TAKING THE HELM with Lynn McLaughlin

What if we stopped trying to “fix” children and started listening to their souls instead?Michelle Harris has almost 30 years in the field of healing, well-being, and empowerment. She is the founder of the innovative Draco Dragon System of Healing & Master Healer/Teacher. A trailblazer in the well-being industry, dedicated to empowering individuals (especially women), children, teens, schools, organizations, and businesses, she has a heart-focused approach as the founder of Michelle Harris International. Michelle is a best-selling author and multiple award winner.She us to explore what it means to truly see, hear, and honour today’s sensitive, intuitive, and highly evolved children. From conscious parenting to energy healing in schools, Michelle shares a holistic approach that helps children feel safe, empowered, and emotionally aware.Guest Host Kathryn Collins and Michelle talk about:💥 Why traditional systems often miss the mark💥 The impact of soul frequency and energy on a child’s well-being💥 Empowerment strategies that meet kids where they are💥 Conscious parenting through boundaries, empathy, and emotional modelling💥 Consequences instead of punishment💥 Breathing, visualization, and mindfulness tools kids actually enjoy💥 How schools can start small and still create big changeThis conversation offers a new lens, one that puts connection before correction, and honours the soul behind the behaviour.More about Michelle: https://www.michelleharrisinternational.com/The Primary Purpose of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice or Services. The Views and Opinions Expressed are Those of The Guests. Their Appearance on The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement of Them, Their Products, or Their Services. Connect with Lynn:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnmcla/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynnmclaughl...YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye...BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/lynnmclaughlin.bsky.socialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla...Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/

When Elaine Uskoski received a chilling email from her son, she knew something was deeply wrong. He had stopped attending university classes, missed deadlines, was sleeping all day, barely eating, and had been gaming for up to 16 hours a day. What began as a fearful drive to pick him up from campus became the beginning of a life-altering journey, not just for her son’s recovery, but for Elaine’s new purpose: helping families across the world understand and address video gaming addiction.Now an internationally recognized coach, speaker, and author of Cyber Sober, Elaine joins us to share her story of heartbreak, healing, and hope, offering insight into a modern addiction that many still don’t recognize.Highlights:💥 The red flags of gaming addiction💥 What recovery looked like at home💥 Why "just take it away" doesn’t work💥 Who’s most at risk (and why)💥 What parents and educators can do💥 Harm reduction strategies and prevention💥 How Jake is thriving today, and helping others💥 The modules now available for post secondary schools and residences to raise student awarenessHow to reach Elaine: https://eyespyhealth.ca/The Primary Purpose of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice or Services. The Views and Opinions Expressed are Those of The Guests. Their Appearance on The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement of Them, Their Products, or Their Services. Connect with Lynn:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnmcla/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynnmclaughl...YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye...BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/lynnmclaughlin.bsky.socialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla...Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/

When Rita Miceli received her son Giaci’s autism diagnosis, her world shifted - but it didn’t break. In the second part of this heartfelt conversation on Taking the Helm, Rita shares how her family navigated the uncertainty, fear, generational and cultural beliefs by building an unshakable foundation of love, support, and understanding. Rita also reflects on sibling connection, self-care, the steps they took to build their son's independence and how she found peace knowing her son will always be supported. It’s a conversation filled with honesty, hope, and the powerful reminder that love can truly light the way.💥 How do parents cope when they hear the diagnosis? 💥 How do we take care of ourselves and find strength rather than working at it from a point of weakness? 💥 Giaci's siblings adore him. What made this possible and how has he has made them better people?💥 Giaci did not go to traditional high school. What did he do as an alternative that introduced him to the work world? 💥How did one TikTok post go viral and how does Giaci's social media posts give families a light at the end of the tunnel?💥 How did his family prepare Giaci for his sister's wedding and the dance he had with her? With over three decades of educational experience, Rita teaches in the Autism and Behavioural Science Graduate Program at St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario. Her family's journey has been highlighted in The Drive Magazine, on CTV News, and CBC National News. Rita is the past president of Autism Ontario (Windsor/Essex Chapter) and has published works on multiple platforms related to special needs and autism, including "A Call to Action" (Autism Matters) and "Words that Connect Us" (Canadian Authors Association). More about Rita: https://giaci.ca/Follow Giaci on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@giacimiceli?Follow Giaci on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giacimiceli/The Primary Purpose of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice or Services. The Views and Opinions Expressed are Those of The Guests. Their Appearance on The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement of Them, Their Products, or Their Services. Connect with Lynn:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnmcla/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynnmclaughl...YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye...BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/lynnmclaughlin.bsky.socialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla...Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/

