Special Ed Rising; No Parent Left Behind

In this episode, Jessica Ann Ellis shares her journey from teacher to children's author, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence, self-care, and modeling healthy emotional responses for children. Discover how her books aim to foster emotional awareness and support parents and educators in nurturing resilient, emotionally strong kids.

keywordschildren's books, emotional intelligence, parenting, self-care, mental health, childhood development, storytelling, emotional expression

key topics

• The importance of emotional intelligence in childhood
• How parents and teachers can model healthy emotional responses
• The role of storytelling in emotional development
• Jessica Ann Ellis's journey from teacher to children's author
• The impact of support systems and self-care for parents and caregivers

guest nameJessica Ann Ellis

titles

• The Power of Emotional Expression in Children's Books
• From Teacher to Author: Jessica Ann Ellis's Journey

Sound Bites

• "You can do anything you put your mind to"
• "Feeling your feelings is a superpower"
• "Support from others helps children feel brave"

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Jessica's creative process

02:03The role of emotional modeling in parenting

05:06The importance of emotional expression and healthy coping strategies

09:09Jessica's journey from teaching to writing children's books

14:59Creating books that foster emotional awareness and resilience

19:57The impact of support systems and self-care for parents

24:59How stories help children understand and express feelings

29:58The creative process behind 'Got Your Back Always'

34:55Reactions from children and adults to the books

40:02The importance of community and trusted support

45:07Final thoughts and upcoming projects

• Jessica Ann Ellis - Facebook
• Got Your Back Always (Book)
• In Your Heart Always (Upcoming Book)
• https://ellis-books.com/ (Website)

• Facebook

Host links

• specialedrising.com
• https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

In this episode, Jeremy Tiegerman shares insights into his lifelong dedication to special education, focusing on language development, behavioral support, and innovative programs for neurodivergent students. Discover how his family’s legacy and his own experiences shape a comprehensive approach to supporting children with learning differences.

keywordsspecial education, language development, behavioral support, neurodivergent students, education programs, parent advocacy, teaching strategies

key topics

• Family legacy in education
• Importance of language development
• Behavioral support and interventions
• Program structure and classroom ratios
• Parent involvement and advocacy
• Teacher training and professional development
• Transition planning for students
• Impact of COVID-19 on behavior and communication

guest nameDr. Jeremy Tiegerman

titles

• Inside Look at Specialized Education with Jeremy Tiegerman
• Transforming Lives: Jeremy Tiegerman on Language and Behavior Support

Sound Bites

• "Investors in lives, not just students"
• "Behavior is a form of communication"
• "Graduating with a diploma or certificate of completion"

Chapters

00:00Introduction and guest introduction

2416:36:30Jeremy's lifelong involvement in education

8999:56:58Family legacy and founding of the school

16138:50:42Focus on language as foundational to learning

20333:17:34Individualized education plans and program structure

25194:24:25Role of speech-language pathologists and classroom support

345555:31:21Teacher collaboration and classroom management

411944:24:53Classroom ratios and program size

449999:58:25School locations and program diversity

520555:32:02Transition programs and adult services

619444:25:42Parent involvement and advocacy

738611:06:06Open door policy and community engagement

843611:06:33Communication and behavior management

911388:53:20Closing remarks and future collaboration opportunities

• Tiegerman School for Language and Communication Development
• OPWDD - Office for People with Developmental Disabilities
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4FBluZ3rO8

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-tiegerman-01473b17/
• https://tiegerman.org/

Host links

• specialedrising.com
• https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

In this episode, Jeff Hittner shares his journey into fatherhood, the challenges modern dads face, and how redefining masculinity and emotional intelligence can lead to more fulfilling relationships with their children.

