In this solo episode, Jana opens by sharing her heartfelt concern for those affected by the devastating wildfires in Southern California. With family in the impacted areas, she offers her empathy and support to everyone navigating this tragedy.

Shifting the focus, Jana dives into the importance of finding passion and inspiration in one’s work. She reflects on her own transformative journey, describing how she moved from a life fueled by dissatisfaction to one driven by purpose and joy—even though it required embracing greater risks and vulnerabilities.

Along the way, Jana also shares the pivotal role that administrative support has played in her business. By delegating tasks like managing the intake process, she’s been able to increase her productivity while reducing the stress of constantly monitoring leads and phone calls. She highlights the importance of creating standard operating procedures (SOPs) to maintain consistency, particularly when transitioning between support staff.

Finally, Jana recommends two insightful books: Reader, Come Home by Maryanne Wolf and The Collapse of Parenting by Dr. Leonard Sax. These recommendations reflect her dedication to personal growth and professional development.

🎧 Listen to Episode 54 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube—and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, for a chance to win a 1:1 session with Jana!

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 solo episode of the Empower LEP Podcast, Jana celebrates two major milestones: the five-year anniversary of her practice, Mind by Design, and the one-year anniversary of the podcast. Some notable achievements for the practice include a 51% growth rate, reaching seven-figure revenue, and doubling her team. For Empower LEP, the growth and expansion included launching new courses and mentorship programs.

Along the way, Jana discusses working with other professionals to benefit from their expertise. She also shares her challenges, like finding the right administrative support, building effective systems, and balancing the demands of leadership with personal well-being.

Finally, Jana shares what she’s planning to focus on in 2025 after the lessons she learned in 2024.

This episode is a peek behind the curtain of what it’s like to run a successful practice as an education psychologist.

🎧 Listen to Episode 53 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube—and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a colleague!

Coaching with Scott Robson starts on January 9th. Join Overwhelm to Impact: Your LEP Roadmap to Independence
 
https://www.empowerlep.com/coachscott
Use code GOALS25 to save $50


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, Jana sits down with Meredith Eaton and Becca Marcus from Move Forward Virtual Assistants, a company on a mission to free mental health professionals from the administrative grind.

As Jana comes up on the 5-year anniversary of her practice, she shares the challenges of administrative work. Things like setting up systems, doing intake calls, getting people scheduled, following up with people who she didn't hear back from, getting clients to fill out their paperwork, and sending them their Super Bill can take up significant time and energy.

CEO and Executive Director of Client Experience, Meredith and Becca share how their team supports therapists, psychologists, and group practices to let them focus on their expertise.

Jana’s conversation highlights the importance of delegating tasks, trusting your team, and building a business that supports your life rather than consumes it.

Whether you’re thinking about starting a side business as an LEP, already have a busy private practice, or are curious about the kinds of administrative support available, this episode will inspire you to rethink how you build your practice.

🎧 Listen to Episode 52 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube—and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with a colleague who needs to hear this!

Connect with Move Forward Virtual Assistants:
Website: moveforwardvirtualassistants.com 
Instagram: instagram.com/moveforwardVAs
Facebook: facebook.com/MoveForwardVAs
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/move-forward-virtual-assistants

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, Jana chats with Dr. Jeremy Greene, a school psychologist and LEP whose journey has taken him from Sacramento to Shanghai and back. Jeremy shares how his natural ability to connect with people and offer guidance led him into school psychology, and he opens up about the pivotal role mentors played as he was starting out.

Jeremy takes us inside his time working overseas at an international school in Shanghai, where he faced the challenge of building special education support into a system that looked very different from what we’re used to here. Without IEPs or strict compliance rules, he leaned into trust, creativity, and relationships to help students succeed. He reflects on how those experiences shaped his approach to education, showing the power of honoring students’ strengths, voices, and identities—no matter the setting.

Jana and Jeremy also get real about the pressures school psychologists face, including burnout and the desire to explore opportunities beyond the traditional school system. Jeremy’s passion for student advocacy and his vision for systemic change shines through as he shares insights from his recent doctorate work and his hopes for the future of education.

If you’re an LEP, a school psychologist, or someone curious about the many ways you can make a meaningful impact in students’ lives, this conversation will leave you inspired and re-energized. Jeremy’s honesty and warmth are a refreshing reminder that there are so many ways to show up, grow, and keep the work fulfilling.

Listen to Episode 51 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube—and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this one with a friend who needs to hear it!

