Best Dana Jonson Podcasts (2025)

1
Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) with Diane Gould 42:20

4M ago42:20

42:20

Stay tuned for the transcript, which will be available shortly after publication on SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Diane Gould Guest Title and Bio: Diane Gould is a licensed clinical social worker with over 40 years of experience working with neurodivergent children, adults, and their families. She founded PDA North America, an organization…

1
Navigating the Emotional Terrain: Counseling and Behavioral Strategies in Special Education with Dr. Gwen Martin 53:40

5M ago53:40

53:40

Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Dr. Gwendolyn Martin Title/Organization: Licensed Professional Counselor, Founder of Dr. Gwen’s Counselor Café, LLC, and Coastal Crossroads Counseling Solutions, LLC Guest Bio: Dr. Gwendolyn Martin, also known as Dr. Gwen, is a licens…

1
Empowering Through Accessibility: Insights from The Blind Blogger, Maxwell Ivey 45:33

5M ago45:33

45:33

Stay tuned for the transcript, which will be available shortly after publication on SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Maxwell Ivey Guest Title and Bio:Maxwell Ivey, also known as The Blind Blogger, is a blind entrepreneur, author, speaker, and accessibility advocate. Maxwell has built a successful career helping businesses, nonprofits, and org…

1
Reaching New Heights: The Power of Parent Advocacy in Special Education with April Rehrig 43:15

5M ago43:15

43:15

Host: Dana Jonson Guest: April Rehrig Title: Founder, Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting Bio: April Rehrig is a distinguished advocate in special education with over two decades of experience as a school psychologist, teacher, and parent within the public school setting. As the founder of Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting, April focuse…

1
Empowering Autism Parenting: Transforming Challenges into Triumphs with Andrea Pollack 53:41

6M ago53:41

53:41

Stay tuned for the transcript, which will be available shortly after publication on SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Andrea Pollack Founder, Autism Parent Solutions Andrea Pollack is a former litigator turned educator and parenting coach. After homeschooling her autistic son for eight years due to a lack of suitable educational settings, Andr…

1
Academic Pressures, Eating Disorders, and Mental Wellness: A Comprehensive Approach with Ilona Phillips 55:06

6M ago55:06

55:06

Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Ilona Phillips Founder of Lotus Consulting, Psychotherapist specializing in eating disorders Guest Bio: Ilona Phillips is the founder of a psychotherapy group practice specializing in treating eating disorders. With over two decades o…

1
Suicidal Behaviors in Adolescents with Disabilities and Therapeutic Support with Melody Murray 1:05:54

6M ago1:05:54

1:05:54

Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be available on SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Melody Murray Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Child Mental Health Specialist, Author Melody has a unique background that spans roles as a hospital ER mental health evaluator, reality TV producer, and therapist. With experience…

1
Empowering Through Exercise: Fitness and Autism with Jimmy Clare 39:09

6M ago39:09

39:09

Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Jimmy Clare Guest Title: Founder of Crazy Fitness Guy, Motivational Speaker, Autism Advocate, Author Introduction: In this episode, Dana Jonson sits down with Jimmy Clare, the resilient and inspiring founder of Crazy Fitness Guy. Jimm…

1
Dysgraphia Insights and Inclusive Strategies with Cheri Dotterer 49:50

7M ago49:50

49:50

Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Cheri Dotterer Guest's Bio: Cheri Dotterer is a handwriting specialist and dysgraphia consultant with an occupational therapy background. Her work focuses on providing innovative strategies and interventions for individuals with dysgr…

1
Unlocking Potential Enhancing Brain Health and Development with Dr. Rebecca Jackson 46:04

7M ago46:04

46:04

Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Dr. Rebecca Jackson Chief Programs Officer, Brain Balance, Board-Certified Cognitive Specialist, and Doctor of Chiropractic. Guest Bio: Dr. Rebecca Jackson is a brain health expert and the Chief Programs Officer at Brain Balance. She …

1
Genetics and Disability: Tailoring Child Development and Wellness with Dr. J Dunn 50:30

7M ago50:30

50:30

Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be available on SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Dr. J Dunn, Chiropractor, Functional Medicine Expert, Founder of My Happy Genes Brief Bio: Dr. J Dunn is a holistic kinesiology and methylation expert with 30+ years of experience, pioneering My Happy Genes, a personalized genetic tes…

1
Revolutionizing Cognitive Skills with Video Games: An Interview with Dr. Steve Gullans 52:20

12M ago52:20

52:20

Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on SpecialEd.fm Gaming and Cognitive Enhancement with Dr. Steve Gullans Summary In this episode, Dana Jonson interviews Dr. Steve Gullans, a trailblazer in biotechnology and cognitive enhancement. Dr. Gullans discusses his journey from academia to pioneering brainwave technol…

1
Designing Spaces of Hope with Mark Ostrom 46:33

1y ago46:33

46:33

Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on SpecialEd.fm Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Mark Ostrom, Founder of Joy Collaborative Introduction: In this episode of "Special Ed on Special Ed," host Dana Jonson welcomes Mark Ostrom, the founder of Joy Collaborative, to discuss how his organization uses compassionate design t…

1
Harnessing Creativity and Adaptation in Education with Michaell Magrutsche 58:02

1y ago58:02

58:02

Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on SpecialEd.fm Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Michaell Magrutsche Introduction: A fascinating exploration of creativity and systemic thinking in education, featuring insights from Michaell Magrutsche, an advocate for integrating human-centric approaches within educational systems.…

1
Exploring Photobiomodulation for Children with Autism and other Disabilities with Dr. Kyle Daigle 56:54

1y ago56:54

56:54

Soon after publication a transcript will be posted on SpecialEd.fm Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Dr. Kyle Daigle Introduction: This episode of "Special Ed on Special Ed" features Dr. Kyle Daigle, an expert in neurological rehabilitation and child development. Dr. Daigle discusses the fascinating world of photobiomodulation, its impact on neurological di…

1
Parent Advocacy Insights from School Psychologist and Special Education Director Diana Fannon 46:49

1y ago46:49

46:49

Shortly after publication, a transcript for this episode will be posted on SpecialEd.fm Advocacy Insights with Diana Fannon Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Diana Fannon, Special Educaiton Director and School Psychologist Introduction: Dana Jonson introduces Diana Fannon, a Director of Special Education and a former school psychologist. Diana shares her pe…

1
Neurodiversity Unveiled: Beyond the Should Storm of Parenting with Dr. Alison Escalante 51:13

1+ y ago51:13

51:13

Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be added to the show notes on the podcast website https://SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Dr. Alison Escalante INTRODUCTION: In this enlightening episode, Dana Jonson is joined by Dr. Alison Escalante, a board-certified pediatrician renowned for her innovative approach to parenting…

1
Transforming Parenting Attachment, Neurobiology, and Thriving Children with Dr. Tamara Soles 1:00:58

1+ y ago1:00:58

1:00:58

Shortly after publication, a TRANSCRIPT of this episode will be added to the show notes on the podcast website https://SpecialEd.fm. Join host Dana Jonson and Dr. Tamara Soles, a renowned child psychologist and parent coach, for an insightful conversation on "Transforming Parenting - Attachment, Neurobiology, and Thriving Children." Dive into the w…

1
Giftedness and Beyond: Navigating Neurodivergence with Dr. Matt Zakreski 52:07

1+ y ago52:07

52:07

Shortly after publication, a TRANSCRIPT of this episode will be added to the show notes on the podcast website, https://SpecialEd.fm. Episode Title: Giftedness and Beyond: Navigating Neurodivergence with Dr. Matt Zakreski Guest: Dr. Matt Zakreski Host: Dana Jonson This episode offers a deep dive into understanding and supporting neurodivergent chil…

1
Mastering Essential Social Skills: A Guide for Teens and Young Adults with Kirt Manecke 38:45

1+ y ago38:45

38:45

Episode Show Notes Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be added to the show notes on the podcast website https://SpecialEd.fm. Topic: Essential Social and Career Skills for Teens in Today's Digital Era This episode delves into crucial social and career skills that teens and young adults must navigate in our highly digitaliz…

1
Maximizing Independence for Students with Autism: A conversation with Julie Swanson, The Life Skills Lady 56:17

1+ y ago56:17

56:17

A TRANSCRIPT of this episode will be added to the show notes on the podcast website: https://SpecialEd.fm shortly after publication. Life skills are the biggest predictor of adult success for individuals with Autism. Yet, many parents and school teams misunderstand the full breadth of life skills, and they often take a back seat in special educatio…

1
Demystifying Psychological Evaluations: Insights from Dr. Diana Naddeo 48:33

1+ y ago48:33

48:33

Shortly after publication, a TRANSCRIPT of this episode will be added to the show notes on the podcast website https://SpecialEd.fm. Introduction: Welcome to our enlightening episode, where we delve into the world of psychological evaluations with Dr. Diana Naddeo, a seasoned Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Known for her comprehensive approach to p…

1
The Long Term Impact of School Shootings with Deb Del Vecchio-Scully, LPC, NCC, BCN, DCMHS 37:35

2+ y ago37:35

37:35

On the 10th Anniversary of the Sandy Hook Shooting, I speak with Deb Del Vecchio-Scully, a trauma specialist, about the long-term impacts of school shootings.

1
Social Skills Training rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): a conversation with Justyna Balzar, M.Ed. BCBA LBA (CT) 34:24

2+ y ago34:24

34:24

When people hear ABA, they usually think of Autism. However, social skills training is a component of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy that can help students with social skills deficits. ABA social skills training offers a set of techniques designed to strengthen an individual’s social skills. Neurological, emotional, and developmental disab…

1
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) with Dr. Judy Grossman 42:51

2+ y ago42:51

42:51

This is an essential episode because Social Emotional Learning is not just for students with special education needs - everyone needs social-emotional learning skills! Social-Emotional Learning, also called SEL, is an integral part of education and human development. It helps students and adults develop healthy identities, manage emotions, and feel…

1
Special Education Due Process Hearing, and a side of IEEs 1:00:01

2+ y ago1:00:01

1:00:01

[iframe style="border:none" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/24802530/height/100/width//thumbnail/yes/render-playlist/no/theme/custom/tdest_id/2148560/custom-color/61ce70" height="100" width="100%" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen] A Due Process Hearing is just…

1
Barriers to Special Education: Special Education Legal Fund 40:00

2+ y ago40:00

40:00

A key component to public education is that it should be FREE! This includes special education. But what if you can't get the special education your child is entitled to? What happens when your school says "no" to you? There are no special education police to force schools to comply or even just tell them they are wrong. Usually, the only way to en…

1
IEE = Independent Educational Evaluations 48:52

2+ y ago48:52

48:52

Today Diane Wilcutts, a special education advocate from Connecticut, joins me to talk about Independent Educational Evaluations or IEEs. Evaluations are a critical piece of the special education process, as the evaluation is where it all begins. But what if you don't agree with your school evaluation? That is where IEEs come in. You can find Diane'…

1
State Complaints, and a little on IEEs too 34:30

2+ y ago34:30

34:30

State Complaints are just one dispute resolution options available to Parents of children with special education needs. Our favorite advocate, Stacey Tié, joins me to break down the State Complaint process, why we use them, and how they can help. A little on Stacey: What Stacey loves most about advocacy work is giving parents the opportunity to bre…

1
Who's on your BOE? 48:13

4y ago48:13

48:13

Knowing your child’s IEP team isn’t enough. To be the best advocate for your child, you need to know who makes the decisions, how, and when. Your local Board of Education (BOE) consists of lay representatives who live in your community and are selected by you (in some areas there are appointed school boards, which are selected by either the mayor o…

1
Why we need learning options 42:45

4y ago42:45

42:45

Going back to school in person shouldn’t be a choice between a family member and an education. But for some families, it is just that. For children living with immunocompromised family members, going back in person really isn’t a choice at all. It’s not even one of the options. This episode isn’t about special ed, it’s about education and why we ne…

1
Hanging Out and Going Back 42:11

4y ago42:11

42:11

Justyna & Meghan from The Hangout Spot join me today to discuss how kids are adjusting to “back to normal” back to school! While I wouldn’t necessarily call it “normal” we are going back and most kids haven’t had an opportunity to flex their social muscles in a while. They will need time and patience while they acclimate. Justyna & Meghan talk abou…

1
End of year wrap up 41:32

4y ago41:32

41:32

My office mates join me to sum up IEP season, discuss the trends we saw, and postulate on what we should expect for '21-22. You can reach us all at SpecialEd.Law A transcript of this episode can be found here shortly after the episode is published: https://specialed.law/end-of-year-wrap-up/By Dana Jonson

1
Summer isn't just a courtESY 45:13

4y ago45:13

45:13

Summer's coming! So today, special education parent and advocate, Lisa Lightner, founder of A Day in Our Shoes, joins me to discuss Extended School Year services. What are they? Who gets them? And do you need them? Check out ADayInOurShoes.com A transcript of this episode can be found here shortly after the episode is published: https://specialed.l…

1
What's the deal with mediation? 37:23

4y ago37:23

37:23

What's the deal with Mediation? Mediation is a wonderful tool for resolving disputes with your school district. It is voluntary, free, and offered by your State, so today we are going to check it out. We will discuss the entire process, all the players, and how you can prepare. NEWS: I also have exciting news about the re-brand of Need to Know with…

1
We're going to SuperD!ville 50:11

4y ago50:11

50:11

Today we head to SuperD!Ville where children who learn differently (and their peers) find out about how their brains work and social emotional learning. We talk with Peggy Stern, Founder and CEO, and Diana Correa-Cintron, COO, about how SuperD!Ville came to be and how it is helping children everywhere! https://superdville.com SuperD!Ville is a forw…

1
A Day in Our Shoes on COVID and Comp Ed 1:12:10

4y ago1:12:10

1:12:10

Happy IEP season! Today, special education attorney Laura Henneghan joins Lisa Lightner and A Day in Our Shoes to discuss Compensetory Education for services missed due to the global pandemic. She covers what comp ed is, who qualifies, and how to ask for it. You'll gain tools with which to advocate for your child in your spring IEP meetings. Check …

1
We're college bound! 51:57

4y ago51:57

51:57

Is your child with special education needs college bound? What do they need to get there? And where is there? Today, Special Education Attorney Laura Heneghan shares her journey helping her children navigate transition skills for college and what questions to ask. You can find both Laura and me at https://SpecialEd.Law and you can reach Laura direc…

1
How SMART are your goals? 46:47

4y ago46:47

46:47

With IEP season comes IEPs and with IEPs comes Goals and Objectives, the heart and soul of your child's IEP. So it is critical that your child's goals and objectives are Smart, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Today, Special Education Advocate Stacey Tié and I talk about what you need to know to make sure your child has SMART goals…

1
Beware the Ides... 1:01:54

4y ago1:01:54

1:01:54

With March comes IEP season and it's time to prep! Around the middle of March, schools start holding IEP meetings to plan for the following school year. School districts are slammed trying to schedule all the meetings, students are at the beginning of the end of their school year, and parents need to prepare to advocate on behalf of their child. So…

1
Now You're the Advocate 39:53

4y ago39:53

39:53

Today I'm speaking with John Flanders, a special education attorney and former Executive Director of Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC), about why learning how to properly advocate for your child is so important. We talk about the importance of understanding not just your child's disability but the special education process and law! John tel…

1
Cna yuo read tihs too? 56:37

4+ y ago56:37

56:37

Today I'm speaking with Kate Pearce, of Kate Pearce Educational Services, about reading deficits, assessments, and the importance of proper reading instruction. Kate is a reading specialist, educator, advocate, mom, and, yes... proud dyslexic! She provides reading assessments, instruction, and consultative services to parents and schools. Join us w…

1
Where I Lay My Head 37:09

4+ y ago37:09

37:09

Today I speak with Marc Bonaguide about residential placements. Marc is the Clinical Supervisor at The Glenholme School based in Washington, Connecticut. The Glenholme School, also known as Devereux Glenholme School, is an independent coeducational therapeutic boarding school situated on over 110 acres in Washington, Connecticut. The program there …

1
Language is the Doorway to Wisdom 41:18

4+ y ago41:18

41:18

In this episode, I speak with Jeff Bravin, Executive Director of the American School for the Deaf (ASD) in Hartford, CT to discuss the importance of a literacy and language rich environment (their version of LRE). Not only does ASD serve deaf and hard of hearing students, they also have a successful program for hearing and non-verbal students with …

1
An Unconventional Librarian 52:41

4+ y ago52:41

52:41

Pam Margolis is An Unconventional Librarian! She loves book and she loves inspiring students to explore new literature to expand their world. She reviews both popular books and those emerging in their genre. During this episode, Pam talks about Flamingo Rampant books. They are an inclusive publisher that she recommends: https://www.flamingorampant.…

1
Now you're speakin' my language! 54:25

4+ y ago54:25

54:25

Today I speak with Joulé Bazemore and Barb Coleman, Co-Coordinators of The Bridge Program at Wooster School, a program designed to address the needs of students with Language Based Learning Disabilities. We discuss what these are, how they impact students, and how the Bridge Program has found a successful way to remediate these challenges for stude…

1
Droppin' Knowledge! 42:07

4+ y ago42:07

42:07

Today we talk to Mandy Favolaro & Missy Alexander about the Annual COPAA Conference. COPAA stands for Council of Parents Attorneys and Advocates, an organization dedicated to protecting and enforcing the legal and civil rights of students with disabilities and their families. Their primary goal is to secure high quality educational services and to …

1
How exceptional are you? 57:12

4+ y ago57:12

57:12

Twice-exceptional (2e) children struggle because their gifts mask their challenges and their challenges mask their gifts. So, how do we educate 2e children? Today we are talking with super-mom and co-founder of Cajal Academy (cajalacademy.org), a private special education school in CT designed for 2e children. Cajal integrates intellectually-stimul…

1
Special Ed 101 40:50

4+ y ago40:50

40:50

Special Ed 101 mp3 Thu, 11/19 9:46PM • 40:50 SUMMARY KEYWORDS child, special education, student, school district, parents, evaluations, education, iep, disability, attorney, iep meeting, mediation, state, due process hearing, least restrictive environment, timelines, hearing, school, procedural safeguards, decision Transcript:Today, I want to talk …

1
Wonder twin powers ACTIVATE! 49:22

4+ y ago49:22

49:22

Today we talk with Aubrey Schmalle, a registered occupational therapist, about Body Activated Learning to support attention and engagement. This is an innovative, sensory-based program to support attention and engagement in children that can be embedded into the existing curriculum of any school environment. Schools and parents can implement this p…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Dana Jonson Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide