Ep. 1 - From Personal Trainer to Education Changemaker: Overcoming Dyslexia and Inspiring Youth

Did you know that Dyslexia is one of the most frequently undiagnosed and misunderstood disorders in our education system? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Tara Wallace and Lynne Hubbard as they shed light on the enigmatic world of dyslexia. With Tara's 18 years of front-line school district experience and Lynne's enthusiasm for education and social justice, their insights provide a compelling narrative on the often-overlooked challenges and potential misdiagnoses our children face due to lack of proper evaluation. 

Dyslexia requires much more than quick-fix solutions, and we will explore this in depth. Tara and Lynne take us through the common misconceptions about dyslexia, illustrating the pressing need for structured literacy. They discuss modern curriculums and the art of blending traditional teaching methods with assistive technology. But most vitally, they underscore parents' role as relentless advocates for their children's education, sharing advice on becoming an effective advocate. They believe in tailored education for every child, and after listening to this episode, you will too. Make sure not to miss out on this enlightening journey into dyslexia awareness.

Contact Tamika Taylor:
Website: https://www.impactachievementcenter.com/
Email: impactachievementcenter@gmail.com

Join us on October 21st, from 10 am-2 pm at:
Community Foundation Palm Beach and Martine County
700 South Dixie Hwy Suite 200 West Palm Beach, FL 33401

For more information on our upcoming event, please visit the Eventbrite link and register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dyslexia-awareness-event-tickets-706076472737?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Do you ever wonder about the power of football beyond the field? Join us as we welcome Mike, Marques, and Tyron to share their personal journeys that trace their humble beginnings in football to playing in the NFL. Their stories are more than just about sport—they're about resilience, navigating anger, embracing diversity, and learning invaluable life lessons. 

From Mike's growth through the game to Marques' exploration of anger and diversity, we dig deep into the transformative lessons football imparts. But no journey is solitary. As Tyron shares, being raised in a single-parent home underlines the importance of having a support system—whether it's a father figure or a mentor—for young athletes. We also touch upon the challenges and responsibilities that come with parenting student-athletes.

While the physical game is significant, the mental game is just as crucial. That brings us to the heart of our discussion—mental health, specifically among Black athletes. Marques takes us through his long-term relationship with therapy that helped him navigate his parents' divorce and his personal anger issues. We contemplate the importance of mental health in sports and how the NFL is stepping up with free mental health benefits for former players. From Mike to Marcus, we all share our views on the evolution of the game and its newfound focus on the well-being of players. Life, like football, teaches us to focus on what's within our control. Tune in to uncover these profound insights and more in our enlightening conversation.

Contact Tamika Taylor:
Website: https://www.impactachievementcenter.com/
Email: impactachievementcenter@gmail.com

Contact Marques Ogden:
Website: www.marques360.com

Contact Mike Ream:
Email: mikeream@newviewroofing.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mikeream/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.ream.1612 

Tyron Herring:
Son of Tamika Taylor . He holds a bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College and is currently pursuing his master's degree at the University of Delaware.

Have you ever pondered on the silent screams behind a smile, the quiet plea for acknowledgment and presence concealed within a youth’s cheerful demeanor? As we unpack the reality of this hidden pain, it is clear that it isn't the pity they crave, but instead, a desire to be seen, to be heard. Together with our guest speaker, Dr. Javar Godfrey, we delve into the heart of this poignant issue, revealing strategies for struggling youth to navigate their emotions and the importance of attentive parenting.

One of the key insights underscored by Dr. Godfrey is the surprising truth that emotions are transient, lasting a mere 90 seconds, and our reactions are what extend them. Through candid conversations, we explore the potential pitfalls of suppressing feelings and ways to release them in a healthy manner. Journaling, for instance, can serve as an effective emotional outlet, as can opening up to a trusted friend when overwhelmed.

As we continue to navigate these challenging topics, we shift our focus to the potential power drawn from personal pain. Instead of shying away, we should embrace our experiences, using them as a pathway toward self-discovery and purpose. Through this process, we can build stronger communities for our youth, where everyone can confidently assert their presence and make impactful statements. It’s time we create an environment where everyone feels comfortable in their own skin. After all, it’s not just about surviving, it’s about thriving. Join us in this transformative journey to uplift our youth and build stronger communities.

