My guest today is Natalie Pennington. Natalie Pennington is an Assistant Professor in the Relating and Organizing Area with specific interests in interpersonal communication and the use of communication technology. Dr. Pennington’s research focuses primarily on meeting social connection needs and friendship. Currently she is part of an international team of experts who are helping to develop public health guidelines for social connection.

Friends play a vital role in preventing loneliness and boosting happiness and life satisfaction. Yet, people do not seem to prioritize their friendships and are spending less time in face-to-face communication. The American Friendship Project is the first nationally-representative, multi-year, longitudinal study on friendship. This project is in association with Dr. Natalie Pennington (Colorado State University) and Dr. Amanda Holmstrom (Michigan State University).

Learn more about the American Friendship Project at: https://nataliepennington.com

For additional resources visit our website at: https://robbies-hope.com

Follow us on Instagram (robbieshope1), YouTube (robbieshope), and Facebook (robbieshope2018)

My guest today is Kathleen Yopp. Kathleen is a pediatric occupational therapist with over 28 years of experience and the founder of Helping Hands Therapy in Virginia Beach, VA. Kathleen’s passion is helping parents and children achieve positive growth and development.

Helping Hands Therapy Services, PLLC, (HHTS) is a privately owned pediatric therapy practice providing physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy , as well as early intervention and developmental educational services to children of all ages. Their goal is to facilitate positive growth and development by maximizing the child’s functional abilities. They do this by establishing a collaborative environment between provider and caregiver through practice of the coaching model, demonstration of therapeutic techniques and methods, and providing education and resources for families.

Learn more at https://www.helpinghandstherapyservices.com

For additional resources visit us at: https://robbies-hope.com

Follow us on Instagram (robbieshope1), YouTube (robbieshope), and Facebook (robbieshope2018)

My guest today is Karen Malka. Karen is a parent advocate coordinator at Pacer Center, which has the mission to improve educational opportunities and enhance the quality of life for children and young adults with disabilities and their families.

PACER Center is a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children and young adults with disabilities and their families through advocacy, education, and support. Founded in 1977, it helps parents navigate special education systems, understand their legal rights, and access services that allow students to succeed in school and beyond. PACER is also widely known for creating National Bullying Prevention Month and leading anti-bullying initiatives that promote inclusion, kindness, and student safety. Through workshops, resources, peer support, and community outreach, the organization empowers families and schools to build more equitable and supportive environments.

Learn more at https://www.pacer.org

For additional resources visit us at: https://robbies-hope.com

Follow us on Instagram (robbieshope1), YouTube (robbieshope), and Facebook (robbieshope2018)