keywords: fatherhood, emotional intelligence, masculinity, dad's role, parenting challenges, legacy, vulnerability, co-parenting, modern fatherhood

key topics

• Redefining masculinity and fatherhood
• The importance of emotional intelligence in dads
• Challenges faced by modern fathers
• The role of vulnerability in parenting
• Co-parenting and communication strategies
• Legacy and the impact of fatherhood
• Overcoming societal stereotypes about dads
• The importance of self-awareness and growth for dads

takeaways

• Dads need to redefine what masculinity means in today's world.
• Emotional intelligence is crucial for effective parenting.
• Many fathers struggle with societal expectations and role models.
• Vulnerability and openness can strengthen father-child relationships.
• Co-parenting requires communication and shared values.
• Legacy is about the values and emotional connections we leave behind.
• Dads should invest in their own emotional growth to be better fathers.

guest nameJeff Hittner

titles

• Redefining Fatherhood: Embracing Vulnerability and Emotional Intelligence
• The Modern Dad's Guide to Building Legacy and Connection

Sound Bites

• "Fatherhood is about redefining traditional roles."
• "Emotional intelligence is the key to better parenting."
• "Legacy is what you leave in your children's hearts."

Chapters

00:00Navigating the World of Fatherhood

00:37Redefining Fatherhood: A Personal Journey

04:41The Emotional Landscape of Modern Dads

10:19Integrating Work and Fatherhood

14:10Legacy and Intentional Parenting

16:32Recognizing Struggles: Triggers and Self-Awareness

18:42The Burden of Traditional Masculinity

20:37Navigating Co-Parenting Challenges

23:00Understanding Parenting Styles and Backgrounds

24:56Flexibility in Parenting Approaches

26:32Building Confidence in Parenting

29:39Evolving Definitions of Fatherhood

33:29Creating Safe Spaces for Dads

34:55The Legacy of Fatherhood

• Ambitious Dad Podcast
• Jeff Hittner - LinkedIn
• Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
• The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown

• LinkedIn
• Website

Host website: https://specialedrising.com/

Ray's Respite Care: https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

In this episode, I"m speaking with Dr. Marnie Ginsberg, founder of Reading Simplified. After discovering that many of her own students were years behind in reading, Dr. Ginsberg set out to find a better way. Today, through Reading Simplified, she helps teachers use the Science of Reading to dramatically accelerate literacy growth while making reading instruction simpler and more effective. We explore the myths of reading instruction, the science of how children learn to read, and practical strategies for teachers and parents to support literacy development.

education, science of reading, phonics, literacy, teaching strategies, reading wars, dyslexia, parent tips, teacher training

key topics

• The history and myths of reading instruction
• The science of how children learn to read
• The importance of phonics and decoding
• Strategies for teaching reading effectively
• The impact of social media on reading habits
• Supporting neurodiverse and hearing-impaired students
• The role of knowledge and background in comprehension
• Challenges faced by teachers and solutions

guest nameMarnie Ginsberg

titles

• The Science of Reading: Myths and Strategies
• How to Teach Reading Based on Brain Science

Sound Bites

• "You can't learn to read by recognizing whole words."
• "Struggling with decoding affects comprehension and confidence."
• "Teaching reading is an art as much as a science."

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Background

02:56Marnie Ginsberg's Journey in Education

08:15The Targeted Reading Intervention

12:24The Reading Wars: Whole Language vs. Phonics

16:34Teaching Phonics Effectively

21:29The Importance of Knowledge Base in Reading

22:40Teacher Reception and Legislative Challenges

25:18Navigating Educational Compliance and Student Outcomes

28:04Addressing Diverse Learning Needs

31:11The Impact of Social Media on Reading

34:22Myths and Misconceptions in Reading Education

37:12The Art of Teaching Reading

42:19Final Thoughts for Parents and Educators

• Reading Simplified
• Sold a Story Podcast
• Language at the Speed of Sight by Dr. Mark Seidenberg
• Targeted Reading Instruction Program

Website

Host link: https://specialedrising.com/

Go Fund Me (Ray's Respite Care): https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

In this episode, Sarah Ingladoo shares her inspiring journey of caring for her sister with complex medical needs, her efforts to establish a respite care home, and the challenges faced in securing funding and support. Discover how her unique perspective as a nurse and sibling drives her mission to improve respite services for families like hers.

