Episodios

  • Teaching Through Trauma: Dr. Joey Weisler’s Story of Purpose and Perseverance (Part 1)

    Teaching Through Trauma: Dr. Joey Weisler’s Story of Purpose and Perseverance (Part 1)
    Mar 9 2026

    In Part 1 of this powerful two-part conversation, Mark sits down with Dr. Joey Weisler to explore the deeply personal experiences that shaped his path as an educator.

    Before Joey ever had his own classroom, he found himself at the center of a community tragedy. While substitute teaching at a middle school next to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School during the Parkland school shooting, he and his students were forced into lockdown as the devastating events unfolded nearby.

    Joey shares what that moment was like inside the classroom, the emotional weight educators carry during crisis, and how witnessing trauma within a school community changed the way he understood teaching, safety, and the emotional lives of students.

    The conversation also explores the difficult reality many teachers face when students reveal deep struggles—and how systems sometimes fail to respond with the urgency and compassion those moments require.

    This episode is an honest and moving discussion about trauma, responsibility, and the human side of teaching.

    It’s also the beginning of a larger story—one that continues in Part 2, where Joey shares how these experiences ultimately reshaped his career and inspired a new vision for education.

    In This Episode
    1. Joey’s connection to the Parkland tragedy and what it was like teaching during that moment
    2. How trauma can shape a teacher’s mindset before their career even begins
    3. The emotional responsibility teachers feel when students confide in them
    4. The gap that sometimes exists between student needs and school systems
    5. Why being present for students can matter more than any lesson plan
    6. The early experiences that would eventually influence Joey’s philosophy of teaching

    🎙️ Listen to Part 1 now, and don’t miss Part 2 of this powerful conversation.

    Chapters

    00:00Introduction and Connection

    01:40Perseverance in Education

    05:01The Impact of Trauma on Teaching

    11:56Navigating the Aftermath of Tragedy

    16:28Experiencing the Shooting

    21:38The Aftermath and Support Systems

    28:32Navigating Trauma in Education

    31:26The Impact of Personal Experience on Teaching

    1. Joey Weisler's Website
    2. The Throne in the Classroom (Book & Trailer)
    3. Classroom Narratives Podcast
    4. 10 Steps to Trauma-Informed Teaching (Guide)
    5. Emotionally Equipped Educator (Book)
    6. Heart Framework (Upcoming Book)

    Dr Weisler links
    1. Website

    specialedrising.com

    https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission
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    36 m
  • Navigating Special Education Law with Frances Shefter, Esq.

    Navigating Special Education Law with Frances Shefter, Esq.
    Mar 2 2026

    This episode features Frances Shefter, a seasoned special education attorney, discussing the intricacies of special ed law, advocacy, and how parents can effectively navigate the system to secure the best outcomes for their children. Topics include legal rights, the evaluation process, predetermination, and when to seek legal help.

    keywordsspecial education law, IEP, advocacy, legal rights, education attorney, parent rights, IEP process, independent educational evaluation, legal compliance, special ed advocacy

    key topics

    1. Legal rights of parents in special education
    2. The evaluation and IEP process
    3. Predetermination and legal compliance
    4. When to seek legal help in special education
    5. How to effectively advocate for your child's needs

    titles

    1. Unlocking Your Child's Rights: A Guide to Special Ed Law
    2. Navigating IEPs and Legal Rights with Frances Shefter

    Sound Bites

    1. "Trust your gut and ask questions."
    2. "Know what the issues are and be prepared."
    3. "Legal help can often save time and money."

    Chapters

    00:00Introduction to Special Education Law

    00:01Frances Shefter's Journey into Special Education Law

    05:04Understanding the Role of Parents and Schools

    09:28Navigating IEP Meetings and Legal Representation

    15:02Collaboration Between Attorneys and Parents

    17:23The Role of Educators in Child Advocacy

    19:34State Variations in Educational Compliance

    21:23Challenges in Meeting Educational Needs

    25:25Navigating the IEP Process and Parental Rights

    31:10Requesting Evaluations and the Role of Attorneys

    Resources
    1. Frances Shefter Law
    2. specialedrising.com
    3. https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission
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    44 m
  • Start Small, Stay Steady: How Simple Routines Reduce Stress and Build Regulation at Home

    Start Small, Stay Steady: How Simple Routines Reduce Stress and Build Regulation at Home
    Feb 24 2026
    In this episode, Mark Ingrassia—special educator, advocate, and parent coach—dives into one of the most overlooked but powerful tools available to families: simple, consistent routines.Schedules. Morning charts. Time blocks.They may sound basic—even boring—but research and decades of classroom and family experience show they are foundational to lowering stress, reducing conflict, and building independence.This episode explores how routines don’t just organize your day—they regulate your household.🔎 What You’ll Learn in This Episode✅ Why schedules are not about control—but about safetyPredictability lowers anxiety. When children (and parents) know what comes next, their nervous systems relax. Consistent routines reduce uncertainty, which research shows is a key driver of stress responses in both children and adults.✅ How routines lower stress for parentsParents raising children with anxiety, ADHD, autism, or executive functioning challenges make hundreds of micro-decisions daily. That leads to decision fatigue.When routines are consistent:You stop negotiating every step.You reduce arguments.You prevent last-minute chaos.You move from reacting to coaching.Less decision fatigue = lower stress.✅ How routines lower stress for childrenChildren don’t yet have fully developed executive functioning skills. When the day feels unpredictable, their brains stay on alert.Consistent routines:Reduce transition stressCreate clear beginnings and endings to tasksHelp perfectionistic children know when “enough” is enoughBuild a sense of competence and controlTurn external structure into internal regulation over timePredictability allows the brain to prepare instead of panic.✅ The Power of “Predictable Bookends”Morning = launch pad Evening = landing stripWhen the beginning and end of the day are steady, the middle becomes manageable.✅ Why transitions are the real challengeMost meltdowns don’t happen during tasks—they happen between them.Clear time blocks like:4:00 Snack4:15 Homework (20 minutes)4:35 Break…help the brain prepare for what’s next. Preparation lowers resistance. Lower resistance lowers stress.🧠 The Research Behind ItThis episode draws from research in behavioral science, developmental psychology, and executive functioning:Habit formation research (BJ Fogg, Tiny Habits) shows that small, repeatable behaviors build long-term change more effectively than large overhauls.Studies on bedtime routines show consistent nightly structure improves sleep quality, emotional regulation, and behavior.Research on family routines and resilience links predictable daily rhythms to lower parental stress and fewer child behavior problems.Executive functioning research shows children benefit from visual schedules and timed task blocks, especially those with ADHD.Psychological research on uncertainty and stress demonstrates that unpredictability increases cortisol, while structure reduces anxiety.(See full references below.)🛠 Practical TakeawaysIf you’re wondering where to begin:Start small. Pick one part of the day.Use simple time blocks instead of vague instructions.Anchor the new routine to an existing habit.Stay consistent for several weeks before adjusting.It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be repeatable.💬 Key MessageYou don’t have to be a perfect parent. But being predictable can change your home.You’re not just organizing a schedule. You’re building safety. You’re building confidence. You’re building a calmer nervous system—for your child and for yourself.And that changes everything.📚 References & Research MentionedFogg, B. J. (2019). Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.Mindell, J. A., et al. (2015). “Bedtime routines for young children: A dose-dependent association with sleep outcomes.” Sleep.Spagnola, M., & Fiese, B. H. (2007). “Family routines and rituals: A context for development in the lives of young children.” Infants & Young Children.Evans, G. W., & Wachs, T. D. (2010). Chaos and Its Influence on Children’s Development. American Psychological Association.Barkley, R. A. (2012). Executive Functions: What They Are, How They Work, and Why They Evolved.American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statements on routines, sleep, and family structure.🎧 Listen to more episodes at: specialedrising.com Special Ed Rising: No Parent Left Behind Hosted by Mark IngrassiaBecause no parent should walk this road alone.https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission
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    12 m
  • Interview with Author, Julie M. Green; Motherness and Me: Finding Acceptance in Autism

