Louise Masin Sattler

Gifts with Heart ❤️

Published on November 2, 2017November 2, 2017 by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

2017 has seen more than its’ share of tragedy. Mother Nature was angry this year – very, very, very angry. Our world experienced multiple devastating earthquakes, hurricanes that tore apart whole islands and deadly fires that also ravaged homes and businesses. Then there was the broken hearts caused by recent acts of violence and rage – Las Vegas, Barcelona, London, throughout Africa and the mid-east and of course, New York City.

Despite the tragedy and profound sense of losses, we can still hope and seek a silver lining this holiday season by giving from the heart to heal hearts.

I have compiled a list of organizations or companies that want to help the greater good by doing good. Please consider their efforts when you are gifting others’ during the holidays or just “any day”.

One Hope Wines. Annually this company features worthwhile organizations that deserve our love. Whether to help fight against breast cancer or drive attention about Autism, this company always is about the giving through gifts. Discover their lovely gift bags here that nourish the soul.

This year the grape crops of Northern California were nearly obliterated due to numerous fires of unprecedented magnitude. One Hope has pledged to help the farmers and wineries and sent a note from their CEO with their vow for assistance.

Read about the ONE HOPE wine GoFund Me campaign

BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL RESCUE

The statistics are staggering as to how many animals are destroyed annually. That is a polite way to say killed. That’s right – thousands upon thousands of dogs, cats, bunnies, etc. are euthanized because of bad luck. They were throw-aways. BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL RESCUE works tirelessly to save animal lives and educate humans.

Adopt a pet either for “real” or sponsor a pet virtually here.

Sponsoring a pet is the perfect gift to give someone who is allergic or unable to care for a furry family member due to living circumstances. Last year I adopted a dog and horse to gift someone!

Sponsor a Classroom!

Organizations are abundant to help teachers get the essentials (and occasional perks) funded for their classroom. Don’t believe that school districts in 2017 are flush with money to help our student’s learn. Many have shoes-string budgets and can hardly cover the basics, like textbooks or science equipment. I would love to think that we don’t need a bake sale each time our students need uniforms or basic science equipment. But, that is the reality.

Here are some alternate ways to help without having to crack an egg for cookie-dough.

Click on the links below to learn more about each organization.

Donors Choose – Help a specific teacher / classroom request

Adopt a Classroom (including a special section for Hurricane Relief)

Go Fund Me Educational Campaigns

SANDY HOOK PROMISE – KEEPING OUR CHIlDREN SAFE

Last but not least, one of my favorite charities is the SANDY HOOK PROMISE foundation. They do AMAZING work – year ’round. Their goal – to stop senseless violence, especially from guns, and increase tolerance and compassion in this world.

Their store has items that would make groovy gifts! Shop here

Watch their powerful array of videos here.

In closing, please the gift of sharing and caring this holiday season. Imagine the impact your $5, $25 or more donation could have on your community and other communities’ around the world.

Thank you.

LouiseSattler.com

Six Years Later

Published on July 25, 2017July 25, 2017 by LouiseSattler2 Comments

I am a lucky person. Very. Rarely a week goes by that you don’t hear about someone being diagnosed with cancer and about others’ who don’t survive. But, I was. And, I did. That makes me a very lucky person and I don’t take being a survivor for granted. Ever.

Now I know I had the “good cancer” – thyroid. But, let me tell you there is no good cancer. No sentence that has cancer as one of the words will ever be “good”. (Correction: The only acceptation would be if the sentence read: Scientists have a 100% cure for ALL cancers.)

As many of you know, I am a consummate educator. That means I like to share life lessons. Let me tell you what I have learned six years and seven months after my 7-plus hour surgery for papillary thyroid cancer.

