Stress-Free IEP®

Rachel Greenberg returns to share real strategies for building social skills and dating confidence for individuals with disabilities. Learn how to start conversations, read social cues, and build real friendships that last. She also breaks down dating—how to meet people, set boundaries, and feel confident being yourself. This episode gives parents practical tools to help their children connect, gr...

Struggling with organization, time, and follow-through? Executive function skills are the key. Sean McCormick explains what these skills are and why they matter for school and life. Learn the risks of ignoring them—and how to build them into your child’s IEP or 504 plan. Get simple, practical strategies to help your child become more independent and confident. Need our help? https://shefterlaw.com...

Learn how to handle the emotional stress of IEP advocacy while staying organized and clear. Dr. Maggie Kang shares how to turn medical reports into strong school support plans. Discover how to help your child speak up, manage accommodations, and know their rights. This episode gives parents real tools to move from overwhelm to confident advocacy. Reach Maggie here: https://maggiekangmd.com/ Link t...

When the IEP process gets stressful, many parents lose confidence in their own parenting voice. Psychotherapist Matthew explains why stress, school systems, and personal history can make parents react instead of respond. Learn how self-awareness, emotional regulation, and presence help parents stay steady and support their children more effectively. This conversation explores practical ways to rec...

Divorce and family law disputes don’t have to turn into courtroom battles. In this episode, Manisha Patel explains how collaborative family law, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution help families reach better outcomes with less conflict. She also shares insights on navigating North Carolina family law, handling financial mediation, and building a healthier legal process. Plus, Manisha dis...

What if kids are more ready to lead than most adults think? In this episode, Leah Ellis shares how child entrepreneurship builds confidence, problem-solving, and real-world leadership. You’ll hear how kids can learn money skills, start businesses, speak up, and even help change laws in their communities. This conversation also explores why schools often miss these life skills and how hands-on lear...

Teacher burnout is not just stress — it’s a public health crisis. Emily Daniels explains how nervous system regulation can transform school culture and improve teacher retention. Instead of piling on curriculum, she shows why schools need safety, regulation, and mental health awareness first. Learn practical, trauma-informed strategies from The Regulated Classroom that help educators and students...

The leap from high school to college can feel overwhelming for students with ADHD and other neurodivergent profiles. Cindy Palmer shares her top 10 practical tips to help families plan ahead, build executive function skills, and create real support systems. Learn how to balance independence with guidance, avoid common transition mistakes, and set your student up for success. This episode is packed...

Dr. Matthew “Dr. Matt” Zakreski joins Stress-Free IEP to break down neurodivergence, including giftedness, ADHD, Autism, and dyslexia, in a way that actually makes sense. He digs into impostor syndrome, perfectionism, and why so many neurodivergent people feel like they’re “faking it.” We’ll talk honestly about men’s mental health, modern social skills and dating, and the real do’s and don’ts of p...

What should schools actually be tracking to support your child—and are they doing it right? Joanna Kidder of Kidder Educational Consulting breaks down meaningful data collection, effective tutoring, and what real progress looks like. Learn what a strong co-taught or supported classroom should include—and when it’s falling short. Walk away knowing how to collaborate confidently with your IEP team a...

What do you do when the school is not following your child’s IEP? In this solo episode, special education attorney Frances Shefter breaks down your real options. Learn the truth about Least Restrictive Environment, the continuum of services, non-public vs. private schools, and when homeschooling may be the right move. If your child is not making progress, this episode gives you clear next steps. F...

Fusion Academy Rockville offers a flexible, relationship-based learning model that supports both homeschool and nontraditional students. In this episode, Joseph Kavitski explains how Fusion partners with homeschooling families to customize academics without sacrificing structure. He also breaks down the real socialization opportunities available—from clubs to community experiences. This conversati...

Students don’t fail because they’re not smart—they fail because executive function skills aren’t taught. Debbie Rosen and Lindsey Thoms of The StudyPro break down what these skills really are, why “smart but stuck” is so common, and why planners and rewards rarely fix the problem. They expose the real why behind procrastination and stalled follow-through, and give parents one simple change that ac...

