InclusivEd Podcast

Lauren Jones is a global inclusion and leadership consultant who partners with schools and organizations to develop inclusive policies and programs that support neurodivergent learners. Her work focuses on breaking down barriers to access and driving sustainable change in school systems. She has collaborated with a range of organizations, including the Ministry of Education in Rwanda, the National Geographic Society, Save the Children, and international schools across regions. With a Master's Degree in Special Education and Post Graduate Studies at Harvard School of Business, Lauren has focused her learning on sustainable inclusion, embedded in the culture of communities. 

A CIS-affiliated consultant and published author, Lauren previously served as Head of School at the International School of Kigali, where she expanded access for neurodivergent students and strengthened student support services. Prior to her work in Rwanda, she led inclusive education initiatives at Qatar Foundation, creating programs designed to reach a broader range of learners. 

Lauren also serves as an official consultant at MSA, by collaborating with schools to design inclusive programs, strengthen student support, and transform school cultures. 

Lauren Jones Consulting (https://www.laurenjonesconsulting.com) in both educational and organizational settings, Lauren drives meaningful change through collaboration, insightful questioning, and practical solutions. She assists schools in creating inclusive communities that address the diverse needs of students and support organizations in developing equitable environments where everyone can succeed. With expertise in both areas, she delivers customized strategies that empower organizations and schools to reach their goals for growth and inclusivity. 

Amber is an education leader with over 18 years of experience in teaching, leadership, and systems design, specializing in inclusive education and student support structures across international contexts. She has established and led pioneering initiatives, including a Learning Support Department for bilingual learners in the Middle East, a research-based RTI framework for literacy and mathematics in Kuwait, and a comprehensive MTSS Student Support Services Department at a flagship international school in sub-Saharan Africa.

Currently, Amber leads the development of Primary School Student Support Services at an international school in Africa, collaborating with Secondary leaders to build a cohesive, whole-school approach to inclusion. She designed the Tier 1 Intervention Tool and Problem-Solving Protocol, a framework that enhances classroom-based interventions through collaboration, universal design for learning, and data-informed reflection—now shared across schools and networks throughout Africa and beyond.

Amber serves as a peer reviewer for AISA’s Student Support Services Guidebook, co-leads the EESSP Task Force for the Small Schools Guidebook (a collaboration with the U.S. Office of Overseas Schools and SENIA), and is part of the Leadership and Advocacy Team for the ISLES Collaborative. A frequent conference presenter, she recently delivered “Tier 1 Doesn’t Have to Be Scary” at the 2025 AISA Conference. Passionate about inclusion, system design, and professional learning, Amber partners with schools to create sustainable frameworks that ensure every learner thrives.

Today we are excited to welcome Katie Fowle and Janelle Meyer to the InclusivEd Podcast!

Katie Fowle, M.Ed, believes each child can learn to read and reach their full potential when given the proper support and consistent relationship. Katie draws on her nineteen years of teaching and specialized training in Orton Gillingham to design personalized lessons that empower children's confidence and success in school no matter where they live in the world. Katie holds a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction, a professional teaching license from the State of Virginia, and a post-master's dyslexia graduate certificate from the University of Florida.  

 Janelle Meyer, M.Ed has worked as an international special educator across Asia & Africa for over a decade. In Malaysia, she was a founding board member of SENIA’s local chapter (SENIM). Additionally, at The British School of Kuala Lumpur, she established and served as the Head of Learning Support & Inclusion Department. Bridging the classroom to the real world, she founded chapters of Best Buddies International in China & Malaysia. Janelle holds a Master of Education in Special Education from Vanderbilt University (USA), and a professional teaching license from the State of Virginia. She is trained in a multitude of Orton Gillingham interventions and is a Wilson® certified educator. She is also a member of the International Dyslexia Association.  

 Global Village Tutors – https://www.globalvillagetutors.org/ – provide a broad range of holistic virtual learning support services to help provide specialized services for kids with dyslexia and/or ADHD.  

Today we are excited to welcome Justin Cook and Darren Spyksma to our podcast!

Justin is the Director of Learning for Edvance Christian Schools Association, a network of approximately 100 independent Christian schools in eastern Canada. Justin has his MA in Educational Leadership from the Institute for Christian Studies in connection with the University of Toronto. Beyond his current role, Justin co-owns a large home in downtown Hamilton where he and his family live with another family in an intentional community.  

Darren Spyksma is a first-generation Canadian living in British Columbia, Canada. When he's not supporting schools, he enjoys time in the garden, on the golf course, always inviting his wife and kids to join him. 

Today we are excited to welcome Dominique Smith to the InclusivEd podcast!  Dominique Smith, Ed.D. is Chief of Educational Services and Teacher Support at Health Sciences High and Middle College in San Diego, California. Smith is passionate about creating school environments that honor and empower students. His research and instruction focuses on restorative practices, classroom management, growth mindset, and the culture of achievement. Dominique also provides professional learning to K-12 teachers in small and large groups that address classroom and school climate and organization.

Dr. Joleen Fernald Ph.D., CCC-SLP was awarded Board Specialty Recognition in Child Language from the American Speech Language Hearing Association. Dr. Jo follows Greenspan and Wieder’s model, DIRFloortime®, when working with children and families. She has a special interest in the social-emotional development of young children and its impact on their speech and language skills. As a speech-language pathologist, Dr. Jo works with children who have a variety of communication disorders. She partnered with Easter Seals New Hampshire in 2006 to open the first

Today we are excited to welcome Suzanne Fitzgerald to the InclusivEd podcast who is the president of Specially

Shemica is a Special Education Advocate & Business of Special Education Advocacy Instructor for the Council of Parent Attorneys & Advocates (COPAA) where she helps to train others to advocate for students with disabilities. She also founded Personalized Learning Solutions, LLC, and is a former educator with over 15 years of teaching and administration experience working with students with disabilities and their guardians.

Today we are excited to welcome Beth Stark, UDL expert and inclusionary practices strategist for international schools to the InclusivEd Podcast. During Beth’s nearly twenty years in education, she has worked with neurodiverse learners of all ages and exceptionalities. Beth has worked for sixteen years as an IB Learning Support Coordinator and is an active member of the international education community. Her passion for designing learner-centered systems of support, inclusive learning engagements, and professional development experiences to amplify the expertise and compassion of fellow educators, is at the heart of what she does.  Beth is the mother of two children, and is driven to ensure that they, and all young people, thrive as expert learners.

This is the final episode of a 4 part series with a focus on Behavior with Amanda Frank.