In this episode, I discuss:

1. How stress affects our bodies, decision-making, and advocacy
2. Why caregiving and advocacy roles can create significant pressure
3. What it feels like when meetings or situations become overwhelming
4. Why recognizing stress signals in your body matters
5. How awareness can help you stay grounded in advocacy conversations

IEP advocacy is emotional work. Caregiving is emotional work. And when we combine the two, it’s important to recognize the impact stress can have on us.

In this episode, I share some of my own experiences with stress and regulation and why paying attention to those signals can help us take better care of ourselves and the people we support.

Listen now for an honest conversation about stress, advocacy, and the realities of supporting children with disabilities.

In this episode of The Collaborative IEP Podcast, I talk about something many parents and advocates experience but don’t always know how to name: the stress and intimidation that can happen when schools bring large teams of staff into special education meetings.

Sometimes there are legitimate reasons for having multiple professionals at the table. But other times, the number of people in the room can feel overwhelming and create a power imbalance for parents.

In this episode, I share a personal reflection on stress, caregiving, and advocacy, along with what I’ve learned about recognizing when pressure and intimidation are affecting your ability to advocate clearly.

In this episode, I discuss:

1. How stress affects our bodies, decision-making, and advocacy
2. Why caregiving and advocacy roles can create significant pressure
3. What it feels like when meetings or situations become overwhelming
4. Why recognizing stress signals in your body matters
5. How awareness can help you stay grounded in advocacy conversations

IEP advocacy is emotional work. Caregiving is emotional work. And when we combine the two, it’s important to recognize the impact stress can have on us.

In this episode, I share some of my own experiences with stress and regulation and why paying attention to those signals can help us take better care of ourselves and the people we support.

Listen now for an honest conversation about stress, advocacy, and the realities of supporting children with disabilities.

Join The Membership: https://ashleybarlowco.com/the-collaborative-iep-membership

Get the Replay of the Conference: https://ashleybarlowco.com/all-access-pass-post

Sometimes the issue isn’t disagreement.

It’s a lack of knowledge.

In this episode of The Collaborative IEP Podcast, we explore what to do when your IEP team lacks training or familiarity with the research, practices, or concepts you’re raising.

Whether you’re discussing the science of reading, PDA profiles, interoception, or another emerging topic, parents and advocates often find themselves educating the team.

You’ll learn:

1. Why knowledge gaps happen in special education teams
2. How to share resources before a meeting to prepare the team
3. Why a collaborative tone helps people stay open to learning
4. Simple ways to “disarm the room” and keep the conversation productive
5. How to introduce new ideas without triggering defensiveness
6. 
   

When handled strategically, these moments can shift an IEP or 504 meeting from confusion to collaboration.

Listen now to learn how to help your IEP team better understand your child’s special education needs.

Join The Membership: https://ashleybarlowco.com/the-collaborative-iep-membership

Get the Replay of the Conference: https://ashleybarlowco.com/all-access-pass-post

ABCourse: https://abc.ashleybarlowco.com/

In this episode of The Collaborative IEP Podcast, we tackle what happens when schools rely on a single data point — a MAP score, an iReady number, one behavior report, or one teacher comment — to justify denying services or changing placement.

This installment in the “Seven Simple Solutions to Solve Your Sticky IEP Situations” series focuses on Smoke and Mirrors — when rhetorical or incomplete information takes over the conversation.

You’ll learn:

1. How to spot cherry-picked data at the IEP table
2. Why one test score should never drive big decisions
3. What it means to TCB (Take Care of Business) in your advocacy
4. How to stay calm, collaborative, and firm when the team leans on weak arguments
5. How to refocus the conversation on comprehensive, objective data

If you’re navigating special education meetings and want to advocate clearly — without escalating conflict — this episode gives you a practical mindset shift you can use immediately.

Listen now and learn how to push back on incomplete data while staying strategic at the IEP table.

Join The Membership: https://ashleybarlowco.com/the-collaborative-iep-membership

Get the Replay of the Conference: https://ashleybarlowco.com/all-access-pass-post

ABCourse: https://abc.ashleybarlowco.com/

Do you ever leave an IEP meeting feeling frustrated, unheard, or completely misunderstood?

If you’re a parent navigating special education, you are not alone. In this episode of The Collaborative IEP Podcast, we break down a simple, practical advocacy strategy you can use when school staff don’t seem to understand your concerns, your child’s needs, or your “why.”

This episode is packed with plain-language guidance for parents who want to improve communication at IEP meetings without escalating conflict.

You’ll learn:

1. What to do when you feel misunderstood at an IEP meeting
2. How to respond when the school district doesn’t “get” your position
3. A step-by-step special education advocacy strategy you can use immediately
4. How to pause an unproductive IEP meeting in a professional way
5. Why writing your concerns can strengthen collaboration and protect your child’s rights
6. How to improve parent-school communication without jumping straight to due process
7. 
   

This episode is especially helpful for parents of children with IEPs who are dealing with:

1. Communication breakdowns during IEP meetings
2. Disagreements with the school team
3. Feeling dismissed by school staff
4. Special education negotiation challenges
5. Collaborative advocacy vs. litigation decisions
6. 
   

If you’re trying to advocate for your child with a disability and want to stay calm, clear, and effective at the IEP table, this episode gives you a practical tool you can use right away.

Whether you’re new to special education or a seasoned IEP parent, this conversation will help you handle conflict more strategically and move toward productive collaboration.

Listen now to learn how to turn frustration into focused, effective advocacy.

Join The Membership: https://ashleybarlowco.com/the-collaborative-iep-membership

Get the Replay of the Conference: https://ashleybarlowco.com/all-access-pass-post

ABCourse: https://abc.ashleybarlowco.com/

In this episode, we talk about what to do when the room feels hostile before the first agenda item is even mentioned — when people look uncomfortable, defensive, or already annoyed… and you’re trying to advocate without getting pulled into the emotional undertow.

When the vibe gets tense, some of us talk too much, shut down, over-explain, fidget, or accidentally let our face do the talking. So we start with self-awareness — because knowing your default response is the first step toward changing the dynamic.

Then, I walk you through three practical strategies to help soften the room and keep the meeting focused on the child:

1. Disarm the tension by modeling a collaborative, child-centered spirit (and rerouting the discussion back to your child, again and again)
2. Use calm, open body language and regulated communication to support agreement and de-escalation
3. Make the environment more comfortable with intentional “meeting energy” shifts — including small talk, seating choices, and yes… sometimes even treats
4. 
   

We also talk about the subtle things that matter more than you’d think: tone of voice, facial expressions, where you sit at the table, how you enter the meeting, and how to avoid getting stuck in a tense posture that signals “battle mode.”

If your IEP meetings feel like you’re walking into a storm cloud — and you want tools to shift the atmosphere before it derails the conversation — this episode will help you approach those moments with more calm, more strategy, and more control.

(And if you bring cookies… please bring ones you actually want to eat.)

In this episode, I share a candid look at what it really feels like to hit that point — including my own recent experience navigating an IEP challenge for my family. We talk about the signs that it may be time to bring in professional support and why hiring an advocate or attorney isn’t a failure — it’s a strategy.

This conversation is about recognizing limits, protecting your energy, and getting the right help so you can show up for your child without burning yourself out.

In this episode, I cover:

1. The repeating “A vs. B” conversation loop that signals you’re stuck
2. Why feeling unheard is a communication red flag
3. When missing legal or instructional expertise matters
4. The hidden toll advocacy takes on your body and mental health
5. How outside support can restore clarity and breathing room
6. What advocates actually change at the table

If advocacy has taken over your thoughts, your conversations, and your nervous system, this episode is a reminder: you don’t have to carry it alone.

In this episode, I go back to the foundations of advocacy and negotiation to talk about what to do when discussions stall and you’re stuck in that uncomfortable space between what your child needs and what the school is willing to offer. Using real-life examples, we break down practical strategies parents can use when talks feel frozen.

This episode isn’t about being combative. It’s about being strategic. When school teams hold power and conversations feel circular, there are ways to reset the table without escalating conflict.

In this episode, I cover:

1. What “impasse” actually looks like in IEP negotiations
2. Why walking away isn’t an option in education
3. The importance of prioritizing before the meeting starts
4. How to reframe conversations when you’re stuck in loops
5. Using interest-based negotiation to uncover the real “why”
6. Bringing in new voices, data, and ideas to break stalemates
7. Practical ways to move conversations forward without burning bridges

If you’ve ever left a meeting feeling stuck, unheard, or unsure how to get negotiations moving again, this episode gives you a framework to reset the conversation and advocate with intention — not exhaustion.

Warm coffee optional. Persistence required.

While we often focus on practice and interventions, this episode zeroes in on what to do when school staff present information as unquestionable fact—and parents are left feeling talked over, dismissed, or subtly bullied. It comes from one of my first webinars I ever presented here at The Collaborative IEP, Simple Solutions to Seven Sticky IEP Situations!!!!

Using real-world examples I see daily in my advocacy and legal work, I walk through practical, accessible strategies for bringing conversations back to objectivity. From asking for data and documentation, to using the IEP’s structure strategically, to leveraging videos, research, and records requests, this episode is about reclaiming your footing at the IEP table.

In this episode, I cover:

1. The three core skills every parent advocate needs
2. Why power imbalances make advocacy so hard
3. How schools often “tell parents how it is”—and what to do about it
4. Practical ways to bring conversations back to objectivity
5. How to use the IEP process strategically to support your goals

If you’ve ever left an IEP meeting feeling confused, steamrolled, or unsure how to push back without blowing things up, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and advocate with clarity and confidence—heating pad and all.

I revisit the three skills I believe are essential to advocating successfully for your child: understanding special education law, understanding special education practice, and having strong advocacy and negotiation skills. While we’ve spent a lot of time on practice, this episode zeroes in on the third skill—negotiation.

I walk through a mediation strategy I use to avoid piecemeal decision-making and protect flexibility during negotiations. Using a real-world example, I explain why resolving issues one at a time can limit outcomes and how a more strategic, visual approach can lead to better results at the IEP table.

In this episode, I cover:

1. The three core skills every parent advocate needs
2. Why negotiation strategy matters in special education
3. How mediation works in special education disputes
4. A practical strategy for keeping all issues on the table during negotiation

If you’re feeling stuck, frustrated, or like you’re missing something in your advocacy, this episode will help you refocus on the skills that actually move the needle.

Along the way, I share a very real “life lately” check-in, including the challenges of an unstructured holiday break, the emotional weight of comparison, and why even experienced advocates can feel knocked off their feet when it comes to their own kids.

You’ll learn:

1. Why understanding special education law matters (and how to learn it without drowning in statutes)
2. How to build working knowledge of teaching practices and disability impacts—even if you’re not an expert
3. The overlooked but critical role of advocacy and negotiation strategy at the IEP table

This episode is equal parts practical guidance, honest reflection, and reassurance that you’re not doing this wrong—you’re doing something hard. Whether you’re brand new to advocacy or deep into the DIY phase, this conversation will help you refocus on the skills that actually move the needle for your child.

You’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure this out all by yourself.

And PS. I accidentally said Ray Nelson is speaking at the Conference. He's not. He's speaking to my Membership later this year! We'd love to have you!

Today, I’m joined by my friend Kara Riska, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast and a seasoned coach who helps mothers navigate the emotional load of raising children with disabilities. What started as a totally different recording plan (long story) turned into a deeply honest conversation about stress, shifting seasons, burnout, identity, and what it actually looks like to feel grounded when life is objectively… a lot.