Contact Tamika Taylor:
Website: https://www.impactachievementcenter.com/
Email: impactachievementcenter@gmail.com 

 
Contact Dr. Javar Godfrey:
Email: dr.jgodfrey@gmail.com
IG: @javargodfrey

Have you ever considered the weight your words bear, especially when spoken to a child? How do these words become the music to which the dance of their identity is choreographed? Today, we host Isaiah and Adriana, engaging them in a heart-to-heart conversation about the profound influence our parents' words had on shaping who we are today. We delve into our personal stories, examining how the words of our parents impacted our identities and our relationships with them.
 
 Our candid discussion takes us through the maze of cultural dynamics and their influence on parent-child interactions. We share how this, coupled with the unique love language of Caribbean parents, painted a vivid picture of our childhood. We also narrate our journey of navigating parental expectations, along with our quest for self-validation. Our conversation illuminates the struggles and victories in our path to self-discovery, highlighting the role our parents' upbringing played in shaping their behavior towards us.
 
 We further explore the healing process from the wounds inflicted by painful words. We share our stories of overcoming hurtful words, building relationships, and fostering self-confidence. Listen in as we unravel how tools like prayer, positive people, and exercise can be potent remedies to combat negative words. Finally, we underline the importance of empowering the voices of our youth, advocating the use of self-reflection and other tools to reclaim power from hurtful words. Our hope is that our shared experiences will inspire a dialogue about the transformative power words hold in shaping an individual's identity.

Contact Tamika Taylor:
Website: https://www.impactachievementcenter.com/
Email: impactachievementcenter@gmail.com 

Ever wondered how a mother's love, or lack thereof, shapes the contours of our mental health? Dive into a riveting conversation with family therapist, Rebecca Potter. She unveils the startling impact of maternal relationships on our well-being, using evocative stories that hit close to home. Together, we illuminate the road towards healing, rooted in earnest communication, recognizing trauma, and the courage to seek help.
 
 Our chat doesn't stop there. We pull back the curtain on societal norms and cultural stigmas that muzzle men's emotional expression. Drawing on poignant examples and penetrating insights, we dissect how these rigid expectations can amplify mental distress. It's a clarion call to dismantle these norms, encouraging men to embrace vulnerability as a conduit to healing.
 
 Finally, we embark on the path of self-discovery and reparenting. Discover how you can heal from past traumas by understanding the five F behaviors – fight, flight, fawn, freeze, and fib. It's a transformative exploration of the intricate ties between our past and present, our trauma, and our growth. This episode is a testament to the power of understanding and acknowledging our past as the first step towards healing and growth. Tune in for a fresh perspective on your journey to emotional well-being.


Contact Tamika Taylor:
Website: https://www.impactachievementcenter.com/
Email: impactachievementcenter@gmail.com 

Ever felt like you're meant for something greater than what you're doing right now? That's exactly how I, Tamika Taylor, felt before a spiritual experience guided me to leave a successful career in personal training and embrace a life dedicated to education. This episode uncovers my extraordinary journey, from my childhood in Brooklyn to becoming a teacher and the transformative role a personal struggle with dyslexia played in shaping my approach to nurturing young minds.
 
 I also share the deep insights I gained into the school system when I transitioned to a single-gender school, and my observations as a tutor that revealed a large gap in essential reading skills. But it's not all about challenges, hear how we're actively carving out a change through the Impact Achievement Center, striving to build a stronger community for our youth. A journey that illuminates the importance of overcoming personal struggles, finding what truly fuels your passion, and making a meaningful impact on the lives of the young generation. So, lend an ear and be inspired, because it's never too late to become the change you wish to see in the world.

Contact Tamika Taylor:
Website: https://www.impactachievementcenter.com/
Email: impactachievementcenter@gmail.com 

Welcome to the Social Teen Talk podcast. I'm your host, Tamika Taylor, a school educator, community activist, and mother of four boys. This podcast is all about giving our youth a platform to be heard here. Teens can feel comfortable being open and transparent, discussing topics that truly matter to them.

Our aim is to dive into crucial subjects like inner healing, social and emotional development, depression, and any other controversial issues. We bring in views from parents, educators, mental health therapists, schools, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses as we believe that together we can make a positive impact in our community.

You can catch our podcast on Apple, Spotify, or any other preferred platform. Please join us as we work towards creating a space where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Contact Tamika Taylor:

Website: https://www.impactachievementcenter.com/

Email: impactachievementcenter@gmail.com