Shows
SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEACThe Marathon: Part 2 of a Kitchen Table SeriesThis powerful conversation with Courtney explores what happens after the initial fog clears following a child's mental health crisis. This is Part 2 of a series documenting one family's journey through inpatient and outpatient care, school support systems, and the ongoing challenges of advocacy and self-care.Episode Length: 31 minutes Content Warning: This episode discusses children's mental health, suicidal ideation, and mental health hospitalizationCrisis ResourcesAvailable 24/7:988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineCall or text 988Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth) - Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678Key Topics Covered
2026-02-2631 min
SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEACThe Fog: Part 1 of a Kitchen Table seriesThe Fog - Part 1Episode DescriptionThis conversation covers sensitive topics regarding children's mental health and suicidal distress. We talk about these things because silence grows stigma, but conversation grows hope.In this first episode of our Kitchen Table Talks series, host Meredith sits down with Courtney, a parent who has navigated the incredibly difficult journey of supporting a child through mental health crisis. This is a raw, honest conversation about the moments we don't usually post on social media—the times when our kids are struggling and we aren't quite sure why, an...
2026-02-1821 min
SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEACLet's Talk About Transitions: Part Two - High School, Bridge, and AdulthoodNavigating Transitions in Special Education: From Middle School to Adulthood In this episode of SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my: Conversations with DCSEAC, the focus is on the critical transitions for students with special needs from middle school to adulthood. The hosts delve into the nuances of changing IEP instructional minutes and direct versus indirect services as students enter high school. They discuss the importance of understanding high school options, including team-taught classes and the specific needs of students with various disabilities. The conversation extends to post-high school options, exploring Bridge programming, vocational pathways, and the challenges of transitioning out...
2026-02-0939 min
SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEACLet's Talk About Transitions: Part One - PreK through Middle SchoolIn this episode of 'SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my: Conversations with DCSEAC,' hosts Aleia Mastroianni, Kelly Mayr, and Meredith Daly discuss the challenges and anxieties families face when their children with special needs transition between schools. They explore transitions from pre-K to elementary school and from elementary to middle school. Topics include the importance of transition meetings, the clarification of roles and expectations, the differences between school environments, and the necessity of IEP documentation. The hosts share personal experiences, providing practical tips and insights to help families feel more prepared and less alone. The episode emphasizes building relationships...
2026-02-0235 min
SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEACShining Star Season: Shining Light on the Staff Show Notes: DCSEAC Shining Stars Award - Celebrating Those Who Make a DifferenceEpisode OverviewJoin hosts Meredith and Courtney as they discuss the DCSEAC Shining Stars Award program, a special initiative to recognize and celebrate the educators, staff, and community members who make a profound impact on children with special needs in Douglas County.Featured Guest: Courtney - Shining Star Coordinator for DCSEACKey Topics Discussed: What is the Shining Stars Award?An annual recognition program celebrating staff members who impact children with IEPs and 504 plansOpen to ALL school...
2026-01-2620 min
SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEACBeyond the Hyperactivity, ADHD through the School YearsBeyond the Hyperactivity, through the School YearsPodcast: Special Ed IEPs, 504s, Oh My! Conversations with DCSEAC Host: Meredith Guest: Dr. Erin Grell, School Psychologist Co-Host: Kelly, DCSEAC Board Member (parent of 6 children with ADHD) Duration: 34 minutesEpisode DescriptionDiving deep into ADHD in schools—how it really shows up and how it changes from elementary to high school. The difference in symptoms and supports is huge, and getting the right plan is everything.Key Topics & TimestampsIntroduction (0:00-1:16)Dr. Erin Grell: 14 years as school psychologist in Douglas Co...
2026-01-1934 min
SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEACUnderstanding Behavior: Insights from the Frontlines of Special EducationIn this episode of 'SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh My: Conversations with DCSEAC,' host Aleia Mastroianni discusses behavioral supports in schools with Tanya Anglemyer, a member of the district's behavioral support team and lead CPI trainer. They explore various strategies to approach and manage challenging behaviors in students with disabilities, emphasizing understanding and addressing the root causes rather than labeling students as 'bad.' Tanya shares her personal journey into special education and her experience in working with diverse student needs. The conversation covers the importance of knowing students' baseline behaviors, using de-escalation techniques, and the philosophy behind Positive...
