The All Belong Podcast

More and more Christian schools are realizing what’s possible when they step beyond fear and lean into inclusion . In this episode, Teacher Consultant Jenna Zemaitis shares the shift she’s seeing in schools—moving from "we don’t do that here" to "we can do this." Jenna also talks about practical strategies for building true belonging, the role of paraprofessionals in supporting...

In this episode of The All Belong Podcast , teacher consultant Katie Kiser shares her insights on building collaboration between schools and families, supporting students with autism, and creating peer-to-peer support systems in middle and high schools . Katie draws from her experiences as both an educator and consultant, offering practical strategies and real-life success stories that demonstrate...

In this episode of The All Belong Podcast , teacher consultant Jeany Aupperlee shares her insights on understanding student behavior, using data to guide instruction, and fostering inclusive classrooms . Jeany reflects on her journey in inclusive education and how she helps schools navigate common challenges , from managing classroom behaviors to supporting students with different learning needs....

In this episode of The All Belong Podcast , teacher consultant Lisa Dekker shares her passion for social inclusion and how schools can intentionally foster authentic relationships among students. Lisa discusses the shifting needs she’s seeing in schools—moving from academic interventions to a greater focus on behavior and social connection —and how tools like Circle of Friends help create spaces w...

In this episode of The All Belong Podcast —part of The Belonging Classroom Series —teacher consultant Tyler Harms shares his experiences working with schools to create spaces of true belonging. Tyler discusses practical strategies that help students with learning differences thrive, from memory-boosting classroom activities to schoolwide technology tools that level the playing field. He also walks...

Welcome to The All Belong Podcast ! This season, we’re launching The Belonging Classroom Series , a special mini-series designed to equip and encourage educators in creating truly inclusive, Christ-centered classrooms. In this episode, host Janelle Sievert sits down with Liz Fox, a regional teacher consultant at All Belong, to explore what it truly means to create inclusive, Christ-centered classr...

In this episode of the All Belong Podcast, Elizabeth Lucas Dombrowski interviews Rick Kempton , who is the Head of School at Annapolis Area Christian in the DC Metro area, digging a little deeper into his chapter of Leading Insights: Special Education and Inclusion . Rick has served Annapolis Area Christian for 10 years, and prior to serving there, he worked in both public and Christian education...

In this episode of The All Belong Podcast, we talk with Dr. Matthew H. Lee , who is the Director of Research for the Association of Christian Schools International ( ACSI ). Dr. Lee is another co-author of Leading Insights: Special Education and Inclusion , published by ACSI, and one chapter he wrote is entitled “The Parent Perspective.” His authentic, faith-filled story and his remarkable experti...

In this episode of The All Belong Podcast, we dive into the research and practice portions of Leading Insights: Special Education and Inclusion , that support the work of inclusive and special education in Christian schools.  Dr. Kate Strater , researcher and assistant professor of special education at Calvin University, and Elizabeth Lucas Dombrowski, executive director of All Belong, discuss wha...

In this episode of The All Belong Podcast, we begin to explore the first part of Leading Insights: Special Education and Inclusion: the theology, philosophy, and research that supports the work of inclusive and special education in Christian schools. Elizabeth Lucas Dombrowski, executive director of All Belong, and Samantha Gossard Dykstra, All Belong’s communications project manager, host guest,...

On this episode of The All Belong Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Lynn Swaner, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).  In this conversation with Elizabeth Lucas Dombrowski, executive director at All Belong Center for Inclusive Education, Dr. Swaner shares how the book Leading Insights: Special Education and Inclusion came to be, and her ho...

On the first episode of the All Belong Podcast, join All Belong's Matt Cooke and Samantha Gossard Dykstra as they provide an introduction to the All Belong Podcast, laying out a roadmap to season 1.  Make sure to subscribe to season 1 as we interview the authors of the recently published book Leading Insights: Special Education  and Inclusion.  This book, published by the Association of Chris...