Host Lori Boll speaks with April Remfrey, SENIA’s Director of Accreditation, about why the Standards were created, what authentic disability inclusion looks like, how assessment can support reflection and growth, how the voices of students, families, educators, and support staff can guide the work, and what’s next as SENIA develops even more tools and resources for schools.

Whether your school is beginning its inclusion journey or building on years of thoughtful work, this conversation offers inspiration and a practical place to start.

In this episode of the SENIA Happy Hour Podcast, Lori speaks with Heather Naro, Head of Schutz American School in Alexandria, Egypt, about the school’s personalized learning journey.

Schutz began with a thoughtful Grade 2 pilot—and the results have been powerful. Heather shares how personalized learning plans bring together student strengths, interests, goals, and assessment data to create learning experiences that offer both support and meaningful challenge.

To help us celebrate our 100th episode, we’re joined by someone who helped shape the very foundation of SENIA: Tanya Farrol.

A founding member and now SENIA’s Chairperson, Tanya has dedicated over two decades to inclusive education in international schools across Haiti, Egypt, England, China, and now Nanjing. She has hosted SENIA conferences, supported our Scholarships and Awards program, and helped guide SENIA-Beijing for more than a decade.

In this special episode, Tanya shares the story of SENIA’s beginnings, reflects on the journey so far, and offers her vision for the future of inclusion worldwide. From Canada to Nanjing and beyond, her unwavering dedication continues to inspire our community.

Connect:

• ⁠Tanya's email⁠

• ⁠LinkedIn⁠

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. Jeff emphasizes the transformative power of assistive technology in leveling the educational playing field for students with diverse learning needs. He also highlights the importance of universal design for learning and the integration of AT tools in modern classrooms.

Connect

• Email: Jeff.Sisk@fcps.edu

• Website: Assistive Technology Services, Fairfax County Public Schools, Virginia

• LinkedIn

• X

  Resources from Today’s Show

  • AT Ambassadors, Fairfax County

  • SETT Framework

  
  

Today host Lori Boll speaks with David Geslak and Amber Pantaleo, Founder and Vice President of Exercise Connection, an organization that uses evidence-based solutions to empower those who support individuals with autism and other disabilities to teach exercise successfully. Coach Dave and Amber share the research and evidence based practices to support learners and share how just 10 minutes a day of exercise can make a tremendous difference and set our students up for successful learning.

• Website 

• Twitter

• Facebook

• Instagram

  Resources Mentioned in Today’s ShowBios:

• SENIA Happy Hour Podcast w/ Coach Dave: Autism & The Power of Exercise

David Geslak - As a personal trainer and fitness coordinator at a school for children with autism, Coach Dave experienced first-hand the challenges of teaching exercise. By understanding that students with autism learn differently, he developed a system that has become a breakthrough in effectively teaching exercise. He is the founder of Exercise Connection and is a published author, researcher, keynote presenter and, in partnership with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), he created the Autism Exercise Specialist Certificate. As a pioneer in the field, Dave's commitment and methodology have been embraced around the world by the autism community, professionals, and Universities. He was also a finalist for ACSM’s Certified Professional of the Year (2020) & IDEA’s Fitness Leader of the Year (2022).

Amber Pantaleo - As a former special education teacher, Amber was challenged with her District's requirement of 10-minutes of physical activity per day, outside of PE. Knowing the benefits of exercise for those with autism--improve emotional regulation, social skills, language development, and academics--Amber proactively added exercise into her students’ classroom routines. Supported with evidence-based practices, Amber successfully embedded exercise through reinforcement, behavior management, and movement breaks. Now the Vice President at Exercise Connection, Amber’s expertise helps to develop inclusive solutions that level the playing field for everybody, empowering educators and therapists to successfully teach exercise.

Today host Lori Boll speaks with Anita Churchville, an educational consultant and founder of the HAGT Learners Collaborative. She currently coordinates the High Ability Program at the American School of Bombay and conducts professional development workshops, courses, and ongoing coaching at a number of private international schools with European and American curricula.  Anita’s published writing includes The 3 E’s of Authentic Parent Partnership for Gifted Students and Ability Grouping ≠ Tracking. Anita serves as a New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accreditation school visitor and as a professional mentor for the Association of International Educators and Leaders of Color (AIELOC). Lori and Anita speak about HA/Gifted programs and how educators can best support these learners in their classrooms.

Connect

• HAGT Collaborative Website

• Twitter

• Twitter: High Learners

Resources from today’s show:

• The End of Average, by Todd Rose

BIO:

Anita is an educational consultant and founder of the HAGT Learners Collaborative. She currently coordinates the High Ability Program at the American School of Bombay and conducts professional development workshops, courses, and ongoing coaching at a number of private international schools with European and American curricula.  She previously created and coordinated special and gifted education programs at the American School of Doha and at Academia Cotopaxi. She also worked as a program specialist in the Los Angeles Unified School District in California, supporting 16 schools.  She has a master's degree in special and gifted education, a K-12 principal’s license, and certification as an educational diagnostician. She has presented workshop sessions at the International Baccalaureate (IB) Regional conference, the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children (WCGTC) biennial world conference, annually at the Challenge for All Summit, I Am a Teacher (IAAT), ASB Un-Plugged, Center for International Education (CIE), ASB Plugged-In, International Career and Counseling Conference (IC3), DisruptED Conference, The Inquiry Educators’ Summit (TIES), the Knowledge Source Institute (KSI), University of Toronto Teacher Training Program, the Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools (NESA), East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS), Special Education Network and Inclusion Association (SENIA).  Her published writing includes The 3 E’s of Authentic Parent Partnership for Gifted Students (article, the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) and Ability Grouping ≠ Tracking (blog post, HAGT).  Anita serves as a New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accreditation school visitor and as a professional mentor for the Association of International Educators and Leaders of Color (AIELOC).

In today’s podcast, host Lori Boll speaks with Joel Llaban, the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice of the International Schools Services (ISS). Joel and Lori discuss the important work ISS and other organizations are doing to ensure schools are inclusive in all areas from their hiring practices, to their mission statement, to their curriculum and how they should be living the words, “We’re not complete without you.”

Connect

• Website
• Twitter

Resources from Today’s Show

• AIELOC - www.aieloc.org
• AIELOC and Women of Color in ELT Conference
• Identity-Centered Learning Daniel Wickner
• Diversity Collaborative 
• International Schools Services - DEIJ Commitment 
• ISS Learning to Action Institute for Int'l School Leaders | Welcome Video
• Windows, Mirrors, & Sliding Glass Doors (YouTube Video)
• Reflecting on the Tenacity and Tensions of Transformation (an article written by Joel)

Bio

Joel Jr LLABAN | (siya, he, him) is the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice of the International Schools Services (ISS). He is a learner and an international education leader who is committed to our collective work for the transformation of international education grounded on anti-racism and DEIJ. Prior to his current role, he was a Learning Specialist, Instructional Coach, and schoolwide DEIJ Lead at The International School of Kuala Lumpur.

Joel has been in education for 20 years. He worked at the International School of Brussels, International School of Beijing, and Cebu International School as a classroom teacher, department coordinator, and accreditation coordinator. He has led schoolwide initiatives in curriculum, assessment, professional development, innovation. Joel has been involved in accreditation as a team evaluator during team visits representing NEASC and CIS. He leads various professional learning for international schools and organizations.

Joel serves in the advisory role of the CIS Board Committee on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Anti Racism. He is also a member of the Editorial Team of The International Educator. Joel holds a Master of Education in International Education Administration from Endicott College in Massachusetts and a Certificate of International School Leadership from The Principals Training Center. He is a proud member of  AIELOC and Diversity Collaborative. He is a dog parent to Frida the poodle and Asgier the schnauzer.

Today host Lori Boll speaks with Angeline Aow and Dr. Sadie Hollins, the authors of Becoming a Totally Inclusive School a Guide for Teachers and School Leaders published by Routledge in November, 2022.

Many of you know Angeline Aow as she was a keynote speaker at our SENIA Europe conference and a presenter at our virtual conference happening right now (PS, it’s not too late to register for that as you are able to watch the videos for 4 months- so register today!). Both Sadie and Angeline have extensive experience and knowledge in supporting inclusion and today they share about their book, and give suggestions for how everyone in a school setting should be empowered to be an inclusion advocate. They share about their inclusion continuum and how school leaders can use it to make necessary change.

Connect

• Website (Angeline)
• Website (Sadie/ Wise Education)
• Twitter (Angeline)
• Twitter (Sadie)
• Facebook Page (Angeline)
• Linkedin (Angeline)
• Linkedin (Sadie)

Resources from Today’s Show

• Purchase Becoming a Totally Inclusive School Book with a 20% Discount (enter FLE22 at checkout)
• Enter to Win a Free Book (enter by Feb. 19, 2024)

Becoming a Totally Inclusive School : A Guide for Teachers and School Leaders

Bio

Angeline Aow & Sadie Hollins co-authored a book titled Becoming a Totally Inclusive School: a Guide for Teachers and School Leaders published by Routledge in November, 2022.

Angeline believes that every educator and student has the power to impact others to create a just and equitable world.

Dr Sadie Hollins has previously worked as a head of sixth form at a British International School in Thailand. She is the creator and editor of the Wellbeing in International Schools Magazine and co-author of 'Becoming a Totally Inclusive School: A Guide for Teachers and School Leaders'. Sadie now creates content for a university and careers guidance platform for schools.

On today’s podcast, host Lori Boll speaks with LeDerick Horne, one of SENIA’s keynote speakers at our upcoming virtual conference.

LeDerick was diagnosed with a learning difference in 3rd grade. He shares how this diagnosis impacted him as a child and how he used his passion for poetry to advocate for a more inclusive school system and a more inclusive society.

LeDerick also talks about his podcast, The Black and Dyslexic podcast, and his advocacy work for a school in Kenya.

Please read more about LeDerick’s work below in the bio.

Connect

• Twitter
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Buy the book

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Show

• The Black & Dyslexic Podcast
• Rare Gem Talent School in Kenya
  • Global Giving page for Rare Gem Talent School

Bio

Labeled with a Learning Disability in third grade, LeDerick Horne defies any and all labels. He’s a dynamic spoken-word poet. A tireless advocate for all People with Disabilities. An inspiring motivational speaker. A bridge-builder between learners and leaders across the U.S. and around the world who serves as a role model for all races, genders, and generations. The grandson of one of New Jersey’s most prominent civil rights leaders, LeDerick uses his gift for spoken-word poetry as the gateway to larger discussions on equal opportunity, pride, self-determination and hope for People with Disabilities.

His workshops, keynote speeches, and performances reach thousands of students, teachers, legislators, policy makers, business leaders, and service providers each year. He regularly addresses an array of academic, government, social, and business groups, including appearances at the White House, the United Nations, Harvard University, the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, the National Association of State Directors of Special Education, and the State Departments of Education across the US. His work addresses the challenges of all disabilities, uniting the efforts of diverse groups in order to achieve substantive, systemic change. You can learn more about him and his work at www.lederick.com.

Today, Matt, Lori, & Erin share lots of laughs as they discuss balance and mental health in our students, our families, and us! You won’t want to miss this discussion as we talk about signs our students are feeling stressed and how we can best support them.

Why so many laughs today? We recorded the night before Erin & Matt’s last day of the school year and Lori had just spent an entire day in the Emergency Room with her son (he is fine). So, yes, exhaustion was the name of the game. A great discussion took place nonetheless and we’re positive you’ll get lots of great ideas from it. Enjoy!

Resourced Discussed in Today’s Show

• Podcasts
  
  • Happy Place
    
  • How to Fail
    
  • Feel Better, Live More
    
  • Action for Happiness
    
• Apps
  
  • Headspace
    
  • Calm
    
  • Mitra
    
• Programs/Practices
  
  • Social Thinking
    
  • Zones of Regulation
    
  • Responsive Classroom
    
  • Restorative Justice
    
• Books
  
  • Teaching with the H.E.A.R.T. in Mind- Dr. Lorea Martinez
    
  • Daring Greatly- Brene Brown
    
• SENIA Virtual Conference December 3-5
  
  • Register
    Connect:

Matt Barker

Twitter

Lori Boll

Twitter

Website

Erin Madonna

Twitter

Website

On today’s podcast Toby Tomlinson Baker (soon to be Dr. Toby Tomlinson Baker) discusses her research into post-secondary education for our students with learning disabilities. Toby shares a sobering fact; that 72% of students with disabilities are dropping out of university. Why is this the case? Spoiler alert: one reason is that many university professors have zero training in working with students with varying needs. Today’s conversation is eye-opening and shows us that we have a lot of work to do to ensure our students are getting their needs met in all levels of their education.

Connect

• Website
  
• Linkedin
  

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Podcast:

• Best Practices & Mandated Accommodations
  
• Definitions of Special Education Terms and Acronyms
  

Bio

With more than 12 years of experience as a special education teacher, Ms. Baker currently teaches with Los Angeles Unified School District. Since becoming a doctoral student at Pepperdine, she has become a Research Assistant for IC4, a global media making club. Ms. Baker began investigating the perception and academic success of postsecondary students with disabilities (SWDs) and best teaching practices for higher education faculty, her dissertation topic. She has presented her doctoral work nationally at the White House, to Congress, and the Department of Education. She has presented globally in China on College Advocacy for SWDs and families in Southeast Asia. Ms. Baker has published numerous Opinion Editorials on special education policy. She has had the honor of receiving Learning Disability Association’s National Harrison Sylvester Award for her research and CHADD’s 2018 Educator of the Year. Ms. Baker holds a Masters of Education from Cabrini University and a Bachelor’s degree from Adelphi University.

In this month's podcast, Matt Barker, Erin Madonna, and Lori Boll discuss their takeaways from SENIA 2020. As a special treat, we also hear from SENIA participants who called in to share which strategies they left the conference with and have already tried in their practice, whether they are teachers, professionals, or parents. We hope you enjoy the show.

Resourced Discussed in Today’s Show

• Dr. Ross Greene: Assessment of Lagging Skills and Unsolved Problems (ALSUP)
  
• Sarah Ward: Cognitive Connections
  
• Brene’ Brown- The Power of Vulnerability
  
• Visualizing and Verbalizing- Lindamood Bell
  
• Jessica Minahan
  

Podcast music written and performed by Madi Boll

Connect:

Matt Barker

Twitter

Lori Boll

Twitter

Website

Erin Madonna

Twitter

Website

Bios

Matt Barker

Matt is an experienced teacher and teacher trainer who is a passionate advocate of inclusive practices for diverse learners. He currently works as a High School learning support teacher at International School Bangkok. He is also a workshop leader for the International Baccalaureate Organisation. Matt takes a pragmatic approach to virtual learning and ensures that he harnesses student voice and agency in his online classes.

Erin Madonna

Erin joined International School Bangkok as a K/1 Learning Support and EAL teacher this school year. Most recently, she was Upper Primary Learning Support Specialist at Shekou International School where she was part of the team developing the school’s inaugural Learning Support program.

Lori Boll

Lori is SENIA’s Executive Director after teaching for 25 years. When Lori’s son was diagnosed with profound autism in 2003, Lori changed her focus from teaching elementary to special education. Lori worked internationally for 20 years, and now finds herself back in the United States building a program for her now adult son.