keywordsRespite Care, Medical Complex Needs, Family Caregiver, Nonprofit, Healthcare Advocacy, Texas, Funding Challenges, Caregiver Support, Medical Supplies, Community Impact

key topics

• The importance of specialized respite care for medically complex individuals
• Challenges in funding and building a respite care facility
• The role of community support and donations
• Sarah's personal journey as a caregiver and nurse
• The systemic issues in healthcare funding and policy

guest nameSarah Ingladoo

key frameworks

• Caregiver Support Model
• Healthcare Funding System

action items

• Visit the Raise Respite Care website to learn more and donate
• Share the episode to raise awareness about respite care needs
• Advocate for policy changes to improve healthcare funding

titles

• Building a Respite Care Home for Medically Complex Individuals
• Sarah Ingladoo's Mission to Transform Respite Services

Sound Bites

• "Trust and peace of mind are essential for respite."
• "A great respite balances safety with human connection."
• "The system is skewed against medically complex individuals."

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Personal Updates

02:44The Journey of Caregiving

05:25Building a Respite Care Facility

08:26Community Support and Outreach

11:09Challenges in Fundraising

13:54Understanding Respite Care

16:43Future Goals and Aspirations

19:47Personal Reflections and Self-Care

29:34Self-Care for Caregivers

31:11Understanding Respite Care

33:03Defining a Great Respite Experience

36:20The Growing Demand for Respite Care

36:51Barriers to Accessing Respite Care

45:22The Need for Systemic Change

49:42Advocacy and Future Aspirations

• Raise Respite Care Website
• Sarah Ingladoo on Instagram
• GoFundMe for Respite Home: https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

specialedrising.com

summaryIn this episode, James J Logan shares his remarkable journey through cancer, the mental and physical challenges he faced, and how his passion for Ironman triathlons fueled his fight for life. Discover how mindset, faith, and community support can turn adversity into a source of strength and purpose.

keywordscancer survival, Ironman triathlon, mental resilience, health journey, motivation, faith, overcoming adversity, life lessons, community support

key topics

• James's cancer diagnosis and treatment journey
• The role of mental resilience and faith in overcoming adversity
• How training for Ironman helped in his recovery and mental health
• The importance of community, charity, and giving back
• Lessons learned about life, death, and living intentionally

guest nameJames J Logan

titles

• From Near Death to Kona: James J Logan’s Inspiring Journey
• The Power of Mindset: Overcoming Cancer and Completing an Ironman

Sound Bites

• "Cancer reinvigorated my youthful desire"
• "Cancer doesn't have me, I have cancer"
• "Happiness is in the pursuit"

Chapters

00:00Introduction and James's initial health status

01:57Realization of aging and staying active

02:54Cancer diagnosis and the shock of it

04:13The mental and physical impact of chemo

08:08Maintaining fitness during cancer treatment

14:28The mindset shift: viewing obstacles as opportunities

20:51Writing the book and giving back to the community

26:04Living with an ostomy and challenges of training

39:11Humility, faith, and the importance of relationships

48:31Happiness in the pursuit and living intentionally

54:15Future plans, Kona, and ongoing purpose

• Ironman Foundation
• Georgia Cancer Center
• Book: Just Keep Tri-ing

• https://ironmanfoundation.donordrive.com/participants/4148
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jim.logan.462536
• Book: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=just+keep+tri-ing&crid=MV8SS7X7XXEB&sprefix=%2Caps%2C316&ref=nb_sb_ss_recent_2_0_recent

specialedrising.com

Ray's Respite Care: https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

When parenting feels stuck—when the same conflicts, behaviors, and frustrations keep repeating—it can feel like nothing is working. But what if that moment isn’t failure… but an inflection point?

In this episode, we break down the powerful mindset shift that can transform not only your child’s behavior, but your entire relationship dynamic. This conversation is especially important for parents of neurodivergent children, where behavior is often misunderstood and traditional approaches fall short.

