UNFILTERED IEPS

In this episode of Unfiltered IEPs, host Colleen Stern speaks with Hallie Sherman, a seasoned speech-language pathologist, to discuss the intricacies of working with middle-grade students and developing their IEPs. They explore the importance of student empowerment, effective goal development, and the challenges faced by SLPs in advocating for their students' needs. Hallie shares her journey of creating engaging materials for older...

Join Colleen, The Advocate SLP, as she sits down with Dr. Brandi Tanner Ph.D., NCSP to explore the intricacies of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Dr. Tanner shares her extensive experience and insights on the roles of school psychologists, the importance of collaboration, and the three Cs of student success. Listen to learn those three C's as well as Dr. Tanner's unfiltered opinion on when districts want to use sc...

Join Colleen, the Advocate SLP, as she sits down with Jacob Johnson, a future special education teacher, to discuss his journey from music to education, his experiences teaching in China, and his insights into the world of special education from the perspective of a former para-professional (he was the elusive 1:1 supporting in general education). They discuss the challenges and triumphs of working in public education how their exp...

This episode is a "part 2" of Episode 8!

Colleen is joined by Dr. Destiny Huff and Lisa Baskin Wright for a thought-provoking conversation that spans many topics and two episodes! In this episode they discuss the nuances of ABA therapy and why the choice to participate in ABA therapy, is a multi-layered decision for Black and Brown families. They talk about how not ALL behavior is in fact, communication!

Lisa provides a human-center...

In this episode, Colleen is joined by Dr. Destiny Huff and Lisa Baskin Wright for a thought-provoking conversation that spans many topics and two episodes! In this episode they discuss personal experiences with introducing neurodiversity affirming practices to IEP team members and Dr. Destiny Huff gives examples of how to find the "ins" through authentic curiosity and asking the thoughtful questions. Lisa Baskin Wright talks about ...

Join Colleen, The Advocate SLP, as she delves into the obvious but often unspoken barrier for students receiving special education. This episode uncovers the financial constraints and systemic issues that impact decision making at IEP meetings, highlighting the need parents and school team members to come together to support legislative and policy changes that will fulfill the promise of IDEA.

Key Points:

The hidden financial pressu...

Join host Colleen, the Advocate SLP, as she engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Diana Fannon, a seasoned special education leader. Dr. Fannon shares her journey from teacher to school psychologist to becoming a Director of Special Education. As a person with a disability and mother of a child with a disability, she has a unique perspective. This episode delves into the intricacies of inclusive education, the importance of infor...

Join host Colleen and guest Gisela A Burks as they delve into the intricacies of the IEP process from a parent's viewpoint. Gisela shares her journey navigating autism diagnoses, the challenges of advocating for her child, and the importance of understanding and inclusion in education. Gisela A Burks is a dedicated mother and advocate for her autistic son, Jeremiah. With a background in human resources, she brings a unique perspect...

In this episode, Colleen delves into the complexities of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and its impact on special education referrals. She discusses the challenges faced by educators, parents, and students in navigating the MTSS process. She highlights issues such as resource shortages that impact fidelity of intervention, the unspoken reasons behind gatekeeping special education services, and particular issues faced by SLP...

In this episode of Unfiltered IEPs, host Colleen speaks with occupational therapist Gail Enriquez about her journey in the field, the role of occupational therapy in early intervention and school settings, and the importance of parent advocacy in the IEP process. They discuss the challenges faced by therapists, the differences between 504 plans and IEPs, and the need for collaboration among educators and therapists to support stude...

In this episode, Colleen is joined by Christina Beta, MA-SLP, a neurodiversity affirming SLP with over 24 years of experience in a public school for students who need a high level of behavioral support. They discuss the realities of school SLP workload, the barriers to effective IEP meetings that she has experienced and playing the long game when it comes to advocating for systemic and cultural change in schools.

Christina's Bio:

C...

In this episode, you'll get to know your host, Colleen and more about why she created the Unfiltered IEPs Podcast. She discusses her career journey, what inspired her to leave public schools and start her private practice that offers special education advocacy services, a taste of the topics she will cover in future episodes and why she thinks honest conversations are so crucial at a time when public education is under attack.

Foll...