Welcome

2011 Videocasts are hosted by Daily Motion. Our 2012 shows are hosted by PodOMatic.  You can scroll down and click on the images or links to listen or go directly to our site at http://specialstormradio.podomatic.com/ to see all the 2012 podcasts.

Welcome to Special Storm Radio, a weekly internet radio show on a variety of special needs topics, mental diagnoses, parenting skills, education, marriage and family, childhood illnesses/cancer:  if it is a special story that may help others, you will hear it here on Special Storm Radio!  Listen to the podcasts of our show!

Commercials and music have been removed on the 2011 video podcasts to eliminate any copyright infringement.    All of our previous shows will be here on this web page.
Commercials from web host Daily Motion are beyond our control.

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Thank you to the following countries who have listened in to our archived shows in the last 30days! we are up to 4,450 listeners world wide! We cannot wait to return to new shows this June 2013!

COUNTRY VIEWS
United States
United Kingdom
Canada
India
Brazil
Philippines
Australia
Indonesia
Malaysia
Russian Federation
Ireland
Netherlands
Switzerland
Bangladesh
Bulgaria
Republic of Korea
Mexico
Thailand
Israel
United Arab Emirates
Albania
Denmark
Italy
Japan
Argentina
Sweden
Belarus
France
Greece
Belgium
Serbia
Taiwan
New Zealand
Syrian Arab Republic
Azerbaijan
Hungary
Egypt
Ukraine
Turkey
Colombia
Lithuania
Algeria
Czech Republic
Georgia
Portugal
Chile
Viet Nam
Bahamas
South Africa
Pakistan
Malta
Cyprus
Norway
Puerto Rico
Nepal
Romania
Nicaragua
Estonia
Saudi Arabia
Sri Lanka
Peru
Moldova
Venezuela
Nigeria
Iraq
Myanmar
Malawi
Germany
Lebanon
Singapore

Posted in ABA therapy, ADHD, adoptions, advice, advocacy, Angelmans Syndrome, Aspergers Syndrome, Autism, autism in military families, bipolar disorder, brain gym, bullying, cancer, caregiver, Celiac Disease, Cerebral Palsy, DCF, dyslexia, evaluation, family, Foster Care, Glutaric Aciduria Type One (GA 1), Gluten Allergies, inclusion, learning disability, marriage, medical, mental illness, NVLD, PANDAS, parenting, reactive attachment disorder, reading disability, schizophrenia, School District, sexual abuse, siblings, social skills, special ed law, special education, special education law, special needs, specific learning disability, sped law, substance abuse, suicide prevention, teen, therapy, tourettes syndrome, Uncategorized, Wilms Tumor | Leave a comment

2013 update on Special Storm Radio

Hello all!!

First I want to say THANK YOU to everyone from all over the world who has listened in to Special Storm Radio for nearly 2 years now :) .. as of today we have had 4, 300+ listeners!

I dearly miss not having a show since December because I love sharing information that will help make this world a better place for children of all abilities!

Presently I have been encouraged to run for a School Committee seat to be voice for our kids with special needs, which I have been considering for sometime.
I feel it is best to put a hold on airing new shows until after the election in May, so Special Storm Radio will not be tainted by what may potential come along with the campaign process. As many of you know who have listened in, at times, some of the information we convey is not what everyone wants to hear. :)

If you would like to help me with the campaign process and you live in the Southeast New England area, please inbox me on Facebook or email @ melissa.specialstormradio@gmail.com

in conjunction with running in the election, I will still be trying to raise funds for Special Storm Radio so we can secure a home studio to air our future shows.. To my surprise and perhaps ignorance on my part, I have learned that after being on 3 studios in less than 2 years, not everyone shares my vision of helping others without making money … so I am looking for a studio, that is professional and accepts Special Storm Radio as their “charity” work to help others as I help families with loved ones with Special Needs… I have a fundme link on this website if you would like to support the show, every little bit helps. :) either way I plan on returning in the spring, given the right opportunity and after the election , come what may :)
Until we meet again, please consider reviewing our archived shows, and share them with someone who may benefit. We have an array of topics! Also please consider giving us some comments and likes :)
Many thanks and God Bless!!
Melissa

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Merry Christmas ,Happy Holidays

Wishing all our listeners world-wide a Merry Christmas/ Happy Holidays’ from our family to yours!

Love,
Melissa
Special Storm Radio!

