More Than Words is for parents and people working with children who notice that their child is struggling to keep up with their peers, be it academically, socially, or emotionally. In each episode, we share resources, guidance, and a sense of assurance on the path to helping your child.

More Than Words: Treating the Whole Child
Claim This Podcastby The Reading and Language Learning Center
Podcast Authority
Beta
Podcast Overview
More Than Words is for parents and people working with children who notice that their child is struggling to keep up with their peers, be it academically, socially, or emotionally. In each episode, we share resources, guidance, and a sense of assurance on the path to helping your child.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
8/20/2021
Unlock The Full Podcast Authority Score Report
See how your podcast performs across key metrics
Podcast Authority
Beta
Recommendations available
Unlock the full report to see detailed tips
Unlock comprehensive insights including:
- • YouTube presence analysis
- • Social media reach metrics
- • RSS compliance scoring
- • Podcast 2.0 features
- • Technical standards
Detailed Analytics
- Complete breakdown of all 19 authority metrics
- Personalized recommendations for each metric
- Industry benchmarks and comparisons
- Technical RSS feed analysis and compliance scoring
Growth Strategies
- Step-by-step action plans for improvement
- Quick wins to boost your score immediately
- Pro tips from successful podcasters
See how your show performs across every key metric
High authority scores make your podcast more attractive to industry leaders and influencers who want to appear on credible shows.
Sponsors look for podcasts with proven authority and engagement. Your score demonstrates your podcast's value to potential partners.
Understanding your strengths and weaknesses helps you make data-driven decisions to expand your listener base effectively.
3 verified contact emails on file for More Than Words: Treating the Whole Child
Pitch yourself as a guest, propose sponsorships, or reach out directly to the host.
Recent Episodes

June 10, 2026
Why Some Children Struggle to Process What They Hear with McLean Speech & Language
What does it mean when a child can hear perfectly well, but still struggles to follow directions, process spoken language, or learn in noisy environments? In this episode of More Than Words: Treating the Whole Child, host Tristen sits down with speech-language pathologists Kim Hiday and Rachel Saulle from McLean Speech & Language to unpack auditory processing challenges in children and adults. Together, they explain the difference between hearing and auditory processing, common signs parents and teachers may notice, how auditory processing difficulties can impact learning and daily life, and the therapy approaches and accommodations that can help. From classroom seating strategies to auditory integration training and speech-language interventions, this conversation offers practical insight for families trying to better understand how children process sound and language. Whether your child struggles to follow verbal directions, seems overwhelmed in noisy spaces, or has difficulty listening despite normal hearing tests, this episode provides a compassionate, evidence-informed starting point. What You’ll Learn ✨ The difference between hearing ability and auditory processing ✨ Common signs of auditory processing challenges in children ✨ Why some children “zone out” during listening-heavy tasks ✨ How auditory processing difficulties can affect reading, language, and learning ✨ What auditory processing evaluations may include ✨ Classroom accommodations that can support listening and attention ✨ Therapy approaches including speech-language intervention and auditory training ✨ What parents should do first if they suspect auditory processing difficulties About the Guests Kim Hiday, M.S., CCC-SLP and Rachel Saulle, M.S., CCC-SLP are speech-language pathologists at McLean Speech & Language who specialize in auditory processing, language development, literacy, and individualized intervention planning for children and adults. Their clinical work includes auditory processing evaluations, speech-language therapy, auditory integration training, and collaborative school-based supports. Together, they help families better understand how listening, language, and learning intersect, while creating personalized recommendations that support success across home, school, and community settings. Episode Highlights Kim explains that hearing and auditory processing are not the same thing. Hearing involves the ears detecting sound, while auditory processing refers to how the brain interprets and organizes what we hear. Rachel discusses how auditory processing difficulties may sometimes look like attention challenges, especially when children become overwhelmed by listening demands in the classroom. The conversation also explores how classroom environments, seating arrangements, and background noise can significantly impact a child’s ability to process spoken information effectively. Kim and Rachel share examples of interventions and accommodations that may support children with auditory processing needs, including speech-language strategies, auditory training, and individualized environmental supports. Resources & Links 🌐 McLean Speech & Language https://mcleanspeech.com 📸 Instagram: @McLeanSpeech 📘 Facebook: McLean Speech and Language 🌐 The Reading & Language Learning Center https://www.readingllcenter.com 📸 Follow RLLC on Instagram: @readinglanguagecenter 📘 Follow RLLC on Facebook: The Reading & Language Learning Center 🎧 Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe, rate, and review More Than Words: Treating the Whole Child wherever you listen to podcasts.

