In this enlightening conversation, Ariela Koldorf and Colleen Stevenson from Choose Your Uni discuss the importance of preparing students for post-secondary education, particularly focusing on neurodivergent learners.
Colleen shares her insights on the gaps in university prep services, the significance of scholarships, and the challenges faced by students in navigating the university system.
They emphasize the need for better support systems, the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in education, and the importance of self-advocacy for students with disabilities.
Colleen's mission is to make education more accessible and to help students understand that their journey is unique and not solely defined by their academic performance.
www.chooseyouruni.ca
chooseyouruni_ca (Instagram)
In this episode, Ariela Koldorf is joined by Julie Cole, co-founder of Mabel’s Labels, to explore the intersection of parenting, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. Julie shares her experience raising six children—some of whom are neurodivergent—while building a successful business from the ground up.
The conversation dives into the origins of Mabel’s Labels, the challenges and rewards of parenting through different developmental stages, and the importance of fostering independence and mutual respect.
Julie reflects on the realities of work-life balance, the power of flexibility, and the deep need for community in both business and family life.
Together, Ariela and Julie discuss the role of advocacy in parenting neurodivergent children, the value of neuroinclusion in the workplace, and the ongoing personal growth that comes from navigating motherhood and leadership.
Follow Julie online:🌐 https://mabelslabels.ca/juliecole📱 Instagram: @juliecoleinc💼 LinkedIn: Julie Cole
In this episode of Beyond Behaviour, Ariela Koldorf sits down with psychotherapist Danielle Sugar to explore her personal and professional journey through trauma, resilience, and healing.
Danielle shares the life-altering experience of her husband Russell’s sudden medical collapse, which left him requiring round-the-clock care and dramatically changed the shape of their family life. She reflects on the complex grief of losing a partner to circumstances that don’t involve death, but still carry profound emotional impact.
Together, they discuss:
Navigating ambiguous loss and shifting identities
Supporting children through life’s hardest transitions
The importance of community and seeking help
The therapeutic relationship and its role in healing
Lessons in resilience, gratitude, and finding strength in unexpected places
Danielle’s story also includes the trauma of a devastating house fire, and how her family continues to move forward with courage and connection.
🎧 Tune in for a raw and honest conversation about the messy nature of grief, the power of kindness, and the depth of human strength.
In this powerful episode, Ariela Koldorf is joined by Chris McMartin for a candid conversation at the intersection of entrepreneurship, parenting, and neurodiversity.
Chris shares her journey as the force behind the Scotiabank Women Initiative, highlighting the importance of building strong, supportive communities for women in business.
Together, Ariela and Chris explore the realities of raising neurodivergent children, the value of authenticity in leadership, and practical ways to support emotional regulation in a busy household.
This episode is a must-listen for parents, entrepreneurs, and anyone striving to lead with intention and compassion.
🔗 Connect with Chris:Instagram: @hypeher_bossLinkedIn: Chris McMartinLearn more: Scotiabank Women Initiative
In this episode of Beyond Behaviour, Ariela Koldorf talks with Nadia Maffucci Di Rienzo, a colorectal cancer survivor living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Nadia shares her journey through chronic illness, the emotional impact on motherhood, and how she uses open communication with her family. She also discusses founding Gutsy Girl Diaries to support others navigating similar challenges. Tune in for a powerful conversation about resilience, connection, and finding strength through community.
Follow Nadia at:
@gutsygirldiaries (IG)
www.gutsygirldiaries.com
In this episode of the Beyond Behaviour podcast, host Ariela Koldorf speaks with TJ Walia, an entrepreneur and leadership coach, about his personal journey through burnout.
TJ shares his experiences of hitting rock bottom, the challenges he faced with anxiety, and the pivotal moments that led him to seek help. He discusses the strategies he implemented to overcome burnout, including exercise and meditation, and emphasizes the importance of support from family. The conversation also touches on the impact of burnout on family relationships and the need for open communication during difficult times.
In this conversation, TJ and Ariela explore the intricate relationship between mental health, family dynamics, and personal growth. They discuss the importance of transparency in family communication, the cultivation of happiness and gratitude, and the impact of one's surroundings on mental well-being.
The dialogue emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding in dealing with anxiety, as well as the importance of empowering the next generation to pursue their passions. They also touch on redefining masculinity and the value of vulnerability in personal development.@twalia (LinkedIn)
@tj_walia (IG)
www.walia.ca
www.zentek.ai
In this episode of Beyond Behaviour, host Ariela Koldorf speaks with Shauna Eisen from Songbird OT about the multifaceted role of occupational therapy, particularly in supporting emotional regulation and mental health in children.
Shauna shares her journey in founding Songbird OT, emphasizing a holistic approach that involves working closely with families to empower them with tools and knowledge.
The conversation highlights the current challenges families face, especially in the wake of COVID-19, and the importance of understanding and utilizing emotional regulation tools effectively.
In this conversation, Shauna and Ariela discuss the importance of emotional regulation, transition support, and the need for personalized, client-centered approaches in occupational therapy, especially for children with autism. They emphasize the significance of collaboration with families and the role of community engagement in supporting mental health and well-being.
