Stress-Free IEP®

Join us as Alicia Dalton from QCI Behavioral Health explains how they help kids and families with mental health support. She shares what services QCI offers, how to get referred, and what makes their approach special. Alicia also tells a powerful success story that shows the difference QCI makes. This episode gives helpful info for families seeking care. Don’t miss these tips on getting the right...

Feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Discover how Neurographica Art can help neurodivergent students and adults find focus, calm, and creativity. Lauri Getlan-Watson of HeARTful Creations shares how this unique, brain-based art method supports emotional regulation, productivity, and self-expression. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or therapist, this episode offers an inspiring new tool to help t...

Meet Casey Joseph, the Executive Director and Founder of Casey’s Special Education Services. In this episode, she shares the heart behind her company’s mission and how Team Casey goes beyond traditional tutoring. You’ll learn about the unique challenges students and families face—and how her team helps meet those needs. We’ll also talk trends in special education and Casey’s exciting plans for the...

Meet travel trainer Melinda “Mindy” Niland of ECNV, who turns bus routes and metro maps into gateways for freedom. She breaks down what travel training is and why safe, confident travel matters for people with disabilities. Mindy shares ECNV’s hands‑on coaching style—practicing real trips, using clear tools, and cheering every milestone. Hear stories of riders who now head to work, school, and fun...

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 95 Rethinking Literacy Support: From School Psychologist to Clinic Founder Dr. Steve Truch’s journey began as a school psychologist in the late 1970s. He often saw students with reading difficulties plateau despite years in resource rooms and special accommodations. Frustrated by the lack of meaningful progress, he dove into research and discovered a...

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 94 On this episode of "Stress-Free IEP®," host Frances Shefter welcomed Joan Green, a speech-language pathologist and assistive technology specialist, passionate about empowering individuals through technology. Joan runs the "Tech Life Inner Circle," a membership community aimed at helping families, professionals, and advocates har...

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 93 From Personal Experience to Professional Advocacy In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, host Frances Shefter welcomes Melissa Stein, a seasoned special education advocate serving Maryland, Virginia, and DC. Melissa’s journey into advocacy began when she became a parent to three autistic children. Navigating the special education system on behalf of...

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 92 In this heartwarming and insightful episode of Stress-Free IEP®, host Frances Shefter reconnects with longtime colleague and friend, Dr. Miranda Montoya. As a seasoned special education administrator and the founder of Connective Minds, Dr. Montoya brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to the conversation. Together, they explore the importance o...

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 91 In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Stress-Free IEP®, host Frances Shefter welcomes Dr. Lauren McClenney-Rosenstein—a certified educational therapist, executive functioning coach, and founder of With Dr. Lauren—to talk about the intersection of neurodiversity, late diagnoses, systemic challenges, and holistic educational support. Dr. Lauren s...

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 90 In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Dr. Ryan Hinojosa, licensed psychologist. Episode summary: Introduction  In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, host Frances Shefter sits down with Dr. Ryan Hinojosa, a neuropsychologist who specializes in diagnostic evaluations for individuals of all ages. Dr. Hinojosa shares insights...

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 89 Planning for the future is something every parent thinks about, yet so many of us put it off. Whether it’s financial planning, setting up trusts, or considering what will happen if we’re no longer here, it can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, host Frances Shefter sits down with Mary McDirmid of All Needs Planning to discuss w...

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 88 The Power of Peer Support In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, host Frances Shefter welcomes Amanda Levin, founder of NeuroSpice Girls, a peer support and social group for moms of neurodivergent children in the greater Washington area. NeuroSpice Girls offers a private WhatsApp group, a Facebook community, and in-person gatherings to help moms navi...

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 87 In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Andrea Jones, Founder & Chief Operating Officer of The Caregiver's D.R.E.A.M. The Birth of The Caregiver’s Dream In this episode of Stress-Free IEP® , host Frances Shefter welcomes Andrea Jones, a longtime advocate and the founder of The Caregiver’s Dream , an organization cre...

Stress-Free IEP ® with Frances Shefter, Episode 86 In this episode of Stress-Free IEP® , Frances Shefter speaks with Lisa Quinn, founder & director of Reach Every Voice, and co-founder of Communication for Education. Introducing Lisa Quinn: Advocate for AAC Access Unlocking Communication: The Power of AAC Devices in Education In this episode of Stress-Free IEP® , host Frances Shefter sits down...

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 85 The Birth of EASE: Addressing Consent and Social Skills Today on the Stress-Free IEP® show, host Frances Shefter sat down with Arlene Lechner and Melissa Hochberg, co-founders of EASE. EASE is a program dedicated to educating neurodiverse teens and adults about relationships, consent, and social skills. Both Arlene and Melissa are special education...

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 84 In this enlightening episode of Stress-Free IEP®, host Frances Shefter welcomes Debbie Harris, founder of Maynestreet Weight Loss (https://www.dietingsucks-debbieharris.com/dieting-sucks), to discuss the complexities of weight management, mindset, and holistic health. The conversation provides actionable insights for busy moms and caregivers lookin...

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 83 In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Elyse Dworin ( https://www.elevatedlearningsolutionsllc.com ), the founder & CEO of Elevated Learning Solutions, a K-12 integrative holistic educational support company providing services in the wider Washington DC Metro area. Introduction In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, host...

Stress-Free IEP ® with Frances Shefter, Episode 82 In this episode of Stress-Free IEP® , Frances Shefter speaks with Michela Laverty, a seasoned special education consultant and the founder of Oly Able Special Education Consulting, based in Denver, CO. With a background in implementing inclusive practices and building successful programs for students with learning and intellectual disabilities, Mi...

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 81 Introduction: In this episode, Frances Shefter welcomes Randi Johnson, Principal Attorney and Chief Engagement Officer at Gravis Law. Together, they discuss the unique challenges and responsibilities of being education attorneys and how their collaborative approach helps families navigate the special education process. The Role of Attorneys vs. Adv...

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 80 In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Dr. Jaclyn Halpern, Partner & Clinical Director of Psychology at Playful Therapy Connections, an organization that specializes in supporting neurodivergent children, teens, adults & families with a focus on anxiety, depression, & navigating a neurotypical-world while being...

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 79 In this episode of Stress-Free IEP ®, Frances Shefter speaks with Diane Gould, Founder & Executive Director of PDA North America. PDA North America provides support and resources for individuals, families, and professionals living with Pathological Demand Avoidance. Episode Summary: Introduction Host Frances Shefter welcomes Diane Gould, a lice...

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 78 In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Robin Brannan, a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist with 20+ years experience supporting neurodivergent families. Her practice, Better Together Family Therapy, specializes in neurodiversity affirming and LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy for adults, children, teens and families....

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 77 In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Michelle Letterly, a financial advisor specializing in helping families with special needs children. Michelle shares advice on budgeting, insurance, and protecting children's benefits. Episode Summary: Introduction: Frances Shefter welcomes Michelle Letterly from Primerica’s Letterly...

Stress-Free IEP ® with Frances Shefter, Episode 76 In this episode of Stress-Free IEP® , Frances Shefter speaks with Meagan Gillcrist , the Executive Director and Founder of AlignEd. Meagan shares her journey, from over a decade of experience as a special education teacher to overseeing special education programming and ultimately founding AlignEd. AlignEd is focused on creating systems to support...

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 75 In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Pamela Newman, LCSW-C, owner of PRN Counseling, a boutique therapy practice offering customized mental health services for ages 8 to 98. Founded in 2012, PRN Counseling focuses on fostering emotional well-being, especially for those with special needs. Episode Summary: Frances Shefter...