Episodios

  • From Advocacy to Impact: Raja Marhaba’s Fight for Exceptional Learners

    From Advocacy to Impact: Raja Marhaba’s Fight for Exceptional Learners
    Mar 30 2026

    Raja Marhaba shares her inspiring journey as a mother of two twice-exceptional children, navigating the complex special education system, advocating for her kids, and founding The Jonathan Foundation to support families with learning disabilities. Her story highlights the challenges, legal battles, and the importance of parental advocacy in securing appropriate education and services.

    Keywordsspecial education, advocacy, learning disabilities, IEP, legal battles, parental empowerment, twice exceptional, education reform, mental health, Raja Marhaba

    Key Topics

    1. Navigating the special education system
    2. Legal battles for children's rights
    3. The importance of parental advocacy

    Guest Name Raja Marhaba

    Website https://www.thejonathanfoundation.org

    titles

    1. The Fight for Education Rights: Raja Marhaba's Journey
    2. How One Mother Changed the System for Twice-Exceptional Kids

    Sound Bites

    1. "What message are you sending to a 10-year-old?"
    2. "He tore a two-inch hardcover book apart"
    3. "Knowledge is power in advocacy"

    Chapters

    00:00Navigating the Special Education System

    18:15The Impact of Advocacy on Families

    25:41Empowering Parents and Children in Education

    27:19Understanding Standardized Testing and Its Implications

    29:39Building Trust Between Parents and Schools

    31:32Empowering Parents in IEP Meetings

    33:00Navigating the Challenges of Special Education

    35:34The Impact of Legislation on Special Education

    37:59Mental Health and Its Role in Education

    41:38The Need for Comprehensive Support in Schools

    45:42The Jonathan Foundation: Advocacy and Support for Families

    Specialedrising.com

    Ray's Respite Care: https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission
    Más Menos
    57 m
  • Ignorance Isn’t Leadership: What We’re Really Saying About Our Kids

    Ignorance Isn’t Leadership: What We’re Really Saying About Our Kids
    Mar 24 2026
    🧠 Episode Overview

    This brief but powerful episode takes a direct look at recent public comments about learning disabilities—and why they matter far beyond politics. Mark speaks from decades of experience in special education to challenge harmful narratives and reframe what dyslexia really means for individuals, families, and society.

    At its core, this episode is about one thing:

    the message we send to kids when we misunderstand how they learn.

    🎯 Key Takeaways
    1. Dyslexia is not a measure of intelligence
    2. It impacts language processing—not cognitive ability, leadership, or potential.
    3. What looks like struggle is often strategy in progress
    4. Many individuals with dyslexia rely on tools like audiobooks, verbal processing, and summaries—and go on to thrive.
    5. Words from leaders carry real consequences
    6. Public statements about disability don’t stay in politics—they shape how children see themselves.
    7. The real issue is not disability—it’s ignorance
    8. Misunderstanding learning differences leads to stigma, lowered expectations, and lost opportunities.
    9. Kids internalize what the world tells them
    10. When they hear limits, they believe limits. When they’re supported, they rise.

    🧩 What Dyslexia Actually Impacts
    1. Decoding (sounding out words)
    2. Reading fluency
    3. Spelling and written expression
    4. Processing speed with language

    👉 And at the same time, many individuals demonstrate:

    1. Strong verbal reasoning
    2. Creativity and innovation
    3. Big-picture thinking
    4. Leadership and interpersonal strengths

    🔥 Core Message

    This episode challenges the idea that learning differences define capability—and calls on parents, educators, and advocates to push back against narratives that diminish individuals with disabilities.

    Your brain works differently.

    Your challenges are real.

    And your potential is not up for debate.

