Tomorrow's School Psych

Can we talk learning disabilities for a second? Because SLD evaluations live right at that messy intersection of data, instruction, and real human experience, and it’s one of my favorite areas to nerd out on. In this episode I’m sharing three quick tips that can make your evaluations clearer, more accurate, and way more connected to actual educational impact. We’ll hit the practical stuff, like re...

In this episode, I’m talking teacher consultation with Michelle Valdivieso, and she brings the kind of calm, seasoned clarity that makes you instantly rethink how you walk into a classroom. We get into what consultation is really for, how it’s changed with rising behavior needs, and why being “the testing person” is the fastest way to stay invisible. We also talk about the tricky stuff, like consu...

This episode is a reminder that present levels are not just for students. They matter for you too. Our work changes constantly, and so do we, which means taking a moment to assess where we are right now can bring clarity, calm and direction.  Today I walk you through a quick reflection you can use any time of year to check in on how you are doing and what might need adjusting. We look at your...

This episode is for anyone who ends the day wondering how they were busy for eight hours yet somehow still have a full to do list.  Our attention is constantly pulled in every direction, and sustaining focus has become one of the most valuable executive functioning skills we have. Today I break down what gets in the way of deep focus and how to make attention feel easier, not heavier. You wil...

This episode is packed with heart, honesty, and the real work happening behind the scenes to grow our field. I sat down with three incredible leaders who are reshaping how we recruit, support, and retain school psychologists, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.  Their energy is contagious, and their commitment to creating a more welcoming profession shines through in every sto...

This episode was such an energizing conversation, because it highlights something every school psychologist eventually faces, that moment when a policy shift threatens your work and you have to decide how to respond.  Kim and Mike walked me through a real situation in Indiana where their scope of practice was suddenly on the line, and how fast, coordinated action changed the outcome. It is a...

This episode is a short, powerful reminder of how easily projection shows up in our daily work.  When we are tired, stretched thin or overloaded with meetings and deadlines, it is so tempting to hand our stress to someone else without even realizing we are doing it.  I talk through the phrases we all catch ourselves using, the ones that push responsibility outward, and how a small shift...

I had such a great conversation in this episode, because it taps into a feeling so many of us know well. We entered school psychology excited to work directly with kids, then suddenly found ourselves buried in testing cycles and report writing.  Talking with Dr. Zack Maupin was a reminder that our skills stretch far beyond that loop, and that it is absolutely possible to make space for more m...

In this episode, I sit down with Leah Kuypers, the occupational therapist and creator of the Zones of Regulation, to talk about how this simple yet powerful framework has reshaped how educators understand and support emotional well-being in schools.  Leah shares the story behind the Zones, what inspired her to create it, and how it continues to evolve to meet the needs of neurodiverse learner...

If you’ve ever said, “I just need the right planner,” this episode is for you.  Time management isn’t always about color-coded calendars or fancy systems - sometimes it’s really about attention, impulsivity, or working memory.  I break down how executive functioning impacts your ability to manage time and why improving your focus or task initiation might be the real solution. I also shar...

Preschool evaluations are a whole different world, and in this episode, I chat with Erin MacIntyre about what makes assessing three and four-year-olds so unique.  We talk about how play-based assessments can reveal just as much as standardised tests, how to work effectively with families who are part of the process, and what makes a great multidisciplinary team tick.  Erin also shares th...

Data can tell a story, but only if we know how to read it.  In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Curt Merlau, Vice President of Resultant’s Education Practice, to talk about how schools can move from simply admiring data to actually acting on it.  Curt shares how his team uses technology and human-centered design to make data meaningful, improve mental-health supports, and give educators...

In this episode, I’m talking about something that quietly shapes how we communicate and lead - the words we choose.  We explore the concept of soft talk - phrases like “maybe,” “I’ll try,” or “hopefully” - and how they create uncertainty in our goals and interactions. I break down why we use soft talk, how it impacts clarity and accountability, and what happens when we start replacing it with...

In this episode, I chat with executive functioning coach and veteran educator Carrie Bonnett who shares her journey from classroom teaching to helping students and adults strengthen essential life skills.  Carrie’s warmth and honesty shine through as she explains what executive functioning really is, why it matters, and how we can all support students (and ourselves) in developing focus, orga...

In this episode, I talk with Iuri Melo, licensed clinical social worker and co-founder of School Pulse, a service reaching more than 100,000 students across the U.S. with evidence-based mental health support. We explore how a simple text twice a week can spark real conversations, build resilience, and help schools stay proactive instead of waiting for crisis moments. Irui shares the story behind S...

In this episode, I explore the language we use with ourselves, our colleagues, and our students - especially those sneaky negation statements.  Words like can’t, don’t, won’t, and shouldn’t seem harmless, but they often keep us stuck by focusing attention on exactly what we don’t want. I share examples of how these statements show up in our daily lives, why they reinforce frustration and help...

In this episode, I’m joined by Wendy Taylor, the host of The Special Ed Strategist podcast and founder of Learning Essentials.  Wendy has such a wealth of experience as an educational therapist, IEP coach, and advocate for families.  We talk about what it really takes to build strong support systems between schools and parents, how to make interventions meaningful, and why keeping commun...

In this episode, I sit down with Bonnie Contreras, Senior Director of Clinical Solutions at Presence, to talk about the future of remote service delivery in school psychology.  Bonnie’s unique journey as a military spouse and school psychologist across multiple states led her to teletherapy, where she’s passionate about increasing access for students and supporting districts through innovativ...

Imposter syndrome shows up for so many of us, but what if it is not really about being a fraud at all?  In this episode, I share a simple reframe that can shift the way you think about those moments of self-doubt. Instead of imposter syndrome, what if we called it beginner syndrome?  By changing the words we use, we can normalize uncertainty, reduce stress, and remind ourselves that it i...

Emotional intelligence isn’t just for students - it’s a game-changer for school psychologists, too.  In this episode, I sit down with Serena Renee, a former school psych turned leadership and trauma coach, to talk about how understanding our emotions can transform how we lead, advocate, and collaborate. From setting boundaries without guilt to shifting negative self-talk into curiosity, Seren...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Amy Merenda, a licensed educational psychologist, to talk about what it really means to “lead” when you’re not technically the boss.  We share practical strategies for building trust, improving communication, and growing as a leader in your school - even without formal authority.  Amy opens up about her early experiences, lessons she wishes she’d know...

Change in schools can feel painfully slow, but what if the key to progress is patience and influence?  In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Amit Bosmia, a nationally certified school psychologist and respected leader in mental health and special education.  We talk about the power of relationships, what true advocacy looks like, and how even small shifts can spark real transformation for...

We all know the “what if” game, but usually it shows up as worry or self-doubt. In this first episode, I flip it on its head and share how asking better “what if” questions can shift your mindset, spark creativity, and even make everyday goals more achievable. From adding more movement to focusing on what’s already working, I walk you through examples that helped me rethink my own week. I’ll also...

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Dr Byron McClure, the creator of School Psych AI and someone who’s making a real impact in our field.  We talk about what responsible use of AI looks like, how it can ease the pressure of endless report writing, and why protecting student data has to stay front and centre.  Whether you’re already experimenting with AI or still feeling a bit cautious...

Hosted by Jenny Ponzuric - school psychologist turned neuropsychologist, former administrator, professor, and lifelong learner - this podcast explores what’s next in the world of school psychology and special education. Each episode gives you clarity, strategies, and resources to make your work feel a little easier while strengthening how you support students and families. Expect practical tools,...