Connect with Jeremy Greene:
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.jeremydgreene.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackcaesar777/profilecard/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeremy.d.greene
Ted Talk Episode: https://youtu.be/dWzBWToX4cg?si=2MoHONcY2jllh-2Z
University of the Pacific 2024 Black Grad Celebration: https://youtu.be/XmMZsO5AnVY?si=8nLHy5UXIvoE_5lM

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 milestone 50th episode of the Empower LEP Podcast, Jana welcomes Scott Robson back to the program. Scott is a transformative coach who’s all about helping entrepreneurs learn and grow through big career moves and life changes. Join them for a candid and inspiring conversation about what it really takes to step into leadership, tackle self-doubt, and make confident decisions when the stakes feel high.

Scott introduces the concept of a "courage-based plan"—a way to set goals that allow for flexibility while encouraging bold, meaningful action. He and Jana talk about the importance of getting out of the planning phase and into the “doing” phase, especially for anyone thinking about private practice, switching careers, or making a bigger impact in their current role.

If we’ve learned one thing after 50 episodes, it’s that the leap from school psychologist to business owner can be daunting. Scott offers practical tips for overcoming common roadblocks like perfectionism and fear of failure that can get in the way of your goals. We’ve all been there, but it’s about learning to trust yourself and taking tangible steps, even if they feel a little scary. 

Scott also highlights his program for LEPs, From Overwhelm to Impact, which is designed to help professionals chart a path for progress in their LEP career, whatever that might look like for them. If you’re ready to make a big move—or just want to explore what’s next—this episode is packed with ideas and encouragement. Curious about Scott’s program? You can find all the details at empowerlep.com/coachscott. To save $50 on our January coaching series with Coach Scott, use code GOALS25.

This is a must-listen for school psychologists, LEPs, and anyone ready to shift toward something bigger and more fulfilling. Find Episode 50 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. If you enjoy it, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need a little inspiration!

Connect with Scott Robson:
Website: https://scottrobson.net/
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, Jana has an inspiring conversation with Dr. Ray Christner, a psychologist and school psychologist who has spent his career making a real difference in the lives of kids, families, and educators. With decades of experience in both large group practices and smaller, more personalized private work, Ray shares his journey and some of the biggest lessons he’s learned along the way.

Ray talks about the power of mentorship in shaping his career and why it’s such a vital part of professional growth. He also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at his upcoming assessment tool, the Christner Behavior and Adaptability System (C-BAAS)—a project designed to provide meaningful, practical insights for families and educators. His thoughts on writing clear, parent-friendly reports are full of helpful tips for anyone in the field.

Dr. Christner doesn’t just stop at his professional achievements; he shares his unique perspective on balancing the demands of a multi-faceted career while staying grounded in his purpose of helping others. They explore his thoughts on the evolving role of school psychologists and LEPs, and he offers valuable advice for those transitioning into private practice or broadening their scope of work.

One of the most moving moments comes when Ray reflects on an unexpected encounter with an inmate who pushed him toward school psychology. It’s a story about finding purpose and staying true to your values, even when the path isn’t always clear. Throughout the episode, Ray shares honest advice about building a career that feels impactful and rewarding.

This episode is packed with relatable stories, real-world advice, and plenty of inspiration for school psychologists, LEPs, or anyone passionate about helping kids and families. Ray’s energy and love for what he does will leave you feeling motivated and ready to take on your next chapter.

Listen to Episode 49 of the Empower LEP Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. If you enjoy it, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’d love this conversation!

Connect with Dr. Ray Christner
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.drraychristner.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ray.christner.33
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drraychristner/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ray-w-christner-psy-d-ncsp-abpp-639b4533/

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, I sit down with Sam Young, M.Ed., the incredible founder and Head of School at Young Scholars Academy. Sam has built something truly special—a virtual enrichment school designed to help twice-exceptional, gifted, and neurodivergent students feel understood, supported, and genuinely excited about learning.

Sam brings such an inspiring perspective to this conversation, shaped by his own experiences as a neurodivergent person and his dedication to flipping the script on traditional education. He shares the journey of starting Young Scholars Academy, including how the challenges of the pandemic pushed him to create a space where students’ unique strengths and talents could shine. We talk about how his academy is redefining what education can be by offering innovative courses, camps, and a community that truly celebrates what makes each student special.

Our conversation explores some big questions—how do we create spaces where kids feel safe enough to explore their potential? Why is focusing on strengths so important? And what does it take to step out of the box and build something meaningful, whether that’s in education or your own career? Sam also opens up about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

This is such a great episode for educators, LEPs, parents, and anyone who’s passionate about supporting unique learners. Sam’s story is proof that with creativity, connection, and a lot of heart, we can make a real difference.

Listen to Episode 48 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. If you enjoy the conversation, I’d love it if you’d subscribe, rate, and leave a review—it helps us reach even more people who care about making an impact!