In this episode, we walk through:

• The kind of stress that builds slowly — across medical uncertainty, school challenges, family transitions, and the invisible emotional load
• Why you can feel the most overwhelmed and the most grounded at the exact same time
• How chronic stress shows up physically (hello, hot flashes, migraines, fatigue, and adrenal burnout)
• Kara’s perspective on what coping actually looks like when your nervous system is constantly asked to stretch beyond its limits
• The difference between “fixing your life” and changing the way you relate to it
• The role of control — why some of us grip everything tightly, and how loosening that grip changes everything
• The turning point: giving yourself permission to slow down, let go, and build a life that doesn’t run on adrenaline and achievement
• How community, connection, and coaching provide the scaffolding most of us don’t realize we need

This episode is messy, real, heartfelt, and full of those “oh wow… me too” moments that make you feel less alone in motherhood, advocacy, and the unpredictable seasons of life.

If you’re navigating stress you can’t simply “opt out” of — but you want to feel more grounded, more whole, and more like yourself again — this conversation may  be a welcome companion.

Connect With Kara

• Website
• Instagram

Today I’m talking about something I’m seeing everywhere right now: executive functioning struggles that masquerade as motivation or behavior issues. Between advocacy work, school visits, and conversations with families, I’m hearing the same themes — kids who want to do well but genuinely can’t keep up with the planning, organizing, remembering, and transitioning that school demands.

I break down what executive functioning really is, why it tanks for some kids (especially around puberty), and the simple supports that make a huge difference at home and at school.

Here’s what I cover:

• Why executive functioning struggles aren’t “won’t do” problems — they’re “can’t do yet”

• How visual agendas and checklists make task initiation and follow-through so much easier

• Using timers to support transitions, attention, and emotional regulation

• Chunking big assignments so kids don’t shut down before they even start

• Helping kids self-monitor and understand what “successful” looks like

• How to trial supports at home and then communicate what works to school teams

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, you’re not alone. These quick wins can bring immediate relief — and give your child the structure and support they need to feel capable again.

I’m joined by Colleen, a speech-language pathologist turned advocate who spends her days doing two things most people only talk about: supporting bilingual learners in early intervention and showing up at the IEP table alongside families who need a knowledgeable partner in their corner. She’s the real deal — part SLP, part advocate, and fully committed to helping parents participate meaningfully in a process that wasn’t designed with them in mind.

We dig into what actually gets in the way for multilingual families, why translation and interpretation aren’t “nice to have” but legally required, and how school teams can stop relying on Google Translate as a strategy (spoiler: it’s not a strategy).

In this episode, we discuss:

• The rights to translated documents and qualified interpreters — and why timelines are so murky

• How incomplete or software-generated translations derail meaningful participation

• The difference between a true language disorder and a language difference

• Why proper bilingual assessment matters (and what happens when it doesn’t)

• Classroom supports that help multilingual learners and everyone else

• Where families can start when they can’t find a bilingual advocate in their area

If you’ve been feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or unsure how to help families who don’t speak English navigate the IEP process, take a breath — this conversation will leave you informed, encouraged, and better equipped to create a truly accessible path forward for every child.

Where To Find Colleen

Website

Instagram

I’m joined by Megan Penrod, founder of Developing Readers Academy, who brings a fresh, whole-child approach to literacy. Yes, she teaches phonics. Yes, she uses Orton-Gillingham. But she also teaches kids what neurons are, how their brains grow, and why a mistake isn’t a failure — it’s a “pot of gold” that helps build a new pathway. (Honestly? I want someone to talk to me like that.)

Megan and I dig into what actually helps struggling readers make progress, why confidence and self-talk matter just as much as decoding skills, and how parents can feel empowered instead of overwhelmed. Her approach blends evidence-based reading instruction with emotional resilience and brain science — and the results speak for themselves.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why traditional reading interventions sometimes fall flat

• How understanding the brain boosts reading confidence

• The “ADHD Success Triangle” and where reading fits in

• What families really need to know to support struggling learners

• Why mistakes are golden (literally) when it comes to building new neural pathways

If you’ve been feeling stuck, stressed, or unsure about the next right step for your child, take a breath — this episode will leave you feeling grounded, encouraged, and better equipped to move forward with clarity.

Where To Find Megan

Website

Instagram

I've had several friends, clients, and educators raise this question over the last couple of weeks: How much modification is appropriate for a student? Is there a limit, a tipping point, that would determine that a child's placement shouldn't be in the general education classroom? And if a child is accessing GenEd with a lot of modifications, what does assessment look like?

I've been asked that enough recently that I honestly started to question what I knew, so I've gone back and read - oh, I don't know - about 4 books on special education that EdD students read, 4 books on inclusive ed, and a couple on behavior - and I came up with the same answers. (And no, while this episode gives a great example of my rambly head, I'm not crazy!)

Please enjoy my diatribe on inclusion and modification!

I’m joined by Dr. Angelyn Franks, a speech-language pathologist turned mindfulness researcher, to talk about what burnout really looks like and how we can actually start managing stress in ways that work for us. We go deep into the difference between real, values-aligned self-care and the kind that just feels like another chore on your to-do list. (Spoiler: if your “relaxing” pedicure feels like a task, it might be time to rethink it.)

We also talk about the science behind chronic stress, why our bodies sometimes betray us, and how a little humor—plus maybe some “boob ice”—can go a long way in resetting your nervous system.

In this episode, we discuss :

• Why traditional self-care often backfires (and what’s actually helpful)
• The four hidden stress triggers that make your body go “nuts”
• How to recognize burnout before you hit the wall
• Practical ways to align self-care with your values so it actually works
• 
  

If you’ve been feeling wired, tired, or just plain done, take a deep breath. This episode is your reminder that you can’t pour from an empty cup—but you can refill it in ways that feel right for you.

Timestamps

• 00:00 Introduction and Greetings
• 00:08 Funny Story and Weekly Challenge
• 00:52 Inversions and Self-Care Strategies
• 02:05 Boob Ice and Coping Mechanisms
• 04:21 Guest Introduction: Angelyn Franks
• 04:59 Mindfulness and Stress Management
• 07:55 Burnout and Chronic Stress
• 13:37 Understanding Stress and Self-Care
• 14:37 Strategies for Managing Stress
• 16:04 Recognizing Stress Symptoms
• 27:25 Relative and Absolute Stressors
• 34:43 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Angelyn

In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s happening inside the U.S. Department of Education—why hundreds of staff in special education and civil rights offices were laid off, what the courts are saying about it, and how it all connects to the larger story of a government shutdown that’s using our most vulnerable students as leverage.

I know—heavy stuff. But stay with me. This isn’t about panic; it’s about empowerment. My goal is to help you understand the facts so you can advocate confidently for your child, your students, or your community.

In this episode, I share:

• What triggered the mass layoffs at the Department of Education—and which offices were hit hardest
• How the American Federation of Government Employees v. Trump lawsuit led to a temporary restraining order (and what that really means)
• Why IDEA and students’ rights still stand—but why enforcement could become dangerously thin
• What this could mean for states, schools, and families in the coming months
• Practical steps you can take right now to make sure your child’s education plan is protected
• 
  

This moment in education feels unsettling—but knowledge is power. We can’t control the headlines, but we can make sure our ducks are in a row, our documentation is tight, and our advocacy is strong.

If you’re ready to understand what’s happening—and how to prepare without spiraling into overwhelm—this episode will help you do just that.

In this episode, I'm getting personal about belonging—what it means, how we create it, and why it matters so deeply for our kids (especially those with disabilities navigating school and community spaces).

Drawing from my experiences as a mom, teacher, coaching, student, athlete, and human, I explore the surprising power of nicknames and small, intentional gestures that say "I see you. You belong here."

In this episode, I share:

• Why feeling loved and safe matters more than we realize (insights from my family law background)
• The "JB" effect: How Jack's middle school team used nicknames to create instant connection
• Simple strategies anyone can use: call-and-response, playful greetings, and building inside jokes
• What makes a great coach (or teacher, or aide): my community vs. technique framework
• Why belonging isn't just a feeling—it's something we can actively build

Whether you're a parent advocating for your child, an educator looking to strengthen your classroom community, or anyone who wants to create more inclusive spaces, this episode explores belonging in a practical way. 

Plus: Why you should be grateful this isn't smell-o-vision. (Trust me on this one—let's just say it involves a 90-pound black lab and a skunk.)

Have thoughts on belonging? I'd love to hear from you via email or DM on Instagram/Facebook.

This week on the podcast, I’m breaking down what school choice really is, how it’s being pushed at the federal and state levels, and what it means for children with disabilities.

🎧 Listen now and learn how these policies could impact your child — and what you can do before making a move.

 Together, Dr. Rachel and I explore:

• Top-down vs. bottom-up strategies—and why matching the right approach matters.
• The role of executive functioning, motivation, and social skills in everyday success.
• How sleep, nutrition, movement, medication, and therapy all play a part in regulation.
• The misunderstood link between ADHD, ODD, anxiety, and perfectionism.
• Why regulation always comes before academics—and how parents and educators can shift expectations to support learning.

This isn’t a cookie-cutter checklist—it’s a compassionate, practical roadmap for supporting kids (and sometimes ourselves) with ADHD and ODD in ways that actually work.

📌 Resources Mentioned by Dr. Schwartz:

• https://www.additudemag.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopw5WRjHlN6F4NPP_3yz9Np3S-TFVa-gzDpaKdNxVe8pHWnvRP0
• https://www.russellbarkley.org
• https://chadd.org
• https://a.co/d/16ga60Y
• https://a.co/d/6L6FdTq

If you’ve ever wondered why the usual interventions don’t always click—or how to better advocate for tailored supports—this episode is packed with the wisdom and tools you need.

Resources Mentioned:

• Lesson Planning and Implementation: https://ufli.education.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/UFLIFoundations_Implementation_Support.pdf
• Fidelity Checklist: https://ufli.education.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/UFLI-Foundations-Implementation-Fidelity-Checklist.pdf
• Word Work Mat: I used one of these with Jack before I got IMSE trained, and it was magic! https://ufli.education.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/UFLI-Printable-Word-Work-Mat-Updated-July-2024.pdf
• Decodables: https://ufli.education.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/UFLI-Supplemental-Decodable-Passages.pdf
• Daily Lesson Plans: https://ufli.education.ufl.edu/foundations/toolbox/

If you’ve ever asked this question, you’re not alone — and this week’s episode will help you find the answer. I've had so many schools say they're doing OG when they're really doing anything BUT ... buuuttttt it's hard for the lay advocate/parent to know how to understand what they are doing, and what they SHOULD be doing! That's why I've decided to dive into a popular curriculum, UFLI, to give you nitty gritty examples, lists of questions you can ask, and additional insights that will help ensure that whey they say, "We're doing OG, they're actually doing OG."

I’m sharing:

• 🔑 What makes a program truly OG
• 📚 How UFLI + IMSE model those principles
• 📝 The daily lesson structure you should be seeing

Grab your headphones — this one’s packed with insight you can use right away. 

In this week’s episode, I’m breaking down the most common pitfalls at the beginning of the school year for IEP teams—and what you can do about them.

From vague “good day/bad day” reports, to scheduling mix-ups, to delays in services, these are issues I see every single year. The good news? They’re fixable—and I’ll share practical strategies you can use to set the year up for success.

🎧 Listen now and take one big step toward smoother IEP collaboration this fall.

But here’s the part many parents don’t realize: an All About Me book can also serve as a legal protection tool.

In this week’s episode of the The Collaborative IEP Podcast, I break down why this parent-friendly tool isn’t just cute or helpful—but why it can also be a key piece of documentation if you ever face disputes with your school team.

