The Collaborative IEP

Have you ever walked into an IEP meeting and immediately felt it? The tension. The forced smiles. The “we’re fine” energy that is very much not fine.In this episode, we talk about what to do when the room feels hostile before the first agenda item is even mentioned — when people look uncomfortable, defensive, or already annoyed… and you’re trying to advocate without getting pulled into the emotional undertow.When the vibe gets tense, some of us talk too much, shut down, over-explain, fidget, or accidentally let our face do the talking. So we start with self-awareness — because knowing your default response is the first step toward changing the dynamic.Then, I walk you through three practical strategies to help soften the room and keep the meeting focused on the child:Disarm the tension by modeling a collaborative, child-centered spirit (and rerouting the discussion back to your child, again and again)Use calm, open body language and regulated communication to support agreement and de-escalationMake the environment more comfortable with intentional “meeting energy” shifts — including small talk, seating choices, and yes… sometimes even treatsWe also talk about the subtle things that matter more than you’d think: tone of voice, facial expressions, where you sit at the table, how you enter the meeting, and how to avoid getting stuck in a tense posture that signals “battle mode.”If your IEP meetings feel like you’re walking into a storm cloud — and you want tools to shift the atmosphere before it derails the conversation — this episode will help you approach those moments with more calm, more strategy, and more control.(And if you bring cookies… please bring ones you actually want to eat.)

Advocating for your child can feel isolating, exhausting, and deeply personal. Even when you understand the system, there are moments when the stress, emotion, and stakes make it nearly impossible to do it alone.In this episode, I share a candid look at what it really feels like to hit that point — including my own recent experience navigating an IEP challenge for my family. We talk about the signs that it may be time to bring in professional support and why hiring an advocate or attorney isn’t a failure — it’s a strategy.This conversation is about recognizing limits, protecting your energy, and getting the right help so you can show up for your child without burning yourself out.In this episode, I cover:The repeating “A vs. B” conversation loop that signals you’re stuckWhy feeling unheard is a communication red flagWhen missing legal or instructional expertise mattersThe hidden toll advocacy takes on your body and mental healthHow outside support can restore clarity and breathing roomWhat advocates actually change at the tableIf advocacy has taken over your thoughts, your conversations, and your nervous system, this episode is a reminder: you don’t have to carry it alone.

We’ve all hit that moment in an IEP meeting where the conversation just… stops. No agreement. No movement. Just two sides locked in place. That’s impasse — and when it happens at school, walking away isn’t really an option.In this episode, I go back to the foundations of advocacy and negotiation to talk about what to do when discussions stall and you’re stuck in that uncomfortable space between what your child needs and what the school is willing to offer. Using real-life examples, we break down practical strategies parents can use when talks feel frozen.This episode isn’t about being combative. It’s about being strategic. When school teams hold power and conversations feel circular, there are ways to reset the table without escalating conflict.In this episode, I cover:What “impasse” actually looks like in IEP negotiationsWhy walking away isn’t an option in educationThe importance of prioritizing before the meeting startsHow to reframe conversations when you’re stuck in loopsUsing interest-based negotiation to uncover the real “why”Bringing in new voices, data, and ideas to break stalematesPractical ways to move conversations forward without burning bridgesIf you’ve ever left a meeting feeling stuck, unheard, or unsure how to get negotiations moving again, this episode gives you a framework to reset the conversation and advocate with intention — not exhaustion.Warm coffee optional. Persistence required.

Okay, "bullying" may be a strong term, but we've all been there. Advocating for your child can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re being told “this is just how it is.” In this episode, in which I again take us back to the roots of The Collaborative IEP, we refocus on the advocacy and negotiation skills parents need when school teams hold the power and control the narrative. While we often focus on practice and interventions, this episode zeroes in on what to do when school staff present information as unquestionable fact—and parents are left feeling talked over, dismissed, or subtly bullied. It comes from one of my first webinars I ever presented here at The Collaborative IEP, Simple Solutions to Seven Sticky IEP Situations!!!! Using real-world examples I see daily in my advocacy and legal work, I walk through practical, accessible strategies for bringing conversations back to objectivity. From asking for data and documentation, to using the IEP’s structure strategically, to leveraging videos, research, and records requests, this episode is about reclaiming your footing at the IEP table.In this episode, I cover:The three core skills every parent advocate needsWhy power imbalances make advocacy so hardHow schools often “tell parents how it is”—and what to do about itPractical ways to bring conversations back to objectivityHow to use the IEP process strategically to support your goalsIf you’ve ever left an IEP meeting feeling confused, steamrolled, or unsure how to push back without blowing things up, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and advocate with clarity and confidence—heating pad and all.

