Best The Field Center for Children’s Policy Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 1: Interview with Lynn Tonini from the Aging Out Institute (Harrisburg, PA) 34:28

10d ago34:28

34:28

In this May 2025 episode, the inaugural episode following the transition of the podcast from the Aging Out Institute to the Field Center for Children’s Policy, Practice & Research at the University of Pennsylvania, MSW Intern Kate Greco interviews Lynn Tonini, Founder and former Executive Director of the Aging Out Institute. Lynn spoke about her jo…

1
Episode 107: Interview with Gretchen Dupps with Cleveland Angels (Cleveland, OH) 46:32

11d ago46:32

46:32

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Gretchen Dupps, the Founder and Executive Director of Cleveland Angels located in Cleveland, Ohio. Gretchen shared her own exposure to the foster care system in her own family, who took in foster youth. She also described the purpose and services of Cleveland Angels, which is a chapter of the National Angels …

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Episode 106: Interview with Amanda Simonetta with The Felix Organization (Locust Valley, NY) 53:51

22d ago53:51

53:51

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Amanda Simonetta, the Executive Director of The Felix Organization in Locust Valley, New York. Amanda discussed her background as a school guidance counselor, which then led to being the first Camp Director at The Felix Organization. She shared the goal of her organization, which is to help youth in care expe…

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Episode 105: Interview with Alissa Jecklin with Good Samaritan Boys Ranch (Springfield, MO) 47:16

2M ago47:16

47:16

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Alissa Jecklin, Director of Transitional Living with Good Samaritan Boys Ranch in Springfield, Missouri. Alissa shared how she discovered the needs of youth in foster care through a summer job while in college. She chose to focus her career helping these youth. At Good Samaritan, she leads a transitional hous…

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Episode 104: Interview with Deana Mendez with Finally Family Homes (Santa Clarita, CA) 49:03

2M ago49:03

49:03

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Deana Mendez, Case Manager at Finally Family Homes in Santa Clarita, California. Deana told about her journey to working at this organization and explained about the host home program that provides housing for 18 to 25 year old former foster youth with community members in the Santa Clarita area. She also sha…

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Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and the Dyslexic Thinker 25:22

3M ago25:22

25:22

Send us a text In this episode I talk about Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and how it works for students who are Dyslexic Thinkers (see definition below). We'll do a review of what UDL is, profile a typical dyslexic learner, hear from successful dyslexics and I'll describe a model lesson plan . Definition of a dyslexic thinking (Dictionary.com…

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IEP Accommodations (IEP Meeting Series) 21:08

3M ago21:08

21:08

Send us a text IEP accommodations are the most difficult part of the process to both ensure they are being implemented and that they are being implemented correctly. In this episode I define what accommodations are and how they are used in general education classrooms. But more importantly, I will share with you the most effective ways to guarantee…

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Self-Determination, the Secret Sauce to Life Success (Article Review) 7:25

3M ago7:25

7:25

Send us a text In this episode, I review an article that examines the importance of teaching self-determination skills to students with autism (and everyone else in actuality). I talk about the components that make up the skill and the emerging research on the effectiveness of mentoring. Here is a link to the article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/…

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Parent Training and Information Centers, a Gem Hiding in Plain Sight (For Your Information) 8:31

3M ago8:31

8:31

Send us a text In this episode I talk about a free resource that can provide you with training, technical and emotional support and information that covers all things special education and 504s. And this resource is likely right in your geographic area. They can help you become an effective advocate for your child. Parent Training and Information C…

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Function of Behavior (Behavior Series Part 3) 8:29

3M ago8:29

8:29

Send us a text In this episode I'll discuss the importance of determining the function of a problem behavior. Is it attention, escape, a tangible, sensory related or power and control? This is important information for parents to know because the more you know about special education practice, the more you can help your IEP team create a workable b…

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Episode 103: Interview with Prince George's County CASA (Riverdale, MD) 47:39

3M ago47:39

47:39

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Yolanda Johnson, Executive Director, and Cheryl Richards, Case Supervisor for Transition-Aged Youth, for the Prince George's County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) in Riverdale, Maryland. Yolanda and Stephanie shared their own backgrounds and an overview of their CASA organization, which has been aro…

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Homework and the Neurodivergent Child - Ways to Cope and Even Thrive (Commentary) 9:35

4M ago9:35

9:35

Send us a text Homework, literally, a traumatic experience for many neurodivergent children and their families. If you are in this situation, how can you make it at least tolerable, or even an enriching experience? In this episode, I talk about why these students are so resistant to the idea of homework, the importance of making it relevant, and ho…

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Dyslexic Thinkers Recognized as Gifted by British Intelligence (For Your Information) 24:03