You’ll learn:

• Why the law requires schools to consider parent input (and how your book counts!).
• How an All About Me book documents that the school had knowledge of your child’s unique needs.
• Ways to use it in IEP meetings, Prior Written Notices, and even due process hearings.
• Practical tips to make sure your book is both approachable for teachers and effective for legal protection.

This is one of those simple strategies that builds both connection and protection—and it doesn’t take hours of legal prep to get started.

If you’ve never made an All About Me book, this episode will inspire you to start. And if you already have one, I’ll show you how to use it strategically so it does double duty: welcoming your child’s team and protecting your child’s rights.

• 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
• 00:13 The Importance of Legal Rights in IEPs
• 01:39 Personal Anecdotes and Back-to-School Chaos
• 04:57 All About Me Books: A Legal Perspective
• 07:05 Creating Effective All About Me Books
• 17:43 Practical Legal Uses and Documentation
• 25:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

• 00:00 Welcome and Life Lately Introduction
• 01:45 Swimming Season and Summer Challenges
• 05:20 Health Struggles and Injuries
• 13:26 Emotional Rollercoaster of College Move-In
• 15:44 Back to School Strategies for Special Needs
• 26:34 Gratitude and Teacher Appreciation
• 30:32 Membership Updates and Conclusion

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:39 Summer Series and IEP Guru Academy

05:02 Behavior and Belonging: Overcoming Barriers to Inclusion

06:19 Legal Supports for Behavior in IEPs

11:24 Advocacy for Better Behavior Supports

13:05 Conclusion and Next Steps

[00:00] – Welcome & Listener Input

[02:15] – Section 1419 (Preschool Grants) Overview

[04:21] – Collaborative IEP Membership

[05:52] – Advocacy Lesson: Use All the Words

[16:07] – IEP Guru Academy

[17:58] – Final Thoughts & Congratulations

00:00 Introduction and Summer Plans

01:35 Overview of Sections 1417 and 1418

02:19 Responsibilities of the Secretary (1417)

03:51 Prohibition Against Federal Mandates (1417)

05:31 Confidentiality and Personnel (1417)

05:53 Model Forms (1417)

06:30 Program Information (1418)

09:45 Data Reporting and Technical Assistance (1418)

13:57 Disproportionality and Final Thoughts (1418)

14:34 Conclusion and Sign-Off

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:19 Setting the Stage for Section 1416

03:38 Personal Reflections and Gratitude

10:32 Diving into Section 1416

12:47 Subsections of 1416: A to I

27:00 Conclusion and Next Steps

Dr. Joy Eberhardt De Master

Dr. Joy is a board-certified pediatrician (FAAP) who has been dedicated to supporting children and families since 2009. After several years in primary care, she found her calling in integrative pediatrics, with a special focus on children with developmental and behavioral needs. Her approach is rooted in the whole child and led by the parent, always prioritizing collaboration and inclusivity.

As both a neurodiverse individual and a parent of neurodiverse children, Dr. Joy brings a unique perspective and deep empathy to her work. She values innovative, inclusive practices that honor each family's journey.

Fluent in Spanish and proudly bicultural, Dr. Joy was raised between the U.S. and Mexico. In 2021, she opened Orchid Pediatrics—a welcoming, inclusive practice built on the belief that healthcare should be accessible, empowering, and centered on true partnership with families.

One of the quotes that guides her approach comes from Albert Camus: “Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Just walk beside me.” This philosophy reflects her commitment to walking alongside each family with compassion and respect.

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

• 01:10 Dr. Joy's Background and Integrative Pediatric Care
• 02:07 Ashley's Personal Journey with Integrative Medicine
• 07:12 Understanding PDA and Its Impact
• 13:34 Parenting Strategies for PDA and Safety Concerns
• 21:55 Navigating Independence and Communication
• 22:17 Understanding Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
• 23:15 Symptoms and Triggers of Mast Cell Activation
• 23:51 Addressing Misbehavior and Root Causes
• 25:48 Personal Stories and Experiences
• 31:54 Treatment Approaches and Dietary Changes
• 35:47 Practical Advice for Parents
• 41:34 Final Thoughts and Resources

00:00 Introduction and Host's Personal Anecdote

01:28 Overview of Procedural Safeguards

03:54 Notification Requirements

06:22 Due Process Complaints

10:44 Notice of Procedural Safeguards

14:49 Mediation Rights and Procedures

21:56 Conclusion and Membership Promotion

23:27 Impartial Due Process Hearings

We’ll talk about things like your right to prior written notice, your role in meetings about your child, and how you can request an independent educational evaluation. I’m also excited to introduce something new—a retainer fee agreement created to offer consistent support to parents all school year long.

Join me as we unpack these powerful tools that are here to protect and empower you and your child every step of the way.

00:00 Introduction and Recap

00:22 Diving into Section 1415: Procedural Safeguards

01:00 Personal Journey into Special Education Law

04:59 Exciting New Project Announcement

10:01 Overview of Section 1415

15:13 Detailed Breakdown of Procedural Safeguards

27:39 Conclusion and Next Steps

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:42 Key Considerations for Developing an IEP

03:15 Special Factors in IEP Development

04:30 Behavioral Considerations in IEPs

08:33 Communication and Assistive Technology Needs

11:15 Role of General Education Teachers in IEPs

13:59 Amending and Reviewing IEPs

29:23 Transition Objectives and Responsibilities

32:55 Final Provisions and Conclusion

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

01:00 Revisiting Section 1414 of IDEA

03:10 Understanding the IEP Team

17:14 IEP Team Attendance Rules

25:50 Transferring IEPs Between Districts

32:15 Conclusion and Next Steps

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Rebranding

00:24 Starting the IEP Discussion

01:03 Personal Anecdotes and Updates

04:12 IEP Definitions and Components

07:29 Present Levels of Performance

14:06 Measurable Annual Goals

27:02 Progress Measurement and Reporting

32:31 Special Education and Related Services

36:25 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

• 00:00 Introduction and Overview
• 01:27 Eligibility Determination Process
• 02:28 Practical Tips for Eligibility Meetings
• 03:35 Understanding Specific Learning Disabilities (SLDs)
• 06:22 Additional Requirements for Evaluations and Reevaluations
• 07:10 Review of Existing Evaluation Data
• 09:25 Present Levels of Academic Achievement
• 11:06 Final Notes on Evaluation and Reevaluation

We’ll unpack the background of the case, which involves 17 states challenging a new addition to the definition of disability—specifically, the Biden administration’s move to include gender dysphoria under that umbrella. We’ll talk about the real threat- these states’ request to find Section 504 Unconstitutional.  I’ll break down what the states are arguing specifically, what’s happening with the case now, and why all of this matters—especially for our schools and the disability community.

I’ll also talk about the federal vs. state power struggle at the heart of the issue and the success of the grassroots advocacy that’s come out of it (we made them backtrack significantly!). Join me for a thoughtful conversation about how this case highlights the complicated intersections between disability rights, government regulations, and the policies that affect our everyday lives.

Timestamps

• 00:00 Introduction and Overview
• 00:33 Background on Section 504 and Texas vs. Becerra
• 02:43 Understanding Section 504 and Its Implications
• 04:52 Details of the Texas vs. Becerra Case
• 14:08 Arguments Against the New Rule
• 24:13 Medicaid and Community-Based Services
• 26:47 State-Specific Concerns and Broader Implications
• 38:26 Updates and Current Status
• 44:56 Conclusion and Next Steps

• 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
• 01:33 Exciting New Course Announcement
• 03:36 Recording from a New Location
• 06:11 Diving into Section 1414: Evaluations and Eligibility
• 21:48 Evaluation Procedures and Requirements
• 41:20 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

I’ll also share some highlights on the benefits of inclusion, how to create a shared vision, and ways to use the resources you already have to make inclusion work. Plus, I’ve got some fun announcements about the ABC Course, which can help you start or grow your business as a special education advocate.  

Tune in for some actionable tips and key takeaways that’ll help you create more inclusive, supportive environments for all students!

Timestamps

• 00:00 Introduction and Overview
• 01:27 Guiding Principles for Inclusive Practices
• 01:49 Announcements and Updates
• 04:42 Fostering Belonging in Education
• 12:48 Creating a Culture of Inclusion
• 19:04 Supporting Implementation of Inclusive Practices
• 23:05 Importance of Collaboration
• 24:54 Leveraging Funding and Resources
• 28:42 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

• 00:00 Introduction and Overview
• 01:52 Conference Announcements and ABC Course
• 05:49 Diving into Section 1413
• 08:59 General Provisions of Section 1413
• 14:04 Exceptions and Compliance
• 15:06 Pooling of Resources and Early Intervention
• 21:05 Disciplinary Information and State Flexibility
• 21:53 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview

• 00:56 Understanding Key Laws: IDEA and ESEA
• 02:37 Document Breakdown and Practical Tips
• 03:27 The Importance of Policy Documents
• 04:13 Roadmap and Themes
• 05:26 Diving into the Introduction
• 10:03 ESEA and Inclusive Education
• 11:16 Title I: Systems and Funding
• 16:53 Title I: Teaching and Learning
• 21:01 School Wide Programs and Inclusion
• 31:19 Using IDEA for Inclusion
• 40:29 Collaboration and Professional Development
• 42:37 School Climate and LRE
• 48:29 Conclusion and Next Steps

Resources

Building and Sustaining Inclusive Educational Practices

• 00:09 Understanding Section 1412: State Eligibility
• 01:14 Key Requirements for State Funding
• 01:51 FAPE and Educational Opportunities
• 03:30 Child Find and IEP Requirements
• 06:34 LRE and Procedural Safeguards
• 10:28 Evaluation, Confidentiality, and Transition
• 11:47 Private Schools and State Educational Agencies
• 14:09 Interagency Relationships and Personnel Qualifications
• 18:00 Progress Monitoring and Assessments
• 21:56 Funding, Public Comment, and Rules of Construction
• 24:45 State Advisory Panels and Disciplinary Data
• 27:45 Instructional Materials and Over Identification
• 29:15 Final Provisions and Conclusion
• 33:50 Conference Highlights and Closing Remarks

Meet Kayla

Hi! I'm Kayla Coburn, former para, special education teacher, education specialist, turned inclusion specialist and mom of 2. California native, relocated to the PNW. Since 2010, when I started in the field, inclusion has been the goal. Inclusion starts with you and I just want to help.

• Email
• Website
• Instagram

Plus, Megan is speaking at my upcoming conference, so be sure to tune in for a sneak peek!

Meet Megan

Megan Pinchback, MBA, LDT, CALT is a Licensed Dyslexia Therapist through the state of Texas. She completed her Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) training from the Scottish Rite Dyslexia Center of Austin in 2011. After a 10 year career as a special education teacher in the Texas public school system, in 2012 she transitioned into private practice as a dyslexia therapist and CALT servicing children out of her office in Dripping Springs, Texas. After 7 years of experience in private practice, she acted on her knowledge of the severe shortage of Certified Academic Language Therapists globally required to service the estimated 20% of the needed population and began Dyslexia On Demand, an exclusively web based, one on one platform connecting students with CALTs nationwide. Her understanding of the shortage of quality dyslexia servicing for children on a national level propels her daily to stretch her knowledge, voice, and reach.

Megan is a Vice President of the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA), co-host of the Don’t Call On Me Podcast, and a national speaker on dyslexia. Additionally, she holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Business Administration through Louisiana State University. She is passionate about dyslexia advocacy, legislation at the state and national level, and supporting students and parents through the social-emotional impact of dyslexia and the struggle to receive appropriate servicing.

Additionally, and most importantly, she is a wife and the mother to five wonderful children ranging in ages from 7 to 26 years old. She and her family enjoy spending as much time as they can together and outside in the beautiful Texas hill country an hour outside of Austin, Texas.

