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 […]
Author: Mina Roustayi
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 […]
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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 […]
The Invisible Barriers to Learning and “Behaving”: Sensory Challenges Explained with Kerri Carpenter
Supporting children – especially those who are neurodivergent – in today’s educational environments can seem overwhelming. As parents, teachers, and therapists strive to help children thrive, understanding the fundamental but often “invisible” factors like sensory integration and sensory processing is crucial. In a recent interview with Kerri Carpenter, a holistic occupational therapist and founder of […]
Supporting Neurodiverse Learners: Insights from Tracy Stackhouse on Classroom Inclusion and Mind-Body Connection
In today’s classrooms, teachers face the challenge of meeting diverse needs, especially when resources like occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech language support may be limited. In an illuminating interview, Mina Roustayi sits down with internationally recognized occupational therapist Tracy Stackhouse to explore how educators can better understand and support neurodiverse learners, helping them feel […]
Rethinking Speech Therapy: How Somatic and Polyvagal Approaches Are Changing the Game
In the ever-evolving world of speech-language therapy, new paradigms are emerging that challenge traditional, deficit-based models. One pioneer in this movement is Jacqui Jebian Garcia, founder of Create Yourself Co., who blends conventional speech therapy with transformative body-based, or “somatic,” practices. In a candid conversation with Mina Roustayi on the “We Can Learn to Learn” […]