The CI Therapies Podcast
This is the CI Therapies podcast where we believe we are better together, small victories are celebrated, advocacy is our duty and barriers are meant to be removed. Our aim is to provide you with knowledge about differing abilities and ways to facilitate growth at home from wherever your child is at in their development.
Episodes

2 days ago
2 days ago
We've invited Samantha (Sam) Haas with Playful Acorns to join us for this month's episode of the podcast to discuss getting kids and families outdoors all year long! As part of our discussion, Sam will share some ideas for outdoor play that are easy to implement with little to no extra equipment or toys as well as some of the benefits of being outside. We'll also learn more about Sam's story and why she started playful acorns, a local organization where kids and caregivers gather and grow.
Here at CI we know that children learn best through play, and we hope this episode inspires families to explore play outdoors all year long!
Additional Resources
Playful Acorns Website
Lussier Family Heritage Center
Hike and Heal Wellness
Monona Public Library Nature Playgroup
University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum
National Institute for Play
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Monday Jun 30, 2025
Monday Jun 30, 2025
On this episode of The CI Therapies Podcast, Becca Handler MSW, LCSW joins us to share insights on understanding and responding to a mental health crisis. This episode is intended to provide potential signs to help recognize when a child or loved one may be struggling. We hope it will help listeners better understand these situations, encourage proactive steps and empower seeking qualified support when needed.
This episode is descriptive and discusses self harm and suicide; listener discretion is advised. Please remember, this podcast provides general information and is not intended to diagnose or treat nor does it establish a client-counselor relationship. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice as individuals have unique circumstances and need personalized guidance from qualified professionals. Always consult with a qualified mental health professional before making any decisions based on this informationIf you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please seek immediate help from a qualified professional or call your local emergency number. We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by listeners based on the information provided on this podcast.
Additional Resources
Dane County 24-Hour Mental Health Crisis Line: 608-280-2600
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
The Trevor Project
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Facebook:www.facebook.com/CItherapy/
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Monday Apr 28, 2025
Monday Apr 28, 2025
Physical Therapist, Nikki Hofslien joins us this month to share more about CI’s pediatric aquatic therapy program. Aquatic therapy uses the special properties of water – like buoyancy and resistance – to help children improve their strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility. It’s a gentle and effective way to target therapeutic goals without putting stress on their joints. Tune in to learn more and see if this speciality therapy may be right for your child.
Learn more about aquatic therapy at CI here.
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TikTok:@citherapy

Monday Mar 31, 2025
Monday Mar 31, 2025
Do you consider your child a picky eater, are meal times stressful in your home? If so, today’s episode is for you! Aly Rogers, feeding trained, speech-language pathologist stops by to talk about the Division of Responsibility or DOR method. This is an approach that can be implemented and utilized by parents and caregivers right away. Listen in for strategies and tools to help make mealtimes fun and enjoyable for all!
Learn more about feeding therapy at CI here.
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Monday Mar 17, 2025
Monday Mar 17, 2025
The Month of march is recognized as Child Life Specialist Month. Child Life Specialists are healthcare professionals that are trained to help children with preparation and navigation of a medical experience.
On today’s episode, Child Life Specialist, Jess Ehret will share some of the knowledge, tips and tricks she’s learned throughout her career. We know that doctor's appointments and medical procedures can be scary and anxiety provoking for many kids. Parents and Caregivers will leave this episode armed with a toolbox full of ideas to help their children navigate medical experiences.
Download your Mindfulness On-The-Go Cards here!
Check out Child Life On Call for additional resources.
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Monday Mar 03, 2025
Monday Mar 03, 2025
On this episode we welcome back, Beth Hanson, LMFT to discuss Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health. Beth has specialized education and extensive experience in this topic area. Tune in to learn more about supporting mental health for children ages 0-5 years and the importance of making it a priority in your home.
Book Recommendations:
Good Inside; A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be. written by Dr. Becky Kennedy
Books By Dr. Dan Siegel
The Whole Brain Child
The Power of Showing Up
Parenting From the Inside Out
The Yes Brain
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Facebook:www.facebook.com/CItherapy/
TikTok:@citherapy

Monday Feb 17, 2025
Monday Feb 17, 2025
Speech-language pathologists, Catherine Koss and Kalin Farnsworth are on this week's episode of The CI Therapies Podcast to discuss Augmentative and Alternative Communication, or AAC.
Most of use AAC in some capacity every day, some rely on a range of methods to supplement or replace spoken language. There are a wide variety of AAC methods and modalities and the technology continues to grow and evolve. This episode will provide an overview of the types of AAC, benefits and how to get started exploring options for your own child.
CASC Clinic at the Waisman Center
Wisconsin Assistive Technology Lending Libraries
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Monday Feb 03, 2025
Monday Feb 03, 2025
Speech-language pathologist, Ann Jonker is back on this week's episode of The CI Therapies Podcast to discuss literacy and how it goes beyond just reading and writing. Ann discusses the 5 components of literacy and the role SLPs can play in supporting readers. This episode is full of great information that's applicable to parents, caregivers and teachers.
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Monday Jan 20, 2025
Monday Jan 20, 2025
On this week's episode of The CI Therapies Podcast we are joined by Michael Weinberg, CAPSW and Psychotherapist in Training. Michael has a lot of experience supporting individuals with ADHD and stopped by to share some of his favorite tools and strategies with our listeners. This episode is packed with tools and suggestions that anyone can use!
Click here to access Boston Children's Hospital Guided Self-Management Tools for ADHD Children 6-12.
Click here to access Boston Children's Hospital Guided Self-Management Tools for ADHD Teens 13-16.
Goblin Magic To-Do List
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Monday Jan 06, 2025
Monday Jan 06, 2025
We're starting off the new year with Season 2 of The CI Therapies Podcast. Sam Oehler, helps us kick things off this episode by sharing more about Advance; CI's one-of-a-kind intensive PT/OT program!
This program is in it's second decade at CI and is something we are especially proud of. Listen in to find out more about this program and if your child may be a potential candidate!
Click here to learn more about our Advance program and get started today!
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Instagram: www.instagram.com/citherapy/
Facebook:www.facebook.com/CItherapy/
TikTok:@citherapy