In this episode of Real Life with RDU Therapy Dr Melanie McCabe sits down with Brittni Winslow owner and executive director of Emerge Pediatric Therapy to talk about what occupational therapy actually looks like in real family life. Together they unpack how kids build confidence regulation and independence and how parents can support those skills without turning every moment at home into a therapy session.

Brittni shares what she sees most often when families first reach out feeling overwhelmed unsure and stuck in daily routines that have become power struggles. She breaks down common misconceptions about occupational therapy sensory needs and executive functioning and offers practical shifts parents can try right away to make mornings homework time and transitions feel more manageable.

The conversation also explores Brittni’s Task Masters program and why supporting tweens and teens with follow through and ownership can change the emotional tone of an entire household. This episode is grounded hopeful and honest about the challenges parents face while raising kids with big emotions and growing responsibilities.

Whether you are parenting a toddler a school aged child or a teen this episode will leave you feeling less alone more confident and better equipped to support your child in everyday moments that matter.

Learn more about Brittni and her team at Emerge Pediatric Therapy
https://emergepediatrictherapy.com

Follow RDU Therapy on Instagram for family centered mental health support and resources
https://www.instagram.com/rdutherapy

Connect with Dr Melanie McCabe on Instagram for parenting insights clinical expertise and real life conversations
https://www.instagram.com/drmelaniemccabe

9/30/25

What does it look like when an elected leader puts community voice at the center of every decision

In this episode Dr Melanie McCabe sits down with Raleigh City Council member Christina Jones a leader known for transparency compassion and bringing real families teachers and neighborhoods into the policy making process.

We talk about how everyday residents can shape city decisions why listening is a form of public service and what it takes to build trust between government and the people it serves. Christina shares behind the scenes stories about coalition building navigating disagreement caring for a city as a mother of two and what she wishes every parent understood about their local government.

Whether you want to get more involved support your community or simply understand how policies that shape family life are made this conversation will leave you inspired and informed.

Perfect for parents, community members, educators and anyone who wants to see Raleigh grow with intention and heart.

9/30/25

What happens when a culture obsessed with body size and control meets a kid who is wired for perfectionism and anxiety.

In this powerful conversation Dr Melanie McCabe sits down with Marybeth Sullivan, Carolyn Costin Institute certified eating disorder recovery coach, and marketing and outreach coordinator for Nutritious Thoughts to talk about what really drives disordered eating and what genuine healing looks like.

Mary Beth shares her own twenty five year struggle with an eating disorder the turning points that finally led her to treatment and how recovery reshaped her parenting and her work. Together we talk about how diet culture sneaks into everyday family life the messages kids absorb at home school and online and why seemingly harmless comments about food and bodies can land as deep shame.

You will hear practical guidance for parents on
• What actually separates disordered eating from a full eating disorder
• Early red flags in kids and teens that you should never ignore
• How to talk with your child if they say they want to diet or they hate their body
• How to repair if you realize you have contributed to food fear or body shame
• Ways to break intergenerational patterns even if you have your own history with food

We also explore how to build a collaborative care team therapist dietitian coach and medical provider and why compassion is the most powerful tool in recovery for both families and individuals

Listen in if you want a grounded hopeful look at eating disorder recovery and concrete language you can start using with your kids today

Learn more about Marybeth and her work at Nutritious Thoughts at nutritiousthoughts.com and at epiphanycoaching.com

https://epiphany-coaching.com/

https://www.nutritious-thoughts.com/

9/30/25