Empower LEP Podcast

In this episode of the Empower LEP Podcast, Jana chats with Dr. Brandi Tanner, a former special education teacher, school psychologist, and private practice psychologist turned advocate who now runs her own business, Your IEP Source. Dr. Tanner's passion for helping families navigate the often confusing world of special education shines through in this candid conversation. Drawing from her years of experience on both sides of the IEP table—as a school psychologist and a teacher—she shares how she’s been able to use that unique perspective to help parents, educators, and other professionals understand and advocate for students’ needs.

Jana and Dr. Tanner talk about what it really takes to move from working in schools to running a private practice or advocacy business and why the transition isn’t always as simple as it seems. Dr. Tanner gets personal about the challenges and rewards of being her own boss, offering practical advice for anyone thinking about making the leap. From navigating special education law to turning clinical diagnoses into effective student plans, Dr. Tanner shares real-world guidance with those on a similar path. She also touches on the challenge of balancing work and personal life, providing advice that is sure to resonate with both LEPs and school psychologists.

For Dr. Tanner, the work is deeply personal, and her commitment to making sure every child gets the education they deserve is at the heart of everything she does. She and Jana explore the power of clear communication, the importance of self-care to prevent burnout, and the satisfaction that comes from helping families feel empowered in a system that can often feel overwhelming.

If you're curious about the world of special education advocacy or wondering what it takes to build a business from the ground up, this episode is packed with useful tips and heartfelt advice. Dr. Tanner’s passion and drive are contagious, making this episode a must-listen for LEPs, educators, and anyone interested in making a difference in the lives of students.

Catch Episode 40 of the Empower LEP Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, and be sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review to help us reach more LEPs and educators!

Connect with Dr. Brandi Tanner:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.youriepsource.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youriepsource
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youriepsource/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbranditanner/

Connect with Empower LEP:
https://empowerlep.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerlep
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpowerLEP/
and the Empower LEP Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/583676341308649

The website for this show is https://empowerleppodcast.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us continue to bring you more inspiring stories for LEPs and supporting professionals.

In this episode of the Empower LEP podcast, host Jana Parker sits down with Dr. Rebecca Branstetter, a school psychologist, author, and entrepreneur who’s dedicated to helping educators not just survive but truly thrive in their careers. Rebecca opens up about her early days as a school psychologist in the Bay Area, where she was determined to change the world—but quickly found herself overwhelmed by massive caseloads, pressure from advocates and attorneys, and the never-ending grind.

Rebecca shares a powerful turning point in her career when pregnant with her first child, she found herself hiding under a desk during a school lockdown. That intense moment forced her to rethink everything—her priorities, her work, and the toll it was taking on her mental health. From there, she began a journey to figure out how school psychologists can do meaningful work without burning out. This eventually led to her creating The Thriving School Psychologist platform, which has now helped thousands of school psychs reclaim their passion and build sustainable, balanced careers.

But her path wasn’t always straightforward. Rebecca talks about her leap into private practice, hoping it would offer more freedom but finding a new set of challenges—like isolation and figuring things out on her own. Through it all, Rebecca kept pushing forward, eventually expanding her impact by creating online courses and a thriving community of educators who are all committed to doing great work without sacrificing their own well-being.

This episode is full of relatable stories, personal insights, and real-life advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the demands of their work. Dr. Branstetter’s story is a reminder that it’s possible to create a fulfilling career without burning out—and that sometimes, the hardest moments can lead to the biggest breakthroughs.

Be sure to grab a copy of Dr. Bransetter’s new book, “Small Habits Create Big Change: Strategies to Avoid Burnout and Thrive in Your Education Career,” which is available on October 1st.

Catch Episode 39 of the Empower LEP Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, and be sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review to help us reach more LEPs and educators!

Connect with Dr. Rebecca Branstetter:
Email: [email protected]
Website: thrivingstudents.com
Book: Amazon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSchoolPsych/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivingschoolpsych
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrebeccabranstetter/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thrivingstudents

In this week’s episode of the Empower LEP Podcast, host Jana Parker welcomes Dr. Ed Schultz, the brilliant and enthusiastic mind behind the Core Selective Evaluation Process (C-SEP). Dr. Schultz is passionate about revolutionizing how we identify Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) by cutting through outdated, complex testing methods and focusing on what truly matters. As a professor of special education, trainer, and consultant, Dr. Schultz brings a wealth of knowledge on making evaluations more efficient and meaningful for students and educators alike.