    Interview with Author, Julie M. Green; Motherness and Me: Finding Acceptance in Autism
    Feb 17 2026
    🎙️ Special Ed Rising: No Parent Left BehindIn this episode, Mark sits down with Julie M. Green, author of Motherness, a memoir exploring generational autism, parenthood, and radical acceptance. A 2024 finalist for the CBC Nonfiction Prize, Julie’s writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Globe and Mail, HuffPost, Parents, Chatelaine, CBC, and Today’s Parent, among others.Julie shares her journey as the mother of an autistic son and her own later-in-life autism diagnosis. She reflects on navigating the early 2010s autism landscape, when resources were limited and the pressure on parents to “correct” their children was intense. Together, Mark and Julie explore how the rhetoric around autism has shifted from awareness to acceptance — and why that shift is critical.They discuss the challenges families face within educational systems that often prioritize conformity over inclusion. Julie emphasizes that behavioral struggles are often signs of unmet needs, not defiance, and that meaningful support should focus on improving quality of life rather than enforcing normalization.The conversation also explores masking and its impact on mental health, the complexity of identity within the autistic community, and the importance of representation — including a discussion about the release of the Autistic Barbie and what true inclusion requires beyond symbolic gestures.At its core, this episode is about self-understanding, self-compassion, and rethinking what support should look like for autistic individuals and their families. As Julie shares, she wrote the book she wished she’d had — offering an insider perspective that helps others feel seen and understood.About Julie M. GreenJulie is the author of Motherness, a memoir of generational autism, parenthood, and radical acceptance. In 2024, she was a finalist for the CBC Nonfiction Prize. Her work has been widely published across major media outlets, and she writes The Autistic Mom on Substack.Connect with Julie:Website: https://juliemgreen.caBook: https://juliemgreen.ca/books-1Substack: https://theautisticmom.substack.com/Key TakeawaysThe rhetoric around autism is shifting from fixing to accepting.Parents have historically carried immense pressure to conform their children to societal norms.Quality of life — not compliance — should guide autism support.Educational systems often prioritize conformity over inclusion.Behavioral challenges are frequently signs of unmet needs.A mindset shift is necessary to interpret autistic behaviors as communication.Radical acceptance embraces the full complexity of neurodiversity.Masking can have serious mental health impacts.Representation matters, but it must be meaningful and nuanced.Personal narratives foster empathy and help others feel understood.Sound Bites“The onus was very much on parents.”“It’s about improving quality of life.”“I wrote the book I wish I’d had.”Suggested TitlesRedefining Autism: From Fixing to AcceptingNavigating Autism: A Journey of Radical AcceptanceThe Parent’s Journey: Rethinking Autism SupportChapters00:00 – Introduction and Background06:15 – Acceptance vs. Fixing10:06 – Inclusion, Support, and Educational Systems27:57 – Masking and Mental Healthspecialedrising.comhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission
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    48 m
  • Stronger Starts at Home: When Parents Grow, Kids Grow

