Episode Description
In this episode of Liz on Biz, Liz Theresa chats with Melissa Davis, former teacher turned founder of Education Advisors. They discuss supporting “spicy nuggets”—kids with emotional and behavioral challenges—in both school and at home. Melissa Davis shares insights from her years of teaching, her new children’s book about ADHD, and practical strategies for educators and parents alike.
Show Notes
In This Episode:
- Melissa Davis’s journey from classroom teacher to business owner 00:00
- What are “spicy nuggets” and why she uses the term 00:00:28, 00:01:08
- Working with schools and professional development for teachers 00:02:13
- Stories from teaching in Vermont and urban Massachusetts 00:03:30
- Approaching challenging behaviors as missing skills, not just misbehavior 00:08:04
- The importance of early intervention and teaching emotional/behavioral skills young 00:14:35
- Differences in services and approaches between states 00:16:02
- The reactive nature of educational interventions and shifting to proactive solutions 00:19:01
- Practical strategies for setting boundaries as a professional (and parallels to parenting) 00:25:03
- Melissa Davis’s new children’s book, “My Boy and His ADHD: A Dog’s Perspective”—what inspired it and its resources for parents and teachers 00:32:55
- Next steps: online courses for parents, forthcoming books, and embracing neurodiversity 00:38:22
Connect with Melissa Davis:
- Website: educationadvisors.biz
- Book: “My Boy and His ADHD: A Dog’s Perspective” (available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble)
Referenced Topics:
- Approaching behavior as communication or missing skills
- Schools’ approaches to intervention (IEPs, 504s, state differences)
- Bringing professional strategies into home life for kids with ADHD
- Using humor and storytelling to empower kids and families