Podcast music written and performed by Madi Boll

In this month's podcast, Lori Boll, Erin Madonna and Matt Barker explore the challenges of being a Newbie (starting at a new school). We discuss the challenges with starting somewhere new, the additional complexities of being a special educator in a new position, and the advice they would give both themselves and others who are starting at a new school. Lori and Erin also talk about the additional challenges of having started new positions during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Resourced Discussed in Today’s Show

• Headspace
  
• Calm App
  
• Brene’ Brown- The Power of Vulnerability
  

Connect:

Matt Barker

Twitter

Lori Boll

Twitter

Website

Erin Madonna

Twitter

Website

Bios

Matt Barker

Matt is an experienced teacher and teacher trainer who is a passionate advocate of inclusive practices for diverse learners. He currently works as a High School learning support teacher at International School Bangkok. He is also a workshop leader for the International Baccalaureate Organisation. Matt takes a pragmatic approach to virtual learning and ensures that he harnesses student voice and agency in his online classes.

Erin Madonna

Erin joined International School Bangkok as a K/1 Learning Support and EAL teacher this school year. Most recently, she was Upper Primary Learning Support Specialist at Shekou International School where she was part of the team developing the school’s inaugural Learning Support program.

Lori Boll

Lori is SENIA’s Executive Director after teaching for 25 years. When Lori’s son was diagnosed with profound autism in 2003, Lori changed her focus from teaching elementary to special education. Lori worked internationally for 20 years, and now finds herself back in the United States building a program for her now adult son.

Norm and Emma have been Keynote speakers at past SENIA events and will be our keynotes again at our upcoming conference in December.

Norman was born with cerebral palsy and initially attended a segregated school for children with physical disabilities; At the age 13, he was integrated into a regular school. From there, he went on to complete a Bachelor's degree in Humanities and a Master of Science degree in Family Therapy.

Emma is Autistic and is active in the Neurodiversity movement. She initially worked with non-profit agencies that support individuals with intellectual disabilities. She has since completed a Master’s degree in Conflict Analysis and Management from Royal Roads University and is certified both as a mediator and a negotiator through the Justice Institute in Vancouver.

Norman and Emma are married and live in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Stay tuned for a glimpse into what their keynote will address at SENIA 2020. Hint: Focus on opportunity before determining ability.

Connect

• Website
  
• Twitter
  
  • Emma
    
  • Norm
    

Bio

Although Norman Kunc and Emma Van der Klift are well known speakers and advocates within the disability rights community, they prefer to think of themselves as modern day storytellers, continuing the long held tradition of using humour and narrative to initiate self-reflection and social change.

Norman and Emma travel extensively throughout North America and abroad providing in-service and training in the areas of inclusive education, employment equity, conflict resolution, and other disability rights issues. Norman and Emma have a book, several journal articles, and four book chapters to their credit. They also have developed and operate "Conversations that Matter," an online values training platform consisting of more than 120 video segments of conversations with the leading voices in field of disability rights and inclusive education.

Norman was born with cerebral palsy and initially attended a segregated school for children with physical disabilities; At the age 13, he was integrated into a regular school. From there, he went on to complete a Bachelor's degree in Humanities and a Master of Science degree in Family Therapy.

Emma is Autistic and is active in the Neurodiversity movement. She initially worked with non-profit agencies that support individuals with intellectual disabilities. She has since completed a Master’s degree in Conflict Analysis and Management from Royal Roads University and is certified both as a mediator and a negotiator through the Justice Institute in Vancouver.

Norman and Emma are married and live in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Jessica also provides us with some strategies to try immediately and explains why some strategies that we all frequently use don’t actually work. I walked away from our conversation with some concrete things to try and a desire to pick up her book The Behavior Code: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Teaching the Most Challenging Students to learn even more.

In our first Rewind episode, host Lori Boll reconnects with executive function expert Sarah Ward for a fascinating conversation about processing speed: how learners take in information, organize it, and turn it into action.

Sarah reminds us that processing speed is not a measure of intelligence. Learners who process information differently may simply need more time, clearer routines, and support connecting familiar structures to new situations. This episode is filled with practical insights for educators and families alike.

From explaining away success to hesitating to step into new opportunities, imposter syndrome often shows up in subtle language and internal dialogue. Dr. Gary offers practical tools for recognizing the signs, reframing self-talk, and building a trusted “power of five” support circle to grow into the next level of identity with confidence.

A thoughtful conversation for anyone doing important work while quietly questioning whether they belong.

Connect

• Linkedin
• gwalkerroberts@nu.edu

Connect

• Website: Speech Time Fun

• Instagram: Speech Time Fun

Resources from Today's Show

• Book: The Secondary SLP Roadmap

• Diffit: AI differentiation tool

Podcasserole:

• Think Inclusive
• Getting Smart Podcast
• Better Learning Podcast
• Literacy Matters: Empowered Conversations
• What School Could Be
• An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast
• COPAA
• The Disability Almanac

• 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

• Website: Western Academy Beijing
• WAB’s Linkedin

Resources mentioned on today’s show:

• Connected Ecosystem graphic

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

Known for her clarity, courage, and contagious energy, Katie has helped schools around the world rethink how they design systems, lessons, and professional learning so every student — and every teacher — can thrive. In this conversation, she shares what UDL really means, why Tier 1 instruction is where inclusion begins, and how schools can move from good intentions to truly accessible, equitable practice.

Connect

• Website: Novak Education

• LinkedIn: Novak Educational Consulting

Book Recommendation: Subtract

Blog: How to Support, Challenge, and Engage Gifted and Twice Exceptional Students in Your Classroom

Slides that include a prompt to create a rubric that goes to mastery and beyond

Evidence-Based Intervention Resources

In ESSA for Evidence, find evidence-rated programs in reading, math, SEL, and attendance. Filter by grade band, setting, and subgroup to build a shortlist of programs to explore!

“Evidence-based” at Tier 2 means that the intervention program has been demonstrated through rigorous research to have a positive impact on target outcomes for students at risk, when delivered with fidelity. 

Learn more about the tools and strategies with this evidence below.

• Academic Intervention Tools Chart 

• Behavioral Intervention Tools Chart 

“Evidence-based” at Tier 3 means that the interventionist is following the data-based individualization (DBI) process with fidelity, making iterative adaptations as needed to an intervention platform, using their clinical judgment and expertise based on analysis of student data. 

Learn more about this in one of the links below.

• Literacy Strategies to Support Intensifying Interventions

• Mathematics Strategies to Support Intensifying Interventions

• Behavior Strategies to Support Intensifying Interventions

Connect:

• Website: The KAUST School

• Zachary’s LinkedIn

Connect

• Email: adjam.sakho@gmail.com & mas.derosa@gmail.com

• LinkedIn: Maymouna

• LinkedIn: Dr. DeRosa

• Website: Sakho Learning Consultancy

  
  

They discuss the importance of understanding algorithms in relation to information literacy and DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice) work. Trisha emphasizes the need for nuanced conversations about technology, encouraging listeners to explore how algorithms influence our identities and relationships. 

This engaging discussion reveals the complexities of algorithmic systems and their impact on society, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and education!

As a bonus, Trisha will be a keynote speaker at SENIA Unplugged: Inclusive Insights virtual conference in November.

Connect

• ⁠Website: Shifting Schools⁠

• ⁠Website: Allyed⁠

• ⁠LinkedIn⁠

 From Today’s Show:

Podcast: Be a Better Ally 

Overview

Today host Lori Boll speaks with Sam Drazin, Founder and Executive Director of Changing Perspectives, one of SENIA’s sponsor organizations and partners. Lori and Sam discuss Sam’s background and inspiration behind starting Changing Perspectives, Sam’s definition of inclusion, the needs of schools in terms of how they can become more inclusive, and his vision for the future of schools. So dive right in and enjoy.

Connect

• Changing Perspectives Website

• Instagram

• Facebook

• LinkedIn

Bio:

A nationally recognized educator and changemaker, Founder and Executive Director Sam Drazin applies his personal and professional background to lead Changing Perspectives’s mission to strengthen school communities through social-emotional learning, disability awareness, empathy development, and inclusion. Sam was born with Treacher Collins Syndrome, a rare congenital disorder resulting in both facial anomaly and hearing loss. His experiences, both as a student with a disability and as a teacher working in an inclusive classroom, helped him recognize the importance of supporting students in developing the essential life and relationship skills that underpin equity, inclusion, and social change. The students and educators we work with around the nation are a constant inspiration for Sam

Today host Lori Boll speaks with Mitch Weathers, creator of The Organized Binder. Mitch created this binder to empower teachers with a simple but research-backed strategy to teach students executive functioning skills while protecting the time needed for content instruction. Lori & Mitch discuss how establishing a predictable learning routine for our students serves to foster safer learning spaces and how shared routines throughout an entire school helps create collective efficacy.

Connect

• Website 

• LinkedIn

• Twitter

• Facebook

Bio:

Mitch became a gifted teacher because he was a mediocre student.

Mitch rarely felt comfortable in the classroom. In fact, it took him 7 years for him to graduate from college.

Choosing to become a teacher, Mitch was fortunate enough to experience school as if it was happening all around him. He was unsure how to jump into his learning with confidence. There is a loneliness to experiencing your education as a passive object as opposed to an active subject.

From the moment he entered the classroom Mitch relied on his personal experiences as a learner. He recognized that what we teach, the content or curriculum, is secondary. We must first lay the foundation for learning before we can get to teaching.

Mitch designed Organized Binder to empower teachers with a simple but research-backed strategy to teach students executive functioning skills while protecting the time needed for content instruction. The secret is found in establishing a predictable learning routine that serves to foster safer learning spaces. When students get practice with executive functions by virtue we set them up for success.

Today host Lori Boll speaks with Tim Villegas who is the director of communications of MCIE or the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education, a nonprofit that envisions a society where neighborhood schools welcome all learners and create the foundation for inclusive communities. He is the founder of Think Inclusive, MCIE's blog and podcast. Tim and Lori speak about MCIE and their impact, discuss the three main things that stand in the way of schools becoming more inclusive, and discuss the importance of school leaders promoting inclusion to make it a school-wide initiative.

Connect

• Website 

• Twitter

• Instagram

• Facebook

Today host Lori Boll speaks with Estelle Baroung Hughes, an inspirational speaker, school leader, and founder of the non profit organization Africa Learning International which focuses on Quality Education for All. Estelle trains teachers and organizes educational events in Africa to make a difference in schools and learning on the continent . Estelle is SENIA’s keynote speaker at our upcoming conference in South Africa. Estelle is also a blogger and a musician. As a Cameroonian citizen, she is passionate about the cultural wealth of her 250 languages country and developing cultural literacy in education.

Connect

• Website Africa Learning International
• Website International School Dakar
• Twitter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Resources from today’s show:

• Student Reflections on Peace

Bio

Estelle Baroung Hughes is the secondary principal at the International school of Dakar and the director of the NGO Africa Learning International focused on SDG 4 (Quality Education for All) . Estelle trains teachers and organizes educational events in Africa to make a difference in schools and learning on the continent . Estelle is also a blogger and a musician. As a Cameroonian citizen, she is passionate about the cultural wealth of her 250 languages country and developing cultural literacy in education.

Today host Lori Boll speaks with Phillip Bowman, a Learning Support Specialist and the Co-Founder and CEO of MARIO Framework. This September, the National Association for Special Education Needs (NASEN) published a peer-reviewed study co-authored by Phillip and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) expert Dr. Katie Novak.. The 6-year retrospective study places the efficacy of Philip's uniquely structured approach to one-to-one learning conversations in the top 5% of educational interventions. Today’s podcast centers around the impact of the MARIO approach and the results of this study.

Connect

• Website
• Twitter Phil
• Twitter Mario Framework

Resources from today’s show:

• MARIO Memo
• Summary of NASEN article
• NASEN

Bio

Philip Bowman is a learning support specialist at International School Bangkok, with 17 years of classroom experience. Philip is an innovative teacher-researcher who prioritizes relationships, research, and design thinking in the classroom. This September, the National Association for Special Education Needs (NASEN) published a peer-reviewed study co-authored by Universal Design for Learning (UDL) expert Dr. Katie Novak. The 6-year retrospective study places the efficacy of Philip's uniquely structured approach to one-to-one learning conversations in the top 5% of educational interventions. He is the Co-founder & CEO of MARIO Framework, a K-12 professional learning & edtech company operating in over 25 countries.

Today, Nicole Demos, a SENIA Europe Board Member and a proud disabled Third Culture Kid, and host Lori Boll chat more about Nicole and how she now accepts her disability as part of her identity. Nicole shares her experiences growing up with a disability, frustrations and disappointments she went through and continues to navigate through with society and the systems not set up for the disabled community. Today’s discussion is Part 2 of the “Don’t Dis My Disability,” that Nicole has done. Check out Part One in Cath Brew’s podcast Drawn to a Deeper Story here. Nicole’s words are so important and so powerful, it’s worth more than one podcast!

Connect with Nicole:

Instagram

Twitter

LinkedIn

Connect with Lori:

Twitter

Resources mentioned on today’s podcast:

• Crip Camp Documentary
• Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist- Judith Heumann
• Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be an Ally -Emily Landau

Bio

Nicole Demos is proud to be a disabled Third Culture Kid herself with over 30 years experience in the US and overseas. She holds an M.A in Education from the University of Connecticut,  and an M.Ed in International Counseling. For the past eleven years, Nicole has been a Learning Support teacher for students in grades 6-12 at the International School of Helsinki. Advocacy, Inclusion and Social Emotional Wellbeing are core beliefs that Nicole values and implements daily. Previously Nicole has presented workshops at Nordic Network and CEESA. Spending time with loved ones and her toy poodle Sisu, singing, reading, traveling and cooking are Nicole’s hobbies when she is not at work. Nicole is a member of the SENIA Europe Board and is looking forward to presenting at the first conference in Bonn this Fall.

Today, host Lori Boll speaks with Katy Fattaleh who is the Chief Program Officer for The Nora Project. The Nora Project’s mission is to promote disability inclusion by empowering educators and engaging students and communities. Their work is important and can truly change the way we see disabilities and inclusion. Take a listen. Get inspired by learning more about The Nora Project today.

Connect

• Website
• Twitter
• Instagram
• Facebook

Resources from The Nora Project:

• TedX Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DepM_Frf8Vo
• The Nora Project: https://thenoraproject.ngo/program-overview
• Free resources for teachers: https://thenoraproject.ngo/resources
• Information about our hybrid summer Training Camp event - we'll have virtual content available starting in July, and there will be a live event (in-person, broadcasted, and recorded) on July 12th. Tickets are available for purchase (link is at the end of the  post): https://thenoraproject.ngo/nora-notes-blog/announcing-2022-training-camp-lineup

Bio

Katy Fattaleh is a former elementary school teacher and K-8 instructional coach who now serves as the Chief Program Officer for The Nora Project. In her work at TNP, Katy is always searching for ways to bring essential curriculum and training to schools so that they can create environments where all students feel a strong sense of belonging.