Don’t get lax with taking care of yourself. Go to your regular scheduled medical tests. Listen to your body and seek help when you feel that “something isn’t quite right”.
Delete the toxic things in your life. That may mean bags of chips, soda or some people. All can make your life challenging and your health compromised.
Keep a journal or a blog. The big “C” is too hard to keep to yourself. You can’t do this journey alone. So, don’t. Moreover, you shouldn’t rely solely on friends and families. Some of the heavy lifting with improving your health has to come from within yourself. It is amazing how strong one becomes when it comes to doing this kind of “lifting”.
A sense of humor is as important as anything else that keeps you going. Laughter may be your second weapon in your arsenal of getting healthy. Or at least a key “player”.
Pay it forward. Your path with cancer will never be the same as another person’s. However, your experiences may be helpful with the education of another. So, share what you have learned and be willing to sometimes switch roles and be a student. I for one freely share that Johns Hopkins Hospital and Drs. Ralph Tufano and David Cooper were KEY to my diagnosis, survival and continued health. I will be forever grateful the them and their respective teams at JHH.
Reward yourself. Each year when I leave JHH after my annual tests I stop at the hospital gift shop. If my tests are negative (good news) then I get to buy myself a gift. After six years of prodding from tests and lots of “negative”, I have amassed a number of JHH t-shirts, hoodies, bags and this year a birthstone ring. (One can only have so many shirts and hoodies!)
Celebrate. In the last six years I have learned to celebrate the small and large milestones of life. Every completion of a treatment, an anniversary, birthday, family event, milestone – they all get celebrated!

Thanks for reading and feel free to comment below!

HALFLING, a New YA Novel with Bonus Features: Book Club, Virtual and Homeschool Curriculum Options

Published on April 14, 2017April 14, 2017 by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

Halfling (2016) by debut author, Donna Marie Robb

Donna Marie Robb is a writer who has a dream … actually, a whole lot of dreams! Her debut young adult fantasy novel, Halfling, chronicles the story of Remmi, a young girl who is vacillates between Dreamearth and Realearth. As her story unfolds you realize that Robb wrote Remmi to be a strong protagonist who has experienced more in her few short years than most do in a lifetime.

As the story commences you learn that Remmi was orphaned as a child, so she thought. Due to circumstances beyond her control, she ends up in an unusual living situation where she is among “drones” who have been voided of thoughts. Her life in slavery ends when she realizes that her skill-set includes a touch of magic. As a clever and precocious teen, Remmi uses her new found abilities to escape and go forth to help others. Her story of survivorship grabbed me within the first two chapters. (And, robbed me of precious hours of sleep as I couldn’t put the book down!)

The story ebbs and flows between one “earth” to another – similar to other YA books such as The Giver or Harry Potter, where alternate realms help enhance the intrigue. While Halfling was written for the tween and teen audience, my husband and friends also became fast fans and thoroughly enjoyed this page-turner!

Plus, the animated video, created by the very talented Dara Blaker, gives Remmi a voice and makes reading Halfling even more enticing!

Meet the author, Donna Marie Robb

I have had the pleasure of knowing the author for many years. Her ability to have insight in to the psyche of young adults’ is clearly evidenced by her writing of Halfling. She also is a librarian who cares about the youth of our country and their education and attainment of literacy skills. That is why she decided to introduce a book club and a homeschool / virtual school curriculum as adjunct features to Halfling.

View the Halfling Book Club page!

The book club allows students to expand the discussion regarding Halfling with fun and thought-provoking questions. Also, they can engage with the author by using the contact form or comment section on the Book Club page. Check out the book club feature here.

About the Homeschool / Virtual School Curriculum

Coming soon will be a curriculum for home educated / virtual schooled students. This will be a four to six -week literacy based guide to instruction with Halfling as the featured text. Students will be able to delve in to the book, explore their own “dreams”, keep a journal and compare and contrast the themes of the book with current events.

Let the author know you are interested in the Homeschool Curriculum by filling out this contact form. (And, ask in the comment section how you can get the book and curriculum for FREE – an offer that is time limited.)

Why Halfling is needed in OUR world

On a closing note, as a School Psychologist I believe we need books like Halfling. The character, Remmi, is likable but also a role model for tweens and teens. She exemplifies what it is like to be a resilient child with a will to overcome all obstacles in her way – including evil and persecution. I won’t give away the ending – but know that it is not predictable.