4M ago24:03

24:03

Send us a text Dyslexia – the 21st Century’s Superpower (says a British study of the skills needed to succeed in the new AI world) This fascinating new study overseen by the British charity Made By Dyslexia analyzes the human skills that are needed to use AI to its fullest potential. The study's sponsor's, who agree with and support its results inc…

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Neurodiversity - Gifts and Challenges, an Example (Musing) 3:41

4M ago3:41

3:41

Send us a text What does neurodivesity in the classroom look like? This musing is a specific example of what a student faces, both as a challenge and a gift while being neurodivergent.By David Poeschl

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Episode 102: Interview with Stephanie Rampone from DFW Angels (Dallas, TX) 48:49

4M ago48:49

48:49

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Stephanie Rampone, Director of Development for the Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) Angels in Dallas, TX. Stephanie shared her unexpected journey from the fashion industry to working with youth in foster care. She also described the three primary areas of service of her fast growing organization: 1) intentional giving…

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SMART Goals (IEP Meeting Series) 12:26

4M ago12:26

12:26

Send us a text IEP goals are the most important part of the entire IEP process. It is vital to write goals that clearly and concisely describe what progress a student should make on a specific skill over the course of a year. The services a student receives is directly relarted to goals in an IEP. The IEP team determines what services are needed to…

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How Did It Get To Be January?! (Musing) 7:24

4M ago7:24

7:24

Send us a text Getting back to school from break often makes parents feel their child is not making the progress at this time of year that they should. If its lack of objective data on goals reporting, an accommodation that has not been implemented despite months of trying, an email question that hasn't been answered... Parents should know that edu…

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Teens with High Functioning Autism and School - Problems and Solutions (Commentary) 23:18

4M ago23:18

23:18

Send us a text I have seen a significant trend in my practice, teens with high functioning autism unable to attend school due to intense anxiety. The problem of children with autism who are unable to cope with school and develop agoraphobic type symptoms has long been around, but the increased numbers of highly intelligent, often with a "superpower…

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Approximating Success (Behavior Tidbit) 2:29

4M ago2:29

2:29

Send us a text This short episode discusses the importantance of children being recognized for partially accomplishing an appropriate behavior. There needs to be a series of steps in learing something new, and lots of practice to master it. Behavior is the same, learning how to act in a new way is like any other skill, the small successes need to r…

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Institutional Gaslighting in Special Education (Commentary) 17:38

4M ago17:38

17:38

Send us a text Many schools and districts practice a form of institutional gaslighting. I talk about how the structure of schools, along with how the socioeconomic level of the parent determines how much influence a parent has on their child's IEP process. Other factors such as parent participation are important, see this link for a research articl…

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Reinforcement (Behavior Series Part 2) 12:45

5M ago12:45

12:45

Send us a text In this episode we'll get into the most important part of a behavior plan, reinforcement. Learn what it is and what it looks like. Remember, the more you know about special education practice, particularly how Positive Behavior Support is supposed to work, the better off you will be at IEP meetings and in helping the team. Here are a…

1
Special Education and Preschool - Facts on the Ground (Commentary) 10:10

5M ago10:10

10:10

Send us a text The preschool special education system in California is in critical need of reform. Listen to my experience with the system in the California counties where I provide advocacy services. The system as we now know it excludes neurodivergent children from the preschool system in alarming numbers. The fact that many of these children are…

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Discipline and Informal Removal in Special Education in California (Policy and Law) 6:23

5M ago6:23

6:23

Send us a text Learn how the discipline system for students with disabilites in California works, and how the letter and spirit of the law is often violated by school officials. Schools often under report discuplinary removal of student's with disabilities from their classrooms. They do this by using "informal removals" (see below for link to OSEP …

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Positive Behavior Support (PBS) - the Basics (Behavior Series Part 1) 16:51

5M ago16:51

16:51

Send us a text I've included a transcript of this episode. And here are a few helpful links to expand your knowledge of PBS. - https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ80580 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Positive_behavior_support - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5048254/ This will be the first of many podcast episodes featuring different aspects of PB…

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Universal Design for Learning (For Your Information) 13:09

5M ago13:09

13:09

Send us a text Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a method of teaching that embeds accommodations for all students into general education settings. Students who are visual, or auditory, or tactile/sensory learners are taught, and the student can show mastery, in the way that uses their strengths. UDL has been successfully implemented in thousan…

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Can ABA Do Damage? (Musing) 1:49

5M ago1:49

1:49

Send us a text I've was a behaviorist for several years and have written and overseen hundreds of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or Positive Behavior Support (BIP) based behavior plans. I've been a believer in the effectiveness of ABA and its offshoot, Positive Behavior Support for my entire career. ABA and the structure it provides to individuals…

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Person First Language (For Your Information) 5:22

