Dance is about so much more than learning the steps. In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, Loryn Carpenter welcomes Sarah Lotoskyy and Judy Kozlowski of Dynasty Dance Clubs and Dynasty Stars Foundation to explore how dance helps individuals with disabilities build confidence, independence, friendships, and essential life skills. Through inspiring stories and personal experiences, they share how their inclusive dance programs are creating opportunities, breaking down barriers, and transforming lives both inside and outside the ballroom.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Sarah Lotoskyy & Judy Kozlowski, Dynasty Dance Clubs & Dynasty Stars Foundation

(03:55) Starting Dynasty Dance Clubs

(11:00) Addressing a need in the community and ripple effects

(15:50) The benefits of extracurriculars and improvements beyond dance

(28:40) Dancers hosting at the annual luncheon

(30:00) Starting Dynasty Stars Foundation

(37:00) The future of Dynasty Stars Foundation

Transitions can be challenging for students and families, whether it’s starting school for the first time, moving into a new classroom, adjusting to a new teacher, or preparing for life after graduation.

In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, Loryn Carpenter is joined by school psychologist Dr. Valerie Roth and BCBA Dawn Wisniewski to discuss how families can help students prepare for change throughout their educational journey. They explore school readiness beyond academics, communication and independence skills, preparing for new routines and environments, transitioning toward employment and adulthood, and the importance of keeping evaluations, IEPs, and behavior plans up to date.

They also discuss the bigger goal of education: helping students develop the skills, confidence, independence, and connections they need to be successful beyond the classroom.

Timestamps:

(00:00) School Updates

(02:05) Introducing Valarie Roth and Dawn Wisnewski

(03:45) What is school readiness?

(10:25) Transitioning within school, moving classrooms, teachers, etc

(15:00) How can we help our students adapt to change?

(19:05) Are we preparing students to be successful in school or life?

(23:45) What paperwork should parents be aware of when students are transitioning schools?

(35:40) What does every family need to know before their child goes to high school?

In this special back-to-school episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Loryn Carpenter shares practical tips from educators, therapists, parents, and caregivers at Beyond the Spectrum. Learn how routines, sensory supports, social stories, and self-advocacy can help children with autism and other unique learning needs transition into the new school year with greater confidence.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Back to school updates!

(01:45) H.I.V.E. Update

(03:35) New tech thanks to the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation

(05:00) Back to school tips

(08:30) Tips from our teachers

(10:00) Partnership with New York Life Foundation

(12:00) Tips from our Occupational Therapists

(14:30) Advice from parents

(17:00) Loryn’s advice

(23:50) Thank you everyone for the tips!

(25:20) Send me requests for future episodes!