In this heartfelt episode of Inchstones, host Sarah Kernion sits down with Melanie Roman White, Center Director of The Uncommon Thread and former ABA preschool director for Sarah’s children, Milly and Mack. Together, they explore Mel’s path into early childhood education and ABA therapy, the power of recognizing small developmental milestones ("inchstones"), and the vital importance of human connection for families navigating autism. Melanie offers practical advice for parents learning to advocate in the school system, emphasizes the role of joy and individuality in autism parenting, and reminds listeners that their children are more than their diagnosis. This conversation is a compassionate roadmap for families seeking hope, community, and progress—one inchstone at a time.

To find out more information on the school, The Uncommon Thread, visit: https://theuncommonthread.org/

In this heartfelt episode of the Inchstones Podcast, host Sarah Kernion sits down with spiritual teacher and autism parent Sara Intonato to explore the deeply personal and often complex journey of parenting neurodivergent children. With raw honesty and spiritual insight, Sara shares how cultivating presence, self-regulation, and curiosity has transformed her relationship with her autistic child and herself. Together, Sarah and Sara discuss embracing the beauty and hardship of parenting, finding grace in uncertainty, and supporting children in ways that honor their unique paths. This conversation is a must-listen for any parent navigating autism, personal growth, or the spiritual challenges of caregiving.

To learn more of Sara's work, visit her work: www.saraintonato.com and follow on Instagram: @saraintonato

In this heartfelt episode of the Inchstones Podcast, host Sarah Kernion sits down with Kevin Spies—better known online as Grill Guy—to explore his powerful journey from special education teacher to full-time content creator. Kevin reflects on how fatherhood reshaped his career path and ignited his passion for building inclusive communities. The conversation dives deep into the lessons he’s learned from working with neurodivergent children, the role of physical activity in child development, and the importance of identifying each child’s unique interests.

Kevin shares how his partner Erin's unwavering support helped him navigate life’s transitions and how modeling empathy, love, and emotional presence is foundational to his parenting philosophy. This episode is a moving reminder of how small wins build lasting impact—and why creating spaces where every child feels seen and supported is a mission worth pursuing.

Instagram: @grillguy

In this candid and heartfelt episode of Inchstones Podcast, host Sarah Kernion and fellow autism mom Casey open up about their lived experiences as mothers of children on the autism spectrum. With honesty, warmth, and humor, they explore the deep identity shifts that come with parenting neurodivergent children, and the emotional highs and lows of the journey.

The conversation delves into the impact on siblings, the value of online communities and support networks, and how social media can serve as both a lifeline and a storytelling space for autism families. Sarah and Casey share lessons learned, personal growth moments, and the power of finding connection through shared experience.

Their message is clear: you are not alone, and even in the chaos, you are still the expert on your child’s life.

Key Takeaways:
✅ The emotional and identity shifts in autism parenting
✅ How to navigate sibling dynamics in neurodiverse families
✅ Finding community and support through social media
✅ Using humor to cope with daily parenting challenges
✅ Empowerment for new parents facing an autism diagnosis

Memorable Quotes:
️ “You’re still in charge. An autism diagnosis doesn’t take that from you.”
️ “There’s laughter in the hard moments—it’s how we survive.”

✨ Why Listen?
If you’re a newly diagnosed autism parent, a caregiver feeling isolated, or someone searching for real talk and reassurance, this episode is an open-hearted invitation into the kind of community, honesty, and encouragement every special needs parent deserves.

Take Action:
✅ Listen & Subscribe: Inchstones.Castos.Com
✅ Follow Us for More on Instagram: @saturdaysstory

In this landmark episode of Inchstones Podcast, host Sarah Kernion speaks with Glenna Crooks, the visionary school psychologist and national advocate who helped create the original Individualized Education Program (IEP)—a foundational component of special education in the United States.

Glenna shares her powerful journey from her early days working in schools to shaping policy at the national level, offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how the IEP system was born and why it continues to evolve. She dives into the importance of understanding learning differences, the role of sensory environments, and how teachers and caregivers can become more effective advocates for neurodivergent students.

The conversation also explores how parents can build stronger support networks, navigate the special education system, and become more present, aware, and empowered in their advocacy journey.

Key Takeaways:
✅ The origin story of the IEP from its original architect
✅ How to support diverse learning styles in the classroom
✅ The influence of sensory environments and teacher awareness
✅ Building effective support networks for neurodivergent children
✅ Why parent presence and advocacy drive long-term success

Memorable Quotes:
️ “The IEP was always meant to be a tool for empowerment—not a piece of red tape.”
️ “Awareness and presence are the foundation of effective advocacy.”

✨ Why Listen?
If you're a parent, educator, or therapist involved in special education or raising a neurodivergent child, this episode offers historical insight, practical guidance, and empowering tools from one of the original voices behind the IEP movement.

Take Action:
✅ Connect with Glenna Crooks: www.glennacrooks.com

In this insightful episode of Inchstones Podcast, host Sarah Kernion and Bhakti, a communication expert, dive into the complexities of dialogue for special needs parents. They explore how emotional intelligence, curiosity, and facilitation skills can transform conversations with educators, therapists, and support teams.

Bhakti shares expert strategies on navigating IEP meetings, advocating for your child’s needs, and fostering collaboration in special education. She emphasizes the importance of pausing, reflecting, and balancing inquiry with advocacy, allowing parents to approach challenging discussions with clarity and confidence.

Key Takeaways:
✅ How to facilitate productive IEP meetings and school discussions
✅ The role of emotional intelligence in communication
✅ Why curiosity and active listening create stronger partnerships
✅ Balancing advocacy and collaboration in special education
✅ Strategies for engaging therapists and educators effectively

Memorable Quotes:
️ “Parents are their child’s first and most important advocate—learning to communicate effectively is key.”
️ “Successful IEP meetings start with curiosity, not confrontation.”

✨ Why Listen?
If you're a parent navigating special education, IEPs, or therapy discussions, this episode provides practical tools to help you communicate more effectively, advocate with confidence, and foster a strong support system for your child’s growth.

Take Action:

✅ Connect with Bhakti:

In this meaningful episode of Inchstones, host Sarah Kernion reconnects with Paige Rogers, one of her very first babysitters and now a dedicated kindergarten teacher, to discuss the intersection of neurodiversity and early childhood education.

Paige shares how her early experiences caring for children, including Sarah’s own family, deeply influenced her teaching philosophy. Together, they explore how educators can create inclusive, empathetic, and empowering classrooms where neurodivergent children are celebrated and supported.

The conversation dives into the impact of language, representation, and curiosity in shaping young minds, and how parents and teachers can work together to advocate for individualized education plans (IEPs) and foster a love of learning. Paige also highlights the unexpected joy, creativity, and brilliance she sees daily in neurodivergent students.

In this inspiring episode of Inchstones Podcast, host Sarah Kernion sits down with Shane Woods, CEO of Girlstart, to discuss how to ignite a passion for STEM education in young girls. Shane shares her experiences in fostering inclusive learning environments, the importance of female role models in STEM, and how curiosity and community can drive lasting change.

The conversation also explores the role of neurodiversity in education, highlighting the need for adaptive teaching methods that embrace different learning styles. Shane emphasizes how early mentorship, encouragement, and representation can help young women break barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.