    Stronger Starts at Home: When Parents Grow, Kids Grow
    Feb 13 2026
    🎙️ Special Ed Rising: No Parent Left BehindEpisode: Stronger Starts at Home: When Parents Grow, Kids Grow🎧 Episode SummaryParents are constantly asked to measure how their children are doing—academically, behaviorally, socially. But how often are they invited to pause and reflect on themselves?In this episode, host and educator Mark Ingrassia shifts the focus inward. Drawing from years of experience working alongside families, Mark explores how parental self-awareness directly impacts children’s regulation, behavior, and resilience.Because children don’t experience life in isolation—they experience it through the adults who care for them.Through tone. Through stress. Through energy. Through calm.This episode offers practical tools to help parents recognize their strengths, identify growth areas without shame, and build simple mindful habits that reduce burnout and increase connection at home.🧠 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy parental self-awareness shapes child behaviorHow stress responses influence family dynamicsThe difference between reacting and respondingHow mindful practices improve emotional regulationWhy strengths-based parenting creates more confidenceHow systems—not guilt—create real changeA simple weekly reflection habit to prevent burnout5 calm-down tools parents can start using immediately🌿 The 5 Calm-Down Tools Shared in This EpisodeThe 3-Breath Reset – Pause and take three slow breaths before responding.Grounding (5-4-3-2-1 Method) – Use your senses to return to the present moment.The Pause Phrase – Repeat: “Pause. Breathe. Respond.”The 2-Minute Reset – Build short breaks into transitions.Body Release – Relax jaw, shoulders, hands, and tension points.Small habits. Big impact.💡 Key TakeawaysChildren mirror adult regulation.“Behavior” often starts with adult stress levels.Strengths matter more than perfection.Growth happens through systems—not self-criticism.Self-care is not selfish—it’s strategic.When parents grow, children grow.✍️ Reflection Questions for ParentsWhen do I feel most calm and connected with my child?What do I naturally do well as a parent?What situations trigger stress for me?What is one small regulation tool I can practice this week?What worked well this week? What needs adjusting?🛠 Try This This Week✔ Write down 3 parenting strengths ✔ Identify 1 growth area ✔ Choose 1 calm-down tool ✔ Schedule a 10-minute weekly resetProgress over perfection.💙 Closing ReminderYou don’t need to be perfect. You need support. You need awareness. You need space to grow at your own pace.You matter in this journey.When you grow, your child grows.That’s what No Parent Left Behind is all about.specialedrising.comhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission📚 Research References Used in This EpisodeParental Influence on Child Development & Parent-Child Transactional ProcessesDescribes how children’s development is shaped by dynamic exchanges with parents.Source: A review on parent-child transactional processes in child development outcomes.Quoted idea: “parents affect children and children affect parents.”Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7781063/Parenting with Self-AwarenessExplains how being aware of inner states influences parenting behavior and relationships.Quoted idea: “In our interactions with our children, each of us has the choice to respond in ways that either strengthen or weaken our relationships with them.”Source: Alabama Cooperative Extension System resource on self-awareness in parenting.Link: https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/home-family/parenting-with-self-awareness-he-0952/Positive Aspects of Parenting Children with Intellectual DisabilitiesReports on increased personal strength, confidence, and meaning-focused coping among parents.Quoted idea: “an increased sense of personal strength and confidence” described by parents.Source: PMC article on parental experiences and positive impacts.Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5703033/Parental Reflective Functioning, Self-Efficacy, Psychological Flexibility & CopingExamines how parental reflective functioning links to self-efficacy and proactive coping strategies.Quoted idea: “parental self-efficacy mediated the association between reflective functioning and proactive coping strategies.”Source: ResearchGate article on parents of children with autism.Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/389248236_Psychological_Flexibility_Parental_Reflective_Functioning_Parental_Efficacy_and_Coping_in_Parents_of_Children_With_AutismParental Reflective Functioning and Sensitive ParentingShows higher parental reflective capacity is associated with better parenting and regulation outcomes in children.Source: Article on reflective functioning in parenting from Mindfulness journal.Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12671-024-02379-6Parental Self-Efficacy and Children’s OutcomesDiscusses ...
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    14 m
  • Brains, Bonds, and Balance: The Art of Raising Healthy Kids

    Brains, Bonds, and Balance: The Art of Raising Healthy Kids
    Feb 2 2026

    keywordsparenting, child development, neuroscience, self-awareness, communication, stress management, parent engagement, education, emotional regulation, family dynamics

    summary In this conversation, Lisa A Riegel discusses the challenges parents face in supporting their children, the importance of understanding the biology of stress and perception, and effective communication strategies. She emphasizes the need for self-awareness in both parents and children, the significance of creating a supportive home environment, and the value of allowing children to explore and learn from their experiences. The discussion also touches on the importance of finding joy and self-control in parenting, and the necessity of gratitude in fostering positive relationships.

    takeaways

    1. Parents often feel unprepared and overwhelmed in their roles.
    2. Understanding the biology of stress can help parents manage their reactions.
    3. Effective communication involves recognizing and naming emotions.
    4. Self-awareness is crucial for both parents and children.
    5. Creating a supportive home environment fosters children's growth.
    6. Allowing children to explore helps them develop resilience.
    7. Mindfulness practices can enhance emotional regulation.
    8. Gratitude can improve family dynamics and relationships.
    9. Parents should model self-care and emotional awareness.
    10. Building a strong parent-child connection is essential for development.

    titles

    1. Navigating Parenting Challenges
    2. The Neuroscience of Parenting

    Sound Bites

    1. "Parents are left behind."
    2. "Name my face now."
    3. "Gratitude can never go wrong."

    Chapters

    00:00Introduction and Background of Lisa A Riegel

    01:08Understanding Parental Engagement and Neuroscience

    02:58The Impact of Stress on Learning and Behavior

    04:42Navigating Teenage Emotions and Communication

    08:45Self-Awareness and Emotional Regulation

    14:16Practical Strategies for Parents and Children

    16:10The Role of Self-Awareness in Parenting

    20:38Building Family Connections Through Communication

    21:41The Importance of Family Dinners

    22:55Cultivating Positive Mindsets in Children

    23:43Navigating Parenting Challenges

    25:21The Pressure of Modern Childhood

    26:06Finding Personal Fulfillment

    27:39Understanding Happiness and Self-Awareness

    29:07Developing Self-Care Routines

    31:15Managing Anxiety and Control

    32:34Influence of Peers and Social Media

    35:11Choosing Happiness and Life Changes

    37:04Final Thoughts for Parents and Educators

    specialedrising.com

    epinstitute.net

    lisarego.com.

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    43 m
  • Democracy in Danger: Minnesota, Federal Overreach, and the Threat to All of Us (Special Ed Rising: PURGE 47 Edition)

    Democracy in Danger: Minnesota, Federal Overreach, and the Threat to All of Us (Special Ed Rising: PURGE 47 Edition)
    Jan 26 2026

    In this episode of Special Ed Rising: PURGE 47 Edition, host Mark Ingrassia steps away from disability policy to confront a reality that affects every American: the rapid erosion of democratic norms and the rise of authoritarian governance in the United States—most visibly playing out right now in Minnesota.

    Mark examines the aggressive federal immigration enforcement surge led by DHS, ICE, and Border Patrol, including mass arrests, militarized operations in residential neighborhoods, and multiple fatal encounters involving U.S. citizens. He addresses the killings of Renée Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, the mounting allegations of illegal and inhumane ICE practices, and the constitutional crisis triggered by unchecked executive power.

    This episode also draws historically grounded parallels to past authoritarian regimes—not as sensationalism, but as a warning. Through legal analysis, scholarly research, and firsthand accounts, Mark explores how democratic erosion happens: through normalization, propaganda, the weakening of oversight, and the weaponization of fear against marginalized communities.

    This is not a partisan episode. It is a civic one.

    If you believe in due process, equal protection, and the rule of law, this conversation is not optional.

