Shows
Life Stories PodcastFighting for Foster Kids’ Education: A Conversation with Advocate Sharon DunlevySharon Dunlevy is a passionate foster care educational advocate and trainer who works directly with children, families, and systems to ensure foster youth get the education they deserve. In this inspiring episode, Sharon shares how she bridges the gap between foster care and education and how we can all play a part in advocating for vulnerable students.To find out more, visit sharondunlevy.comWant to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a166832025-07-1732 min
KeyBARDAdvocating for Children in Foster Care with Sharon DunlevySend us a textSharon Dunlevy shares her journey from special education to foster care advocacy, offering deep insights on trauma-informed education, caregiver collaboration, and what it takes to truly support vulnerable kids in school. We talk about:Why childhood trauma is a brain response, not just an eventWhat teachers and schools often miss about foster careThe importance of individualized education and inclusive classroomsHow to build real, healing partnerships between educators and caregiversThe emotional labor of advocacy and how she protects her well-beingWhat gives her hope about the future of foster care and education...2025-06-221h 04
The First Responder Playbook: Insights on Leadership and TrainingEmpowering Foster Kids: Trauma-Informed Strategies for First Responders With Sharon DunlevyJoin us in this enlightening episode of the First Responder Playbook as we welcome Sharon Dunleavy, an educational advocate dedicated to enhancing the educational success of children in foster care. Sharon shares her invaluable insights into the unique challenges faced by these children, emphasizing how trauma impacts their learning and behavior.
Discover actionable strategies for first responders to effectively support and communicate with kids experiencing crisis. Sharon offers practical advice on being trauma-informed, fostering teamwork among first responders, and empowering children through choice and calm interaction in stressful situations.
Explore the legal landscape surrounding foster...2025-06-0639 min
BFF Empowerment PodcastWomen on the Rise: Advocating for Youth Through Education with Sharon DunlevyIn this powerful Women on the Rise episode, Blaque Diamond sits down with Sharon Dunlevy, a passionate educational advocate for children in foster care. Sharon shares how her journey from children's ministry to policy-level education reform has transformed the lives of countless youth, especially those aging out of the system.Together, they unpack:The urgent need for trauma-informed practices in schoolsThe misconceptions about foster care and educational accessThe lifelong impact of unresolved trauma on children in the systemSharon’s real-world success stories of foster youth rising above their circumstancesHow everyday people can support and advocate for ch...2025-05-2842 min
Interview With A Foster KidWhat Kind of Society Fails Its Most Vulnerable Children - and Call It Care?What does it really take to transform the educational outcomes of children in foster care?In this unapologetically honest episode of Interview With A Foster Kid, I sit down with Sharon Dunlevy - a seasoned educational advocate, training consultant, and relentless disruptor of broken systems. Sharon has trained over 540 foster parents and impacted the lives of more than 1,620 children across the nation. Her work centers on empowering foster parents to become powerful educational advocates because every foster child deserves a real shot at success.With trauma-informed principles and legal strategy in...2025-05-2257 min
Our Journey to HopeEpisode 111 - A Conversation With Sharon Dunlevy - Foster Child Education AdvocateSend us a textIt is a joy to interact with those that have a passion for their field. It is even better when that field is helping others. Then, on top of all that, it is about helping those that are among the most vulnerable and needful in our society.My guest in this episode is such a remarkable person. I am having a wonderful conversation with Sharon Dunlevy. Sharon is an education advocate for foster children. In our discussion she explains why this often-overlooked need is so important. And you’ll hear that it is al...2025-05-2045 min
Conversations With Iris PodcastEp. 46- Sharon Dunlevy, Foster Care Educational AdvocateSend a text to Ronnie KeithEp. 46! In this episode Ronnie Keith and Iris sit down with Foster Care Educational Advocate and Trainer, Sharon Dunlevy! Sharon Dunlevy is an educational advocate for children in foster care. It is her mission to bring the educational needs of children in foster care to the attention of those who can change policies and practices that would give more children in foster care the ability to succeed educationally, the foundation for their ability to succeed after leaving care. Her primary work includes training foster parents on the educational laws t...2025-04-2544 min
