<![CDATA[Growing Forward with the SALTy Psychs]]>We're the SALTy Psychs—Sheeba Abraham and Laura Tracey—and yes, SALTy is both our initials but also what we stand for: Support, Advocacy, Learning, and Teamwork. As school psychologists with over 2 decades of experience, we've worked with countless kids, families, and educators navigating everything from learning differences to mental health challenges to the everyday chaos of growing up. But we're also a little salty—and we own it. We keep it real, we don't sugarcoat the hard parts, and we're not afraid to challenge the status quo when kids need something different. Whether we're doing evaluations, running groups, consulting with parents, or hosting our podcast 'Growing Forward with the SALTy Psychs,' our approach is the same: honest, relatable, thoughtful, and always centered on what's best for kids. No jargon, no pretending we have all the answers—just real talk from two professionals who genuinely care and aren't afraid to add a little spice to the conversation.


]]>https://riverside.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Sat, 04 Jul 2026 19:21:31 GMTMon, 22 Dec 2025 13:27:50 GMT60Sheeba Abraham and Laura Tracey<p>We're the SALTy Psychs—Sheeba Abraham and Laura Tracey—and yes, SALTy is both our initials but also what we stand for: Support, Advocacy, Learning, and Teamwork. As school psychologists with over 2 decades of experience, we've worked with countless kids, families, and educators navigating everything from learning differences to mental health challenges to the everyday chaos of growing up. But we're also a little salty—and we own it. We keep it real, we don't sugarcoat the hard parts, and we're not afraid to challenge the status quo when kids need something different. Whether we're doing evaluations, running groups, consulting with parents, or hosting our podcast 'Growing Forward with the SALTy Psychs,' our approach is the same: honest, relatable, thoughtful, and always centered on what's best for kids. No jargon, no pretending we have all the answers—just real talk from two professionals who genuinely care and aren't afraid to add a little spice to the conversation.</p><p><br /></p>episodicSheeba Abraham and Laura Traceyconnect@growingforwardcollective.comno<![CDATA[Let's Talk About Food Allergies]]>The podcast episode begins with an introduction to 'Growing Forward with the Salty Psychs' and the hosts' mission. They welcome Lauren Wukovitz, a special guest, and share their growing forward moments. The conversation then delves into the topic of food allergies in kids and adults, exploring the challenges and experiences of managing food allergies in daily life. The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating food allergies, advocating for food allergy safety, and addressing the complexities of school environments. It emphasizes the importance of allergy action plans and the significance of building community and inclusion for children with food allergies.

Takeaways

  • Growing forward moments reflect personal growth and resilience.
  • Food allergies impact daily life and require vigilance and support. Navigating food allergies requires vigilance and proactive measures.
  • Advocating for food allergy safety involves educating and empowering children to be their own advocates.
  • Schools play a crucial role in creating a safe and inclusive environment for children with food allergies.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Growing Forward with the Salty Psychs
  • 17:24 Food Allergies in Kids and Adults
  • 40:52 Navigating Food Allergies
  • 50:57 Advocating for Food Allergy Safety
  • 01:10:06 The Importance of Allergy Action Plans
]]>f93da8a9-dcaa-489d-9922-5b6f377d2ffbMon, 22 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>The podcast episode begins with an introduction to 'Growing Forward with the Salty Psychs' and the hosts' mission. They welcome Lauren Wukovitz, a special guest, and share their growing forward moments. The conversation then delves into the topic of food allergies in kids and adults, exploring the challenges and experiences of managing food allergies in daily life. The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating food allergies, advocating for food allergy safety, and addressing the complexities of school environments. It emphasizes the importance of allergy action plans and the significance of building community and inclusion for children with food allergies.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Growing forward moments reflect personal growth and resilience.</li><li>Food allergies impact daily life and require vigilance and support. Navigating food allergies requires vigilance and proactive measures.</li><li>Advocating for food allergy safety involves educating and empowering children to be their own advocates.</li><li>Schools play a crucial role in creating a safe and inclusive environment for children with food allergies.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to Growing Forward with the Salty Psychs</li><li>17:24 Food Allergies in Kids and Adults</li><li>40:52 Navigating Food Allergies</li><li>50:57 Advocating for Food Allergy Safety</li><li>01:10:06 The Importance of Allergy Action Plans</li></ul>no00:57:0818Let's Talk About Food Allergiesfull<![CDATA[Raising Dependent]]>The podcast 'Growing Forward with the Salty Psyches' discusses the importance of teaching kids ownership, responsibility, and independence. It emphasizes the value of independent thinking and decision-making, encouraging parents to empower their children to make choices and solve problems on their own.