Halfling and the adventures of Remmi are easy on the budget. Kindle version is free for unlimited prime members, $2.99 for basic Kindle and $11.99 for paperback. All can be found here: AMAZON.

And, my hashtags for this book would be … #MustRead #FreshOriginalPremise

I am part of the social media team helping to promote this amazing author and Halfling. Trust me when I say it is my pleasure to represent such an amazing talent!

Reflections and Lessons: #NeverForget is the hashtag – but have we?

Published on September 11, 2016December 12, 2016 by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

I write this with a heart that is still so heavy with sadness for those who have lost their loved ones as a result of the terrorist acts on September 11th. Yet, I wonder if others are thinking of today more as “football Sunday” vs. a day of remembrance? Have we forgotten about how we all promised to “come together”, “help each other” and #NeverForget the lessons of September 11, 2001?

I hope not.

As the collateral damage still unfolds as those continue to die – even indirectly. We forget that many brave people (and animals) risked their lives trying to help others. Our First Responders worked tirelessly to help find survivors. Many of those are suffering from Post -traumatic stress disorder and ill health – even 15 years later.

And, directly due to 9/11 we lost scores of brave men and women in combat. Lives forever gone and families forever heartbroken.

Also, as an oddity to many we have hit a juncture where there are now college aged people who have only a “faint memory” of the events that unfolded on September 11, 2001. Their only recollection are the stories passed down to them from those who “remember when…” or memories of media images they saw when young. Some are even saying that 9/11 is now more “historical” than “relevant” news.

How can the events of September 11th be “historical” when for many it still feels like yesterday?

And ….

… there is another observation I have made and feel compelled to write about – one that hits me in the pit of my stomach. We are making making of the same mistakes – again! We have not learned the lessons of our ancestors or even one generation ago. We are in a place that may be all too familiar for those who experienced the Holocaust or Cold War. Our educational curve is going downward instead of upward when it comes to learning from the past about how minds can be “twisted” during times of economic and emotional turmoil. Adolph Hitler banked on people wanting – needing – more and different. He placed blame on niche groups. This scenario is happening again- NOW – like a Greek tragedy only with different people at the helm.

Related: A comparison of the Holocaust and 9/11 (ChicagoNow.com)

Sadly, many are forgetting. We aren’t living up to the pledges and promises we made on the days, weeks and months following Sept 11th. In social media “hashtag” terms our ability to honor the fallen and learn from the past may seem like we will #NeverForget but in many ways the reality is we are leaning towards an #EpicFail, as too many are still suffering and we are not as cohesive a nation or world as we once had promised, had hoped.

In my humble opinion, we must honor all who lost their lives and those we still grieve as a result of September 11th by being POSITIVE agents of change. So please, make a difference so that our children and children’s children have half a chance to live a life in the land of free because we remember the brave.

Thank you.

Qubits – a unique and creative toy for children and adults! #STEM

Published on July 18, 2015January 13, 2018 by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

About a month ago I spotted on my Twitter-stream a photograph of a young boy who had created a bicycle using a toy called Qubits. (I took the liberty to crop the photo to disguise the identity of the young lad). At first the boy reminded me of a little boy I worked with more than two decades ago who had developmental delays and significant visual impairments. While it was the boy who caught my interest in the photo, it was the bicycle he made from plastic shapes that piqued my curiosity! Within minutes I was engaging online with @Qubits_Toy and learning more about this real product for learning that is the brainchild of Mark and Lisa Burginger.

As a School Psychologist who has worked years within the realm of special education, I asked the creators if they wouldn’t mind sending to me a set of Qubits for closer inspection and review. So, thank you to the Burgingers for satiating my curiosity and sending to me a lovely pack of Qubits who has made “snap happy” for several days!

The first thing that struck me about Qubits was its’ many educational applications. For example, the toy itself could help with the development of visual motor planning, organizational and processing skills. Advocates of STEM will love that this toy incorporates fundamental concepts necessary for the foundations needed for careers such as engineering or architecture.

Learn about STEM education?

