The School Collective

The School Collective

by Christopher Ponce, Amy Shatila, Brook Roberts

Comedy Interviews Education

Season 1

Brains and Briefs III - Manifestation Determination Reviews

In the final episode of our special education legal trilogy, The School Collective crew is joined once again by attorney Elvin Houston for an in-depth conversation on Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs). This episode dives into the legal triggers and timelines behind MDRs, the role of evaluation data, and what qualifies as a disciplinary change of placement. The team explores federal and state-level differences, and the importance of voluntary agreements from families when removal is on the table. You’ll also hear candid insights about spring burnout, expedited hearings, and the realities of working with families and advocates. Whether you’re a school psychologist, administrator, or educator navigating the MDR process, this episode is packed with practical takeaways, legal context, and real-world reflections to keep you grounded and informed. Social Handles: Christopher Ponce Instagram - @theschoolpsychguy LinkedIn - Christopher Ponce Elvin Houston Instagram - @School.Lawyer TikTok - @School.Lawyer Music by: J Andrew Collins

Remote Psychology & Real-World Wellness with Courtney Johnson

In this episode, Brook and Christopher kick things off with some March Madness talk—Brook’s leading the brackets, and Christopher’s tech team takes a hit! Then, they dive into a fascinating conversation with Courtney Johnson, a virtual school psychologist and wellness coach. Courtney shares her journey into school psychology, her transition to virtual practice, and how she structures her work for efficiency and impact. They explore the benefits of virtual school psychology, from increasing accessibility for parents to reshaping how assessments and consultations are conducted. Courtney also gives insight into her wellness coaching, self-care strategies, and the power of natural peptides in optimizing health. If you want more information on bioactive peptides, you can direct message Courtney @courtjohnson (Instagram) or email her at coachcourt8@gmail.com. She shares a lot about the science and affiliate opportunities on social media, so be sure to follow her there! Tune in for a deep dive into the evolving world of virtual school psychology, work-life balance, and innovative wellness solutions. 💡 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave us a review—it helps us grow and reach more listeners! Social Handles: Christopher Ponce Instagram - @theschoolpsychguy LinkedIn - Christopher Ponce Courtney Johnson Instagram - @courtjohnson Music by: J Andrew Collins

Unlocking College Accommodations with Expert Elizabeth Hamblet

In this insightful episode, we sit down with college learning disabilities specialist Elizabeth Hamblet to explore the complexities of transitioning to college for students with disabilities. Elizabeth shares her journey from high school special education to becoming a trusted expert in higher education support, revealing the disconnect between traditional K-12 training and the realities of college accommodations. We dive deep into key topics, including: The role of college disability services and how they differ from high school supports Debunking myths around IEPs, 504 plans, and the documentation required for college accommodations The challenges and best practices for obtaining and managing accommodations in college The importance of teaching independence and self-advocacy, both for students and school psychologists Insights from her book, Seven Steps to College: A Pathway for Students with Disabilities, and her efforts to combat misinformation through online communities schoolcollective.net Resource mentioned in this episode: Can Students Without High School IEPs or 504 Plans Get College Accommodations? post version: https://bit.ly/LDblog102x or video version: https://bit.ly/LDFAQ3 Questions and Answers on Report Cards and Transcripts For Students with Disabilities Attending Public Elementary and Secondary Schools (OCR): https://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/letters/colleague-qa-20081017 College Disability Services Research Form: https://bit.ly/LDORForm College Accommodations Request Preparation Form: https://bit.ly/CollAccReqForm What To Expect in the Intake Meeting When Students Register for Disability Accommodations at College (video): https://bit.ly/LDAv9 Course Substitutions at College - Landing page for my blogposts on substitutions: https://bit.ly/LDBCSS Social Handles: Christopher Ponce Instagram - @theschoolpsychguy LinkedIn - Christopher Ponce Elizabeth Hamblet Instagram - ld_advisory Facebook - Elizabeth C. Hamblet, LD Advisory (https://www.facebook.com/LDadvisory/) LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-c-hamblet Threads – ld_advisory Bluesky - @echamblet.bsky.social Music by: J Andrew Collins

Understanding Trauma: Insights from Dr. Michael Gomez

In this special episode of The School Collective Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Michael Gomez, a nationally recognized trauma expert and co-founder of the NCTSN Trauma and IDD Workgroup. Dr. Gomez shares his journey into clinical child psychology, shedding light on trauma as a toxin and how schools can better support students dealing with its effects. We dive into critical topics such as trauma screening, the impact of racial socialization, the challenges of differentiating between autism and trauma, and the often-overlooked fawn response. Dr. Gomez also discusses secondary trauma and burnout among educators, offering practical strategies for resilience. Plus, we wrap up with some fun rapid-fire questions, including his surprising dislike of guacamole! schoolcollective.net Things to look into: www.tfcbt.org www.nctsn.org https://learn.nctsn.org/course/index.php?categoryid=78 https://www.drishametzger.com https://traumaavengers.com https://awfulagent.com/jabclients/kenneth-rogers/ Social Handles: Christopher Ponce Instagram - @theschoolpsychguy LinkedIn - Christopher Ponce Music by: J Andrew Collins