Connect with Sam Young:
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://youngscholarsacademy.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YSAENRICHMENT
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/young_scholars_academ

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, Jana chats with Mohini Pollock, the inspiring founder of Literacy Playground, who shares her journey from classroom teacher to successful entrepreneur. Mohini opens up about what drove her to step away from the traditional education system and create a program that empowers families to support their children's reading and writing skills right at home.

Mohini's story is so relatable—especially for anyone who’s ever felt frustrated by the limitations of the system they’re working in. She talks about the challenges of balancing a growing business with family life and finding her voice (and confidence!) on social media. For those of you who’ve ever thought about stepping out on your own, her insights on embracing the business side of things—like marketing and community-building—are super practical and encouraging.

Jana and Mohini also discuss how Literacy Playground is helping kids who may not have access to specialized learning support and giving families the tools they need to boost their children’s literacy skills. Mohini’s genuine passion for making learning accessible to every child shines through in this conversation.

If you're an educator thinking about starting your own practice, a parent looking for ways to support your child, or just someone who loves hearing stories about following your passion, this episode is packed with inspiration.

Catch Episode 47 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, and if you’re enjoying the podcast, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—it means the world and helps us spread the word.

Connect with Mohini Pollock:
Email: [email protected]
Website: literacyplayground.org
Facebook: Mohini Pollock, https://www.facebook.com/mohini
Instagram: https://instagram.com/literacyplayground
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohini-srivastav-pollock-083ab75/

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, Jana sits down with the dynamic Stefan Oste, an educational therapist and executive function coach who transitioned from the public school system to running his own private practice. With over 15 years of experience working with “bright, differently-wired” students, Stefan is passionate about helping people discover their strengths and chart their own paths.

Jana and Stefan share an honest and heartfelt conversation about what it’s really like to step away from the structure (and often burnout) of school settings to build something uniquely your own. Stefan talks about the challenges—and the freedom—that comes with creating a practice where he can fully support his clients, especially those who don’t fit neatly into traditional systems.

One of the highlights of this episode is Stefan’s approach to executive function coaching. He gets real about why EF skills are so much more than just time management or organization—it's about helping clients figure out their “why” and align their daily actions with their long-term goals. He also opens up about his own journey with ADHD, how it shaped his career, and why empathy and authenticity are at the heart of his work.

If you've ever wondered what it takes to leave the security of a school job to pursue a passion for private practice, this episode is full of practical advice and inspiring takeaways. Whether you’re an LEP, educator, or just someone curious about reimagining your career, there’s something here for you.

Catch Episode 46 of the Empower LEP Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. And if you enjoy it, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review—it really helps us reach more educators and aligned professionals!

Connect with Stefan Oste:
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.stefanoste.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefan-oste/

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, Jana sits down with Dr. Kelsie Reed, a Maryland-based school psychologist and passionate advocate for strength-based practices and equitable education. Dr. Reed shares how her personal and professional experiences shaped her approach to school psychology and her dedication to creating inclusive environments that prioritize student strengths. 

Dr. Reed discusses the work of her nonprofit, the Strength-Based Collective, where she’s making a lasting impact by helping school psychologists and educators shift the focus from deficits to strengths in student assessment and support. She shares practical tips on making assessment language more affirming, offering specific examples of how small changes can make a big difference in student confidence and resilience.

Throughout the conversation, Jana and Dr. Reed explore real-world challenges and solutions, from simplifying behavior plans to truly understanding what motivates students. They talk candidly about the systemic pressures in education and how practices like culturally responsive assessments and positive reinforcement can help students be successful, even within restrictive structures. 

And be sure to check out her book, Hacking Deficit Thinking, where she collaborates with other experts to provide actionable tools and insights for breaking away from traditional, deficit-focused approaches. 

Plus, Dr. Reed gives listeners an exclusive offer on her Processing Superheroes series—a strength-focused resource designed to help students develop emotional awareness and resilience. Empower LEP listeners can enjoy a 35% discount on the series! Just use the code EMPOWERLEP at checkout.

For school psychologists, LEPs, educators, or anyone committed to advocating for students, this episode is filled with valuable takeaways, practical advice, and a fresh perspective on what it means to create a supportive, inclusive educational experience for all students. 

Catch Episode 45 of the Empower LEP Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review to support the podcast and help us reach more LEPs and educators!

Connect with Dr. Kelsie Reed:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.strengthbasedcollective.com
Processing Superheroes: https://www.strengthbasedcollective.com/processing-superheroes
Instagram: @dr.kelsiereed @bestrengthbased
https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Strength-Based-Collective-100089340530061/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsie-reed-phd-ncsp-a4220b158/

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.