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12-12-12-Reading & Learning Disabilities w/ expert Sally Grimes on Special Storm Radio

Does your child or student have a reading or learning disability? do you want to know how to help them? We have the inside scoop here with Reading & Disability Expert- Sally Grimes! Read her bio below then click here — http://http//specialstormradio.podomatic.com/entry/2012-12-14T09_38_04-08_00 to listen in to this hour pact show full of information that every parent and educator can use!
We also go in depth of the signs that a reading intervention would be warranted and how to jump start your child in being a successful reader! ~ Melissa

Bio:
Sally has served in a variety of positions in her 35 years in the fields of Reading and Learning Disabilities. She has taught at levels ranging from Head Start to Graduate School, performed educational evaluations at North Shore Children’s Hospital, served as an Extension Volunteer for a year with migrant workers in Texas, served as Landmark School’s first Admissions Director and as the Assistant Director of its Outreach Program.

Sally has provided professional development and consultation in the area of Reading to thousands of teachers and administrators assisting schools with literacy initiatives and serving in several entities, including, but not limited to The Ennis William Cosby Foundation, The Massachusetts Elementary School Principals’ Association, WGBH (Between the Lions) and at a host of conferences and parents’ groups. She has served as an adjunct faculty member at Boston College, Fitchburg State College, Lesley University and Salem State College, often teaching courses she conceived and wrote in the area of Reading.

Sally served as one of three Lead Trainers in Massachusetts for the Reading First Grant under No Child Left Behind. Additionally, the Grimes Reading Institute in Rockport, Massachusetts, of which Sally is the Founding Director, was one of three entities awarded the grant designated to design and execute the professional development component of this Grant.

Sally’s interest in public policy and public awareness has led to work in the production of and participation in media presentations as well as in the creation of several published articles. Other past activities include serving on the Rockport School Committee, on the Executive Board of the National Council for Exceptional Children, and as an appointed member of both the Massachusetts Governor’s Commission on School Readiness and the Content Advisory Committee of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure. Sally also assisted in the design, training, and delivery of content for the Bay State Readers Grant Program, run by the Massachusetts Department of Education and also the Bay State Reading Institute under the leadership of Barbara Gardner, past Associate Commissioner of Education. Presently, Sally serves on the Massachusetts State Literacy Planning Team.

Sally received her Master’s Degree in Reading and Human Development from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and her Bachelor’s Degree from University of Illinois at Chicago.

Here is Sally’s Contact information and check out her website for more information!

Sally C. Grimes, Ed. M., Founding Director
The Grimes Reading Institute
2 Francis Way
Rockport, MA 01966
Office: 978-546-2144
E-mail: sallygrimes@comcast.net

http://www.grimesreadinginstitute.com

here is another website of helpful information~ http://www.ncld.org/learning-disability-resources/parent-advocacy-guides/idea-parent-guide

and as always , Special Storm Radio would like to thank Andrew from the Wheels of Life studio home to http://www.andrewdufault.net for airing our show!~Melissa

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join us on December 19th @ 10am Est with Maureen Finaldi, M.S. from Advocacy for Special Kids

 

 

 

Image

Maureen Finaldi, M.S. is owner of Advocacy for Special Kids

http://asktheadvocate.org

She has over ten years experience in working with families of children with

Autism, Global Developmental Delays, ADHD, Specific Learning Disabilities

and emotional impairments.  A member of the Council of Parents Attorney’s

and Advocates, The Special Needs Advocacy Network.  Maureen has been trained

by the Federation for Children with Special needs, has taken courses

from Suffolk Law School on Special Education Law through their continuing education

department.  Maureen is a Trainer and consultant  for Encompass Education Solutions, as well

as the Federation for Children with Special needs teaching the following courses:

An IEP for My Child, Turing Three, Basic Rights and

Parent and School partnerships. 

Maureen received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts

and a Master’s of Science in Human Service from the University of Massachusetts.

 

Maureen Finaldi, M.S

Special Education Advocate

167 Washington Street

Norwell, MA  02061

www.asktheadvocate.org

(781) 733-9050 Office

(781) 264-1257 Cell

https://ipn.intuit.com/advocacyforspecialkids

 

 

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Reading & Learning Disabilities with Expert Specialist- Sally Grimes!

Does your child or student have a reading or learning disability? do you want to know how to help them? then tune in on SPECIAL STORM RADIO on Sally GrimesWednesday December 12th at 7 pm to hear all the details from Reading and Learning Disabilities expert Sally Grimes!
Bio:
Sally has served in a variety of positions in her 35 years in the fields of Reading and Learning Disabilities. She has taught at levels ranging from Head Start to Graduate School, performed educational evaluations at North Shore Children’s Hospital, served as an Extension Volunteer for a year with migrant workers in Texas, served as Landmark School’s first Admissions Director and as the Assistant Director of its Outreach Program.

