The Play Base

Ep. 27 - All the World Is a Classroom with Thabatta Mizrahi

In this heart-centered episode of The Playbase Podcast, Frances sits down with Thabatta Mizrahi, educator, consultant, university lecturer, and strategic educational partnership builder. Thabatta shares how growing up as the oldest sibling in an immigrant family, with two siblings with different special needs, shaped the way she sees the world. Rather than seeing people through labels or limitations, she was raised to see a spectrum of abilities, strengths, and gifts. Frances and Thabatta explore what it means to educate all learners, why relationship is the foundation of learning, and how inclusion has evolved over time. They speak deeply about strength-based education, the responsibility teachers carry, and the beauty of seeing every child as a whole human being, not a problem to be fixed. This episode is a powerful reminder that education does not only happen inside a classroom. Every relationship is an opportunity to teach, learn, connect, and see one another more fully. Show Notes In this episode, Frances and Thabatta discuss: * Thabatta’s work at the University of Miami * Teaching future educators how to differentiate instruction * What it means to meet the needs of all learners * Building partnerships between universities, schools, nonprofits, museums, and community organizations * Thabatta’s consulting work with schools, parents, and children * Why she never wanted to choose only one group to serve * Growing up as the oldest child in an immigrant family * How her siblings shaped her lens on education and humanity * The difference between visible and invisible disabilities * Why labels can limit the way we see people * The evolution of inclusion, mainstreaming, and special education * Why all educators need tools from both general and special education * The importance of strength-based teaching * Why children are not problems to be fixed * How educators can see the individuality of every student * The role of connection, trust, and relationship in learning * How teachers can become vessels for information, inspiration, and possibility * The power of being seen, heard, and understood * Why we are all educators, even outside formal classrooms Reflection Question from Thabatta If all the world is a classroom, how are you navigating your responsibility as an educator in your relationships, your family, your work, and your community? Closing Thought You do not have to be a teacher to be an educator. Every interaction is an opportunity to model, teach, connect, and help someone feel seen. Connect with Thabatta Mizrahi 🌐 Website: https://www.thabattasm.com/ [https://www.thabattasm.com/] 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thabattasm/ [https://www.instagram.com/thabattasm/] Connect with The Play Base 🌐 Website: www.us.theplaybase.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theplaybase/ 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theplaybase

Ep. 26 - Finding the Light: Leadership, Resilience, and the Bagpipe Story with Chris D’Angelo

In this powerful episode of The Playbase Podcast, Frances sits down with Chris D’Angelo, a student leader, athlete, musician, and deeply inspiring young man whose story is a reminder that purpose can be found even in life’s hardest moments. Chris shares the story of tearing his ACL and meniscus during football season, an injury that took him off the lacrosse field and away from a major part of his identity. Instead of stepping back from his team, Chris found a new way to lead. Inspired by Notre Dame’s lacrosse bagpipe tradition, he committed to learning the bagpipes in just three and a half months so he could walk his St. Andrews lacrosse team onto the field. What began as a devastating injury became a story of grit, leadership, identity, and purpose. Frances and Chris also talk about what it means to be a true leader, the lessons team sports teach beyond the game, and how Chris’s older brother, Nick, who is autistic, has shaped the way Chris sees the world, understands compassion, and leads with heart. This episode is a beautiful reminder that leadership is not always about being the loudest, strongest, or most visible person on the field. Sometimes leadership is showing up in a new way when life changes the plan. Show Notes In this episode, Frances and Chris explore: * Chris’s ACL and meniscus injury during a district championship football game * The emotional impact of being sidelined from football and lacrosse * How losing access to sports challenged Chris’s sense of identity * The moment his friend showed him Notre Dame’s bagpipe tradition * Why Chris decided to learn the bagpipes for his lacrosse team * The discipline it took to practice through surgery, pain, and recovery * How the bagpipes became a new way for Chris to serve and lead * The deeper meaning of leadership as putting the team before yourself * How team sports teach grit, resilience, communication, and connection * The role of purpose in moving through dark or difficult times * Chris’s experience growing up with his brother Nick, who is autistic * How Nick’s joy, resilience, and perspective shaped Chris’s heart * The importance of seeing people for who they are, not how they appear * Why understanding creates compassion * How light can still be found at the end of a difficult tunnel Reflection Question from Chris Is it really that bad? Chris invites listeners to pause, gain perspective, count their blessings, and remember that even when something feels heavy, there may still be light, purpose, and possibility ahead. Closing Thought There is always light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes you just have to find it, hold onto your purpose, and keep going. Connect with Chris D’Angelo 📸 Instagram:  Connect with The Play Base 🌐 Website: www.us.theplaybase.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theplaybase/ 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theplaybase