The basic pack I received came with scores of brightly colored shapes that snapped and connected together. Frankly, I could have played with them for hours! I also couldn’t help but think that Qubits may not be “just for kids” as it could be of great value for occupational therapists working with adults. Imagine seniors who are having memory / dementia issues being occupied by this stimulating product. And while this product may be similar to Legos because they both are toys that “connect” and are made of plastic, I truly think they are complimentary and not competitors.

Today, I had the pleasure of talking to one of my favorite toy store owners. She was searching for any games or toys that a child with visual impairments could play without supervision or help from someone with sight. I immediately answered, “Qubits!”

I connected with Mark Burginger and asked him questions about the development, marketing and future of his company.

Q1- What inspired you to start Qubits?

The California school system cut art/design/music in the 90’s, so Lisa and I would occasionally volunteer at the local elementary school for free to soften the lack of these classes – Well at that time I had already designed this geometric shape that I developed during my college architecture days, anyway we looked at it (the Modular Form Building Element – patented) and we thought it would make a good concept for a creative children’s construction toy. A toy that would introduce kids to art/design while they played at home.

Q2- What is your background?

Lisa is a graduate from a Fashion/Design College in NY

Mark is an architect registered in the State of California

Q3- How do you envision this toy for children with special needs?

We have visited autism schools, gifted schools, charter schools with special needs, Christian schools and Chabad schools. We are currently trying to arrange for a presentation at the Florida School for the Blind. Each time we do this we find that the challenges presented by Qubits helps kids focus on problem solving their geometric design. The time spent carefully positioning pieces allows many kids to “chill out” from the activities that over stimulate them such as video games.

Q4- What is your next project for the company?

Video, we have not captured the essence of Qubits in a video yet. It’s a tough task since we value childrens privacy and rarely bring a camera into the play area while we are working with Qubits.

Q5- How do you market Qubits

We pay for the display of millions those little click ads you see on web sites, via Amazon – thousands of people click on them and hundreds buy each month. We are just now reaching out to the small speciality stores that are just now rebuilding themselves after the severe recession.

Q6- Do you work with educators?

Yes since 2007 we have visited close to a 70 different schools, libraries, street fairs, after school facilities, childrens day care facilities, hospitals and museums. Have entertained over a 2 thousand of kids in the process. A middle school teacher introduced us to STEM back in 2007 and we have focused on it ever since.

Q7- Anything else to share?

We are proud that we were awarded the Chase Bank Mission Main Street Grant during the year 2014, with that award we have been able to spend more quality time on the improvement of our toy. We have worked hard to produce this toy right here in the USA and we hope that we can market it correctly and grow our company and improve our brand.

BRAVO Mark and Lisa!

Qubits can be purchased direct from the website here

Purchase direct from AMAZON

Disclaimer: I received a free set of Qubits to be reviewed. It will be donated to a young family who I know will enjoy it immensely!

What Can I Do with a Degree in Psychology?

Published on June 30, 2015June 30, 2015 by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

The Class of 2015 recently crossed the podium to receive their degrees in venues that were filled with proud parents, amazing keynote speakers and scores of hopeful graduates. While many may have already secured jobs or slots in graduate schools, a fair number are unsure of their “next steps”. Many of those who are in limbo have completed coursework and earned a degree in Psychology. These alumni are able to converse about human behavior, statistics and learning theory, however, are sans prospects for employment. What to do once you have obtained a degree in Psychology and have no immediate plans for graduate school? To answer this question we first will need to ask a few more.

Examine the Big Why? Why did you study Psychology? What was your vision for the future when you first entered your freshman Psychology 101 class?

Many people enter the field of Psychology because they have an interest in what makes people “tick”. They are people watchers who can view groups or individuals at hours on end. Fascinated by a child’s play or perhaps arguments among couples, the student of psychological behavior enjoys being a voyeur of the human element.

Each person has what I like to call the Big Why. It is what inspires you. Your passion. What keeps you studying when you rather be out with friends.

My catalyst for becoming a Psychologist was when I read Virginia Axline’s book, DIBS, In Search of Self. This book about an Autistic child and play therapy piqued my interest regarding a single topic in a way that I had never experienced before. I delved in to the stacks of my hometown library to read everything I could find on the subjects of play therapy, autism and psychology. By the time I had exhausted all available resources I knew for certain what would be my career path. I had discovered my Big Why.

