. Tina and Heather discuss how Recreational Therapy offers personalized activities tailored to an individuals interests, exploring their unique strengths and weaknesses.  Activities (ranging from arts and crafts to sports, nature exploration, music and more) are all designed to enhance lives in various was such as physical fitness, self-esteem, social interaction, and emotional healing. Additional benefits of Recreational Therapy include: increase in life expectancy, mental health benefits, strengthening of community and promoting social bonds and connections.

November 2nd, 2023   | 35:00  Episode 16

Community Support Featuring The Arc of Frederick County                          

Episode 15: In our October podcast, we were able to sit down with Shauna Mulcahy, Executive Director of the Arc of Frederick County, to learn about the mission, program, services and heart of this organization. According to their website, the Arc of Frederick County "helps people with developmental disabilities to live enviable lives. Enviable lives are the lives we all lead, filled with purpose and meaning, and with friends and family. This is accomplished by providing services, advocacy, and creating supportive communities." The Arc follows clients throughout their lifespan through various programs and services. Below, we are going to highlight a few of the services they offer, but for an extensive list of offerings, please review their services. 

October 5th, 2023   | 25:21  Episode 15

Providing Holistic Support for Children in Need: Just In Power Kids with Shannon Berk                                   

Episode 14: For Childhood Cancer Awareness Month we're joined by guest Shannon Berk of Just In Power Kids. Shannon is a physical therapist and she's also Co-Founder of Just in Power Kids. She joins us to discuss childhood cancer, their foundation, and their mission. Just in Power Kids was founded by Shannon and her husband, Justin, when their love of service and psychotherapy came together. Through the foundation, they are able to find creative ways to help families in areas most funding sources overlook like travel expenses and parking during their child's treatment. Just in Power Kids also uses holistic eastern therapy methods to treat the whole body. Justin Power Kids looks to incorporate eastern methods with western medicine.

This episode concludes with a special guest, Holly, you don't want to miss what she has to say!

September 8th, 2023   | 34:30  Episode 14

Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Featuring The Fighting For Kaiden Foundation & the Eakin Family                                      Episode 13: Learn about Spinal Muscular Atrophy, often referred to as SMA through the eyes of a local family. We'll also be discussing resources available to families affected by an SMA diagnosis, specifically The Fighting for Kaiden Foundation.

August 3, 2023   | 31:17  Episode 13

Navigating an IEP (Individualized Education Plan)

Episode 12: In this episode, we are joined by Christina Ruben, a Speech Language Pathologist at PMC. In this episode listeners will learn what an IEP is, what it does for your child’s learning, and how to get started on obtaining one . She also goes over school based services and outpatient services and the differences between them.

July 6th, 2023   | 23:06  Episode 12

Supporting Sensory Needs at Home: Dysregualation

Episode 11: In this episode, we are joined by Steph Baldwin an Occupational Therapist with PMC. In this episode listeners will learn what sensory dysregulation is and what that could look like at home. She will also go over how to support someone who has these sensory needs.

June 1st, 2023   | 40:49  Episode 11

Healthier Strategies with Dr. Obidi

Episode 10: In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Obidi, a pediatrician in Hagerstown, Maryland who has a passion to serve and educate his local community. In this episode listeners will get an inside perspective on the multifaceted layers that come with childhood obesity. Dr. Obidi also gives us some strategies, resources and tools we can implement today to become healthier that won't overwhelm us or break the bank.

May 4th, 2023   | 45:49  Episode 10

Understanding Big Emotions; Actionable Advice

Episode 9: In this episode, we were joined by Whitney Thompson, a pediatric mental health therapist and author of the Superhero Blog that uses popular characters to help children understand big emotions. Ms. Thompson explores ways to have conversations with children about big emotions and how to help them navigate difficult aspects of development, such as working as part of a team, feeling excluded, and making good choices. 

April 6th, 2023  |  30:46  Episode 9

The Science of Movement: How to Tackle Tummy Time and Early Milestones

Episode 8: On today’s episode we will be interviewing Courtney Young who is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and specializes in pediatrics. Courtney has over 17 years of pediatric rehabilitation experience in her field. She has worked in a variety of settings including: a neonatal intensive care unit, a pediatric rehab hospital and in outpatient pediatric clinics. She will walk us through some of the neuroscience behind development as well and some tips and tricks to get your little one moving early on. 

March 2nd, 2023    34:57  Episode 8

Breaking Barriers with Austin Munro

Episode 7: In this episode Chloe chats with Austin Munro,  a community member who lives a very full life and happens to have Spinal Muscular Atrophy. We discuss knocking down barriers about the way society views disability and inter-abled relationships as well as breaking down the barriers we tend to define ourselves by. If you are curious about seeing things through someone else's lens, hearing from a successful adult with a disability, or learning what you can do to raise awareness about accessibility rights in your town, then this episode is for you!

January 12th, 2023  |  33:39  Episode 7

The Children's Charity that is Enriching the Lives of Children in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia 

Episode 6: In this episode Chloe chats with Leigh Burke, Executive Director of Variety, The Children's Charity of the National Capital Region and learns about the various ways that the charity supports the children of our community. Listeners will also learn the ways that they can help support this incredible charity (Spoiler-it's as easy as going to the movies!). Read more about the impact Variety has had locally here!

DECEMBER 15th, 2022  | 43:40  Episode 6

Eating Healthier Through Habits, Choices and Planning  Featuring Haylee Staruk of the University of Maryland

Episode 5: In this episode Chloe chats with Haylee, Principal Agent Associate with the University of Maryland. Haylee is a community nutrition educator who gives our listeners tangible ways to make healthier habits and choices for the whole family. 

November 3rd, 2022  | 43:40  Episode 5

The Benefits of Outdoor Play in Childhood Development Featuring Kayla Souza of the Little Lilac Preschool

Episode 4: In this episode Chloe speaks with Kayla Souza, an Early Childhood Educator of 20+ years and owner of the Little Lilac Preschool, to discuss the benefits of outdoor play for childhood development. We discuss barriers to incorporating more outdoor time in our lives, such as time, motivation and environments, and offer practical ideas for anyone hoping to bring more "nature" into their lives. Discover more information about the Little Lilac Preschool and learning to love dirt and outdoor play!

OCTOBER 13th, 2022 | 35:22   Episode 4

The Importance of Play Featuring A Kid Again

Episode 3: In this episode, Chloe chats with A Kid Again founder Kathy Derr, discussing the importance of play time for kids of all ages and abilities. The benefits of play time are explored from developmental perspectives as well as emotional perspectives, especially for children with life-threatening diagnosis. In this episode, you'll learn all about the A Kid Again non-profit that provides free adventures to children and their families across the United States and can learn about how you can get involved. Learn more about A Kid Again and a PMC's family's experience with the organization.

SEPTEMBER 8th, 2022 | 22:33   Episode 3

International Adoption Featuring the Graves Family
Episode 2: In this episode, we learn about two international adoption experiences of the Graves family, who are from Brunswick, Maryland. Phil Graves discusses the joys and complexities of international adoption with Chloe. He and his family have successfully adopted 2 beautiful children in the past few years, the most recent of which was done during war time. 

August 17th, 2022 | 36:32 | Episode 2

Creating Opportunities in our Community-Part 2
Part 2: Spark a Movement host, Chloe talks with Michelle and her daughter Arielle about their family journey, achievements, and challenges as they navigate international adoption, medical complexities, and accessible activities that are fun for the whole family. One of the challenges discussed in this episode is accessible parks for children. We've created a local resource list HERE for families to reference and contribute to! 

jUNE 23rd, 2022 | 30:04 | Episode 1  Part 2

Creating Opportunities in our Community-Part 1
Part 1: Spark a Movement host, Chloe, sits down with Christina Snyder, owner of the Pediatric Movement Center, to talk about the WHY behind the creation of the Pediatric Movement Center and the need for us all to become involved in our local community to create more opportunities for children of all abilities.

JUNE 9TH, 2022 | 35:11 | EPISODE 1