IEEs are uncomfortable for everyone — parents, educators, and the evaluators themselves. But what if they didn’t have to be adversarial? In this episode, licensed educational psychologist Jana Parker shares a presentation she gave at the SELPA ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) 2026 conference, drawing on 12 years as a school psychologist and her experience running a private practice in the Bay Area. With IEE requests rising at an exponential rate — and California accounting for a striking share of national special education mediation filings — Jana makes the case that independent educational evaluations work best when they function as a bridge, not a weapon.

Whether you’re a school psychologist, LEP, administrator, advocate, attorney, or a parent navigating the IEP or IEE process for the first time, this episode offers a grounded, honest perspective from someone who has sat on multiple sides of the table. Jana’s goal isn’t to work against districts or families — it’s to help everyone involved use evaluation data the way it was always meant to be used: to actually understand kids.

Presentation slides here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/wdwyt8ek35pbrk1o9g2xu/IEEs_as_a_Bridge_V4.pdf?rlkey=hxlgkyw91mmesr9iizjbbuh48&st=7kijorq8&dl=0

In this solo episode, Jana returns to the Empower LEP Podcast after an unplanned hiatus to reflect on a full year of growth, recalibration, and hard-earned clarity. As 2025 comes to a close, she takes listeners behind the scenes of what it really looked like to lead a growing group practice while intentionally stepping back from other projects, including the podcast itself.

Jana shares an honest overview of what changed in 2025, from staffing growth and retention, opening a second office location, and shifting into a more business-development–focused role, to offering a 401k for employees, strengthening profit margins, and making values-based decisions about where her time and energy truly belong. She talks candidly about the tradeoffs of group practice ownership, the responsibility of supporting employees through real life events, and why simplifying in 2025 made room for deeper focus in 2026.

This episode also revisits the evolution of Empower LEP, including the decision to separate it legally from Mind by Design, the move away from group programs, and a renewed commitment to one-on-one mentorship. Jana reflects on what has been most meaningful in her work with other LEPs, why mentorship continues to be the heart of Empower LEP, and what listeners can expect moving forward, including the possibility of shorter, more focused solo business episodes in the year ahead.

Whether you are in schools, in solo private practice, or growing a group practice of your own, this episode offers a realistic, thoughtful look at sustainability, leadership, and building something that actually supports the people inside it.

As always, Jana invites listeners to reach out with feedback, ideas, or mentorship needs and thanks the Empower LEP community for being part of the journey into 2026.

In this powerful episode of the Empower LEP Podcast, I sit down with Miriam Burlakovsky — a newly minted private practice owner who is absolutely crushing it in her first few months of entrepreneurship.

After realizing her district role, particularly the professional development work, was draining her energy and passion, Miriam made a bold decision to pivot. In just 48 hours following a transformative moment, she launched SLO Psych Services, where she now offers high-quality assessments for ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities.

But Miriam didn’t stop there.

She also started a nonprofit called Awesome Educators, dedicated to preventing teacher burnout, and she hosts a podcast that explores the intersection of mindfulness and mental health. On top of it all, she’s currently teaching research methods at Cal Poly — truly embracing the many ways professionals can make an impact beyond traditional school settings.

This episode is full of insight and inspiration. Miriam shares how tuning into both your mind and body can signal when it’s time for change, the value of networking when building something new, and how we can support educators in more meaningful and sustainable ways.

🎧 A must-listen if you’re:

• Considering stepping away from your district role
• Thinking about starting your own private practice
• Passionate about educator well-being
• Looking for a boost of inspiration from a fellow LEP making bold moves

During this episode, Miriam mentioned working with both Scott Robson and Client Obsession. You can connect with them here:

• Scott Robson Coaching: https://scottrobson.net/
• Client Obsession Marketing Agency: https://clientobsession.com/

Don’t miss this incredible conversation about courage, clarity, and creating something that truly aligns with your values. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you love it! 

