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PODCAST

Complex Kids, Simple Solutions

Michelle Choairy

Complex Kid, Simple Solutions is the go-to podcast for parents raising neurodivergent and medically complex kids. Hosted by Michelle Choairy, a seasoned advocate and mom of a complex child, this podcast delivers clear, actionable strategies to help you navigate the chaos with confidence.Each episode breaks down overwhelming challenges into simple, practical solutions—whether it’s advocating for your child, navigating the school system, or finding the right support team. You’ll hear expert insights,

kids & family parenting

All Episodes

34:02

Rebecca McAllister — Turning Playtime into Phonics Power

Complex Kids, Simple Solutions ·

2025/07/21

In this conversation, Michelle sits down with Active Reader co-founder and former classroom teacher Rebecca McAllister to unpack why so many complex kids (and even their teachers!) still struggle with reading—and how a multi-sensory, five-minute-a-day routine can rewrite that story long before first grade. Rebecca shares: From “good student” to secret struggler. Undiagnosed dyslexia left Rebecca memorizing textbooks and dodging eye-contact with contracts—until Orton-Gillingham training finall...

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44:31

Dr. Kristen Williamson — Rewriting the Neuro-Spicy...

Complex Kids, Simple Solutions ·

2025/07/14

In this conversation, Michelle welcomes therapist and EmpowerMind Solutions founder Dr. Kristen Williamson to bust the myth that ADHD and autism are deficits—and to show both parents and late-diagnosed adults how to turn “weird” traits into everyday superpowers. Kristen shares: The diagnosis after 30 that changed everything. A lifetime of “too much” finally made sense when Kristen received back-to-back ADHD and autism confirmations at 38 and 39—then realized her entire family tree was “neuro-...

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32:07

Michael Israel — Turning Back-Seat Checks into a...

Complex Kids, Simple Solutions ·

2025/07/08

In this conversation, Michelle sits down with Cleverely operations lead Michael Israel to unpack the hidden reason babies and complex kids are still left in hot cars—and the 15-second fix that turns back-seat checks into second nature. Michael shares: A dad’s near-miss that sparked a movement. One foggy commuter morning, a tech-savvy father forgot his son was still riding behind him. The memory lapse ended safely—but exposed a blind spot that kills dozens of U S children every summer.Why no o...

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43:36

TL McCoy — Turning Genetic “What-Ifs” Into...

Complex Kids, Simple Solutions ·

2025/06/30

In this conversation, Michelle sits down with author and psych-nurse T.L. McCoy to unpack how a single genetic mutation—and a determined grandma—sparked the inclusive middle-grade adventure Delilah versus the Ghastly Grimm. TL shares: The diagnosis that changed everything. Her granddaughter’s first-year seizures led to a Dravet-syndrome finding—and a crash course in gene mutations, med trials, and 40-minute seizures that land kids in the ICU.Why representation can’t wait. Only 3.4 percent of ...

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34:13

Dinalynn Rosenbush – The Language of Play: Brave...

Complex Kids, Simple Solutions ·

2025/06/23

In this conversation, Michelle sits down with veteran speech-language pathologist Dinalynn Rosenbush—creator of the Language of Play podcast—to unpack what happens when an over-worked school SLP, a fired-up mom, and a “mama-gut” hunch all meet at the IEP table. Dinalynn shares: School vs. private therapy—decoded. Why public-school SLPs have to wait for an academic “hit,” how 62-kid caseloads force group sessions, and the simple question her principal always asked: *“Is it good for

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47:25

Maxwell Ivey – The Blind Blogger: Resilience,...

Complex Kids, Simple Solutions ·

2025/06/16

In this conversation, Michelle sits down with Maxwell Ivey—better known online as The Blind Blogger—to explore what true adaptability looks like when you’re navigating life without sight and without excuses. Max shares: Growing up on a Texas carnival lot and how makeshift kick-ball rules, “find-the-positive” scavenger hunts, and a family ethos of just get open laid the foundation for a can-do mindset.The surprising DNA test that upended his original diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa and revea...

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51:01

Barbara Ann Mojica – Little Miss History:...

Complex Kids, Simple Solutions ·

2025/06/09

In this episode of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, host Michelle Choairy sits down with Barbara Ann Mojica—historian, retired special-education administrator, and award-winning creator of the Little Miss History® children’s book series—for a lively discussion on why history (and curiosity!) matter for every learner, especially kids with complex needs. Drawing on 40+ years as a teacher, special-education principal, and district administrator, Barbara shares: How multisensory, theme-based lesso...

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45:18

Betsy Holmberg – Unkind Mind: Rewiring Self-Doubt and...

Complex Kids, Simple Solutions ·

2025/06/02

In Episode 14 of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, host Michelle Choairy is joined by Dr. Betsy Holmberg—clinical psychologist and author of Unkind Mind—for an eye-opening conversation on what’s really going on inside our heads when we feel overwhelmed, self-critical, or stuck in the spiral of “I’m a bad mom.” Betsy introduces us to the Default Mode Network (DMN)—the part of the brain responsible for all that internal chatter—and shares groundbreaking tools to help parents stop believing the li...

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43:28

Katie Jones – Redeeming Your Finances: Faith,...

Complex Kids, Simple Solutions ·

2025/05/27

In Episode 13 of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle Choairy welcomes Katie Jones—Christian financial counselor, foster mom, and founder of Redeeming Your Finances—for a refreshing conversation about money, motherhood, and living with purpose. Katie shares how faith and stewardship can bring clarity to even the most chaotic family budgets, especially for families raising complex or neurodivergent kids. From navigating tight financial seasons to learning how to prioritize what truly matte...

