In this episode of the Prepared School Psych podcast, host Jenny Ponzuric welcomes Dr. Amy Merenda, a licensed educational psychologist and member of the Ponzuric Learning Solutions team. Dr. Merenda discusses her extensive experience in educational assessments and neurodiversity affirming practices. She shares insights on transitioning from school psychology to private practice, highlighting the expanded opportunities and responsibilities, such as conducting private evaluations, providing counseling, and offering executive functioning support. Dr. Merenda emphasizes the importance of parent collaboration and self-care for professionals. The episode concludes with practical advice for school psychologists considering a similar career path.

Resources:

Books Referenced:

Neurodiversity Affirming Schools - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/neurodiversity-affirming-schools-emily-kircher-morris/1146396539?ean=9798885543972

Bakeshop Mystery Series: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/bakershop%20mystery

Alphabet Mystery Series: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/a%20is%20for%20alibi

Are your strategies truly neurodiversity-affirming?

The Making the SWITCH Webinar Series from Blooming Brains Educational Psychology offers

practical, research-backed strategies for supporting neurodivergent students. This on-demand,

five-hour professional development series covers:

● Writing counseling goals that lead to progress

● Effective executive functioning strategies

● Neurodiversity-affirming behavior supports and FBAs

● Tailored counseling techniques for neurodivergent students

Access the full series for just $99 at www.bloomingbrains.org/webinar

---------------------------------------------------------

Follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more:

Instagram: @jennyponzuric https://www.instagram.com/jennyponzuric/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-ponzuric-1562a8119/

Join my FREE LinkedIn Group "Resources for Special Education Professionals": https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14462888/

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

01:15 Personal Interests and Hobbies

04:03 Transition to Private Practice

07:27 Differences Between School Psychologist and LEP

16:07 Challenges and Advice for Transitioning

22:17 Parent Collaboration and Insights

26:10 Balancing Work and Childcare

26:29 A Day in the Life of a School Psychologist

28:35 Staying Updated with Research and Laws

31:07 Neurodiversity Affirming Practices

34:11 Advice for Inclusive Classrooms

37:24 Insights from Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs)

42:26 Learning from LEP Projects and Tasks

47:16 The Importance of Self-Care

49:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The information and advice provided are for guidance purposes only, and all participants are required to follow federal and state law and their school district guidelines and policies.