Shows
Becoming Bridge BuildersEmpowering Futures: How Sharon Dunlevy is Changing the Game for Foster KidsToday, we’re diving deep into the world of foster care education with the incredible Sharon Dunlevy, an educational advocate who’s truly making waves in this often-overlooked area. Sharon’s mission is crystal clear: she’s all about bringing the needs of children in foster care to the forefront of educational policy and practice. She’s not just a trainer for foster parents; she’s a passionate speaker and influencer who recently snagged the fan favorite title in a speaking competition, proving that her voice is one that resonates. Together, we’ll explore the unique challenges these kids face in the ed...
2025-12-1933 min
ObservedayWhy World Children's Day Matters—Stories of Hope and Action — Sharon Dunlevy | Ep 97If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to support children in foster care, this episode is for you. I chat with Sharon Dunlevy, an educational advocate and trainer for foster parents, who opens up about the overlooked challenges facing foster children — especially when it comes to education and trauma. We talk about why so many foster kids fall through the cracks, the real impacts of trauma in the classroom, and why traditional approaches simply aren’t enough.You’ll walk away with a better understanding of what trauma-informed teaching looks like and why it matters. Plus, yo...
2025-12-0623 min
Complex Kids, Simple SolutionsSharon Dunlevy — Trauma-Wise Parenting for Foster (and All) FamiliesSend us a textIn this conversation, Michelle sits down with educational advocate Sharon Dunlevy to demystify foster-care realities—what licensing really takes, why trauma shows up like “behavior,” and how schools can (and should) support healing with the right plans and people.Sharon shares:What becoming a foster parent actually requires. Background checks, home studies, annual license renewals, and 20–40 hours of new training each year—with CPR/First Aid often required in addition (and, in states like Indiana, not counting toward those hours).IEPs for e...
2025-11-0334 min
Heart to Heart with AbagabaAdvocating for the Educational Success of Children in Foster Care with Sharon DunlevyIn this episode of Heart-to-Heart with Abagaba, I sit down with Sharon Dunlevy, a passionate educational advocate dedicated to helping children in foster care succeed academically and beyond. Sharon shares her journey, the challenges these students face, and the strategies she uses to empower foster parents, schools, and communities to support their educational success.Sharon opens the conversation by explaining the key factors that contribute to positive educational outcomes for children in foster care, highlighting both systemic barriers and success stories. She dives into how foster parents can effectively advocate for the children in...
2025-10-2539 min
You're Worthless. Read that again. The Juxtaposition of Your Very SoulWhy is Self-Worth Crucial in Foster Care? Sharon Dunlevy ExplainsSummaryIn this enlightening conversation, Sharon Dunlevy shares her journey as an advocate for children in foster care, emphasizing the importance of self-worth, compassion, and understanding in the foster care system. She discusses her background, the core values that drive her work, and the misconceptions surrounding foster care. Sharon highlights the need for community support and the role of foster parents in advocating for children's educational success. The conversation also touches on personal growth, spirituality, and the vision for a more compassionate society that values every individual.Who is...
2025-09-2355 min
Wheel With It PodcastUnderstanding Foster Care Education: An In-Depth Conversation with Sharon DunlevyUnderstanding Foster Care Education: An In-Depth Conversation with Sharon Dunlevy | Wheel With It PodcastIn this episode of the Wheel With It Podcast, Devon hosts Sharon Dunlevy, an educational advocate for children in foster care. Sharon shares her experiences and insights into the challenges faced by foster kids, particularly around education. They discuss the impact of trauma, the necessary laws like ESSA, IDEA, and the Family First Prevention Services Act, and the importance of trauma-informed care and advocacy. Sharon also highlights the significant need for better educational outcomes for foster children to help them become productive members of society. Tune...
2025-09-0137 min
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/1718977880777072342a16683
2025-07-1732 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
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 01
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