2026-01-1242 min
SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEACCatching up with Liza Meier - Executive Director or Special Education, DCSDUnderstanding Special Education in Douglas County: A Conversation with Liza Meier In this episode of 'SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my: Conversations with DCSEAC,' host Aleia Mastroianni sits down with Liza Meier, the Executive Director of Special Education in Douglas County School District (DCSD). Together with DCSEAC board members, they discuss Liza's role, her approach to special education, and the impact of her team on students and families. Liza shares her journey into education, the importance of family-school relationships, and the three core tenets guiding her team: consistent communication, fostering relationships, and embracing continuous improvement. This episode provides valuable...
2026-01-0518 min
SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEACDecoding Dyslexia: Part 2Podcast Title: Decoding Dyslexia Part 2Episode Summary: In this follow-up episode, host Meredith continues the conversation on dyslexia with district specialist Lynni Nordheim, joined by Tashia and Aleia. The panel dives deeper into Colorado’s new universal dyslexia screening law, practical strategies for supporting students, and the emotional journey of families navigating dyslexia in the school system.Key Topics Covered:Colorado’s Dyslexia Legislation:Overview of Senate Bill 25-200 and its impact on universal screening for K-3 students.How the law is changing district practices and teacher training.Screening and Support Beyond Early Grades:What...
2025-12-2233 min
SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEACDecoding Dyslexia: Part 1Episode Show NotesEpisode Title: Understanding Dyslexia: Myths, Realities, and EmpowermentEpisode Summary: In this episode, we explore the world of dyslexia—debunking common myths, highlighting the unique strengths of dyslexic thinkers, and offering practical advice for parents, educators, and individuals. Our discussion reframes dyslexia not as a deficit, but as a different operating system for the brain—one that is powerful, creative, and processes language in its own unique way.Key Topics Covered:What dyslexia is (and what it isn’t)Common myths and misconceptions about dyslexiaThe strengths and creative advantages of dys...
2025-12-1521 min
SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEACPreschool Power: Supporting Learning Differences Early - Part TwoIn this episode of 'SpecialEd IEPs, 504s, Oh my: Conversations with DCSEAC,' Aleia Mastroianni, Courtney Nangle, and Lisa Graham, the Director of Early Childhood Education, discuss key issues related to early childhood education and the special education services available in Douglas County. Topics include the appropriateness of schools discussing potential disabilities with parents, the evaluation process for learning differences, preschool suspensions, and educational eligibility criteria. They also clarify the differences between medical diagnoses and educational eligibility, explain the IDEA Parts B and C for early intervention, and provide insights into the structure and benefits of Douglas County School...
2025-12-0833 min
SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEACPreschool Power: Supporting Learning Differences Early - Part OneIn this episode of 'SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh My: Conversations with DCSEAC,' hosts Aleia and Courtney discuss the significance of early childhood education with Lisa Graham, Director of Early Childhood Education in Douglas County. They highlight the critical role of preschool in supporting children with disabilities, speech delays, dyslexia, and behavioral challenges. The conversation covers Lisa’s extensive background, the philosophy and mission of DCSD's early childhood program, and the importance of early identification of developmental differences. They also discuss the emotional journey parents face, the benefits of inclusive education, and offer insights into recognizing early signs of de...
2025-12-0132 min
SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEACOh My! The Functional Behavioral Assessment -Part 3 of 3Show Notes: Oh My! The Functional Behavior AssessmentEpisode Overview: In this final segment of the three-part series, Meredith and Tashia are joined by Dr. Stephanie Crawford (Director of Mental Health), Dr. Bernadette Pigeon (Mental Health Coordinator), and Ellen Kerkoff (Mental Health Lead) to demystify the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process in schools. The discussion covers when and why an FBA is used, how it differs from other evaluations, and what parents can expect.Key Topics Covered:What is a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)?Signs a student might need an evaluation beyond academicsWhen and...
2025-11-2414 min
SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEACOh My! The IEP Meeting and Advice for Parents - Part 2 of 3Show Notes: "Oh My! The IEP Meeting and Advice for Parents" – Part 2Hosts & Guests:Meredith (Host)Tashia White (Co-host/Parent)Dr. Stephanie Crawford (Director of Mental Health)Dr. Bernadette Pigeon (Mental Health Coordinator)Ellen Kerkoff (Mental Health Lead)Topics Covered:What to expect at an IEP meeting: structure, annual reviews, and the three-year reevaluation process.Navigating school transitions (elementary to middle, middle to high school) and how to support your child.The importance of collaboration and communication between current and future IEP teams.Translating clinical terms into parent-friendly, educational language.How IEP goals are se...
2025-11-1715 min
SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEACOh My! The IEP Evaluation Part 1 of 3Show Notes: "Oh My! The IEP Evaluation" – Part 1Hosts & Guests:Meredith (Host)Tashia White (Co-host/Parent)Dr. Stephanie Crawford (Director of Mental Health)Dr. Bernadette Pigeon (Mental Health Coordinator)Ellen Kerkoff (Mental Health Lead)Topics Covered:Understanding the IEP evaluation process: what it is, how it starts, and who is involved.Signs a student may need an evaluation (academic, behavioral, internalizing/externalizing behaviors).The role of parents, teachers, and multidisciplinary teams in referrals and evaluations.The difference between psychoeducational evaluations and other assessments (speech, OT, etc.).The importance of referral questions and individualized evaluation pl...
2025-11-1024 min
SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEACWhen Safety Meets Special Education: Threat Assessments and SuspensionsNavigating Threat Assessments in Special EducationAleia Mastroianni and board members Kelly Mayr, Courtney Nangle, Meredith Daley, and Tashia White discuss the unique challenges that threat assessments pose within the special needs community. They cover how atypical behaviors associated with disabilities can be misinterpreted as threats, the lack of parental notification during assessments, and the potential negative consequences for neurodiverse students. The conversation touches on the need for clear communication with schools, proactive planning through IEPs and BIPs, and educating children about self-advocacy and understanding their own behaviors. The episode aims to provide insights and actionable steps...
2025-11-0323 min
SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEACPAWSitive Support: How Animal Intervention Can Help StudentsShow Notes: Special Ed IEPs, 504s. Oh My – Animal Assisted Interventions in Schoolsconceptions about therapy animals in schoolsThe training, certification, and well-being of therapy dogsThe difference between therapy animals and service animalsHeartwarming stories of therapy dogs making a difference for students, staff, and parentsThe importance of temperament and mutual benefit for both the animal and the school communityHow to connect with therapy dog teams aEpisode Overview:In this heartfelt episode, host Meredith is joined by Courtney and Aleia to explore the impact of animal assisted interventions in schools. Special guests Laura Wilson (Behavior Specialist, Douglas County School District), Lisa Ge...
2025-10-2741 min
SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEACWhat is Center Based Programing?In this episode of SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh My: Conversations with DCSEAC, the host discusses center-based programming in special education with Laura Anglemeyer, an SSN teacher at Sagewood Middle School with 31 years of experience. They cover what center-based programming entails, its benefits, and the specific programs available in the district, such as SSN (Significant Support Needs) and AN (Affective Needs). Emphasis is placed on meaningful inclusion, the concept of the least restrictive environment (LRE), and how such programs provide tailored support for students with intellectual and behavioral needs. The conversation highlights the importance of creating spaces where students can...
2025-10-2020 min
SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEACSpecial Mini Episode: School Board Elections Student Forum Follow-upEpisode Title: School Board Elections Student Forum Follow-upHosts & Guests:Meredith (Host)Kelly Mayr (Guest, Douglas County Parents)Courtney (Guest)Episode Summary: In this episode, Meredith is joined by Kelly Mayr and Courtney to discuss the recent student forum for the Douglas County school board elections. The conversation covers key election dates, the voting process, the significance of slates, and the unique student-driven format of the forum.Key Topics Covered:Important election dates: Ballots drop October 10th, voting deadline November 4th.Voting process: Mail-in ballots, drop boxes, in-person voting, and same-day registration...
2025-10-1207 minSpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEACThe Starting LineShort trailer for The Starting Line episode.
2025-10-0300 min
SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEACThe Starting LineIn this episode DCSEAC board members talk about Tashia's first experience with "special education" and realizing that her son was receiving these services.
2025-10-0317 min
SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEACSchool Board Elections for Special Education VoicesSchool Board Elections for Special Education Voices Board of Education elections are this year: learn what they do and how they can impact our children in special education services. Sources cited in today's episode include: https://www.douglascountyparents.com https://www.dcsdk12.org www.dcseac.orgDCSEAC email: info@dcseac.org00:00 Introduction to School Board Elections00:19 Meet the Board Members00:45 Importance of School Board Elections01:11 Impact on Special Education02:36 How to Get Involved06:21 Learning About the Candidates10:29...
2025-09-2510 min
SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEACWhat is DCSEAC?Understanding the Douglas County Special Education Advisory Committee (DCSEAC)Meredith, a board member, introduces the Douglas County Special Education Advisory Committee (DCSEAC). DCSEAC is a volunteer nonprofit made up of parents whose children are served by special education services in their school district. It is part of the Colorado Department of Education and serves two main functions: providing an advisory role to special education leadership and disseminating useful information to parents.Highlights include their bi-monthly meetings with leadership, support groups, teacher appreciation events, and informative sessions like the upcoming 'Roadmap to Special Education in DCSD...
2025-09-2502 min