In A Weekend With Yong Pratt

Katie is the dedicated founder of ImPACt! 501(c)3 the owner of Inspiration Performing Arts Center and fuel behind the mission “To Inspire You!” She has been featured on Dance Informa, Fox 9 News, TEDx Talks, Star Tribune, Century College, The Inver Hills College Review, More Than Just Great Dancing, Grace Church, in Haiti, Movement to Kampala Uganda, and Awaking Soul in costa Rica. She was just accepted into Stanford University’s Social Entrepreneurship Executive Program where she will be studying alongside 50 of the world’s top non-profit leaders starting next week. Miss Katie speaks with her heart, teaches with the knowing that we are all students. And inspires people globally, all the while giving glory and credit to God. She most enjoys time spent with her friends and family. Traveling with ImPACt teams around the world. Forming community partnerships and all the in between moments of rest and peace on her yoga mat. Find out how you can make an Impact today!

Ms. Susan Scarlet-Macaw graduated from the Cal Poly Architecture School and worked as an architect for five years before embarking on her entrepreneurial journey. She operated her own fitness studio for women in San Francisco and is co-owner of a bicycle manufacturing company. She started M.E. Health and Wellness right here in Elko, Nevada. Susan believes in being part of the community in which she lives and is an active member of the rotary club in addition to serving as treasurer for the Elko County Art Club. Which is where we first meet last fall. An avid runner and cyclist, Susan combines her passion for physical activity with all aspects of wellness. She now coaches people to connect with their inner self through personal development and behavior change. Susan guides her clients to learn more fulfilling lives and says “sometimes you need to find the humility to admit when you need help.”

“An artist is not a special kind of man, but every man is a special kind of artist,” said Artist Ananda Coomaraswamy.So what kind of artist are you? What about your kids? Do you remember the last time you enjoyed or created art with you kids? Here are 4 easy ways to easily incorporate the arts in your every day.

In 1983, Harvard Professor, Howard Gardner proposed a revolutionary theory of learning called Multiple Intelligences which he introduced in his book, Frames of Mind. His Theory states that each of us has 7 at the time (and later 8 different intelligences) that manifest differently in us all. While some learn best visually (visual-spatial intelligence), others learn by doing (kinesthetic intelligence), and still others by communicating with others (interpersonal intelligence). I like to call these intelligences, our Super Powers. And as parents, it's our job to help unleash these super powers in our kids to help them live up to their full potential. And this happens to be the topic of my forthcoming book to be released May 1, 2016.

As we approach National Autism Day, on April 1, 2016, I wanted to bring on a very special guest, that is currently transforming lives through dance for kids with special abilities. Rocco Santorufo is my mentor in this area, has encouraged me to start a program, like his Beyond Boundaries, in our local area, and is leading the way for kids with special abilities to experience the joys of dance.

Emily is an entrepreneur, mentor, and inspirational speaker that promotes a positive atmosphere in the arts. Equipping individuals with empowerment, service, and sustainability is her mission through the efforts of Yorkville Performing Arts Center, Up2University, Artist Universe, and The Weber Enterprises. Emily also serves in several areas of her church, she is an active member of The More Than Just Great Dancing, a board member of CASA of Kendall County Illinois, and she’s a mother of four. Learn about Emily's journey into the arts, how the arts fosters leaders, and how you can raise a smarter kid through the arts.

Robbie Walker is a native to Idaho, and has been involved in a multitude of performing arts including dance, music, acting, musical theater, and choir. After graduating High School Robbie served a two year mission in Finland for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. One month before returning home he received an email form his dance school directors offering him to take over the school, and he agreed. Over the last ten years Robbie, along with his wife, have expanded the studio from offering one style of dance, with just over twenty students, to now serving more than two hundred fifty dancers, and now offer more than ten different dance styles and musical instruments. Robbie and his staff strive to create a culture at Idaho rhythm school of music and dance where in addition to learning proper dance technique and musical scales, students build confidence and commitment within their experience, which can translate into life lessons benefiting them for years to come. He and his wife Kara have fo

March is a month full of fun! Not only is March 2nd the Birthday of the Great Dr. Seuss which inspired the National Education Organizations “Read Across America” Campaign, it’s also the month that we celebrate Music in our Schools. Hence this week’s post title, Musical Seuss Month.

Our guest on the podcast today is one of my mentors, Clint Salter. Join us as we're dancing down the path to creativity and happiness this episode.

Welcome back to episode 5! Today our guest is Meghan Dunn Gordon who urges you...Don't let your kids give up!

Today's solo episode dives into public opinion about the arts and asks you to examine your own beliefs about arts education. To really impact and propel your child's learning, the arts are critical. Let's dive in, explore arts education, your beliefs, and how you can help your kid gain smarts through the arts.

Learn the difference between Artistic versus School House Giftedness and what it means for your child. Celebrate your child's unique style of learning and help them gain confidence through the arts and and learn tips on advocating for your child in school with Gifted and Talented expert, Kim Paris of Paris Academy in Elko, NV.

When is comes to the arts and mentoring confident kids, Melanie Gibbs is a 20+ year veteran. Co-Owner of Boca Dance and Pro-Am Dance studios in South Florida, she encourages parents to make more conscious choices for your kids and says, "Art is anything that expands your perception of the world around you." Learn why Melanie believes that incorporating the arts into your busy schedule is easier than you think.

The arts are becoming more important for you child as the educational landscape continues to be test-focused. The arts not only provides your child with a much needed creative outlet, its study can result in your child being:4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement3 times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools4 times more likely to participate in a math and science fair3 times more likely to win an award for school attendance4 times more likely to win an award for writing an essay or poemThe arts is more than just dancing, painting, or playing a musical instrument. Its study leads to greater self-confidence, character development, leadership skills, and success in school. Why not give your child an advantage in both school and in life by giving them the gift of the arts?

In this kickoff episode of the Raising smART Kids Podcast 2.0, host Yong Pratt shares how the arts has shaped her life, why the podcast is re-launching in 2016, and why the arts is more important to your child than ever. Tune in each Friday for more tips, tricks, and ideas you can use to welcome in the weekend with arts fun and learning.