Instead of focusing on control and correction, we explore what happens when you shift toward understanding, connection, and patience—and why that’s where real, lasting growth begins.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why repeated conflict is often a signal—not a dead end
• The role parents play in escalating or de-escalating situations
• How expectations can prevent you from truly seeing your child
• Why behavior should be viewed as communication, not defiance
• The impact of overwhelm, regulation delays, and need for control
• How pressure and constant correction can actually slow growth
• Practical ways to respond without escalating (and why it works)
• How to handle attention-seeking or reaction-driven behaviors
• Why small wins matter more than big outcomes
• The added layer of parenting neurodivergent children—and how to adjust your lens

Key Takeaways:

• Your child is not here to meet your expectations—you are here to support their growth
• Resistance is often a sign of overwhelm, not defiance
• Connection is more effective than control
• Growth is slow, inconsistent, and built through small moments
• When you change your response, you change the entire dynamic

Practical Strategies Shared:

• Catch and reinforce small moments of success
• Lower your tone and regulate your response during conflict
• Give space for mistakes without added pressure or judgment
• Redirect inappropriate language into safe expression (even humor)
• Use simple, supportive language like “We’ll get it tomorrow”
• Focus on consistency and trust instead of immediate compliance

Neurodivergent Insight:

For neurodivergent children, behavior often reflects differences in processing, regulation, and sensory experience. What looks like defiance may actually be overwhelm, anxiety, or difficulty with flexibility and control. Shifting from “Why are they doing this?” to “What might this feel like for them?” is a critical step in building connection and supporting meaningful growth.

Final Thought:

Your child isn’t giving you a hard time—they’re having a hard time. When you meet that with patience, curiosity, and connection instead of pressure, you create the conditions for real, sustainable change.

Listen Now:

specialedrising.com

Go Fund Me (Ray's Respite Care): https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

Subscribe & Share:

If this episode resonated with you, share it with another parent who needs to hear it—and remember, no parent goes through this alone.

In this episode, we explore the critical issues facing disability support systems, including recent policy changes under the Trump administration, the impact of privatization and austerity on services for autistic and disabled individuals, and the broader implications of ableism and eugenics in current political discourse. Guest journalist, and parent, David Perry shares his personal journey, insights into systemic failures, and calls for advocacy and awareness.

keywordsdisability support, autism, SSI, Medicaid, policy, ableism, eugenics, advocacy, systemic reform

key topics

• Impact of policy changes on disability support
• Systemic ableism and eugenics in politics
• Personal experiences with disability systems
• Advocacy and community support for families

guest nameDavid M. Perry

titles

• The Future of Disability Support: Policy, Politics, and Personal Stories
• How Current Policies Threaten Disabled and Autistic Adults

Sound Bites

• "Private equity isn't doing this out of kindness"
• "Eugenics is alive in modern policy and ideology"
• "We must advocate and fight for systemic change"

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Technical Difficulties

01:55The Impact of Private Equity on Autism Treatment

04:29David's Background and Personal Journey

09:44Navigating the Education System for Special Needs

12:23The Trump Administration's SSI Changes

16:35The Confusion of Disability Benefits and Systemic Challenges

23:30Navigating Complex Systems: The Burden on Parents

30:31The Erosion of Disability Rights: A Historical Perspective

43:57Understanding the Political Landscape: Ableism and Eugenics

• Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF)
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• End the Word Campaign
• Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC)
• Project 2025

• Website: https://www.davidmperry.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Signal via Davidmperry.48.
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-m-perry-b38aa363/

Connect with Mark via: https://specialedrising.com/

GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

In this episode, Mark explores a powerful but often overlooked strategy in parenting and education: humor. Drawing from personal experience in the classroom, he shares how humor helped him connect with a highly anxious, routine-driven student—and why that moment still stands out today.

But this isn’t about being funny for the sake of it.

This episode reframes humor as something much deeper: a co-regulation tool that helps children feel safe, lower stress, and regain access to the skills we expect from them.

