Complex Kids, Simple Solutions
By: Michelle Choairy
Language: en-us
Categories: Kids, Family, Parenting, Society, Culture, Personal, Journals
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, real-life stories, and empowering advice to help you become your child’s best advocate while keeping your own sanity intact.Because raising a complex kid is hard—...
Episodes
Lisa Watson — Reparenting Yourself: Healing Limiting Beliefs to Become a Calmer, More Conscious Parent
Dec 15, 2025Send us a text
In this conversation, Michelle sits down with Lisa Watson, inner-child healing coach and creator of the Reparenting Method, to unpack why parenting—especially complex kids—can feel so emotionally overwhelming, and how our children often activate unhealed parts of ourselves that are asking for compassion, validation, and repair.
Lisa shares:
Why your triggers aren’t about your child. Our strongest reactions come from subconscious beliefs formed between ages zero to seven—long before we had language, logic, or choice.
The truth about the past. The p...
Jessica Setnick — Taking the Shame Out of Mealtimes for Complex Kids
Dec 08, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, Michelle sits down with pediatric dietitian and eating-behavior specialist Jessica Setnick to talk about one of the most stressful parts of raising complex and neurodivergent kids: mealtimes. Jessica breaks down why picky eating, food battles, and nutrition worries are rarely about the food itself—and how families can create calmer, more connected routines around eating.
Jessica shares:
Why mealtimes feel so emotional.
Parents carry their own childhood memories, family rules, and pressure to “get nutrition right.” Jessica explains how these...
Joanna Lilley — Rethinking 18 for Complex Kids: What Really Happens at Adulthood
Dec 01, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, Michelle sits down with young-adult consultant Joanna Lilley to talk about the moment so many parents fear: the 18th birthday. Joanna breaks down why turning 18 doesn’t magically make a child ready for adult life—and how families of complex and neurodivergent kids can create a calmer, more supported transition.
Joanna shares:
Why 18 feels so scary.
Parents worry they’ll suddenly lose all control and access. Joanna reframes the transition as a process—not a deadline.
A realistic “launch plan.”
Some...
Dr. Jack Hinman — The Anxious Generation: Guiding Young Adults Toward Independence and Resilience
Nov 24, 2025Send us a text
In this conversation, Michelle sits down with Dr. Jack Hinman, licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Engage Young Adult Transitions, to unpack why so many 18- to 30-year-olds are stuck between adolescence and adulthood—and how parents can help their “kids” move forward with confidence, connection, and purpose.
Dr. Hinman shares:
The crisis of connection. Today’s young adults are more connected than ever online—but lonelier and more anxious than any generation before. Dr. Hinman calls this the Crisis of Connection and explai... Duration: 00:37:39Michael Ringel — Planning for Two Lifetimes: Protect, Grow, and Enjoy (Without Losing Your Benefits)
Nov 17, 2025Send us a text
In this conversation, Michelle sits down with special-needs family wealth strategist Michael Ringel to demystify the money side of raising complex kids—how to get organized fast, protect eligibility for services, and build a plan that cares for your child long after you’re gone.
Mike shares:
Why families delay (and how to start in 15 minutes). Your financial life isn’t a mess—it’s a junk drawer. Mike’s free “Living Balance Sheet” tool turns scattered accounts into a single snapshot and scorecard so you know what... Duration: 00:29:17MegAnne Ford — From “Be Better” to Feel Better: Parenting Complex Kids with CLEAR Connection
Nov 10, 2025Send us a text
In this conversation, Michelle sits down with parent coach MegAnne Ford to flip the old script—away from forcing kids to fit our vision and toward building skills, safety, and connection so families actually feel better day to day.
MegAnne shares:
Why control backfires. Traditional “make them comply” tactics widen the gap; centering the child’s needs helps the message land.
The CLEAR method (her 5-step roadmap).
Connection → Limits → Empowerment → Accountability → Recovery—so consequences teach with dignity, not shame.
Behavior = a...
Duration: 00:33:40Sharon Dunlevy — Trauma-Wise Parenting for Foster (and All) Families
Nov 03, 2025Send us a text
In this conversation, Michelle sits down with educational advocate Sharon Dunlevy to demystify foster-care realities—what licensing really takes, why trauma shows up like “behavior,” and how schools can (and should) support healing with the right plans and people.
Sharon shares:
What becoming a foster parent actually requires. Background checks, home studies, annual license renewals, and 20–40 hours of new training each year—with CPR/First Aid often required in addition (and, in states like Indiana, not counting toward those hours).
IEPs for e...
Duration: 00:34:44Constance Lewis — Miles & the Colorful Capes of Feelings
Oct 27, 2025Send us a text
In this conversation, Michelle sits down with nurse practitioner and mom-author Constance Lewis to share the story behind Miles and the Colorful Capes of Feelings—a playful, powerful system that helps kids name big emotions using color, costume, and connection.
Constance shares:
A family’s turning point. When her son Miles developed seizures at age four, words became hard—so the family created color-coded “capes” to show feelings when speech couldn’t.
Why play works when words won’t. Stomping like a dinosaur, “a...
Duration: 00:28:56C. S. Wyatt — From Checklists to Conversations: Preparing Neurodivergent Students for College
Oct 20, 2025Send us a text
In this conversation, Michelle sits down with educator and accessibility advocate Dr. C. S. Wyatt to demystify the leap from K–12 supports to college reality—and how listening (not just checklists) drives real inclusion online and in the classroom.
Dr. Wyatt shares:
The cliff at 18. IDEA/IEP and most K–12 protections end at adulthood; in higher ed, students must personally contact Disability Services to receive ADA/504 accommodations—and parents can’t do it for them.Why online “access” often isn’t accessible.... Duration: 00:42:04Russell Van Brocklen — Rethinking Dyslexia: Why Typing, Not Tracing, Unlocks Reading and Writing
Oct 13, 2025Send us a text
In this conversation, Michelle Choairy sits down with Russell Van Brocklen, founder of Dyslexia Classes, to uncover a radically different way of helping kids with dyslexia, ADHD, and learning differences thrive—by flipping traditional methods on their head and using neuroscience, technology, and writing itself as the therapy.
Russell shares:
🧠 A senator’s wake-up call. When a New York lawmaker discovered his daughter’s dyslexia too late for early intervention, he created the Dyslexia Task Force—and inspired a new look at what really works in literacy...
Duration: 00:54:56Dr. Emily Levy — Unlocking Every Child’s Learning Potential with Orton-Gillingham
Oct 06, 2025Send us a text
In this conversation, Michelle sits down with Dr. Emily Levy, founder and director of EBL Coaching, to explore how customized, multi-sensory instruction can transform outcomes for students with dyslexia, ADHD, executive functioning challenges, and other learning differences.
Emily shares:
Why no one-size-fits-all works. With 22+ research-based methods in her toolkit, Emily explains why kids with unique learning profiles need a curriculum that’s both structured and flexible.The power of Orton-Gillingham. From tactile sand trays to skywriting, Emily breaks down how OG’s multi-sensory, step-by-step approach rewires how... Duration: 00:35:12Jeanine Mouchawar — Talking to Teens When “I Don’t Know” Is Every Answer
Oct 01, 2025Send us a text
In this conversation, Michelle sits down with parenting coach Jeanine Mouchawar to unpack why the strategies that worked for little kids fall apart in the teen years—especially for neurodivergent teens—and how small shifts in tone, timing, and language rebuild connection without power struggles.
Jeanine shares:
The teen transition = a parent transition. Your child’s needs change at puberty; your approach must, too. “What worked at 8 won’t work at 14”—and that’s normal.Side-door conversations beat head-on clashes. Skip the spotlight and ey... Duration: 00:37:09Nicole Runyon — Why Screens Are Rewiring Our Kids (and What We Can Do About It)
Sep 18, 2025Send us a text
In this powerful episode, Michelle sits down with former child psychotherapist and author Nicole Runyon to tackle a controversial question every modern parent faces:
Is technology quietly hijacking our kids’ mental health—and what can we do about it?
Nicole shares:
📉 The silent epidemic no one saw coming. In 2014, Nicole began seeing a wave of children with severe depression, anxiety, and self-harm—and most had no trauma history. The common thread? Excessive screen time in developmentally critical years.
👀 The myth of the...
Duration: 00:38:09Dr. Karalynn Royster — Co-Parenting Through Chaos Without Breaking Your Kid
Sep 10, 2025Send us a text
In this conversation, Michelle sits down with clinical psychologist and co-parenting coach Dr. Karalynn Royster to unpack one of the most loaded questions parents of complex kids face:
What happens when the marriage isn’t working—but your child still needs both of you?
Dr. Karalynn shares:
💔 Why 80% of parents with complex kids report marriage strain. From therapy schedules to meltdowns to IEP battles, the emotional weight doesn’t just stay with the child—it ripples through the relationship. And sometimes, that weight becomes too much. Duration: 00:50:39
Andréane Gaulin — When It’s Not “Just a Speech Delay”
Sep 04, 2025Send us a text
In this conversation, Michelle sits down with Andréane Gaulin, a rare dual-licensed SLP + BCBA, to unpack the gut-wrenching moment many parents of neurodivergent kids face: when their toddler still isn’t talking—and no one seems to have real answers.