You’ll hear all about Dr. Schultz’s C-SEP approach, which focuses on using a core set of tests to identify patterns of strengths and weaknesses without overburdening students with unnecessary assessments. He emphasizes the power of achievement data and the importance of understanding the task demands of each test, challenging traditional reliance on cognitive assessments alone. Dr. Schultz also explores hot topics like the role of cognitive testing in dyslexia assessments, the debate around vision therapy, and why ensuring evaluations reflect real-world learning is key.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Schultz shares personal stories from his career, from working with students in mental health settings to developing innovative approaches to SLD identification. He stresses the importance of focusing on ecological validity, ensuring that what happens in the testing room connects to what’s actually going on in the classroom. Dr. Schultz’s practical advice will help LEPs, school psychologists, and educators streamline their evaluation process and make their work more impactful.

This high-energy episode is packed with info and ideas for anyone looking to rethink their approach to assessments, reduce the testing burden, and truly support students’ learning. If you’re ready for a fresh perspective on educational evaluations, you won’t want to miss this conversation. 

Catch Episode 38 of the Empower LEP Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, and be sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review to help us reach more LEPs and educators!

Connect with C-SEP:
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/267045391029484/

Connect with Empower LEP:
https://empowerlep.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerlep
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpowerLEP/
and the Empower LEP Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/583676341308649

The website for this show is https://empowerleppodcast.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us continue to bring you more inspiring stories for LEPs and supporting professionals.

In this week’s episode of the Empower LEP Podcast, host Jana Parker is excited to welcome Dr. Byron McClure, an inspiring school psychologist, entrepreneur, and CEO who’s shaking up the field with his passion for innovation and making a difference in his community and beyond. From dreaming of an NBA career to transforming the way we approach school psychology, Dr. McClure’s journey is anything but ordinary.

Dr. McClure starts by sharing how he unexpectedly found his way into school psychology and how his mission to support marginalized youth shaped his entire career. He has made a huge impact with his work at Anacostia High School, where he led efforts to turn things around using trauma-informed practices, restorative approaches, and a big focus on building a positive school culture. You’ll hear about the real challenges he faced, like tackling the deeply ingrained mindsets of adults in education and trying to change a system that’s often resistant to growth. 

But Dr. McClure didn’t stop there. He’s taken his experiences and turned them into a broader mission—like writing his book "Hacking Deficit Thinking," which flips the script from what’s wrong with students to what’s strong about them. And now, he’s using tech to tackle burnout among school psychologists with his new platform, School Psych AI, designed to help streamline the evaluation process so practitioners can focus more on what matters: supporting students.

If you’re curious about the realities of leading change in schools, want to hear some raw and relatable stories, or just need a shot of motivation to keep going, you’re going to love this conversation. Dr. McClure’s energy and commitment to the field are contagious, and his story is a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference, no matter where we start. Tune in for some great laughs, insights, and the kind of practical advice that’ll leave you feeling fired up about your own journey in school psychology!

https://www.schoolpsych.ai/ Discount Code 10% off - SPAIPRO D
https://empowerlep.com/mentorship-program

Connect with Dr. Byron McClure
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.schoolpsych.ai/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/169537379103941
https://www.instagram.com/schoolpsychai/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/byron-mcclure-0a20a837/
https://www.tiktok.com/@schoolpsychlifedrb

Connect with Empower LEP:
https://empowerlep.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerlep
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpowerLEP/
and the Empower LEP Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/583676341308649

The website for this show is https://empowerleppodcast.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us continue to bring you more inspiring stories for LEPs and supporting professionals.

In Episode 36 of the Empower LEP Podcast, host Jana Parker goes solo for a candid and heartfelt reflection on her journey as a business owner, educational psychologist, and podcaster. Jana shares her own experiences, challenges, and the lessons she’s learned while running a growing practice and expanding to offer new services. She opens up about managing rapid growth, making difficult staffing decisions, and the ongoing process of building a supportive and thriving work environment.

Jana reflects on her evolving role as a leader, highlighting her commitment to creating a positive and nurturing space for her team and clients. She discusses the recent changes within her practice, including hiring new staff, restructuring roles, and undergoing a financial audit to ensure a sustainable future. 

Jana also opens up about the personal toll of entrepreneurship, from the long hours to the emotional weight of making tough calls. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and reaching out for support, especially in a field where mental health challenges are all too familiar.

This episode is a raw and honest look into the behind-the-scenes reality of running a practice and balancing personal and professional life. Whether you’re a school psychologist, LEP, or someone considering a leap into private practice, Jana’s story is a reminder that you’re not alone in the ups and downs of this journey. Tune in for a real talk about business, growth, and the importance of taking care of yourself along the way.

Learn more about the Empower LEP Mentorship Program at www.empowerlep.com/mentorship-program

Connect with Empower LEP:
https://empowerlep.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerlep
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpowerLEP/
and the Empower LEP Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/583676341308649

The website for this show is https://empowerleppodcast.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us continue to bring you more inspiring stories for LEPs and supporting professionals.