Sally has provided professional development and consultation in the area of Reading to thousands of teachers and administrators assisting schools with literacy initiatives and serving in several entities, including, but not limited to The Ennis William Cosby Foundation, The Massachusetts Elementary School Principals’ Association, WGBH (Between the Lions) and at a host of conferences and parents’ groups. She has served as an adjunct faculty member at Boston College, Fitchburg State College, Lesley University and Salem State College, often teaching courses she conceived and wrote in the area of Reading.

Sally served as one of three Lead Trainers in Massachusetts for the Reading First Grant under No Child Left Behind. Additionally, the Grimes Reading Institute in Rockport, Massachusetts, of which Sally is the Founding Director, was one of three entities awarded the grant designated to design and execute the professional development component of this Grant.

Sally’s interest in public policy and public awareness has led to work in the production of and participation in media presentations as well as in the creation of several published articles. Other past activities include serving on the Rockport School Committee, on the Executive Board of the National Council for Exceptional Children, and as an appointed member of both the Massachusetts Governor’s Commission on School Readiness and the Content Advisory Committee of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure. Sally also assisted in the design, training, and delivery of content for the Bay State Readers Grant Program, run by the Massachusetts Department of Education and also the Bay State Reading Institute under the leadership of Barbara Gardner, past Associate Commissioner of Education. Presently, Sally serves on the Massachusetts State Literacy Planning Team.

Sally received her Master’s Degree in Reading and Human Development from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and her Bachelor’s Degree from University of Illinois at Chicago.

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Thank you to the following countries that have listened in to SPECIAL STORM RADIO over the past 30 days! Stay tuned for some great upcoming shows! <3

United States FlagUnited States
Ireland FlagIreland
Canada FlagCanada
United Kingdom FlagUnited Kingdom
India FlagIndia
Philippines FlagPhilippines
United Arab Emirates FlagUnited Arab Emirates
Indonesia FlagIndonesia
Mexico FlagMexico
Brazil FlagBrazil
Malaysia FlagMalaysia
Russian Federation FlagRussian Federation
Korea, Republic of FlagRepublic of Korea
Azerbaijan FlagAzerbaijan
Lithuania FlagLithuania
Belgium FlagBelgium
Czech Republic FlagCzech Republic
Switzerland FlagSwitzerland

Posted in Uncategorized, Angelmans Syndrome, Aspergers Syndrome, Autism, evaluation, advocacy, special education law, family, marriage, teen, advice, ADHD, tourettes syndrome, masspac, school committe, parenting, Wilms Tumor, cancer, medical, mental illness, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, suicide prevention, bullying, School District, school districts, PANDAS, caregiver, weight loss, therapy, Cerebral Palsy, Celiac Disease, Gluten Allergies, ABA therapy, NVLD, dyslexia, special ed law, sped law, Foster Care, siblings, selective mutism, sexual abuse, special needs, adoptions, DCF, substance abuse, social skills, reactive attachment disorder, autism in military families, brain gym, inclusion, Glutaric Aciduria Type One (GA 1) | Leave a comment

11-18-2012 ~Katie Schifino on her son Dustyn’s journey with GA-1 ( Glutaric Acidura Type 1 Life threatening disease)

Melissa & Andrew introduce An AMAZING MOM- Katie Schifino- on her INCREDIBLE journey with her son Dustyn who was born with a life threatening disease. This disease is called Glutaric Aciduria Type One (GA 1). There is 1 in 10 Americans who have a rare disease. GA 1 is 1 in 40,000 among the American population. GA 1 is 1 in 100,000 among the World population. ***Most families
don’t find out there child has GA 1 or any other metabolic disorder until they have had a “crisis” which is a metabolic stroke or even death. This disease has had many misdiagnosis. For example we all know as “shaken baby syndrome”, Cerebral Palsy (CP) and even in some cases GA 1 can show some Autistic traits. But the only way to truly know if your child has this is a DNA test.
We cover the details of GA-1, resources, medical challenges and the daily struggles the family encounters from financial to emotional strain and how the sharing of their journey creates awareness and comfort to others that you are not alone.

Katie is also in the process of working on a non-profit status HUGS From Dustyn – Dustyn’s mission is to spread his HUGS (toys) to children who are warriors like him. Who are also battling chronic; complex medical conditions. In hopes to bring a smile. Please consider helping our with this most beautiful cause ~ http://www.facebook.com/HUGSfromDustyn or website http://www.hugsfromdustyn.com/
& to follow Dustyn’s daily progress and for additional resources please visit http://www.facebook.com/dustynabraveboy

and as always I would like to thank the Wheels of Life Studio- home to http://www.andrewdufault.net for broadcasting our Special Storm Radio shows. http://www.facebook.com/SpecialStormRadio?ref=ts&fref=ts <3 ~ melissa
CLICK ON THE PICTURE BELOW TO LISTEN NOW :)

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HUGS FROM DUSTYN ~ TONIGHT on SPECIAL STORM RADIO

Listen in TONIGHT on Special Storm Radio LIVE from 6-8pm est on www.andrewduafault.net to hear an AMAZING MOM- Katie Schifino- on her INCREDIBLE journey with her son Dustyn who was born with a life threatening disease. This disease is callImageed Glutaric Aciduria Type One (GA 1). There is 1 in 10 Americans who have a rare disease. GA 1 is 1 in 40,000 among the white American population. GA 1 is 1 in 100,000 among the World population. ***Most families don’t find out there child has GA 1 or any other metabolic disorder until they have had a “crisis” which is a metabolic stroke or even death. This disease has had many misdiagnosis. For example we all know as “shaken baby syndrome”, Cebral Palsy (CP) and even in some cases GA 1 can show some Autistic traits. But the only way to truly know if your child has this is a DNA test.

Katie is also in the process of working on a non-profit status HUGS From Dustyn – Dustyn’s mission is to spread his HUGS (toys) to children who are warriors like him. Who are also battling chronic; complex medical conditions. In hopes to bring a smile. 
So please join Katie TONIGHT on SPECIAL STORM RADIO and show your support for this great mom and her beautiful 2 year old boy Dustyn! ♥ show will be available on podcast shortly after it airs on www.specialstormradio.wordpress.com :)
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11-14-2012- Brain Gym for Everyone! presented by the experts~ Joseph Schechtman & Nancy Whyte Sherman

Melissa introduces our expert guests, here is their bio followed by the description of the show

Joseph Schechtman is a national consultant to schools and school districts.
He does leadership training for superintendents and principals, trains and coaches teachers, counselors and psychologists to be effective with their most challenging students. He has a private practice and specializes with youth and adults who have learning difficulties, specifically ADHD, ASD, and PTSD.
Mr. Schechtman has a Masters in Counseling and before becoming a consultant to schools, ran successful residential treatment programs for aggressive and violent youth in Massachusetts.
In addition to his consulting, he is a senior instructor at Cambridge College in the special education program teaching graduate courses in Inclusion, Behavior Management, Brain Gym, and Succeeding with Resistant Students. He has been a Brain Gym Instructor for 20 years training teachers how to use Brain Gym in the classroom and uses Brain Gym in his private practice.
&
Nancy Whyte Sherman, M.Ed, is a licensed Brain Gym instructor and has been utilizing Brain Gym® for over 12 years. She’s taught special education in a self-contained and inclusion setting. After learning Brain Gym, she was able to “shift” gears, take a sabbatical and receive her Brain Gym license. She then taught 1st and 4th grade general education. She then moved to teaching elementary music for the Chariho School District. She recently retired and plans to expand her Brain Gym business in the community, working with all ages and expanding into senior centers and nursing homes.

We focus on what is What is Educational Kinesiology/Brain Gym?
Who can benefit from the Brain Gym work? such as Individuals of all ages, from birth to the elderly, benefitfrom the work. Frequently the biggest improvements are experienced with the learning disabled population, such as ADD/ADHD, autism, visual problems, etc. What is the philosophy?
What evidence is there to support the work? How are Edu-K and the BG program used in the classroom? How long do the effects last? and much more!!

Contact info for our guest speakers are as follows;

Mr. Schechtman may be contacted at fquad@cox.net or 401-245-0032. In his private practice he works directly with clients and works remotely by telephone or skype.
and
nancy.sherman52@gmail.com, she is available to travel and conduct instructor training and presentations!

**Some of the Music played on this show was a cd to “compliment” some of the Brain Gym exercises, I will add the information on the cd for credit and those interested in purchasing for all intending purposes!

Special Thanks again and huge shout out to Andrew Dufault from the Wheels of Life studio for helping Special Storm Radio continue to be aired from his studio- http://www.andrewdufault.net. please consider making a donation to help Andrew and our show with expenses thank you ~ Melissa
CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO LISTEN NOW :)

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