Advocating for your child can feel overwhelming—even when you know a lot. In this episode, I come back to the roots of The Collaborative IEP and refocus on the advocacy side of special education.I revisit the three skills I believe are essential to advocating successfully for your child: understanding special education law, understanding special education practice, and having strong advocacy and negotiation skills. While we’ve spent a lot of time on practice, this episode zeroes in on the third skill—negotiation.I walk through a mediation strategy I use to avoid piecemeal decision-making and protect flexibility during negotiations. Using a real-world example, I explain why resolving issues one at a time can limit outcomes and how a more strategic, visual approach can lead to better results at the IEP table.In this episode, I cover:The three core skills every parent advocate needsWhy negotiation strategy matters in special educationHow mediation works in special education disputesA practical strategy for keeping all issues on the table during negotiationIf you’re feeling stuck, frustrated, or like you’re missing something in your advocacy, this episode will help you refocus on the skills that actually move the needle.

Advocating for your child can feel overwhelming—even when you know a lot. In this episode, I go back to the roots of The Collaborative IEP to break down the three essential skills every parent advocate needs to navigate special education with more confidence and less burnout.Along the way, I share a very real “life lately” check-in, including the challenges of an unstructured holiday break, the emotional weight of comparison, and why even experienced advocates can feel knocked off their feet when it comes to their own kids.You’ll learn:Why understanding special education law matters (and how to learn it without drowning in statutes)How to build working knowledge of teaching practices and disability impacts—even if you’re not an expertThe overlooked but critical role of advocacy and negotiation strategy at the IEP tableThis episode is equal parts practical guidance, honest reflection, and reassurance that you’re not doing this wrong—you’re doing something hard. Whether you’re brand new to advocacy or deep into the DIY phase, this conversation will help you refocus on the skills that actually move the needle for your child.You’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure this out all by yourself.And PS. I accidentally said Ray Nelson is speaking at the Conference. He's not. He's speaking to my Membership later this year! We'd love to have you!

If you’ve ever looked around at your life and thought, “Why does everything feel so hard and why am I handling it better than I expected?” — this conversation is going to feel like a long exhale.Today, I’m joined by my friend Kara Riska, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast and a seasoned coach who helps mothers navigate the emotional load of raising children with disabilities. What started as a totally different recording plan (long story) turned into a deeply honest conversation about stress, shifting seasons, burnout, identity, and what it actually looks like to feel grounded when life is objectively… a lot.In this episode, we walk through:The kind of stress that builds slowly — across medical uncertainty, school challenges, family transitions, and the invisible emotional loadWhy you can feel the most overwhelmed and the most grounded at the exact same timeHow chronic stress shows up physically (hello, hot flashes, migraines, fatigue, and adrenal burnout)Kara’s perspective on what coping actually looks like when your nervous system is constantly asked to stretch beyond its limitsThe difference between “fixing your life” and changing the way you relate to itThe role of control — why some of us grip everything tightly, and how loosening that grip changes everythingThe turning point: giving yourself permission to slow down, let go, and build a life that doesn’t run on adrenaline and achievementHow community, connection, and coaching provide the scaffolding most of us don’t realize we needThis episode is messy, real, heartfelt, and full of those “oh wow… me too” moments that make you feel less alone in motherhood, advocacy, and the unpredictable seasons of life.If you’re navigating stress you can’t simply “opt out” of — but you want to feel more grounded, more whole, and more like yourself again — this conversation may  be a welcome companion.Connect With KaraWebsiteInstagram