May 27, 2026
The Power of Personalized Learning with Joe Casamassima
What if school didn’t have to look the way we’ve always imagined it? In this episode of More Than Words: Treating the Whole Child, Tristen sits down with Joe Casamassima of Fusion Academy to explore the one-to-one school model and how it redefines what learning can look like for students. From personalized pacing to built-in social opportunities, Joe shares how this approach allows educators to truly meet students where they are academically and emotionally. They also dive into a powerful idea many parents need to hear: when a child is struggling in school, it may not be about ability, it may be about fit. Joe explains how flexible, individualized learning environments can reduce stress, increase engagement, and help students rediscover confidence in their learning. What You’ll Learn How one-to-one schooling works in a real school day Why traditional classrooms can create a mismatch for some learners The role of individualized pacing in reducing frustration and gaps How one-to-one learning supports both academic and emotional needs What kinds of students benefit from flexible school environments How socialization still happens and why it can be more intentional How schools can collaborate with therapists and outside supports Why finding the right school fit matters more than “pushing through” About the Guest Joe Casamassima is the Head of School at Fusion Academy Tysons, where he leads a one-to-one school model designed to meet students as individuals. He began his career in public education before moving into more personalized settings, including independent schools for at-risk youth, programs supporting students on the autism spectrum, and learning centers for teens working toward their GED. Joe previously served as Head of School at Fusion Academy San Mateo before relocating to Virginia to lead the Tysons campus. Across every role, he has focused on creating environments where students are seen, supported, and able to thrive. Outside of education, Joe has twice walked across the United States to raise awareness and funding for Multiple Sclerosis. He lives in Dunn Loring, Virginia with his wife and children. Links & Resources Fusion Academy:https://www.fusionacademy.com/ Tysons Campus: https://www.fusionacademy.com/campuses/tysons-corner/ If this episode helped you see your child’s learning in a new light, please subscribe, rate, and review on your podcast platform. It helps other parents and educators find tools that make daily life easier. Website: http://www.readingllcenter.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/readingllcenter Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/readingllcenter Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWlbl8Ea8DJFADaNU9ZK1Vw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-reading-and-language-learning-center

May 13, 2026
Is Your Child Over Capacity? Rethinking Pace, Pressure, and Growth with Casey Pina
Parents today are doing more than ever to support their children, but what happens when all that support starts to feel like too much? In this episode of More Than Words: Treating the Whole Child, Tristen sits down with Casey Pina from Fusion Academy Alexandria to explore a powerful and often overlooked concept: capacity. While many families focus on schedules, structure, and achievement, Casey explains why true growth depends on something different, having enough space to learn, process, and recover. Together, they unpack how well-intentioned decisions around academics, extracurricular activities, and expectations can sometimes push children beyond their limits. You will learn how to recognize when your child may be overwhelmed, how to balance challenge with capacity, and what it really looks like to support your child’s development in a sustainable way. What You’ll Learn How to recognize when your child is overwhelmed by their schedule What “capacity” means and why it matters for learning and development The difference between healthy challenge and overload Signs your child’s pace may not match their developmental needs Why growth requires space, not just structure and activity How high expectations can unintentionally create pressure Practical ways to adjust your child’s schedule without pulling everything away A simple question every parent should ask when making decisions about activities About Casey Casey Pina is the head of school at Fusion Academy Alexandria, where she works closely with students and families to create individualized learning environments that support both academic growth and overall well-being. With a focus on meeting students where they are, Casey specializes in helping learners who may not thrive in traditional school settings, particularly those experiencing overwhelm, burnout, or mismatched expectations. She is passionate about helping families better understand each child’s unique capacity, pace, and potential, and guiding them toward more sustainable, student-centered approaches to education. Links If this episode helped you rethink your child’s schedule or see their needs in a new light, please subscribe, rate, and review on your podcast platform. It helps other parents and educators find tools that support the whole child. Casey Pina Fusion Alexandria: https://www.fusionacademy.com/campuses/alexandria/ Casey’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-pina-4751a525/ Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode! Website: http://www.readingllcenter.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/readingllcenter Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/readingllcenter Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWlbl8Ea8DJFADaNU9ZK1Vw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-reading-and-language-learning-center
88 total episodes available
Recent guests on More Than Words: Treating the Whole Child
Guests from recent episodes — sign up to see every guest that has ever appeared on this show.
Brendan Danker
Guest
Dr Leslie Hawkins
Guest
Dr Samantha Sweeney
Guest
Daniela Feldhausen
Guest
Toni Walters
Guest
John Thomas
Guest
Irene Ilachinski
Guest
Dr James Siddall
Guest
Joan Green
Guest
Judith Bass
Guest
Similar Podcasts
Discover related shows you might enjoy
Deep-dive analytics for More Than Words: Treating the Whole Child
Frequently asked questions
Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
- What is More Than Words: Treating the Whole Child?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates bi-weekly.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 10 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
Legal Disclaimer
Pod Engine is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the podcasts displayed on this platform. We operate independently as a podcast discovery and analytics service.
All podcast artwork, thumbnails, and content displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners and are protected by applicable copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, podcast cover art, episode artwork, show descriptions, episode titles, transcripts, audio snippets, and any other content originating from the podcast creators or their licensors.
We display this content under fair use principles and/or implied license for the purpose of podcast discovery, information, and commentary. We make no claim of ownership over any podcast content, artwork, or related materials shown on this platform. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
While we strive to ensure all content usage is properly authorized, if you are a rights holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately or without proper authorization, please contact us immediately at hey@podengine.ai for prompt review and appropriate action, which may include content removal or proper attribution.
By accessing and using this platform, you acknowledge and agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights of content owners. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of the content displayed on this platform is strictly prohibited.



