Today, Lori speaks with Dr. Katie Novak, Founder and CEO of Novak Educational Consulting. Katie is an experienced educator, bestselling author, adjunct instructor at the University of Pennsylvania, global keynote speaker, and one of the leading voices in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS).

Known for her clarity, courage, and contagious energy, Katie has helped schools around the world rethink how they design systems, lessons, and professional learning so every student — and every teacher — can thrive. In this conversation, she shares what UDL really means, why Tier 1 instruction is where inclusion begins, and how schools can move from good intentions to truly accessible, equitable practice.

Connect

• Website: Novak Education

• LinkedIn: Novak Educational Consulting

Book Recommendation: Subtract

Blog: How to Support, Challenge, and Engage Gifted and Twice Exceptional Students in Your Classroom

Slides that include a prompt to create a rubric that goes to mastery and beyond

Evidence-Based Intervention Resources

In ESSA for Evidence, find evidence-rated programs in reading, math, SEL, and attendance. Filter by grade band, setting, and subgroup to build a shortlist of programs to explore!

“Evidence-based” at Tier 2 means that the intervention program has been demonstrated through rigorous research to have a positive impact on target outcomes for students at risk, when delivered with fidelity. 

Learn more about the tools and strategies with this evidence below.

• Academic Intervention Tools Chart 

• Behavioral Intervention Tools Chart 

“Evidence-based” at Tier 3 means that the interventionist is following the data-based individualization (DBI) process with fidelity, making iterative adaptations as needed to an intervention platform, using their clinical judgment and expertise based on analysis of student data. 

Learn more about this in one of the links below.

• Literacy Strategies to Support Intensifying Interventions

• Mathematics Strategies to Support Intensifying Interventions

• Behavior Strategies to Support Intensifying Interventions

On today’s SENIA Inclusion Spotlight Series episode, host Lori Boll speaks with Yaśodā Deva from Surabaya Intercultural School in Indonesia.

Though Surabaya is a small school, Yaśodā and her team are making a big impact, from year-round disability awareness to creative community partnerships and expanding supports for diverse learners.

Listen in and be inspired by their commitment to inclusion that reaches far beyond school walls.

#SENIA #Inclusion #Education #SpotlightSeries

• Email: [email protected]
• LinkedIn
• Website: Surabaya Intercultural School 

Connect:

• Website: American International School Johannesburg
• Laura’s LinkedIn 

Join Lori Boll and Social Thinking founder Michelle Garcia Winner as they dive into the How to Solve Problems Before They Become Problems framework—an easy-to-use think sheet that guides students to identify challenges, explore multiple choices, anticipate what happens next, and manage anxiety.

This conversation offers practical strategies for teachers, counselors, and parents to build flexible thinking and strengthen executive functioning.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts, and SENIA members can also watch the video on Mighty Networks. Either way, you can access the template and start using this strategy right away.

Connect:

• Facebook

• Instagram

• LinkedIn

• YouTube

Resources From Today’s Show:

• How to Solve Problems Before They Become Problems Think-sheet

• Student 1 Example

• Student 2 Example

• Student 3 Example

Today we’re joined by Zachary Berezowski, Director of Student Support Services at The KAUST School in Saudi Arabia, a proud SENIA Member School. With over 16 years in education, Zach is a passionate advocate for inclusive practices and student-centered learning. At KAUST, he leads the school’s commitment to “finding the yes”, partnering with families and staff to ensure every student has a pathway to belonging and success. Located on the Red Sea within the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology community, KAUST serves nearly 2,000 students from more than 70 nationalities and offers the full IB continuum. With its vibrant diversity and focus on inclusion, KAUST stands as a model of personalized learning and cultural connection.

Connect:

• Website: The KAUST School

• Zachary’s LinkedIn

Connect:

• Ginger’s Website

• LinkedIn

Resources From Today’s Show:

Welcome to the Inclusion Spotlight Series on the SENIA Happy Hour Podcast. In this series, we showcase SENIA member schools and their inclusive practices—sharing successes, challenges, and strategies with MTSS, UDL, and student support. Our aim is to celebrate schools, build collective knowledge, and inspire inclusion at every stage of the journey.Today’s guest is **Laura Austin**, Head of Inclusion at Osaka YMCA International School in Japan. With over 30 years of experience in education across four continents, Laura brings a global perspective to creating inclusive schools. At her small IB school in Osaka, she leads efforts to ensure every student has equal access to learning—using Universal Design for Learning, multi-tiered systems of support, and creative small-school solutions.

Connect:

• Website: Osaka YMCA International School

Laura’s LinkedInResources From Today’s Show:

• Virtually ConnectEd

• International Diagnostic Solutions

In this episode of the SENIA Happy Hour, Lori Boll sits down with Matthew Savage, architect of The Mona Lisa Effect®, to explore what true belonging looks like in schools. Together they discuss the barriers, both visible and invisible, that exclude students, the hidden exhaustion of camouflaging, and why schools are only as inclusive as the experience of their least included member. This honest and inspiring conversation challenges us to rethink inclusion and reminds us that every learner deserves to be seen, heard, known, and to belong.

Connect:

• Mona Lisa Effect® Website

• LinkedIn

• Martian in the Playground

• Pretending to Be Normal

Note: Both of these books reference the term “Asperger’s Syndrome,” which is no longer in use. Current language reflects our growing understanding of autism and neurodivergence.

Resources From Today’s Show:

In this episode, host Lori Boll welcomes back Leah Kuypers, creator of The Zones of Regulation, for a deeper dive into her groundbreaking framework. Leah shares how the Zones have evolved, the impact of their new digital version, and how they align with inclusive, trauma-informed, and neurodiversity-affirming practices. Together, they explore the power of co-regulation, offer practical tips for general ed classrooms—and even dream up a Zones-inspired mocktail. Tune in for insights, inspiration, and a sneak peek at an exciting 2026 collaboration!

For the past five years, the SENIA Happy Hour Podcast has been a platform for powerful stories—stories from global experts, passionate parent and student advocates, and most importantly, individuals with disabilities. Each conversation has brought us closer to SENIA International’s mission of creating truly inclusive learning environments around the world. These voices have sparked change, challenged long-held assumptions, and reminded us that meaningful inclusion starts by listening.

To help us celebrate our 100th episode, we’re joined by someone who helped shape the very foundation of SENIA: Tanya Farrol.

A founding member and now SENIA’s Chairperson, Tanya has dedicated over two decades to inclusive education in international schools across Haiti, Egypt, England, China, and now Nanjing. She has hosted SENIA conferences, supported our Scholarships and Awards program, and helped guide SENIA-Beijing for more than a decade.

In this special episode, Tanya shares the story of SENIA’s beginnings, reflects on the journey so far, and offers her vision for the future of inclusion worldwide. From Canada to Nanjing and beyond, her unwavering dedication continues to inspire our community.

Connect:

• ⁠Tanya's email⁠

• ⁠LinkedIn⁠