Today host Lori Boll speaks with Chris Nikic and his father, Nic. Chris set a new world record by being the first person with Down Syndrome to complete a 140.6-mile Ironman. He is also the first person with Down Syndrome to be sponsored by Adidas. His mission is to inspire others like him to pursue their dreams and goals.

His greatest achievement is showing others how shifting your focus from your disabilities to your abilities and pursuing your dreams with an unwavering tenacity, a positive attitude and a no-quit grit can help anyone achieve their goals and dreams.

Connect with Chris

• Website

Resources mentioned on today’s show:

• Book: 1% better: The Chris Nikic Story
• GoFund Me for Chris’ Ironman in Hawaii
• Special Olympics - Watch the documentary about Chris on the homepage
• Adidas Runner 321

Bio

Chris Nikic set a new world record by being the first person with Down Syndrome to complete a 140.6-mile Ironman. His mission is to inspire others like him to pursue their dreams and goals.

His greatest achievement is showing others how shifting your focus from your disabilities to your abilities and pursuing your dreams with an unwavering tenacity, a positive attitude and a no-quit grit can help anyone achieve their goals and dreams.

In today’s show, host Lori Boll speaks with Julie Skolnick. Julie  is a thought leader and expert in the field of twice exceptionality a.k.a. 2e or gifted with a learning difference. As Founder of With Understanding Comes Calm, Julie passionately guides parent, mentors 2e adults and trains teachers on how to bring out the best and raise self confidence in 2e learners. Lori and Julie discuss what it means to be 2E and how it is essential for educators to understand the needs of these learners so they can be successful both in and out of school

Connect with Julie

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook:
  • With Understanding Comes Calm
  • Let's Talk 2E Parents
  • Let's Talk 2E Adults
  • Let’s Talk 2E Teachers’ Lounge
• Twitter
• Linkedin
• Book Julie for a free 20 minute consultation
• Blog Hyper Attention Activity Deficit

Resources mentioned on today’s show:

• Definition of Gifted
• “Gifted & Distractible” monthly newsletter

Bio

Founder of With Understanding Comes Calm, LLC, passionately guides parents of gifted and distractible children, mentors 2e adults, trains educators and advises professionals on how to bring out the best and raise self-confidence in their 2e students and clients.

Julie serves as Secretary to the Maryland Superintendent’s Gifted and Talented Advisory Council, is an advisor for the Masters of Education Program for the Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity, is the Maryland liaison for Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG), is a Committee member for the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) and serves as an advisor to “The G Word” feature documentary currently in production.

Julie produces Let’s Talk 2e! virtual conferences, hosts the Let’s Talk 2e! Parent Empowerment Series, maintains the free listing service, 2eResources.com, and publishes “Gifted & Distractible,” a free monthly newsletter.

A frequent speaker and prolific writer, Julie is also the mother of three twice exceptional children who keep her on her toes and uproariously laughing.

Subscribe to “Gifted & Distractible” monthly newsletter at www.WithUnderstandingComesCalm.com, find resources at www.2eResources.com and learn more about our conferences and parent series at www.LetsTalk2e.com. Follow Julie on social media: Facebook: WithUnderstandingComesCalm, Let’s Talk 2e – Parents, Let’s Talk 2e – Teachers’ Lounge, Instagram: @LetsTalk2e, Twitter: @JulieSkolnick, LinkedIn: Julie Rosenbaum Skolnick, and YouTube: Let’s Talk 2e.

On today’s show, Lori speaks with our most recent recipient of SENIA’s World Changer award; Courtney Wong. Courtney is a high school student in California and is the founder and president of Tutors4Stars, a youth organization that provides free learning opportunities for neurodiverse students through online private and group lessons. Courtney gained experience as a volunteer by teaching art and music classes locally as well as operating the San Diego chapter for the non-profit organization SN Inclusion. So she’s a busy high school student, and she hopes to continue supporting the neurodiverse community in their academic and personal growth as she gets older. Courtney is here today to tell us about her advocacy work and her inspiration behind starting this magnificent program.

Connect with Courtney

• Website: Tutor4Stars
• Website: SN Inclusion
• Instagram

Resources mentioned on today’s show:

SENIA Youth

SENIA Certification Coursework

Bio

Courtney attends Torrey Pines High School and will graduate with the class of 2023. She is the founder and president of Tutors4Stars, a youth organization that provides free learning opportunities for neurodiverse students through online private and group lessons. Courtney gained experience as a volunteer by teaching art and music classes locally as well as operating the San Diego chapter for the non-profit organization SN Inclusion. She hopes to continue supporting the neurodiverse community in their academic and personal growth. In her free time, Courtney likes to figure skate and watch figure skating competitions in-person and remotely. She also enjoys listening to music and learning new things.

On today’s podcast, I speak with Sara Larrington, a learning support coordinator at Dresden International School. Growing up, Sara felt “different” from their peers. In Sara’s 20’s they received a diagnosis of Aspergers. Our discussion today focuses on Sara’s experiences in school as a child, why boys are diagnosed at a much higher rate than girls with ASD, what schools can do to better support their neurodivergent learners, and how Sara’s ability to connect with students is their super power. I hope you enjoy our conversation today as much as I did. And now...onto the show.

Connect with Sara:

• Website
• Twitter
• Linkedin

Bio

Sara Larrington (they/them)  is an educator with 21 years of experience. As a person who is Asperger's, they  have always had a passion for helping students who are learning diverse and for facilitating inclusion.

Sara has been lucky enough to work in International Education since 2010 which has taken them to Thailand, Panama, Vietnam and Germany

Today I speak with Leah Kuypers, the creator of the Zones of Regulation curriculum which has been enthusiastically received by educators, therapists and parents around the world, Leah’s  book, also entitled The Zones of Regulation, has sold more than 100,000 copies worldwide.. If you are new to the Zones or need a refresher, then be sure to join us for our SENIA virtual conference in December, as Leah will be teaching us about the Basics of The Zones of Regulation. In today’s podcast we learn about her inspiration behind creating the curriculum and how teachers and parents can implement it into their classrooms and homes. We discuss what it means to feel regulated and also about the impact of Covid on our children’s ability to regulate on a daily basis upon going back to school. I know you’ll enjoy this podcast, so happy listening.

Connect with Leah:

• Website
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Instagram

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Show:

• Zones Check-in Video
• Zones Storybook Set + Zones Tools to Try Cards for Kids 
• Zones Tools to Try Cards for Tweens & Teens
• Zones of Regulation Curriculum

Bio:

Leah Kuypers has practiced as an OT and specialist in school and clinical settings, specializing in regulation and social-emotional learning. Through this work, she was inspired to create The Zones of Regulation (Think Social Publishing, 2011) which has been enthusiastically received by educators, therapists and parents around the world. In addition to developing additional learning tools to supplement The Zones of Regulation curriculum, she owns a small business, Kuypers Consulting, Inc., based out of Minneapolis, MN .  She enjoys providing training and consultations to parents, schools and professionals by offering workshops on regulation and the Zones framework to groups locally, around the United States and internationally. To date over 100,000 copies of The Zones of Regulation book have been sold and the framework has been implemented in districts around the world to support students' social emotional learning.  Please visit www.zonesofregulation for additional information, a current schedule of trainings, and to find support in implementing The Zones of Regulation.

Today on the podcast, I had the great opportunity to speak with Kristel Solomon Saleem who is a passionate inclusion leader and will be one of our presenters at the upcoming SENIA virtual conference.

Kristel currently works as the Director of Students Services at the KAUST school in Saudi Arabia. She is the Asia Pacific Regional Coordinator of Next Frontier Inclusion (NFI) and contributes to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Guidelines for Inclusive Education.  Our conversation today revolves around inclusion and how schools can build an inclusive culture. We also discuss how all of us can advocate for more inclusive practices at our international schools. Plus Kristel gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming presentation.

Connect with Kristel

• Website
• Twitter
• Linkedin

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Show:

• Next Frontier Inclusion (NFI)
• Adaptive Schools
• Dilts Nested Levels
  • Visual of Levels

Bio

Kristel’s dedication and passion in the field of education has led her to work with a wide range of schools and organizations that ensure children have access to quality education so that they may find their individual pathways to excellence. Her personal commitment to leading has allowed her to work closely with the Next Frontier Inclusion (NFI) as their Asia-Pacific Regional Coordinator, The Special Education and Inclusion Association (SENIA) and contribute to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Guidelines for Inclusive Education. As a workshop leader, Kristel endeavors to develop and support teacher self-efficacy in their work with all learners. Her belief in the possibilities and unseen potential of a lifelong learner has led her to explore the physiological and neurological makeup of individuals in order to gain a deeper understanding of our students and enhance our role as educators.Kristel is a graduate of Temple University with degrees in Elementary and Special Education and a Masters Degree in Educational Psychology. She is currently pursuing an additional graduate certification in Mind, Brain, and Teaching from Johns Hopkins University.

Today I speak with Steve Leinwand who has a long and impressive career as a math teacher, leader, researcher, and author in the field. Steve calls himself a Math Education Change Agent and as you’ll see does not hold back from sharing his views on how we can best support our students and teach math in a way that is meaningful to them. Steve shares best practice strategies and explains why students learn much more from our questions than our lectures. We also discuss UDL, the effects of the pandemic, and give you a sneak peek into Steve’s presentation for SENIA 2021.

Connect with Steve

• Website
  

Bio

Steve Leinwand is a principal research analyst at AIR, the American Institutes for Research in Arlington, VA, and has over 40 years of leadership positions in mathematics education. He currently serves as mathematics expert on a wide range of AIR projects that focus on high quality mathematics instruction, turning around underperforming schools, improving adult education, evaluating programs, developing assessments and providing technical assistance for school improvement. Leinwand co-authored "What the United States Can Learn from Singapore's World-Class Mathematics System (and what Singapore can learn from the United States." Leinwand has spoken and written about effectively implementing the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics, differentiated learning and “What Every School Leader Needs to Know about Making Math Work for All Students. In addition, Leinwand has provided school and district-level support and technical assistance for the General Electric Foundation’s Ensuring Futures in Education project and the Microsoft Math Partnership, As part of AIR’s assessment program, Leinwand has overseen the development and quality review of multiple-choice and constructed response items for AIR’s contracts with Ohio, Hawaii, Delaware, Minnesota, South Carolina and the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium.

Before joining AIR in 2002, Leinwand spent 22 years as Mathematics Consultant with the Connecticut Department of Education where he was responsible for the development and oversight of a broad statewide program of activities in K-12 mathematics education including the provision of technical assistance and professional development, the evaluation of Title 1 and K-12 mathematics programs, the assessment of student achievement and teacher competency, and the coordination of statewide mathematics programs and activities. Steve has also served on the NCTM Board of Directors and has been President of the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics.

Steve is an author of several mathematics textbooks and has written numerous articles. His books, Sensible Mathematics: A Guide for School Leaders in the Era of Common Core State Standards and Accessible Mathematics: 10 Instructional Shifts That Raise Student Achievement were published by Heinemann in 2012 and 2009 respectively. His forthcoming Invigorating High School Mathematics: Practical Guidance for Long-Overdue Transformation, co-written with Eric Milou is due out in Fall, 2021. In addition, Leinwand was the awardee of the 2015 National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics Glenn Gilbert/Ross Taylor National Leadership Award for outstanding contributions to mathematics education and has been awarded the 2021 NCTM Lifetime Achievement Award.

Math. That one word can produce great amounts of anxiety in many of us and many of our students. Today our group discusses all things math with our special guest, Caty Romero who is someone who knows math and loves it. Some of the topics included in today’s discussion are foundational concepts students need to know, common areas of struggle in mathematics, the C-R-A approach, our favorite visual strategies and structures we use, and much much more. We hope you enjoy this chat. Heck, it might even change your attitude toward math learning.

Resources Discussed in Today’s Show

• Caty’s      blog
• Nrich Maths     (resources)
• Toy Theater (online math manipulatives)
• Jo Boaler- maths expert, author
• Steve Leinwand- maths expert, author

Connect:

Lori Boll

Twitter

Website

Erin Madonna

Twitter

Website

Caty Romero

Twitter

Website

Bios

Erin Madonna

Erin joined International School Bangkok as a K/1 Learning Support and EAL teacher this school year. Most recently, she was Upper Primary Learning Support Specialist at Shekou International School where she was part of the team developing the school’s inaugural Learning Support program.

Lori Boll

Lori is SENIA’s Executive Director after teaching for 25 years. When Lori’s son was diagnosed with profound autism in 2003, Lori changed her focus from teaching elementary to special education. Lori worked internationally for 20 years, and now finds herself back in the United States building a program for her now adult son.

Caty Romero: is an early childhood, elementary and middle school mathematics curriculum, instruction, and assessment instructional leader passionate about learning and teaching mathematics through the lens of inquiry, modeling, reasoning and communicating. Caty is currently a 6th grade math teacher at the International School Bangkok. Prior to that, she was the Early Childhood and Elementary School Mathematics Instructional Coach at Shanghai American School for 5 years where she worked in partnership with teachers to facilitate the development, implementation, and transformation of the math curriculum.

She serves as contracted mathematics consultant at several international schools in the South East Asia region. In addition, she has facilitated workshops for international school teachers and leaders at various AASSA, NESA, EARCOS and ACAMIS regional conferences.  Caty coordinated and co-facilitated the Office of Overseas Schools sponsored Asia Regional Math Summit on Developing High-Quality Assessments in partnership with Erma Anderson. Caty has co-facilitated the Mathematics Specialists in International Schools (MSIS) certification institute focused on K-12 Geometry and Measurement with Steve Leinwand, and is currently part of the prestigious AERO Math Think Tank Team at Project AERO supported by the U.S. State Department Office of Overseas Schools.

We are all sensory beings. In this month's roundtable, Matt Barker, Erin Madonna, Lori Boll, and special guest Kira Luanganggoon discuss all things Sensory. Kira, an Occupational Therapist, answers our questions: What is Sensory Processing? What does it mean when an individual is dysregulated? How can we recognize when our students need some movement? Erin, Matt, and Lori also share their favorite sensory tricks and tools. It was a great discussion and we hope you’ll enjoy it.

Resourced Discussed in Today’s Show

• Zones of Regulation
  
• Alert Program
  
• Understood.org
  
• OT Toolbox
  Connect:

Matt Barker

Twitter

Lori Boll

Twitter

Website

Erin Madonna

Twitter

Website

Kiratinoot Luanganggoon (Kira)

Facebook

Bios

Matt Barker

Matt is an experienced teacher and teacher trainer who is a passionate advocate of inclusive practices for diverse learners. He currently works as a High School learning support teacher at International School Bangkok. He is also a workshop leader for the International Baccalaureate Organisation. Matt takes a pragmatic approach to teaching and learning and ensures that he harnesses student voice and agency in his classes.

Erin Madonna

Erin joined International School Bangkok as a K/1 Learning Support and EAL teacher this school year. Most recently, she was Upper Primary Learning Support Specialist at Shekou International School where she was part of the team developing the school’s inaugural Learning Support program.

Lori Boll

Lori is SENIA’s Executive Director after teaching for 25 years. When Lori’s son was diagnosed with profound autism in 2003, Lori changed her focus from teaching elementary to special education. Lori worked internationally for 20 years, and now finds herself back in the United States building a program for her now adult son.

Kiratinoot Luanganggoon (Kira)

Kira is a pediatric occupational therapist who has experience working in schools, hospitals and private practices since 2012. She balances her time between working as an OT at International School Bangkok (ISB) and at her own studio in Khon Kaen. Kira teaches piano and kids yoga, as well as conducting therapy sessions to children and teens of various abilities. Kira is Thai and aims to promote the level of learning support and understanding of learning diversity in her hometown.

Today the Vice-President of the National Council of Severe Autism, Amy Lutz  and I speak about raising children who are profoundly affected by Autism and how it looks so different from parenting our typically developing children in many ways. We discuss Amy’s books she has written on the topic and touch on some of the controversies surrounding Autism, the neurodiversity movement, and how this impacts those who are significantly affected by Autism.

Connect

• National Council of Severe Autism Website
  
• Amy Lutz, Author Website
  
• Twitter
  
• Facebook
  

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Show

• Each Day I Like It Better: Autism, ECT, and the Treatment of Our Most Impaired Children
  
• We Walk: Life with Severe Autism (The Culture and Politics of Health Care Work)
  

Bio:

Amy S.F. Lutz's writing on severe autism has appeared on many platforms, including The Atlantic, Slate, and Psychology Today. Her first book, Each Day I Like It Better: Autism, ECT, and the Treatment of Our Most Impaired Children, was published in 2014; her new collection of essays, We Walk: Life with Severe Autism, was just released in October 2020. She is a founding board member of the National Council on Severe Autism and is currently completing her doctorate in the history of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. She lives outside Philadelphia with her husband and five kids.

In this month's roundtable, Matt Barker, Erin Madonna, and Lori Boll discuss all things Dyslexia. Dyslexia? Are we allowed to call it that anymore? Why did they change the name? What does that mean for our learners? How can we best support our learners with reading challenges? And more.

Resourced Discussed in Today’s Show

• Overcoming Dyslexia, by Drs. Sally & Jonathan Shaywitz
  
• Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity
  
• Cambridge Study, Usha Goswami
  
• Developmental Dyspraxia: Identification and Intervention, by Madelaine Portwood
  
• Orton Gillingham- Research
  
• Wilson Reading- Research
  
• Lindamood Bell- Research
  
• The Rose Report- History of Dyslexia
  

Podcast music written and performed by Madi Boll

Connect:

Matt Barker

Twitter

Lori Boll

Twitter

Website

Erin Madonna

Twitter

Website

Bios

Matt Barker

Matt is an experienced teacher and teacher trainer who is a passionate advocate of inclusive practices for diverse learners. He currently works as a High School learning support teacher at International School Bangkok. He is also a workshop leader for the International Baccalaureate Organisation. Matt takes a pragmatic approach to teaching and learning and ensures that he harnesses student voice and agency in his classes.

Erin Madonna

Erin joined International School Bangkok as a K/1 Learning Support and EAL teacher this school year. Most recently, she was Upper Primary Learning Support Specialist at Shekou International School where she was part of the team developing the school’s inaugural Learning Support program.

Lori Boll

Lori is SENIA’s Executive Director after teaching for 25 years. When Lori’s son was diagnosed with profound autism in 2003, Lori changed her focus from teaching elementary to special education. Lori worked internationally for 20 years, and now finds herself back in the United States building a program for her now adult son.

Dr. Greene’s keynote at #SENIA2020 was so popular, we wanted to bring him back to learn even more from him. Today Dr. Greene and  I discuss systematic change in schools regarding discipline and positive change seems to be moving at a glacial pace. We also learn more about Plan B and how teacher and caregiver assumptions can often hinder a student’s growth. When we bring students into our conversation about their behaviors and actions, we get results.

Connect

• Website
  
• Twitter
  
• Facebook
  

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Show

• Lost at School
  
• The Explosive Child
  
• Lost and Found
  
• https://www.livesinthebalance.org/plan-b-0Plan B
  
• Collaborative Problem Solving
  

Bio

Ross W. Greene, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and the originator of the innovative, evidence-based approach called Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS), as described in his influential books The Explosive Child, Lost at School, Lost & Found, and Raising Human Beings. He also developed and executive produced the award-winning documentary film The Kids We Lose, released in 2018. Dr. Greene was on the faculty at Harvard Medical School for over 20 years, and founded the non-profit Lives in the Balance in 2009. He is also adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Virginia Tech and adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Science at the University of Technology in Sydney, Australia. Dr. Greene has worked with several thousand behaviorally challenging kids and their caregivers, and he and his colleagues have overseen implementation and evaluation of the CPS model in hundreds of schools, inpatient psychiatric units, and residential and juvenile detention facilities, with dramatic effect: significant reductions in recidivism, discipline referrals, detentions, suspensions, and use of restraint and seclusion. Dr. Greene lectures throughout the world and lives in Portland, Maine.

I hope you enjoy our conversation.

Connect

• Website
  
• Twitter
  
• Facebook
  
• Instagram
  
• Youtube Channel
  

Bio

With approximately three million books in print, Julia Cook is a former school counselor and teacher who never dreamed she could evolve into a national award-winning children’s author, parenting expert and inspirational speaker. She now travels the country and abroad encouraging others to follow in her footsteps. “There are so many ideas out there that need to be shared!” says Julia who takes top research and creatively translates it into “kid language” that is both entertaining and engaging. Julia has the innate ability to enter the world view of a child through storybooks, giving both children the “what to say” and the “how to say it.”

For over 20 years, Angelica Benson has worked for Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes – a world leader in research and remediation for specific learning disabilities, including dyslexia and autism spectrum disorder. Angelica  is currently the Director of International Development for Lindamood-Bell. Angelica is also the Executive Director of the Lindamood-Bell Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing scholarships to families in need who are seeking life-changing instruction at Lindamood-Bell. She holds a Master of Education degree from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of California.

Today, Angelica shares with us about the incredible resources available from Lindamood Bell and the methodology behind their work. Be prepared to listen and learn, and make sure to check out all the free resources they provide for professionals and parents alike.

Connect

• Website
  
• Facebook
  
• Twitter
  
• Youtube
  

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Podcast:

• Toolkit for Educators
  

Bio

For over 20 years, Angelica Benson has worked for Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes – a world leader in research and remediation for specific learning disabilities, including dyslexia and autism spectrum disorder. Angelica  is currently the Director of International Development for Lindamood-Bell. Angelica is also the Executive Director of the Lindamood-Bell Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing scholarships to families in need who are seeking life-changing instruction at Lindamood-Bell. She holds a Master of Education degree from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of California.

Dr. Choy Sook Kuen is a mother of two sons Aaron and Joshua,  and founder of Oasis Place in Kuala Lumpur,  Malaysia’s first and largest multi-disciplinary intervention centre for children and adults with learning differences. Oasis Place was born out of a mother’s love for her differently abled son.

Today, Sook Kuen tells her story of how she and her family  “learned forward” by connecting with other families and professionals to help them paint the picture ahead.

Choy Sook Kuen is an advocate through and through and a true inspiration.

Connect

• Website
  
• Facebook
  
• Instagram
  
• Twitter
  

Bio

Dr. Choy Sook Kuen is the founder and Mother of Oasis Place -Malaysia’s first and largest multi-disciplinary intervention centre for children and adults with learning differences. Dr Choy holds a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery Degree from St George’s Hospital University of London and a Masters in Business Administration (Finance) from City University, London. Since opening their doors in 2014, Oasis Place has grown into a thriving community of professional health providers specialising in therapies including sensory integration occupational, speech and music therapy, psychological assessments and intervention. Oasis Place continues to make its mark to provide a platform for continuous education and professional development in Autism and learning differences.

Resources

• Hyperdocs video
  
• Frontline video: Inside the Teenage Brain
  
• The Science of the Teenage Brain- Fresh Air Podcast
  
• Pomodoro technique
  
• Understanding and Overcoming Procrastination article and PDF from Princeton
  
• Causes and Cures in the Classroom By: Margaret Searle (Text)
  
• Center on the Developing Child, Harvard (Executive Functioning and Self-Regulation)
  
• The Five Minute Journal - intelligent change
  
• The Five Minute Journal app - intelligent change
  
• Smart But Scattered- Peg Dawson, Richard Guare
  

While pondering all this, I happened to run across a video posted on FB from an Elementary School principal at Concordia International school in Hanoi explaining just this. Kristin Kappelman, our guest on today’s podcast put together a message for parents; a message that explains the way their children might be acting and why, and also gives strategies for how to best support them. The video is fantastic. I was so moved by her message, that I wanted you all to see it and hear it as well.

Bio

Kristin Kappelmann has been working in international schools in East and Southeast Asia since 2000 in various roles: teacher, curriculum coordinator, Elementary assistant principal, and Elementary Principal. She's currently the ES Principal at Concordia International School Hanoi in Vietnam.

Show Notes

• Video by Kristin Kappelmann for parents.
  
• Conscious Discipline
  
• Trauma Informed schools
  

Welcome to Autism Awareness Month. On today’s podcast, we speak with Dr. Stephen Shore, an adult with autism.

Our discussion today revolves around the 4 A’s of Autism: Awareness, Acceptance, Appreciation & Action, as well as how we can best support our learners and their families during the COVID pandemic.

BIO

Diagnosed with “Atypical Development and strong autistic tendencies” and recommended for institutionalization, Dr. Shore is now an Adelphi University professor of Special Education and internationally renowned for education, publications, and consulting. A board member of Autism Speaks, president emeritus of the Asperger/Autism Network, and former board member of the Autism Society, Dr. Shore serves on the boards of numerous related organizations.

CONNECT

• Website
• Twitter
• Facebook

Today I speak with Gustavo Soriano, Gustavo he Senior Director of International Programs at Best Buddies International. His role is to oversee the organization's programs abroad, encompassing 56 countries and territories across six continents of the world. Not familiar with Best Buddies? No problem, you’ll get to learn about the history, mission, and incredible work of this fantastic organization.

Connect

Best Buddies International

• Website
  

Bios:

Gustavo Soriano is the Senior Director of International Programs at Best Buddies International. In this role, he combines his unique blend of non-profit and international management experience to oversee the organization's programs abroad, encompassing 56 countries and territories across six continents of the world. Mr. Soriano has been in charge of the organization's geographical expansion outside of the United States and the global development of their supported employment program.

Previously the Director of Programs at Global Brigades, Mr. Soriano has also held leadership positions in many other non-profit organizations working on public health and sustainable development in Latin America. A Medical Doctor graduate from Universidad Evangélica de El Salvador, Mr. Soriano holds an MS Degree in International Administration and Public Health from the School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Miami.

Drs. Melissa McCart and Sondra Marshall are experts in the field of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and the implications of a TBI on learning. Sondra Marshall, PhD, is a Licensed Psychologist with St. Charles Health System in Bend, Oregon. Melissa McCart, Ed.D, is a national and international speaker and author on the topic of brain injury and return to school following injury. Both are involved with CBIRT, the Center on Brain Injury Research and Training.

Today we discussed TBI in young children and the possible  implications on future learning. We also talked about how students with TBI are different than students with learning disabilities and how they need to be treated as such. Dr. McCart and Dr. Marshall shared their insights on the importance of collaboration between home and school and how educators can learn more about Traumatic Brain Injury through the impressive amount of resources available through Return to School.

Connect

Center for Brain Injury Research and Training

• Website
  
• Facebook
  

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Show

Return to School

• Return to School Tips and Tools
  
• Webinars
  

Bios:

Sondra Marshall, PhD, is a Licensed Psychologist with St. Charles Health System in Bend, Oregon. She has been involved with the Oregon Concussion and Awareness Management Program since 2007, working with team members in the development of return to play and return to learn protocols post concussion. Dr. Marshall also worked with Drs. Ann Glang and Melissa McCart and the team from the Center of Brain Injury Research and Training at the University of Oregon on Brain 101, a research project that looked at concussion management in the high school setting. Finally, Dr. Marshall is working with the CBIRT team on a CDC awarded Return To Learn after TBI grant that specifically assess the concussion program Dr. Marshall and colleagues established in their community.

Melissa McCart, Ed.D, is a national and international speaker and author on the topic of brain injury and return to school following injury. She earned her doctorate in Educational Methodology, Policy and Leadership, her M.S. in behavioral disorders and applied behavior analysis, and her administrator’s licenses from the University of Oregon’s nationally ranked College of Education. She has worked extensively with at-risk children and families as a behavior specialist, behavior consultant and special education teacher. She is currently the director of the Oregon TBI Teams and works in the field of TBI research at the Center on Brain Injury Research and Training (CBIRT) at the University of Oregon. Prior to joining the CBIRT team, Melissa spent 7 years as a school administrator, 2 years as a behavioral consultant, and 8 years as a special education teacher to students with emotional/behavioral disorders. Melissa currently is a member of the National Collaborative on Childhood Brain Injury and serves on the Return to Learn, Policy, Common Data Elements and Community of Practice Committees.

Today host Lori Boll speaks with Robyn Reagan who is the Executive Director for Circle of Friends. Circle of s a school inclusion program for students

who experience social isolation due to disability or other challenges.

Through weekly lunches and meaningful activities students develop

compassion and the understanding that they are more alike than different.

CoF promotes a culture of acceptance and genuine friendship.In our show today, Robyn shares about this fantastic program and the research behind it. By the end you’ll know how you can become a Circle of Friends advisor in your school. And you’ll have HOPE. and that HOPE is for our future and also an acronym which you’ll hear more about later.

Connect

• Website

Bio

Robyn has been improving systems and supports for children, youth and families for over three decades. Her first role model was Annie Sullivan, "Teacher" and friend to Helen Keller. Robyn is a lifelong advocate for children who struggle to make their gifts and needs known.

Today, host Lori Boll speaks with Dr. Jack Naglieri. Some of you may recognize that last name. Yes, he is the creator of the Naglieri Noverbal Ability Test. Jack and Lori speak about how traditional IQ tests do not measure how students think. Rather, they measure what they know- which is an inherently biased and unfair practice. Today’s conversation is eye-opening and hopefully gets us all thinking about changing the traditional system and the benefits of doing so.

Connect with Jack

• Website
• Blog
• Twitter

Bio

Dr. Jack A. Naglieri, Ph.D. Emeritus Professor at George Mason University and Senior Research Scientist at the Devereux Center for Resilient Children. His main interest is the development of psychological and educational tests and the implications these approaches have for accurate and equitable assessment. He has published about 25 books, 50 tests and rating scales, and approximately 300 research papers. Jack is the author of tests used for identification of gifted students including the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test, the Naglieri Tests of General Ability Verbal, Quantitative and Nonverbal with coauthors Dina Brulles and Kim Lansdowne and the forthcoming Kaufman Multidimensional Assessment of Creativity with James Kaufman and Cecil Reynolds. He is also well known for his neurocognitive theory of intelligence referred to as PASS and measured with the Cognitive Assessment System-2nd Edition and the related book Helping Children Learn-Second Edition; the Autism Spectrum Rating Scale (2010); Comprehensive Executive Function Inventory (2013); the Devereux Elementary Student Strengths Assessment (DESSA); and the DESSA-mini for universal screening of SEL behaviors. I

In this conversation, Reneé shares how responsible inclusion comes to life at ICS Addis, from culturally rooted community practices to intentional collaboration across student support teams. The episode explores MTSS, post-secondary transitions, empowering educational assistants, and the importance of shifting from deficit-based thinking to strength-based, asset-focused practices. Reneé also reflects on leadership, growth, and why inclusive systems must be viewed as an ongoing journey rather than a finished destination.

Connect:

• Website 

• Linkedin

• Virtually ConnectEd

• Linden Global Learning Support

This conversation offers practical strategies for teachers, counselors, and parents to build flexible thinking and strengthen executive functioning.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts, and SENIA members can also watch the video on Mighty Networks. Either way, you can access the template and start using this strategy right away.

Connect:

• Facebook

• Instagram

• LinkedIn

• YouTube

Resources From Today’s Show:

• How to Solve Problems Before They Become Problems Think-sheet

• Student 1 Example

• Student 2 Example

• Student 3 Example

• 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 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

Connect

• Email: alexandrawong2002@gmail.com

• Website: NextGen Accessibility Initiative

• LinkedIn

On today’s podcast, host Lori Boll speaks with long time SENIA friend and Executive Functioning expert, Sarah Ward. Sarah and Lori discuss Processing Speed, and how having either slow or fast processing speed can impact our everyday lives, what teachers or families may recognize in the classroom or home, and how we can best support these challenges. This is a must-listen for all of us. Enjoy!

Connect

• Website
• Twitter
• Instagram

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Podcast:

• Bright Kids Who Can't Keep Up: Help Your Child Overcome Slow Processing Speed and Succeed in a Fast-Paced World- By Ellen Braaten, PhD

Bio

Sarah Ward, M.S., CCC/SLP has over 25 years of experience in the treatment of executive dysfunction. Sarah is an internationally recognized expert on executive function and presents seminars on the programs and strategies she has developed with her Co-Director Kristen Jacobsen. Their 360 Thinking Executive Function Program received the Innovative Promising Practices Award from the National Organization CHADD. She has presented to over 1400 public and private schools in the United States, Canada and Europe.

Overview: 

Today host Lori Boll speaks with Ceci Gomez-Galvez who was one of our SENIA virtual conference speakers this year. Ceci (she.her.ella) is a collaborator, coach and advocate who empowers educators to create equitable learning opportunities for all language learners. Born and raised in Guatemala City, Ceci grew up in a unique bilingual household nurtured by her family who valued languages equally. Inspired by her own upbringing and her extensive experience in international schools, Ceci now leads a support program for multilingual learners based on practices which ensure culturally responsive teaching and equitable access.

Ceci and Lori speak about promoting language equity and translanguaging in our international schools as well as focusing on strong home-school partnerships in supporting a student’s language development. It’s always great learning from Ceci. 

Connect

• ⁠Ceci's website⁠

• ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Resources from today’s show:

• ⁠Dr. Ofelia Garcia⁠

• ⁠Ginny Rojas⁠

• ⁠Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld⁠

• ⁠Street Data⁠

Bio

Ceci (she.her.ella) is a collaborator, coach and advocate who empowers educators to create equitable learning opportunities for all language learners. Born and raised in Guatemala City, Ceci grew up in a unique bilingual household nurtured by her family who valued languages equally. Inspired by her own upbringing and her extensive experience in international schools, Ceci now leads a support program for multilingual learners based on practices which ensure culturally responsive teaching and equitable access.

Inclusion is essential in all areas of life, and Roland Benzon has invented a way for people who are deaf or blind can enjoy their favorite movies, TV shows, or podcasts. While not an educator, Roland has a personal connection to the special needs community and set out to find a way to help solve a problem. How could he help people in the deaf and blind community experience media in an engaging way? He started Wika Media and the possibilities for how this can be used are endless.

Connect

• Website
  

Bio

Roland Benzon has over 30 years of experience in IT, media, and telecommunications. A serial entrepreneur, Roland has patented over half a dozen inventions, including his latest innovations for the inclusion of people with hearing and/or visual disabilities. Roland is one of the cofounders of Wika Media.

Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician, Dr. Roby Marcou, and I discuss the developmental and behavioral impact of the Covid 19 experiences on children, adolescents, families and educators. What should teachers do to help their students adjust? What are some strategies families can use if their child is experiencing anxiety about returning? And, what should schools be focusing on during their first few months back? Hint: It’s not “Business as usual.” Make sure to forward this on to your school counselors and administrators so everyone comes back to school on the same page.

Connect

• Website
  
• Facebook
  
• Quek and Marcou
  
• The Chesapeake Center
  

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Podcast:

• Atomic Habits: an Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones  by James Clear
  
• 
  

Bio

Dr Roby Marcou is an American Board Certified Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician with practices in Singapore and the Washington DC area. She has practiced in Asia for 27 years and has worked with children, adolescents, parents and schools throughout the region.

Today Lori and Jill discuss healthy strategies for you as a parent or teacher to use on yourself or with your students/children when you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed during COVID. Jill is a two-time best-selling author and speaker who is passionate about helping parents and educators understand their struggling students and the possibilities for real change. She is also the founder of the Stowell Center.

Connect

• Website
  
• Facebook
  
• Twitter
  
• Instagram
  

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Show

• At Wit's End: A Parent's Guide to Ending the Struggle, Tears and Turmoil of Learning Disabilities
  
• The Dyslexia, Learning, and Attention Challenge Solution: How to Build a Profitable, Heart-Centered Business that Transforms the Learning Disability Epidemic
  
• Morning Journal- Journal Lori mentioned that she uses.
  

Bio

Jill Stowell is the founder and executive director of Stowell Learning Centers where she and her team have helped thousands of children and adults permanently correct their learning or attention challenges.

Jill is a two-time best-selling author and speaker who is passionate about helping parents and educators understand their struggling students and the possibilities for real change.

Today I speak with two of the co-founders of Spokle. Spokle empowers parents to support their child’s speech therapy with home-based exercises. They do this using over 400 video tutorials developed by experienced therapists, who guide both parents and therapists along each step on the path to developing spoken language. They provide simple play-based activities that can be completed in 5-10 minutes using everyday items. As a parent, this is something I certainly wish I had access to when my son was first developing language. It is a true gift to families. Enjoy today’s podcast!

Connect

• Website
  
• Facebook
  
• Twitter
  
• Instagram
  

Bios:

Gia Kuek lived in Indonesia more than 20 years ago where services were scarce and schools were non-existent for children with disabilities. She believes that every child is special and every special needs child is a gift that makes one's journey interesting but rewarding as well. She is a mother of a child with a disability who is independent, kind and funny. She is also speech language therapist.

Andrew was the Global Rehabilitation Manager for Cochlear Ltd from 2010 to 2016 where his role was to develop and drives the rehabilitation strategy for the company to ensure candidates, recipients and professionals are well supported across the globe.

Andrew is a certified LSLS Cert. AVT and served on the Board of Directors of the A G Bell Academy for four years.

In 2016 along with his Co-founders, Elisabeth Yunarko and Gia Keuk, they created Spokle.

Andrew continues to passionately work as an Auditory Verbal Therapist at the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC) supporting families whose child has a hearing loss.

Connect

• Sybil Hall Website

• Teachers Need Teachers

• LinkedIn

Resources From Today’s Show:

• 
  Teacher Burnout Resource
  

Connect:

• Mona Lisa Effect® Website

• LinkedIn

• Martian in the Playground

• Pretending to Be Normal

Note: Both of these books reference the term “Asperger’s Syndrome,” which is no longer in use. Current language reflects our growing understanding of autism and neurodivergence.

Resources From Today’s Show:

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 in authenticity, vulnerability, and bold creative expression.

We talk about:

• How art can challenge ideas of beauty and normalcy
  

• What it’s like teaching across cultures as a disabled educator
  

• Why inclusive classrooms need representation in every brushstroke
  

• Practical tips for teachers who want to bring disability inclusion into the art room
  

You don’t want to miss this one. Tune in and be inspired.

Connect:

• Vanessa’s email

• Vanessa’s Portfolio

• LinkedIn

  Resources From Today’s Show:

• UNICEF Video

Today I speak to Emmy Thamakaison, a rising Grade 12 student at International School Bangkok who wrote a bilingual children’s book about a child learning about his ADHD, what it means, how he can work with it, and what gifts it can bring him, because, yes, it can be a superpower. JJ’s Squiggly Mind was written with an aim to help destigmatize ADHD and other learning differences as a whole. And, 100% of proceeds from the sales of this book go to local charities which support students with learning differences. So, make sure to visit the website below to get your free downloadable copy for purchase Emmy’s book. And now...onto the show.

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast:

• JJ’s Squiggly Mind Website with Free downloadable book
  

Bio

Emmy Thamakaison is a student activist in Thailand, author of JJ's Squiggly Mind, and Executive Director of SENIA Youth International. She is passionate about advocating for exceptionalities and is dedicated to giving back to the community.

For those of us new to the Design Thinking model, Phil recommends this starter kit: Design Thinking for Educators.

Connect

• Website
  
• Twitter Phil
  
• Twitter Mario Framework
  

Bio

Philip Bowman is an experienced high school learning support teacher at International School Bangkok and helped set-up up the Thailand branch of SENIA nine years ago. He is committed to helping other teachers create personalized learning support classes that are measured, ambitious, research-based, and structured around one-to-one learning. To assist in making this mission a reality, Philip has founded the MARIO Framework as a professional development resource for teachers and schools.

Today I speak with Vanessa Weber and Kate Balsamo, both from International School Kuala Lumpur. All three of us work with students with moderate to severe needs and thought it would be helpful for us and hopefully others, to discuss what we’re doing in our virtual lessons and what we’ve learned about all of this along the way. And trust me, we’ve learned a lot!

The chairperson of the SENIA Europe board of directors is our guest today. April Remfrey spent years as a special educator in the international schools. She understands how hard it can be for families to find a “good fit” for their children with special learning needs, and now dedicates her time by helping families. Today, April and I discuss what families can do when they find out they are moving and best practices for international school admissions departments. Finally, SENIA Europe is growing and beginning to do some exciting things. If you’re in Europe, make sure to sign up today.

Connect

• Website
  
• Facebook
  
  • Remfrey Educational Consulting
    
  • Parenting Children with Special Needs in Switzerland
    
  • SENIA Europe
    

Bio

April Remfrey is an educational consultant that focuses her time working with globally mobile families that have children with special needs when they are searching for a new school. April is also creating software for international schools and serves on the board of directors for SENIA-Europe. www.remfreyeducationalconsulting.com

Parents with children with special needs can find themselves overwhelmed as they do their best to care for their children. It's easy for them to get caught up doing many "good" tasks throughout the day to ensure their child's growth. As a parent coach, Sharoya Ham aims to give parents the permission to let go of some of those “I-need-to-do” tasks to focus on self-care and to recapture the joy of parenting. Her motto for parents is: Parenting is a Gift; Not a To-Do List!

Today Sharoya talks about the three C’s of parenting a child with profound needs: Connection, Community, & Coaching.

Connect with Sharoya

• Facebook- Embrace Behavior Change
  
• Facebook- Embrace Behavior Change Parent Group- Private
  
• Email
  

Bio

Sharoya is a veteran teacher and former stay-at-home mom of 17 years, who's now the Founder of Embrace Behavior Change, a parent coaching practice aimed at helping parents transform from a state of stress and overwhelm to a place of confidence and peace in their parenting. She has a special place in her heart for special needs families.

Today Lori Boll speaks with Aidan and Lisa Sos. Aidan and LIsa first met Lori on a playground in Shanghai, China when they had just been told that Aidan could no longer attend the international school he was attending due to his Intellectual Developmental Disability (IDD). So, he ended up attending a small school for individuals with special needs that Lori was directing at the time. In the podcast, Lori, Aidan, and Lisa speak about Aidan’s experiences growing up with IDD, his joys, his struggles, and successes. Stay tuned til the end when Aidan shares some incredibly exciting news!

Connect

• Website
• Instagram - Aidan
• Instagram - Lisa
• Instagram - Lisa and Aidan

Resources from Today’s Show

UCLA Pathways

List of University Program for students with disabilities

Bio

Aidan: I was in Ms. Lori’s class in Shanghai. I am intellectually disabled and am about to enter UCLA Pathways. I’m 19, confident and positive.

Lisa: Lisa is a stay at home mother of two children; both young adults. Lisa and Aidan are currently creating their own podcast to share their journey through Aidan’s school career and advocating for him.

Today, host Lori Boll speaks with Kathleen Kryza, an outstanding international presenter/consultant and author of 6 books for educators who is committed to bringing best brain-based educational practices to schools and teachers so they can support and nurture their students. On today’s podcast, Kathleen tells us why it’s important to teach our students about how their brains work by being intentional and transparent and how this learning helps our students succeed. Kathleen also shares some practical tips and strategies that you can start using in your homes or classrooms immediately. 

Connect:

• Website 

• LinkedIn

• Facebook

  Resources from today’s show:

• Carol Dweck Growth Mindset Ted Talk

• Stuart Ablom

• Marianne Brittingham

• Dr. Jack Naglieri & Jackie Iseman Mathematics Study (you will need access to SagePub)

Kathleen Kryza is an international presenter/consultant and author of 6 books for educators. She has worked with schools around the world for over 30 years. As a teacher-researcher, Kathleen is passionate, informed and committed to bringing best brain-based educational practices to schools and teachers so they can support and nurture their students. Kathleen has taught general education, special education, gifted and talented students, and students of varying socio-economic and multi-cultural backgrounds.

Dr. Singer and I speak today about how she became interested in how Executive Functioning skills and language disorders are related as well as how teachers and parents can recognize when a child might be struggling with EF challenges. And we discuss ways to support these challenges. And now...onto the show.

Connect

• Website
  
• Facebook
  
• Instagram
  
• Twitter
  

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Podcast:

• Article: Building the Brain’s Air Traffic Control System: How Early Experiences Shape the Development of Executive Function.
  
• Article: What are Executive Functions and Self Regulation and What Do They Have to Do With Language-Learning Disorders?
  
• Article: Wait...What??? Guiding Intervention Principles for Students With Verbal Working Memory Limitations
  
• Frontline Episode: Inside the Teenage Brain
  
• Book: I Read It, but I Don’t Get It
  
• Books written by Adele Diamond
  

Rachael shares how creative approaches to social-emotional learning and citizenship can help educators nurture belonging, connection, and agency in meaningful ways. With programs that have reached more than 3 million children worldwide, this episode offers practical insight and inspiration for anyone committed to building more inclusive learning environments.

Connect

• Website: BigBadBoo

• Website: Co-create Schools

• Linkedin

Today I speak with Dr. Joan Schumann who is just beginning a new position as Director of Professional Learning and Instruction at International School Beijing. Prior to this she served as the Director of Student Support Services at Stamford American School in Singapore.