Connect with Empower LEP:

Website: https://www.empowerlep.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerlep/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empowerlep 

In this episode of the Empower LEP Podcast, I sit down with my colleague and friend, Dr. Rebecca Murray Metzger, to explore the world of psychological assessment and building a group practice.

If you're a school psychologist or LEP considering a move into private practice, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

Listen in to hear all about:

• The path from school psychology to private practice
• Challenges and wins of launching a group practice
• Mentorship and supporting early-career clinicians
• The unique value LEPs bring to assessment work

Rebecca shares her journey from therapy-focused training to becoming an assessment specialist and group practice owner. We dive into the realities of leadership, the need for ongoing learning, and what it really takes to grow a team.

As someone who’s made a similar shift, I found our conversation honest, relatable, and full of practical takeaways—especially around burnout, flexibility, and community.

Tune in for a grounded, insightful conversation—and walk away with strategies you can actually use.

Connect with Empower LEP:

Website: https://www.empowerlep.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerlep/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empowerlep 

Connect with Rebecca:
Website: https://sfmindmatters.com/

In This Episode of the Empower LEP Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Jeremy Sharp — psychologist, host of The Testing Psychologist Podcast, and founder of Reverb AI — for a powerful conversation about entrepreneurship, redefining success in private practice, and the cutting-edge role of AI in psychological assessment.

If you’re a psychologist with multiple passions or an interest in expanding your impact beyond the therapy room, this episode is for you. Dr. Sharp shares how he’s turned his clinical background into multiple successful ventures — without sacrificing his values or family life.

You’ll gain practical insights into how group practices can be scaled thoughtfully — and why sometimes, scaling back is the smartest move. Plus, Jeremy gives us a sneak peek at how AI is revolutionizing report writing, making it faster and more efficient than ever.

Jeremy takes us through his evolution from a solo private practitioner to managing a thriving group practice with over 40 employees. He opens up about the pivotal moment when he chose to shift his focus entirely to psychological assessment, creating more alignment with his strengths and professional goals.

We also go behind the scenes of Reverb AI, a groundbreaking software designed to reduce report writing time by 70–80%. It’s a game-changer for busy clinicians — and its origin story might surprise you.

Throughout our conversation, Dr. Sharp shares personal, vulnerable reflections on navigating career transitions. From starting out in counseling to narrowing his focus to assessment, his journey is filled with intentional choices and honest self-reflection.

He also talks candidly about building — and then simplifying — a large practice, while keeping family life front and center. One of his most powerful takeaways? He builds his schedule by putting personal time in first and fitting work around it — not the other way around.

Don’t miss Jeremy’s story of how he unexpectedly found his way into podcasting and consulting — both of which started as side projects and turned into impactful platforms. He also shares the humble beginnings of Reverb AI, which started right in his living room.

Whether you're a psychologist curious about entrepreneurship or someone looking for new ways to expand your professional identity, Jeremy offers practical, inspiring advice you can apply right away.

🎧 Listen to Episode 64 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube—and don’t forget to subscribe, and rate!

Connect with Empower LEP:

• Website: https://www.empowerlep.com/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerlep/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empowerlep 

🔗 Connect with Dr. Jeremy Sharp

• Website: The Testing Psychologist
• Facebook Group: Testing Psychologist Community
• Email: [email protected]

If HR feels like a confusing maze of rules, classifications, and compliance issues, you’re not alone. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!

In this episode of the Empower LEP Podcast, I sit down with Shawn Jough, an expert in human resources, to break down what every entrepreneur, private practice owner, and mental health professional needs to know about hiring, worker classification, and building a legally sound business.

Shawn makes HR easy to understand, sharing key insights on the differences between employees and contractors, the risks of misclassification, and how to create a compliant and thriving workplace. Whether you're hiring your first employee or growing your team, this episode is full of practical advice to help you make smart HR decisions.

💡Tune in and you can:

✅ Learn the key differences between contractors and employees
 ✅ Understand the legal risks of misclassifying workers
 ✅ Get expert tips on creating a compliant and supportive workplace
 ✅ Discover how to build a committed and motivated team
 ✅ Gain strategic HR insights designed for small businesses and private practices

🔍 What We Cover:

🔹 The ABC Test – How worker classification really works
 🔹 Employee vs. Contractor – The legal risks, benefits, and business impact
 🔹 When to Get HR Support – How to know when it’s time to bring in an expert
 🔹 Avoiding Audits & Legal Pitfalls – Protecting your business from costly mistakes
 🔹 Building a Strong Workplace Culture – How to retain great employees and grow your business

🎧 Listen Now!

HR doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Join me and Shawn as we clear up the confusion and give you the tools to build a legally sound and thriving business!

Connect with Empower LEP:

Website: https://www.empowerlep.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerlep/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empowerlep 

📩 Connect with Shawn:
 📧 [email protected]

Resources from today's episode: 

Independent contractors

Employers | LWDA

New California Law Expands Protections for Freelance Workers: What Employers Must Know + 5 Steps You Can Take to Comply | Fisher Phillips

📢 Quick Reminder: This episode is packed with great insights, but it’s always best to consult a professional for HR and legal guidance tailored to your business.

🚀 Hit play and take control of your HR strategy today!

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Peter Faustino, President of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) for 2024-2025, to discuss his journey in school psychology, insights from the recent NASP conference in Seattle, and the evolving role of school psychologists. We dive into professional burnout, the power of professional organizations, and how to stay engaged in this ever-changing field.

Key Highlights:

✅ Takeaways from the NASP conference, including insights from Dr. Sahar Yousef’s keynote
 ✅ Dr. Faustino’s path from school psychologist to private practitioner and NASP leadership
 ✅ The impact of professional organizations on career growth and advocacy
 ✅ Practical strategies to prevent burnout and stay engaged in the field

Dr. Peter Faustino, PsyD, has spent over 25 years working with children and adolescents as a school psychologist. Before becoming NASP President, he held multiple leadership roles within NASP and state associations, advocating for children’s mental health at both state and national levels. He currently works at Scarsdale High School and runs a private practice specializing in adolescent behavior, anxiety disorders, and autism. Dr. Faustino also collaborates with organizations like Autism Speaks, the Child Mind Institute, and the Trevor Project. In his free time, he enjoys cooking and keeping up with his three daughters on social media.

Dr. Faustino shares his experiences and insights in a thoughtful, down-to-earth conversation about the realities of school psychology. Whether you're new to the field or have been in it for years, you’ll take away practical advice, fresh perspectives, and a renewed sense of connection to the work. Join us as we talk about the future of the profession, the role of advocacy, and how to stay engaged and energized in this ever-evolving field.

Connect with Empower LEP:

Website: https://www.empowerlep.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerlep/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empowerlep 

Connect with Dr Peter Faustino:

Website: www.nasponline.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peter_faustino_/

Welcome back to another episode of the Empower LEP podcast. This episode was such a fun and insightful conversation with Tim McIvor, the founder of schoolpsych.com. As a fellow school psychologist, I was genuinely inspired by his entrepreneurial journey and impact on our field.

You won’t want to miss this episode—here’s why:

🎯 Thinking Ahead – Ever thought about where your passion could take you? Tim did—way back in 2014, when he was just starting out as a school psychologist, he had the vision to secure schoolpsych.com. That early move set the stage for something incredible.

🚀 Stepping Into Leadership – Tim didn’t just settle into his new role in Nevada—he helped revive the Nevada Association of School Psychologists! His journey proves that you don’t have to wait to make an impact.

📊 Tech Tips That Matter – If you’ve ever felt bogged down by reports or admin work, Tim’s got you covered. He shares game-changing tech tools that make school psychs more efficient (seriously, his Excel and Word tutorials are a must!).

🌍 Building a Powerful Network – Tim turned schoolpsych.com into a go-to resource for professional development. Tune in to hear how he’s creating opportunities for school psychs everywhere.

🤖 AI & the Future of Our Field – Is AI a threat to school psychology? Tim shares a refreshing take on how AI can be a tool, not a replacement, helping us work smarter while keeping our expertise at the center.

This conversation left me so motivated to keep exploring new ways to grow and innovate in our field. Tim’s passion for supporting school psychologists is contagious, and I’m so grateful he’s sharing his knowledge so generously.

Let me know what resonated with you from this episode—I’d love to hear your thoughts! 💬

Connect with Empower LEP:

Website: https://www.empowerlep.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerlep/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empowerlep 

On this episode of the Empower LEP podcast I am sitting down with Christopher Ponce. Wow, What an energizing and insightful conversation! As a fellow school psychologist, I loved hearing his take on NASP 2025—the sessions and the meaningful connections he made along the way.

We dive into the power of networking and why reaching out to big names and behind-the-scenes practitioners can open unexpected doors. Chris’ advice? Don’t be afraid to reach out—most experts are happy to chat!

 Chris shares his experiences as co-chair of the AAPI subcommittee, the challenges and rewards of leadership, and how mentorship plays a critical role in shaping early-career school psychologists.  Chris took on extra responsibilities, but in return, he had the opportunity to shape key DEI initiatives within NASP. 

We also explore the evolving role of social media and podcasts in our field and how his podcast The School Collective is helping to highlight innovators across the country, proving that online platforms can be powerful tools for knowledge-sharing and community-building

💡 Advocacy starts with us. This conversation reinforced how much potential we have as school psychologists—not just to learn from each other but to drive real change in our field. I’m excited to stay connected with Christopher and see what’s next for him!

If you're passionate about growing as a school psychologist, making meaningful connections, and advocating for change, this episode is for you! Tune in now and get inspired by Christopher’s journey.

Connect with Empower LEP:

Website: https://www.empowerlep.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerlep/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empowerlep 

Welcome back to another episode of the Empower LEP Podcast. 

This episode was such a fun and insightful conversation with Dr. Liz Angoff! If you’re not familiar with her work, Dr. Liz is a Licensed Educational Psychologist with a Diplomate in School Neuropsychology, providing assessment and consultation services to children and their families in the Bay Area, CA. She’s also the author of the Brain Building Books, a fantastic set of tools designed to help kids understand their learning and developmental differences in a meaningful, interactive way.

Tune in and learn about:

🔹 Free, customizable tools – Dr. Liz has developed an incredible collection of resources on ExplainingBrains.com, including summary sheets, visuals, and videos to help explain diagnoses to kids in a way that truly resonates. She’s also integrating AI-generated content to make reports more parent-friendly—she’s at the cutting edge of using AI to enhance our clinical work!

🔹 Making assessment feedback engaging – Dr. Liz is passionate about making results accessible, affirming, and engaging for kids and families. Her Brain Building Books are designed to bring children into the feedback process in a fun, interactive way, helping them feel empowered in understanding their own brains.

🔹 APA-approved CEU courses – Dr. Liz is now offering CEU courses on topics like neurodiversity-affirming assessment and collaborative feedback. Plus, her upcoming AI workshop sounds like it’ll be super practical and hands-on—definitely one to check out!

🔹 Dr Liz is offering an upcoming AI workshop that sounds super practical and hands-on. She'll cover specific ways we can use AI as a "co-pilot" to help structure information, find real-world examples, and get creative in explaining things to families. Liz will teach us how to review the AI-generated content to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Dr. Liz Angoff is such an incredible resource for our field, and I’m so grateful she took the time to share her insights with us. 

🎧 Listen to Episode 60 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube—and don’t forget to subscribe!

Connect with Empower LEP:

Website: https://www.empowerlep.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerlep/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empowerlep 

Connect with Dr. Liz Angoff: 

Website: www.ExplainingBrains.com, www.DrLizAngoff.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explainingbrains/