Assistive technology is more than just a tool—it’s a game-changer for students of all abilities, helping to bridge gaps in learning and create equitable opportunities. Erin Plumb is a leader in assistive technology with 20+ years of expertise in accessibility, accommodations, and inclusion. She has influenced policies and technologies across public, private, and nonprofit sectors, championing digital equity to ensure all learners have access to education. Erin specializes in technology-driven solutions that remove barriers, offering policy development, training, and support for inclusive learning environments. Passionate about accessibility, she advocates for equitable education and empowers educators to adopt best practices in assistive technology, shaping a more inclusive future.Key Points:💥 What is assistive technology?💥 Why is it so important globally in this digital world?💥 Reading, Writing, Math and STEM programs (Text Help Read and Write, Equatio as examples)💥 What are the pros and cons of using tech in the classroom? How does it support educators, inclusivity and those with special needs?💥 What programs or apps can we use to access books and resources that are already formatted?💥 Tips for parents on how to choose and use the right apps/tools.💥 AI is here to stay. How do we embrace it safely in schools?💥 What will assistive tech look like in the future and how should we support educators with universal design for learning?Erin shares a written synopsis and resource links for many organizations that support Assistive Tech worldwide:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mfUecjgK4eubn1vUbU5Nko69xf_rX0jF/viewThe Primary Purpose of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice or Services. The Views and Opinions Expressed are Those of The Guests. Their Appearance on The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement of Them, Their Products, or Their Services. Connect with Lynn:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnmcla/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynnmclaughl...YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye...BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/lynnmclaughlin.bsky.socialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla...Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/

Lindsey Frank, M.Ed., CEO of The Butterfly Within and President of the Coalition of Schools Educating Mindfully (COSEM), joins us to explore how cultivating presence through heart-centered practices can transform schools and communities. With over 13 years of experience as an educator and now a global changemaker, Lindsey shares her courageous journey of stepping out of the classroom to embrace a broader mission of empowering others to unlock their “butterfly within.” We dive into: 💥 Why presence is essential in our rapidly evolving, often disconnected world. 💥 The HEART strategy—a powerful tool to unlock presence and foster emotional regulation. 💥 The importance of mindfulness-based social and emotional learning (SEL) as a way of being, not just something to do. 💥 How COSEM is creating an evolving educational ecosystem that starts with adults and ripples into school communities. Lindsey also leads a guided mindfulness practice to help you assess and deepen your own level of presence. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or leader, this episode will leave you inspired to create courageous, calm, and connected communities through heart-centered mindfulness. Learn more about Lindsey’s work: The Butterfly Within®: www.TheButterflyWithin.me COSEM: www.EducatingMindfully.org Lindsey’s award-winning children’s books (available on Amazon) The Primary Purpose Of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice Or Services. The Views And Opinions Expressed Are Those Of The Guests. Their Appearance On The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement Of Them, Their Products, Or Their Services. Connect with Lynn: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnmcla/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynnmclaughl... YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye... BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/lynnmclaughlin.bsky.social LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla...Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/

Introducing our first Guest Host on Taking the Helm, Kathryn Collins! She has dedicated over 30 years to supporting and educating students from grade school through high school. Her distinguished career has focused on enhancing emotional and social well-being. Kathryn's first guest is Jackie-Savi-Cannon, who has specialized in stress management education for over 30 years, providing services to corporations such as CIBC, TD, RBC, BASF, Windsor Regional Hospital, and the City of Windsor. Her diverse background includes a Bachelor of Communication Studies/Visual Arts (Hon.) and a Bachelor of Education. She is also a Medical Reiki Practitioner and Yoga Teacher. Her amazing fitness career evolved as a group fitness instructor/trainer, competitor, and eventually owner of a seven-figure wellness center. Key points of the rich conversation include: 💥 What stressors have changed and increased every year for students and educators? What's the common denominator and the generational lens? 💥 What's the impact of emotional literacy on school culture? What are universal tools and activities that empower us to manage things coming at us day to day? 💥 What are the wellness techniques for classrooms that are adapted from the corporate world, contributing to a calmer classroom environment? 💥 How do we develop emotional vocabulary and self-awareness so children can navigate them rather than getting "stuck"? 💥 Emotional states affect learning readiness including function, focus, and learning. 💥 The importance of proactive support for teachers so they have the tools for students, allowing them to focus on academics while creating a healthier classroom dynamic. Connect with Jackie: http://www.jsclifestyle.com/ The Primary Purpose Of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice Or Services. The Views And Opinions Expressed Are Those Of The Guests. Their Appearance On The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement Of Them, Their Products, Or Their Services. Connect with Lynn: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnmcla/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynnmclaughl... YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye... BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/lynnmclaughlin.bsky.social LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla...Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/