In this week’s episode of the Empower LEP podcast, host Jana Parker welcomes Dr. Peter Isquith, a prominent pediatric neuropsychologist and author who is making his first appearance on a podcast. With a career spanning several decades, Dr. Isquith brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, sharing his journey from working in a small pediatric rehab hospital in Baltimore to his current roles in public schools and rural districts across Vermont and New Hampshire.

Dr. Isquith opens up about his unique path in psychology, highlighting the various shifts in his career, including his transition into public education later in life. He shares his fascinating work on the development of the BRIEF (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function), one of the first tools designed to assess executive functions in children. Dr. Isquith explains the challenges of integrating performance measures with rating scales, offering valuable insights for practitioners navigating similar issues in their assessments.

Listen as Dr. Isquith shares a unique story of how he got into one of his specialty areas, supporting deaf and hard-of-hearing children, and how his early experiences shaped his commitment to this population. You’ll love the anecdotes from his time as a musician touring with the Theater of the Deaf and how this unexpected chapter influenced his professional trajectory.

As the episode wraps up, Dr. Isquith offers advice for psychologists at all stages of their careers, emphasizing the value of adaptability and continuous learning. He shares his future plans to return to Philadelphia and his hopes of contributing to the community where his journey began.
This episode is packed with valuable takeaways for neuropsychologists, school psychologists, and anyone interested in the intricacies of executive function and neuropsychological assessment. Dr. Isquith’s blend of practical professional advice and personal stories make this a must-listen for both seasoned professionals and those just starting in the field.

So, grab your headphones and tune in to the Empower LEP Podcast on Apple Music, Spotify, or YouTube. You won’t want to miss this conversation!

Connect with Dr. Peter Isquith here:
Email: [email protected]

Connect with Empower LEP:
https://empowerlep.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerlep
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpowerLEP/
and the Empower LEP Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/583676341308649

The website for this show is https://empowerleppodcast.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us continue to bring you more inspiring stories for LEPs and supporting professionals.

In this episode of the Empower LEP Podcast, host Jana Parker sits down with Dr. James Bylund, an LEP and licensed clinical psychologist who’s making waves in the East Bay area with his thriving practice, The Bylund Clinic. With multiple offices and a growing team, Dr. Bylund’s clinic focuses primarily on Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs), offering comprehensive support to students and their families.

Dr. Bylund’s journey is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to helping others. Starting out by gaining hours in schools, he quickly transitioned into building a private practice and a successful non-public agency (NPA). His clinic now serves a broad range of clients, and he’s currently in the process of expanding his team by hiring more LEPs.
The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the challenges of balancing a growing business with a young family and how Dr. Bylund has managed to maintain his passion for clinical work while also embracing the demands of running a business. He shares how his practice has expanded from a one-man operation into a multi-site clinic with a diverse team of professionals, including therapists and executive skills coaches, all dedicated to providing the highest quality of care.

Dr. Bylund also talks about the importance of building a strong network with allied professionals, both within and beyond his immediate area, and how these connections have been instrumental in the growth of his clinic. He offers insights into the realities of entrepreneurship in the LEP field, from the importance of thinking like a businessperson to the value of investing in resources that allow you to focus on what you do best.

For those interested in starting or growing their own practice, Dr. Bylund’s story provides a wealth of practical advice and inspiration. He reflects on the lessons he’s learned along the way, including the challenges of managing multiple roles and the importance of building a brand that can stand on its own.

If you’re curious about what it takes to run a successful LEP practice, or just want to hear from someone who’s been there and done it, this episode is for you. 

Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite platform. Your support helps us reach more LEPs and continue providing valuable content for the community.

Connect with Dr. Bylund:
Website: https://www.thebylundclinic.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebylundclinic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebylundclinic
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-bylund-96696a28
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/james-bylund-licensed-educational-psychologist
Email: [email protected]

Connect with Empower LEP:
https://empowerlep.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerlep
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpowerLEP/
and the Empower LEP Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/583676341308649

The website for this show is https://empowerleppodcast.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us continue to bring you more inspiring stories for LEPs and supporting professionals.

Join host Jana Parker on Episode 33 of the Empower LEP Podcast, where she welcomes her very first repeat guest, Meredith Gleason. Meredith is a powerhouse in the world of educational psychology, with nearly 20 years of experience under her belt. She’s also the newest mentor at Empower LEP, and Jana couldn’t be more thrilled to have her on board. Be sure to check out episode 14 to hear Meredith’s first visit to the podcast. 

Meredith runs Empower Child Learning, a growing group practice in Southern California that supports students with challenges like anxiety, ADHD, autism, and dyslexia. In today’s episode, she shares the amazing growth her practice has experienced over the past year, including expanding its services and reaching more families. 

The conversation covers a topic all new and experienced LEPs can relate to - the importance of support among our community of professionals as we build and grow private practices. Meredith shares how essential it is for LEPs to connect with peers who understand the unique challenges of the field. From discussing tricky cases, brainstorming business strategies, or simply having someone to bounce ideas off of, this sense of community is key to thriving as an LEP. 

