Development Desk

In Part 2, Ana and Amanda move into the hard conversations parents don’t always know how to name—classroom behavior, discipline, sensory overwhelm, and when advocacy feels necessary but uncomfortable. They unpack what schools are required to do, why parents often feel brushed off, and how direct, documented communication can change the trajectory for a child. Woven throughout is a candid discussio...

Many parents are shocked and frustrated when a child has a medical diagnosis of autism but does not qualify for Autism services at school. This episode breaks down why that disconnect exists by clearly explaining the educational eligibility criteria used by schools in Texas, without clinical jargon or DSM language. Parents will walk away with clarity on what schools are legally required to evaluat...

In this first conversation of a new parent interview series, Ana sits down with her longtime friend Amanda to talk honestly about raising a middle schooler in today’s world. What begins as light banter quickly unfolds into a thoughtful discussion about identity, safety, values, academic pressure, and the emotional weight parents quietly carry while trying to do right by their kids. Together, they...

After school is when many children unravel and parents are left wondering why homework feels impossible. In this episode, we unpack what’s really happening neurologically and emotionally after a long school day, and why dysregulation is not defiance. You’ll learn practical, realistic strategies to help your child decompress, transition, and approach homework with less resistance. The takeaway: smo...

What does it mean for a child or teen to become emotionally independent—and how can parents support that journey without pushing too soon? In this episode, Dr. Verenice D’Santiago-Eastman helps us unpack age-appropriate milestones of emotional growth and shares practical tools to help kids name their thoughts, challenge unhelpful patterns, and build their own self-regulation toolkit. From mindfuln...

In this episode, we sit down with Claudia Flores, a seasoned Speech-Language Pathologist who has spent over a decade working across medical and school settings. Claudia brings a wealth of experience and a heart for empowering families, educators, and students with language needs. Together, we dive into the power of early intervention, how parents can naturally support their child’s communication a...

What happens when schools ask for more family engagement — but parents and teachers are already burned out? In Part 2 of our conversation, Dr. Cassie Romo shares real talk on balancing school expectations with family capacity, designing events that actually work for communities, and how to partner with grace on both sides. We also explore meaningful inclusion for students with disabilities and how...

Dr. Cassie Romo has sat on both sides of the IEP table — as a school administrator and as a parent of a child with Down syndrome. In this powerful conversation, she opens up about what it means to advocate for your child, the overwhelm parents face in special education, and the communication gaps that often leave families feeling lost. We talk about why your voice matters, even when you feel unsur...

In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Ashley Sommerhalder, we dig into the “what now?”—the screenings, tests, and small shifts that can make a big difference when you’re feeling off. We discuss why traditional doctor visits often fall short, how to advocate for yourself when labs say you’re “normal,” and why so many women feel dismissed in medical spaces. Ashley shares one accessible habit that i...

What if your brain fog, fatigue, or irritability isn’t “just parenting”—but a deeper signal from your body? In Part 1 of this powerful conversation, Dr. Ashley Sommerhalder, a board-certified family medicine physician and menopause practitioner, helps us understand the hidden hormonal shifts that shape our mood, energy, and relationships at home. From postpartum changes to perimenopause symptoms t...

In this episode, we sit down with Thomas Jonathan Maese—an MTSS/504 Coordinator, teacher mentor, and community-rooted educator who brings a unique lens to inclusive education. From early childhood to secondary classrooms, Thomas has worked across age groups and systems, always centering students who are neurodiverse or behaviorally complex. We explore how schools can better support diverse learner...

When kids act out, it’s easy to focus on what they did—but the real power lies in understanding why . In this short but impactful episode, we explore the four functions of behavior using the EATS framework: Escape, Attention, Tangibles, and Sensory . These simple categories help decode the reasons behind challenging behaviors—at home, at school, or anywhere in between. Whether your child is throwi...

What can a barber’s chair reveal about parenting, behavior, and childhood development? In this episode, Ana sits down with Paddie, a skilled barber and studio owner who’s spent years observing family dynamics while shaping up hairlines. From managing sensory needs for kids on the spectrum to noticing how discipline styles show up in the barber chair, Paddie brings a grounded, insightful, and refre...

With decades of experience in both schools and private practice, Emilie of Stonebridge Behavioral Alliance joins us to unpack the powerful role psychological evaluations can play in a child’s life. We explore how assessments can open doors to services, bridge gaps between clinic and campus, and equip families with clarity and confidence. Emilie offers practical guidance for parents and professiona...

When it comes to your child’s education, your voice matters. In this episode, we unpack the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process—what it is, why your attendance is critical, and how you can show up prepared. From knowing what to focus on during the meeting to organizing your records for the long haul, this conversation will help you feel less overwhelmed and more empowered. You don’t hav...

The move from elementary to middle school is more than just a change in classrooms—it’s a shift in identity, independence, and expectations. In this episode, school psychologist Anna Martinez brings her unique lens from both elementary and middle school campuses to unpack what this transition really looks like for kids. Together, we explore how parents can build emotional resilience, foster self-a...

When should you request a school evaluation for your child? In this episode, Ana breaks down the key signs parents should pay attention to—academic red flags, behavior or attention concerns, and communication or developmental delays. You’ll learn what these early indicators can mean, how evaluations open doors to supports like speech therapy, occupational therapy, or special education, and why tru...

In this empowering episode, Dr. Verenice D’Santiago-Eastman—a licensed psychologist and school psychologist—shares how we can support preteens and adolescents navigating anxiety and depression. From fostering independence to using motivational interviewing, Dr. Eastman offers practical, parent-friendly strategies to build confidence and emotional insight in kids. She also spotlights helpful tools...

After a meaningful run co-hosted by Ana and Jessica, Brainwaves & Backpacks is closing its final chapter—and opening the door to a brand new one. In this special farewell episode, Ana shares a heartfelt message about the journey, the lessons learned, and what’s ahead with the launch of her new podcast, Development Desk . If you’ve found insight, strength, or solidarity in these episodes, we in...