The SENIA Happy Hour Podcast

On today’s Happy Hour podcast, host Lori Boll sits down with Rachael Thrash, Senior Director of Education and Innovation at Big Bad Boo Studios and author of Let the Learners Lead , for a thoughtful conversation about story-based learning, student voice, and inclusive communities. Rachael shares how creative approaches to social-emotional learning and citizenship can help educators nurture belongi...

Connect: Organized Binder Website  Mitch’s Linkedin Mitch’s Email Sarah’s Website Sarah’s LinkedIn Resources from Today's Show How to buy  US Book Purchases:  Book 1: Executive Functions for Every Classroom, Grades 3-12: Creating Safe and Predictable Learning Environments Book 2: Executive Functions for Every K-3 Classroom: Promoting Self-Regulation for a Strong Start Outside of the US Book Pu...

Connect: Website: Applied Harmony Linkedin Instagram: @kat_huels Resources From Today’s Show: Katrina’s books Transformational Tools for Special Educators: How to Beat Burnout and Become the Best at What You Do The Motivation Toolkit: Cultivate Your Inner Drive How We Feel App (Yale)

In today’s episode of the podcast, host Lori Boll speaks with Dr. Gary Roberts-Walker (they/them) , Assistant Professor at National University and global educator, about imposter syndrome and how it quietly influences educators, parents, and professionals who support neurodivergent and disabled students. From explaining away success to hesitating to step into new opportunities, imposter syndrome o...

On today’s episode, host Lori Boll speaks with Reabetswe Maarohanye, Lower School Student Support Leader at Hangzhou International School, about what it truly means to build inclusive systems that serve students first. “We don’t ask if a student is good enough for HIS, we ask if HIS is good enough for the student.” The conversation explores how this belief shows up in daily practice through a coll...

Today on the podcast, host Lori Boll is joined Hallie Sherman, a licensed speech-language pathologist, author of the new book The Secondary SLP Roadmap, and the CEO behind Speech Time Fun, where she creates materials, training, and support for SLPs working with students in grades 4 through 12. After 17 years in New York public schools, Hallie learned early on what it really takes to motivate older...

On today’s episode, Lori is joined by Reneé Foster, Director of Student Support Services at ICS Addis in Ethiopia. With more than twenty-five years of experience in education, Reneé has worked across international and U.S. school settings as a secondary inclusion coordinator, learning support teacher, and bilingual specialist. She brings a deep commitment to inclusion, student voice, and building...

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Connect Website :  International School Kenya Resources from Today's Show ASDAN STEPS Community ISLES Collaborative

Connect Website: All Learners Network Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn John’s email: johntapper@alllearnersnetwork.com Resources from Today's Show John’s book: Solving for Why: Understanding, Assessing, and Teaching Students Who Struggle with Math, Grades K-8

Connect: Website: Western Academy Beijing WAB’s Linkedin Resources mentioned on today’s show: Connected Ecosystem graphic

This week’s episode features Silvia Zanotti de Brozzon, Deputy Director General at the American School of Asunción, and Bethany Blevins, ASA’s Director of Student Services. Silvia and Bethany share how their small-but-mighty school is strengthening inclusion through aligned systems, strong family partnerships, intentional bilingual support, and a growing culture of belonging. They reflect on insig...

Today, Lori speaks with Dr. Katie Novak, Founder and CEO of Novak Educational Consulting. Katie is an experienced educator, bestselling author, adjunct instructor at the University of Pennsylvania, global keynote speaker, and one of the leading voices in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Known for her clarity, courage, and contagious energy, Katie has...

On today’s SENIA Inclusion Spotlight Series episode, host Lori Boll speaks with Yaśodā Deva from Surabaya Intercultural School in Indonesia. Though Surabaya is a small school, Yaśodā and her team are making a big impact, from year-round disability awareness to creative community partnerships and expanding supports for diverse learners. Listen in and be inspired by their commitment to inclusion tha...

Connect: Website : American International School Johannesburg Laura’s LinkedIn  

Join Lori Boll and Social Thinking founder Michelle Garcia Winner as they dive into the How to Solve Problems Before They Become Problems framework—an easy-to-use think sheet that guides students to identify challenges, explore multiple choices, anticipate what happens next, and manage anxiety. This conversation offers practical strategies for teachers, counselors, and parents to build flexible th...

Today we’re joined by Zachary Berezowski, Director of Student Support Services at The KAUST School in Saudi Arabia, a proud SENIA Member School. With over 16 years in education, Zach is a passionate advocate for inclusive practices and student-centered learning. At KAUST, he leads the school’s commitment to “finding the yes”, partnering with families and staff to ensure every student has a pathway...

Connect: Ginger’s Website LinkedIn Resources From Today’s Show: Ginger’s Book: Connectivity Canon TED Tal ⁠ k: “To Love is to Be Brave”

Welcome to the Inclusion Spotlight Series on the SENIA Happy Hour Podcast. In this series, we showcase SENIA member schools and their inclusive practices—sharing successes, challenges, and strategies with MTSS, UDL, and student support. Our aim is to celebrate schools, build collective knowledge, and inspire inclusion at every stage of the journey. Today’s guest is **Laura Austin**, Head of Inclus...

In this episode of the SENIA Happy Hour, Lori Boll sits down with Matthew Savage, architect of The Mona Lisa Effect®, to explore what true belonging looks like in schools. Together they discuss the barriers, both visible and invisible, that exclude students, the hidden exhaustion of camouflaging, and why schools are only as inclusive as the experience of their least included member. This honest an...

In this episode, host Lori Boll welcomes back Leah Kuypers, creator of The Zones of Regulation , for a deeper dive into her groundbreaking framework. Leah shares how the Zones have evolved, the impact of their new digital version, and how they align with inclusive, trauma-informed, and neurodiversity-affirming practices. Together, they explore the power of co-regulation, offer practical tips for g...

For the past five years, the SENIA Happy Hour Podcast has been a platform for powerful stories—stories from global experts, passionate parent and student advocates, and most importantly, individuals with disabilities. Each conversation has brought us closer to SENIA International’s mission of creating truly inclusive learning environments around the world. These voices have sparked change, challen...

In today's episode, host Lori Boll speaks with Vanessa Vanek—a fiber and digital media artist, international educator, and proud disabled woman—on the SENIA Happy Hour Podcast. Vanessa shares how her lived experience with Spina Bifida has shaped both her art and her teaching. From Kansas to Shanghai, her story is a powerful reminder that beauty doesn’t live in society’s view of perfection—it lives...

Overview:On this episode of the SENIA Happy Hour podcast, host Lori Boll speaks with Maymouna Sakho and Dr. MaryAnn DeRosa about their collaborative project "From the Margins, For the Margins." These two passionate educators share their personal journeys and how their experiences have shaped their approach to inclusive education. Maymouna and MaryAnn discuss the importance of developing a mindset...

Overview:  In today’s podcast host Lori Boll interviews Jeff Sisk, Senior Manager of Assistive Technology Services (ATS) in Fairfax County Public Schools, who is also a presenter, author, and adjunct faculty at George Mason University. Jeff and Lori discuss Assistive Technology- it’s definition, common misconceptions, and the process his district utilizes to best match AT to a student’s needs. Jef...