Takeaways

  • Teaching kids ownership and responsibility
  • Empowering children to make choices and solve problems independently

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Growing Forward with the Salty Psyches
  • 19:18 Empowering Children to Make Choices
]]>d328f5eb-3e0d-439d-bcfe-50bdfcb6316cMon, 01 Jun 2026 12:30:00 GMT<p>The podcast 'Growing Forward with the Salty Psyches' discusses the importance of teaching kids ownership, responsibility, and independence. It emphasizes the value of independent thinking and decision-making, encouraging parents to empower their children to make choices and solve problems on their own.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Teaching kids ownership and responsibility</li><li>Empowering children to make choices and solve problems independently</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to Growing Forward with the Salty Psyches</li><li>19:18 Empowering Children to Make Choices</li></ul>no00:36:2217Raising Dependentfull<![CDATA[The Many Faces of Anxiety]]>The podcast episode begins with an introduction to the concept of 'Growing Forward' and the philosophy of embracing imperfection and growth. The hosts then delve into a discussion about anxiety, exploring the characteristics of normal anxiety and differentiating it from problematic anxiety. The conversation further explores various types of anxiety disorders, providing insights into their symptoms and manifestations. The conversation delves into the understanding and addressing of anxiety, highlighting the impact of fear and anxiety on individuals. It also explores the role of parents in modeling behavior and providing support to children dealing with anxiety. Strategies for managing anxiety and the influence of environmental factors are discussed, emphasizing the importance of parental modeling and addressing anxiety in children.

Takeaways

  • Growing Forward is about constantly moving forward in life, embracing imperfection, and growing with families and children.
  • Anxiety is a natural response to imminent threats and is characterized by physiological and psychological symptoms. Understanding and addressing anxiety
  • Parental modeling of behavior

Chapters

  • 00:00 Differentiating Normal and Problematic Anxiety
  • 30:52 Understanding Anxiety and Fear
  • 37:24 Social Anxiety and Parental Response
  • 44:26 Strategies for Managing Anxiety
  • 53:01 Modeling Behavior and Environmental Factors
]]>7db1ebb7-1c2c-4e98-ade8-683d2d76ac01Mon, 11 May 2026 10:30:00 GMT<p>The podcast episode begins with an introduction to the concept of 'Growing Forward' and the philosophy of embracing imperfection and growth. The hosts then delve into a discussion about anxiety, exploring the characteristics of normal anxiety and differentiating it from problematic anxiety. The conversation further explores various types of anxiety disorders, providing insights into their symptoms and manifestations. The conversation delves into the understanding and addressing of anxiety, highlighting the impact of fear and anxiety on individuals. It also explores the role of parents in modeling behavior and providing support to children dealing with anxiety. Strategies for managing anxiety and the influence of environmental factors are discussed, emphasizing the importance of parental modeling and addressing anxiety in children.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Growing Forward is about constantly moving forward in life, embracing imperfection, and growing with families and children.</li><li>Anxiety is a natural response to imminent threats and is characterized by physiological and psychological symptoms. Understanding and addressing anxiety</li><li>Parental modeling of behavior</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Differentiating Normal and Problematic Anxiety</li><li>30:52 Understanding Anxiety and Fear</li><li>37:24 Social Anxiety and Parental Response</li><li>44:26 Strategies for Managing Anxiety</li><li>53:01 Modeling Behavior and Environmental Factors</li></ul>no00:41:2517The Many Faces of Anxietyfull<![CDATA[Why Communication Matters]]>The podcast episode features a conversation about personal growth, communication, and effective parenting. The hosts and guest discuss the importance of communication, healthy communication practices, and the challenges of communicating with children at different ages. They also explore the impact of nonverbal communication and the need for emotional regulation in communication. The conversation explores the importance of clear and specific communication with children, the impact of modeling behavior, the significance of genuine apologies, and the value of effective listening in parent-child interactions.