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28:47

Sam Mitchell – From Advocate to Advocate: A...

Complex Kids, Simple Solutions ·

2025/05/20

In Episode 12 of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle Choairy welcomes Sam Mitchell, the dynamic host of Autism Rocks and Rolls and a proud self-advocate on the autism spectrum. Diagnosed at age four, Sam has gone from receiving speech therapy and IEP support in school to building a podcast empire, giving TED Talks, and inspiring others to embrace who they are. Together, Michelle and Sam explore what it’s like growing up with autism from the inside out—touching on school challenges, socia...

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45:50

Elissa Green Kaustinen: Bridging Medical and School...

Complex Kids, Simple Solutions ·

2025/05/12

In this episode of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle welcomes back Elissa Green Kaustinen, FAST Director at Chapman University’s Thompson Policy Institute and a trusted expert on navigating IEPs and special education systems. Elissa brings a rare, deeply collaborative perspective—bridging the often disconnected worlds of healthcare and education for families raising neurodivergent and complex kids. Michelle and Elissa dive into why parents so often feel shut out of the IEP process, wha...

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50:10

Yvette Holmes: Parenting Through Rare Diagnosis and...

Complex Kids, Simple Solutions ·

2025/05/06

In this episode of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle welcomes Yvette Holmes, a devoted mother and rare disease advocate based in the Netherlands, whose son Jack was one of the first individuals diagnosed with the genetic disorder TBR1. Yvette shares the emotional and isolating road that followed Jack’s diagnosis, and how that journey led her to create a powerful online community through the TBR1 Facebook group, now a global lifeline for families navigating similar rare paths. Together,...

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51:20

Maddy Sober: Finding the Right Mental Health Partner...

Complex Kids, Simple Solutions ·

2025/04/28

In this episode of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle welcomes Madeline "Maddy" Sober, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) who brings deep expertise—and heart—to supporting complex kids and their families. As Director of Operations and Clinical Supervisor at Mind Health Institute, Orange County, Maddy shares why finding the right mental health professional is critical, what parents should really look for when building their...

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37:29

Michelle Kennedy, LCSW – The Advocate Inside the...

Complex Kids, Simple Solutions ·

2025/04/21

In Episode 8 of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle Choairy sits down with Michelle Kennedy, a licensed clinical social worker who’s spent over a decade navigating pediatric healthcare systems alongside families of medically complex kids. From hospitals to home care, Michelle K. has seen it all—and she’s here to share what really goes on behind the scenes. They talk about the essential role social workers play in advocating for children, coordinating care, and guiding parents through the...

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35:50

Amanda Preston – Parenting 8 Neurodivergent Kids:...

Complex Kids, Simple Solutions ·

2025/04/15

In this powerful episode of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle sits down with Amanda Preston, a mom to eight neurodivergent children, a late-diagnosed ADHD adult, and a fierce advocate for families navigating complex needs. Amanda brings a rare blend of personal insight and professional expertise. As a registered social worker, author, and CEO of Deer Creek Family Support & Therapy, she specializes in Autism and PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) and leads a national nonprofit serv...

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32:41

Jenna Rowe – Music Therapy for Complex Kids:...

Complex Kids, Simple Solutions ·

2025/04/07

In this episode of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle sits down with Jenna Rowe, board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) at Small Talk OC—and one of Drake’s favorite providers. With warmth, insight, and a little melody, Jenna shares how music therapy opens up new ways for complex kids to express themselves, regulate emotions, and build confidence. Jenna explains how music therapy differs from music lessons, why songs are so effective for language development, and how families can integr...

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38:29

Jesseca Perez – Real Talk About Speech: Sensory,...

Complex Kids, Simple Solutions ·

2025/03/31

In this episode of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle sits down with Jesseca Perez, a pediatric speech-language pathologist who brings a refreshing, neurodiversity-affirming approach to communication. Jesseca is not only a dedicated SLP at Small Talk OC—she's also one of Drake’s therapists, making this conversation especially personal. Together, they explore what authentic speech therapy looks like when sensory needs are honored, communication is viewed as more than just words, and conn...

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37:00

Amanda Trisdale – Let Them Dance: Building a Space...

Complex Kids, Simple Solutions ·

2025/03/31

In this premiere episode of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle is joined by Amanda Trisdale—a passionate mom, disability advocate, and the driving force behind a revolutionary dance space for autistic children. Amanda opens up about what pushed her to say, “enough is enough,” and create something entirely new for her daughter, Leta. What started as a personal mission became a community movement—and now it’s reshaping how dance, inclusion, and support intersect for neurodivergent kids. T...

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45:55

Elissa Kaustinen – When First Responders Understand:...

Complex Kids, Simple Solutions ·

2025/03/31

In this powerful episode of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle talks with Elissa Green Kaustinen, the director of the FAST program at CHOC’s Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center—and a former school psychologist and special education administrator—about a groundbreaking collaboration between families and law enforcement. Elissa shares how a local partnership with Irvine PD led to post-certified autism trainings for police officers and the development of sensory support bags now ...

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36:50

Jill Lerman – Redefining Play for Complex Kids

Complex Kids, Simple Solutions ·

2025/03/31

In this episode of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle is joined by Jill Lerman—play and parenting coach, early childhood educator, and mom—who believes that every child is capable, curious, and worthy of connection through play. Jill and Michelle dive into what it means to let go of perfection and instead create space for sensory-seeking, out-of-the-box, messy, real-life play. Whether it’s a child who breaks every toy or refuses to join an activity, Jill shows how behavior is communicat...

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42 results

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