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• Website
• Podcast
• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• TikTok

The Trump administration has indicated that its plan at the beginning of its administration is to flood citizens with a barrage of information and a tidal wave of change  to invoke overwhelm, allowing them to force policy and legislative changes on us before we see them coming.  My dispute resolution body and soul tell me that when the going gets information-heavy and high-paced, the effective advocates get reasonable, rational, and thoughtful.  So, we’re starting a new series where we stand watch over the Department of Education and its Offices of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Special Education Programs, and Civil Rights.  We’ll provide you succinct, brief, easy-to-follow updates; potential impacts of policy and legislative changes; and actionable tasks to ensure the rights of our students are protected. 

Major shifts may be coming to the U.S. Department of Education, and they could have profound effects on children with disabilities. In this special episode we try to break down what’s happening in clear, practical, pragmatic terms. From the potential reduction—or even elimination—of the DOE to the impact of shifting offices like the OCR to other agencies, we’ll explore what these changes could mean for special education funding, enforcement, implementation, and policy.  We’ll also cover takeaways from Linda McMahon’s Senate confirmation hearings; the status of existing and potential executive orders affecting staffing and regulations; and the real-world consequences for students, families, and educators. Finally, we’ll share practical action steps—both big and small—that parents and advocates can take right now to stay informed and protect educational rights.  As always, my goal is to provide a framework that empowers you to navigate these potential changes with clarity and confidence.  I also aim to provide a bit of comfort, because despite the significant risk that students with disabilities are facing, there’s still plenty of good in this (admittedly wacky) world. Now more than ever, building strong, positive relationships with teachers, therapists, and administrators is critical; and I’ll walk you through every step of the way.  Tune in to stay ahead of the curve and ensure your voice is heard in protecting the future of special education.

Resources

• The IEP Guru Academy
• The Collaborative IEP Membership

Whether you're a parent, teacher, or advocate, you'll gain clarity on the law and practical tools to use it effectively in IEP advocacy. And if you're in the Membership, stay tuned!!! In preparing for the first two episodes, I have a list of three bonuses for you already!!!! :)

In this first episode, we’ll unpack Section 1400, which lays the foundation of IDEA by detailing Congress's findings and the purposes of the law. I’ll translate the legal jargon into plain English, connect it to real-world advocacy scenarios, and share strategies to help you leverage this section in your advocacy efforts.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the complexity of special education laws, this series is for you. Join me as we explore IDEA one section at a time—with plenty of insights and tools to help you along the way!

Spoiler alert- it was a bummer. But here’s the thing—I’m not staying in disappointment. Instead, I’m using it to inspire a fresh start for all of us in 2025. Let’s talk about why advocacy feels hard, why it’s so worth it, and how we can tackle it together with hope and intention.

Tune in for honesty, encouragement, and a challenge to make this year count—for you, your child, and the entire disability community!

Resources

The IEP Guru Academy

The Collaborative IEP Membership

Resources

The IEP Guru Academy

The Collaborative IEP Membership

We’ll explore the purpose of IQ testing, its limitations, and how it fits into the broader picture of determining your child’s unique needs. You’ll learn how disability categories influence placement decisions and why IQ scores should never be the sole factor in deciding your child’s educational path.

Join us for practical tips on navigating IEP discussions, challenging the misuse of IQ scores, and advocating for inclusive opportunities that focus on your child’s strengths. If you’ve ever wondered how these pieces fit together, this episode is for you!

Resources

The IEP Guru Academy

The Collaborative IEP Membership

We'll share real-life examples of how disagreements, when handled constructively, have driven innovation, resolved long-standing issues, and built stronger teams. Then, we’ll dive into how embracing healthy debate can transform IEP meetings. You’ll learn practical strategies to navigate conflict with confidence, turn differing perspectives into actionable solutions, and keep your focus on what matters most: the child’s needs.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or advocate, this episode will inspire you to view conflict as a tool for collaboration and growth.

Resources

The IEP Guru Academy

The Collaborative IEP Membership

What you’ll learn in this episode:

✨ How these short, focused videos meet YOUR needs.

✨ The practical strategies, workbooks, and tools they offer.

✨ Why they’re perfect for busy parents and educators who want quick, effective solutions.

💡 Imagine walking into your next IEP meeting feeling prepared, calm, and ready to advocate for your child. These videos make it possible—and I’m breaking it all down for you in today’s episode!

Rachel Schwartz, Ph.D., BCBA-D, has worked internationally creating and supervising programs for individuals with disabilities. Her work as a consultant and trainer includes teaching behavior analytic strategies and exploring issues related to sexual education and quality of life. Dr. Schwartz has published original research on these topics in special education journals as well as presented at national, state, and local conferences. Through her work as a trainer and consultant with the Watson Institute in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dr. Schwartz taps into more than 15 years of experience working in special education to empower students, families, and professionals.

Links: 

• The Watson Institute
• LinkedIn- The Watson Institute
• When Behavior Impedes Learning- ADDitude
• A Parent's Guide to Problem-Solving Problem Behaviors (ADDitude) 

Pepper Stetler is the author of A Measure of Intelligence: One Mother's Reckoning with the IQ Test. She writes extensively on issues facing people with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Slate, The Progressive, the Ploughshares blog and Gulf Coast. Pepper is a professor of Art History at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where she lives with her husband and daughter Louisa.

• Website
• Book

Mandi Jamison

A dedicated stay-at-home mom of three—ages 21, 19, and 4—and proud cat owner to Poptart, I hold a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Xavier University. Married to my high school sweetheart, I love learning about photography, and stalking Google flights for travel deals.

Meet My Guest

Dr. Taylor Day is a licensed psychologist specializing in neurodivergent affirming care for autistic children and their families, including very early diagnosis and early intervention. She has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is the CEO and founder of Dr. Tay Concierge Clinical Care. Her practice integrates The Whole Family Approach, a process she created utilizing evidence-informed principles after seeing a gap in autism care. Her passion for child psychology and her focus on autism is in many ways tied to her own personal experience growing up with a brother who was diagnosed at 23 months of age.

EVOLVE (Membership)

Free Support Guide for your PDA Child

Instagram

Meet the Guest

April Rehrig is the founder of  Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting, LLC. She spent over 20 years as a teacher and school psychologist before starting Rise. April is a Licensed Educational Psychologist and Board Certified Special Education Advocate. She’s a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist and Master IEP Coach©️. Rise offers Parent IEP Coaching , Teachers Pay Teachers Toolkits & Templates, Group Training, and DIY IEP Workshops. Follow April on Instagram @riseedadvocacy, YouTube at Rise Educational Advocacy, and book a Parent Consultation.  

The other reason: She's just amazing! We hosted Molly back in Episode 136, and her episode was so popular that we invited her back to go Beyond the Basics in potty training! Molly makes things just so simple and reasonable. I know you'll love this episode.

Molly Johnson is an autism consultant, working with parents to reduce challenging behaviors and develop new skills. When working with parents, Molly helps families understand the reason for the barrier and how to move beyond that barrier. After years of being an autism teacher, it was clear that parents needed guidance on behaviors and skills at home. Molly now supports parents from all over the world to improve behaviors, skills, and advocacy.

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In this special milestone episode, I’m answering YOUR questions! You all made me think, reflect, and grow, and I couldn’t be more grateful. 💙

Thank you to each and every one of you for tuning in, sharing your stories, and being such loyal listeners. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m so honored to be part of your advocacy journey! Here’s to many more episodes together! 🎧✨

In today’s episode, I reference a few fan-favorite episodes:

• Episode 13: The Wright Way with THE Special Education Guru - Pete Wright We dove into the world of special education law with Pete Wright, a true legend in the advocacy community. His expertise and insights still resonate with advocates across the country.
• Episode 41: Equity, Inclusion, and More with Heather Avis from The Lucky Few This episode with Heather Avis sparked a powerful discussion about inclusion and belonging, as we explored the challenges and joys of true equity in education.
• Episodes 28, 29, & 30: Allllll Things Dyslexia with Daphne Corder Our three-part series with Daphne Corder was packed with actionable information about dyslexia. From early intervention to accommodations, we covered all the bases for parents and educators alike.
• Episode 17: Caroling for the Caregiver: Mind, Body, and Spirit with Kara Ryska A beautiful conversation with Kara Ryska about the importance of self-care for caregivers. This episode was a heartfelt reminder to prioritize our own well-being as we care for others.

Find Dr. Annie:

Dr. Annie is a full time educational consultant in Maryland where she helps families navigate the IEP process as well as train school systems on best practices in Special Education and behavior analysis. She began her career as a special education teacher and behavior analyst in clinics and schools before transitioning full time to consulting and advocacy. She has three elementary and middle school aged children and enjoys gardening with them.

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Find Heather

• Website
• Podcast
• Book

Links Mentioned:

SpeakPike

Market Research

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/MnsAP72LUow

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/M2KFRAHbFbL

Lisa A. Hernandez is Counsel at Smith Eibeler, LLC. Lisa practices plaintiff-side employment law, representing individuals in all aspects of employment law and litigation, including claims of unlawful termination and discrimination, sexual harassment and whistle-blower retaliation. Lisa also leads the firm’s education law practice, helping families and students with disabilities navigate special education disputes, school-based accommodations, and transition planning to prepare students for employment and independent living.

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/k7Y2sB9pQMo

David Jefferson (Arizona) -  As a parent of special needs children, David understands and appreciates all of the difficulties parent’s face as they try and navigate the special education maze.  David formed Parent Support Arizona to ensure parents have a local resource and the tools they need to ensure their children’s educational needs are met. Over the past few years, David has sought administrative remedies through the State Department of Education, Office of Administrative Hearings OCR and FERPA.  David uses these experiences to provide civil rights advocacy, educational advocacy, parent training and represent parents in IDEA due process hearings in the State of Arizona.  In addition he offers self-help tools and resources that allow parents to advocate for themselves and on an equal footing with schools as they advocate for their children’s rights.

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/LBuZb8GKRdH

Amy Bonn, Esq. - Amy is a Nebraska attorney providing legal representation to families of children with disabilities in special education matters. Amy is a summa cum laude graduate of Creighton University School of Law, where she was a member of the board of editors of the Creighton Law Review. She is licensed to practice in state and federal courts in Nebraska.

Amy is also a proud parent of children with developmental disabilities. She completed a ten-month traineeship in disability advocacy and leadership at the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at the Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, where her research focus was on parental advocacy in special education.

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/Tx38ehX5c7M

Denise Stile Marshall, M.S. -  Denise has led the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) since 2005. She  graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Science. Denise has over 40 years’ experience in the field of disabilities in a variety of support, management, and advocacy capacities. She has a wealth of non-profit association management experience and is a dynamic trainer, experienced in leading sessions for participants of diverse abilities and experience levels. Prior to becoming the CEO of COPAA Denise was the Director of Training and Educational Outreach for the national organization TASH from 1995-2005, the Program Manager and trainer for Maryland Leaders in Disability Policy; and a Positive Behavior Support specialist and Director of the National Training Center for The Kennedy Krieger Institute in Maryland among other consulting and management positions.  Denise's specific areas of interest are civil right to quality education, positive behavioral supports, prevention and reduction in the use of restraints, abolishment of seclusion and aversive techniques, family supports, grassroots advocacy, self-advocacy, and experiential learning.  Denise and her husband are the parents of two children and have three grandchildren, one of whom has Down syndrome.

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/8sQAp7hltLn

• What's the difference between SDI and Tier 1 / whole group instruction.
• Is SDI the same as modifying work?
• Is SDI like tutoring?
• Where does SDI occur?

Let's dive into these questions in today's episode.