If you’ve ever looked at your child and thought, “How can someone so smart fall apart over a planner, a backpack, or one tiny assignment?” — this episode is going to feel like a deep breath.Today I’m talking about something I’m seeing everywhere right now: executive functioning struggles that masquerade as motivation or behavior issues. Between advocacy work, school visits, and conversations with families, I’m hearing the same themes — kids who want to do well but genuinely can’t keep up with the planning, organizing, remembering, and transitioning that school demands.I break down what executive functioning really is, why it tanks for some kids (especially around puberty), and the simple supports that make a huge difference at home and at school.Here’s what I cover:• Why executive functioning struggles aren’t “won’t do” problems — they’re “can’t do yet” • How visual agendas and checklists make task initiation and follow-through so much easier • Using timers to support transitions, attention, and emotional regulation • Chunking big assignments so kids don’t shut down before they even start • Helping kids self-monitor and understand what “successful” looks like • How to trial supports at home and then communicate what works to school teamsIf you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, you’re not alone. These quick wins can bring immediate relief — and give your child the structure and support they need to feel capable again.

If you’ve ever sat in an IEP meeting thinking, “How on earth are multilingual families supposed to navigate this?” — this episode is going to feel like a deep breath and a flashlight.I’m joined by Colleen, a speech-language pathologist turned advocate who spends her days doing two things most people only talk about: supporting bilingual learners in early intervention and showing up at the IEP table alongside families who need a knowledgeable partner in their corner. She’s the real deal — part SLP, part advocate, and fully committed to helping parents participate meaningfully in a process that wasn’t designed with them in mind.We dig into what actually gets in the way for multilingual families, why translation and interpretation aren’t “nice to have” but legally required, and how school teams can stop relying on Google Translate as a strategy (spoiler: it’s not a strategy).In this episode, we discuss: • The rights to translated documents and qualified interpreters — and why timelines are so murky • How incomplete or software-generated translations derail meaningful participation • The difference between a true language disorder and a language difference • Why proper bilingual assessment matters (and what happens when it doesn’t) • Classroom supports that help multilingual learners and everyone else • Where families can start when they can’t find a bilingual advocate in their areaIf you’ve been feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or unsure how to help families who don’t speak English navigate the IEP process, take a breath — this conversation will leave you informed, encouraged, and better equipped to create a truly accessible path forward for every child.Where To Find ColleenWebsiteInstagram

If you’ve ever wondered whether your child’s struggles with reading are actually connected to ADHD, learning differences, confidence, or all of the above, this episode is going to feel like a giant exhale.I’m joined by Megan Penrod, founder of Developing Readers Academy, who brings a fresh, whole-child approach to literacy. Yes, she teaches phonics. Yes, she uses Orton-Gillingham. But she also teaches kids what neurons are, how their brains grow, and why a mistake isn’t a failure — it’s a “pot of gold” that helps build a new pathway. (Honestly? I want someone to talk to me like that.)Megan and I dig into what actually helps struggling readers make progress, why confidence and self-talk matter just as much as decoding skills, and how parents can feel empowered instead of overwhelmed. Her approach blends evidence-based reading instruction with emotional resilience and brain science — and the results speak for themselves.In this episode, we discuss: • Why traditional reading interventions sometimes fall flat • How understanding the brain boosts reading confidence • The “ADHD Success Triangle” and where reading fits in • What families really need to know to support struggling learners • Why mistakes are golden (literally) when it comes to building new neural pathwaysIf you’ve been feeling stuck, stressed, or unsure about the next right step for your child, take a breath — this episode will leave you feeling grounded, encouraged, and better equipped to move forward with clarity.Where To Find MeganWebsiteInstagram

Have you ever wanted to talk to me on the phone while I'm driving? Didn't think so... but this week you get the opportunity anyway!!! Sit in traffic and talk inclusion with me! I've had several friends, clients, and educators raise this question over the last couple of weeks: How much modification is appropriate for a student? Is there a limit, a tipping point, that would determine that a child's placement shouldn't be in the general education classroom? And if a child is accessing GenEd with a lot of modifications, what does assessment look like? I've been asked that enough recently that I honestly started to question what I knew, so I've gone back and read - oh, I don't know - about 4 books on special education that EdD students read, 4 books on inclusive ed, and a couple on behavior - and I came up with the same answers. (And no, while this episode gives a great example of my rambly head, I'm not crazy!)Please enjoy my diatribe on inclusion and modification!