Andréane shares:
🧠 Why “wait and see” is often the wrong advice. Pediatricians mean well, but if your child isn’t talking by two, it’s not “just a phase.” Early intervention can rewire outcomes—but only if you start early.
🗣️ The speech ther...
Duration: 00:45:43Samantha Foote — Music, Meltdowns & the Magic of Neurodivergent Parenting
Aug 26, 2025Send us a text
In this conversation, Michelle sits down with Samantha Foote—music therapist, mom of three autistic children, and host of the Every Brain Is Different Summit—to explore how sound, structure, and self-compassion can transform the neurodivergent parenting journey.
Samantha shares:
🎹 How a piano prodigy became a therapy trailblazer. When Samantha realized she didn’t want to perform or teach music—she wanted to use it to heal—she became a board-certified music therapist and built her Boise-based clinic from the ground up.
👶 From therapist to mom: the plot...
Duration: 00:41:01Ryann Watkin — Rediscovering Your Feminine Energy While Raising Complex Kids
Aug 19, 2025Send us a text
In this conversation, Michelle sits down with speaker, podcaster, and creator of the Raising Wild Hearts podcast, Ryann Watkin, to unpack the tug-of-war between strength and softness that every mom of complex kids knows too well. Together, they explore how to step out of “CEO of the household” mode and reconnect with the feminine energy that fuels joy, love, and true presence at home.
Ryann shares:
When strength becomes survival. From high-achieving career woman to maxed-out mom, Ryann opens up about hitting burnout when her... Duration: 00:35:25Jeaneen Tang — Play Dumb & Sabotage: Tiny Habits that Unlock Speech
Aug 18, 2025Send us a text
In this conversation, Michelle sits down with Los Angeles speech-language pathologist and author Jeaneen Tang to unpack why some kids stay stuck at “grunts and grabs”—and the everyday tweaks that turn requests into real words. Jeaneen shares how to build language without fancy tools: honor a child’s “no,” engineer practice into snacks and play, and borrow the brain’s love of music to make phrases stick.
Jeaneen shares:
A mom’s day that changed everything. When Jeaneen’s son Che suffered a traumatic brain in... Duration: 00:46:59Amanda Trisdale — Building a Dance Floor for the Kids Everyone Else Overlooked
Aug 05, 2025Send us a text
In this heartfelt episode, Michelle sits down with Amanda Trisdale, CEO of Autistic Wings Dance Company, to spotlight what happens when a fierce mom, a fiercely talented daughter, and a fiercely broken system collide—and how they built a sanctuary for neurodivergent dancers when no one else would.
Amanda shares:
💔 Why neurodivergent kids were getting shut out. From being told they must be verbal, potty-trained, and able to sit still—at three—to being denied jazz, tap, or ballet, Amanda knew these so-called “inclusive” studios weren’t built for real...
Duration: 00:38:38Kanika Vasudeva — Tapping Earth & Sun to Calm Neuro-Spicy Storms
Jul 28, 2025Send us a text
In this conversation, Michelle sits down with energy & consciousness coach Kanika Vasudeva to explore why many complex kids arrive as hyper-sensitive “old souls”—and how a one-minute grounding ritual can steady the whole household.
Kanika shares:
A daughter’s goodbye that opened a portal. Losing her infant set Kanika on an Akashic-Records quest to understand soul contracts, karmic imprints, and the bigger purpose behind every parent-child match.The science of an “earthing wire.” Just as appliances shunt excess charge to ground, parents can run stress, grie... Duration: 00:53:27Rebecca McAllister — Turning Playtime into Phonics Power
Jul 21, 2025Send us a text
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 finally “turned the world to color” at age 36.Why most classrooms miss the mark. Whole-word cueing relies on memorizat... Duration: 00:34:02Dr. Kristen Williamson — Rewriting the Neuro-Spicy Rulebook for Parents and Late-Diagnosed Adults
Jul 14, 2025Send us a text
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-spicy.”Why girls (and moms) get missed. Early screening tools were built for 8-year-old w... Duration: 00:44:31Michael Israel — Turning Back-Seat Checks into a Life-Saving Habit
Jul 08, 2025Send us a text
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 one is “too careful... Duration: 00:32:07TL McCoy — Turning Genetic “What-Ifs” Into Page-Turning Superpowers
Jun 30, 2025Send us a text
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 children’s books feature disa... Duration: 00:43:36Dinalynn Rosenbush – The Language of Play: Brave Parenting, Early Words & School-Home Teamwork
Jun 23, 2025Send us a text
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 kids?”*🏫Her high-frequency hack for apraxia.