Dr. Schumann and fellow K-12 Directors are passionate about strengthening evidenced-based practices within the international school system. She has helped to spearhead the International MTSS professional learning event and hopes it will translate to improved instructional practice and increased student learning.

And this exciting event is what we’ll be discussing today.

Connect

• Website
  
• Twitter
  
• Facebook
  

Bio

Dr. Schumann and fellow K-12 Directors are passionate about strengthening evidenced-based practices within the international school system. She has helped to spearhead the International MTSS professional learning event and hopes it will translate to improved instructional practice and increased student learning.

• Website:  International School Kenya

Resources from Today's Show

• ASDAN
• STEPS Community
• ISLES Collaborative

“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 collaborative student support model that blends EAL and learning support, a schoolwide wellness and SEL program, and intentional MTSS problem-solving. Reabetswe also shares how aligning UDL and WIDA standards helps ensure multilingual learners can fully access the curriculum.

🎧 Tune in for a thoughtful, practice-driven discussion on inclusion, collaboration, and designing schools around student needs

Connect

• Website: Hangzhou International School 
• LinkedIn: Hangzhou International School
• Reabetswe’s LinkedIn
• Reabetswe’s email

Resources from Today's Show

• WIDA

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 that reaches far beyond school walls.

#SENIA #Inclusion #Education #SpotlightSeries

• Email: yasoda.deva@sis.sch.id
• LinkedIn
• Website: Surabaya Intercultural School 

Connect:

• Website: Osaka YMCA International School

Laura’s LinkedInResources From Today’s Show:

• Virtually ConnectEd

• International Diagnostic Solutions

Jamie Shields is a vibrant advocate for disability rights, known for his engaging personality and insightful perspectives. In our recent podcast episode, Jamie shared his journey as a registered blind individual, emphasizing the importance of self-identification and the nuances of language within the disability community.

We also explored his organization, "Disabled by Society," which highlights the societal barriers that truly disable individuals rather than focusing solely on their disabilities. Jamie's colorful branding reflects his belief in breaking down these barriers and promoting open dialogue about disability. This episode serves as a warm-up for his upcoming keynote at our virtual conference, providing listeners with a taste of his wisdom and a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding disability in society.

Connect

• LinkedIn

• Email: info@disabledbysociety.com

• Website
  

Today host Lori Boll speaks with educator and author Kwame Sarfo-Mensah about his recently published book "Learning to Relearn" which is a call for unlearning and relearning, encouraging teachers to continually evolve their practices to meet the diverse needs of their students. Kwame tells us his inspiration behind writing the book as well as how we can all become better educators by celebrating the intersectionality of our students. You won’t want to miss this episode!

Connect

• Email: kwamesarfomensah@gmail.com

• Website: Identity Talk

• YouTube

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

• Twitter- @identityshaper

  Resources From Today’s Show:

• Identity Talk: Educators Live Podcast

• Book: Learning to Relearn

Heidi shares some of her expertise on distinguishing between English as an Additional Language (EAL), Specific Learning Disabilities, and Language Impairments. This provides a valuable preview of the more comprehensive information she will be sharing at the upcoming SENIA virtual conference. Be sure to join us at the conference to learn even more from Heidi.

Connect

• The UDL Approach Website

• LinkedIn

  
  

  Resources From Today’s Show:

• CAST Website

• Culturally Responsive Design for English Learners: The UDL Approach

• Design and Deliver

Connect

• The Proud Stutter Website

• Instagram

• Facebook

• LinkedIn

Resources From Today’s Show:

⁠Support Proud Stutter’s Documentary⁠- Rock of Hope

⁠Jay Jordan Navigated Incarceration With A Stutter. Now He’s Transforming the Criminal Justice System.⁠

⁠Nina G. Comedian Tedx⁠

⁠Life of Verbal Turbulence Comic Book⁠

⁠Life on Delay Memoir⁠

Overview: 

Today host Lori Boll speaks with Ceci Gomez-Galvez who was one of our SENIA virtual conference speakers this year. Ceci (she.her.ella) is a collaborator, coach and advocate who empowers educators to create equitable learning opportunities for all language learners. Born and raised in Guatemala City, Ceci grew up in a unique bilingual household nurtured by her family who valued languages equally. Inspired by her own upbringing and her extensive experience in international schools, Ceci now leads a support program for multilingual learners based on practices which ensure culturally responsive teaching and equitable access.

Ceci and Lori speak about promoting language equity and translanguaging in our international schools as well as focusing on strong home-school partnerships in supporting a student’s language development. It’s always great learning from Ceci. 

Connect

• Ceci's website

• LinkedIn

Resources from today’s show:

• Dr. Ofelia Garcia

• Ginny Rojas

• Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld

• Street Data

Bio

Ceci (she.her.ella) is a collaborator, coach and advocate who empowers educators to create equitable learning opportunities for all language learners. Born and raised in Guatemala City, Ceci grew up in a unique bilingual household nurtured by her family who valued languages equally. Inspired by her own upbringing and her extensive experience in international schools, Ceci now leads a support program for multilingual learners based on practices which ensure culturally responsive teaching and equitable access.

Overview: Host Lori Boll speaks with Max Simpson. Max has demonstrated a proven track record in the inclusion space from establishing 3 vocational training centers, modelling 11 inclusive and sustainable social businesses, and delivering essential consultancy services to organisations seeking enhanced inclusivity. Earlier this year, Max inaugurated a research centre dedicated to advancing knowledge in this domain. A fervent advocate for the business case for disability and neuro-inclusion, Max extends an invitation to potential partners to collaborate on a shared mission of fostering an inclusive society. 

In today’s podcast Max shares about an exciting collaboration between Steps, a vocational training program they founded in Bangkok Thailand, and St. Andrew’s 107, an international school in the area. Once you hear about this program, you’ll immediately want to start one at your school.

Connect

• STEPS website

• LinkedIn

• Facebook

Bio:

Max Simpson has demonstrated a proven track record in the inclusion space from establishing 3 vocational training centers, modelling 11 inclusive and sustainable social businesses, and delivering essential consultancy services to organisations seeking enhanced inclusivity. Earlier this year, Max inaugurated a research centre dedicated to advancing knowledge in this domain. A fervent advocate for the business case for disability and neuro-inclusion, Max extends an invitation to potential partners to collaborate on a shared mission of fostering an inclusive society. 

Today host Lori Boll speaks with G. Cody QJ Goldberg, co-founder and Chief Play Officer of Harper’s Playground which inspires and empowers global communities to build radically inclusive playgrounds. Through storytelling, consulting, and unique design principles, they create playful nature-scapes where people of all ages and abilities find belonging and social connection through play. Lori and Cody discuss the inspiration behind Harper’s Playground, Cody’s belief  that a well designed and realized inclusive play space can truly transform a community for the better,and of how schools and communities can design physically inviting, socially inviting, and emotionally inviting spaces.

Connect

• Facebook

• Instagram

• Twitter

Resources from today’s show:

• Kathy Snow: Disability is Natural

• Inclusion is Dope shop (all proceeds go to building inclusive playgrounds)

Bio:

Father of two, Cody proudly serves as the Chief Play Officer of Harper’s Playground. A graduate of New York University with a BFA in film and television studies, he co-founded the organization in 2010 along with his wife, April. Together they spearheaded the design, funding and construction of the first Harper’s Playground in Portland, Oregon. A big fan of inclusion of all kinds, Cody is committed to creating opportunities for both of his daughters to build friendships and community for themselves. He believes that the power of a well designed and realized inclusive play space can truly transform a community for the better.

Today host Lori Boll speaks with Samuel Young the founder of Scholars Academy, a strength-based, talent-focused virtual enrichment center that supports twice-exceptional students and their families. Sam is a neurodivergent educator who has ADHD. As an ADHD learner, he has a tremendous understanding of, experience in, and respect for all things related to neurodiverse education. Today, Sam and I talk about our 2E students and how using a strength-based and talent focused approach is so beneficial for them.

Connect

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Podcast:

• Bridges Academy
• To Be Gifted & Learning Disbiled, by Susan M. Baum, PhD & Robin Shader, PhD
• Joseph Renzulli
• Seth Perler
• Illuminating Interviews- Dr. Rick Olenchak
• Child Nexus
• 2E News

Bio

Samuel Young, MEd, is a growth-minded, two-time Fulbright Scholar and Director of Young Scholars Academy, a strength-based, talent-focused virtual enrichment center that supports twice-exceptional students and their families. Samuel is a neurodivergent educator who has ADHD. As an ADHD learner, he has a tremendous understanding of, experience in, and respect for all things related to neurodiverse education.

Today host Lori Boll speaks with Patrick (Paddy) McGrath, who is an  international speaker, blogger, podcaster, and Head of Education Strategy at the Texthelp Group. Paddy shares how we can use digital tools to help our students better access our documents, but emphasizes the importance of making the content accessible first and foremost. You’ll leave today’s podcast with an easy way to make your documents more accessible and with more understanding of Universal Design for Learning.

Resources from Today’s Show

• Installing Lexend font

Bio

Patrick is an educator, international speaker, blogger, podcaster, Honorary Fellow at UU and Head of Education Strategy at the Texthelp Group - the world's largest specialist assistive technology company. Patrick is passionate about ensuring that technology has a positive, meaningful and sustainable impact on teaching & learning through a focus on inclusion, accessibility and universal design

Today our host Lori Boll speaks with Dr. Elizabeth Henry, affectionately known as Dr. Liz. She is a nationally renowned, board-certified pediatrician, speaker, author, parent coach, and youth advocate. She is a trusted advisor to parents and youth and the founder of Dr. Liz Consulting, a company created to empower parents and uplift youth.

After graduating from Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine, and Georgetown’s Pediatric Residency Program, Dr. Liz has spent over twenty years as a pediatrician and youth consultant.

Dr. Liz has written a book entitled You are NOT a bad parent.A Pediatrician's Guide To Reducing Conflict And Connecting With Your Teens

We discuss her approach to communicating with the pre teens and teenagers in your life, whether you are a parent, teacher, aunt, uncle- we all  can benefit from learning more about teenagers and the best way to communicate with them. And as Dr. Liz will tell you, communication is key.

Connect

• Website
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Instagram 
• Youtube

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Show

• Course:  21 Day Boost Your Connection with Your Teen Email Challenge
• Book: You Are Not A Bad Parent: A Pediatrician's Guide To Reducing Conflict And Connecting With Your Teens

Bio:

Dr. Elizabeth Henry, affectionately known as Dr. Liz, is a nationally renowned, board-certified pediatrician, speaker, author, parent coach, and youth advocate. She is a trusted advisor to parents and youth and the founder of Dr. Liz Consulting, a company created to empower parents and uplift youth.

After graduating from Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine, and Georgetown’s Pediatric Residency Program, Dr. Liz has spent over twenty years as a pediatrician and youth consultant.

Her new book, "You Are Not A Bad Parent: A Pediatrician's Guide To Reducing Conflict And Connecting With Your Teens," reached #1 on the Amazon best seller list.

Welcome back to another year of Roundtable discussions with Erin Madonna and Lori Boll. Today Erin and Lori chat about some professional learning they engaged in over the summer break and invite the SENIA community to share topics they would like to see discussed in future Roundtables. We’d also love to have you join us for a discussion, so reach out to us and let us know if you would be interested in being a guest.

Resources Discussed in Today’s Show

• Hidden Brain Podcast: “What’s not on the test: The overlooked factors that determine success”
• Perry Preschool Study
• Reading Meetings Podcast with Dr. Mark Seidenberg and Dr. Molly Farry-Thorn

Connect:

Lori Boll

Twitter

Website

Erin Madonna

Twitter

Website

Bios

Erin Madonna

Erin Madonna is a Learning Support Teacher at International School Bangkok (ISB) and serves on the Educational Advisory Council for the MARIO Framework. Prior to joining the staff at ISB, Erin worked as part of the team developing the inaugural inclusive learning program at Shekou International School (SIS) in Shenzhen, China, and before that as an intensive needs teacher in US Title 1 schools.

Lori Boll

Lori is SENIA’s Executive Director after teaching for 25 years. When Lori’s son was diagnosed with profound autism in 2003, Lori changed her focus from teaching elementary to special education. Lori worked internationally for 20 years, and now finds herself back in the United States building a program for her now adult son.

Intro music for the Roundtable written and performed by Madi Boll.

Today on the podcast, we welcome back Tracey Ellis from International Diagnostic Solutions (IDS) to discuss the impact this past pandemic year has had on families, parents, teachers, and students with learning needs. Tracey predicts there will be large uptake in student referrals for assessment and evaluation since so many of our kids spent the year behind a computer screen, making it more difficult for their teachers and specialists to be able to identify possible red flags.

Connect with Tracey

• Website
  
• Twitter
  
• Facebook
  
• Email
  

Bio

Tracey Ellis is the CEO and founder of International Diagnostic Solutions, a company providing online special needs services and therapy to families and schools around the world through a telehealth model. Tracey started IDS over a decade ago as the first online special education team to support families abroad.

As an occupational therapist by training and with a background in public health and special education, Tracey recognized early on that using online delivery of support and resources could mean that children could have access to experts, treatment, and assessment no matter where they lived. As a champion for inclusion, Tracey has worked hard in these 10 years to provide schools with the resources and training to make sure that all children participate and all children succeed.

Dr. Lorea Martínez Pérez is the award-winning founder of HEART in Mind Consulting, a company dedicated to helping schools and organizations integrate Social Emotional Learning in their practices, products, and learning communities.

Today we discuss what part emotions play in learning and how we can build relational trust with our students. We also talk about Dr. Martinez’ latest book, Teaching with the Heart in mind, and learn what that acronym H.E.A.R.T. stands for in regards to Social Emotional Learning.

Connect

• Website
  
• Twitter
  
• Facebook
  

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Show

• Book: Teaching with the HEART in Mind
  
• Article: Understanding Resistance to SEL
  

Bio:

Dr. Lorea Martínez Pérez is the award-winning founder of HEART in Mind Consulting, a company dedicated to helping schools and organizations integrate Social Emotional Learning in their practices, products, and learning communities. An educator who has worked with children and adults internationally, Dr. Martínez is a faculty member at Columbia University Teachers College, educating aspiring principals in Emotional Intelligence. Her second book for educators, Teaching with the HEART in Mind, is currently available. Previously, she was a special education teacher and administrator. Learn more at loreamartinez.com

Today I speak with Patricia Padorsek, a Director of Teaching and Learning formerly of International School of Kuala Lumpur and now on her way to International School Nido de Aguilas in Chile.

Our topic today is an important one. So many of us want to create and sustain change in our schools, especially in terms of inclusion and other issues we, as people who advocate for differently-abled individuals hold so dear. Patricia shares how we can help to create sustainable change in schools and ideas for us to try when the idea is not received well by others.

Patricia will also be a speaker at our upcoming speaker event where she and her colleague will discuss Universal Design for Learning, another important topic for us all.

Connect

• Website
  

Resources Mentioned in today’s show:

• Grading From the Inside Out by Tom Schimmer
  

Bio:

Patricia is passionate about bringing high quality teaching and learning to every child. She admits to being a geek when it comes to conversations around such riveting topics as assessment, inquiry, design, and the future of learning. She hails from Michigan originally, and has lived and worked in Ecuador, Kenya, India, Malaysia, and Chile. She loves food and believes there can never be too much garlic in a recipe.