Takeaways

  • Personal growth is about progress, not perfection
  • Healthy communication is essential for building relationships and navigating different life stages Clear and specific communication is crucial for children's understanding.
  • Modeling behavior is essential for children to learn appropriate conduct.
  • Genuine apologies and the ability to admit mistakes are important for building trust and understanding.
  • Effective listening without the need to fix or solve problems is valuable in parent-child interactions.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Growing Forward with the Salty Psychs
  • 19:23 Communication: Importance and Foundations
  • 26:04 Healthy Communication Practices
  • 31:29 Challenges of Communicating with Children
  • 42:21 Clear and Specific Communication
  • 50:13 Genuine Apologies and Admitting Mistakes
  • 01:13:25 Effective Listening in Parent-Child Interactions
]]>698740ef-82fb-4554-9d7d-b69831949e55Mon, 27 Apr 2026 10:30:00 GMT<p>The podcast episode features a conversation about personal growth, communication, and effective parenting. The hosts and guest discuss the importance of communication, healthy communication practices, and the challenges of communicating with children at different ages. They also explore the impact of nonverbal communication and the need for emotional regulation in communication. The conversation explores the importance of clear and specific communication with children, the impact of modeling behavior, the significance of genuine apologies, and the value of effective listening in parent-child interactions.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Personal growth is about progress, not perfection</li><li>Healthy communication is essential for building relationships and navigating different life stages Clear and specific communication is crucial for children's understanding.</li><li>Modeling behavior is essential for children to learn appropriate conduct.</li><li>Genuine apologies and the ability to admit mistakes are important for building trust and understanding.</li><li>Effective listening without the need to fix or solve problems is valuable in parent-child interactions.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to Growing Forward with the Salty Psychs</li><li>19:23 Communication: Importance and Foundations</li><li>26:04 Healthy Communication Practices</li><li>31:29 Challenges of Communicating with Children</li><li>42:21 Clear and Specific Communication</li><li>50:13 Genuine Apologies and Admitting Mistakes</li><li>01:13:25 Effective Listening in Parent-Child Interactions</li></ul>no00:44:4716Why Communication Mattersfull<![CDATA[504s vs IEPs, Explained]]>Growing Forward with the Salty Psyches is a podcast that delves into topics related to kids, mental health, education, and real-life experiences. In this episode, the hosts discuss personal growth, reflection, and the differences between 504 plans and IEPs, providing valuable insights for parents and educators.

Takeaways

  • Growing forward with the Salty Psyches focuses on discussing kids, mental health, education, and real-life experiences.
  • Understanding the differences between 504 plans and IEPs is crucial for parents and educators.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Beginning with Basics: 504 Plans and IEPs
]]>9c931df3-e58d-402c-a949-31e90a6b61b2Mon, 13 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMT<p>Growing Forward with the Salty Psyches is a podcast that delves into topics related to kids, mental health, education, and real-life experiences. In this episode, the hosts discuss personal growth, reflection, and the differences between 504 plans and IEPs, providing valuable insights for parents and educators.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Growing forward with the Salty Psyches focuses on discussing kids, mental health, education, and real-life experiences.</li><li>Understanding the differences between 504 plans and IEPs is crucial for parents and educators.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Beginning with Basics: 504 Plans and IEPs</li></ul>no00:19:5814504s vs IEPs, Explainedfull<![CDATA[Help in School]]>Two school psychologists, Sheeba and Laura, discuss personal growth, academic and behavioral interventions in schools, and the importance of understanding RTI and MTSS. They emphasize the fluid process of intervention and the need for progress monitoring. The conversation provides insights into the support provided to students and the role of parents in the intervention process.

