Unlocking Potential: Special Education Perspectives

In this episode of Unlocking Potential, we’re giving you a behind-the-scenes look at our upcoming Autism Conference ! Winston sits down with co-host Danielle, who leads the conference, to share what makes this event so meaningful and what participants can expect. Then, we’re joined by Morgan Van Diepen , BCBA and co-founder of ABA Visualized, who will be delivering this year’s keynote, “Actionable...

In this episode of Unlocking Potential, we’re giving you a sneak peek at one of our favorite events of the year—SPED Camp! Hear from our SPED Camp lead as she shares what makes this conference such a meaningful experience for educators and why you won’t want to miss it. Then, we’re joined by Allison Posey, international leader in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and this year’s keynote speaker....

In this episode of  Unlocking Potential,  we continue our season on  transition to adulthood  by spotlighting Dumas ISD’s 18+ program. Join us as we talk with  Mattye Calvery and Frankie Blue  about how their program supports students with disabilities in building independence, developing employment skills, and preparing for meaningful life after high school.  

Join the Unlocking Potential podcast as hosts Winston and special co-host Kristi Tucker dive deep into work-based learning with Joette Hardin from Texas A&M's Center for Disability and Development! Discover what work-based learning really looks like in practice  Learn why it's crucial for transition planning. Explore how schools can build stronger employment pathways for students with disabili...

In this episode of  Unlocking Potential,  we continue our season on transition to adulthood for students with disabilities by visiting with Jose Briseño—a 30-year-old professional who has been totally blind since birth. Jose shares his journey from public school to college and beyond, reflecting on the resources, strategies, and determination that helped him successfully navigate life after high s...

In this episode of  Unlocking Potential,  we’re spotlighting  The Discovery Academy —an 18+ program in Canyon ISD helping young adults with disabilities build independence, learn life skills, and gain meaningful work experience. Since launching just a few years ago, the program has thrived, offering innovative opportunities like an in-house laundry business and student-created products such as lau...

In this kickoff to our new season, we sit down with  Kristi Tucker, Evaluation & Transition Consultant at Region 16,  to unpack what transition to adulthood services look like in schools. Kristi shares what educators need to know, what ARD committees are required to do, and what she’s seeing in schools across the region. We also spotlight two powerful tools from Texas SPED Support— Next Steps...

In this episode, we sit down with Elizabeth Blackwell, a dedicated special education teacher serving elementary students with complex access needs. Elizabeth shares what it means to truly presume potential, foster inclusion, and creatively provide access to learning and connection for every child. With compassion, expertise, and innovation, she’s changing the game for students who need more than j...

In this episode,  we’re wrapping up our series on MTSS—Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. If you’ve been with us for our Tier 1 and Tier 2 episodes, you know we’ve been digging into how schools can build layered systems of support for all students. And now... we’re diving deep into Tier 3 with Lead Strategic Integration Liaison Krystal Hare.

In this episode we’re joined by our Pre-K Summit keynote speaker, Amanda Morgan.  For our listeners interested in learning more about Amanda or our Pre-K Summit, we’ll provide links in the show notes. Thanks so much for listening!  https://notjustcute.com/ https://www.escweb.net/tx_r16/catalog/session.aspx?session_id=1025266

In this episode we welcome Casey Newman from Region 16 to discuss MTSS. We'll discuss what MTSS is and how it benefits students.

In this episode we sit down Heidi Brewer and Janna Padilla from Region 16 to discuss UDL and how it can help students.

In this episode of  Unlocking Potential , we're joined by Kelisha Murray, MOT, OTR, and Director of Donor Guidance for The Turn Center, to dive into the transformative power of sensory supports in the classroom. In this conversation, we explore how simple, proactive Tier 1 interventions can benefit all students by fostering focus, engagement, and self-regulation. Kelisha shares her expertise on cr...

In this episode, we continue our dive into MTSS.  Candra Clary, one of four Statewide Lead Strategic Integration Liaisons (SILs) at Region 16, speaks with us about Tier 1 instruction.

In this episode we welcome Khara Skidgel Region 16’s Coordinator of Tiered Services and Mandie Duggan Region 16’s Strategic Integration Liaison to discuss what Tiered Services will mean for you and your school. 

In this episode we are joined by Anne Marie Wartes, who is the Lead Counseling and Mental Health Specialist with Tiered Services here at Region 16.

Assistant Director of Tiered Services here at Region 16. She discusses why the SPED Department moved to Tiered Services and how that move will help us reach more teachers and help more students. 

Dr. Paula Kluth is a consultant, author, advocate, and independent scholar who works with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities and to create more responsive and engaging schooling experiences for all learners. She is a former K-12 special educator who has served as a classroom teacher, co-teacher, and inclusion facilitator. Paula has also been a u...

In this episode we are joined by Kate Martin. Kate is committed to engaging, relevant training, speaking, and coaching, which empowers and builds capacity in leaders and organizations.  You can register for this year's SPED Camp here: https://www.escweb.net/tx_r16/catalog/conference.aspx?isSearch=0&conference_id=981243

Dr. Layne Pethick joins us on this episode to talk about his upcoming keynote sessions for SPED Camp & the Autism Conference.  Layne brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table as a Behavior and Autism Spectrum Disorders Master Consultant for Region 10 ESC. Register for SPED Camp here: https://www.escweb.net/tx_r16/catalog/conference.aspx?isSearch=0&conference_id=981243

In this episode we are joined by Catherine Pratt to discuss some of the biggest myths about Assistive Technology. MYTHS AND FACTS SURROUNDING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICES AND SERVICES Lending Library Contact Catherine Pratt if you have any Assistive Technology questions. catherine.pratt@esc16.net Thanks!

Danielle and Winston are joined by SLP Tiffany Leach. Tiffany is an Assistant Clinical Professor and Supervisor for the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department at Texas Woman’s University. She has worked in public schools, outpatient settings, home health and owned and operated a private practice.  She is currently an Education Specialist for ESC9 in Wichita Falls, Texas. They will discuss...

In this episode of Unlocking Potential we are joined by Myra Johnson to discuss this year's Transition Fair. The Transition Fair is on February 9, 2024. You can find out more info by clicking the link below. https://www.escweb.net/tx_r16/catalog/session.aspx?session_id=977367 Please contact Myra if you have any questions about this year's fair. Myra Johnson Education Specialist   /   Early...

Contact Brandi today with any questions about behavior. Brandi Culwell Behavior Consultant   /  Special Education 5800 S. Bell Street, Amarillo, TX 79109 ph: 806.677.5293 

In this episode we speak with Janna Padilla from Region 16 about changes in how schools work with students with dyslexia. SPED Tex  https://www.spedtex.org/families TEA Dyslexia Website https://tea.texas.gov/academics/special-student-populations/dyslexia-and-related-disorders Parent Information Document https://tea.texas.gov/academics/special-student-populations/special-education/overview-of-speci...