Jon Nordmeyer is the international programs director for WIDA, and will be one of our speakers at our upcoming conference. WIDA provides language development resources to those who support the academic success of multilingual learners. They offer a comprehensive, research-based system of language standards, assessments, professional learning and educator assistance. WIDA’s trusted resources are used by 41 domestic states and territories and more than 400 international schools throughout the world.

Jon and I speak about our multilingual students and WIDA’s work in supporting a global network of international schools. We also discuss how we can Bridge the Gap between and move past silos as learning support and English language teachers; how we can collaborate to provide the best education for all of our students.

Connect

• Website
  
• Twitter
  
• Linkedin
  

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Podcast:

• ELLSA- English Language Learning Specialist in Asia
  
• WIDA course online Stretching Your Coteaching (Oct 26 – Nov 16)
  
• Work referenced by Andrea Honigsfeld and Maria Dove
  
• WIDA in Global Contexts
  
• NFI (Next Frontier Inclusion)
  

Bio

Jon Nordmeyer is the International Programs Director at WIDA. He has been an international educator and consultant for 25 years, teaching at international schools in Quito, The Hague, Taipei, Istanbul, Shanghai and Bangkok. Jon has presented at international conferences in Africa, Asia, Europe and South America and has taught graduate seminars at Harvard Graduate School of Education and Tibet University. He has written articles for International Schools Journal and Journal of Staff Development, co-edited the book Integrating Language and Content (TESOL 2010) and serves on the editorial review board of Globally Informed, a peer-reviewed journal for international educators.

Dr. Ann Helmus is a clinical neuropsychologist and Executive Director of NESCA (Neuropsychology and Education Services for Children and Adolescents), in its 20th year in Boston. For the past five years she has provided education and consultations in Asia. Dr. Helmus specialises in providing comprehensive holistic evaluations of the children with learning developmental and emotional disorders as well as strength-based evaluations for children who are typically developing. She obtained her doctorate degree from Boston University School of Medicine and her undergraduate degree from Brown University.

Today we discuss her work in Asia and the differences between her evaluations in the US and overseas. We also discuss her upcoming presentation. Is there a difference between evaluations and assessment?

Dr. Helmus has been a popular speaker at SENIA events in the past and will speak again at our upcoming virtual conference.

Connect:

• Facebook
  
• Website
  

Bio

Ann Helmus,PhD is a clinical neuropsychologist and Executive Director of NESCA (Neuropsychology and Education Services for Children and Adolescents), in its 20th year in Boston. For the past five years she has provided education and consultations in Asia. Dr. Helmus specialises in providing comprehensive holistic evaluations of the children with learning developmental and emotional disorders as well as strength-based evaluations for children who are typically developing. She obtained her doctorate degree from Boston University School of Medicine and her undergraduate degree from Brown University.

Chances are, since you’re listening to our SENIA happy hour podcast, you are an advocate for inclusion. I’m so jazzed to bring you today’s show. I speak with Dr. Deborah Taub & Dr. Elizabeth Reyes from the TIES Center. TIES Center is the national technical assistance center on inclusive practices and policies.

Today we discuss the work TIES Center does, Universal Design for Learning, and how we can best support students with significant cognitive disabilities throughout this time of virtual instruction. If you don’t teach students with significant disabilities, trust me, you will still get so much from our discussion. These two are full of great ideas and resources and I can’t wait for you to hear it. So without further ado...onto the show.

Connect

• Website
  
• Facebook
  

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Podcast:

• Just Give Him the Whale
  
• Distance Learning Series- specific resource links
  
• 5/15/45
  
• 5C Process
  
• Data/ Benefits of Inclusion for all.
  
  • Classroom Variables and Access to the General Curriculum for Students with Disabilities
    
  • The Dynamic Relationship Between Context, Curriculum and Student Learning: A Case for Inclusive Education as a Research-Based Practice
    
  • Outcomes of Inclusive versus Separate Placements: A Matched Pairs Comparison Study
    

Bio

Deborah Taub, PhD conducts research, training, and technical assistance around ensuring equitable opportunities to learn for all students, including those with significant and complex needs. She draws from her experience as a classroom teacher and has expertise in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), co-teaching and coaching, making standards-based instruction accessible and supporting sustainable change at the school, district, state and national levels.

Elizabeth Reyes, Ph.D. is a research associate at UNC Charlotte for the TIES Center: Increasing Time, Instructional Effectiveness, Engagement, and State Support for Inclusive Practices for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities. As an educator, Dr. Reyes taught students with various high-incidence and low-incidence disabilities in Title I schools in both rural and urban areas in self-contained, resource, and inclusive school settings. Her current research interests include interventionist training for use of evidence-based practice interventions in inclusive settings for students with extensive support needs.

Nicole has been working with Autistic individuals for many years and is now leading research studies about the importance of the language we use when working with students on the spectrum. Today we discuss her study and discover how much has changed in this field since she first started. In an ever-evolving field, we all have a lot to learn.

Bio

Nicole Sparapani is an assistant professor in the school of education and faculty member at the UC Davis MIND Institute. She is an SLP by discipline and specializes in programming for students with ASD in classrooms. Her research and clinical practice go hand-in-hand. I study the engagement and learning of students with ASD in the classroom and the factors that impact this (ie, teachers’ language).

On our podcast today we speak with Greg O’Connor, a long-time friend of SENIA, who has spoken at many of our conferences and has taught us so much about how we can use technology to best support our students who need it. For over 30 years Greg has been actively involved in all levels of education, supporting the learning of ALL students as a classroom teacher, school executive, education department manager and technology consultant. He is currently a member of the Asia Pacific Texthelp Team, supporting technology innovation and implementation across the region.

Connect

• Websites
  
  • Greg O’Connor
    
  • texthelp
    
• Facebook
  
• Twitter
  
• Instagram
  

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Podcast:

Read&Write for Google Chrome™

Bio

For over 30 years Greg has been actively involved in all levels of education, supporting the learning of ALL students as a classroom teacher, school executive, education department manager and technology consultant. He is currently a member of the Asia Pacific Texthelp Team, supporting technology innovation and implementation across the region.

Sarah Ward has over 25 years of experience in the treatment of executive dysfunction.

We had a great conversation as Sarah helped me understand the key feature of Executive Functioning and how students go from the intention of completing a task to actually doing said task. We discussed the word “lazy” and ways to support students during remote learning. I’m confident you’ll take a lot away from today’s show, just as I did.

Connect

• Website
  
  • Cognitive Connections
    
• Twitter
  
• Instagram
  

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Podcast:

Upcoming webinar: Facilitating Executive Function Skills during Remote Instruction

Recommended Reading:

Declarative Language, Linda Murphy

The Procrastination Equation: How to Stop Putting Things Off and Start Getting Stuff Done, Piers Steele, PhD

The Explosive Child, Dr. Ross Greene

Video capture mechanisms recommended:

Loom

Screencastify

Awesome Screenshot

Bio

Sarah Ward, M.S., CCC/SLP has over 25 years of experience in the treatment of executive dysfunction. Sarah is an internationally recognized expert on executive function and presents seminars on the programs and strategies she has developed with her Co-Director Kristen Jacobsen. Their 360 Thinking Executive Function Program received the Innovative Promising Practices Award from the National Organization CHADD. She has presented to over 1400 public and private schools in the United States, Canada and Europe.

Dominique Blue is a special educator working in China. Like many of you, she has worked in schools where there is no official special education program. Does that mean there are no learning needs inthese schools? Of course not. So Dominique gives us some tips on how we can support struggling learners in our schools without programs. But that’s not all! Dominique tells us about raising her son who has 1p36 Deletion Syndrome. And she tells of her very important work as a member of AIELOC and their mission to dismantle structural racism in international schools. An educator, a mother, and a leader, Dominque Blue is an uber advocate..

Connect

• Website
  
• Twitter
  
• Linkedin
  

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Podcast:

• Association of International Educators and Leaders of Color- AIELOC
  
• Growing Up in Transit: The Politics of Belonging at an International School, by Danau Tanu
  

Bio

Dominique Blue is a Learning Support Coordinator based in China. Wife and mother to a son with 1p36 Deletion Syndrome, you will also find her putting in work to dismantle the structural racism present in international schools as an AIELOC Council Member.

Today I speak with Pat Noonan, a special educator from Massachusetts who, during the early days of online instruction, found a way to create lessons for his students that are engaging, interactive, and fun. Pat created a series of youtube videos that have a Blues Clues or Dora the Explorer type of format, but uses Boardmaker icons which help support nonverbal learners, autistic students, and well, basically all students.  Pat is an animated host and dedicated teacher. I hope you have as much fun with this episode as I did. And now...onto the show.

Connect

• Twitter
  
• Instagram
  
• Facebook
  
• Youtube Channel
  
• Website
  

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Podcast:

• Boardmaker Online
  
• Covid-19 Video
  
• Special Books By Special Kids Youtube channel
  
• Chris Ulmer- Twitter
  

Bio

Pat Noonan is the special educator behind Special Education with Pat, a YouTube channel dedicated to educational content for students with autism and intellectual disabilities. When COVID-19 forced schools to transition to remote learning, Pat's answer was to create videos from home filled with sounds and visuals to win over his students without being there in person. He plans to continue experimenting and finding new ways to reach students like his remotely.

While most of us were unceremoniously dumped into the world of remote virtual teaching recently, Tracey Ellis, CEO and founder of International Diagnostic Solutions (IDS) is a veteran. IDS is a company providing online special needs services and therapy to families and schools around the world through a telehealth model. Tracey started IDS over a decade ago as the first online special education team to support families abroad.

On today’s podcast, Tracey and I discuss how IDS can support students with speech, behavioral, academic, and OT needs.  They also support  families as they move to international schools that may not have multidisciplinary services to support their children with learning challenges. IDS helps give hope to families who want to have their children attend the same international school and not be separated due to a lack of services. Finally, IDS helps support teachers as well. Be sure to check out the IDS website for more information.

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast:

• Passport: A one-page profile parents can fill out for their child to give to future schools.
  
• Summer Book Club
  

Connect with Tracey

• Website
  
• Twitter
  
• Facebook
  
• Email
  

Bio

Tracey Ellis is the CEO and founder of International Diagnostic Solutions, a company providing online special needs services and therapy to families and schools around the world through a telehealth model. Tracey started IDS over a decade ago as the first online special education team to support families abroad.

As an occupational therapist by training and with a background in public health and special education, Tracey recognized early on that using online delivery of support and resources could mean that children could have access to experts, treatment, and assessment no matter where they lived. As a champion for inclusion, Tracey has worked hard in these 10 years to provide schools with the resources and training to make sure that all children participate and all children succeed.

On today’s podcast, Coach Dave shares about the effectiveness of exercise for people with autism. He also tells us how we can become certified as an autism exercise specialist next October in Kuala Lumpur.

If you are interested in this certification, please go here. OR visit our SENIA website.

Connect

• Twitter
• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

Bio

As a Para-Educator and Fitness Coordinator at a school for children with autism, Coach Dave experienced first-hand the challenges of teaching exercise. By understanding that students with autism learn differently, he developed a system that has become a breakthrough in effectively teaching exercise. Twelve universities have incorporated his program into their Adapted Physical Education and Special Education Programs. Coach Dave regularly speaks at autism conferences around the world.

Coach Dave graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Health Promotion. He is a Certified Exercise Physiologist from the American College of Sports Medicine and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He is also a former student assistant strength and conditioning coach for the University of Iowa Football Program.

Today’s podcast is all about Watch Parties! In December we’ll be holding our virtual conference and as an organization, we encourage you to hold a watch party at your school or in your community. What is a Watch Party, you ask? Ah, good question. Laura Cox, the PK 12 Inclusion Services Coordinator and Coach at the American International School of Johannesburg discuss that today.Laura is an educator and leader who believes that our questions inform our learning journey. And this belief inspired her to hold a watch party at her school last year. Today we’ll learn how Laura and her team organized the event, what it looked like for them, and how they got their administration on board with the idea. Laura’s and my hope, after listening to the podcast today, is that you will consider hosting a watch party at your school, as we believe that when we learn and discuss together, we all grow as individuals and as a group collectively.

Connect with Laura

• Website
• Twitter

Bio

Laura Cox is an educator and leader who believes that our questions inform our learning journey. She is passionate about working with neurodiverse students and multilingual learners because she believes all students have a right to an education that is relevant to their needs, goals, and interests. She has a Masters in both Special Education and Leadership and has taught in public schools in the United States, the International School of Prague, and is currently the K12 Inclusion Services Coordinator and Coach at the American International School in Johannesburg (AISJ).

Today’s podcast features Dr. Adam Boddison, the Chief Executive of NASEN, which is the National Association for Special Education Needs. Learn all about what NASEN has to offer. Hint: It offers a lot! Dive into their three educational journals (listed below) and if you’re like me, don’t forget to come up for air.

Connect

• Website
  
• Twitter
  
• Facebook
  

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Show

Online Journals

• JORSEN
  
• BJSE
  
• SfL
  

Bio:

Professor Adam Boddison is the Chief Executive for nasen (National Association for Special Educational Needs), Chair of the Whole School SEND consortium, Chair of the National SEND Reference Group and Visiting Professor at the University of Wolverhampton. Adam is a National Leader of Governance and a Trustee at two Multi-Academy Trusts, spanning primary, secondary and specialist settings. He is also a Trustee of the Potential Trust and a Fellow of the RSA. He has published a range of education books and is a qualified clinical hypnotherapist.

Today host Lori Boll speaks with Cath Brew. Cath  is an artist who illustrates and educates about marginalised experiences for positive change - with a focus on identity, belonging and expat life.

She’s also a passionate advocate for open and honest conversations. Cath hosts Talk-Back Tuesday - a weekly Q&A on social media about LGBTQ+ issues and the podcast ‘Drawn to a Deeper Story’ which explores the lives that challenge us and the difficult conversations around them.

Cath will be speaking at the upcoming SENIA conference in the inclusive practices strand, helping all of us understand how we can better support our LGBTQ+ students.

Note: Today’s podcast lasts a few minutes longer than 30 minutes.

Connect with Cath

• Instagram- Talk Back Tuesday
• Facebook
• Twitter

Bio

Cath is an artist who illustrates and educates about marginalised experiences for positive change - with a focus on identity, belonging and expat life.

She is a passionate advocate for open and honest conversations. Cath hosts Talk-Back Tuesday - a weekly Q&A on social media about LGBTQ+ issues and the podcast ‘Drawn to a Deeper Story’ which explores the lives that challenge us and the difficult conversations around them. Cath also works as a shamanic practitioner, helping people to find relief from their emotional wounds.

Today host Lori Boll speaks with Cheri Dotterer all about Dysgraphia. Cheri is an international speaker, author, and consultant who trains adults to shift their mindsets about struggling writers to strengthen the social-emotional well-being of people with dysgraphia so they can fully engage in life activities and unleash their potential to change their future and other generations through the written word. She is an occupational therapist, adjunct instructor, and author of Handwriting Brain Body DisConnect. Lori and Cheri discuss signs and symptoms of dysgraphia in our students, the different types of dysgraphia, and how we can support them in our classrooms.

