79. Empowered Learners can Change the World with Kelly Smith

Welcome back to the Love Your School Podcast! Today, we are joined by the Owner and Speech Pathologist at Illuminate Family Workshop, Treisha Wan. She is a dedicated speech-language pathologist and the visionary behind Illuminate Family Workshop PLLC. Illuminate Family Workshop is a dedicated organization committed to unlocking potential and empowering extraordinary minds through transformative speech-language therapy and ADHD coaching. They focus on nurturing deep connections, igniting limitless creativity, and adopting innovative strategies to ensure success, all while maintaining a profound respect for the values of the families they work with. Join us as we dive into their inspiring mission and approach. Check out this episode to learn more about Illuminate Family Workshop and its offerings! 

Episode Highlights:

• Treisha’s background and what led her to begin Illuminate Family Workshop 
• The process at Illuminate Family Workshop 
• Using an ESA for Illuminate Family Workshop
• Academic growth and success in students 
• Neurodiverse Learners
• Supporting non-verbal/speaking students
• Characteristics of ADHD 
• How to get started with Iluminate Family Workshop 

More on Guest: 

• Illuminate Family Workshop Website 
• Illuminate Family Workshop Podcast 
• Find them on Facebook 
• Find them on IG
• Find them on YouTube 
• Email: hello@illuminatefamilyworkshop.com

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Hello@loveyourschool.org
• @LoveYourSchoolAZ
• www.loveyourschool.org
  
  

This show has been Produced by Adkins Media Co. 

Today, I am joined by David Dodge, the founder of CodaKid. Together, we're diving into the world of CodaKid, an extraordinary online kids' coding academy and tech camp. CodaKid specializes in teaching kids the art of coding games, apps, Roblox levels, and Minecraft mods using real programming languages and professional-grade tools. What sets CodaKid apart is its self-paced online classes, allowing young learners to advance at their own pace. To add to this, a team of friendly engineers provides live support, ensuring that kids receive guidance and assistance as they embark on their coding journey. They also offer private online tutoring with their award-winning curriculum, which is great for students who need more structure. Check out this episode to learn more about CodaKid and all they have to offer! 

Episode Highlights:

• More about David and how he started CodaKid
• Self-study platform 
• Tutoring/Mentorship 
• Higher Level Programs- AI and 3D games 
• Connecting CodaKid to your child’s school
• Incorporating CodaKid into the household 
• Using an ESA for CodaKid

More on Guest: 

• Email: academy@codakid.com 
• Website: https://codakid.com
• Instagram: @codakidacademy
• Facebook: facebook.com/codakid

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Hello@loveyourschool.org
• @LoveYourSchoolAZ
• www.loveyourschool.org

This show has been Produced by Adkins Media Co.

Today, we are joined by Holly King and Wendy Brady. Wendy is the principal, and Holly is the Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator at Bright Beginnings School. Bright Beginnings School is an educational institution catering to inquisitive children aged 4 to 6th grade, offering private preschool and public charter elementary programs. Their curriculum seamlessly blends a strong academic foundation with a holistic approach to education. At BBS, they emphasize academic excellence and nurturing social and emotional development. Through immersive, inquiry-based learning experiences, they cultivate creativity and instill a sense of compassion in their students. Check out this episode to learn more about Bright Beginnings and everything they have to offer! 

Episode Highlights:

• Wendy and Holly’s background story 
• Details about Bright Beginnings School 
• How to start at Bright Beginnings School 
• School Tours and Open Houses 
• The Learning Model at Bright Beginnings
• Whole-child approach to teaching
• Strong parent volunteer base 
• 100% retention rate for teachers
• The positive school culture at Bright Beginnings 
• The curriculum at BBS 
• Community involvement & events

More on Guest: 

• Bright Beginnings Website 
• Bright Beginnings Facebook
• Bright Beginnings Instagram 

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Hello@loveyourschool.org
• @LoveYourSchoolAZ
• www.loveyourschool.org

This show has been Produced by Adkins Media Co.

Today, I am joined by Kristen Shroff, the CEO of Prisma. Prisma is the world’s most engaging virtual school that brings out kids’ love of learning and prepares them to thrive in the rapidly changing world of the future. Prisma has an engaging, project-based, real-world, hands-on curriculum, expert learning coaches who personalize learning to meet each child’s unique needs, and a positive, uplifting social community. Check out this episode to learn more about Prisma and what they have to offer! 

If you’re interested, reach out to Prisma about setting up an Experience Day! 

Episode Highlights:

• Kristen’s background 
• Prisma’s goals 
• The Prisma Powers 
• Clubs at Prisma 
• Mentorship 
• Cohorts led by Learning Coaches 
• The cost of Prisma 
• A typical schedule at Prisma 
• Experience Days 
• ESA to cover tuition at Prisma 

More on Guest: 

• Prisma’s Website
• Prisma’s Instagram 
• Prisma’s Facebook 
• Prisma’s Twitter
• info@joinprisma.com 

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Hello@loveyourschool.org
• @LoveYourSchoolAZ
• www.loveyourschool.org

This show has been Produced by Adkins Media Co.

Hello everyone, and welcome back to the Love Your School Podcast. Today, I am joined by Dr.  G.P. LeBourdais, Head of Strategic Initiatives and a Mentor at Polygence. Polygence is a team of academics and educators united in their passion to make research more widely accessible to all interested students. At Polygence, they have mentors who cover a multitude of diverse disciplines. Check out this episode to learn more about Poloygence and how they are embarking on a journey to transform education.

