In this heartfelt conversation, Amy sits down with Sherri Patton-Grubb, a wellness counselor at Austin High School, for a fireside chat that explores the real-life challenges and triumphs of working in education. Together, they unpack strategies for building strong, collaborative relationships with school administrators, maintaining professionalism in tense situations, and supporting youth and families through adversity. Sherri shares her career experiences, thoughts on boundary-setting, and her philosophy of resilience, offering listeners both practical tips and heartfelt wisdom. The episode closes with lighthearted reflections on camping, favorite snacks, and the importance of finding joy outside of work.

Social Handles:

Christopher Ponce

• Instagram - @theschoolpsychguy
• LinkedIn - Christopher Ponce

Music by: J Andrew Collins

In this episode of The School Collective, Christopher talks with Dr. Ashley Doss, a licensed psychologist and school psychologist in Anchorage, Alaska. Dr. Doss shares her journey from Texas to the north, offering insight into the unique challenges of practicing in Alaska’s diverse and remote communities.

We dive into her work leading crisis response and suicide prevention efforts, her involvement with the statewide Silo 2 initiative, and how Alaska is building a stronger, more connected school psychology workforce. From freezing temperatures to culturally responsive practices, this episode highlights the resilience and innovation shaping school psychology in the 49th state.

Social Handles:

Christopher Ponce

• Instagram - @theschoolpsychguy
• LinkedIn - Christopher Ponce

Music by: J Andrew Collins

In this episode of The School Collective, Christopher sits down with power couple and school psychologists Tyler and Dr. Lina Kitson to talk shop—and share how they’re revolutionizing report writing with their tool, Copy Paste Report. They unpack the journey from late-night frustration to launching a customizable, time-saving platform for assessments that now supports over 100 measures.

The Kitsons also open up about their unique paths into school psychology, their experiences navigating leadership roles at the state and national levels, and their hopes for a more tech-savvy, sustainable future in the field. From MTSS leadership in Kansas to licensing quirks in Missouri, and even a few hot takes on salsa and pineapple pizza—this episode blends practical solutions, professional insight, and personality.

Don’t miss the mid-episode commercial break for an exclusive listener deal on Copy Paste Report! Whether you’re drowning in cognitive batteries or looking to streamline your workflow, this is your chance to grab the tool at a discounted rate just in time for the new school year.

Copy Paste Report v4.0 drops this August, and this conversation is the perfect primer.

Follow this link to get a discounted subscription. (Don't forget to get the special code in our episode!):

https://www.copypastereport.com/podcast

Social Handles:

Music By:

It’s that time again: new year, new buildings, new chaos!

In this season-ready episode, we welcome back school psychologist Huma Imtiaz (@the_school_psychologist) for a crew-style conversation packed with tips, reflections, and real talk to help school psychs hit the ground running.

We cover everything from how to introduce yourself in a new school, building genuine relationships across campus, and managing your caseload without burning out. You’ll hear organizational hacks from the team, boundary-setting strategies, and the kind of advice we wish we had in our first year.

Also inside: bocce ball nicknames, awkward teen memories, and why emotional intelligence matters just as much as technical skill.

Whether you’re a veteran psych or just getting started, this episode is your back-to-school pep talk. Let’s make this year a little more balanced—and a lot more collaborative.

Social Handles:

Christopher Ponce

• Instagram - @theschoolpsychguy
• LinkedIn - Christopher Ponce

Huma Imtiaz

• Instagram - @the_school_psychologist

Music by: J. Andrew Collins

In this episode of The School Collective, we welcome back our favorite Texas special education attorney, Elvin Houston (@school.lawyer), for a timely and engaging conversation on recent legislative updates impacting educators and school psychologists. Elvin breaks down major new Texas laws—like House Bill 1481’s student cell phone ban, Senate Bill 2’s education savings accounts, and House Bill 6’s discipline reforms—and explains how these intersect with federal IDEA protections.

Joined by special guests Brooke Roberts and Amy Shatila, we also touch on personal habits, back-to-school transitions, and some hilarious moments with professional headshots (and tacos!). We wrap things up with a rapid-fire Q&A where Elvin shares his favorite dinosaur, dream meal, and more.

Key Takeaways for School Teams:

• What your district must do before fall regarding cell phone bans and IEP accommodations
• Why Senate Bill 2 could trigger a wave of FIE requests—and how to prepare
• How to stay compliant with federal law when navigating new state discipline policies
• Pro tips on writing defensible prior written notices and evaluation denials

Social Handles:

Christopher Ponce

• Instagram - @theschoolpsychguy
• LinkedIn - Christopher Ponce

Elvin Houston

• Instagram - @School.Lawyer
• TikTok - @School.Lawyer

Music by: J Andrew Collins

We’re back! In the Season 2 premiere of The School Collective Podcast, hosts Christopher, Brook, and Amy ease back into the mic with a mix of mischief, memories, and meaningful updates. From childhood klepto stories and questionable collections to doctoral stress and dreamy coffee table books, this episode blends laughs with life updates as the team shares what’s been happening behind the scenes.

You’ll also get a peek at what’s to come this season! Deeper conversations, diverse voices, and a continued commitment to building community across education and mental health spaces. Whether you're here for the personality quiz, the Dolly Parton book confession, or just curious about our favorite sandwiches, there's something for everyone.

Leave a review, share with your circle, and reach out if you’d like to be a guest. Let’s keep the conversation going!

Welcome to Season 2.

Social Handles:

Christopher Ponce

• Instagram - @theschoolpsychguy
• LinkedIn - Christopher Ponce

Music by: J Andrew Collins

The crew is coming back with a brand-new season of the School Collective! We have an amazing lineup this year of new and returning guests. We cover topics from legislation, back-to-school readiness, parenting, and even sports psychology!

Tune in when the premiere episode drops in a few weeks and make sure to subscribe to our channel!!

Also....Check out the new music!!

Social Handles:

Christopher Ponce

• Instagram - @theschoolpsychguy
• LinkedIn - Christopher Ponce

Music by: J Andrew Collins

In the final episode of our special education legal trilogy, The School Collective crew is joined once again by attorney Elvin Houston for an in-depth conversation on Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs). This episode dives into the legal triggers and timelines behind MDRs, the role of evaluation data, and what qualifies as a disciplinary change of placement. The team explores federal and state-level differences, and the importance of voluntary agreements from families when removal is on the table. You’ll also hear candid insights about spring burnout, expedited hearings, and the realities of working with families and advocates.

Whether you’re a school psychologist, administrator, or educator navigating the MDR process, this episode is packed with practical takeaways, legal context, and real-world reflections to keep you grounded and informed.

Social Handles:

Christopher Ponce

• Instagram - @theschoolpsychguy
• LinkedIn - Christopher Ponce

Elvin Houston

• Instagram - @School.Lawyer
• TikTok - @School.Lawyer

Music by: J Andrew Collins