Dear Elevated Learning Family,
I hope this message finds you well and cozy as we head into the holiday season. Hopefully everyone’s week is off to a great start and you are taking any craziness in stride. My 2024 Thanksgiving has already begun and it’s been a whirlwind—a perfect example of how life can take unexpected turns!
Initially, we were so excited to head up to New York and New Jersey to spend Thanksgiving with my family, imagining a table full of laughter, familiar dishes, and warm hugs from people we don’t see nearly enough. But as life would have it, those plans fell through. Disappointed but determined to make the best of it, we shifted to Plan B: a quiet Thanksgiving at home. We started planning menus and envisioning a cozy, peaceful day. But then, life threw us another curveball, and suddenly we were packing for Virginia to visit my in-laws.
Just when I thought we’d finally settled on a plan, the news came that their fridge had broken—right before Thanksgiving. At that point, I couldn’t help but laugh. What else could we do? So now, we’ve crafted a Thanksgiving week that’s anything but traditional: we had our turkey dinner this past Sunday, and we will have a sushi Thanksgiving on the actual holiday (yes, sushi!), and a Friendsgiving in early December.
To be honest, I went through a whole range of emotions—frustration, sadness, even a little anxiety over how to piece it all together. But somewhere along the way, I realized this Thanksgiving isn’t about the perfect plan or the perfect meal. It’s about the people I love and the memories we’re creating together, no matter how messy or unconventional they are. I’m thankful for the chance to share stories around any table, laugh about the chaos, and connect with my family and friends in ways that remind me what this season is all about.
It’s a lesson I think we can all carry with us: things don’t always go as we hope or plan, but if we shift our focus to the values and joys at the heart of each moment, there’s always something to be grateful for.
Fall Wellness Checks Are Coming!
Keep an eye on your inbox! Next week, Deborah and I will send out emails with sign-up details for our Fall/Winter Wellness Checks. While you’ve likely been in regular contact with your child’s academic coach or support team, we’d love to take this opportunity to reconnect with you directly. We want to hear your perspective on how things are going, celebrate successes, address any concerns, and provide additional resources to support you and your child’s overall well-being. Spots fill up quickly, so be sure to reserve yours early!
Insights from a Presentation on PDA
I recently attended an incredible presentation on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), a diagnosis that can exist comorbidly with autism or ADHD and that can make navigating daily life challenging for some children. One key takeaway: children with PDA often respond best when we focus on collaboration rather than demands. By fostering a sense of autonomy and partnership, we can help reduce anxiety and create a path forward that feels safe and achievable. You can find my full set of notes from the presentation here.
It’s Back! - “Yoga for the Developing Brain” Classes
Last year’s class was such a success, this year we have decided to offer two per age group! I am excited to announce that once again, we will be offering yoga for children, teens, and young adults, specifically designed to focus on boosting brain health.
These fun, dynamic sessions combine yoga, mindful movement, and playful exercises tailored to enhance cognitive functions, support emotional regulation, and build strong neural connections in young minds. It's the perfect blend of physical activity and brain development!
Who can benefit?
These classes are ideal for kids of all ages and abilities, especially those who may need support with focus, sensory processing, or emotional resilience. We are offering two classes for children ages 8-12 (one parent is included with a child ticket) and two for teens and young adults (no parents allowed).
New Online Portal Launching Soon
We’re making a big change to better serve you! Starting soon, we’ll be transitioning to a new online portal through Wiz Therapy. This platform offers all of the same functionality of our current platform, but with additional options. Stay tuned for more details on how to set up your account and navigate the new system.
As we navigate this holiday season together, I want to remind you that even when plans don’t go as expected, there’s always a silver lining waiting to be discovered. Thank you for being part of our Elevated Learning Solutions family. I’m so grateful to walk this journey with you all.
Warm wishes and gratitude,
Founder & CEO of Elevated Learning Solutions