Connect

• Website (Cheri)
• Website (The Writing Glitch)
• Twitter
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Linkedin
• Linkedin
• Instagram
• YouTube
• App

Resources from Today’s Show

• Handwriting Brain Body DisConnect
• Which One Doesn’t Belong Website
• Orton Gillingham Conference in Canada

Bio

Cheri is an international speaker, author, and consultant who trains adults to shift their mindsets about struggling writers to strengthen the social-emotional well-being of people with dysgraphia so they can fully engage in life activities and unleash their potential to change their future and other generations through the written word. She is an occupational therapist, adjunct instructor, and author of Handwriting Brain Body DisConnect. She lives with her husband of 31 years. They have two adult children.

Dr. Jim Delisle, and host Lori Boll discuss gifted learners. Why is there a common misconception that gifted kids don’t need help or support? What are some of the difficulties gifted kids have in school? How can teachers and parents support these learners? Lori and Dr. Delisle discuss all this and more on today’s show.

Connect

• Twitter
  

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Show

• Gifted Teen Survival Guide
  
• Parenting Gifted Kids
  
• Understanding Your Gifted Child From the Inside Out
  

Bio

Jim Delisle has worked with and for gifted children for more than 40 years, as a teacher, professor and counselor. He has written 26 books for parents, gifted teens and educators and has presented his work in more than 20 nations on four continents. He is the father of a grown-up gifted kid and the proud grandfather of a two-year old, Wyatt, who likely follows in his father's intellectual footsteps!

Today, host Lori Boll speaks with the Chief Global Education Officer for the Special Olympics, responsible for global education and youth leadership.Jacqueline Jodl, PhD.  Lori and Jackie discuss the history of the Special Olympics, the evidence that backs up these programs that lessens bullying and bias, and how we, in our international schools, can get more involved. With a program like Unified Sports, we can create inclusive opportunities.

Connect

• Website
• Twitter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Podcast:

• Social Inclusion of Students With Intellectual Disabilities: Global Evidence From Special Olympics Unified Schools

Bio

Jacqueline Jodl, PhD, is the Chief Global Education Officer for the Special Olympics,  responsible for global education and youth leadership. Previously, Dr. Jodl was an Associate Professor at the University of Virginia’s School of Education and Executive Director at the Aspen Institute leading the National Commission on Social, Emotional, and Academic Development. Dr. Jodl's life is dedicated to helping organizations like Special Olympics that help children and young people who advocate for a more inclusive world where differences are celebrated, not feared.

Today host Lori Boll speaks  with Helen Trethewey, an experienced inclusion leader with a passion for early identification of children with learning differences. She has worked in education for over 29 years in the UK, Belgium, Hong Kong, Vietnam and now Sweden.

Helen is Dyslexic herself and is a specialist Dyslexia teacher and assessor. She also authors a blog on twice exceptionality. On today’s show Helen and Lori discuss how executive functions impact students with learning differences such as ADHD and Dyslexia as well as common misconceptions teachers and parents may have about student performance. Helen gives some easy to implement strategies to support students with their working memory and task initiation. We’re sure you’ll have many takeaways from today’s podcast.

Connect

• Blog: Being Twice Exceptional

• Twitter

Resources from today’s show:

• Smart But Scattered by Peg Dawson

• John Perry: Structured Procrastination website

• Chris A. Dendy Website

Bio:

Helen Trethewey is an experienced Inclusion leader with a passion for early identification of children with learning differences. She has worked in education for over 29 years in the UK, Belgium, Hong Kong, Vietnam and now Sweden. She is a specialist Dyslexia teacher and assessor. Helen understands the needs of children and families in the international context and regularly shares information through writing articles and public speaking. She writes a popular educational blog called ‘Twice Exceptional’ which has up to date, informative articles about neurodiversity and learning differences.

On today’s podcast, host Lori Boll speaks with Kevin Schaefer who is currently the Director of Inclusive Practices/Supporting Inclusive Practices (SIP) project through the El Dorado County Office of Education Sacramento, California. In this role, Kevin works to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities through the provision of high-quality leadership and support to the County and throughout the state. Lori and Kevin discuss barriers to inclusion for students with disabilities, and how his organization works with schools to shift culture and mindsets to support meaningful inclusion. 

Connect

• Supporting Inclusive Practices (SIP)
• Instagram

Resources From Today’s Show:

• National Center for Inclusion Toward Rightful Presence

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 insights gained from the Expanding and Enhancing Student Support Program Summer Institute, how teacher collaboration has transformed student support, and why expanding access for neurodivergent students is becoming a key part of ASA’s future vision.

It’s an inspiring conversation about what inclusion looks like in practice, and how schools can continue moving forward no matter where they are on their journey.

Connect:

Website: American School of Asunción 

Silvia’s LinkeIn

Resources in Today’s Show:

• CoGat Assessment

• TOPS- Teacher Observation of Potential in Students

• Safe Schools Safe Communities Survey

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 this time of COVID-19, let’s spend today talking about something positive. STEPS with Theera is a vocational training center in downton Bangkok for adults with special needs. STEPS founder and CEO Max Simpson takes time to speak with us today about the center from its inception to now, several years later. Not only is this an incredible organization, it’s also a fantastic cafe’. So, if coffee is your thing, grab one for today’s happy hour and enjoy.

Connect

• www.stepswiththeera.com
  
• Facebook
  
• Instagram
  
• Twitter
  

Bio

Max Simpson is the Founder and CEO of Steps with Theera. Max is a sibling and parent of autistic individuals. They have a Masters in Special Needs and Inclusion and 12 years experience working in this field. With a passion for sustainable social businesses as a platform for employment equality, Max hopes STEPS can be a model for companies on their own pathway to inclusion. Max and their partner Uang are past winners of SENIA’s honorary advocacy award and have truly shown us  all how an inclusive world can look.

Today host Lori Boll speaks with Richard Poulin, an educator and parent. When Richard’s daughter was diagnosed with a rare disease, he and his wife, Judy (also a teacher), felt isolated and didn’t know how to support their daughter. Now, they are taking their knowledge as educators and what they learned raising their daughter and are helping the community with their new non-profit organization called Teach RARE. This organization helps families by providing them with a framework at home, role modeling teaching and learning strategies, connecting parents with educational resources, and teaches institutions and groups for a larger reach. You will be inspired by Richard and Judy’s story and we encourage you to reach out to them if you know someone who needs their support.

Connect

• YouTube- Diagnosis Story (A must watch)
• Twitter- Teach RARE
• Facebook- Teach RARE
• Instagram- Teach RARE
• TikTok- Teach RARE

Bio

Born in California, raised in Japan, and grew up in Thailand. Richard began working with hospitals by supporting international patients to receive elective surgery in Thailand. Later he transitioned to the education sector. Since then, he has worked with international schools in Asia, supporting bilingual-multilingual students and developing supportive educational programs. He and his wife are proud parents of an AADC child, Rylae-Ann, and established Teach RARE to support their community.

Overview

Host Lori Boll speaks with Kathi Silva, author of ‘Extraordinary Experiences: Tales of Special Needs Abroad,’ a book about living with special needs as expats. Kathi wrote this book as a way to share stories and help others prepare for adventures overseas while parenting their neurodiverse children.

Kathi shares about her experiences raising her autistic twins overseas in multiple countries and her wishes for international schools from the lens of a parent.

Connect

• LinkedIn

Resources from today’s show:

Kathi’s Book: Extraordinary Experiences: Tales of Special Needs Abroad

BIO

Kathi and her husband joined the Foreign Service when their autistic twins (now 22) were two years old. They have lived and coordinated education and support services for their twins in the U.S., France, South Africa, Venezuela, Serbia, Uruguay, Uganda, and Switzerland, with each country providing a different perspective of how neurodiversity is perceived and handled. In 2019, Kathi produced and edited ‘Extraordinary Experiences: Tales of Special Needs Abroad,’ a book about living with special needs as expats, as a way to share stories and help others prepare for adventures overseas. She has also written for the Foreign Service Magazine to advocate for more support for families with special needs children.

We’re celebrating Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS), the host of SENIA’s next in-person conference: Championing Inclusion: Celebrating 25 Years of SENIA, taking place February 26–28, 2027.

For nearly 75 years, JIS has cultivated a community where belonging is woven into the fabric of school life. Across four campuses serving approximately 2,200 students, the school continues to expand inclusive practices, strengthen MTSS and UDL, and create individualized pathways that help every learner thrive.

In this episode, Head of School Maya Nelson shares how the JIS Learning Center is opening doors for more students, building meaningful connections across the school, and creating a community where every child is known, valued, and missed when they are absent.

As Maya reminds us, our job is to believe in students—because we never know how they will astound us.

What a joyful way to launch this season and begin the countdown to two extraordinary milestones: 75 years of JIS and 25 years of SENIA! We can’t wait to celebrate, learn, and champion inclusion together in Jakarta.

March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day so we’re starting this month off with a fantastic interview with Heather Avis. Heather is an advocate and mother to three children; two of whom have Down Syndrome. Heather is on a mission to make a more inclusive world where everyone can belong. And she is doing this through her online communities she’s built on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter called The Lucky Few. She has written a book of the same name and is releasing a childrens book in June entitled “Different: A Great Thing To Be!” which I think all of us will want in our classroom libraries. I truly enjoyed Heather’s and my conversation today, and I hope you will too. And now, onto the show.

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Bio

Heather Avis is a shouter of worth and narrative shifter. As an author, podcaster (theluckyfewpodcast.com), speaker, influencer (@TheLuckyFewOffical) and dedicated wife and mom she is on a mission to make a more inclusive world in which everyone can belong. You can learn more about her, her family and her mission by visiting TheLuckyFew.com

Today on our podcast, Katie Stears, a primary years teacher in Hong Kong, and Karl Mejia, a high school learning support teacher in Beijing, and I chat about how we are working with our students; the challenges, the positives, and everything in between.

Join us for our first roundtable discussion on our SENIA Happy Hour Podcast.

Today host Lori Boll speaks with Dr. Emily Meadows (she/her), one of SENIA’s keynote speakers for our upcoming virtual conference. Emily is an LGBTQ+ consultant specialized in international schools. In addition to her doctoral degree, Emily holds master’s degrees in both Sexual Health and Counseling, and has worked as an international school counselor for over a decade. She researches, publishes, and trains school communities on equitable policy and practice, while also teaching for the LGBT Health Policy & Practice graduate program at George Washington University. Having spent more than half of her life in international schools, Emily specializes in culturally-relevant solutions to promote equity and belonging worldwide.

Lori & Emily discuss Emily’s work in international schools and how she works alongside school leaders, faculty, and the community to ensure that members of the LGBTQ+ community feel safe. Emily also shares a sneak peak into what she’ll be sharing in her keynote presentation. Oh, and be sure to listen all the way through as Emily gives us all an incredible gift.

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• Threads: @emilymeadowsorg

  Resources Mentioned in Today’s Show

• LGBTQ+ Inclusion Policy Template for International Schools

Bio Dr. Emily Meadows (she/her) is an LGBTQ+ consultant specialized in international schools. In addition to her doctoral degree, Emily holds master’s degrees in both Sexual Health and Counseling, and has worked as an international school counselor for over a decade. She researches, publishes, and trains school communities on equitable policy and practice, while also teaching for the LGBT Health Policy & Practice graduate program at George Washington University. Having spent more than half of her life in international schools, Emily specializes in culturally-relevant solutions to promote equity and belonging worldwide.

On today’s show, host Lori Boll speaks with Daniel Wickner the founder of Identity-Centered Learning, a framework for supporting students’ identity development in schools.This work builds on culturally-relevant, responsive, and sustaining pedagogies and is informed by his own biracial, multicultural, and multilingual identity, along with his thirteen years in international education. Daniel discusses his own background in schools and the impact that had on him as well as what he means by identity centered education. Lori and Daniel also discuss changing systems rather than students and how we, as educators need to become “Identity Experts” for our students as they go through their own identity journeys.

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• Twitter- Identity Centered Learning in Practice

Resources from Today’s Show

• Tie Online Article- A Focus on Identity

Bio

Daniel Wickner (he/him/his) is the founder of Identity-Centered Learning (www.identity centered.com), a framework for supporting students’ identity development in schools. This work builds on culturally-relevant, responsive, and sustaining pedagogies and is informed by his own biracial, multicultural, and multilingual identity, along with his thirteen years in international education. He currently teaches third grade at Hong Kong International School and supports schools as a consultant in the areas of identity and DEIJ.

Host Lori Boll speaks with Kevin Simpson, the founder of one of SENIA’s partner organizations, AEILOC, which stands for the Association of International Educators and Leaders of Color. Today Kevin and I speak about AEILOC’s important  work, address privilege, and touch upon the intersectionality between SENIA’s and AEILOC’s missions and visions. Kevin shares the 4 A’s that all international schools should think about when addressing DEIJ work; Acknowledgement, Awareness, Action, & Advocacy.

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Resources from today’s show:

• The Principal as Chief Empathy Officer- Dr. Thomas Hoerr

Bio

Kevin Simpson is a native of Flint, Michigan who owns and operates KDSL Global, an international education consulting company which launched in 2016 in the USA and in the United Arab Emirates. He and his team have served thousands of schools, educators, and leaders worldwide in over 60 countries. He was an international school educator and leader serving in Laos, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Simpson is founder of the Association of International Educators and Leaders of Color.

On today’s podcast, host Lori Boll speaks with Michelle Garcia Winner, the creator and founder of Social Thinking and a globally recognized thought leader, author, speaker, and social-cognitive therapist. She is dedicated to helping people of all ages develop social-emotional learning, including those with social competency challenges. Across her 35+ year career she has created numerous evidence-based strategies, treatment frameworks, and curricula to help interventionists foster social competencies in those they support. Michelle's work also teaches how these competencies impact a person's broader life, including their ability to maintain relationships and their success in school and career.

Today we discuss the concept of Social Thinking, who benefits from it, some strategies to try, and why there’s no such thing as a mild social skill deficit. Michelle is one of SENIA’s keynote speakers at our upcoming conference, and Michelle gives us a sneak peek into her topic in this podcast. We (SENIA) hope you’ll join us for our conference, and hope you enjoy today’s conversation. And now...onto the show.

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Resources Mentioned in Today’s Show:

• Social Thinking Free Webinars
• Social Fortune or Social Fate: A Social Thinking Manga-Style Map for Social Quest Seekers
• Social Thinking Resources

Bio

Michelle Garcia Winner, MA, CCC-SLP, is the founder of Social Thinking and a globally recognized thought leader, author, speaker, and social-cognitive therapist. She is dedicated to helping people of all ages develop social-emotional learning, including those with social competency challenges. Across her 35+ year career she has created numerous evidence-based strategies, treatment frameworks, and curricula to help interventionists foster social competencies in those they support. Michelle's work also teaches how these competencies impact a person's broader life, including their ability to maintain relationships and their success in school and career.

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Resources From Today’s Show: