Claudia Wenger, BCBA, has supported the special needs community for over 25 years. In this episode, she shares her extensive knowledge about preparing for a successful transition from life in high school, to secondary education and beyond. She gives us greats tips about how to handle communication with the school, the right questions to ask, and the pitfalls to avoid. 

Arlene Bell has the unique perspective of being a special education attorney, special education teacher, and parent of a person with special needs. She discusses the importance of knowing when to engage the legal services of an expert and shares important information that every parent needs to know about their child’s rights and how to get them the services and education that they are entitled to. 

Dr. Jamie Barstein discusses the importance of addressing this often challenging and uncomfortable topic with our youth, and offers guidance and resources on best practices and approaches  for creating a safe, non-threatening environment for them to discuss and explore their feelings and questions.

Chris Eisenberg is a special education attorney who is dedicated to helping children with disabilities receive the educational services they deserve. He shares his insights on the importance of seeking the assistance of an attorney or advocate when needed, and what parents can do themselves to navigate the school system and ask the right questions.

Lindsay Recknell, speaker and mental health advocate, shares insights and tips on the power of hope and how to strengthen and empower ourselves in positive and uplifting ways. Her evidence-based methods have been used by individuals and corporations alike to increase motivation and transform lives. 

Dr. Marianne Cintron shares her unique approach to treating young people and others who deal with the challenge of dyslexia. She is the only educator using music in her reading program to effectively help students improve their reading skills at a profound rate. 

Allison Hertog, a special education attorney and advocate, shares her experiences and insights about representing parents of children with disabilities and what it’s like growing up with an undiagnosed learning issue herself. 

A creative director, author and former Walt Disney Imagineer, Ron Robledo joins us to discuss the inspiration behind his comic book characters, the organization he founded to inspire other young illustrators, and the positive impact they have on portrayals of all people of color. 

Mindy Scheier of the Runway of Dreams Foundation shares her story of creating adaptive clothing within the fashion industry for those with special needs and disabilities. Her passion has led to names like Tommy Hilfiger joining the crusade and a featured spot at New York Fashion Week for several years in a row.

Cathy Gott, an advocate and board member of the Cornerstone Housing organization, has devoted her professional life to finding solutions for the special needs community. In this episode, she announces the groundbreaking of a first-of-its-kind residential complex for those with disabilities. Hoping that it will be the first of many more to come, Cathy discusses the incredible opportunity this building will represent for so many of the under-served members of our population.