This week I am joined by Sr. Kathleen Schipani, Director for the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Deaf Apostolate for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Sr. Kathleen talks about the different ministries she undertakes in Philadelphia and other places including as chairperson for the National Catholic Partnership on Disability. Sr. Kathleen also discusses the different ministries her office undertakes in the diocese and discusses special education in Catholic schools.

On the first episode of 2018, I am once again joined by Dr. Brooke Tesché, Deputy Superintendent of Education for the Diocese of Allentown in Pennsylvania. Brooke discusses the varied roles of assessment in the classroom especially as to how it pertains to students with disabilities. She discusses accommodations and meeting the needs of all test takers.

This week I am joined by Mrs. Kim Wilmer, a Kindergarten teacher at St. Francis Xavier Elementary School at Phoenix, Arizona. Kim details her work as a Kindergarten teacher at the school and shares her experiences with a particular student. Kim talks about how she meets the academic, social, and spiritual needs to include him in class.

This week I interview Mrs. Doreen Engel, Director of the Benilde Program out of St. Raphael’s Academy in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Doreen will highlight her diverse career in Catholic School education. She speaks about the Benilde Program at her school and how she services those students in that program. Doreen also offers strategies for working with students with disabilities.

This week I interview Katie Carden, Principal at the School of Saints Faith, Hope, Charity at Winnetka, Illinois. Katie speaks about here role not only as principal of the school but also as the mom of six, one of which has Down Syndrome. She also speaks how her school meets the needs of diverse learners and offers advice to principals on how to get the ball rolling on inclusion in their school.

This week I interview Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt, Senior Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Toledo. Vince discusses all the roads he has taken in Catholic schools that led him to the Diocese of Toledo. Vince also speaks about how the birth of his son led to the development of an innovative and nationwide sports program. After this podcast, I will never look at the word “mosaic” in the same way again.

This week I interview Ms. Renée Stoeckle, Director of Catholic School Initiatives for Step Up for Students. Renée highlights her journey from the classroom to Step Up. Renée discusses how school choice scholarships can benefit students with special needs in the state of Florida and other programs available nationwide including Maryland and Illinois.

This week I interview Dr. Christie Bonfiglio, Director of Professional Standards & Graduate Studies and the Director of the Program for Inclusive Education (PIE) for the Alliance for Catholic Education & Institute for Educational Initiatives (ACE) at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. Christie speaks about her background in education along with the all wonderful programs available at ACE. Christy discusses the pillars at ACE which form the program and her views on Catholic special education.

This week, I interview Mrs. Diane Elliott, Special Services Coordinator for the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. Diane details what led her to the diocese of Arlington. She also speaks about the transition piece in special education which is necessary for students as they transition to adulthood.

This week I interview Mr. Timothy Reilly, School Principal at St. Ignatius School in Cincinnati, Ohio and also serves on the Board of Trustees for the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA).  Tim speaks about the successes in his school including their academic and social achievements. Tim gives practical advice to principals who are considering implementing a program for students with special needs.