Season 2, Episode 13: Childbirth, Parenting, & Transformational Pain
Listen here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
Published: 8/25/26
In this episode we discuss parenting transitions from childbirth to the empty-nest stage, and how we can approach these transitions with confidence and calm.
The term “mindfulness” is thrown around a lot these days, but what is it, really? Is bringing “mindfulness” to childbirth helpful? Will it make childbirth less painful? What is "transformational pain?" Can mindfulness help with the rest of our ever-changing and sometimes painful parenting life? We will talk through all of this and more. If you are curious about mindfulness, managing physical and emotional pain, and how these topics can intersect with parenting, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Our guest today is Claire Zawa. Claire is a Certified Mindful Birthing & Parenting teacher, a Certified Birth Doula with experience as a Postpartum Doula, and a certified Health & Life Coach. Deeply committed to being a part of the "outsourced" village, Claire seeks to create safe and welcoming spaces for curiosity and compassion to flourish, particularly during times of change.
If you’d like to follow up with Claire, you can find her here: https://mindfulbirthingchicago.com/
Season 2, Episode 12: Sleep Tips for Parents of Children with Developmental Differences
Listen here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
Published: 7/29/26
Amy and Laura Van Zandt discuss sleep through the lens of developmental differences. They discuss why so many children with developmental differences struggle with sleep, some of the biggest misconceptions about sleep in children with developmental differences. They talk about why bedtime can be the hardest part of the day for children, and signs that parents can watch for to help tell the difference between "typical" sleep challenges and signs that something more may be going on. Additionally, Laura walks listeners through specific steps they can take tonight to help their child improve their sleep.
About our Guest:
Laura Van Zandt is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist with advanced certifications in Sensory Integration and DIR/Floortime as well as a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant. With years of experience supporting children with developmental differences, Laura brings a unique whole-child perspective to pediatric sleep.
As the founder of Nurtured Night Sleep, she combines evidence-based sleep coaching with her occupational therapy expertise to help families understand the why behind their child's sleep challenges. Rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions, Laura considers how sensory processing, emotional regulation, development, daily routines, and the family environment all influence sleep, creating individualized strategies that are both practical and compassionate.
Laura is passionate about empowering parents through education, helping them feel confident instead of overwhelmed, and reminding families that better sleep is possible—even when the journey looks different than expected.
When she's not working with families, Laura is also navigating the joys and challenges of parenting her own two children, one who has neurodivergent uniqueness...an experience that has deepened her empathy and reinforced her belief that every child deserves an approach tailored to their unique strengths and needs.
Learn more at NurturedNightSleep.com or connect with Laura on Instagram @NurturedNightSleepConsulting
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Season 2, Episode 11: AI in Schools
Listen here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
Published: 6/26/26
Martin Moran, Head of Program for Middle and Upper School at Bennett Day School, talks with Amy about the current feelings around AI in schools, what has changed in schools because of AI, and what primary concern adults, especially adults in schools, need to have as they engage with AI. They dive into what an 'AI-resilient' assignment looks like today and the skills that students need to have in this age of AI. (Hint: it's probably not what you're thinking.)
About our Guest:
Martin Moran is the Head of Program for Middle and Upper School at Bennett Day School. Martin has presented at numerous conferences, sits on the board of South by Southwest EDU, and was recognized by the National Association of Independent Schools as a "Teacher of the Future."
Episode Sponsors
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Season 2, Episode 10: Keeping Kids Safe from Sexual Misconduct
Listen here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
Published: 5/28/26
Description: In this episode, Amy talks with Amy Liss of Campus Integrity Group about her work in preventing and investigating sexual misconduct. She explains the small, innocuous way that sexual misconduct often begins, and walks us through the warning signs we might see in a child who is being groomed. Amy provides concrete tips that parents can put into practice today to help keep their children safe, and shares one important detail she wishes more parents understood about grooming. Amy has a personal drive to inform and educate without spreading fear, and explains how she maintains that balance as a mom herself.
About Campus Integrity Group
Amber Nesbitt and Amy Liss, founders of Campus Integrity Group, bring over 12 years of combined experience leading the Sexual Allegations Unit in the Chicago Public Schools Office of Inspector General. There, they personally conducted or oversaw more than 20,000 staff, student, and witness interviews in more than 2,500 cases involving K-12 sexual misconduct. After repeatedly seeing schools struggle to handle serious allegations without the right expertise, they founded Campus Integrity Group to fill that gap, offering specialized, independent support that combines investigative depth, trauma-informed practice, and a thorough understanding of the legal frameworks governing schools. Amber and Amy bring firsthand knowledge of the unique pressures and complexities school leaders face. This uniquely positions Campus Integrity Group to support schools through investigations, training, and compliance reviews with the care, objectivity, and precision these situations demand.
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Season 2, Episode 9: How to Foster Healthy Digital Habits in Children
Listen here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
Published: 4/10/26
Description: In today's digital age, many parents find themselves struggling to keep up with the technology their children use daily. One pressing question is: How can we guide our kids to form healthy relationships with social media and technology? In this episode, we'll explore the insights from Jane Kim, founder of KindEd, a social media literacy program aimed at empowering children with the skills to navigate the digital world. This matters not only for their immediate social interactions but also for their long-term development and well-being.
About Jane Kim:
Jane Kim is the founder of KindEd, a social media literacy program designed to help children build healthy digital habits. With a background as a former Chicago public schools teacher and an Obama Foundation scholar, Jane's work is rooted in her extensive experience in education and public policy.