    🧭 What We Cover in This Episode
    1. Why Mark is stepping beyond disability policy for this urgent episode
    2. The federal immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota
    3. Militarized ICE operations and mass detentions
    4. The killings of Renée Nicole Good and Alex Pretti
    5. Allegations of warrantless stops, racial profiling, and suppression of civilian recording
    6. Federal court intervention and constitutional challenges
    7. The concept of the “prerogative state” and authoritarian drift
    8. How language and propaganda are used to dehumanize targeted groups
    9. Historical warning signs of democratic erosion
    10. Why silence and normalization are the real danger

    🧠 Key Themes
    1. Federal overreach and lack of accountability
    2. Due process and Fourth Amendment erosion
    3. State vs. federal power conflicts
    4. Militarization of civilian law enforcement
    5. The human cost of unchecked authority
    6. Historical parallels to authoritarian systems
    7. Civic responsibility in moments of democratic crisis

    📌 Sources Referenced
    1. CBS News — Minneapolis becomes ground zero in immigration crackdown
    2. PBS NewsHour — Federal court hearings on Minnesota enforcement surge
    3. Business Insider — Labor unions call for ICE to leave Minnesota
    4. ACLU — Statements on ICE and CBP deployment
    5. The Guardian — Constitutional challenges to ICE operations
    6. Center for American Progress — How democracies erode
    7. Berkeley News — Historians on modern fascism parallels
    8. Wikipedia — Dual State (Model)
    9. Minneapolis.gov — Legal filings on Operation Metro Surge
    10. Wikipedia — Killing of Alex Pretti
    11. Wikipedia — 2026 Anti-ICE Protests in the United States

    (Full source list available on specialedrising.com)

    📣 Call to Action

    If you’re listening to this and thinking, “Someone should do something,” that someone is you.

    Share this episode. Call your representatives. Demand accountability. Show up in your community.

    Silence is complicity—and democracy doesn’t defend itself.

    🔗 Links

    🌐 Website: https://specialedrising.com

    📬 Contact Mark: specialedrising@gmail.com

    https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission
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    21 m
  • The Autistic Barbie — Representation, Reality, and What Our Kids Actually Need

    The Autistic Barbie — Representation, Reality, and What Our Kids Actually Need
    Jan 19 2026
    The release of the first autistic Barbie sparked hope, joy, and meaningful conversation. Representation matters—especially for children who rarely see themselves reflected in the world around them. For some families, this doll is a moment of validation.But representation is not the same as support.In this episode, we look beyond the celebration to ask harder questions: Can a single doll represent the full autism spectrum? Who gets included—and who gets left out—when disability is made marketable? And does visibility sometimes make the world more comfortable without changing the systems families depend on?We explore the autistic Barbie’s design, the mixed reactions from autistic adults and parents, and the growing gap between symbolic inclusion and real-world support. From IEP battles and underfunded schools to weakened enforcement of IDEA, parents are often left holding two truths at once: pride in being seen and exhaustion from fighting systems that still don’t work.This episode isn’t about rejecting representation—it’s about demanding more. Because symbols can open the door, but policy, funding, and accountability decide whether our kids get through it.🧠 Resources & Research from the EpisodeCreating Inclusive Schools for Autistic Students (Scoping Review) – Frontiers in Education https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1630710/full?utm_source=chatgpt.comTeachers’ Perceptions & Strategies for Inclusion – Springer https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10803-021-05266-4?utm_source=chatgpt.comSchool-Based Interventions for Social Inclusion – Springer https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40489-024-00429-2?utm_source=chatgpt.comImproving Student Attitudes Toward Autistic Peers – PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37615921/?utm_source=chatgpt.comStrategies Supporting Inclusive Education for Autistic Students – PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36382073/?utm_source=chatgpt.comMattel Launches First Autistic Barbie – The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/jan/12/mattel-launches-its-first-autistic-barbie?utm_source=chatgpt.comMattel Teams with Autistic Self Advocacy Network – AP News https://apnews.com/article/9c33f493a04c4f52bb8d08026b6f5f53?utm_source=chatgpt.comTeacher Knowledge & Self-Efficacy Toward Inclusion – PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38155371/?utm_source=chatgpt.comChallenges in Mainstream Schools for Inclusion – PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38481460/?utm_source=chatgpt.comParents, educators, and advocates: This episode is for anyone who wants to see representation and real support for autistic kids. Let’s celebrate the wins without losing sight of the work still ahead.specialedrising.comhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-missionhttps://iparent101.com/
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    19 m