Ep. 25 - Raising Little Learners with Melissa Markus, The Kindergarten Mom

In this heartfelt and practical episode, Frances sits down with educator, creator, and content powerhouse Melissa Markus, known online as The Kindergarten Mom. A former dance friend turned inspiring voice for parents and teachers, Melissa shares how her platform began, what continues to drive her, and why the kindergarten years are some of the most important in a child’s development. Together, they explore the beauty and complexity of early childhood education, the power of movement and routine, the importance of advocating for children, and what it means to truly meet kids where they are. This conversation is filled with wisdom for parents, educators, and anyone who wants to better understand how young children learn, grow, and thrive. Show notes In this episode of The Playbase, Frances reconnects with old friend Melissa Markus, educator, creator, and the voice behind The Kindergarten Mom. Melissa shares how her online platform was born out of a season of change, motherhood, and a deep desire to continue contributing meaningfully to families and children outside the classroom. What started as a way to share ideas and support others grew into a trusted space where parents and teachers can find practical resources, honest insight, and encouragement. Frances and Melissa dive into the early years of childhood development, why kindergarten matters so much, how movement supports learning, and what teachers are really balancing behind the scenes. They also talk about advocacy, communication between parents and educators, and how to support children without forcing them into a box. This episode is a beautiful reminder that children do not all learn the same way, and that when we slow down, observe, and respond with intention, we create space for them to thrive. In this episode, we talk about: * How Melissa created The Kindergarten Mom * The joy and challenges of being both a teacher and a mom * Why the kindergarten years are so foundational * Play based learning and the role of explicit instruction * How movement supports attention, regulation, and learning * Why calm corners and flexible classroom supports matter * The importance of parent teacher partnership * How to advocate for your child respectfully and effectively * Looking beyond behavior to understand what a child truly needs Key takeaways * Kindergarten is not just babysitting. It is a deeply important stage of development * Movement is not extra. It is often essential for learning and regulation * Children do better when they feel safe, supported, and understood * A child’s behavior is communication, not a character flaw * Parents know their children deeply, and respectful advocacy matters * Teachers and parents work best when they see each other as teammates * There is no one right way to learn, engage, or grow Memorable themes from the episode Meeting kids where they are Not every child learns, sits, processes, or participates in the same way, and that is okay. Regulate before you react Children need adults who can pause, zoom out, and respond with intention. Support over shame The goal is never to force children into a mold, but to understand them and give them the tools they need to thrive. Connect with Melissa Markus 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekindergartenmom/ Connect with The Play Base 🌐 Website: www.us.theplaybase.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theplaybase/ 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theplaybase

Ep. 24 - Stop Treating Kids in a Bubble: The Power of Whole-Family Support with Dr. Ryan Seidman