Ten-minute hallway “c... Duration: 00:34:13
Maxwell Ivey – The Blind Blogger: Resilience, Accessibility & the Power of Asking for Help
Jun 16, 2025Send us a text
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 revealed Bardet–Biedl Syndrome—and why the label ultimately matters less than his... Duration: 00:47:25Barbara Ann Mojica – Little Miss History: Multisensory Learning, Critical Thinking & Curiosity for Complex Kids
Jun 09, 2025Send us a text
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 lessons help diverse brains retain information and build real-world skillsSimple ways parents can weave “Who? What? When? Where? Wh... Duration: 00:51:01Betsy Holmberg – Unkind Mind: Rewiring Self-Doubt and Silencing the Inner Critic for Parents of Complex Kids
Jun 02, 2025Send us a text
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 lies their brains tell them. From late-night guilt to compari...
Duration: 00:45:18Katie Jones – Redeeming Your Finances: Faith, Stewardship, and Simplicity for Special Needs Families
May 27, 2025Send us a text
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 matters, Katie offers grace-filled guidance for moms who feel overwhelmed or stretched too thin.
Together, Michelle and Kati...
Duration: 00:43:28Sam Mitchell – From Advocate to Advocate: A Self-Advocate’s Journey Through Autism, School, and Self-Discovery
May 20, 2025Send us a text
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, social struggles, parent advocacy, and the moment Sam realized he had...
Duration: 00:28:47Elissa Green Kaustinen: Bridging Medical and School Systems for IEP Success
May 12, 2025Send us a text
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, what’s really happening behind the scenes in school meetings, and how caregivers can confidently advocate withou...
Duration: 00:45:50Yvette Holmes: Parenting Through Rare Diagnosis and Building Global Support for TBR1 Families
May 06, 2025Send us a text
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, Michelle and Yvette talk about the challenges of...
Duration: 00:50:10Maddie Sober: Finding the Right Mental Health Partner for Your Complex Kid
Apr 28, 2025Send us a text
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 child’s care team, and how to navigate the challenges (and emotions) that often come with it.
Togeth...
Duration: 00:51:20Michelle Kennedy, LCSW – The Advocate Inside the System: What Social Workers Want Every Parent to Know
Apr 21, 2025Send us a text
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 emotional and logistical overwhelm of complex diagnoses. If you’ve ever wondered what sup...
Duration: 00:37:29Amanda Preston – Parenting 8 Neurodivergent Kids: Advocacy, PDA, and Real-Life Wisdom
Apr 15, 2025Send us a text
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 serving foster and adoptive families. Her coaching business, Amanda Preston Co., helps parents feel seen, supported, and equipped...
Duration: 00:35:50Jenna Rowe – Music Therapy for Complex Kids: Confidence, Connection & Communication Through Song
Apr 07, 2025Send us a text
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 integrate music into everyday life to support their child’s progress. From co-treating with SLPs t...
Duration: 00:32:41Jesseca Perez – Real Talk About Speech: Sensory, Connection & Communication That Counts
Mar 31, 2025Send us a text
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 connection leads the way. Jesseca breaks down what parents should look for in a provider, how to build a coll...
Duration: 00:38:29Elissa Kaustinen – When First Responders Understand: Autism, Law Enforcement & Sensory Support
Mar 31, 2025Send us a text
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 carried in patrol cars and ambulances. These tools, designed to reduce stress and increase understanding during emergency interactions, are changi...
Duration: 00:45:55Jill Lerman – Redefining Play for Complex Kids
Mar 31, 2025Send us a text
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 communication—and how parents can tap into that to support growth and regu...
Duration: 00:36:50Erin Trier – From Burnout to Balance: How I Learned to Care for Myself While Raising a Complex Kid
Mar 31, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, host Michelle Choairy sits down with women’s wellness coach and medical mom, Erin Trier, for a candid conversation about what it really looks like to take care of yourself when you’re raising a child with complex needs.
Erin shares how her own journey—from fitness burnout and hormone imbalance to simple, sustainable self-care—changed everything about how she shows up as a mother, advocate, and coach. Together, they unpack why moms often end up at the bottom of their own to-d...
Duration: 00:44:56Amanda Trisdale – Let Them Dance: Building a Space Where Autistic Kids Belong
Mar 31, 2025Send us a text
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.
Together, Michelle and Amanda explore what it means to truly create a space wher...
Duration: 00:37:00Welcome to Complex Kids, Simple Solutions
Mar 25, 2025Send us a text
Overwhelmed by meltdowns, medical appointments, or IEP chaos? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it all out on your own either. Welcome to Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, the podcast that brings real talk and real tools to parents of neurodivergent and medically complex kids.
Watch this short teaser with host, Michelle Choairy—mom, advocate, and speaker—shares what to expect in upcoming episodes: practical strategies, powerful stories, and a whole lot of “finally, someone gets it” moments. If you’re tired of Googling at midnight and just want answer...
Duration: 00:01:11