Spectrum Fudge began with Roger Haney’s journey raising his autistic son, Jake, and searching for a future full of real opportunities. Hear how a major move to Pennsylvania changed everything for their family. Learn how cashing in their retirement turned into a bold mission to employ people of all abilities. See how Spectrum Fudge grew from a kitchen idea into a thriving, inclusive business changi...

Jennifer Joseph of Reading, Writing, Resumé joins Stress-Free IEP® to break down executive function, time management, and organization skills that students actually need. She explains the writing process for college essays, strong reading comprehension, and study skills that stick. Jennifer also dives into resume writing—how to stand out when applications get 30 seconds or less. Plus, why she wrot...

Dr. Lisa Riegel joins Stress-Free IEP® to explain why regulation comes before rigor—and why adult wellbeing shapes everything in schools. She breaks down the NeuroWell Framework and how it moves schools from compliance to real commitment. This conversation tackles psychological safety, nervous system regulation, and brain-based leadership strategies that actually work. If you care about sustainabl...

Choosing the right school can feel overwhelming, especially when your child has unique learning needs. Hayley Jacobson and Rich Weinfeld break down how to compare public and private options, build a solid school list, and actually explore those programs in a meaningful way. They walk you through the admissions process step-by-step and explain what to consider once your child is accepted. This epis...

Sam Mitchell brings raw honesty about autism, ADHD, bullying, and mental health—shaped by his own lived experience and his hit show Autism Rocks and Rolls. He breaks down stigma, talks about pushing through hard moments, and shares what he learned from giving a TEDx Talk. This episode gives families and educators a clearer view of how neurodivergent teens think, feel, and fight back. Sam’s story s...

Host Frances Shefter previews upcoming 2026 episodes of Stress-Free IEP®, covering autism, school choices, executive functioning, homeschooling, and mental health. Each conversation focuses on helping families build support beyond school—because you don’t have to do it all alone. Register here so you never miss an episode! EP 125 | Inside the Mind of Sam Mitchell: Autism, ADHD, and Standing Up to...

Host Frances Shefter looks back on standout Stress-Free IEP® conversations from 2025, highlighting life skills, family support, community programs, and integrative services schools often miss. These episodes show families who belongs in their village—and why no one should have to figure this out alone. EP 85 | Understanding Consent and Social Skills: A Conversation with EASE Co-Founders EP 95 | Le...

Join licensed counselor and play therapist Janelle McCarthy as she unpacks what it truly means to be neurodiversity-affirming in therapy, schools, and families. Discover how inclusion coaching helps children, parents, and communities thrive together through understanding, co-regulation, and connection. Learn why supporting the whole system—not just the child—creates lasting change. Visit her websi...

In this empowering episode, neuroinclusive career expert Viktoriya Selden shares how parents can set their teens up for workplace success. You’ll learn why early work experience — paid or unpaid — builds confidence, skills, and self-awareness that shape future career goals. Discover practical ways to help neurodivergent and disabled students prepare for meaningful employment and how to support the...

Learning doesn’t stop when the school day ends. In this episode, Frances talks with Derek Crager, Founder of Practical AI and creator of Pocket Mentor, about how voice-based AI helps students keep learning anytime, anywhere. You’ll hear how this simple tool supports teachers, builds student confidence, and gives parents peace of mind — all while making education more equitable and accessible for e...

Join ADHD Specialist and Headspace Hub Founder Jheri South as she shares her powerful story of resilience, transformation, and purpose. Learn how being diagnosed with ADHD at 40 reshaped her life and inspired her to help others thrive. Discover the truth about rejection sensitivity (RSD), common ADHD misconceptions, and how real change happens through courage and connection. Get in touch with Jher...

Is your child struggling with reading, spelling, or writing? Join Frances Shefter and Deborah “Debbie” Brown, founder of Hill Country Dyslexia Services, as they explore the early signs of dyslexia at different grade levels. Debbie shares practical strategies parents can use at home to support their child’s learning journey. We’ll also uncover important topics in dyslexia support that parents and e...