Meredith’s new role as a mentor at Empower LEP is all about providing that kind of support, and she’s excited to help others figure out what being an LEP means for them. She will offer amazing guidance if you’re looking to grow your practice, improve your work with families, or just need someone in your corner on your LEP journey.

So, if you’re curious about what it takes to run a successful practice, want to hear some great advice from someone who’s been there, or just love hearing about how to make a real impact in our field, this episode is for you.

Episode 33 is now live on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube! If you found this episode helpful, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your preferred platform. Your feedback helps us reach even more listeners and keeps the valuable content flowing for the LEP community. Thank you for your continued support! 

Be sure to join Meredith for a live Q&A session later this month:
Live Q&A Zoom with Meredith Gleason
August 21, 2024 4:00 PST
Visit www.empowerlep/meetup to register

Connect with Meredith:
Website: www.empowerchildlearning.com
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empowerchildlearning/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrs.g_the_lep

Connect with Empower LEP:
https://empowerlep.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerlep
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpowerLEP/
and the Empower LEP Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/583676341308649

The website for this show is https://empowerleppodcast.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us continue to bring you more inspiring stories for LEPs and supporting professionals.

In this week’s episode of the Empower LEP Podcast, host Jana Parker is excited to welcome Breea Rosas, a nationally certified school psychologist and new licensed educational psychologist based in Los Angeles. Breea is the founder of ND Affirming School Psychologist, where she’s on a mission to champion neurodiversity-affirming practices within schools and beyond.

Join us as Breea shares her journey from Washington State to sunny Los Angeles, where she is leaning into her passion for creating inclusive, supportive environments for neurodivergent students. Our conversation explores how she integrates neurodiversity-affirming practices into her daily work, both in schools and her private practice, where she also offers professional development and consultation services.

Breea opens up about the pivotal moments that inspired her dedication to this work, including the influence of her autistic brother and the eye-opening realization that traditional approaches often fall short for neurodivergent students. She highlights the importance of shifting the focus from deficits to strengths and ensuring that evaluations and reports are both supportive and empowering.

Listen as Breea talks about her innovative strategies for implementing neurodiversity-affirming assessments, writing inclusive reports, and advocating for students in a way that honors their unique abilities and needs. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have in fostering a more understanding and accommodating educational landscape.

Tune in to learn from Breea’s experiences and discover practical ways to support neurodivergent students in your own practice. 

Episode 32 is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the Empower LEP Podcast on your favorite platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue providing valuable content for the LEP community.

Connect with Breea Rosas:

Website: https://ndaffirmingsp.com/

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/breea-rosas-eds-ncsp-lep-48b73289/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556656595160

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1163365241102254

Connect with Empower LEP:
https://empowerlep.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerlep
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpowerLEP/
and the Empower LEP Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/583676341308649

The website for this show is https://empowerleppodcast.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us continue to bring you more inspiring stories for LEPs and supporting professionals.

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Empower LEP Podcast! Today, host Jana Parker is excited to be joined by longtime friend and colleague, the incredible Dr. Jack A. Naglieri. Dr. Naglieri, an Emeritus Professor at George Mason University and a Senior Research Scientist at the Devereux Center for Resilient Children, is a pioneer in the field of educational psychology. His extensive career has seen the development of more than 25 books, 50 tests and rating scales, and about 300 research papers, making him one of the foremost experts in the field. 

In this episode, we take a fascinating journey through Dr. Naglieri's career, starting from his early days teaching guitar to kids in his neighborhood to becoming a school psychologist before he moved on to his innovative research. We'll explore his groundbreaking work on intelligence tests like the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test and the Cognitive Assessment System, as well as his deep commitment to creating fair and accurate assessments for all students.

Dr. Naglieri shares his personal stories and unique perspectives, touching on his passion for equitable assessment, his forward-thinking approach to school psychology, and the driving forces behind his numerous career achievements. Plus, he offers some fantastic advice for those thinking about branching out from traditional school settings into private practice or other exciting ventures.

Don't miss out on this engaging and thought-provoking conversation with one of the greats! Whether you're just starting out in your career or looking for new directions, Dr. Naglieri's wisdom and experience are sure to ignite your passion for your own professional journey.

Listen to our conversation on Episode 31, which is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the Empower LEP Podcast on your favorite platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue providing valuable content for the LEP community.

Connect with Dr. Jack A. Naglieri
Email: [email protected]
Websites: jacknaglieri.com and naglierigiftedtests.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552416016667
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naglierigeneralabilitytests

Connect with Empower LEP:
https://empowerlep.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerlep
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpowerLEP/
and the Empower LEP Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/583676341308649

The website for this show is https://empowerleppodcast.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us continue to bring you more inspiring stories for LEPs and supporting professionals.