Takeaways

  • Personal growth and reflection are essential for educators and parents.
  • Understanding RTI and MTSS is crucial for effective academic intervention.
  • Behavioral intervention in schools requires a structured and teaching-based approach.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Growing Forward: Personal Growth and Reflection
  • 34:04 Behavioral Intervention in School
  • 42:05 Takeaways and Conclusion
]]>28674f4f-ad47-4755-8878-1842dfb459f8Mon, 30 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>Two school psychologists, Sheeba and Laura, discuss personal growth, academic and behavioral interventions in schools, and the importance of understanding RTI and MTSS. They emphasize the fluid process of intervention and the need for progress monitoring. The conversation provides insights into the support provided to students and the role of parents in the intervention process.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Personal growth and reflection are essential for educators and parents.</li><li>Understanding RTI and MTSS is crucial for effective academic intervention.</li><li>Behavioral intervention in schools requires a structured and teaching-based approach.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Growing Forward: Personal Growth and Reflection</li><li>34:04 Behavioral Intervention in School</li><li>42:05 Takeaways and Conclusion</li></ul>no00:30:053Help in Schoolfull<![CDATA[Let's Talk Tutoring]]>Sheeba Abraham and Laura Tracey, school psychologists, discuss the importance of tutoring for children who need extra help. They cover the benefits of tutoring, signs that tutoring isn't enough, where tutoring can happen, and realistic expectations of tutoring. The conversation emphasizes the role of tutoring in providing extra practice, reinforcement, and confidence-building for children.

Takeaways

  • Tutoring provides extra practice, reinforcement, and confidence-building for children.
  • Signs that tutoring isn't enough include minimal to no progress, concerns from the classroom teacher, and the need for additional support in school.

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Benefits of Tutoring for Children
  • 17:59 Where Tutoring Can Happen: Resources and Options
  • 25:13 Realistic Expectations of Tutoring
]]>a16c36c7-c0f7-435b-9597-6242d3463b26Mon, 30 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>Sheeba Abraham and Laura Tracey, school psychologists, discuss the importance of tutoring for children who need extra help. They cover the benefits of tutoring, signs that tutoring isn't enough, where tutoring can happen, and realistic expectations of tutoring. The conversation emphasizes the role of tutoring in providing extra practice, reinforcement, and confidence-building for children.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Tutoring provides extra practice, reinforcement, and confidence-building for children.</li><li>Signs that tutoring isn't enough include minimal to no progress, concerns from the classroom teacher, and the need for additional support in school.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Benefits of Tutoring for Children</li><li>17:59 Where Tutoring Can Happen: Resources and Options</li><li>25:13 Realistic Expectations of Tutoring</li></ul>no00:16:3712Let's Talk Tutoringfull<![CDATA[Mindset Matters]]>The conversation delves into the importance of mindset, the distinction between fixed and growth mindsets, the power of belief and effort, the impact of instant gratification, the role of accountability and resilience, reframing self-talk, persistence, and strategies for building resilience through gratitude and reflection. Modeling behavior and practicing gratitude emerge as key takeaways from the discussion.

Takeaways

  • Mindset is crucial
  • Modeling behavior is important

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Mindset
  • 10:27 The Power of Belief and Effort
  • 16:34 Accountability and Resilience
  • 25:57 Persistence and Overcoming Setbacks
  • 31:24 Practicing Gratitude and Reflection
]]>56fa1384-e8f6-4089-9d88-d5aeab20b8feMon, 23 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the importance of mindset, the distinction between fixed and growth mindsets, the power of belief and effort, the impact of instant gratification, the role of accountability and resilience, reframing self-talk, persistence, and strategies for building resilience through gratitude and reflection. Modeling behavior and practicing gratitude emerge as key takeaways from the discussion.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Mindset is crucial</li><li>Modeling behavior is important</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to Mindset</li><li>10:27 The Power of Belief and Effort</li><li>16:34 Accountability and Resilience</li><li>25:57 Persistence and Overcoming Setbacks</li><li>31:24 Practicing Gratitude and Reflection</li></ul>no00:22:26Mindset Mattersfull<![CDATA[The School Psych Explained]]>The first episode of Growing Forward with the Salty Psychs features a face-to-face conversation between Laura Tracey and Sheeba Abraham, the Salty Psychs and provides an overview of the role of school psychologists, emphasizing assessment, early intervention, collaboration, crisis response, and community engagement. It highlights the importance of empowering parents and families through education and advocacy, with the Growing Forward Collective.

