Strong Starts

A rewired middle school ELA resource and inclusion teacher, Sally Coates opens up about her own ADHD, years of feeling controlled in school, and the moment she realized the classroom could work differently. The advice most teachers are given about behavior is making classrooms harder, not easier. Sally shares the neuro-affirming shifts that helped her move from survival mode to the kind of classro...

Most classrooms think they’re inclusive, but the real test is this: does every student actually belong, or are some kids just being managed on the side? Sarah and Jessica unpack the difference between true inclusion and the sneaky "illusions" schools often mistake for it, and what it takes to build a classroom where access, autonomy, and belonging are real. They break down the common traps that lo...

Restraint and seclusion are not “behavior management”, they are signs the system has already failed. In this season two kickoff, Sarah and Jessica respond to a wave of recent news stories that expose what happens when school culture prioritizes control over child safety, and why the fallout is bigger than most people realize. They unpack a disturbing string of cases, including a Pierce County prin...

It’s the messy reality of everyday parenting: you have all the best intentions and proactive strategies, but suddenly you're trying to manage transitions, get dinner on the table, and it feels like the whole house is dysregulated at exactly the same time. In this live episode of the Strong Starts Podcast, Jessica and Sarah step out of the classroom and into the living room. We sit down with clinic...

What if the key to true understanding isn’t about pushing harder, but about shifting how we see our children and ourselves? In this episode, parenting expert Jessica and Sarah reveal simple, transformative mindset shifts that can profoundly change your relationship with your kids. You'll discover how letting go of the word "should" can free your child from unnecessary anxiety and unlock their true...

Most parents feel overwhelmed and under-informed navigating their child's special education journey. In this episode, Kristal Vega Carrasquillo from the Lewis County Autism Coalition shares practical strategies that transform feelings of confusion into confidence. You’ll learn how to decode the complex language of evaluations and IEP meetings, advocate effectively without feeling like a lawyer, an...

Watching your child struggle in school, whether academically, socially, or behaviorally, can feel overwhelming and isolating. As a parent, you know your child best, but navigating the education system to get them the right support often feels like learning a foreign language. This live event is designed to demystify the school support process and empower you to become your child’s strongest advoca...

For many in the neurodivergent community, we spend our lives learning to cover up who we are to blend into the environment around us. In this episode, we trace the profound identity loss experienced by neurodivergent adults right back to where it often starts: the classroom. We discuss the hidden exhaustion of the neurodivergent student and why traditional educational settings need a major shift....

Sarah and Jessica unpack the hidden dynamics behind power struggles, revealing how they often do more harm than good and how a calm, intentional response can turn conflict into connection. You’ll discover how recognizing the signs in your body can help you pause before escalating. Learn the key difference between setting boundaries and engaging in power struggles, with practical strategies to stay...

Explore the deeper layers of student behavior in this insightful episode. Move beyond the four functions of behavior to uncover the psychological, sensory, and environmental factors that impact students. Jessica and Sarah reveal how common behaviors like classroom escape are often linked to sensory overload or communication challenges, requiring a broader perspective. Learn why simplistic, complia...

This episode exposes the barriers to effective teamwork and reveals simple, actionable strategies to break down those walls. You’ll discover how communication breakdowns and fragmented care models undermine student success, and more importantly, the innovative approaches that foster genuine integration. From establishing shared goals around emotional regulation to leveraging systems-level planning...

Fragmented care systems in education don’t just waste resources, they impair student success in profound ways. What if schools could overcome silos, creating holistic, collaborative approaches that truly serve students’ complex needs? If you're frustrated by disjointed services, overwhelmed by efforts that don’t translate into progress, or simply eager to unlock more effective team strategies, thi...

Unlock a transformative approach to education that centers neurodiversity and genuine connection. This episode reveals how neuroaffirming practices reshape classrooms, empower students, and shift the focus from traditional deficit models to understanding and compassion. Learn practical strategies to honor neurovariability, whether you're an educator, therapist, or school leader. Discover how to: R...

Unlock the secret power of co-regulation, the unconscious yet vital skill that can transform your classroom, reduce stress, and build resilience in both teachers and students. Discover how simple, everyday actions can promote calm amidst chaos, and learn why systemic support is essential for sustainable change. If you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to manage dysregulated behavior or wondered how...

Reward systems can do more harm than good. The Strong Starts Podcast dives into the complex nuances of sticker charts, token economies, and extrinsic motivation, revealing how they can either build autonomy or deepen dependency. In this eye-opening episode, hosts Jessica and Sarah explore the dark side of reward systems and explain how they can inadvertently reinforce trauma, manipulate relationsh...

In Episode 12, Sarah and Jessica delve into the intricacies of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), exploring their roles in schools and the controversies surrounding them. They discuss the ethical considerations for BCBAs, and the challenges of implementing these plans in the school setting. The episode also touches on trauma-informed practices and the sy...

In this episode of the Strong Starts Podcast, we dive into the power of play in education. Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities of integrating play-based learning into classrooms, despite systemic barriers. Discover practical strategies for educators to foster creativity and engagement, and hear inspiring stories of teachers who are making a difference. Whether you're an educator...

In Episode 10, we dive into the challenges educators face when students say "no." They explore the systemic issues contributing to non-compliance, discuss the impact of mental health on learning, and offer practical strategies for creating a more collaborative classroom environment. Tune in to discover how to address these challenges with empathy and effectiveness. References: Centers for Disease...

In Episode 9 of the Strong Starts podcast, hosts Jessica and Sarah dive into the complexities of relationship building in educational settings. They tackle common myths, such as the belief that strong relationships automatically lead to better behavior management and compliance. Through candid discussions and personal anecdotes, they explore the nuances of rapport versus true relationships, and th...

In Episode 8, hosts Sarah and Jessica revisit the sensitive topics of restraint and seclusion in educational settings. They address listener questions, emphasizing the importance of understanding the context and emotional responses involved. The episode explores trauma-informed practices, the impact of adult anxiety, and the significance of building positive relationships with students. Tune in fo...

Join the Strong Starts podcast as they dive into the complexities of school suspensions and their impact on students and the school community. Discover the surprising effects of punitive actions and explore the potential of restorative practices to create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment. Tune in for insightful discussions, personal anecdotes, and a look at how schools acros...

In this episode of the Strong Starts podcast, hosts Sarah and Jessica delve into the profound impact of language and labels on students, especially those who are neurodivergent. They explore how labels can shape expectations and outcomes, emphasizing the importance of empathy and collective responsibility in education. Join them as they discuss personal experiences, share insightful studies, and o...

In Episode 5 of the Strong Starts podcast, hosts Sarah and Jessica dive into the theme of resilience. After scrapping their original episode plan, they explore the challenges of implementing inclusive practices in education while sharing personal stories and insights. The episode highlights the importance of resilience in facing educational challenges, the role of locus of control, and how educato...

In this eye-opening episode of the Strong Starts Podcast, we delve into the sensitive and critical topic of restraint and seclusion in schools. Join us as we explore real-life cases that reveal the profound impact these practices have on students and staff. From the emotional and physical toll on children to the ethical dilemmas faced by educators, we aim to bring awareness and ignite change. Tune...

In this bonus episode of the Strong Starts Podcast, we dive into the evolving challenges faced by educators in today's classrooms. Join us as Lindsay Webb, a seasoned teacher, shares her insights on balancing the diverse needs of students, managing unique behaviors, and the importance of flexibility and relationship-building in education. Discover how teachers are adapting to meet the demands of m...