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Author: Mina Roustayi

The Emotional Realities of Special Needs Students in Schools with Fabio Botarelli

In today’s changing educational landscape, finding strategies that empower every learner is more essential than ever – especially for students who learn differently. In this insightful interview, Mina Roustayi, host of the We Can Learn to Learn Vlog, sits down with Fabio Botarelli, founder of Chessability New York City, to explore how chess can be […]

CONTINUE READING The Emotional Realities of Special Needs Students in Schools with Fabio Botarelli 3 min read

Navigating School With Special Needs: Overstimulation, Social Skills & Trust with Fabio Botarelli

In the world of education for students with special needs, few stories are as compelling and insightful as that of Fabio Botarelli, founder of Chessability. In a recent interview with Mina Roustayi, Fabio Botarelli shared his unique perspective on academic challenges, the impact of specialized learning environments, and how chess can play a powerful role […]

CONTINUE READING Navigating School With Special Needs: Overstimulation, Social Skills & Trust with Fabio Botarelli 3 min read

Emotional Intelligence and Campus Community for Students with Special Needs with Fabio Botarelli

Transitioning from high school to college is a major milestone for any student, but for those with learning disabilities or special needs, the journey comes with a unique set of challenges and opportunities. In a recent in-depth interview, nationally ranked chess master and founder of Chessability NYC, Fabio Botarelli, shared his personal and professional insights […]

CONTINUE READING Emotional Intelligence and Campus Community for Students with Special Needs with Fabio Botarelli 3 min read

Advocating for Emotional Intelligence Curriculum in Schools with Fabio Botarelli

In today’s educational landscape, emotional intelligence (EI) is emerging as a critical part of the learning experience, especially for students with special needs. But what does it look like in practice – and how can educators create environments where these students can thrive both academically and emotionally? In a fourth deeply insightful interview between Mina […]

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Supporting Children’s Learning: Insights on Sensory Integration from Dr. Anna Len

Are you a teacher, parent, or caregiver concerned about your students’ engagement and learning? You’re not alone. In a recent episode of “We Can Learn to Learn”, Mina Roustayi sat down with Dr. Anna Len, Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education at Hofstra University, to discuss the often-overlooked but crucial role that sensory integration […]

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Speech Empowerment via Polyvagal Theory: Voice and Trauma Therapy with Heleen Grooten (Part 2)

Communication is a fundamental human right – essential for expressing thoughts, building connections, and thriving both academically and emotionally. Yet, for many individuals, especially children and young adults, the simple act of speaking can become a hurdle due to underlying stress, anxiety, or neurological conditions. In a recent conversation between Mina Roustayi, an Integrative Learning […]

CONTINUE READING Speech Empowerment via Polyvagal Theory: Voice and Trauma Therapy with Heleen Grooten (Part 2) 3 min read

Speech Empowerment via Polyvagal Theory: Voice and Trauma Therapy with Heleen Grooten (Part 1)

Understanding the connection between trauma, our nervous system, and communication is gaining momentum in the world of speech-language pathology. In a recent interview on the We Can Learn 2 Learn blog, Mina Roustayi sat down with Heleen Grooten, an experienced speech-language pathologist from Gennep, Netherlands, whose work is pioneering the integration of Polyvagal Theory into […]

CONTINUE READING Speech Empowerment via Polyvagal Theory: Voice and Trauma Therapy with Heleen Grooten (Part 1) 3 min read

Literacy and Self-Worth for Students with Disabilities: Early Free Access to Assistive Tech

Empowering Communication: How Assistive Technology Transforms Lives Access to communication is a fundamental human right, but for individuals who cannot speak verbally, communication can be a significant barrier. Thankfully, advances in assistive technology (AT) are opening new pathways for independence and self-expression. In a recent episode of the We Can Learn to Learn Vlog, Mina […]

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‘My World’: A Polyvagal Map for Navigating Our Inner World

Understanding the Polyvagal Theory Through My World’s Nervous System Map Children and adults don’t always have the words to explain what’s happening inside their bodies. A child who suddenly becomes angry, withdraws, or refuses to participate may not be choosing difficult behavior. The nervous system may be responding to signals of danger, stress, or unsafety. […]

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Rethinking “Unruly” Behavior: A Nervous-System View

Polyvagal Theory in the Classroom: Helping Children Feel Safe, Communicate, and Learn Children’s behavior in school can be difficult to interpret. Agitation, silence, anxiety, rigid movement, speech difficulties, and sudden outbursts may be treated as defiance or lack of ability. In this interview, child and adult psychiatrist Tineke explains how a polyvagal-informed approach can help […]

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