Renata Chubb is a registered Expressive Arts Therapist and Arts Facilitator, working with groups and individuals, from young children to seniors whose backgrounds include a variety of needs and experiences. Whether you are looking to find your way through a challenging situation (e.g., grief, anxiety, substance abuse, medical conditions, relationship issues) or whether you want to rediscover your joy and aliveness, expressive arts therapy is right for you. She believes in her core that art, sound, movement, words, and play offer great potential for healing and reconnection with self. We need to tap out of. our thinking mind and feel our way through that moment, that experience, that memory. Without a doubt, a space can be made by working with colour, or sounds, tiny movements, our breath, written words. Key points of our discussion include: 💥 What's the difference between Expressive Arts Therapy and an Art Therapy? 💥 The connection to journaling, drawing, painting, playing acting, dancing ... and diffusing the energy of a emotional tension. 💥 How children express themselves differently and why many are stifled from a young age. What's our role as parents to help embrace the arts, when we ourselves need to be in control? 💥 How we heal ourselves through the arts or identify what's getting in our way. It can be as gentle or as deep as we need it to be. 💥 Using our imagination and visualization and how our bodies/minds respond. 💥 How do our children express themselves in the world? Curiosity, physical, flow through nature, music etc 💥 Convenience Verses Skill... Let's stop correcting and fixing! https://www.renatachubbart.comhttps://www.instagram.com/renata.chubb.art/ The Primary Purpose Of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice Or Services. The Views And Opinions Expressed Are Those Of The Guests. Their Appearance On The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement Of Them, Their Products, Or Their Services. Connect with Lynn: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnmcla/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynnmclaughl... YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye... Twitter: https://twitter.com/lynnmcla LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla... Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/

Haze Schepmyer is a Life-Event Transition Consultant dedicated to helping individuals transition from surviving to thriving through life events. Following the unexpected loss of her dream job in 2019, Haze founded Grow My GRIT to spark powerful conversations about facing life's challenges with resilience. She emphasizes reframing thoughts to focus on personal strengths and resources during tough times. Haze created the GRIT Growth Guide, a tool that helps people understand, develop, and demonstrate their GRIT both personally and professionally. Her GRIT framework has supported individuals of all ages in finding meaningful ways to thrive through life's transitions. We delve into the incredible value of GRIT, especially for children and youth. Haze will explore the essential elements of GRIT and why understanding, developing, and demonstrating it is crucial in today's world. Here are six key questions we'll tackle: 💥 What is GRIT and who’s got it? Discover the essence of GRIT and the characteristics of those who possess it. 💥 Why is it important to know AND show your GRIT? Reflect on Buddha's wisdom: "All that we are is the result of what we have thought," and learn why self-awareness of your GRIT matters. Understand the significance of nurturing your GRIT. 💥 Why is it important to show your GRIT? Eckhart Tolle's belief that "Awareness is the greatest agent for change," and see how demonstrating your GRIT can inspire transformation. 💥 What’s the GRIT game? Uncover the engaging and practical aspects of the GRIT game, a tool to instill resilience and perseverance in the younger generation. Connect with Haze: https://growmygrit.com/media-sheet Email hello@growmygrit.com with "Taking the Helm" in the subject line for a consultation The Primary Purpose Of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice Or Services. The Views And Opinions Expressed Are Those Of The Guests. Their Appearance On The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement Of Them, Their Products, Or Their Services. Connect with Lynn: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnmcla/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynnmclaughl... YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye... Twitter: https://twitter.com/lynnmcla LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla...Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/