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/9ZF4KwqNrV4

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/Mnj8VduBVK7

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/8GTndSde5UP

Dr. Nina-Marie Rueda is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on health in the perinatal time. After having been trained as a doula by the midwife who is the Director at her local birth center, she went on to receive her postpartum doula training and lactation educator training from CAPPA.

Nina-Marie works with mothers to determine where the imbalances in digestive function, hormones, and through blood chemistry are occurring in order educate on individualized needs to regain optimal health, which can look like regained energy after long bouts of fatigue, ridding PMS symptoms once and for all, enjoying self-control instead of moments of outrage at her toddler, strength, and fat loss, among other things like getting rid of headaches and migraines. With her expertise in nutrition and perinatal health, mothers are able to be transformed into the women they want to be.

Paired with her training as a labor doula, postpartum doula, lactation educator, and private chef, Nina-Marie brings a well-rounded approach to care while working with mothers and supporting/educating other doulas to do the same.

• Website: https://doctorninamarie.com/

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/kVsK3cwFroT

Kelley Coleman is a feature film development executive turned author and advocate for parent caregivers and individuals with disabilities. Her book Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Systems, Services, and Supports draws upon over a decade of advocacy, gained through her own journey parenting a child with multiple disabilities. Kelley lives in Los Angeles with her husband, two boys, and her son’s trusty service dog.  

• Website: https://www.kelleycoleman.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellokelleycoleman/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelley.coleman.56
• Pre-Order your copy: Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Systems, Services, and Supports available March 13, 2024: https://www.kelleycoleman.com/books

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/8rlqyiqG2zZ

Katie Larew is the founder of Assistive Technology for Dyslexia, LLC. She began working in the field of Special Education in 2007 as a classroom Special Education Teacher. As an Assistive Technology Specialist, Katie has worked with students from elementary, middle, and high school. She holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education as well as additional certifications as an IMSLEC certified Orton-Gillingham Teacher, CERI Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist and RESNA certified Assistive Technology Professional. Katie serves on the Board of Directors for The International Dyslexia Association, San Diego Branch and is an active member of the International Dyslexia Association, Center for Effective Reading Instruction, and Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America. Katie works with students, parents, and educators by providing consultations, customized step-by-step virtual training, and professional development. Training topics focus on Assistive Technology tools to support the areas of Reading, Writing, Note-Taking, Organization, and Executive Functions. Katie’s mission is to help spread greater awareness of Assistive Technology to help students build their confidence and independence. Katie is a wife & mom to two under five. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family and exploring Southern California.

• Website: https://assistivetechnologyfordyslexia.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/assistivetechnologyfordyslexia/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/assistivetechnologyfordyslexia

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/kbEsgkh2M3G

Born and raised in Michigan in a family of nine kids, Suzanne has been writing since she was a child. She moved to Los Angeles after college and began a corporate career in PR and marketing. When she and her husband welcomed their first child, Owen, they had no idea the new world of parenting they would embark upon. His diagnosis of Down syndrome at seven days old turned her world upside down. She became an early advocate for inclusion and adopted the motto “life will not be a special needs class.” Her son is now 20 years old and attends Ventura College part-time while applying for university programs for adults with disabilities. She has three kids, and resides in Westlake Village, CA. Her book, “Raising Owen: A Memoir on Motherhood” is published by Aristata Press.

• Website: https://www.suzannelezotte.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzannelezotte/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzannelezotte
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannelezotte/

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/yn22e7YdH7k

Adults get emotionally worn out when kids are difficult to deal with, and this wreaks havoc in every area of their life. Lauren McKenzie is an adult-child relationship strategist. Using a proven framework, she shows grown ups how to take control of their emotions and positively engage with kids so they can gain cooperation, escape overwhelm, and show up as the best version of themselves.

A certified professional coach with the heart of a teacher, Lauren loves equipping and encouraging others. When she's not coaching or speaking, you can find Lauren enjoying her family or catching up with a friend over a steaming hot cup of coffee.

• Win With Kids Course: https://mckenziecoaching.onlinecoursehost.com/courses/winwithkids?affiliateId=jVRJqngJxkWP4EFKuE8Z&type=course&linkId=8vSf41YWZyraVIyb2ZhQ
• Website: https://mckenziecoachingandconsulting.co
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/laurenmckenziecoaching
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurencmckenzie/
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/laurenmckenziecoaching

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/MEfKxAszEV0

Bryan Holyfield is married to his high school sweetheart, Hannah. They met as missionary kids whose families were serving in Moscow, Russia. Together, they are raising their four sons to be men of character and faith. Bryan has a bachelor's degree in Secondary Social Sciences and a Master’s in Russian and East European Studies. He was a successful social studies teacher and soccer coach before he founded Holyfit Coaching and transitioned into full time fitness and nutrition coaching. Bryan is a Certified Personal Trainer through NFPT and Certified Nutrition Coach through Precision Nutrition.

Bryan played soccer in college but let fatherhood, education and career get in the way of protecting his health. He suffered a low back injury in his late 20’s that made him realize he needed to start taking better care of his body to be able to be the man and father he wanted to be! When the pandemic hit three years later, he saw so many colleagues and friends allow their health to suffer. Bryan knew that he had the experience and communication skills to have an impact on a great number of people.

Bryan is passionate about building strong and healthy leaders to the glory of God with a global and missional impact. Outside of work, Bryan stays active coaching his son’s sports teams, hiking, duck hunting, playing soccer and disc golf, and a leader in his local church. If you ever need to know about the best coffee or hiking in North Georgia, Bryan has the inside scoop for you.

Website: http://www.holyfitcoaching.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/bryanholy.fit

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/k8x7h2ybkok

Meet My Guest:

Kayla Coburn is a former para, former special education teacher, former education specialist, now inclusion specialist and founder of Inclusion Starts Now, LLC. My passion for inclusion has shown thorugh my entire career.

Website: http://www.inclusionstartsnow.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inclusionstartsnow/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inclusionstartsnow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-coburn-78970685/

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/5aT6eFG2qSJ

Meet My Guest:

Dr. Taylor Day is a licensed psychologist specializing in neurodivergent affirming care for autistic children and their families, including very early diagnosis and early intervention. She has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is the CEO and founder of Dr. Tay Concierge Clinical Care. Her practice integrates The Whole Family Approach, a process she created utilizing evidence-informed principles after seeing a gap in autism care. Her passion for child psychology and her focus on autism is in many ways tied to her own personal experience growing up with a brother who was diagnosed at 23 months of age.

• Website: http://drtaylorday.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.dr.tay/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.dr.tay/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-dr-tay/

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/pFlaJpGM2mE

Meet My Guest: Abigail Moehringer

I have always wanted to be a teacher- bringing extra worksheets home and making my little sister be my student! I received my undergraduate degree in Childhood Education and Special Education with a math minor (so I tutor high school math as well). I received my masters degree in Literacy.

I absolutely love learning, so I continued on to receive my BCBA certificate (Board Certified Behavior Analyst). I always love to learn and I feel as though there is always more to learn! Most recently, I have moved into a behavior specialist role and love supporting teachers AND parents!

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrs_moes_modifications
• Website: http://www.mrsmoesmodifications.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063699362515

🌟 Whether you're navigating the process, advocating for your child, or ensuring a smooth transition, we've got you covered! 

🤝 Tune in for expert insights, practical tips, and empowering stories. 

💪 Let's empower parents to be the best advocates for their children's education!

• 00:47 Surviving the Holiday Chaos
• 01:53 The Power of Parent Advocacy
• 04:11 The Journey of Inclusion Advocacy
• 07:36 The Role of Optimism in Advocacy
• 09:35 The Struggle and Success of Advocacy
• 11:50 The Importance of Collaboration and Persistence
• 14:21 The Reality of Advocacy: It's Not Easy
• 15:35 The Need for Stress Relief in Advocacy

Transcript:https://share.descript.com/view/Lp3UmyIQuJf

• 00:47 Surviving the Holiday Chaos
• 01:02 The Importance of Structure
• 01:53 The Role of Parents in Advocacy
• 04:11 The Journey of Inclusion Advocacy
• 07:36 The Power of Relentless Optimism
• 09:35 The Struggle and Success of Advocacy
• 11:54 The Importance of Collaboration
• 14:17 The Reality of Advocacy
• 15:35 The Need for Stress Relief

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/KdYRvD3Yiwr

Mentioned in this Episode: Ten Tips to Surviving the Holidays with your Neurodiverse Family: Adding Structure to Unstructured Time

https://ashleybarlowco.com/ten-tips-to-surviving-the-holidays-with-your-neurodiverse-family-adding-structure-to-unstructured-time/

• 00:41 The Reality of Multitasking and Self-Perception
• 03:12 Announcement about the Upcoming Conference
• 04:52 The Importance of Scheduling Relaxation
• 10:07 Practical Tips for Scheduling and Self-Care
• 15:26 Applying Self-Care Strategies During the Holiday Season
• 16:38 Conclusion and Farewell

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/PuxA11Wj0Lj

Show Notes:

In this episode, host Ashley Barlow talks with guest Marissa Rothermel who works as a tutor and behavior consultant. Marissa provides insights regarding the effects of recent world events on children's behavior and coping mechanisms. They discuss the rise in problematic behavioral patterns, mainly stemming from sensory overload and the lack of healthy coping mechanisms post-pandemic. They also emphasize the importance of starting conversations with children, forming structures at home, and creating a safe environment where children feel loved and valued. Marissa shares tips for parents regarding teaching children about calmness and redirection.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:45 Meet Marissa Rothermel: Special Education and Behavior Enthusiast

01:27 Understanding the Role of a Behavior Consultant

02:20 The Importance of Collaboration in Special Education

02:50 Marissa's Professional Background and Experience

04:29 The Business Aspect of Special Education

06:22 The Importance of Understanding Student Behavior

06:48 The Initial Steps in Addressing Behavioral Issues

08:15 The Role of Sensory Integration in Classroom Behavior

10:48 The Importance of Building Trust and Relationships

11:10 The Concept of 'Be the Cookie': Building Bonds with Students

15:39 The Importance of Feeling Loved and Safe in School

17:29 Understanding the Purpose Behind Every Behavior

19:15 Discussing Client Strategies

19:50 Personal Anecdotes and Reflections

20:20 Coping Skills and Sensory Processing

21:17 Parenting Challenges and Humorous Moments

22:52 Impact of Trauma on Behavior

23:41 Effects of Screen Time and Lack of Resilience

24:21 Teaching Social Skills and Coping Mechanisms

28:37 Impact of Pandemic on Education and Development

30:09 Practical Tips for Parents

35:44 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/hLIzqQPswm3

Connect with Riss:

Marissa "Riss" Rothermel, MS. Ed. was raised and educated in New York State (Albany area) and currently holds several special education licenses and certifications in states across the US. She is passionate about helping students get their needs met and growing as individuals, while encouraging and supporting family involvement. Riss has been a special educator for over 15 years and specializes in behavior support, as well as supports for nonverbal learners. Her special interest areas also include virtual education, music in education, and sensory support. In conjunction with ABCo., Riss offers Behavior Foundations consultation - working with families to support behavior needs in the school and home setting, developing plans and support documents, and meeting with teams to discuss behavior intervention strategy. When dealing with challenging, surprising, or confusing behaviors, let Riss help you navigate your approach!

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/IGJk7uodRs6

Connect with Ellen:

Website: https://www.standupfordowns.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/standup4downs/

Mary Van Geffen is the international parenting coach for moms of Spicy Ones. She helps people who are highly competent in life but overwhelmed by motherhood to lean into the spiritual discipline of staying calm and cultivating warmth and tenderness all while trying to wrangle fiery future CEOs. Often this requires serious skill-building and the balm of self-compassion.

