Episode 031: Overcoming Special Education Classroom Challenges with Leanne Pritchard
What if the problem was never the child, but the way they were being taught?
In this episode of Overcoming Anything, Anne Vryonides sits down with Leanne Pritchard to discuss her journey of overcoming a learning disability, navigating school struggles, and turning her pain into purpose. From feeling misunderstood and underestimated as a child to earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Leanne’s story is a powerful reminder that different does not mean less capable.
Now an Orientation and Mobility Specialist working in special education, Leanne helps students who are blind or visually impaired build confidence, independence, and life skills. In this conversation, she shares what learning disabilities can really look like, how they can affect far more than reading and writing, the difference between learning disabilities and ADHD, and practical advice for adults, parents, and educators navigating these challenges.
This episode is for anyone who has ever felt behind, misunderstood, or doubted—and needs a reminder that success is still possible.
In this episode, we discuss:
• What it was like growing up with a learning disability
• The emotional impact of feeling different in school
• How supportive mentors changed Leanne’s life
• Why breaking tasks into smaller steps can make all the difference
• The overlap between learning disabilities and ADHD
• How parents can advocate for children in the school system
• Why self-advocacy, resilience, and compassion matter so much
If you or someone you love is facing learning challenges, this episode offers hope, practical insight, and encouragement.
Connect with Leanne Pritchard:
Podcast: Swellcast / The Ms. Leanne
Email: themsleanne@yahoo.com
Connect with Anne Vryonides:
Host of Overcoming Anything — the podcast sharing stories of resilience, transformation, and growth.
#overcominganything #learningdisabilities #specialeducation #adhdawareness #neurodiversity #resilience #educationpodcast #selfadvocacy