Building Confidence & Self-Care: A Candid Chat with Huma Imtiaz

Join us for a candid conversation with Huma, who you may know on Instagram as @the_school_psychologist, a seasoned school psychologist who shares invaluable insights on building confidence, setting boundaries, and embracing change in your early career. In this episode, Huma highlights the importance of nurturing children’s nervous systems and emotional intelligence during the formative years—long before academics take center stage. Her practical advice for self-care and establishing trust with colleagues is sure to resonate with anyone striving to thrive in the field. On a lighter note, Huma reveals her fun side, sharing her love for road trips, quirky snack choices (hello, hot Cheetos and Trader Joe’s chocolate chip cookies!), and even her unexpected enjoyment of being a CSE chairperson. Plus, we dive into Huma’s podcast, The School Psychologist, where she tackles youth mental health and the challenges faced in schools today. Tune in for a blend of practical career advice and personal anecdotes that inspire both professional and personal growth. Social Handles: Christopher Ponce Instagram - @theschoolpsychguy LinkedIn - Christopher Ponce Huma Imtiaz Instagram - @the_school_psychologist Music by: J Andrew Collins

The Current Landscape of Education with NASP President Dr. Peter Faustino

In this dynamic episode of The School Collective Podcast, Chris, Amy, and Brook sit down with NASP President Dr. Peter Faustino for an in-depth conversation about the evolving landscape of school psychology. The discussion covers a broad spectrum of topics—from personal journeys into the field and memorable first conference experiences, to the pressing challenges of balancing professional standards with accessibility. The team shares candid insights on youth mental health, the impact of social media, and the need for digital literacy in schools while exploring innovative approaches like virtual continuing education and podcasting as tools for professional development. With stories ranging from nostalgic conference memories to light-hearted moments (yes, even Girl Scout Cookies make an appearance!), this episode is packed with actionable takeaways for anyone looking to thrive rather than just survive in school psychology. Tune in for a conversation that celebrates community, advocates for social justice, and lays out a roadmap for the future of the profession. Social Handles: Christopher Ponce Instagram - @theschoolpsychguy LinkedIn - Christopher Ponce Dr. Peter Faustino Instagram - @peter_faustino_ LinkedIn Facebook BlueSky NASP Dialogues Podcast - https://apps.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/podcasts/index.aspx Music by: J Andrew Collins

Brains and Briefs II

In this episode, Christopher, Amy, Elvin, and Brook dive into a mix of lighthearted and deep discussions—from the struggles of dry winter skin to the complexities of Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). The team unpacks key legal cases, including Rowley and Endrew F., exploring how they shaped special education standards. They also discuss the importance of ambitious educational goals, the role of PLAAFP's in IEPs, and the challenges of supporting students with intellectual disabilities. Along the way, they chat about TV shows, school psychology, and legal nuances in special education. Tune in for an engaging blend of professional insights and casual conversation! Social Handles: Christopher Ponce Instagram - @theschoolpsychguy LinkedIn - Christopher Ponce Elvin Houston Instagram - @School.Lawyer TikTok - @School.Lawyer Music by: J Andrew Collins

Exploring School Psychology with Dr. Charles Barrett

In this episode, Christopher and Brooke sit down with the insightful Dr. Charles Barrett, a seasoned school psychologist, author, and all-around cool guy. They delve into Charles’ journey into school psychology, his passion for mentorship, and his significant contributions to the field through initiatives like the NASP Social Justice Task Force and his impactful books. The discussion highlights the growing mental health challenges in education, the evolving role of school psychologists, and the need for systemic collaboration to support students better. Charles also shares his philosophy on supervision, the importance of advocacy, and his personal preferences—including his love for Mets baseball, walking, and the classic movie Home Alone. Tune in for a thoughtful and engaging conversation filled with inspiration, practical insights, and a look into the future of school psychology.

Amplifying Indigenous School Psychologist Voices

In this episode, Christopher, Amy, and Brook welcome Dr. Lisa Aguilar (NCSP) and Loren Houle (NCSP, BCBA) to discuss their work as Indigenous school psychologists. The conversation explores decolonizing education, the importance of culturally responsible research, and the challenges faced by Native American students. Lisa shares insights into her critical relationality framework and experiences working with Native communities. The team delves into land acknowledgments, their role in fostering meaningful relationships, and actionable ways to support Indigenous families. They also highlight the significance of appropriate language, identity, and cultural values in educational settings. Join us for a candid, engaging conversation filled with personal stories, advocacy efforts, and a sprinkle of lighthearted moments—including the team’s shared love for board games and ice cream! Stay tuned to learn about upcoming NASP conference presentations and resources like the Thunder Bay initiative. Don’t miss this enlightening episode! Socials: Dr. Lisa Aguilar @indigscholar on IG Christopher @theschoolpsychguy on Insta/BlueSky Christopher Ponce on LinkedIn/NASP Communities Original Music by: J Andrew Collins

From Public to Independent: A Conversation with Juliana Ramirez

In this episode of The School Collective podcast, Christopher sits down with Juliana Ramirez, a bilingual school psychologist and the founder of PERA Services Inc. Juliana shares her inspiring journey from public school psychology to building her independent practice, where she partners with over 35 school districts across Ohio. She discusses her passion for culturally and linguistically responsive evaluations, supporting bilingual students, and mentoring school psychologists transitioning to private practice. Juliana also highlights her creative ventures, including her book Juanita La Princesita!, which helps children navigate anxiety, and her innovative online course, the Leap to Independence Winter Accelerator. Tune in to learn about her experiences with telepractice, her insights into cultural responsiveness, and her advice for building trust with diverse families. Don’t miss the rapid-fire Q&A and a glimpse into Juliana’s upcoming projects and conferences! Socials: Juliana @the.bilingual.school.psych on IG, TIKTOK PERA SERVICES on LinkedIn and Facebook Christopher @theschoolpsychguy on Insta/BlueSky Christopher Ponce on LinkedIn/NASP Communities

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