The discussion also highlights the value of recognizing individual strengths and the importance of adapting strategies to meet the unique needs of each family.www.songbirdot.ca
@songbird_ot (IG)
In this episode of Beyond Behaviour, host Ariela Koldorf speaks with Megan Suggitt, a neurodivergent entrepreneur and founder of Beautiful Minds.
They discuss the importance of embracing neurodiversity, the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent youth, and the empowering approach of Beautiful Minds in providing mentoring and academic support.
Megan shares her personal experiences with a nonverbal learning disability and how it shaped her mission to help others see their abilities. The conversation also touches on the significance of self-esteem, navigating relationships, and the need for tailored support strategies for neurodivergent individuals.
Find Beautiful Minds at:
www.beautifulmindscanada.com
@beautifulmindson
In this episode of Beyond Behaviour, host Ariela Koldorf speaks with Jessica Pino, founder of Bonafide Psychotherapy and Counseling.
They discuss the importance of genuine therapeutic relationships, the nuances of trauma, and the various therapeutic techniques such as EMDR, CBT, and DBT.
The conversation also delves into parental mental health, the significance of self-care, and the impact of mindfulness on parenting.
Jessica emphasizes that therapy is not just for crisis situations but can be a proactive approach to mental well-being.
The episode concludes with resources for parents and a reminder of the shared journey of healing and support.
To reach Jessica or follow Bona Fide Psychotherapy:
www.bftherapy.ca.
705-716-7130.
@bona.fidetherapy (Instagram)
In this episode of Beyond Behavior, host Ariela Koldorf interviews Julie Diamond, founder of Diamond Teachers Group, an online tutoring service that connects students with certified teachers. Julie shares her passion for supporting students with special needs, particularly those on the autism spectrum.
The conversation explores the unique tutoring process, the importance of certified teachers, and how Diamond Teachers Group builds confidence in students through tailored learning experiences. Julie also discusses the mindfulness and emotional regulation programs offered, the interactive online learning tools used, and the future offerings of the service.
The episode emphasizes the importance of communication and understanding in special education, making it a valuable resource for parents and educators alike.
Find Diamond Teacher's Group:
@diamondteachersgroup(IG)
Diamond Teacher's Group (LinkedIn)
www.diamondteachersgroup.ca/
In this episode of Beyond Behaviour, host Ariela Koldorf interviews Julia Walsh, founder of J Walsh Social, a digital marketing company.
Julia shares her journey of starting her business while balancing motherhood and her experiences with ADHD. The conversation delves into the services offered by her company, the challenges of being a neurodiverse entrepreneur, and the importance of understanding and accommodating neurodiversity in parenting.
Julia also discusses her podcast, 'Riding in Cars with Moms,' and her passion for helping local businesses thrive through effective social media strategies.
You can find Julia on Instagram @jwalshsocial, at www.jwalshsocial.com or email her at julia@jwalshsocial.co
In this episode of the Beyond Behaviour podcast, host Ariela Koldorf interviews her son Aaron, who shares his personal journey with ADHD, a learning disability and Ulcerative Colitis. The conversation explores the challenges and triumphs Aaron has faced, including his emotional regulation, experiences in the hospital, and the importance of advocacy. Through their candid discussion, listeners gain insight into a child's realities of living with these conditions and the supportive role of family in navigating such journeys.Aaron and his family will be participating in the Chron's & Colitis Canada Gutsy Walk on June 2, 2025 and have a fundraising goal of $3,500. If you would like to support Team Sporty Guts, please consider a donation at: https://crohnsandcolitiscanada.akaraisin.com/ui/GutsyWalk2025/p/bf198bf2501d4d5493bbd11449ac870
Ariela is the host of Beyond Behaviour, a podcast with a mission to create a safe, supportive and informative space for parents.
Ariela has worked with kids for over 20 years in various capacities and has an expertise behaviour de-escalation and neurodiversity.
In January 2024, Ariela launched Spectrum of Light Support Services. Through Spectrum of Light, Ariela provides parent coaching and professional care-provider consultation.
Ariela is a mom of 2 kids and understands first-hand the complexities of parenting a child with exceptionalities as well as the joys of watching your kids' resilience help them to thrive.
To learn more about Ariela's services at Spectrum of Light Support Services or to reach out for a consultation, head over to:
www.spectrumoflight.ca
or follow on socials:
@spectrum_of_light_services/(IG)
@SpectrumOfLightServices (FB)
@spectrum-of-light-support-services (LinkedIn)
In this episode of Beyond Behavior, host Ariela welcomes Tara Filteau, founder of Mother Daughter Empower, to discuss the importance of empowering young girls and the challenges faced in the non-profit sector.
They explore the significance of building confidence in girls, the impact of community support, and the necessity of self-care for busy moms.
The conversation also delves into the realities of parenting, including the unconditional love that comes with being a parent and the challenges of navigating family dynamics.
Mother Daughter Empower is hosting its 5th annual Mother Daughter Empower Conference & Awards on March 9th. Tickets on sale on the website at :
www.motherdaughterempower.org
Follow Mother Daughter Empower on socials @MotherDaughterEmpower
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by your child's behavior or stuck in a cycle of meltdowns? You're not alone.
Welcome to Beyond Behaviour, the podcast that gets real about raising kids.
We're ditching the "perfect parent" myth and diving deep into what actually makes kids tick.
We'll explore the why behind tantrums, power struggles, and everything in between.