Episode Highlights:

• Dr. LeBourdais’s background 
• What is Polygence? 
• Passion Projects 
• How to get registered at Polygence 
• Pods Program 
• Research Mentorship and Projects 
• Scholarship opportunities

More on Guest: 

• Polygence Website 
• Polygence Instagram 
• Polygence TikTok
• Polygence Twitter 

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode: 

• Hello@loveyourschool.org
• @LoveYourSchoolAZ
• www.loveyourschool.org

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co. 

Welcome back to the Love Your School Podcast. Today I am conversing with Lori Ramos and Stephanie Schuller, both Kaleidoscope Public Charter School teachers.  Kaleidoscope School provides academic rigor balanced with innovative, hands-on instruction for every child. They cultivate strong relationships with students, families, and communities while facilitating children’s limitless potential. At Kaleidoscope, the teachers meet the students right where they are at. They are placed into achievement groups so they are able to master the standards they need; however, the groups are fluid and always changing as students progress. The small teacher-to-student ratio helps students get the individualized attention they need. Check out this episode to learn more about Kaleidoscope School and all the amazing things they have to offer. 

Episode Highlights:

• Lori and Stephanie’s background stories 
• Fluid achievement groups 
• Standards-based instruction 
• Exploratorium time 
• Social-emotional model/Connection Circles
• Global Play Day 
• How to Enroll or go

More on Guest: 

• Kaleidoscope School’s Website 
• Kaleidoscope School’s Facebook
• Kaleidoscope School’s Instagram
• Kaleidoscope School’s Twitter
• Kaleidoscope School’s Indeed

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Hello@loveyourschool.org
• @LoveYourSchoolAZ
• www.loveyourschool.org

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co. 

Hello everyone, and welcome back! I am talking with Maggie Martin and Olivia Lo in today's episode. Maggie is a senior teacher at YaizY as well as a homeschooling parent, and Olivia is the partnership coordinator. YaizY is an innovative and fun way to bring “passion to profession,” preparing students for digital careers. At YaizY, there is a unique combination of an online edu-gaming platform; advanced digital-careers content; and flexible, project-based learning led by super-engaging teachers. YaizY is an amazing resource for homeschooling parents, and it can also be beneficial for students in public, charter, and private schools as well! Listen to this episode to learn more about YaizY and everything they have to offer! 

Episode Highlights:

• Maggie’s background and how she discovered YaizY
• What is YaizY? 
• Classes and programs offered at YaizY 
• Learning real-life skills 
• Earning credits through YaizY 
• Mentor Check-ins 

More on Guest: 

• YaizY Website 
• YaizY Instagram 
• YaizY Facebook 
• Olivia’s email- olivia.lo@yaizy.io

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Hello@loveyourschool.org
• @LoveYourSchoolAZ
• www.loveyourschool.org

In today’s episode, I am in conversation with Audrey Wisch, the Founder and CEO of Curious Cardinals.  Audrey started out tutoring students and quickly noticed how disengaged and uninterested the kids were in their learning. This is where the heart of Curious Cardinals was born. Audrey set out to make the content come alive for these students through mentors who are experts in that field. Curious Cardinals has since become a global platform for students to learn what they want to learn and for mentors to teach what they want to teach, ascribing value and agency to both the teaching and learning roles. Check out this episode to learn more about Curious Cardinals and how it could benefit both you and your students. 

Episode Highlights:

• Audrey’s background story and how she started Curious Cardinals
• The story behind the name Curious Cardinals 
• How Curious Cardinal Works
• How to get started with Curious Cardinals 
• 3 different tracks available at Curious Cardinals  
• Meeting students where they are 
• Project-based learning

More on Guest: 

• Curious Cardinals Website 
• Curious Cardinals Instagram 
• Curious Cardinals TikTok
• Curious Cardinals Linked In 

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Hello@loveyourschool.org
• @LoveYourSchoolAZ
• www.loveyourschool.org

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co

I am so excited to share my conversation today with Erika Donalds, Founder and Chief Executive of OptimaEd. OptimaEd focuses on creating excellent education experiences and increasing high-quality options for students and their families. One of these amazing options includes Optima Academy Online. Optima Academy Online is a new kind of online learning that integrates virtual reality into the student experience. Check out this episode to learn more about OptimaEd and everything they’re doing to support school choice and empower parents to have ownership over their student’s academic success. 

Episode Highlights:

• Erika’s background story 
• School Choice Universal 
• Optima Academy Online 
• The Importance of a High-Quality Curriculum 
• Virtual Reality 
• Empowerment Scholarship Accounts 

More on Guest: 

• OptimaEd’s Website 
• Optima Academy Online 

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Hello@loveyourschool.org
• @LoveYourSchoolAZ
• www.loveyourschool.org

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Is your child not thriving in their current school setting? Are you searching for a more personalized approach? 

Fusion Academy takes a student's educational experience and meets their needs at different levels rather than being limited by a one size fits all model. Today we are joined by Clarissa Abijaoude, the Director of Outreach at Fusion Academy. Fusion Academy is a fully accredited private middle and high school with a completely personalized approach. Classes at Fusion are one-to-one: one student and one teacher per classroom. This allows teachers to personalize course content for each student’s strengths, interests, and learning style. Check out this episode to learn more about Fusion Academy and everything they have to offer. 

Episode Highlights:

• Personalized learning for students 
• What a day at Fusion Academy looks like 
• Students flourishing at Fusion Academy 
• Enrollment process 
• Fusion offers tutoring options
• Week-long themed camps 
• Finding Fusion Academy campuses near you 
• Partnerships and collaborations in the community 
• Go check out a Fusion Academy Campus! 

More on Guest: 

• Fusion Academy’s Website 
• Fusion Academy on IG 
• Fusion Academy on YouTube 
• Fusion Academy on Facebook 
• Watch a video about the  Fusion Scottsdale Campus!

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Hello@loveyourschool.org
• @LoveYourSchoolAZ
• www.loveyourschool.org