Special Education Strategist

Special Education Strategist: Expert Advice for IEPs, 504 Plans, Dyslexia, Parent Advocacy, Learning Disabilities, Executive Function, Dysgraphia, ADHD, Autism, Neurodivergent

Overwhelmed, lost, dismissed in IEP/504 systems — seeking help, clarity, and support? You're not alone! Hosted by Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P, a certified educational therapist, IEP coach, and parent advocate with over 20 years of experience helping families navigate special education. Wendy is the founder of Learning Essentials and a trusted voice in decoding IEPs, literacy challenges, and executive function needs. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or professional, Wendy brings compassionate expertise, real-life strategies, and empowering guidance to help you support the child you care about.

Author

Special Education Strategist

Category

Education

Podcast website

learningessentialsedu.com

Latest episode

Oct 14, 2025

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

24: Mechanisms of Working Memory with Dr. Rebecca Resnik, Licensed Psychologist 27.05.2022

This is an episode to keep in your cognitive toolbelt! Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., and Dr. Rebecca Resnik for a deep dive into the mechanisms of working memory. Dr. Resnik explains what working memory is, when working memory is in use (HINT: ALWAYS), how working memory comes into play with disabilities, and so much more!   You can find Dr. Rebecca Resnik’s website here. You can connect with Wendy on...

23: All Things ADHD with Dr. Sarah Cheyette, Pediatric Neurologist 07.04.2022

Have a listen as Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., consults with Dr. Sarah Cheyette, a pediatric neurologist, author, and ADHD expert. Learn about a key approach that harnesses unique ADHD traits and capitalizes on them as strengths, not weaknesses. They will also discuss the cycle of positive reinforcement, focus, productivity, and mindset that leads to eventual success, as well as how to minimize the negativ...

22: Inclusive Education Project with Amanda Selogie, Esq., and Vickie Brett, Esq. 04.04.2022

Inclusive Education Project with Amanda Selogie, Esq., and Vickie Brett, Esq. Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., in her discussion with the creators of the Inclusive Education Project (I.E.P.), a nonprofit organization serving families of children with unique educational needs in California. Listen in as they discuss knowing families’ rights, using best practices for inclusive learning, establishing inclus...

21: Creating an Intentional IEP with Stephanie DeLussey 29.01.2022

Stephanie DeLussey, dual-certified special education teacher, Master IEP Coach®, children's book author, and teacher mentor Listen in as Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., gets the scoop on the Intentional IEP from the creator herself, Stephanie DeLussey. As a special education teacher, presenter, curriculum writer, and avid educational blogger, Stephanie has a plethora of tips and tricks in her repertoire for...

20: ADHD, Executive Functions, and the Language Connection with Michael McLeod, CCC-SLP 16.12.2021
19: All Things Speech-Language Pathology with Gabriele Nicolet, MA, CCC-SLP 19.10.2021

Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., and Executive Director and Owner of SpeechKids, Gabriele Nicolet, as they chat about all things Speech and Language! Gabriele talks through some of the various challenges children face related to speech and language, breaks down how she navigated SLP services virtually through the pandemic, and explains how Speech Therapists help children reach goals and track progress. ...

18: Behavior has a Purpose with Allison Edwards, LPC, RPT 12.10.2021

Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., as she speaks with Allison Edwards, author of Flooded: A Brain Based Guide to Help Children Regulate Emotions . They will discuss the emotional connection to children's behavior and how adults can help children navigate their big feelings in practical ways.  You can find Allison's website here and order your copy of Flooded here ! You can connect with Wendy on Instagram ,...

17: Empowerment through Vision with Dr. Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD, FAAO, FCOVD, FIAOMC 12.05.2021

Vision Therapy is more than meets the eye. Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., and Dr. Nathan Bonilla-Warford as they dive into the individualized care of vision therapy, identify indicators for when it’s needed, and discuss the benefits of treatment for those who are challenged visually! Brighteyestampa.com https://www.brighteyestampa.com/elearning/ - Guide originally for parents with kids who are e-learni...

16: College Insider Tips- Psst! It’s not all academics! with Andrea Malkin Brenner, PhD 12.05.2021

We’ve got the inside scoop for College Transitions! While we can’t travel to college in our students' back pockets, we can help set them up for success. Preparation is KEY! Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., and Dr. Andrea Malkin-Brenner for their discussion on supporting students through the transition, fostering independence, securing resources beforehand, and helping them understand that adulting means...

15: IEP 101 - Three Keys to Writing an Exceptional IEP with Megan Ward, M.Ed. 08.04.2021

Writing an IEP can be overwhelming! Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., and Megan Ward, M.Ed., as they break down the three major IEP components (present levels, classroom functioning, and disability impact in the classroom) and share their expert advice on how to write an exceptional   IEP! Homepage | The IEP Academy (teachable.com) Instagram: @iep101

14: School Reentry: Trauma, Anxiety, Support with Kelly Fradin, MD 08.04.2021

After over a year at home, schools around the world are beginning to re-open. Children will now be re-entering an environment that’s much different than the one they left in early 2020. Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., and Kelly Fradin, MD, as they discuss emotionally supporting students through their “newest normal.” Kelly Fradin, MD - ADVICE I GIVE MY FRIENDS Twitter: @KellyFradinMD Instagram: @advicei...