5M ago5:22

5:22

Send us a text In the United States, Person First Language is mandated for use in education through IDEA. This means defining others as people first and not being defined by their disability. For example, John has autism. Not John is autistic. However, for autism in particular, there is some controversy about this concept. In other developed countr…

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What's the Difference Between an Advocate and an Attorney in Special Education? (For Your Information) 1:30

5M ago1:30

1:30

Send us a text In this short musing, I talk about the difference between special education practitioners and attorneys who work in the special education field. There are significant differences and its important know what each does.By David

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Recess and Discipline - Good News! (Policy and Law) 2:22

5M ago2:22

2:22

Send us a text Starting in the 24-25 school year, schools can no longer restrict access to recess as a punishment. Particularly for students with special needs, the use of this punishment hurts much more than just the loss of time. It means the loss of a time to get away from the stresses of a classroom, from the rigidity and sometimes difficult se…

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IEP Meeting Facts You Should Know About (IEP Meeting Series) 5:22

5M ago5:22

5:22

Send us a text This episode explains two pieces of special education law that you may not be familiar with. First, IEP meetings must be held at a mutually agreed on time and place (https://sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/d/300.322). The second piece is that you can have IEP meetings without actually meeting. For minor changes to an IEP, such as changing a…

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Episode 101: Interview with Liberty Thompson from JEM Friends, Inc. (Boise, ID) 48:11

6M ago48:11

48:11

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Liberty Thompson, Executive Director of JEM Friends, Inc. in Boise, Idaho. Liberty shared how her interest in the challenges that youth aging out of care face developed from a friendship with a girl in foster care growing up. She described the four pillars of support that they provide youth: housing, communit…

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Episode 100: Interview with Tyila Cooks from Lifebridge Child Advocacy (Midland, GA) 50:45

7M ago50:45

50:45

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Tyila Cooks, Executive Director of Lifebridge Child Advocacy in Midland, Georgia. Tyila shared about her own background, which included adopting foster children to be part of her own family. Started as a ministry, Lifebridge Child Advocacy officially transitioned to a nonprofit in 2021. They serve at-risk you…

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Episode 099: Interview with Amy Navarro with Treehouse (Seattle, WA) 47:10

7M ago47:10

47:10

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Amy Navarro, Director of the Launch Success Program with Treehouse in Seattle. Amy explained her introduction to the challenges of foster care while serving with Americorp and the journey she took to get to her work with Treehouse. Amy's program, Launch Success, takes a three pronged approach to support youth…

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Episode 098: Interview with Hannah Hodgson Katzman with Family Harvest Farm (Martinez, CA) 37:34

9M ago37:34

37:34

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Hannah Hodgson Katzman, Associate Director of Family Harvest Farm in Martinez, California. Hannah described the mission of her organization, the John Muir Land Trust, which is to protect open spaces. Hannah's program - Family Harvest Farm - is under the John Muir Land Trust umbrella. They utilize 3.5 acres of…

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Episode 097: Interview with Sherrie Weis with YouthCare (Seattle, WA) 50:33

10M ago50:33

50:33

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Sherrie Weis, Case Manager at YouthCare in Seattle, Washington. Sherrie described her organization's mission to help homeless youth, many of whom have a connection with or have aged out of foster care. Sherrie's program is a shelter that supports homeless youth between the ages of 12 and 17, but they also hav…

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Episode 096: Interview with Tige Charity with Kids in the Spotlight (Burbank, CA) 44:27

11M ago44:27

44:27

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Tige Charity, CEO of Kids in the Spotlight in Burbank, California. Tige shares about the unique employment support services that Kids in the Spotlight provides youth aging out of foster care, which focuses on skills in the arts and entertainment. We talk about the Script-to-Screen program that culminates in f…

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Episode 095: Interview with Maria Paparella with Chair-ity (Akron, OH) 1:01:34

1y ago1:01:34

1:01:34

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Maria Paparella, Founder and Executive Director of Chair-ity in Akron, Ohio. Maria explained the origins and growth of her organization, which provides furniture to youth aging out of foster care and is celebrating its 10 year anniversary this year. We talk about the importance of enabling youth to have choic…

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Episode 094: Interview with Mark Mecum from Ohio Children's Alliance (Columbus, OH) 48:14

1y ago48:14

48:14

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Mark Mecum, CEO of Ohio Children's Alliance in Columbus, Ohio. Mark explains the work that his organization does for youth aging out of foster care through the Ohio Bridges Program, the state's extended foster care program. We talk about the importance of prevention so that youth don't have to go into foster …

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Episode 093: Interview with Lee Marshall from Kids to Love (Madison,AL) 56:20

1y ago56:20

56:20

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Lee Marshall, CEO and Founder of Kids to Love in Madison, Alabama. Lee describes the path she took to leading Kids to Love and the programs and services that Kids to Love offers youth in foster care, as well as those aging out. She explained KTech, which is a 16-week program that teaches skills to help aged-o…

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Episode 092: Interview with Bruce Wingate with Foster Care Furniture (Boise, ID) 43:25

1y ago43:25

43:25

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Bruce Wingate, President of Foster Care Furniture in Boise, Idaho. Bruce describes how his organization provides training in woodworking and carpentry for youth who have aged out of foster care. Their nonprofit offers 13 weeks of training in which the youth build products to specifications for a paying client…

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Episode 091: Topic Discussion - Helping Foster Youth Acquire and Retain Employment 54:41

1y ago54:41

54:41

In this episode, Lynn Tonini facilitates a conversation between two individuals connected with organizations that help youth aging out of foster care find and retain employment: Hope Broomham with Jim Riley Outreach (Plano, TX) and Andraya Slyter with The RightWay Foundation (Los Angeles, CA). During this conversation, we talked about different str…

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Episode 090: Interview with Brian Meza with Petra Cares (Cypress, TX) 41:58

1y ago41:58

41:58

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Brian Meza, Executive Director of Petra Cares, a charitable arm of Petra Auto Products based in Cypress, Texas. Brian explained the history of Petra Cares, which provides an automotive foundations course for youth aging out of foster care and assists them with acquiring a job in the automotive industry after …

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Racism is a Public Health Crisis Podcast: James Burroughs Children's Hospital Minnesota 59:35

1+ y ago59:35

59:35

Send us a text In this episode of Racism is a Public Health Crisis, we feature James C. Burroughs II, the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer at Children's Minnesota. Burroughs leads the charge in integrating equity and inclusion in one of the nation’s top pediatric health systems. His work focuses on ensuring equitable care for all patients, creati…

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Racism is a Public Health Crisis: Dr.Reggie Edwards, Brooklyn Center City Manager 52:35

1+ y ago52:35

52:35

Send us a text In this episode of Racism is a Public Health Crisis, we speak with Dr. Reggie Edwards, the City Manager of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Dr. Edwards, tasked with leading the city through after a tumultuous period marked by the police shooting of Daunte Wright. Together, we discuss his approach to addressing systemic racism and public h…

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Episode 089: Interview with Donna Skora, Founder of Surrogate Grandparents USA (Summerfield, FL) 41:14

1+ y ago41:14

41:14

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Donna Skora, Founder of Surrogate Grandparents USA, based in Summerfield, FL. We discussed the reason that she started this Facebook page, which is dedicated to connecting people in order to develop chosen families. We then moved into a conversation about how this site can help connect former foster youth wit…

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Episode 088: Interview with Joy Rios, Executive Director of Connect with a Wish (Virginia Beach, VA) 54:31

1+ y ago54:31

54:31

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Joy Rios, Founder and Executive Director of Connect with a Wish, located in Virginia Beach, VA. We talked about Joy's journey as an adoptive parent, which exposed her to the issues that youth in foster care face. We then discussed the launch of the organization as a holiday project and then expanded to provid…

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Episode 087: Interview with Matt Bell, CEO of Pivotal (San Jose, CA) 44:17

1+ y ago44:17

44:17

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Matt Bell, CEO of Pivotal, located in San Jose, CA. We talked about the journey that brought Matt to the CEO role last year at Pivotal. We then discussed the roots of Pivotal's mission, which was giving youth educational scholarships. The mission has grown since 1989 to include one-on-one educational coaching…

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Episode 086: Interview with Brandon Anderchuk, Executive Director of Hope’s Path (Spring, TX) 45:02

1+ y ago45:02

45:02

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Brandon Anderchuk, Executive Director of Hope's Path located in Spring, TX. We discussed Brandon's background and the journey that brought him to taking on the leadership role at Hope's Path. We then talked about their relational focused approach to helping youth aging out of foster care or homeless by provid…

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Episode 085: Topic Discussion - Helping Foster Youth Acquire and Maintain Housing 45:06

1+ y ago45:06

45:06

In this episode, Lynn Tonini facilitates a conversation between three individuals connected with organizations that help youth aging out of foster care find and maintain housing: Betty Beatty with Empty Frames Initiative (Everett, WA), Carla Cleeton with the Transition Resource Action Center - TRAC (Dallas, TX), and Angela Youtsey with Olive Crest …

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Episode 084: Interview with Nicole Davis, Executive Director of Operation: Achieve Independence (Spring, TX) 44:32

1+ y ago44:32

44:32

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Nicole Davis, Executive Director of Operation: Achieve Independence (OAI) located in Spring, TX. We discussed Nicole's background and the journey that brought her to working with youth aging out of foster care. We then talked about OAI's strategy for providing caring mentors for youth and developing strong pa…

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