Learn more about KindEd here: https://kind-ed.org/
Episode sponsor: CST Academy
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Season 2, Episode 8: Navigating the Journey of Parenting a Child with Developmental Differences: Insights from Tareema Jean-Baptiste
Listen here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
Published: 3/30/26
Description: In our latest podcast episode, Sitaara sits down and unpacks the valuable insights shared by Tareema Jean-Baptiste, a seasoned advocate and this year's Developmental Differences Parent Forum keynote speaker, who has dedicated her life to supporting families like yours. You'll learn actionable tips on how to advocate effectively, the importance of research, and how to maintain a positive mindset throughout the journey.
About Tareema Jean-Baptiste:
Tareema Jean-Baptiste is an Early Childhood Special Education Family Professional Development Resource Specialist and a passionate advocate for children with developmental differences. As a mother of two, one of whom is autistic and epileptic, her personal experience drives her dedication to empowering families in navigating complex systems of care and education.
To access all of NPN's resources for families raising children with developmental differences, start here.
Learn more about the 2026 Developmental Differences Parent Forum.
Learn more about STAR NET Chicago.
Learn more about the Child Find Project here.
Season 2, Episode 7: How to Care for Yourself and Your High-Needs Child
Listen here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
Published: 3/6/26
Description: In this episode of Chicago Style Parenting, Amy, Sitaara, and their guests discuss the challenges of self-care for parents, especially those with children who have developmental differences. They speak with Lydia Thibodeau, a mother of a child with a disability and Founder of Sommet Nannies, and Erica Hornthal, Founder and CEO of Chicago Dance Therapy and author of the award-winning book Body Aware, about the importance of understanding children's moods, the role of movement in emotional regulation, and the benefits of dance movement therapy. This conversation emphasizes the need for parents to fill their own cups and the significance of community support in navigating parenting challenges.
To access all of NPN's resources for families raising children with developmental differences, start here.
Season 2, Episode 6: Preparing for an IEP Meeting
Listen here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
Published: 2/12/2026
Description: Mo Buti, advocate and instructional expert for people with autism and other disabilities, discusses important information that parents should know about IEPs and the IEP process. In this discussion, you will learn what an IEP is and who qualifies for one, the new law in Illinois regarding IEP drafts, what an IEP looks like, how to prepare for an IEP meeting, and so much more. Listen for practical, concrete advice on reading through the IEP draft, determining if the IEP is appropriate, and scheduling the IEP meeting.
About our guest: Mo Buti is an advocate and instructional expert who is devoted to supporting individuals and families affected by autism and other disabilities. Providing guidance and support to navigate the school district’s complex systems, she assists parents with every stage of the IEP process. Learn more about Mo here: https://www.aiepautism.com/. Email her at mobuti@hotmail.com.
To access all of NPN's resources for families raising children with developmental differences, start here.
Season 2, Episode 5: Exploring Summer Camp Options in Chicago
Listen here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
Published: 1/9/26
Description: In this episode of Chicago Style Parenting, hosts Amy and Sitaara discuss the various summer camp options available for children in Chicago. They are joined by a panel of experts who share insights on the benefits of summer camp, how to choose the right camp, and the importance of early registration. The conversation also touches on the unique needs of neurodiverse children and the types of camps available, including therapeutic and arts-focused programs. The panelists provide valuable advice for parents on ensuring a positive camp experience for their children.
Our panel in this episode includes: Dana Hutchins, Executive Director of Leep Forward/Quantum Leep Academy, Jay Hannah, Admissions Director at Intercultural Montessori Language School, Sarah Grant, Middle School Program Manager at Chicago Academy for the Arts, And Shinyi Ding, Co-director of Northwestern’s Chapter of Camp Kesem
Season 2, Episode 4: The Value of a Religous School Education
Listen here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
Published: 12/22/25
Description: Amy speaks with Cortney Stark Cope of Chicago Jewish Day School, Joy Campbell of St. James Lutheran School, and Amy Cascarano of St. Josaphat School about the value of a religious school education. Beyond religious education, Cortney, Joy, and Amy describe how well-organized schools help students thrive. Every parent who is in school-search mode will benefit from this conversation.
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Season 2, Episode 3: How to Vet Nanny Candidates and Address "Yellow" Flags
Listen here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
Published: 11/14/25
Description: Amy, Sitaara, and Lydia Thibodeau, founder of Sommet Nannies, discuss how parents can conduct an independent nanny search, and how to identify and address red and yellow flags that might come up during the search process.
About our guest: Lydia Thibodeau is a highly regarded expert in the childcare industry. She has presented at the International Nanny Association conference and has been a contributor in Forbes, the Boston Globe, WBG radio, and the Chicago Tribune. Lydia holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Lydia started Sommet Nannies in Chicago in 2015. She expanded to Boston shortly thereafter and now has additional locations in New York, Boston, and Washington, DC, and she connects families and nannies nationwide. Lydia resides with her family in Boston, MA.
Season 2, Episode 1: Talking with Other Kids about Your Child's Developmental Difference
Listen here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
Published: 10/10/25
Description: Amy and Sitaara talk with Sara Phou, LCSW, about how parents can talk with other kids about their child's disability. In this episode, you'll learn how to prepare yourself for the conversation, and you'll walk away with at least one concrete step you can take to make the conversation easier.
About our guest:
Sara is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been working with children and families in a variety of settings since 2008. She holds expertise in infant and early childhood development, infant assessment, and parent-child therapy.
Sara was formerly a therapist and the director of the Erikson Institute Center for Children and Families which served children under 8 years old and their families through relational and play therapy. She’s an adjunct professor in the Erikson Institute's Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Certificate Program.
Sara earned her master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of Chicago. She holds a certificate in infant and early childhood mental health from the Erikson Institute and is a member of the Illinois Association of Infant Mental Health. Sara has her own therapy practice located in Lincoln Square. Learn more here.