Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC.

In this episode, we're joined by Mark Ingrassia, an educator, advocate, and parent coach with 37 years of experience supporting children and families—30 of those years spent teaching in a school for the Deaf.

Throughout his career, Mark has dedicated himself to empowering families navigating the world of special education. For the past eight years, he has provided parent training through outside agencies and now works directly with families through his platform, Special Ed Rising, offering one-on-one coaching, practical tools, and compassionate guidance for parents and caregivers of children with exceptional needs.

Mark is also the host of the heartfelt and empowering podcast, Special Ed Rising: No Parent Left Behind—a space created to remind families that they are not alone on this journey. Blending decades of classroom experience with real-world insight, the show delivers meaningful strategies, honest reflection, and a deep commitment to inclusion and connection.

This conversation centers on the power of informed advocacy, the importance of equipping parents with practical tools, and the belief that true inclusion happens when families feel supported, seen, and heard.

In This Episode:

Mark shares how his decades in education shaped his passion for parent empowerment and why he believes family partnership is the foundation of meaningful inclusion. He discusses the heart behind Special Ed Rising and the importance of creating spaces where no parent feels isolated in their advocacy journey.

Listeners will explore:

1. The Mission Behind Special Ed Rising: Why Mark created his podcast and coaching practice—and how storytelling, strategy, and shared experience help families feel connected and empowered.
2. Parent Training That Builds Confidence: How practical tools, clear communication strategies, and personalized coaching can help parents navigate IEP meetings, school systems, and everyday challenges with greater clarity and confidence.
3. Inclusion as Action, Not Just Language: What true inclusion looks like in classrooms and communities—and why collaboration between educators and families is essential for children to thrive.

About Mark Ingrassia

Mark Ingrassia is an educator, advocate, and parent coach with 37 years of experience supporting children with exceptional needs and their families. He spent 30 years teaching in a school for the Deaf and has provided parent training for the past eight years through outside agencies before launching Special Ed Rising.

Through one-on-one coaching and his podcast, Special Ed Rising: No Parent Left Behind, Mark continues his mission to equip families with compassionate guidance, proven strategies, and a powerful reminder: no parent walks this path alone.

When he's not coaching or recording, Mark enjoys boxing, running, and playing guitar for local audiences.

Connect with Mark & Special Ed Rising

🌐 Website: specialedrising.com

📸 Instagram: @specialedrising

📘 Facebook: @specialedrising

🎵 TikTok: @specialedrising

💼 LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-ingrassia-m-s-04680a77/

▶️ YouTube: Special Ed Rising

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