"It's not just about accessing education—parents want more than that for their kids. A lot of times, they want to know what can make their children thrive." —Bethany Deniz

"There was just this big web, and we lost a year to two years with kids missing intervention. And what we know developmentally is that kids need it early, and they need it often." —Annalise Puentes

Learning differences are not roadblocks but pathways to extraordinary understanding and growth. When we shift from seeing challenges as limitations to viewing them as opportunities, we unlock a child's true capacity for brilliance.

Bethany Deniz and Annalise Puentes are school psychologists turned entrepreneurs who have dedicated their careers to transforming how families and educators approach learning differences. With over a decade of experience in public education and private practice, they specialize in comprehensive psychological assessments and empowerment strategies for children and families.

Tune in as Heather, Annalise, and Bethany explore the transformative power of understanding learning differences, common special education challenges, the impact of technology on neurodivergent children, early intervention strategies, parental advocacy, and creating supportive educational environments that celebrate each child's unique cognitive profile.

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Episode Highlights:

01:32 Bethany and Annalise: Forming a Business Partnership

07:42 Transitioning to Private Practice

12:41 Services Offered

16:30 Challenges in the Education System

26:39 The Impact of Tech on Children with ADHD

31:53 Advocating for Children with Disabilities

34:26 The Importance of Social Connectedness

Connect with Annalise and Bethany:

Annalise Puentes is a Licensed Educational Psychologist with a passion for empowering students, educators, and families. As a practicing Educational Psychologist in Sonoma County, her focus has been in psychoeducational assessments, behavior support, and staff training. She has worked with a wide range of students from preschool through age 22 in the public, non-public, and private school settings.

Email: annalise@empoweredpsychservices.com

Bethany Deniz is a Licensed Educational Psychologist dedicated to supporting the academic and emotional growth of students. Bethany has a breadth of experience in private, non-public, and public school settings, as well as private practice in assessing students with learning, developmental, and social-emotional disabilities. Her expertise is in identifying specific learning disabilities, consultations, and training with parents and staff.

Email: bethany@empoweredpsychservices.com

Connect with EmpowerED Educational Psychology Services:

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