Mary has a ministry on Instagram where she posts an inspiring parenting tip every single day. Just reading her social media will help you delight in your child and remember that you are enough. Mary believes that when a mom realizes how hard she is on herself and cracks the door open for some self-compassion, her entire family is bathed in light!

She offers on-line parenting classes and her signature 8 week group program: Moms of Spicy Ones to help moms gain the confidence to choose gentle, respectful parenting especially if they weren’t raised that way.

Mary is a certified Simplicity Parenting Counselor® and Professional Co-Active Coach, but her greatest achievement is cultivating a calm, kind and firm relationship with her Spicy go-getter daughter (now 18), mild child son (16) and un-Enneagramable hubby.

Today she’s bringing her life coaching and teaching skills to our podcast, and I could not be more excited! 

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/8j3z4faYtnC

Connect with Mary:

Website: https://www.maryvangeffen.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryvangeffen

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parentcoachforspicyones

• 👂 Listen in to discover:
• 🌟 Effective coping strategies tailored for your child's unique needs.
• 🌟 How to promote open communication and emotional awareness.
• 🌟 Building resilience in the face of adversity.
• 🌟 Practical advice for helping your child manage stress and build self-esteem.

Join us for a candid conversation that's sure to empower you as a parent. Let's support each other in helping our kids thrive during their adolescent years! 🌱

Discover how these leaders empower our educators, parents, and students to create more inclusive, effective, and tailored support plans. 💪🏫  It’s imperative that principals encourage participation, facilitate participation, and connect educators with resources.

If you're passionate about educational leadership, this one's for you! 📚👩‍🏫

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/QnH03JFmfkX

🔬 In this episode, you'll learn:

• What exactly neuropsychologists do and how they assess brain-behavior connections.
• How they can be your allies in understanding and supporting your child's unique needs in an IEP.
• Key distinctions between neuropsychologists, educational psychologists, and clinical psychologists.

Unlock valuable insights and expert guidance to empower your child's educational journey. Don't miss it!

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/yvSmQOgGyPQ

Ever thought of becoming a Special Education Advocate? Now’s the time! My digital course, Advocacy, Business, & Concepts in Special Education is officially OPEN for enrollment! This course will teach you advocacy and negotiation strategy, business start-up and management concepts, and little nuances in other special education concepts. Enroll today, and open the doors to your advocacy clients in as little as 6 months! You can do it! Promise!

👉🏻 Enroll now here: https://abc.ashleybarlowco.com

🧠 Have you ever wondered how standardized testing and bell curve distributions affect special education evaluations? This episode dives deep into this topic, shedding light on some crucial insights:

🔍 Understanding Bell Curves: Learn how bell curves work and why they're used in standardized testing. Discover how they impact the interpretation of test scores in special education assessments.

Feel free to share your thoughts and insights after listening, and let's keep the conversation going!

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/98AaCMckIWn

PAR Toolkit: https://www.parinc.com/What-is-PARiConnect

In this episode, you'll discover: 

✅ Proven filing and digital record-keeping techniques.

✅ Tips for maintaining a communication log that works.

✅ Clever tech tools to streamline your organization.

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/H3wmmHKpoYH

Whether you're a parent navigating the IEP process, an educator looking for innovative strategies, or simply curious about the world of special education, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips. 🤓

Join us as we discuss:

✅ The difference between accommodations and modifications

✅ Strategies for tailoring IEPs to individual needs

✅ Why I don’t like “banks” of accommodations and modifications!  

Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform and let's continue the conversation about creating inclusive, empowering educational environments for all. 

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/UplxDj0N5Aj

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/LjcOvT72V2N

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/rHp1fajDBD5

🌟 Today we'll delve into:

• 🤝 Collaborative strategies for parents and educators to create an inclusive atmosphere
• 📚 Navigating the world of diverse learning needs with grace and understanding
• 🌍 Celebrating cultural richness and embracing differences within our school family
• 📣 Advocacy tools to champion inclusive policies for a brighter educational future

Get ready to be inspired, equipped, and part of a movement that celebrates the uniqueness of each child. Together, we can create a more welcoming and inclusive school experience!

🔊 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. Let's learn, grow, and champion inclusion side by side. 🎉

Be sure to hit that subscribe button so you won't miss a single episode filled with practical insights and heartwarming stories. Let's pave the way for an inclusive tomorrow! 🌈#InclusionChampions #ParentingForInclusion #TogetherWeThrive

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/35lKKQzq2eE

For 149 episodes, Ashley's been our captain, steering this ship with her wisdom, guiding us on this awesome mission to jazz up the world of special education and advocacy. But today? Today, we're at Episode 150, baby! And I'm hijacking the mic to put our dear Captain Ashley in the hot seat. 🎤🔥

Let's talk numbers for a sec: 50 amazing guests, over 75+ connections (they deserve a round of applause too!), a whooping 84K downloads (and counting), and love notes from 23 countries. But hey, who's counting? 😉

So, what's the plan? We're diving into:

• The ABCs of ABCo's beginning.
• Ashley's 'oh-my-stars' moment during her first recording and the fireworks of her first guest episode.
• The dreams, the giggles, and the "whoopsies" of this wild ride.
• And, because who doesn't love some good ol' gossip, a sneaky peek into what's cooking for ABCo's future!

Whether you've been rocking with us since day one, or you're the newest member of our groovy tribe, buckle up buttercups, because today, it's all about getting the inside scoop on Ashley Barlow! 🎉🍦🎙️

Join me as we delve into the heart of the matter, exploring the crucial differences between inclusion and integration in the realm of special education. 🤝💡

🏢 Inclusion: Embracing ALL Abilities!

Discover how inclusion fosters an educational environment where every child, regardless of their unique abilities, feels valued and empowered. 🤗💪 We'll explore the benefits of inclusive classrooms, promoting equal opportunities for all learners. 📝🎒

🌐 Integration: Blending Perspectives for Growth!

Learn how integration bridges diverse perspectives, creating a cohesive educational experience for students with different needs. 🌍🧩 We'll discuss how to strike the right balance between individualized support and collaborating with mainstream peers. 🤝📈

🔗 Listen to the podcast now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. 🎶 Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on our future episodes! 💌

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/njI1tGU8eJk

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/GppJOPLPyRc

And for those for whom the school community isn't a viable option, we've got you covered too! We'll delve into ways to create and access other meaningful communities for your family. 🤝🌐

Every community we engage with offers us valuable insights about our children and their best-fit environments. And there's no better time than Summer Break to uncover these revelations! 🎧🌻

Join us to learn, share, and grow! #abC #Podcast #Communication #Community #SummerLearning

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/zfzbY2wowNA

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/krX6kFgz6hK

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/OoUxUQQS6AY

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/cZONslkoBVI

It's hard to be on the other end of “no,” isn’t it?

In today’s quick episode, we’re talking about the power of saying “yes,” both on the giving and receiving ends.  I’ll walk you through how saying, “yes” to IEP team and school team from time to time can and will improve your advocacy outcomes. 

Tired of running kids to activities and therapies?

Wanna just enjoy your neighborhood pool or sit by a ball field?

Want new, meaningful, insanely beneficial ways to connect with your child?

Imagine the surprise of Michelle Breitenbach when she hesitantly agreed to tutor all of her students on-line and subsequently got the above results! Imagine Michelle’s surprise when the pandemic happened, and she realized there was a whole landscape of on-line tutors and students needing help with reading that had little choice but to access tutoring on-line.

Michelle Breitenbach joins me today to talk about on-line tutoring, its obvious and even unintended benefits, and how you can even access it from abroad! I can’t wait for you to hear from this certified dyslexia practitioner and to learn all about her work!

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/BTM4oP3Sggy

Meet Michelle

I am a certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner, entrepreneur, and coach. I would love to teach your wiggly, struggling readers or help you become a better teacher for your students. Whether online or in-person, I provide helpful tools and strategies to set up with less tech, connect with your student, maintain multi-sensory methods, and engage with quick games and movement. I train teachers to work online successfully by using materials they already have and incorporating engaging low-tech activities. I can't wait to see you in the Zoom Room and help you or your student today!

Website: https://www.readtorewire.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readtorewire/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/readtorewire

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-breitenbach/

Contact: michelle@readtorewire.com

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/PA5fzhLwpIJ

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/a8P9LUVyXIO

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/O6xeJYsDpHM

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/GsPmcgQWsMN

Meet my guest:

Michelle Morgan is a Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in dyslexia. Her youngest daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia in 2013, which motivated her to learn more about the disorder and help other families who are going through similar experiences. Michelle believes that dyslexia is misunderstood and underidentified, and aims to provide support, education, and advocacy to families.

Website: https://dayswithdyslexia.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DayswithDyslexia

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DyslexiaSLP/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dayswithdyslexia

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/5iJ1Kvs5aK3

Meet my guest:

Rosemarie Griffin, MA, CCC/SLP BCBA, is an ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Product Developer and Host of The Autism Outreach Podcast. She divides her time between a public school and her own private practice. She is passionate about helping individuals with autism find their voice and become more independent communicators. This passion has driven her to create her own business, http://www.abaspeech.org, where she provides ASHA approved courses, therapy materials and free resources for parents and professionals alike.

Website: https://abaspeech.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abaspeechbyrose/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abaspeech

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXRBJBfK_294R58U5bOyvUQ

Meet my guest:

Molly Johnson is an autism consultant, working with parents to reduce challenging behaviors and develop new skills. When working with parents, Molly helps families understand the reason for the barrier and how to move beyond that barrier. After years of being an autism teacher, it was clear that parents needed guidance on behaviors and skills at home. Molly now supports parents from all over the world to improve behaviors, skills, and advocacy.

Website: https://www.theautismconsultant.us/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063259356587

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theautismconsultant/

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/BV3jlIzQSOS

Meet My Guest:

Hanna Stroud has been a Literacy Tutor & Consultant in Calgary, Alberta, Canada since 2008. Hanna is passionate about sharing structured literacy tips, multisensory activities, and their favourite picture books to educators and caregivers. Making learning fun and engaging doesn't mean we forget to follow the science of reading for evidence-based skills and strategies.

Website: www.myliteracyspace.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063464196591

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/growingwithliteracy/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myliteracyspace/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myliteracyspace

• Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/UMr6wh17pg5

Meet My Guest:

Marnie Ginsberg, Founder of Reading Simplified, is a reading difficulties detective who streamlines the science and art of reading instruction so teachers can rapidly learn effective techniques that help students accelerate to grade level and beyond. She also helps translate the latest understandings from science into practical, easy-to-implement activities.

In the late 1990s, Marnie uncovered that her 6th-grade language arts students, on average, were reading 2 years below grade level. And despite her master’s degree and enthusiasm, she had no idea how to remediate their word-reading difficulties.

After eventually finding solutions for her struggling readers, she led the development of the Targeted Reading Intervention at the University of North Carolina. Across 15+ years, multiple research articles have demonstrated that struggling K-2 readers grow significantly in reading with the Targeted Reading Intervention (TRI), which is on the federal What Works Clearinghouse and is endorsed by many organizations such as Evidence for ESSA and RAND Corporation’s Promising Practices Network. Given the repeated, strong results of the TRI across multiple clinical trials, Dr. Ginsberg expanded the resources and adapted the professional learning approach to provide Reading Simplified for a broader audience beginning in 2013.