• Why many “defiant” behaviors are actually signs of nervous system overload
• How stress shifts kids from thinking mode into survival mode (fight, flight, freeze, shutdown)
• Why logic, consequences, and demands often fail during dysregulation
• The key mindset shift:
• 👉 From “How do I stop this behavior?”
• 👉 To “What does this child need to feel safe enough to do better?”

Mark breaks down why humor works—not as behavior control, but as a way to:

• Lower threat
• Create emotional safety
• Support co-regulation
• Strengthen connection

And most importantly:

This episode dives into how humor works differently across children:

• Autism → Humor works best when it’s predictable, structured, and familiar
• ADHD → Humor increases engagement, motivation, and emotional buy-in
• PDA → Reduces perceived threat of demands
• Trauma / Emotional Disabilities → Helps lower a heightened baseline of stress

Effective humor:

• Recurring jokes and routines
• Character voices
• Playful exaggeration
• Inside jokes
• Visual or object-based humor

Less effective (or harmful):

• Sarcasm
• Teasing
• “Just kidding” humor
• Humor during meltdown

One of the biggest takeaways:

• Humor works early (during resistance or rising stress)
• Humor often fails during full meltdown

In those moments, the goal shifts from:

❌ behavior management

to

✅ safety and regulation

Mark introduces a simple but powerful lens:

👉 “Is this a can’t… or a won’t?”

• Can’t → Regulate first
• Won’t → Teach and hold expectations

• Turn routines into playful “bits” (“Emergency sock protocol!”)
• Use character voices (robot, announcer)
• Offer playful choices (“walk or hop?”)
• Use exaggeration to break tension
• Create inside jokes
• Match and guide your child’s energy
• Use humor during transitions (“Mission mode: 2 minutes!”)

Does this lower expectations?

No—it actually raises them.

Because you’re not just asking kids to behave…

you’re helping them build the ability to do it.

When you shift from controlling behavior to understanding what’s underneath it, everything changes.

You move from:

• power struggles
• to
• connection and guidance

And over time, you’ll see:

• less escalation
• more cooperation
• and a child who feels safer, more understood, and more capable

• Playful Parenting – Lawrence J. Cohen
• The Explosive Child – Ross W. Greene
• Research on humor and autism – Mirella Manfredi

https://specialedrising.com/

https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

This episode features an employment lawyer discussing disability rights, workplace discrimination, reasonable accommodations, and legal protections for parents and individuals with disabilities. Gain insights into navigating legal challenges and advocating for rights in the workplace.

keywords: disability rights, workplace discrimination, reasonable accommodations, FMLA, ADA, employment law, disability advocacy, legal protections, parent rights, disability discrimination cases

key topics

• Disability discrimination in the workplace
• Legal protections under ADA and FMLA
• Reasonable accommodations and employer obligations
• Parent involvement in adult disability cases
• Retaliation and harassment protections

takeaways

• Disability rights laws like ADA and FMLA provide strong protections but are often not fully enforced.
• Employers are legally required to provide reasonable accommodations unless it causes undue hardship.
• Parents of adult children with disabilities have rights to advocate and seek workplace protections.
• Retaliation is the most common complaint in disability discrimination cases.
• Using AI and proper documentation can strengthen legal cases.

guest nameDerek Smith

titles

• Understanding Disability Rights in the Workplace: Legal Insights
• How to Fight Discrimination and Secure Accommodations at Work

Sound Bites

• "Disability discrimination is still rampant."
• "Harassment can include hostile work environments."
• "You have rights, and you should act on them."

Chapters

00:00Supporting Parents in Their Journey

00:00Navigating Family and Medical Leave Act

19:02The Role of AI in Legal Research

21:17Challenges for Caregivers in the Workplace

25:23Advocacy for Parents of Disabled Adults

29:03Difficult Cases in Disability Discrimination

33:21Affordability of Legal Services

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
• EEOC - Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

• Guest links
• Derek Smith Website: https://discriminationandsexualharassmentlawyers.com/new-york-city/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-smith-b1192a111/
• Email: [email protected]

https://specialedrising.com/

Ray's Respite Care Donation: https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission