Amanda Gleason Rider


4 Ways Entrepreneurs Can Practice 'Conscious Capitalism'

Are you a conscious capitalist? I’m sure you don’t think you’re unconsciously moving through your days, but considering the pace of business lately, there are likely some weeks or even months that can be a blur of activity without true focus. Yet, we can all agree that a focused plan, with a motivated team and smart execution, will drive growth. But with so many moving parts to a business, how do you know which levers to pull? And why do some companies seem to have the “secret sauce” figured out

4 Ways s Can Practice 'Conscious Capitalism'

Are you a conscious capitalist? I’m sure you don’t think you’re unconsciously moving through your days, but considering the pace of business lately, there are likely some weeks or even months that can be a blur of activity without true focus. Yet, we can all agree that a focused plan, with a motivated team and smart execution, will drive growth. But with so many moving parts to a business, how do you know which levers to pull? And why do some companies seem to have the “secret sauce” figured out

3 ways to uncover great stories within your organization

Facebook. Instagram. Your company blog. Brand journalism sites. Twitter. The list of communications channels seems never ending, and for those of us tasked with creating compelling content, it can be a challenge to identify stories to fill the various outlets. The good news is the burden doesn’t have to fall solely on the communications department. With a little guidance, you can turn employees from various departments into content creators for your organization.

Tips to Help Your Child with Special Needs Make New Friends

Forming friendships is an important part of childhood, helping children develop in positive ways and make connections that help form their identity. If your child has special needs, though, they may have trouble communicating like their peers—but that certainly doesn’t mean they can’t form healthy friendships. Below are some ways you can help your child make new friends and feel safe in the process, taken from a study published by researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Back-to-School Backpack Safety Tips

A new school year is just around the corner, and with it comes a whole new year full of possibilities for your child and plenty to keep your mind occupied. One thing you shouldn’t have to worry about is if your child’s backpack is causing any health problems, now or in the future. Carrying too much weight or positioning your child’s backpack incorrectly could lead to a number of health issues, including stooped posture, tingling in the arms, weakened muscles, and an aching back or shoulders. T

The Need Is Great, The Reward Is Greater | Foster Focus

While work takes up a huge part of our lives, you wouldn’t expect to meet your future family there—unless you’re the Pavlicek family of Star Harbor, Texas. As a pediatric nurse for Dallas-based Epic Health Services—a provider of pediatric skilled nursing and therapy services, as well as adult home health services—Deborah Pavlicek works out of the company’s Tyler office. Five years ago, she was taking care of two brothers with special needs who lived in a foster home. Their infectious smiles, co

3 Myths About Children with Autism

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 68 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder, a 30 percent increase since the organization studied the topic just three years ago. Autism is a wide-spectrum disorder, meaning the disability will manifest in different ways, depending on the child. For example, one child with autism may be aloof while another is a chatterbox. Below, we debunk three commonly held misconceptions about children with autis

3 Ways to Maintain Hydration of Kids with Special Needs

With the scorching summer months upon us, you probably know how vital it is to stay hydrated. But did you know that infants and children are more susceptible to dehydration than adults? Or, that kids with special needs may be even more vulnerable to dehydration due to medical conditions and medications that affect their metabolism and body temperature regulation? While dehydration is a common health problem, it could lead to more serious medical problems like shock and tissue damage if not trea

The five questions to ask about home health care

When you think of home health care, older adults may come to mind first. You may not realize, though, that there is also a growing need for pediatric home health care services. So what situations might require a family to need pediatric home health care? Several scenarios exist, but a few examples include children who are ventilator-dependent or who require multiple medications throughout the day. Below, I answer some commonly asked questions about home health care. Deciding to receive home h

Five Ways to Strengthen Relationships with Reporters

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a surefire way to leave reporters hanging on your every word? The truth is, there is no magic formula, but there are some surefire ways to get their attention. Here, five ways to boost your chances of getting on – and staying on – their radar. When you talk to a reporter or meet them, focus on listening to what they have to say rather than spending all of your time planning the perfect way to pitch your idea. Focus on building a relationship.

Four ways to promote summer learning in children with autism

Learning new and useful skills is a huge benefit for children with autism who are receiving pediatric therapy services. But like we all know, “if we don’t use it, we lose it,” so keeping these skills sharp over the summer break is essential. So how can you help? Take a look at these four tips to help ensure the lessons stick long after the last school bell has rung. One more thing to remember: Routines play a key role in cementing new skills for children with autism, but if something isn’t wor

5 tips for traveling with a child with special needs

Summer is right around the corner, and with it comes longer days, baseball games, and family vacations. If you’re the parent of a child with special needs, the idea of long-distance travel may be intimidating. Fear not though: With some advance planning, you can turn a potentially stressful situation into a positive experience for the whole family. Heed these five tips to help ensure your trip runs smoothly. Prepare for an emergency: When you’re traveling to an unfamiliar place, it’s a good id