The Collaborative IEP

If you’ve ever wondered whether your child’s struggles with reading are actually connected to ADHD, learning differences, confidence, or all of the above, this episode is going to feel like a giant exhale.

I’m joined by Megan Penrod, founder of Developing Readers Academy, who brings a fresh, whole-child approach to literacy. Yes, she teaches phonics. Yes, she uses Orton-Gillingham. But she also teaches kids what neurons are, how the...

Have you ever wanted to talk to me on the phone while I'm driving? Didn't think so... but this week you get the opportunity anyway!!! Sit in traffic and talk inclusion with me!

I've had several friends, clients, and educators raise this question over the last couple of weeks: How much modification is appropriate for a student? Is there a limit, a tipping point, that would determine that a child's placement shouldn't be in the g...

If you’ve ever found yourself juggling all the things—family, advocacy, work, and maybe a touch of “why am I like this?”—this episode is for you.

I’m joined by Dr. Angelyn Franks, a speech-language pathologist turned mindfulness researcher, to talk about what burnout really looks like and how we can actually start managing stress in ways that work for us. We go deep into the difference between real, values-aligned self-care and the ...

What happens when the people who protect our students’ rights are suddenly… gone?

In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s happening inside the U.S. Department of Education—why hundreds of staff in special education and civil rights offices were laid off, what the courts are saying about it, and how it all connects to the larger story of a government shutdown that’s using our most vulnerable students as leverage.

I know—heavy stuff....

What if something as simple as a nickname could change everything about how someone feels included?

In this episode, I'm getting personal about belonging—what it means, how we create it, and why it matters so deeply for our kids (especially those with disabilities navigating school and community spaces).

Drawing from my experiences as a mom, teacher, coaching, student, athlete, and human, I explore the surprising power of nicknames a...

What really works when a child has ADHD and/or ODD? In this insightful (and delightfully real) conversation, I sit down with Dr. Rachel Schwartz—a special educator, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and PhD in cognitive and physical disabilities—to unpack practical, research-backed strategies for kids who need more than “preferential seating and extra time.”

 Together, Dr. Rachel and I explore:

• Top-down vs. bottom-up strateg...

We're wrapping up our look at the University of Florida Literacy Institute (ULFI)'s reading interventions by checking out some of the tools they have in their online toolbox. These include a Blending Board, A Word Work Mat, the Decodable Readers, and their training videos. I will pull them all up and give you a Behind the Scenes look into what UFLI instruction may look like. Then, we'll wrap ups til a list of questions that you ...

In this episode we're still pulling the curtain back a little more on Orton Gillingham and UFLI's Lesson Planner. We're looking at each step of the 2-day lesson plan and talking bout what instruction looks like. That leads to some really important questions you can ask to ensure that your child is receiving multi-sensory, explicit, sequential, systematic, cumulative, diagnostic, and structured yet flexible instruction. Since I'm...

“My child is in a reading intervention… but is it really OG?”

If you’ve ever asked this question, you’re not alone — and this week’s episode will help you find the answer. I've had so many schools say they're doing OG when they're really doing anything BUT ... buuuttttt it's hard for the lay advocate/parent to know how to understand what they are doing, and what they SHOULD be doing! That's why I've decided to dive into a popular...

New school year, new routines… and sometimes new frustrations.

In this week’s episode, I’m breaking down the most common pitfalls at the beginning of the school year for IEP teams—and what you can do about them.

From vague “good day/bad day” reports, to scheduling mix-ups, to delays in services, these are issues I see every single year. The good news? They’re fixable—and I’ll share practical strategies you can use to s...

If you’ve ever made an All About Me book for your child (and if you’ve ever listened to this podcast!), you know how helpful it can be. It’s a simple way to introduce your child to teachers and staff, share their strengths, and explain their needs in a clear, approachable way.

But here’s the part many parents don’t realize: an All About Me book can also serve as a legal protection tool.

In this week’s episode of the The Collaborative...

We’re back, baby!!!!  Let’s catch up!  In this episode of the Collaborative IEP podcast, I open up about the recent chaos in my life—from back-to-school stresses to personal health issues and preparing to move  Griffin into college. You’ll learn why peeling wallpaper, wet hair, and general household chaos are a reflection of our hectic life. I talk about the insanity of our summer schedule before talking about Jack’s...

Our focus this summer is to bring you quick, content-rich episodes on special education and advocacy, inspired by our latest product, the IEP Guru Academy. This week, we delve into 'Behavior and Belonging,' part of the inclusion series. We'll explore the legal supports for behavior in the IEP, discuss common barriers to inclusive education, and provide practical advocacy tips. Join me as we navigate the intricacies of supporting be...

In this episode, I wrap up our journey through Part B of IDEA, give you a quick look at Section 1419 (preschool grants), and share a personal advocacy lesson about the power of “using all the words” at the IEP table. I also invite you to help shape future episodes and highlight resources like the Collaborative IEP Membership and IEP Guru Academy to support your advocacy journey.

[00:00] – Welcome & Listener Input

[02:15] – Sectio...

Today's episode is all about the essentials of IDEA Sections 1417 and 1418. We'll dig into the responsibilities of the Secretary of Education, key prohibitions on federal mandates, confidentiality rules, and more. I'll also break down data reporting requirements and how they impact our understanding of disproportionality in special education. Tune in for a concise, sweat-free overview that will keep you in the know. 

00:00 Intr...

Today we dive into section 1416 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). We'll cover the essentials of federal and state monitoring, state performance plans, and how these processes ensure the educational success of students with disabilities. I'll also share some personal reflections on gratitude and how it ties into effective advocacy during IEP meetings. Join me as we unpack this crucial piece of legislation wh...

Today, I emphasize the importance of acknowledging our 'perfectly imperfect' lives, especially during the busy IEP season. I share exciting news about my summer consulting offerings at a discount, explaining how this helps me manage the seasonal nature of my work and prepare for the fall intake. If you need help making strong cases for inclusive services or specific curricula, I'm here to assist starting this summer. Let's tackle o...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Joy, a board-certified pediatrician specializing in integrative care for neurodiverse children. We delve into the topic of mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and histamine intolerance, exploring how an awareness of these conditions can profoundly impact lives. Dr. Joy shares her unique perspective on integrative medicine from both personal and professional experiences, emphasizing the importan...