Our Brave Voices

10/24/2025

With Kurtz Psychology Consulting, PC – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉Love it! ~Annie

10/22/2025

Join Annie DiVello and author Jonathan Kohlmeier for a heartfelt conversation about life with and beyond selective mutism on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 7:30–8:30pm EST live via Zoom!

Whether you’re curious to learn more about selective mutism, want to hear Jonathan’s inspiring story, or simply wish to connect with a supportive community, this fireside chat is for you.

💬 Topics include:
• Jonathan’s reflections on his treatment journey
• The importance of working with experienced SM providers
• The critical role of schools in treatment
• Dr. Kurtz’s “exposure lifestyle” philosophy
• Jonathan’s experience with anxiety medication
• Life and growth after finding his voice

Bring your questions, as there will be time for open discussion and Q&A.

Reserve your spot today! https://ourbravevoices.com/fireside-chat-with-jonathan-kohlmeier/

10/17/2025

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a school-aged child without a voice? Come hear first hand from Jonathan Kohlmeier Wednesday November 12th 7:30-8:30pm EST live via zoom. Jonathan is going to share what it's like "being the kid without a voice" and talk about his journey overcoming selective mutism. Whether you are a parent, a person with selective mutism, a school team member, or a treating professional, this unique event is for you! Register for FREE today! https://ourbravevoices.com/fireside-chat-with-jonathan-kohlmeier/ I hope we'll see you there! ~Annie
P.S. Be sure to grab your copy of Jonathan's memoir! https://www.learningtoplaythegame.com/

10/13/2025

What is PCIT-SM? Dr. Steve Kurtz Kurtz Psychology Consulting, PC dynamic and amazing way to help children with selective mutism! Check out the upcoming certification sessions offered in December and January. I am so very honored to be co-leading the January training! ~Annie

Typical PCIT-SM coaching session with a family in the office setting. The therapist is talking to the parent via a wireless earpiece, while viewing the parent-child interaction unobtrusively through the one-way mirror.

09/26/2025

Do you have a student, or client, with selective mutism? Come unlock the mystery of treatment Tuesday September 30th 9:00am-3:30pm EST on-site in Newmarket NH! I will walk you through helping a child find their voice step-by-step with guided practice opportunities. You don't want to miss this! ~Annie

ON-SITE TRAINING AT THE LOFT IN NEWMARKET, NH – ONLY 20 SEATS AVAILABLE! ABCs of Treating Selective Mutism Tuesday, September 30th, 20259:00am-3:30pm Investment: $199.00 PO’s are welcome – email me for details REGISTER NOW Overview This interactive course offers attendees take-away tools for h...

08/23/2025

A few selective mutism back to school tips for families and school teams:
1. Make sure you have a plan of support in place with both interventions and accommodations and be certain the student knows their key people
2. If possible, have the student meet the teacher 1:1 before the first day
3. Seat the student with a preferred peer whenever possible
4. Ensure the student has a means for communicating basic needs, i.e. bathroom, illness/injury/asking for help, ect.
5. Reach out for support as needed https://www.selectivemutism.org/find-support/

Wishing everyone a year full of brave talking and courage! ~Annie

07/17/2025

At 4:02pm yesterday, a congratulations email from ASHA arrived saying the proposal Dr. Steve Kurtz and I submitted for the 2025 ASHA Convention was accepted! I am ecstatic to be presenting on PCIT-SM at the convention this November! ~Annie

07/04/2025

Happy 4th of July!

06/23/2025

Hippotherapy, "treatment with the help of a horse," is gaining popularity in the PWS community and beyond. Riding horses helps develop core strength, which can help mitigate scoliosis concerns, and can have positive social, emotional, and behavioral benefits. Melanie Zalman, mom to Josie (living with PWS) shared this blog post about their family's experience with hippotherapy. From first learning about it in a Facebook group, to seeing Josie ride backward, to letting go of her fears watching Josie feed carrots to the horses, hippotherapy has been an incredibly positive experience in their lives. Read Melanie's blog at https://www.pwsausa.org/hippotherapy-and-pws/

06/21/2025

Get out there my brave friends and have some bingo fun as you practice your brave talking! Post and share your stories. I love celebrating with you! ~Annie

06/20/2025

"Remembering the past, celebrating the present, and striving for a better future. Happy Juneteenth!" ~Annie

06/14/2025

A recent change the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) made to the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual jeopardizes access to care for Medicare beneficiaries and undermines state laws designed to regulate provisional licensees such as speech-language pathology clinical fellows (CFs). It also threatens the livelihood of CFs whose employment relies on the ability to submit claims to payers like Medicare.

Please sign this petition by June 25 to join us in imploring CMS to revise its interpretation of the term “licensure” to include the provisional licensure states issue to new graduates in the process of completing their supervised clinical mentorship: https://at.asha.org/Fv

ASHA is advocating for CMS to update its qualified provider requirements and has asked to meet with CMS staff to walk through the relevant federal and state legislative and regulatory history, explain why provisional licensure must be included in federal personnel qualifications for SLPs, and strongly advocate for their inclusion in Medicare. Keep an eye on ASHA Advocacy News for updates and email reimbursement@asha.org if you have questions about Medicare policy and advocacy.

Thank you for your advocacy!