Host: Matt Watson

Guests: Tina Diem, Allyson Vilppu, Alissa Whiteley, Caron Berkley, Chris Velona

On today’s Eye On The Valley, your host Matt Watson talks with Tina Diem and Allyson Vilppu.  Tina, a parent of current SCVi Agua Dulce learners and Allyson, a middle school facilitator at the school both discuss the benefits of SCVi’s program.  Both talk about the PBL, or Project Based Learning as a great way to put the learner in a position of getting hands-on teaching.  It’s a way to “learn authentically” as opposed to simply learning from a textbook for the purpose of an exam.  Learners are able to better engage with their schoolwork in such projects as a natural disaster project, most recently directed by Allyson.  Learners used graph work and statistics to learn about earthquakes.  Tina says one of her favorite PBL opportunities for her own children was the Dream Up Project, which gave learners a chance to develop and then witness their project traveling to the International Space Station by working with NASA. Allyson talks about working with her learners during an in person workshop which is a chance for online learners to meet with her twice a week.  Finally, SCVi schools are very focused on the Social Emotional Development of their learners.  Go to iLeadAguaDulce.org for more information.

Next, Matt talks with Alissa Whiteley Director of Partnership and Caron Berkley Executive Director of Marketing Outreach at RoWi Teen and Parent Wellness Center. RoWi is an acronym for ‘Roots and Wings’ which is based on an old adage that parents give their children two gifts, roots and wings. Alissa and Caron talk about the importance of having a support system for families who may be dealing with many concerns such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, Autism, personality disorders as well as bullying and trauma.  The center offers partial hospitalization program and an outpatient program.  They service children ages 8-18 with parent coaching and therapy. RoWi meets with the family to assess their needs and accepts most insurance plans. The focus of mental wellness for children is vital so they may be productive members of society and thrive in their own lives.   RoWi has locations in OC, North LA and Ventura County, South Bay, the Inland Empire and San Diego.   Go to RowiTeen.com for more information on their services and enrollment.

In the second hour of Eye On The Valley, Matt welcomes Chris Velona of Project Sebastian in studio.  Chris began Project Sebastian in 2012 after his son was diagnosed with Batten Disease, a rare genetic disorder that prohibits the body’s ability to dispose of cellular waste, causing body and brain deterioration slowly over time.  Sebastian was misdiagnosed initially with epilepsy, Chris pushed for more testing, realizing that Sebastian’s disease was incurable.  He was told by pharmaceutical companies and research hospitals that because his disease is ultra-rare, there was no interest in funding more research.  Chris is hopeful and is proud of the accomplishments Sebastian’s makes.  The 3^rd annual Rare Warrior Fundraiser is being held on Saturday, June 1^st at Heritage Park.  Participants can sign up for a 5k, 10k or an All-Abilities Half-K to raise funds.  There will also be a silent auction and DJ.  You may sign up when the race opens at 6:30am or sign up in advance online at ProjectSebastian.org and click on ‘Events.’

Previous Episode: Eye On The Valley – Sara McDaniels, Jess Guidroz – May 24, 2024

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