Takeaways

  • School Psychologists: The Role and Responsibilities
  • Early Intervention and Support for Children
  • Empowering Parents through Education and Advocacy

]]>03d373ae-fe84-4ba5-b100-5bf8f1d1b44aMon, 02 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT<p>The first episode of Growing Forward with the Salty Psychs features a face-to-face conversation between Laura Tracey and Sheeba Abraham, the Salty Psychs and provides an overview of the role of school psychologists, emphasizing assessment, early intervention, collaboration, crisis response, and community engagement. It highlights the importance of empowering parents and families through education and advocacy, with the Growing Forward Collective.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>School Psychologists: The Role and Responsibilities</li><li>Early Intervention and Support for Children</li><li>Empowering Parents through Education and Advocacy</li></ul><p></p><p></p>no00:17:291The School Psych Explainedfull<![CDATA[The LT behind SALTy]]>Laura Tracey shares her journey from discovering school psychology to founding the Growing Forward Collective podcast. She emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to child wellbeing and the impact of personal experiences on her professional journey.

Takeaways

  • Holistic approach to child wellbeing
  • Personal experiences shape professional journey

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Background
  • 05:19 Personal and Professional Journey
]]>2ebe305d-eeec-4105-bbcf-636d3aff800dFri, 30 Jan 2026 20:54:30 GMT<p>Laura Tracey shares her journey from discovering school psychology to founding the Growing Forward Collective podcast. She emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to child wellbeing and the impact of personal experiences on her professional journey.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Holistic approach to child wellbeing</li><li>Personal experiences shape professional journey</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Background</li><li>05:19 Personal and Professional Journey</li></ul>no00:08:07The LT behind SALTybonus<![CDATA[The SA Behind SALTy]]>Sheeba Abraham, a school psychologist, shares her journey and the birth of Growing Forward Collective, a private practice aimed at supporting families through their child's educational journey. The podcast, 'Growing Forward with the Salty Psychs,' aims to bridge the gaps and have conversations about education, real-life scenarios, and navigating challenges.

Takeaways

  • Supporting families through the educational journey
  • Bridging gaps and having honest conversations

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Background
  • 05:19 Podcast Content and Purpose
]]>81c81d23-9084-46d5-ae37-68724e91d07aFri, 30 Jan 2026 20:50:47 GMT<p>Sheeba Abraham, a school psychologist, shares her journey and the birth of Growing Forward Collective, a private practice aimed at supporting families through their child's educational journey. The podcast, 'Growing Forward with the Salty Psychs,' aims to bridge the gaps and have conversations about education, real-life scenarios, and navigating challenges.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Supporting families through the educational journey</li><li>Bridging gaps and having honest conversations</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Background</li><li>05:19 Podcast Content and Purpose</li></ul>no00:06:39The SA Behind SALTybonus<![CDATA[Sneak Peek of the SALTy Psychs]]>Laura Tracey and Sheeba Abraham, two school psychologists, introduce their podcast 'Growing Forward with the Salty Psychs' where they engage in real talk and honest conversations about kids, mental health, education, and human behavior. The podcast aims to provide experience, heart, and authentic discussions without sugarcoating, serving as a valuable resource for parents, educators, and anyone interested in understanding psychology.

Takeaways

  • Real talk
  • Honest conversations

Chapters

  • 00:00 Growing Forward Together
]]>2375a846-0928-4bde-92a5-24b89c01bd5aFri, 30 Jan 2026 20:39:00 GMT<p>Laura Tracey and Sheeba Abraham, two school psychologists, introduce their podcast 'Growing Forward with the Salty Psychs' where they engage in real talk and honest conversations about kids, mental health, education, and human behavior. The podcast aims to provide experience, heart, and authentic discussions without sugarcoating, serving as a valuable resource for parents, educators, and anyone interested in understanding psychology.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Real talk</li><li>Honest conversations</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Growing Forward Together</li></ul>no00:00:59Sneak Peek of the SALTy Psychstrailer