13: In It For the Long Haul - Managing Challenges with Complex Kids, with Elaine Taylor-Klaus, PCC, CPCC 23.02.2021

Don’t get furious, get curious! When we change the narrative from “This child is disrespectful” to “This child is having a hard time being respectful right now,” we change the approach to managing children with complex needs. Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., and Elaine Taylor-Klaus, PCC, CPCC, as they discuss shifting the perspective when working with children with complex issues.  ImpactParents | Impact...

12: Nonverbal Learning Disability: What You NEED to Know with Susan Blumberg, PhD 03.02.2021

Nonverbal Learning Disability is NOT what it sounds like. Children and adults with NVLD are extremely verbal. Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., and Susan Blumberg, PhD, for their detailed discussion about the three major nonverbal skills that affect individuals diagnosed with Nonverbal Learning Disability. Susan Blumberg, Phd (drsusanblumberg.com) Instagram: @drsusancoaching

11: If you sit at an IEP table, YOU belong here, Catherine Whitcher, M.Ed, Master IEP Coach 21.01.2021

Collaboration is KEY! IEP meetings can cause anxiety for family and educators alike. Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., and Catherine Whitcher, M.Ed., as they explore how to best prepare for IEP meetings to optimize the value and unique expertise each player brings to the IEP table. Catherine Whitcher, M.Ed Instagram: @catherinewhitcher

10: Special Education Law During COVID with Brian K. Gruber, Esq 17.12.2020

Distance learning is taking place across the nation. For students with disabilities, this means prior accommodations cannot be met by the previous standards. Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., and Brian Gruber, Esq., as they discuss how to ensure students' needs are being met in the virtual climate.  Law Office of Brian K. Gruber, P.C. – Representing Parents and Students (bkgpc.com) Twitter: @BrianKGruber

9: This Ship Is Sinking: Parents of Children with Disabilities Need a Lifeline with Laura Lorenzen, MSW 04.12.2020

Distance learning has left parents of children with disabilities operating in survival mode. Join special education advocate and consultant Laura Lorenzen, MSW and Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., as they discuss helping parents to navigate through virtual learning with individualized education plans.  District Special Education Partners

8: What have you done to prepare yourself for college during this pandemic? - with Heidi Waibel 11.11.2020

The pandemic has halted many operations, yet college admissions carry on. Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., and Heidi Waibel, Director of Admission at High Point University, as they offer expert advice on extracurriculars in the pandemic, connecting with advisors, common applications, and choosing your “best fit.” Undergraduate Admissions | High Point University | High Point, NC Twitter: @HPUadmissions

7: Special Needs Navigator with Eric Jorgensen, MS, MBA, ChSNC 28.09.2020

Having disabilities brings its own challenges, and caregivers, families, and individuals often struggle with finding support and services. Learn how to take the next steps. Special Needs Navigator Twitter: @NeedsNavigator Instagram: @specneedsnav

6: Coexisting Autism, ADHD and Anxiety: understanding and treating complicated problems with Dan Shapiro, M.D. 16.06.2020

Uninhibited or inhibited? Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., and Dr. Dan Shapiro as they discuss the parallels of Autism, ADHD, and Anxiety, using functional assessment to more thoroughly understand each disability both singularly and combined in individual cases. Home (parentchildjourney.com) Instagram: @parentchildjourney

5: Girls and Autism with Donna Henderson 25.02.2020

Is the answer hiding in plain sight? Women and girls with Autism are frequently misdiagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Join Dr. Donna Henderson and Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., as they review diagnosis criteria, assess the cost of misdiagnosis, and illuminate misconceptions of girls and women with Autism. Dr. Donna Henderson - The Stixrud Group

4: Special Education in Independent Schools with Peter Braverman 21.01.2020

Are you considering transitioning your child to an Independent School? Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., and school counseling and placement specialist Peter Braverman as they discuss Independent School options through a Special Education lens. Peter Braverman Twitter: @peterbraverman

3: IEPs, Supplementary Aids & Technology with Joan Green, M.A. CCC-SLP 12.12.2019

How can assistive technology level the playing field for our learners? Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., and Joan Green, CCC-SLP, from Innovative Speech Therapy discuss how assistive technology can help grant your child the ability to access information, better understand, process and engage with new content, and communicate what they know. Home - Innovative Speech Therapy Twitter: @jgreenslp Instagram: @joanl...

2: ADHD and IEP with Carey Heller, PsyD 15.11.2019

How can we best support children with ADHD? Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., and Dr. Carey Heller, PsyD, as they journey through diagnosis, treatment options, and the specific accommodations they have found to be most successful. The Heller Psychology Group LLC Bethesda MD Therapy, ADHD Coaching Testing Twitter: @CareyHellerPsyD Instagram: @hellerpsych

1: Vision Statements and College Transitions with Annie Tulkin, MS 24.10.2019

Planning ahead is important. Is your student prepared for the transition from high school to college? Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., and Anne Tulkin, MS, as they discuss evolving vision statements, choosing the most suitable college, and securing adequate resources for support. Home - Accessible College Twitter: @AcssCollege Instagram: @accessiblecollege

Listen to the Special Education Strategist: Expert Advice for IEPs, 504 Plans, Dyslexia, Parent Advocacy, Learning Disabilities, Executive Function, Dysgraphia, ADHD, Autism, Neurodivergent podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.