Life & Work with Louise Masin Sattler of San Pedro

Today we’d like to introduce you to Louise Masin Sattler.

Hi Louise, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I believe I was born curious. Maybe as a child, I had a little too much curiosity for my own good! I would spend endless hours observing others in a variety of settings. Always trying to find out “their story”. Eventually, I honed my observational skills into a career. Actually, careerS. As a psychologist, entrepreneur, and media content creator and specialist.

While the readers may feel this is a random group of vocations, there are common threads! The most important thread is my passion to help others.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course, my journey has not been smooth. And for that I am grateful! Seriously! I believe that you learn much more from the harder lessons thrown your way. Don’t get me wrong, there are many times I wished for not as many “lessons”! Some of the biggest challenges I have faced were how to manage finances. Luckily, my hubby is excellent at managing money – so I depend on his advice in the financial arena.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
This is a really hard set of questions for me. I could answer your questions in dozens of different ways, as I have reinvented my professional career many times, as I like to continue learning, seek new opportunities, and be challenged. However, if I only had one “thing” I want to be known for, it would be my strong desire to help others. In essence, I believe in the Judaic principle of Tikkun Olam-“Repairing the World”. So, I would like others to think of me as a “fixer” – someone who helps others.

My first career (and continuous one) has been as a School Psychologist. I love working with children who have developmental, communication, or learning challenges. Currently, I am a contractor who works virtually as a psychologist. I love it!

Also, I am passionate about creating tools that facilitate learning, communication, and storytelling. My entrepreneurial journey began when I developed a sign language DVD to teach parents, grandparents, older children, and educators the basics of sign language. My goal was to bridge communication gaps, particularly for children on the autism spectrum or who had speech and language challenges.

Creating a DVD two decades ago was an arduous learning curve for me! I had no prior experience and had to master the entire process, from conception to production, marketing, and sales. Early on, I sought the expertise and support of friends, family, and colleagues. Despite the challenges, I persevered, and this initial DVD received mostly positive reviews.

“Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language with Louise Sattler and Friends” achieved moderate success, selling thousands of copies through various channels, including big box stores, online platforms, and in-person events. It was an exhilarating experience to see my first product on the shelves of Barnes & Noble and Borders. Moreover, it was so surreal for me when I realized that the DVD was sold on numerous online stores, and orders continued to arrive weekly. Not only was I learning how to become a creator of DVD content and a businesswoman, but I had to take a “crash course” on building an online community by reaching out to like-minded people via social media, especially Twitter. I also recognized the importance of utilizing the print media and good ‘ol word of mouth!

Building on this success, I created a second DVD that included a unique training extension and served a very niche community – emergency responders. This second creative opportunity allowed me to integrate my work as a psychologist with my desire to assist First Responders with how to communicate and engage during emergency situations with individuals living with communication and/or developmental challenges. “Sign Language for Emergency Situations” was created in 2010 and became a resounding success, not only in terms of sales but also in the creation of printed ancillary products that sold even better than the DVD. I also found myself on the “speaking circuit,” training thousands of first responders across the country on how to support those with special needs during emergencies. I even filmed several segments on the First Responders Network TV with the late Ted Setla. During COVID, I created a new emergency communication card. And, last year, I created another communication tool called SIGNAL CARDS. This deck of cards is to help children regulate their emotions and reduce negative behaviors.

Additionally, I have worn other career hats, including those of a content creator, owner of a social media marketing agency, sign language interpreter, and, as previously mentioned, a school psychologist. All of these career choices have given me great satisfaction (and some heartburn). Helping others is what gives me the passion to continue working and stirs my creative juices. I am dedicated to giving more to others than I receive. Yes, Tikkun Olam!

It will be of no surprise to find out that I am not one to sit still, nor consider retirement an option. Instead, I tend to modify my career and life goals regularly.

What is my latest “pivot”? Recently, I have been focusing on accessible travel. I love to travel – locally and globally. But I recognize that for many people, travel is problematic. Perhaps the destination has many cobblestone streets, and they are in a wheelchair, or there are no accommodations for a person who has hearing or vision challenges. I especially have an interest in how a family with a child (or children) with Autism or developmental disorders can have equal access and inclusive opportunities when they travel. I am hoping to create a new project that will involve putting together all the information I have accrued about accessible tourism into an ongoing resource (such as an interactive e-book). For now, I have included on my website much of what I have learned about accessible travel.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
When I was a tween, I was inspired by the book DIBS, by Dr. Virginia Axline. This book introduced me to the world of Autism.

There are many resources and content creators, authors, and educators that I love – far too many to list here. So, I would encourage readers to check out my website, LouiseSattler.com. I have a huge assortment of resources from many different verticals listed.

I do watch a fair amount of YouTube videos on how to improve my own media profile, especially with travel blogging and other content creation.

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This is an ancillary piece of information. I use Pinterest and other social media sites to inspire me to create designs on ROCKS. Yes, I said rock painting! I started painting rocks and placing them in my local area with the people involved in San Pedro Rocks. I also discovered that refinishing and painting furniture is an excellent mental health outlet!

All photography below is my own.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.LouiseSattler.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisesattler/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LouiseSattlerCreative.SigningFamilies/
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/louisemasinsattler/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/louisesattler
• Other: https://linktr.ee/louisesattler