While many, like myself, enjoy interpersonal relationships and social engagement, there are those interested in the field of Psychology, but, prefer to keep their days within a laboratory setting. While not for me I have met many who are more enamored with psychology as a research science vs. a social science.

If you are interested in Psychology be sure to ask what is your Big Why? Do note that we all have the right to change our minds. Maybe studying Psychology wasn’t what you expected and now you need to modify your course and forge ahead by looking for your next vocation. Consider interning, finding a mentor or becoming a volunteer as you learn about other professions. In my opinion, it is great to pursue what you feel passionate about as long as it provides you with a stable income.

Find out what are the most popular college majors

What is stopping you from going to graduate school and continuing in the field of Psychology?

Many people are just tired of studying. The thought of one more book, one more test, or one more term paper makes some want to scream. If you are a Psychology major and have lost interest in studying but the profession, then take some time off to recharge and rejuvenate. Consider becoming a “shadow” to several people who are employed as Psychologists (or in related fields). Sample the various occupations that utilize the skills you have learned and figure out what you need to acquire. Don’t let being tired now be the excuse that hinders you from a successful future.

If it is a financial concern, consider seeking counsel by college coaches who know about scholarships, grants and much more. Jodi Okun, founder and owner of College Financial Advisors conducts a weekly Twitter chat – #CollegeCash – that is chocked full of information for anyone seeking the 411 about resources on career, financing graduate school and overall college planning.

Have you thought out of the box?

Perhaps you can use your degree to work in a field that uses “people skills” but doesn’t need graduate school. Sales and marketing careers are dependent on good interpersonal skills, as is the travel and hospitality industries. Education also is a option and if traditional graduate programs in Psychology are not your “cup of tea” then consider becoming a School Psychologist. This is one field where there is more demand than supply, especially in larger states such as California.

Learn about School Psychology via NASP

The online gaming industry also uses people and analytic skills – both that are stressed in Psychology coursework. This industry is growing by leaps and bounds with many openings cropping up on job boards nationwide.

How to find a job in online gaming, travel, sales, etc? When seeking a job in Psychology be sure to first update your social media profiles (including securing your privacy settings on anything you don’t want a future employer to know about you.) Linkedin, Indeed and other career sites have a plethora of online job listings. I recommend to job seekers to splurge for the premium Linkedin membership during your job search. Uploading profiles on multiple sites widens the possibilities of being seen by potential employers. Don’t forget to highlight your talents. Speak a second language? Be sure to add that to your profile! A whiz in social media or computer programming? Add that, too!

Also don’t forget that there is a lot to be said about a career in the armed forces. While not a first choice for some, the military has proven to be an excellent career choice for many.

In closing, while studying Psychology has been thought to be a stepping stone to graduate school and a career as a Psychologist, it doesn’t have to be the only choice. With a little creative thinking and flexibility you will find an occupation that fulfills you. Good luck!

#TXTGen – when one single text…

Published on April 4, 2015April 7, 2015 by LouiseSattler1 Comment

UPDATE:

For those of you who are interested in a serious conversation about sexting and teens/ tweens- please join us on TWITTER APRIL 8, 2015 at 8p Eastern Time and 5p Pacific Time. Use the HASHTAG #TXTGenCHAT

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROJECT, #TXTGen – the movie- CAN BE FOUND HERE: http://bit.ly/1DvTQy8

Looking to have the movie shown at your site? Comment below

Thank you ….

Imagine finding out that a text was received by your daughter from one of her male schoolmates – of his penis.

She is horrified. Embarrassed. Bewildered.

And eleven years old.

Now imagine being the parents of this 11 year old who find out about this incident several months later. What do you do to help your daughter? What should the school do since it happened on their campus? How do you transform your anger and negative feelings about this incident in to something positive?

Meet the Setla Family – who decided that the serious matters of cyber – bullying and sexting was a discussion that needed to go much farther than their kitchen table and in fact, in to the homes of tweens and teens – globally.

