Welcome to Real Talk with Tina and Ann!

Videos

March 2, 2025

Boosting Social Skills for Autism Strategies--When Therapy Stops: Fight to Save Critical Care

"At The Achievement Center for Therapy, we help children—from babies leaving the hospital to pre-teens with autism—build the communication, social, and life skills they need to thrive. With specialized speech therapy, social skills groups, and individualized care, we guide kids step by step to become their best selves. But now,…

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March 2, 2025

Critical Alert Military Families Facing Medical Payment Crisis

"Military families and Veterans across the country are facing an unthinkable crisis—TRICARE payments have stopped since January 1st, leaving providers unpaid, surgeries delayed, and life-saving therapy centers like The Achievement Center for Therapy on the brink of closing their doors. No warning. No support. And no answers. This is more…

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March 1, 2025

Empowering Kids with New Opportunities for Success

"The Achievement Center for Therapy is changing lives by providing essential services for children who need speech therapy, feeding therapy, IEP support, and more. With resources and opportunities that didn’t exist decades ago, this center is helping kids reach their full potential—but now, it faces the risk of closing without…

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March 1, 2025

Transforming Therapy Join Our Speech & Feeding Masterclass

"Shawn Manvell is on a mission to expand access to therapy by reaching families far beyond her center’s walls. With her Achievement Center for Therapy facing financial challenges, she’s launching masterclasses to provide expert guidance on speech and feeding strategies, IEP navigation, and more—helping families in remote areas who struggle…

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March 1, 2025

How Helping My Brother Shaped My Career Journey: Keep Achievement Center for Therapy open

"From helping her younger brother find his voice as a child to founding the Achievement Center for Therapy, Shawn Manvell’s journey has always been driven by passion and purpose. Inspired by her family's struggles navigating speech delays and learning disabilities, she turned her childhood efforts into a lifelong mission—creating a…

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March 1, 2025

Building Trust The Key to Effective Therapy

"Trust is the foundation of effective therapy, and building rapport is where it all begins. In this insightful podcast, we explore the delicate balance therapists must navigate—earning the trust of both children and their parents while aligning therapeutic goals with family expectations. From first impressions to long-term connection, we discuss…

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March 1, 2025

Mastering IEP Meetings A Parent’s Guide to Advocacy

"Navigating the world of IEPs and special education advocacy can feel like learning an entirely new language—especially when you're the only parent at the table. In this insightful podcast, we dive into the challenges and strategies of advocating for children with special needs, from understanding your rights to pushing back…

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March 1, 2025

Emotional Impact The Struggles of Aging Out of Foster Care

"Every child deserves the love, stability, and support of a family—but for those who age out of the system without one, the loss is immeasurable. In this powerful podcast, we explore the realities of youth who leave foster care without a permanent home, the deep bonds they form with each…

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March 1, 2025

Fostering Connection Heartwarming Adoption Stories

"Meeting your adopted child where they are means embracing their unique identity, history, and needs with intentional love and understanding. In this heartfelt podcast, we explore the deep, thoughtful ways families connect—whether it’s honoring cultural backgrounds, creating inclusive traditions, or simply listening to what a child may not yet have…

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March 1, 2025

Understanding Adoption Navigating Our Family's Journey

"Identity, family, and the ever-evolving journey of adoption—this podcast dives into the real stories behind the search for biological connections and the many ways adoptees navigate their past. From children to adults, each adoption story is unique—some seek out their biological parents, while others find peace in the families they’ve…

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March 1, 2025

The Heartfelt Journey of Adoption A Unique Story

"Adoption is a journey as unique as every family it creates. In this heartfelt podcast, we explore the deeply personal and beautifully diverse stories of adoption—highlighting the emotional first days, the love that binds families, and the importance of inclusive storytelling. With insights from adoptive parents, adoptees, and social workers,…

