Advertise on podcast: Be Evolved: Empowering Parents and Educators to Help Students Succeed

In this episode of Be Evolved, Mary Miele is joined by Amy Nathan, Director of Student Services, and Becky Rebeck, Director of Assessment, for a thoughtful and practical conversation about two of the most important admissions tests students face in New York City: the ISEE and the SHSAT. Together, they walk families through what these exams really measure, why starting 6–8 months early makes a major difference, and how families can follow a clear prep timeline — from academic assessment and foundational skill-building to strategy, stamina, and full-length practice. The discussion emphasizes that strong test performance is built over time, not crammed. Amy outlines a clear, research-based preparation timeline that begins six to eight months before test day, allowing students to build foundational academic skills, learn test-specific strategies without pressure, and gradually develop confidence and endurance. Becky explains how assessments—including mock testing, academic evaluations, and cognitive learning profiles—help families truly understand how a child learns, so preparation can be personalized rather than overwhelming. Throughout the episode, the focus remains on the child's experience: reducing stress, honoring individual learning styles, and turning test prep into a process that builds long-term skills and confidence. Key takeaways include: Why early preparation creates better outcomes and less anxiety How assessment guides smarter, more personalized test prep What families should realistically expect at each stage of the timeline Families who want thoughtful guidance and a supportive plan are encouraged to reach out and start the conversation: [email protected]. Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. For the full transcript of today's episode along with our terms, conditions, and disclaimers and privacy policies, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/resources/podcast/ © 2021 - 2026 Mary Miele

In this episode of BE EVOLVED, Mary lays out a clear, step-by-step roadmap for building a bespoke summer plan that actually moves the needle for students in grades 6–12. You'll learn why summer experiences matter for growth, skills, and college admissions; how to complete a smart intake (interests, logistics, budget); and our three-step method — What will you do? How will you do it? How will you apply? Mary covers program scouting (from STEM and arts to service and international options), quick résumé wins, and how to tackle common application essays. She also spotlights paid work, meaningful home contributions, supports for learning differences, and scholarship pathways.  Ready for hands-on help? Use the show notes links — Plan, Resume, Application — to co-pilot your grade 6-12 student's summer from idea to acceptance. Takeaways: Why summer is a powerful time for student growth How curated program lists simplify decision-making The importance of early resume development How personalized guidance can open doors families may not know exist Reach out and begin designing a summer that builds confidence, clarity, and future readiness. Check out our Summer By Design program here: https://www.evolvededucationcompany.com/summer-by-design and if you're confused about which service to buy, click "Book a Call" in the top right corner of the page. We're happy to help! Have a question or comment? We'd love to hear from you. You can reach out anytime at [email protected]. Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. For the full transcript of today's episode along with our terms, conditions, and disclaimers and privacy policies, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/resources/podcast/ © 2021 - 2025 Mary Miele

Getting ready for a boarding school interview can feel overwhelming — for both parents and students. In this episode of the Be Evolved Podcast, Mary sits down with Sarah, Evolved Education's Boarding School Specialist, to walk families through the essential steps of interview preparation. Together, they discuss: How parents can authentically share their child's story and values. The most common parent and student interview questions — and how to answer them with confidence. Real examples of strong vs. weak responses. Practical strategies for students to showcase curiosity, character, and growth. The importance of research, thoughtful questions, and meaningful thank-you notes. You'll even hear a mock family interview segment, highlighting how parents and students can complement one another to present a well-rounded picture. Whether you're at the start of the admissions journey or fine-tuning your prep, this episode offers actionable advice to help your family shine. Work with Sarah: [email protected] Have a question or comment? I'd love to hear from you. You can reach out anytime at [email protected]. Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. For the full transcript of today's episode along with our terms, conditions, and disclaimers and privacy policies, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/resources/podcast/ © 2021 - 2025 Mary Miele

Join Becky Reback as she shares practical strategies and expert insights on creating effective back-to-school routines that set students — and families — up for a smoother, more successful school year. Have a question or comment? I'd love to hear from you. You can reach out anytime at [email protected]. Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. For the full transcript of today's episode along with our terms, conditions, and disclaimers and privacy policies, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/resources/podcast/ © 2021 - 2025 Mary Miele

In this special bonus episode, educator and Director of Student Services, Amy Nathan joins us to share practical, age-specific strategies to help families navigate the back-to-school season with confidence. Whether you have a toddler entering preschool, an elementary student building routines, a middle schooler juggling responsibilities, or a high schooler managing academics and college prep — this episode offers actionable tips you can implement today to support a positive, calm, and connected transition. Tune in to learn how to create routines, support executive functioning, encourage independence, and set the tone for a year where students not only succeed academically — but truly learn and live well. Have a question or comment? I'd love to hear from you. You can reach out anytime at [email protected]. Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. For the full transcript of today's episode along with our terms, conditions, and disclaimers and privacy policies, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/resources/podcast/ © 2021 - 2025 Mary Miele

Join Becky Reback, Director of Assessment & Parent Education, and Mary Miele, Specialized Education Consultant & Founder of Evolved Education Company, as they dissect the key themes of the New York Times Magazine's April 13, 2025 feature "Have We Been Thinking About A.D.H.D. All Wrong?", and a June 2025 Daily Podcast follow-up. Have We Been Thinking About A.D.H.D. All Wrong? feature article: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/13/magazine/adhd-medication-treatment-research.html Daily Podcast follow-up: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/17/podcasts/the-daily/adhd-diagnosis-prescriptions.html Have a question or comment? I'd love to hear from you. You can reach out anytime at [email protected]. Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. For the full transcript of today's episode along with our terms, conditions, and disclaimers and privacy policies, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/resources/podcast/ © 2021 - 2025 Mary Miele

In this episode of Be Evolved, Mary sits down with Evolved Education's Becky Reback and family behavior specialist Mandy Grass for a powerful conversation about motivation and the functions of behavior. Whether you're a parent, educator, or caregiver, you'll gain actionable insights into how to understand, respond to, and support the children in your life with greater clarity and compassion. Tune in to learn how behavior is communication—and how decoding it can transform your approach to learning and growth. If you'd like to dive deeper into specific strategies, please join me on SuperCast. As a subscriber, for just $5 a month, you'll get access to my private weekly feed where I share exclusive ideas and answer audience questions about learning and admissions. Go here to join! https://beevolved.supercast.com/ Have a question or comment? I'd love to hear from you. You can reach out anytime at [email protected]. Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. For the full transcript of today's episode along with our terms, conditions, and disclaimers and privacy policies, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/resources/podcast/ © 2021 - 2025 Mary Miele

Parents and Educators, be inspired and equipped with immediately applicable moves to build connected relationships for learning, avoid power struggles, and apply communication as a universal support for students, colleagues and caregivers. Erika Bare has been an educator for over 20 years, currently serving as the Superintendent in the South Umpqua School District in Oregon. A special education teacher by training, she is passionate about supporting all students through individual supports to reach their limitless potential. Tiffany Burns loves working with kids. In her two decades in education, she taught elementary, middle, and high school students. Tiffany has been an administrator since 2012 and an elementary school principal for the past nine years. This year, she is on a professional sabbatical, teaching university pre-service teachers, while also connecting with educators across the nation, helping to grow the Connected Communicator Movement. Together they wrote Connecting Through Conversation: A Playbook for Talking with Students. https://www.connectingthroughconversation.com/our-book Online course - $50 discount code CTCPODCAST Website: https://www.connectingthroughconversation.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090370647418&mibextid=LQQJ4d Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectingthroughconversation/ LinkedIn - Erika Bare: http://linkedin.com/in/erika-bare-6a72a6215 LinkedIn - Tiffany Burns: http://linkedin.com/in/tiffany-burns-90a50a274 Twitter: https://twitter.com/CTCPlaybook.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CTCPlaybook If you'd like to dive deeper into specific strategies, please join me on SuperCast. As a subscriber, for just $5 a month, you'll get access to my private weekly feed where I share exclusive ideas and answer audience questions about learning and admissions. Go here to join! https://beevolved.supercast.com/ Have a question or comment? I'd love to hear from you. You can reach out anytime at [email protected]. Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. For the full transcript of today's episode along with our terms, conditions, and disclaimers and privacy policies, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/resources/podcast/ © 2021 - 2025 Mary Miele

Join Mary Miele as she reflects on 18 years of parenting work and the wisdom she's gained from it. This heartfelt sharing of lessons learned is for every parent at any stage of their journey. If you'd like to dive deeper into specific strategies, please join me on SuperCast. As a subscriber, for just $5 a month, you'll get access to my private weekly feed where I share exclusive ideas and answer audience questions about learning and admissions. Go here to join! https://beevolved.supercast.com/ Have a question or comment? I'd love to hear from you. You can reach out anytime at [email protected].  Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. For the full transcript of today's episode along with our terms, conditions, and disclaimers and privacy policies, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/resources/podcast/ © 2021 - 2025 Mary Miele

Discover how Randi Dumont's holistic mentorship weaves executive-function coaching, mental health, and career planning into one powerful container — and how parents can sign their college students up for lasting academic and personal success. Resources: Book: 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People by David Yeager Contact Randi at [email protected] If you'd like to dive deeper into specific strategies, please join me on SuperCast. As a subscriber, for just $5 a month, you'll get access to my private weekly feed where I share exclusive ideas and answer audience questions about learning and admissions. Go here to join! https://beevolved.supercast.com/ Have a question or comment? I'd love to hear from you. You can reach out anytime at [email protected].  Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you! For the full transcript of today's episode along with our terms, conditions, and disclaimers and privacy policies, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/resources/podcast/ © 2021 - 2025 Mary Miele

Learn concrete, step-by-step strategies from GapWell founders Lee Sosin, Seth Kessler, and student Miles Kessler. They talk about preparing students before departure, supporting them through freshman year, and future-proofing their skills for an AI-shifting job market and turbulent world. Gapwell Website: https://www.gapwellguide.com/ If you'd like to dive deeper into specific strategies, please join me on SuperCast. As a subscriber, for just $5 a month, you'll get access to my private weekly feed where I share exclusive ideas and answer audience questions about learning and admissions. Go here to join! https://beevolved.supercast.com/ Have a question or comment? I'd love to hear from you. You can reach out anytime at [email protected].  Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you! For the full transcript of today's episode along with our terms, conditions, and disclaimers and privacy policies, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/resources/podcast/ © 2021 - 2025 Mary Miele

In this episode, Mary sits down with Neill Seltzer from Score Smart—the "test prep genius" who truly studies this stuff—to explore everything parents, students, and educators need to know about test preparation today. They discuss the evolving landscape of standardized testing, practical strategies, and how data-driven insights are revolutionizing the way tutors work with students. Learn how Score Smart's cutting-edge platform (now being implemented at Evolved!) leverages powerful data to help tutors better understand student behaviors, adjust strategies effectively, and ultimately achieve outstanding results. Score Smart Website: https://score-smart.com/ If you'd like to dive deeper into specific strategies, please join me on SuperCast. As a subscriber, for just $5 a month, you'll get access to my private weekly feed where I share exclusive ideas and answer audience questions about learning and admissions. Go here to join! https://beevolved.supercast.com/ Have a question or comment? I'd love to hear from you. You can reach out anytime at [email protected].  Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you! For the full transcript of today's episode along with our terms, conditions, and disclaimers and privacy policies, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/resources/podcast/ © 2021 - 2025 Mary Miele

In this episode of Be Evolved, I sit down with Anna Toomey, director of the documentary Left Behind, to discuss the realities of dyslexia, the systemic challenges in education, and the urgent need for advocacy. We explore the stories behind the film, the impact on students and families, and what needs to change to support all learners. Stay tuned until the end, where I share my personal reflections after watching this powerful documentary. Referenced Resources: Film "Left Behind" - https://www.leftbehindthefilm.com Decoding Dyslexia - https://www.decodingdyslexia.net/ International Dyslexia Association - https://dyslexiaida.org/ Understood.org - https://www.understood.org/ Advocates for Children - https://advocatesforchildren.org/ Literacy Academy Collective - https://www.literacyacademycollective.org/ If you'd like to dive deeper into specific strategies, please join me on SuperCast. As a subscriber, for just $5 a month, you'll get access to my private weekly feed where I share exclusive ideas and answer audience questions about learning and admissions. Go here to join! https://beevolved.supercast.com/ Have a question or comment? I'd love to hear from you. You can reach out anytime at [email protected].  Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you! For the full transcript of today's episode along with our terms, conditions, and disclaimers and privacy policies, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/resources/podcast/ © 2021 - 2025 Mary Miele

Join Mary Miele as she sits down with Jin Yun Chow, founder of Polygence, for an insightful conversation about the transformative impact of PhD mentorship for high school students. Discover how this personalized, high-level guidance strengthens college applications and fosters deep learning, critical thinking, and personal growth. This episode is a must-listen for upper middle school and high school students—and their families—looking to maximize their academic potential and prepare for the future. Tune in and be inspired! Jin's contact info: Website: https://www.polygence.org/ Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polygence/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/polygence/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/polygence/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/polygence/ If you'd like to dive deeper into specific strategies, please join me on SuperCast. As a subscriber, for just $5 a month, you'll get access to my private weekly feed where I share exclusive ideas and answer audience questions about learning and admissions. Go here to join! https://beevolved.supercast.com/ Have a question or comment? I'd love to hear from you. You can reach out anytime at [email protected].  Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you! For the full transcript of today's episode along with our terms, conditions, and disclaimers and privacy policies, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/resources/podcast/ © 2021 - 2025 Mary Miele

In this insightful episode, Mary Miele sits down with parent coach Jenn Wert to explore one of the most foundational, yet complex, aspects of parenting: truly knowing your child. Jenn shares her wealth of experience, offering practical advice for parents of children ages 2 through 12. From understanding your child's unique temperament to fostering meaningful connections, Jenn equips parents with actionable strategies to navigate the joys and challenges of parenting in today's world. Whether you're raising a toddler or a preteen, this conversation is packed with wisdom and tips to help you better understand, support, and celebrate your child. Tune in for a transformative discussion that will leave you feeling inspired and empowered! Resources mentioned: Building Bridges: Nurturing Connection Before the Teen Years - Jenn's virtual parenting series Book a free consultation with Jenn Dr. Shefali Tsabary on Amazon   If you'd like to dive deeper into specific strategies, please join me on SuperCast. As a subscriber, for just $5 a month, you'll get access to my private weekly feed where I share exclusive ideas and answer audience questions about learning and admissions. Go here to join! https://beevolved.supercast.com/ Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you! For more information, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/category/podcast/ © 2021 - 2025 Mary Miele