Reaching New Heights: The Power of Parent Advocacy in Special Education with April Rehrig
Special Ed on Special Ed
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 focuses on training parents to be effective advocates for their children. Her strength-based approach emphasizes collaboration, communication, and empowering families to navigate the IEP process successfully. Episode Summary In this episode, Dana...
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Empowering Autism Parenting: Transforming Challenges into Triumphs with Andrea Pollack
Special Ed on Special Ed
Stay tuned for the transcript, which will be available shortly after publication on. 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, Andrea earned a master’s degree in education and founded Autism Parent Solutions. Her mission is to empower parents of autistic children with the tools and strategies needed to foster success at home, in school, and beyond. She is also the chairman of the board of...
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Academic Pressures, Eating Disorders, and Mental Wellness: A Comprehensive Approach with Ilona Phillips
Special Ed on Special Ed
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 of experience, she evolved from working solo to leading a team of 30 clinicians. Her work emphasizes helping individuals navigate recovery from eating and anxiety disorders while equipping parents and guardians with the tools and...
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Suicidal Behaviors in Adolescents with Disabilities and Therapeutic Support with Melody Murray
Special Ed on Special Ed
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 in childhood trauma, suicidal ideation, and family dynamics, Melody is dedicated to making mental health accessible through public forums and online courses. She’s known for her holistic approach, combining professional insight with...
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Empowering Through Exercise: Fitness and Autism with Jimmy Clare
Special Ed on Special Ed
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. Jimmy, a motivational speaker, autism advocate, and host of the Crazy Fitness Guy Healthy Living Podcast, shares his journey of overcoming adversity, including bullying, multiple surgeries, and living with spinal stenosis. Dana and Jimmy explore how he...
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Dysgraphia Insights and Inclusive Strategies with Cheri Dotterer
Special Ed on Special Ed
Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on . 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 dysgraphia, combining educational neuroscience with hands-on support. Episode Summary: In this episode, Dana Jonson and Cheri Dotterer explore the complexities of dysgraphia, covering its emotional, cognitive, and physical impact on students with learning...
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Unlocking Potential Enhancing Brain Health and Development with Dr. Rebecca Jackson
Special Ed on Special Ed
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 is also a Board-Certified Cognitive Specialist and a Doctor of Chiropractic with over 15 years of dedicated research and hands-on application in cognitive development. She has passionately worked to improve the well-being of children and...
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Genetics and Disability: Tailoring Child Development and Wellness with Dr. J Dunn
Special Ed on Special Ed
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 testing system to optimize health and mental wellness. Introduction: Dana Jonson welcomes Dr. J Dunn to explore genetics' role in mental and physical health. Dr. Dunn shares her journey overcoming depression and fatigue by understanding her genetic...
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Revolutionizing Cognitive Skills with Video Games: An Interview with Dr. Steve Gullans
Special Ed on Special Ed
Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on 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 technology and video game-based cognitive training. He elaborates on Think Better's innovative approaches, exemplified by the EEG headset and the video game "Skylar's Run," designed to improve mental focus and cognitive skills in both children and adults. This...
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Designing Spaces of Hope with Mark Ostrom
Special Ed on Special Ed
Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on 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 to create life-changing spaces for youth with life-limiting conditions. Discover the power of design in transforming the daily experiences of these young individuals and their families. Memorable Quotes: "You showed us how to live in our...
info_outlineA little bit about Aubrey.... After graduating with a bachelor's degree from Boston University in 2002, she completed a specialty fieldwork at a clinic that is a leader in the field of sensory integration research. She continued her studies to obtain advanced certification in sensory integration theory and practice. Her areas of expertise include functional visual skill development, visual-vestibular integration, praxis, and executive function, and using sound-based therapies to enhance treatment outcomes.
Since 2005, she has developed four in-clinic fieldwork programs and supervised several masters-level occupational therapy students. She also educates parents, teachers, and other professionals on the value of using sensory-based treatment techniques to facilitate learning and speech development.
She has worked with children with a variety of diagnoses including autism spectrum and sensory processing disorders, as well as neuromotor impairments, genetic disabilities, and vision impairments. Aubrey believes that the most effective treatment is one that is dynamic and specific to the child. As an educator, evaluator, and treating clinician, she strives to provide high quality, individualized treatment interventions. These interventions are designed to help children develop confidence and a desire to explore and engage in the world around them as they continue to learn and grow.