If you’ve ever found yourself juggling all the things—family, advocacy, work, and maybe a touch of “why am I like this?”—this episode is for you.I’m joined by Dr. Angelyn Franks, a speech-language pathologist turned mindfulness researcher, to talk about what burnout really looks like and how we can actually start managing stress in ways that work for us. We go deep into the difference between real, values-aligned self-care and the kind that just feels like another chore on your to-do list. (Spoiler: if your “relaxing” pedicure feels like a task, it might be time to rethink it.)We also talk about the science behind chronic stress, why our bodies sometimes betray us, and how a little humor—plus maybe some “boob ice”—can go a long way in resetting your nervous system.In this episode, we discuss :Why traditional self-care often backfires (and what’s actually helpful)The four hidden stress triggers that make your body go “nuts”How to recognize burnout before you hit the wallPractical ways to align self-care with your values so it actually worksIf you’ve been feeling wired, tired, or just plain done, take a deep breath. This episode is your reminder that you can’t pour from an empty cup—but you can refill it in ways that feel right for you.Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:08 Funny Story and Weekly Challenge00:52 Inversions and Self-Care Strategies02:05 Boob Ice and Coping Mechanisms04:21 Guest Introduction: Angelyn Franks04:59 Mindfulness and Stress Management07:55 Burnout and Chronic Stress13:37 Understanding Stress and Self-Care14:37 Strategies for Managing Stress16:04 Recognizing Stress Symptoms27:25 Relative and Absolute Stressors34:43 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Angelyn

What happens when the people who protect our students’ rights are suddenly… gone?In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s happening inside the U.S. Department of Education—why hundreds of staff in special education and civil rights offices were laid off, what the courts are saying about it, and how it all connects to the larger story of a government shutdown that’s using our most vulnerable students as leverage.I know—heavy stuff. But stay with me. This isn’t about panic; it’s about empowerment. My goal is to help you understand the facts so you can advocate confidently for your child, your students, or your community.In this episode, I share:What triggered the mass layoffs at the Department of Education—and which offices were hit hardestHow the American Federation of Government Employees v. Trump lawsuit led to a temporary restraining order (and what that really means)Why IDEA and students’ rights still stand—but why enforcement could become dangerously thinWhat this could mean for states, schools, and families in the coming monthsPractical steps you can take right now to make sure your child’s education plan is protectedThis moment in education feels unsettling—but knowledge is power. We can’t control the headlines, but we can make sure our ducks are in a row, our documentation is tight, and our advocacy is strong.If you’re ready to understand what’s happening—and how to prepare without spiraling into overwhelm—this episode will help you do just that.

What if something as simple as a nickname could change everything about how someone feels included?In this episode, I'm getting personal about belonging—what it means, how we create it, and why it matters so deeply for our kids (especially those with disabilities navigating school and community spaces).Drawing from my experiences as a mom, teacher, coaching, student, athlete, and human, I explore the surprising power of nicknames and small, intentional gestures that say "I see you. You belong here."In this episode, I share:Why feeling loved and safe matters more than we realize (insights from my family law background)The "JB" effect: How Jack's middle school team used nicknames to create instant connectionSimple strategies anyone can use: call-and-response, playful greetings, and building inside jokesWhat makes a great coach (or teacher, or aide): my community vs. technique frameworkWhy belonging isn't just a feeling—it's something we can actively buildWhether you're a parent advocating for your child, an educator looking to strengthen your classroom community, or anyone who wants to create more inclusive spaces, this episode explores belonging in a practical way. Plus: Why you should be grateful this isn't smell-o-vision. (Trust me on this one—let's just say it involves a 90-pound black lab and a skunk.)Have thoughts on belonging? I'd love to hear from you via email or DM on Instagram/Facebook.

"School choice" sounds empowering — but for kids with IEPs and 504s, it often means fewer protections, fewer services, and fewer options.This week on the podcast, I’m breaking down what school choice really is, how it’s being pushed at the federal and state levels, and what it means for children with disabilities.🎧 Listen now and learn how these policies could impact your child — and what you can do before making a move.

What really works when a child has ADHD and/or ODD? In this insightful (and delightfully real) conversation, I sit down with Dr. Rachel Schwartz—a special educator, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and PhD in cognitive and physical disabilities—to unpack practical, research-backed strategies for kids who need more than “preferential seating and extra time.” Together, Dr. Rachel and I explore:Top-down vs. bottom-up strategies—and why matching the right approach matters.The role of executive functioning, motivation, and social skills in everyday success.How sleep, nutrition, movement, medication, and therapy all play a part in regulation.The misunderstood link between ADHD, ODD, anxiety, and perfectionism.Why regulation always comes before academics—and how parents and educators can shift expectations to support learning.This isn’t a cookie-cutter checklist—it’s a compassionate, practical roadmap for supporting kids (and sometimes ourselves) with ADHD and ODD in ways that actually work. 📌 Resources Mentioned by Dr. Schwartz:https://www.additudemag.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopw5WRjHlN6F4NPP_3yz9Np3S-TFVa-gzDpaKdNxVe8pHWnvRP0 https://www.russellbarkley.org https://chadd.org https://a.co/d/16ga60Y https://a.co/d/6L6FdTq  If you’ve ever wondered why the usual interventions don’t always click—or how to better advocate for tailored supports—this episode is packed with the wisdom and tools you need.

We're wrapping up our look at the University of Florida Literacy Institute (ULFI)'s reading interventions by checking out some of the tools they have in their online toolbox. These include a Blending Board, A Word Work Mat, the Decodable Readers, and their training videos. I will pull them all up and give you a Behind the Scenes look into what UFLI instruction may look like. Then, we'll wrap ups til a list of questions that you can ask your child's team to ensure if it is porposing UFLI (or any other reading program that has or has not been giving the official Orton Gillingham (OG) stamp of approval.  Resources Mentioned: Lesson Planning and Implementation: https://ufli.education.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/UFLIFoundations_Implementation_Support.pdf Fidelity Checklist: https://ufli.education.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/UFLI-Foundations-Implementation-Fidelity-Checklist.pdf Word Work Mat: I used one of these with Jack before I got IMSE trained, and it was magic! https://ufli.education.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/UFLI-Printable-Word-Work-Mat-Updated-July-2024.pdf Decodables: https://ufli.education.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/UFLI-Supplemental-Decodable-Passages.pdfDaily Lesson Plans: https://ufli.education.ufl.edu/foundations/toolbox/

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

“My child is in a reading intervention… but is it really OG?” If you’ve ever asked this question, you’re not alone — and this week’s episode will help you find the answer. I've had so many schools say they're doing OG when they're really doing anything BUT ... buuuttttt it's hard for the lay advocate/parent to know how to understand what they are doing, and what they SHOULD be doing! That's why I've decided to dive into a popular curriculum, UFLI, to give you nitty gritty examples, lists of questions you can ask, and additional insights that will help ensure that whey they say, "We're doing OG, they're actually doing OG." I’m sharing:🔑 What makes a program truly OG📚 How UFLI + IMSE model those principles📝 The daily lesson structure you should be seeingGrab your headphones — this one’s packed with insight you can use right away. 

New school year, new routines… and sometimes new frustrations.In this week’s episode, I’m breaking down the most common pitfalls at the beginning of the school year for IEP teams—and what you can do about them.From vague “good day/bad day” reports, to scheduling mix-ups, to delays in services, these are issues I see every single year. The good news? They’re fixable—and I’ll share practical strategies you can use to set the year up for success.🎧 Listen now and take one big step toward smoother IEP collaboration this fall.