Little Bits of TLC

In this episode, Heather is joined by Ann, an early learning coach with years of classroom experience, to talk about what real, useful feedback looks like—especially for students with challenging behavior. From preschoolers to high schoolers, they unpack why most kids aren’t being “too soft” or “too defiant”—they just haven’t been shown what success actually looks like. Ann shares practical strate...

In this episode, Heather talks with Manny Huecias, one of TLC’s RBTs who spends his days in and out of classrooms coaching staff and supporting students. Together, they unpack what it really means to establish a consistent, organized, and respectful learning environment—and why it’s so much more than announcing rules on day one and expecting them to stick. Manny shares what consistency, organizati...

In this episode, Heather sits down with Alex Grosso, a school-based BCBA working in a hybrid clinic-school model, to talk about what it really looks like to use student data to guide meaningful decisions. While Heather shares how this practice shows up in school-based special education—through informal assessments, daily observations, and teacher instinct—Alex offers insight into a very different...

In this conversation, Heather and school psychologist Chris Zielinski talk about what happens after the evaluations are done—when teams sit down at the table to make sense of the data and decide how to move forward for a student. Chris shares how meaningful collaboration doesn’t come from dumping test results on a table but from connecting the dots, asking better questions, and making sure everyon...

In this episode, Heather and school psychologist Chris Zielinski dig into what it really means to build a complete picture of a student’s strengths and needs. Chris explains why relying on a single assessment—or even a single perspective—can lead to decisions that miss the mark. Instead, he makes the case for using multiple data sources and a team-based approach to create more accurate, fair, and...

In this episode, Heather sits down with Waddell, a school social worker, to talk honestly about what real family collaboration looks like in practice—especially when things aren’t neat or easy. They explore how meaningful change rarely comes from working with students in isolation, and why building relationships with entire families—including siblings and caregivers—is essential to long-term succe...

In this episode, Heather sits down with Mary, a school principal and administrative coach, to talk about what it actually takes to organize and lead effective meetings—with families, with staff, and across teams. They talk about the moments when meetings feel like they’re going off the rails, and the habits that help bring people back to the shared purpose: doing right by students. Mary shares how...

In this episode, Heather and Candace talk about what true collaboration looks like in schools—not just checking boxes, but building partnerships that actually move the needle for kids. Candace shares her experiences working with general educators, paraprofessionals, specialists, and families, and what happens when we show up to help, not to compete. They explore the power of both behind-the-scenes...

In this final episode of our self-care series, Heather, Chris, and Claire tie it all together—how do we stop treating self-care like a “when I have time” luxury and start living it as part of who we are, both in and out of work? From setting mindful boundaries and mapping out your week, to building accountability partners and reframing how we ask for (and accept) help, this conversation digs into...

This week, Heather is joined again by Chris and Claire to tackle one of the hardest questions in education and human services: how do you take care of yourself without dropping the ball for everyone else? From baby steps and “one thing at a time” wins, to the power of accountability partners, to learning unexpected self-care hacks from younger generations, this conversation is full of real talk ab...

This week, Heather is back with Chris and Claire to tackle the messy truth: if self-care is so important, why is it so hard to actually do? From the relentless expectations placed on educators to the invisible weight we pile on ourselves, this conversation dives into the real obstacles that keep us running on autopilot instead of recharging. With personal stories, honest reflections, and even a fe...

This week, Heather is joined by Chris and Claire to kick off a month-long conversation on self-care—not from the expert pedestal, but from the messy middle of trying to figure it out in real life. Together, they unpack what self-care really looks like, how priorities shift in different seasons, and why reflection and intentionality matter more than a perfect plan. From burnout warnings to oxygen-m...

This week, Heather is joined once again by Alex and Marla to wrap up a month-long conversation on closure—this time shifting the focus toward what comes next. In a field where change is constant and goodbyes are rarely neat or predictable, how do we hold onto hope? Together, they talk about the power of data, self-care, team growth, and remembering your “why” to stay grounded and optimistic. Wheth...

Turnover, transitions, and abrupt changes are part of life in education and behavior analysis—but that doesn’t make them easy. This week, Heather, Alex, and Marla talk candidly about navigating constant staffing shifts, the emotional toll of sudden goodbyes, and the importance of boundaries to keep from burning out. From finding support networks to practicing what we teach our clients about commun...

Sometimes, we don’t get the chance to wrap things up neatly. This week, Heather, Alex, and Marla talk candidly about the hard moments when clients or students leave suddenly, cases end without warning, or systems make decisions that leave everyone scrambling. They share the real toll that unresolved endings can take—on the kids and families we serve, and on us as professionals—and how they’ve lear...

In this episode, Heather sits down with Alex and Marla to talk about closure—the kind we can plan for, like the end of a school year, and the kind that catches us off guard. From transitioning cases as service providers, to watching students and teachers move on, to the emotional toll of unresolved goodbyes, they explore what closure looks like in schools and ABA practice. This candid conversation...

In this final conversation of the month, Heather and Matthew focus on how leaders can create cultures that stand the test of time. They talk about leading in today’s complex workplaces, where multiple generations and perspectives intersect, and why strong core values matter more than titles or processes. Through real-world stories—from classrooms to unexpected innovations—they explore how everyday...

Heather and Matthew get practical this week, diving into what it really takes to build strong, cohesive teams. They unpack why psychological safety matters, how slowing down can actually speed up results, and why leadership must focus on people—not just metrics. Through stories of mentorship, contextual understanding, and breaking down barriers between hierarchy and humanity, they explore how lead...

Heather and Matthew dig into what leadership really is—not a position, but a dynamic exchange of influence, example, and connection. They explore different leadership approaches—from directive to transformational to servant leadership—and share stories that show how real leaders shape culture through actions, not titles. This conversation highlights how every choice, every interaction, and every r...

Heather and Matthew continue their conversation on organizational culture, digging deep into what real inclusion looks like beyond buzzwords and checklists. They explore why inclusion is an action, not just a policy, and how small leadership moves—from shifting where you sit to asking better questions—can transform a team’s sense of belonging. With powerful stories from classrooms, offices, and li...

This week, Heather and guest Matthew dive into the complex and often hard-to-define concept of organizational culture. From unspoken agreements to leadership’s impact on how teams function, they explore what culture feels like, how it shows up in daily interactions, and why leadership style can make or break a thriving workplace. Together, they unpack the difference between leading and managing, t...

We’re closing out our month of conversations on growth with a simple truth: change is hard—but it’s possible when we lift each other up. This week, Heather, Makayla, and Ann share stories about the power of noticing progress (even the tiniest wins), how genuine encouragement can change someone’s day, and why kindness, patience, and respect matter more than we realize. Whether you’re growing throug...

This week, Heather, Makayla, and Ann take on the challenge of what it really means to put students at the center of learning. Beyond strategies, standards, and lesson plans, how do we show up in ways that make students want to learn with us? From patience and trust-building, to honest communication and co-learning moments, this conversation explores the human side of teaching—the part where relati...

This week, Heather is joined again by Makayla and Ann for part two of our growth series. The conversation dives into what it really means to be a lifelong learner—whether you're navigating middle school, a classroom full of students, or decades of professional experience. From asking questions without fear, to leaning on others' expertise, to figuring out when to keep learning (and when to...

This week kicks off our month-long series on growth with a heartfelt, multigenerational conversation about what it really means to grow as a person. Heather is joined by Makayla, a student navigating the big leap into middle school, and Ann, a seasoned educator reflecting on a career full of lessons learned and next chapters embraced. Together, they talk about trying new things, figuring out what...