In this episode of In Session, we’re exploring pediatric occupational therapy for older children and how OT supports the skills kids need to succeed at school, at home, and in everyday life. Join Westside’s Director of Occupational Therapy, Alyssa Sanders, OTR/L, and Director of Occupational Therapy, Ali McCarrell, MOT, OTR/L, as they discuss how OT helps children strengthen executive functioning, emotional regulation, sensory processing, and independence.

From improving handwriting and classroom participation to managing sensory challenges, daily routines, and social demands, this episode breaks down what occupational therapy looks like for school-age kids—and how it adapts as children grow.

Learn how occupational therapy empowers older kids to build confidence, navigate challenges, and engage more fully in their environments as expectations increase and independence becomes key.

In this episode of In Session, we’re diving into counseling for older kids and teens — what it looks like, how it works, and why support during these years is so important. Join Westside’s Sr. Director of Counseling, Joyce Kraus, DSW, LCSW, ACSW, and Director of Counseling Kevin Stromberg, M.S. Ed., LCPC, LMHC, LPC, NCC, ACS, as they break down how therapy helps young people manage stress, anxiety, friendships, school pressures, and the challenges that come with growing up.
From evidence-based approaches to building coping skills, to strengthening communication, to supporting healthy identity development, this episode explores how counseling empowers older kids and teens to feel understood, build resilience, and thrive emotionally and socially.

In Part 2 of our “All About ABA” series on In Session, Westside’s Chief Clinical Officer, Sarah Trautman, M.A., BCBA, returns for a deeper conversation—this time focused entirely on family dynamics. We explore how the relationships, routines, communication patterns, and overall rhythm of a household directly shape a child’s ABA experience. Sarah breaks down the ways ABA supports not just the child, but the entire family system—helping caregivers build consistency, reduce stress, and create a home environment where everyone can thrive together.

In this episode of In Session, we separate fact from fiction when it comes to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Chief Clinical Officer Sarah Trautman, M.A., BCBA joins us to explore common myths, highlight what effective ABA really looks like, and share guidance on how parents can identify quality providers. Tune in for clear, practical information to help you make informed decisions for your child’s care.

In this episode of In Session, we’re diving into the world of pediatric occupational therapy and how early OT support helps young children build the foundational skills they need to succeed in everyday life. Join Westside’s Director of Occupational Therapy, Alyssa Sanders, OTR/L, and Director of Occupational Therapy, Ali McCarrell, MOT, OTR/L, as they explore the role OT plays in developing fine motor skills, sensory processing, emotional regulation, play, and independence.

From building hand strength for writing and using utensils to navigating sensory overwhelm and daily routines, this episode breaks down what OT looks like in action—and why it matters so much during early childhood.

Discover how occupational therapy empowers little kids to grow with confidence, thrive in their environments, and participate more fully in their world.

In this episode of In Session, we’re diving into the world of feeding therapy — exploring how sensory, motor, and emotional factors all play a role in a child’s relationship with food.

Join Westside’s feeding specialists — Rebecca Lonkar, MHS, CCC-SLP/COM/L, Mary Smyers-Karaffa, SLPD, MS, CCC-SLP/L, and Kristalyn Turner, MS, CCC-SLP — as they unpack common challenges families face at mealtime, from picky eating and oral aversion to difficulty chewing or swallowing.

Together, they share insights into how feeding therapy helps children build confidence and comfort with food, while empowering parents with strategies that make mealtimes more positive and less stressful.

Listeners will discover how thoughtful, collaborative feeding support can transform mealtime into an opportunity for connection, growth, and joy.

In this episode of In Session, we’re exploring how speech therapy helps children find their voice — literally and figuratively. Join Westside’s Director of Speech and Feeding Therapy, Kristalyn Turner, M.S., CCC-SLP, along with Rebecca Lonkar, MHS, CCC-SLP/ILCBC/L, and Meghan Covey, M.S., CCC-SLP, as they discuss how addressing speech and language challenges can open doors to communication, confidence, and connection.

From early intervention and play-based techniques to strategies for articulation, fluency, and language development, this episode highlights how speech therapy supports the whole child — empowering them to express themselves and engage fully in their world.

In this episode of In Session, we’re exploring the powerful connection between occupational therapy and counseling — and how working together can support a child’s whole development. Join Westside’s Director of Counseling, McKenna Henning, LCPC, NCC, and Director of Occupational Therapy, Ali McCarrell, MOT, OTR/L, as they discuss how emotional regulation, sensory processing, and everyday functional skills overlap in meaningful ways. From play-based therapy to coping strategies and self-expression, this episode dives into how OT and counseling together help children build resilience, confidence, and balance in both body and mind.