Special Ed Rising; No Parent Left Behind

Today’s episode addresses an uncomfortable reality that has been going on for a long time and one that I was only recently made aware of.  It is the practice of school’s weaponizing child protective services and other forms of retaliation against parents for advocating for their special education child.  This was a stunning revelation for me and so disturbing that I feel it is important...

Today’s episode is about the significance of routines and PRESENTS 5 STEPS TO CREATING AN EFFECTIVE ROUTINE FOR YOUR NEURODIVERSE CHILD and how to handle change.   Routines and schedules can be keys to your child feeling comfortable in their day by knowing what to expect and what is expected of them.  Following a consistent routine can be a game changer in home and at school. And helping...

In this episode I have the distinct pleasure of interviewing Olivier Bernier, Director of a new documentary entitled; FORGET ME NOT.  In the  film as 3-year-old Emilio prepares to start school, his family finds itself embroiled in a challenge all too common for children with disabilities – to secure the right to an inclusive education.

This episode is a little different as I am opening the conversation on matters that are having an impact on our children and the nation as a whole; this episode is an examination of our moral compass in America.  How are the choices being made by our leaders and the citizenry impacting our children? Do we have the rights that we thought we had and are we foolish in our thinking that democracy...

In today’s episode I have the pleasure of speaking with Gretchen Levine, Transition Specialist with the Weinfeld Education Group (You can find my interview with Rich Weinfeld, Director of the Weinfeld Group in episode 40).  Ms. Levine assists students to plan and obtain services for transition from high school to post secondary life, both as a transition teacher with Katherine Thomas School a...

Today’s episode is about the benefits of an interactive mural in a sensory space.  This is a short podcast but one I feel might be a game changer when considered as a motivating tool for managing anxiety, stress, meltdowns while encouraging growth in communication. 

Illuminos is an academic coaching and tutoring company Evan co-founded with his cousin Wendy in 2016 after a decade of success growing the sister company he founded in Texas in 2006 called Staying Ahead of the Game LLC.  The focus of his award-winning and research-driven program is helping kids build the executive functioning skills they need to be successful in the classroom and beyond. The...

In this episode I have the distinct honor of interviewing the two impressive women behind Raising Orchid Kids.  Jen Dryer, MA is a parent coach and education consultant who supports families and teachers of neurodivergent children. Jen has more than 20 years of experience working with children, families and teachers, in her work in both NYC and DC as a public school teacher, staff developer,...

Today’s episode is about the IEP.  Part personal perspective and experience and part sharing resources to help you navigate the process.

Today I’m going to present a tip for dealing with how to manage self criticism and self judgment that can snowball into periods in which you may feel hopeless, lost or ineffective.  The idea of which is based on living in reality vs what we imagine or convince ourselves to be true.

Today I’m talking about the how children learn the skills of turn taking and sharing.  These can be two very challenging areas for toddlers and preschoolers to grasp and accept.  I’ll discuss some strategies that can help you over the hump in shaping a stellar social skills super star!

Today I’d like to speak to the language challenge inherent to parenting; negative vs positive word choices and there impact on your child and then explore the ability of parents of disabled kids to say “no,”  not only to their children but to demands or asks that overextend and tax them in life in and apart from their family.  Can a parent be comfortable saying no when their gut tells th...

Today I’d like to speak to an experience I had recently that has proven to me the value of music as a healer and as a life force for people suffering brain disorders that can impact communication, behavior and social engagement.  Music Therapist Kayla Connick believes, "Music has always been and will always be with us; always waiting and inviting us to engage with it, to heal us, to help us m...

In this episode, I’ll be speaking about ways to approach dealing with real or perceived developmental delays in your toddlers and early learners.  This is a stressful time for parents and I feel it’s good to take a step back, remind ourselves to breathe and take on the “what ifs. “  Not easy.

Today I’m speaking with Molly Prep, author of, “Cancer Angst, “ which follows Molly’s coming of age after a childhood shaped by sickness and  spans the period from her second-grade diagnosis to her senior year of high school.  Molly Prep is a reader, writer, fitness instructor, and life enthusiast. Her Instagram is @mollyprepwrites.

Today I’m speaking about discrimination both historic and present day.  Is there a realistic alternative to prejudice and unjust treatment of groups of people based on ethnicity, religion or a personal belief system, sex or disability?  When we are considering differences that do not seek to harm others, is it possible to allow everyone to simply be who they are? 

I’ll be speaking with Rich Weinfeld, director of the Weinfeld Education Group, LLC, a group of over 15 special educational consultants, located in Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia, and now providing virtual services throughout the United States. Rich founded WEG in 2006 after completing a 30 year career in Montgomery County (MD) Public Schools. For more on Rich go to specialedrising.com's res...

Today I’ll be speaking about dealing with trauma as a caregiver, sharing some stories from my teaching days and touching upon trauma informed care.  Parents, guardians, teachers and other healthcare professionals have to deal with children who have experienced traumatic events in their lives.  How can you best approach guiding them through the fallout? 

Today I’ll be speaking about social stories.  What are they? How do we use them? And, can they be effective?

Today I’ll be ringing in the new year with a show dedicated to 3 new year's resolutions that I think will help to make the coming year more fulfilling and productive for your child and your family.

Today is a short episode where I want to speak from the heart about selflessness and its lessons for us as individuals, as partners, as parents and as caregivers.  It’s a message I want to leave you with as we approach the new year.  

Today I’ll be speaking about smoothies as a healthy option to add into your child/teen’s day when you’re having trouble getting them to eat nutritious food.  And then I’m going to make a smoothie for you so you can see how fun and easy it is to turn the struggles of eating healthy into a party for the palette!

Today I’ll be speaking with Meredith Gramlich.  Meredith is a Senior Faculty Specialist at the Center for Transition and Career Innovation at University of Maryland, College Park. With over 25 years of experience improving post-school outcomes and community engagement for individuals with disabilities, she currently serves as the Coordinator for the University of Maryland’s flagship inclusive...

Today I’ll be talking about behavior contracts;  a brief explanation of what they are, what goes into making one and some evidence to support their effectiveness.

Today is my Thanksgiving episode so I’ll be speaking to things I’m thankful for and things I hope we can all recognize and appreciate when it comes to our children, students and siblings at this reflective time of year.  And as an added surprise I take us inside my kitchen where you’ll hear me instruct you on a simple oatmeal cookie recipe I think you and your kids will enjoy making together...