From Foster to ForeverEducational Rights & Trauma Informed Parenting with Sharon DunlevySharon Dunleavy joins Rachel in this enlightening episode to shed some serious light on the critical role of educational advocacy for kids in foster care. With around 20,000 youth aging out of the system each year, Sharon dives deep into the staggering statistics that reveal a troubling reality—many of these kids face challenges like homelessness and incarceration. We chat about the importance of understanding trauma and how it affects learning, plus the laws that can help foster kids get the educational support they need. Sharon’s insights not only highlight the dire need for advocacy but also serve up some...2025-03-2553 min
Education On Fire - Sharing creative and inspiring learning in our schoolsThe Hidden Crisis in Foster Care: Advocating for Educational EquitySharon Dunlevy is an educational advocate for children in foster care. It is her mission to bring the educational needs of children in foster care to the attention of those who can change policies and practices that would give more children in foster care the ability to succeed educationally, the foundation for their ability to succeed after leaving care. Her primary work includes training foster parents on the educational laws that affect children in foster care and how to use those laws to ensure these children graduate successfully. But Sharon is not just a trainer, she is...2025-03-2449 min
Her Desired Haven"Empowering Foster Parents: Advocating for Every Child’s Success" - Ep. 81 | Her Desired Haven Podcast🏫 Children in foster care face unique educational challenges, yet many foster parents lack the resources to advocate effectively. In this episode, LaShaundra speaks with educational advocate Sharon Dunlevy about equipping foster families with the tools to support their children's academic success. They discuss gaps in the public school system, necessary policy changes, trauma-informed education, and the rights provided under IDEA. Whether you're a foster parent or educator, this conversation is a must-listen!🙋🏽♀️ JOIN THE CONVERSATION! Leave a comment below as we encourage one another on our journeys. 📖 Bible Verses To Meditate On: (P...2025-03-2038 min
True Crime Connections ~ Advocacy PodcastWhy Foster Kids Are Set Up to Fail — And How We Can Change ItOver 369,000 children are in the foster care system today, many facing trauma, educational struggles, and the looming risk of homelessness or incarceration. Sharon Dunlevy exposes the hidden barriers foster kids face and offers practical ways to break cycles of instability, from educational advocacy to empowering foster parents. Inside this episode:✔️ Why 20% of foster youth end up incarcerated—and how we can change that✔️ The brain science of trauma and how it affects learning✔️ How to empower foster parents to advocate for their kids✔️ The truth behind foster care funding and why pare...2025-03-0539 min
Raising Wild HeartsThe Real Impact of Educational Advocacy with Sharon DunlevyToday, Ryann and Sharon Dunlevy discuss importance of educational advocacy through the lens of the foster care system. They explore the concept of the hero's journey, highlighting both success stories and the challenges faced by many. Sharon emphasizes the need for proactive interventions to support families before children enter the foster system and the importance of raising compassionate kids who understand the struggles of others. Connect with Sharon on Linked In Here Questions!? Send Sharon and Email: Sharon@sharondunlevy.comKeywordsfoster care, educational advocacy, poverty, hero's journey, compassion, community su...2025-02-241h 02
Famous Interviews with Joe DiminoFoster Care Educational Advocate & Trainer Sharon DunlevyWelcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series! In this episode, we speak with Sharon Dunlevy, a dedicated Foster Care Educational Advocate, Trainer, and Speaker. Her mission is to highlight the educational needs of children in foster care and drive policy changes that empower these children to succeed academically.
With a passion for educational equity, Sharon trains foster parents on key educational laws that impact children in foster care, ensuring they have the knowledge and tools to support their children's academic success. Beyond training, she is a public speaker and influencer, using her voice...2025-01-3126 min