The “mission” for this family was clear- create a film and a series of educational materials that would address these topics and could be available for school and home viewing. I applaud the efforts of the Setla family and Ted’s media colleagues, all who have come together to create – #TXTGen

I have known Ted Setla for many years and agreed to help him with this film on many different levels. Starting with this invitation to all of you … Please accept this invite to join the filmmakers, including Ted Setla – the dad of this true story, to a TWEETCHAT thisWednesday – April 8th – #TXTGen

Hosted by 411 Voices Influential Network and Setla Films

Beginning this Wednesday at 8pET, 5p PT

Please follow the hashtag on TWITTER for #TXTGen

and

@Setla for Setla Films (host)

@411Voices (co – host)

@Teeco71 (moderator)

and me @LouiseASL (moderator)

Learn more about #TXTGen- the film via their

Facebook Page

Learn how to support this film via this website

and please let others now… about this very important topic that faces many families today. Thank you! Louise

Perhaps the Most Important 10 Word Question of the Year

Published on August 21, 2014November 19, 2014 by LouiseSattler1 Comment

I live in California – the state where people live in sunshine more days than they do not. Where access to free and outdoor activities abounds. And, where this past week a serious threat to a local Pasadena high school was thwarted – thanks to the efforts of astute community members and law enforcement.

It isn’t yet September and we are talking about school violence as if it is an eventuality this new school year and no longer “breaking news”. How can this be?

Read about school violence facts here from CNN

So, I want to start a dialog and invite all respectful readers to join the conversation by answering this one complicated question with only ten words:

How can we make our schools safe for our students?

The Summer Singer – Songwriter Competition that got my attention!

Published on August 4, 2014November 19, 2014 by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

Something exciting, yet subtle, is happening on FACEBOOK this Summer! It is the EZDrummer 2 Songwriting Competition sponsored by Toontracks (A software company that makes many musicians use for home studios to make their tunes sound even more amazing!) The contest is one where winner takes home $10,000 and that is a lot of money for many who are competing!

Read the about the competition here.

I ordinarily would have bypassed any contest announcement on FACEBOOK, but this one caught my attention because one of the contestants is my good friend and talented songwriter, Dara Baker (aka Dara On Radio).

Dara has a jazzy, sultry and sassiness quality to her voice. This Floridian mom, entrepreneur and teacher wrote the music and lyrics to I KNOW, in addition to singing it for her entry.

Listen here to I KNOW and vote for Dara!

I took an opportunity to interview Dara for this article.

Here is what I discovered and would love to share with you-

Louise: Dara we know that you want to win the first prize with your amazing song, however, what would be a second thing you wish to accomplish by entering this contest?

Dara: To win second place, of course! LOL! 🙂 If I don’t win, I’m glad people who never heard my music got a chance to listen and to share. Being a music educator, I’m always about spreading the word about the importance of music in all of our lives, be it writing, playing or just listening.

Louise: How did you come up with this song idea and record it?

Dara: The song was written by me. I sing lead and play piano, Ed ( her husband) & I sing background vocals. Ed played guitar and bass, programmed the drums and played the little synth parts in between. We both recorded and mixed the song in our home studio.

Louise: This is usually a blog that discusses educational matters. Do you think this contest may help motivate people to keep music programs in schools instead of cutting performing arts programs.

Dara: It’s (the contest) not really geared towards the educational community, however, it is open worldwide to people starting at age 13. If you look at the number of entrants, it’s obvious to see just how many people feel the burning desire to be a part of the music industry. Kids younger & younger are becoming songwriters every day with the ever increasing availability of some AWESOME computer software out there. It’s becoming less and less expensive and easier to use with every passing day. Also with social media, the desire to “be a star” is more approachable as well.Louise: How can readers and our friends vote for you?

Dara: Go to Facebook to vote via the “EZ Drummer 2 Songwriting Competition”. Each voter is allowed to vote on FB once per day, so yeah, it would be great if EVERYONE voted EVERY day till the contest is closed and share the link!!! 🙂