In this enlightening conversation, Ariela Koldorf and Colleen Stevenson from Choose Your Uni discuss the importance of preparing students for post-secondary education, particularly focusing on neurodivergent learners.

Colleen shares her insights on the gaps in university prep services, the significance of scholarships, and the challenges faced by students in navigating the university system.

They emphasize the need for better support systems, the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in education, and the importance of self-advocacy for students with disabilities.

Colleen's mission is to make education more accessible and to help students understand that their journey is unique and not solely defined by their academic performance.

www.chooseyouruni.ca

chooseyouruni_ca (Instagram)

In this episode, Ariela Koldorf is joined by Julie Cole, co-founder of Mabel’s Labels, to explore the intersection of parenting, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. Julie shares her experience raising six children—some of whom are neurodivergent—while building a successful business from the ground up.

The conversation dives into the origins of Mabel’s Labels, the challenges and rewards of parenting through different developmental stages, and the importance of fostering independence and mutual respect.

Julie reflects on the realities of work-life balance, the power of flexibility, and the deep need for community in both business and family life.

Together, Ariela and Julie discuss the role of advocacy in parenting neurodivergent children, the value of neuroinclusion in the workplace, and the ongoing personal growth that comes from navigating motherhood and leadership.

Follow Julie online:🌐 https://mabelslabels.ca/juliecole📱 Instagram: @juliecoleinc💼 LinkedIn: Julie Cole

In this episode of Beyond Behaviour, Ariela Koldorf sits down with psychotherapist Danielle Sugar to explore her personal and professional journey through trauma, resilience, and healing.

Danielle shares the life-altering experience of her husband Russell’s sudden medical collapse, which left him requiring round-the-clock care and dramatically changed the shape of their family life. She reflects on the complex grief of losing a partner to circumstances that don’t involve death, but still carry profound emotional impact.

Together, they discuss:

• Navigating ambiguous loss and shifting identities

• Supporting children through life’s hardest transitions

• The importance of community and seeking help

• The therapeutic relationship and its role in healing

• Lessons in resilience, gratitude, and finding strength in unexpected places

Danielle’s story also includes the trauma of a devastating house fire, and how her family continues to move forward with courage and connection.

🎧 Tune in for a raw and honest conversation about the messy nature of grief, the power of kindness, and the depth of human strength.

In this powerful episode, Ariela Koldorf is joined by Chris McMartin for a candid conversation at the intersection of entrepreneurship, parenting, and neurodiversity.

Chris shares her journey as the force behind the Scotiabank Women Initiative, highlighting the importance of building strong, supportive communities for women in business.

Together, Ariela and Chris explore the realities of raising neurodivergent children, the value of authenticity in leadership, and practical ways to support emotional regulation in a busy household.

This episode is a must-listen for parents, entrepreneurs, and anyone striving to lead with intention and compassion.

🔗 Connect with Chris:Instagram: @hypeher_bossLinkedIn: Chris McMartinLearn more: Scotiabank Women Initiative

In this episode of Beyond Behaviour, Ariela Koldorf talks with Nadia Maffucci Di Rienzo, a colorectal cancer survivor living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Nadia shares her journey through chronic illness, the emotional impact on motherhood, and how she uses open communication with her family. She also discusses founding Gutsy Girl Diaries to support others navigating similar challenges. Tune in for a powerful conversation about resilience, connection, and finding strength through community.

Follow Nadia at:

@gutsygirldiaries (IG)

www.gutsygirldiaries.com

In this episode of the Beyond Behaviour podcast, host Ariela Koldorf speaks with TJ Walia, an entrepreneur and leadership coach, about his personal journey through burnout.

TJ shares his experiences of hitting rock bottom, the challenges he faced with anxiety, and the pivotal moments that led him to seek help. He discusses the strategies he implemented to overcome burnout, including exercise and meditation, and emphasizes the importance of support from family. The conversation also touches on the impact of burnout on family relationships and the need for open communication during difficult times.

In this conversation, TJ and Ariela explore the intricate relationship between mental health, family dynamics, and personal growth. They discuss the importance of transparency in family communication, the cultivation of happiness and gratitude, and the impact of one's surroundings on mental well-being.

The dialogue emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding in dealing with anxiety, as well as the importance of empowering the next generation to pursue their passions. They also touch on redefining masculinity and the value of vulnerability in personal development.@twalia (LinkedIn)

@tj_walia (IG)

www.walia.ca

www.zentek.ai

In this episode of Beyond Behaviour, host Ariela Koldorf speaks with Shauna Eisen from Songbird OT about the multifaceted role of occupational therapy, particularly in supporting emotional regulation and mental health in children.

Shauna shares her journey in founding Songbird OT, emphasizing a holistic approach that involves working closely with families to empower them with tools and knowledge.

The conversation highlights the current challenges families face, especially in the wake of COVID-19, and the importance of understanding and utilizing emotional regulation tools effectively.

In this conversation, Shauna and Ariela discuss the importance of emotional regulation, transition support, and the need for personalized, client-centered approaches in occupational therapy, especially for children with autism. They emphasize the significance of collaboration with families and the role of community engagement in supporting mental health and well-being.

The discussion also highlights the value of recognizing individual strengths and the importance of adapting strategies to meet the unique needs of each family.www.songbirdot.ca

@songbird_ot (IG)

In this episode of Beyond Behaviour, host Ariela Koldorf sits down with Megan Suggitt — neurodivergent entrepreneur and founder of Beautiful Minds — to discuss embracing neurodiversity and supporting neurodivergent youth.

Megan shares her personal experiences living with a nonverbal learning disability and how it fueled her mission to empower others. Together, they explore the importance of self-esteem, building healthy relationships, and providing tailored mentoring and academic support for neurodivergent individuals.

This conversation highlights the power of seeing strengths, not just struggles, and the impact of creating spaces where all minds are celebrated.

Learn more about Beautiful Minds:
🔗 Website: www.beautifulmindscanada.com
🔗 Instagram: @beautifulmindson