In this episode of The Play Base Podcast, Frances sits down with Dr. Ryan Seidman- licensed clinical psychologist, clinical director of The Children’s Center, and a true champion for collaborative care. Together, they unpack one of the biggest problems in child treatment today: support happening in isolated “bubbles.” Therapy in one place, school in another, behavior supports somewhere else, while parents are left trying to stitch it all together. Dr. Seidman shares why her clinic was built on a whole-family, team-based approach (therapy, psychiatry, behavioral services, and education services under one roof) and then drops the big news: a brand-new school model launching in the fall designed specifically for children who learn differently and need more support before transitioning into a traditional classroom setting. What you’ll hear in this episode * Why therapy “in a bubble” limits progress and why teams matter * What true collaborative care looks like across home, school, and clinic * Parental involvement: not “parent training,” but coaching + empowerment * The extra complexity of co-parenting/divorce and inconsistent environments * Why kids can behave completely differently across settings and what it means * The hidden cost of waiting: how conditioning hardens patterns over time * Early intervention, brain development, and why it’s easier to build skills earlier * How movement access (not a 1:1 aide) is sometimes the real “intervention” * How to protect a child’s personality while still teaching boundaries and skills The big announcement Dr. Seidman shares that The Children’s Center is opening three small classrooms (starting in the fall) for children who need more developmental and educational support in a setting that integrates: * High-quality education * Behavioral-based services * Speech services * Occupational therapy * Social learning + enrichment (art, music, etc.) The model is intentionally small- max ~6 students per classroom, with the goal of supporting kids developmentally and emotionally so they can transition successfully into a traditional kindergarten or school setting when ready. Memorable moments and reframes * “We can’t hand a child off to therapy and expect them to return to the same environment and magically respond differently.” * Support = hands out while they learn balance. Not a label. Not a life sentence. * Sometimes the child doesn’t need an RBT, they need movement access. * The goal isn’t dependence. The goal is independence. (Therapy should help kids “graduate,” not stay forever.) * Parents are the experts on their child. Clinicians bring tools, not judgment. The Children’s Center Address: 4600 Linton Blvd (east of Linton & Military) Services available: * Psychiatry * Psychology * Behavioral services * Education services * Plus: new integrated classroom program launching in the fall (additional 5,000 sq ft) Closing reflection for listeners (Dr. Seidman’s question) “How can we best understand our child’s strengths and weaknesses, so we can set them up to be successful not just in school, but in friendships, activities, and home life?” A reminder that the goal isn’t forcing a child into a mold—it’s getting creative, meeting them where they are, and building the path that helps them thrive. Connect with Dr. Ryan Seidman 🌐 Website: https://www.centerforanxietydisorders.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonstudioinc/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/bonstudioinc/?hl=en] Connect with The Play Base 🌐 Website: www.us.theplaybase.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theplaybase/ 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theplaybase

Ep. 23 - More Than the Game: Coaching, Identity, and Finding Your Purpose with Nikita Krivokrasov

In this deeply moving episode, Frances sits down with hockey coach Nikita Krivokrasov for a conversation that goes far beyond the ice. Together, they explore identity, resilience, failure, purpose, and what it truly means to impact others. Nikita shares his personal journey through the highs and lows of pursuing hockey at a high level, the emotional weight of unmet expectations, and the powerful shift that came from letting go of control and embracing the present moment. Through coaching, he has found not just a new path, but a deeper purpose—helping others believe in themselves, push through adversity, and grow into who they are meant to be. This episode is about more than sports. It is about being human, doing the inner work, and choosing to turn pain into purpose. Show notes What happens when the identity you’ve built your entire life around suddenly shifts? In this episode, Frances is joined by Nikita Krivokrasov, a hockey coach whose impact reaches far beyond the rink. What begins as a conversation about coaching quickly unfolds into a powerful discussion about identity, failure, healing, and purpose. Nikita opens up about his journey through competitive hockey, the internal battles he faced, and how working with young athletes helped him rediscover joy, presence, and meaning. Frances and Nikita explore what it means to lead with both strength and compassion, how to connect deeply with others, and why living in the present moment is one of the most powerful tools we have. This conversation is a reminder that sometimes the path we didn’t plan is the one that leads us exactly where we’re meant to be. In this episode, we talk about: * The connection between coaching, behavior, and human development * How to truly connect with and understand people * Navigating identity after a major life shift or setback * Letting go of control and learning to live in the present * The role of failure, adversity, and emotional growth * Coaching with both firmness and compassion * The importance of authenticity and leading by example * How energy, mindset, and belief impact performance and growth * Why being different is a strength, not a weakness * Turning pain into purpose and impact Key takeaways: * You are not defined by your title, role, or outcome. Who you are goes deeper. * Everything you experience can serve a purpose if you are willing to learn from it. * Presence is power. Living in the moment allows you to grow, connect, and perform at your best. * True leadership comes from authenticity, compassion, and integrity. * Growth requires honesty with yourself and the willingness to keep going, even when the path is unclear. Memorable quotes: “I can’t believe in you if you don’t believe in yourself.” “It’s okay not to know—but it’s not okay not to try to figure it out.” “You only have this moment. Be present, learn, and keep going.” Connect with Nikita Krivokrasov 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krivo__25/ [https://www.instagram.com/krivo__25/]📞 561-332-9465 📧 nikitakrivo25@icloud.com Connect with The Play Base 🌐 Website: www.us.theplaybase.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theplaybase/ 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theplaybase [https://www.youtube.com/@theplaybase]📞561-463-8441