The PL Project 25: Kelly Fonner and Sayard Bass
The PL Project: Expanding Possibilities
NSSEO District Coaches Tara Hanson and Kim Wimer sit down with Kelly Fonner and Sayard Bass to discuss their upcoming presentation at the NSSEO Jan 5th Institute Day titled Beyond the Checklist: Applying QIAT for Real-World AT Implementation. NSSEO and member district staff can . Kelly Fonner is a special educator and AT consultant who has been a para-educator, teacher, instructional media specialist, assistive technology specialist in EI, K-12, university, and statewide settings. Kelly has presented in the field of AT/AAC for over 40 years across the US and...
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The PL Project 24: Shannon Wess and Carly Franzgrote
The PL Project: Expanding Possibilities
NSSEO District Coaches Tara Hanson and Sheena Gunia sit down to chat with Shannon Wess and Carly Franzgrote to talk about their upcoming sessions at the NSSEO Institute Day on January 5, 2026. Shannon will be presenting 8:30-11:30. Carly's session titled will be from 12:30-3:30 both at Harper College. NSSEO and member district staff can click on the links to register through Kickup. You won't want to miss these! Shannon Wess, MSW, BCBA, is a behavior analyst with a strong background in autism services, special education coaching, and staff...
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The PL Project 23: Kim Brown
The PL Project: Expanding Possibilities
On this episode, Kristie and Sheena talk with Kim Brown about her expansive work with the Verbal Behavior Milestones and Placement Program (VB-MAPP). Kim Brown has been working in the field of special education for the past 23 years in a variety of roles including a teaching assistant, special education teacher, instructional and behavioral coach, principal/Program Director, Coordinator for Autism Programming and Director of Professional Learning from Early Childhood to High School. Her work centers around special education programming and best...
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The PL Project 22: Don Johnston
The PL Project: Expanding Possibilities
For over 40 years, Don Johnston, founder and CEO of Building Wings, has helped students and teachers build literacy skills through specially-designed curriculum and assistive technology. His technologies, implementation, and personal connections have made the impossible possible in over 32,000 schools across America. At the heart of Don’s endeavors is inspiration gained during his personal journey as a reader who struggled in school. In eighth grade, a teacher recognized his potential and helped him think and learn in non-traditional ways. This is the philosophy behind all of Don’s product...
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The PL Project 21: Robert Pennington
The PL Project: Expanding Possibilities
On this episode, Danielle and Sheena talk with Dr. Robert Pennington about his expansive work with individuals with complex learning needs and how to program for students using high leverage practices. Rob is a former special educator, well accomplished professor, BCBA, and leader in educational research. His current research focuses around high leverage practices as well as innovative educational methodologies of using technology and robots within the classroom. In the episode, we talk with Rob about the importance of showing teachers how to use High Leverage Practices in order to make...
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The PL Project 20: Karen Erickson Part 2
The PL Project: Expanding Possibilities
On this episode, Tara and Danielle talk with Dr. Karen Erickson about a few of the free resources available for educators who support students with complex learning profiles. Karen is a former teacher of students with significant disabilities. Her current research addresses literacy and communication assessment and intervention for students with extensive support needs, as well as the supportiveness of augmentative and alternative communication in interaction. Karen and her colleague's recent projects have focused on creating open-source professional development and implementation...
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Episode 19 - Paula Kluth
The PL Project: Expanding Possibilities
On this episode, Kristie Wurglitz and Tara Hanson talk with Paula Kluth on her work with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities and to create more responsive and engaging schooling experiences for all learners. Her work centers around providing support around inclusion, co-teaching, and universal design for learning. She has written over 15 books supporting parents and staff on these topics and she has won several awards within her profession. In the episode, we talk with Paula about the benefits of using co-teaching as a tool for...
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Episode 18 - Dr. Ross Greene
The PL Project: Expanding Possibilities
Nicole Burke and Beth Mand interview Dr. Ross Greene
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Episode 17: Mary Barbera
The PL Project: Expanding Possibilities
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Episode 16: Karen Erickson
The PL Project: Expanding Possibilities
Join Kristie Wurglitz and Maureen Brandywine as we talk to Karen Erickson. Karen Erickson, Ph.D. is the Director of the Center for Literacy and Disability Studies, a Professor in the Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, and the Yoder Distinguished Professor in the Department of Allied Health Sciences, School of Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her research addresses literacy assessment and instruction for struggling readers of all ages including those with significant disabilities. Karen is co-developer of the Tar Heel Reader online library of accessible books...
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