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readingsimplified/
• FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/ReadingSimplified/
• Website: https://readingsimplified.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnie-ginsberg-reading/

Take the Quiz: https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/608c2bd07a38c30017963b77

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/S44OrOQkUJ5

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/RMNWzDtN2DX

In today’s episode, I reference Podcast #8: Getting More Services Out Of an IEP, an oldie but goodie episode. Listen now here: https://ashleybarlowco.com/getting-more-services-out-of-an-iep/

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/RMNWzDtN2DX

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/8sxy0FeREto

Meet my guest:

Jillian Benfield is a former journalist and news anchor. She holds a broadcast journalism degree from the University of Georgia. As a freelance writer, her essays about living an unexpected life have appeared on sites such as TODAY, Good Morning America, Yahoo! News, and ABC News. Jillian regularly advocates for the full inclusion of people with disabilities in her writings, in her community, and as a part of the National Down Syndrome Congress’s National Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition. Jillian and her husband, Andy, and their three children make their home on Florida’s Space Coast. Learn more at jillianbenfield.com.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillianbenfieldblog

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillianbenfield/

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/t4b1O960ZGv

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/CL6OVK6gds1

Meet my guest:

Hi, I'm Brent. I am a dad, husband, and a 4th grade teacher here in San Jose, California. I also enjoy woodworking, and I like to combine this craft with teaching to make products for the classroom.

Facebook: https://facebook.com/classroomandwoodwork

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classroomandwoodwork/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@classroomandwoodwork

Website: http://classroomandwoodwork.etsy.com/

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/mi03opFv1Pv

__

Meet my guest:

Dr. Annie is a full time educational consultant in Maryland where she helps families navigate the IEP process as well as train school systems on best practices in Special Education and behavior analysis. She began her career as a special education teacher and behavior analyst in clinics and schools before transitioning full time to consulting and advocacy. She has three elementary and middle school aged children and enjoys gardening with them.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnieMcLaughlinConsulting

Instagram: www.instagram.com/iepadvocateannie

Website: https://www.SpecialEdGuidance.com

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/GL3mbROxdEs

--

Join the ABClub here: https://ashleybarlowco.com/abclub-membership

Welcome to ABClub, your Monthly Membership to All Things Ashley Barlow Co. We know it’s hard to keep up with everything, but we also know how hard you try! That’s why Club exists… We’ll drop content right to your Inbox several times a month. You’ll build your library with digital downloads, dive deeper in monthly videos with me and special guests, and build community in weekly discussion questions, and more!!!!

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/ENLvwgxpkzL

__

Meet my guest:

Lisa Richer is a certified Neurodiversity Consultant who believes we must first seek to understand the learner in order to effectively support them in all learning and development goals. As a parent of 2 neurodivergent boys, more than 20 years combined Leadership, Human Resources, Training, Neurodiversity Consulting experience, and years as an Elite level athlete, Lisa leverages her lived experiences and professional training in her consultancy, Journey 2 Bloom. Through the lens of her RiPE iDEAS™ framework, she simplifies the neurodiverse learning journey by connecting parents and educators with resources, tools, along with providing advisory services to help them navigate the complex and often overwhelming learning journey. Lisa’s certifications and training include Cognassist Neurodiversity Master Class Certificate, Parent Education for Behavioral Services Training, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate, COPAA Special Education Advocate Training(SEAT) 2.0 Graduate, COPAA Advanced Advocate Certificate and Expectations Matter Person Centered Planning Trainer She is a sought-after podcast guest and speaker on Neurodiversity and Inclusion, in addition, she serves as Neurodiverse Learners Advisory Committee Chair at The Mandala School, an Executive Board Member of TRLA Autism Community and a founding partner of The Empowered Parent. Reach out to Lisa and learn more at Journey2Bloom.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LisaLazarRicher

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/journey2bloomcommunity

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journey2bloom

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaricher

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/ElU03iDVklv

Meet my guest:

Shemica S. Allen is the owner of Personalized Learning Solutions, LLC, and a former educator with over 15 years of teaching and administration experience working with students with disabilities and their parents/guardians. Shemica received her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Arkansas and a Master of Science in Kinesiology with a specialization in Adapted Physical Activity from Texas Christian University. She is certified to teach Special Education and Physical Education and also received her Principal certification in 2010. Shemica has completed the Special Education Advocate Training (SEAT) through the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA). Shemica is now a SEAT 1.0, 2.0 & 3.0 Instructor & Teaching Assistant where she helps train others to advocate for students with disabilities. She also has completed Advanced Advocate Training: Representing Parents in Impartial Hearings through COPAA. Shemica has attended hundreds of ARD/IEP, 504, and Student Support Team (SST) meetings.

Email: personalizedlearningsolutions@gmail.com

Website: https://personalizedlearningforall.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/personalizedlearningsolutions

IG: https://www.instagram.com/personalizedlearningsolutions

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shemicasallen

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/AxVpJHnJTl9

_______

3rd Annual Special Education and Advocacy Conference | January 28, 2023

Are you tired of feeling frustrated at the IEP table?!  It’s back! The 2023 Free Virtual Special Education Conference is on January 28, 2023! If you’re on an IEP team, you won’t want to miss this fantastic, free conference! 

Register now here: https://ashleybarlowco.com/conference-2023

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/Z3yUawlH6p9

Meet April:

April discovered her passion as a teen, volunteering in a special education school. Raised in a family of educators, it felt natural to help others. Each role in her career led to April’s expertise in disability advocacy.

First and foremost, April is a teacher. Prior to leading her own class, she was a substitute, private tutor, instructional assistant, camp counselor, and before/after school program teacher.

School psychology was a clear next step. Over the next 20 years, April’s experience and first-hand knowledge led to her transformation into how to Build a Better IEP™️. She went back to school and became a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP), Board Certified Educational Advocate (BCEA™), Master IEP Coach®️, and Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (CASDCS).

April founded Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting for everyone at the IEP table. Her virtual coursework and toolkits are a must-have for busy parents, teachers, and clinicians on the go. Rise transforms traditional advocacy into a dynamic team-based approach through a strength-based lens that presumes competence.

A native Angelino, Los Angeles has always April’s been home. She and her husband have a blended family, with seven children between them. When she isn’t passionately advocating, you’ll find April binge-watching Netflix or walking her sociable pug.

Email April at info@riseeducationaladvocacy.com or content on social here: https://lets-rise.mykajabi.com/links?fbclid=PAAaYNpDb82oowzucEO2pbfcQBarHGlkO3iBx_q3WikTnCS2wPn2pEOXrd23Y

See April Live at The Special Education and Advocacy Conference on January 28, 2023: https://ashleybarlowco.com/conference-2023

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/pqJAMMNwyn3

Meet the Guest:

Tim Villegas is director of communications at MCIE, a nonprofit that envisions a society where neighborhood schools welcome all learners and create the foundation for inclusive communities. He is the founder of Think Inclusive, MCIE's blog and podcast. Throughout his 16-year career as a special education teacher, Tim advocated for the inclusion of students with significant disabilities in general education classrooms and continues his work with MCIE to empower inclusive systems change in schools and districts.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inclusionmd

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inclusionmd

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education

Twitter: https://twitter.com/inclusionMD

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@inclusionMD

Website: https://www.mcie.org

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/think-inclusive

3rd Annual Special Education and Advocacy Conference | January 28, 2023

Are you tired of feeling frustrated at the IEP table?!  It’s back! The 2023 Free Virtual Special Education Conference is on January 28, 2023! If you’re on an IEP team, you won’t want to miss this fantastic, free conference! 

Register now here: https://ashleybarlowco.com/conference-2023

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/EzpZ6Ia9aSY

2023 Conference: https://ashleybarlowco.com/conference-2023

ABClub Membership: https://ashleybarlowco.com/abclub-membership

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/pwY8QrQ4Bga

____

Meet My Guest:

Advocate to Educate founder and owner Eryn Schnel Yolac is a wife and proud parent of two great kids. She was also diagnosed with Dyslexia at age six. Her personal experiences and struggles to find proper reading intervention and mental health services as a child are what has inspired her to continue her life's mission: advocating for children just like her. Eryn's professional training began in the classroom as a special education teacher and progressed quickly when she decided to devote all her time and educational abilities to becoming a Board-Certified Education Advocate. She has extensive experience advocating for children with Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, Anxiety, and Depression and has managed with a wide variety of complex cases requiring intensive academic support, medical care, and residential treatment.

Website: www.advocatetoeducate.com

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/8tN8W4Wgx2E

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/0rf71zb85ER

Meet My Guest:

Beth Liesenfeld, MOT, OTR/L is an occupational therapist and passionate about teaching parents how to advocate through the IEP process. As a new occupational therapist in the schools, she was overwhelmed by the IEP process. After participating in 80 meetings per year, she noticed how some parents learned the system just enough to get the most effective IEP for their child possible from the school (and the followthrough, too!) She started her company, The IEP Lab, to provide parent friendly workshops and online courses that can be accessed around a busy parent schedule and start working with the IEP system instead of fighting against it. She is the host of The Parent IEP Lab podcast, hosts the free Parent IEP Advocacy Summit every fall, and helps parents prep for meetings and get IEP followthrough through her signature course, The Ultimate Parent IEP Prep Course

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/VpwQpJG7iZg

Meet My Guest:

Lenora Edwards is a ASHA Board Certified Speech Language Pathologist and Chief Knowledge Officer with Better Speech. Since obtaining her CCC’s in 2010, she has worked with individuals of all ages from little ones who are learning to understand and express themselves to adults who want to improve their speaking skills and become a more fluent and effective communicator. Lenora loves to teach and educate others so if you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Better Speech is an online speech therapy company that has been providing professional, affordable and convenient speech therapy services for more than a decade. All the Speech Language Pathologists with Better Speech are Board Certified and State Licensed with more than 10 years experience each which allows them to provide outstanding online speech therapy services nationwide and internationally. At BetterSpeech.com , we are experts at helping people communicate in the most efficient and affordable way possible!

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/U32gafxefxf

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[Ep. 12] FBA and Behavior Intervention Plans with Dr. Solandy Forte: https://ashleybarlowco.com/functional-behavior-assessments-and-behavior-intervention-plans-with-dr-solandy-forte/

[Ep. 62] A Chat with Rachel Schwartz on Behavior Support: https://ashleybarlowco.com/a-chat-with-rachel-schwartz-on-behavior-support/

Behavior Workshop: https://ashleybarlowco.com/product-page-behavior-workshop-workbook

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In this episode:

1. Plan ahead so you have more time for fun

2. ENJOY FRIDAYS!

3. Get organized

4. Download your School’s App/ Activity Calendar

5. Take Advantage of the Mornings

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Links mentioned:

https://ashleybarlowco.podia.com/back-to-school-shopping-list

Never miss out on a new episode by joining my mailing list here: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f43ff3f99f8080026e08ed7

https://ashleybarlowco.podia.com/getting-started-a-listening-guide-to-the-special-education-advocacy-podcast-with-ashley-barlow

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Kayla is a born and raised Kansan, and an avid lover of children, pasta, and fitness. Kayla runs a children’s fitness center for a living, and in her spare time serves as a parent lead for medical advocacy trainings. As the proud mother to a gorgeous little girl with Down syndrome, Kayla knows firsthand the impact of a diagnosis experience on a young family, whether pre- or post-natal. Her advocacy journey has taken her on a unique path, and she now serves as the reigning Mrs. Kansas International. Through her platform, Strong Over Wrong, it is her mission to create a more compassionate and balanced diagnosis experience for families everywhere.

https://ashleybarlowco.podia.com/all-about-me-books 

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Kelsey Frobeen is the Program Manager of Learning Aid Ohio. She manages this statewide program which aims to provide in-person, supplemental learning support for students with IEPs or a 504 plan.