    🧭 Notable Context Discussed
    1. Public comments made by Donald Trump regarding Gavin Newsom and dyslexia (March 2026)
    2. Newsom’s lived experience with dyslexia and his adaptive strategies
    3. Responses from Newsom and Jennifer Siebel Newsom
    4. The broader impact of stigmatizing language on individuals with learning disabilities

    📚 References & Resources
    1. Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery
    2. Ben and Emma’s Big Hit
    3. International Dyslexia Association – Research and resources on dyslexia
    4. Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity – Science and strengths-based perspective on dyslexia

    🎧 Final Thought

    Ignorance may be loud…

    but it doesn’t have to be what leads.

    specialedrising.com

    https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission
    Más Menos
    12 m
  • Part 2: From Trauma to Transformation: Dr. Joey Weisler on Teaching with Heart

    Part 2: From Trauma to Transformation: Dr. Joey Weisler on Teaching with Heart
    Mar 16 2026
    What happens when an educator refuses to treat students like data points?In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Mark speaks with educator, researcher, and author Dr. Joey Weisler about trauma, resilience, and what it really means to show up for students.Joey shares his deeply personal journey—from witnessing the aftermath of the Parkland school tragedy to navigating a difficult first year of teaching that ultimately led to his dismissal. What initially felt like failure became the turning point that shaped his mission: to build classrooms centered on connection, presence, and emotional engagement.Today, Joey teaches literature and composition at the college level while developing his HEART Framework, a model focused on creating learning environments where students feel seen, heard, and empowered.This episode explores how trauma, compassion, and purposeful teaching can reshape education—and why learning should never be the result of compliance.In This EpisodeMark and Joey discuss:Joey’s experience teaching near the Parkland tragedy and how it shaped his understanding of student traumaWhy many schools struggle to address emotional realities in the classroomThe moment Joey was unexpectedly dismissed from his first teaching job—and why it became the best and worst day of his careerHow storytelling and literature can help students process emotions and life decisionsWhy Joey arranges his classrooms in a circle to create presence and communityThe concept of “cognitive presence” vs. cognitive overloadWhy showing up and caring may be the most important thing a teacher can doHow educators can balance academic expectations with emotional developmentJoey’s upcoming book on the HEART FrameworkKey TakeawaysStudents remember how teachers make them feel more than what they teach.Trauma affects learning—even when it’s not visible.Presence and care often matter more than instructional techniques.Classrooms that allow students to explore meaning and identity create deeper engagement.Education systems focused solely on data risk losing the humanity of learning.Memorable Quotes“Learning should not be a result of compliance.”“When you teach to the heart instead of just the brain, everything changes.”“Students don’t remember every lesson—but they remember the teachers who cared.”“Instead of cognitive overload, we need cognitive presence.”About Dr. Joey WeislerDr. Joey Weisler is an educator, researcher, and writer focused on trauma-informed teaching and emotionally engaged learning environments. He teaches literature and composition at the college level and hosts the podcast Classroom Narratives: Healing & Education.He is currently developing the HEART Framework, a model designed to help educators create classrooms centered on connection, presence, and meaningful learning.Resources & LinksListen to Part 1 here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-through-the-unknown-advocacy-trust-and/id1775740636?i=1000748265220Listen to my interview on Joey's podcast, Classroom Narratives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-through-the-unknown-advocacy-trust-and/id1775740636?i=1000748265220🌐 Website josephweisler.com🎬 The Throne in the Classroom (Short Film & Trailer)🎧 Joey’s Podcast Classroom Narratives: Healing & Education📘 Resources Available on Joey’s Website10 Steps to Trauma-Informed TeachingEmotionally Equipped Educator Conflict Styles QuizHEART Framework (forthcoming book)Connect with Mark🎙️ Podcast: SER: No Parent Left Behind!Website: specialedrising.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with a fellow educator or parent, and leave a review to help more people discover the show.
    Más Menos
    33 m
  • Part 1: 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
    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

    Listen to my interview on Joey's podcast, Classroom Narratives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-through-the-unknown-advocacy-trust-and/id1775740636?i=1000748265220

    specialedrising.com

    https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission
    Más Menos
    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
    Más Menos
    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
    Más Menos
    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
    Más Menos
    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 ...
    Más Menos
    14 m