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March 1, 2025

The Heartbreaking Truth Aging Out of Foster Care

"Who do they go home to? Aging out of the system is a turning point that too often leaves young people without support, stability, or a place to call home. In this heartfelt podcast, we dive into the realities of foster youth aging out—sharing stories of 16- and 17-year-olds on…

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Feb. 28, 2025

February 28, 2025

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Feb. 28, 2025

The True Meaning of Family Beyond Blood Relations

Every child deserves to be tucked in at night. Every child deserves a family. Go to Real Talk with Tina and Ann and hear Sasha Saidman talk about being adopted and her children's book: First Night. Subscribe and like #adoption , #adoptionrocks , #family , #childrensbooks , #childrensauthor , #sashasaidman…

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Feb. 28, 2025

Adoption The Beauty of Nurture vs Nature

"Adoption beautifully blends the concepts of nature and nurture—shaping who we are beyond genetics. In this heartfelt episode, we explore the profound impact of upbringing, love, and shared experiences in shaping identity. From inherited traits to learned behaviors, we discuss how family is built through connection, not just biology. Join…

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Feb. 28, 2025

Empowering Parents Mastering Special Education Advocacy

"Navigating the world of special education can feel overwhelming, especially with all the acronyms—IEP, ETR, IEE. But knowing the language empowers parents to be strong advocates for their children. In this episode, we break down the key terms, explain parents’ rights, and highlight why they have a critical seat at…

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Feb. 28, 2025

Empowering Children The Importance of Nutrition in Development

"Proper nutrition is the foundation of a child’s health, development, and overall well-being. But for children with feeding disorders, every meal can be a struggle. In this episode, we dive into why pediatric feeding therapy is critical, how it impacts a child’s ability to thrive, and the importance of early…

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Feb. 28, 2025

The Critical Impact of Losing Support Services for Children

"When critical services for kids shut down, families are left without support, children lose vital structure, and communities struggle. The ripple effect is overwhelming—rising ER visits, increased behavioral challenges, and a lack of essential therapy. Join us as we discuss the real impact of service closures and why it's urgent…

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Feb. 28, 2025

Empowering Kids Unlocking Communication Potential

"Communication is the key to unlocking a child’s potential. Early intervention can make all the difference in helping kids express their basic needs, wants, and emotions. The Achievement Center for Therapy is dedicated to giving children the tools they need to communicate and thrive. Join us as we discuss the…

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Feb. 28, 2025

Grateful for Lifesaving: Save The Achievement Center Therapy for kids

"The Achievement Center for Therapy provides life-changing services that help children reach their full potential—but they need our support to keep their doors open. Join us as we discuss the vital role of early therapy, the impact on families, and how we can all come together to ensure every child…

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Feb. 27, 2025

Crisis in Child Services How We Can Help

"Children in need are at risk of losing critical therapy services—if we don’t act now, the Achievement Center for Therapy could close its doors. With long waitlists nationwide and schools unable to provide medical-based care, many kids and their families face an uncertain future. Join us as we explore the…

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Feb. 27, 2025

Transforming Lives help us stay open

"Empowering parents and transforming lives—this podcast dives into the incredible journey of helping nonverbal children find their voice, overcoming pediatric feeding disorders, and meeting critical milestones. Join us as we explore the challenges, victories, and unwavering dedication to giving every child the opportunity to thrive." The Achievement Center for Therapy…

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Feb. 27, 2025

Save a Therapy Center Transforming Lives for Children and Babies with Disabilities –Need is Imminent

Urgent: Achievement Center for Therapy Faces Closure – Needs Help NOW! Shawn Manvell, founder of three therapy centers, is on the brink of shutting down because Tricare, military insurance, has not paid since January 1. The center has transformed lives—helping autistic children find their voice and get off communication devices,…

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Feb. 26, 2025

Family isn't just blood: making your own family

Family isn’t just about blood—it’s about love, connection, and belonging. ❤️ Adoption shows us that identity is shaped by those who love and raise us. In this episode, we explore the power of seeing yourself on the page, the beauty of diverse family stories, and what it truly means to…

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