Kelsey has a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources with previous experience in project management and process improvement. She is a fierce advocate for the disability community and inclusion. She recently graduated from The Ohio State University, Nisonger Center’s LEND program in May and serves as a family mentor at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Originally from Piqua Ohio, she now lives in Hilliard with her husband Erik and their 5 year old daughter, Elliot who has cerebral palsy. They enjoy playing outside and having picnics when the weather is nice. Her happy place is at concerts enjoying live music and cross stitching.

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Tara is a speech/language pathologist who has worked with autistic children for over 20 years. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Communicative Disorders at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Her minor was in Early Childhood Education. After working exclusively with autistic children at the elementary level for several years, she went on to obtain an Autism Certificate from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota. She's attended numerous professional development workshops, seminars, and courses over the years, and has been an adjunct professor at Hamline University teaching courses for educators about autism for 10 years.

Tara spent several years at the early elementary level in Wisconsin and Colorado.  Now, she is enjoying co-teaching in an autism classroom at the early childhood level (mainly with children ages 2.5 to 5 years) in Minnesota. Another aspect of her job at the early childhood level includes doing initial evaluations, from speech/language evaluations to full autism assessments. The parent connection at the preschool level is something she really loves!

Tara started Autism Little Learners in March of 2019, about 6 weeks after she lost her dad to leukemia. The grief was so deep and so raw after he died that she needed something to distract her mind from the pain. Prior to that, she had been thinking about starting a store on Teachers Pay Teachers. because she already made so many of her own materials for her classroom. It can be so difficult to find good resources that are at the right level. Especially for 3 and 4 year old autistic students! So, she started creating resources and activities for educators and parents of young autistic children.  Tara also does several free trainings each year on Facebook, and has an online course titled "Visual Schedules Made Easy".

Website: https://autismlittlelearners.com/autism-little-learners-about/

Teachers Pay Teachers, Autism Little Learners Teaching Resources: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Autism-Little-Learners

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autismlittlelearners/

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Brandi Tanner, Ph.D., NCSP

Dr. Brandi Tanner has over twenty years of experience working with children and adolescents with learning and behavioral problems. She is both a licensed psychologist and a certified school psychologist.

Dr. Tanner earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Masters’ Degree in Special Education from West Virginia University. She entered her working career as a special education teacher. She later returned to school and earned her doctoral degree in School Psychology from the University of South Florida.

Dr. Tanner’s doctoral-level education training included experiences in assessment and treatment of learning and behavioral problems for children and adolescents, systems-level consultation in Response to Intervention (RtI), and treatment integrity in school interventions. Upon completion of her doctoral degree, Dr. Tanner worked as a school psychologist in a metro-Atlanta district for several years. 



Currently, Dr. Tanner provides conducts comprehensive psychological and psychoeducational evaluations in her private practice, Lightway Psychological Services. She provides special education advocacy services through Your IEP Source.

Contact:

Email: hello@youriepsource.com

Website: www.youriepsource.com

Facebook: @youriepsource

Instagram: @youriepsource

Meet My Guest:

Sasha Long, BCBA, M.A., is the founder and president of The Autism Helper, Inc. She is a board certified behavior analyst and former special education teacher. Sasha works full time as a consultant, writer, and behavior analyst. Sasha manages and writes The Autism Helper Blog, as a way to share easy to use and ready to implement strategies and ideas. Sasha also travels internationally as a speaker and consultant providing individualized training and feedback to parents, educators, therapists and administrators in the world of autism. She is currently an adjunct professor in the school of Applied Behavior Analysis at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Sasha received her undergraduate degree in Special Education from Miami University and has a Masters Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

The Autism Helper Contacts:

Website: https://theautismhelper.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theautismhelper/

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/theautismhelper

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theautismhelper/

Create A Future Planning Statement: https://ashleybarlowco.com/product-page-create-a-future-planning-statement

Meet My Guest: Michelle Morgan

It's hard having a child with dyslexia. Most of the time you feel frustrated that the school doesn't understand your child's needs and you worry they are not getting the type of reading intervention necessary to become proficient at reading and writing. Being a parent to a child with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD, I know firsthand how difficult this journey is for families. I've worked as a speech-language pathologist for 17 years, but being a parent taught me more about dyslexia than I ever learned in school. Since my daughter's diagnosis, I've taken a deep dive into the world of literacy and what struggling readers need to be successful. I provide comprehensive assessments and individual intervention for children who struggle with reading and writing. One of my favorite ways to serve families is through advocacy. Parents need to feel supported during this journey and providing them with information on how to get appropriate services through the public school system is one of the best ways to help a child succeed. I've written a soon to be published book on this exact topic called, It Shouldn't Be So Difficult: How to Get Your Child with Dyslexia the Services They Need in Public School

Links mentioned in this episode:

The Reading League: The Reading League - The Science of Reading

International Dyslexia Association: International Dyslexia Association - …until everyone can read! (dyslexiaida.org)

Sally Schaywitz, “Overcoming Dyslexia”: Overcoming Dyslexia (2020 Edition): Second Edition, Completely Revised and Updated: Shaywitz, Sally: 8601300369143: Amazon.com: Books

Wrightslaw: www.wrightslaw.com

Michelle’s book/ Days with Dyslexia: It Shouldn’t Be So Difficult: How To Get Your Child With Dyslexia the Services They Need in Public School | Days with Dyslexia

New Freebie: This week we reached 25,000 podcast download!  I thought it would be fun to celebrate with a list of some of my favorite episodes!  This isn’t so much a Top Ten List – but really represents a gathering of some of my favorite resources!

Getting Started: A Listening Guide to The Special Education Advocacy Podcast with Ashley Barlow: Download here: https://ashleybarlowco.podia.com/getting-started-a-listening-guide-to-the-special-education-advocacy-podcast-with-ashley-barlow

Meet Rachel Schwartz:

Rachel Schwartz, PhD, BCBA-D has worked internationally creating and supervising programs for individuals with disabilities across the lifespan. Dr. Schwartz received her Master’s degree in Teaching and Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Georgia and her Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Pittsburgh. Her work as a consultant and trainer includes teaching behavior analytic strategies and exploring issues related to sexual education and quality of life. Dr. Schwartz has published original research on these topics in special education journals as well as presented at national, state, and local conferences. With her organization Behavior Goals, Dr. Schwartz shares her over 15 years of experience working in special education to empower students, families, and professionals (www.behaviorgoals.com)

Meet My Guests: 

Jawanda and Rachel Mast 

Mother and daughter team Jawanda and Rachel Mast are passionate about the meaningful inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities in all aspects of the community and have presented at many conferences. The two of them worked alongside advocates from across the country for over eight years to pass the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act allowing individuals with disabilities to save money in 529 type accounts without jeopardizing benefits. Because of her work on passing the ABLE Act nationally and in Kansas, Rachel became the first person to open a Kansas ABLE Savings Account.  

Rachel Mast, who has Down syndrome, is 22 years old and a graduate of Olathe South High School and works as a hostess at the Olive Garden and wants to someday live in a pink house. 

Jawanda Mast is a national grassroots advocacy speaker and consultant. Jawanda is married to Jonathan Mast. Along with Rachel they make their home in Olathe, Kansas. 

Jawanda says their work is a #laborofloveandconviction. 

Meet My Guests:

Rob Snow - CEO and Creator

Rob is a native Ohioan, but moved to Chicago and began his comedy and improvisation journey in the late 90s while training at the famed Second City Theatre, as well as Improv Olympic and The Annoyance Theatre.  In 2000, Rob “gave up” comedy for the serenity of the “real world”.  He married his wife, Ellen, and they had their first son Charlie. In 2009 the Snows moved back to Ohio and Rob decided to give comedy a shot again performing open mics and guests sets while he traveled for his day job. Also in that year, Rob and Ellen had their second son Henry who was born with Down Syndrome. 

The merger of Rob’s passion for comedy and the love of his son has paved his path ever since.  In 2011 Rob created his first of three one-man shows which he continues to perform nationally (www.weneedasign.net). The Snows also founded Stand Up For Downs, a non-profit dedicated to enhancing the lives of those with developmental disabilities through humor. In 2017, Rob created the The Improvaneer Method. He serves as the Chief Executive and still rolls up the sleeves to Co-Direct when Maggie allows him.  

Nick Doyle - Assistant Director and Sales Associate

Nick Doyle is from Canton, OH and has become a vital part of the success of The Improvaneer Method. Nick is an original cast member and quickly establish himself as the ‘big brother’ and leader of the troupe. Through his dedication to the craft, he quickly became a standout performer. In 2019, Nick joined Rob as a board member of his non-profit, Stand Up For Downs.  He  also joined the board of GiGi’s Playhouse Canton. 

Nick serves as an Assistant Director for online and live Improvaneer Method classes as well as a Sales Associate helping promote and sell programs at conferences nationally.  He also continues performing with The Original Improvaneers around the country.  Beyond serving in all of these roles, Nick works as a host at Applebees restaurant in Canton.  He is currently performing a one man show called “Truth Be Told” around the country.  Nick’s hobbies include bringing joy to everything that comes into his path. 

For more information about StandUp for Downs and The Improvaneer Method, check out www.theimproveneermethod.com

Get to know my guest: Hello! My name is Lucy and I am a preschool self-contained teacher! I have my Bachelors and Masters degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education.  I am originally from Buffalo, NY (GO BILLS!) but relocated to South Carolina in 2014 to persue my teaching career.  I have been teaching in SC  for seven years.  I serve students with a wide range of abilities ages 3-4 all of who have an IEP. I implement a variety of strategies and methodologies to address each student's specific needs. I am very passionate about advocating for my students, inclusion, and AAC (augmentative and alternative communication).

Blog: https://thealternativewaytoprek.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thealternativewaytoprek/ or @thealternativewaytoprek

Facebook Group For Teachers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/earlychildhoodspedclub

Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Alternative-Way-To-Pre-k

Links Mentioned:

The Special Education and Advocacy Lab: https://specialedadvocacylab.ashleybarlowco.com/

Links Mentioned: 

The Special Education & Advocacy Lab: https://specialedadvocacylab.ashleybarlowco.com/

Become an Affiliate: https://ashley-barlow-co.mykajabi.com/affiliate_users/sign_up 

We are talking evaluations in this week’s episode, and we are going straight to the horse‘s mouth! That’s right, in this episode a talk to Erin Mahaffey, licensed school psychologist and special education advocate.  If you get your child’s evaluation and promptly stick it in a file or delete the email, I promise that Erin will not only convince you to read it but also help you understand what to do with it! We also talk about other ways school psychologists can help children on IEP‘s, effective advocacy strategies, and so, so much more! When I hung up with Erin, I told her that this episode was in my Top 3 favorite episodes yet!  It’s just that good!  (Tag Education with Erin), I’m sorry I called you a horse!!!

Learn more about my guest:

Erin Mahaffey, M.Ed., Ed.S., NCSP, is a mother, current parent advocate at ‘Education with Erin’, trained school psychologist, and a military spouse. She has experience advocating for parents and students through the special education process, has completed hundreds of psychological and educational assessments for special education eligibility, and has worked in two different states as a school psychologist. In addition to her advocacy work with parents, she enjoys providing coaching sessions to students so they can better understand their strengths and weaknesses to promote strong self-advocacy skills. 

Links Mentioned :

Who Are School Psychologist:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HjJjmmcb5AqN-PSazTEpRsi_3vXNYhMK/view?usp=sharing

Become an ABC Affiliate: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HjJjmmcb5AqN-PSazTEpRsi_3vXNYhMK/view?usp=sharing

The Special Education and Advocacy Lab: https://specialedadvocacylab.ashleybarlowco.com/

Don’t forget to get on the waitlist for The Special Education & Advocacy Lab here: https://specialedadvocacylab.ashleybarlowco.com/