About the Guest(s): Dr. Jodi Asbell-Clarke is an esteemed figure in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) community, particularly in the realm of game-based learning. With a background enriched by working on the space shuttle program for its first 25 missions, she has been pivotal in linking computational thinking and neurodiversity, offering unique insights into the talents that neurodivergent learners bring to STEM problem-solving. Asbell-Clarke holds a wealth of experience and has dedicated her career to advancing equity and opportunities in STEM education through innovat ..read more

About the Guest(s): Savitha Sundar, an Occupational Therpaist and Ph.D. candidate, specializes in inclusive practices for students with Extensive Support Needs. With over 15 years in public schools, she’s a champion for inclusive education, leveraging her OT expertise to foster access and participation. At Texas Woman’s University, she mentors future OTs and teaches as an adjunct faculty member. Savitha also serves as the Partnerships Officer at Changing Perspectives, promoting social-emotional learning. She also hosts the podcast “Inclusive Occupations,” inspiring the creation of inclusive co ..read more

About the Guest(s): Dr. Leah M. Kelley is a storyteller, writer, activist, teacher educator, education consultant, and parent who identifies as neurodivergent and otherwise disabled. She was a K-12 public school teacher for over 25 years and has extensive experience supporting inclusion. Her newly published book, “The Person Who Arrives: Connecting Disability Studies to Educational Practice for Teachers, Parents, and Others,” evolved from her doctoral research, which she completed at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia. She is currently working as an adjunct professor in the faculty of ..read more

About the Guest(s): Sharon M. Draper is an accomplished author and educator, widely recognized for her contribution to young adult literature. Her career as an English teacher spanned over 30 years, engaging with students from sixth to twelfth grade. Draper’s literary portfolio includes books that address diverse and compelling topics, with “Out of My Mind” being among her most notable works. She’s won awards, including the prestigious Margaret A. Edwards Award for her significant and lasting contribution to writing for teens. With her lifelong devotion to creating profound connections with yo ..read more

Join us in Annapolis, Mayland on August 6 & 7 for the second annual MCIE Summer Institute. The 2-day institute is designed to provide valuable insights on inclusive school leadership, team collaboration, and specially designed instruction for educators, families, and partners on the journey towards inclusive schooling. Don’t miss the chance to hear from keynote speakers Jordyn Zimmerman, Educator and Disability Advocate, and Andratesha Fritzgerald, Founder of Building Blocks of Brilliance LLC. Register now! For any questions, contact us at mciesummerinstitute@mcie.org. Regis ..read more

About the Guest(s): Ken Posner is a passionate advocate for the therapeutic benefits of natural stimulation and mindfulness, particularly through the practice of going barefoot as part of the “Barefoot Autism Challenge.” Although not a professional runner, Ken’s fervor for barefoot running, stemming from the energy and joy it offers, has led him to adopt it as a lifestyle choice. With an awareness of neurodiversity and its intersections with physical activities, he champions the experience of going barefoot for both neurotypical and neurodiverse individuals, emphasizing the grounding and proce ..read more

About the Guest(s): Thomas R. Guskey, PhD, is Professor Emeritus in the College of Education, University of Kentucky. A University of Chicago graduate and former middle school teacher, he served as an administrator in Chicago Public Schools and was the first Director of the Center for the Improvement of Teaching and Learning, a national educational research center. He is author/editor of twenty-eight books and over three hundred published articles and book chapters. His most recent books include Engaging Parents and Families in Grading Reforms, Implementing Mastery Learning, and Instructional ..read more

Hi Friends. Tim Villegas here from the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education. This week, we have a feed drop from a fantastic podcast, Learn with Dr. Emily. Dr. Emily King is a child psychologist and former school psychologist specializing in raising and teaching children and teens diagnosed with autism, ADHD, anxiety, learning disabilities, and/or giftedness. Each week, she shares her thoughts on a topic related to psychology, parenting, education, or parent-teacher collaboration. The episode I’m going to share with you today features Dr. Tina Payne Bryson discussing the concept of attac ..read more

About the Guest(s): Beth Leipholtz is a multifaceted professional and mother, known for her transparent sharing of personal life experiences on social media. She is the author of the children’s book, “The ABCs of Inclusion,” and previously penned “Hello, Holland,” aimed at parents navigating their children’s hearing loss. Beth’s journey through motherhood, managing her son’s deafness, cochlear implants, and use of sign language, forms the crux of her advocacy for inclusion and accessibility. With a significant following on social media platforms, including a presence on TikTok, Beth leverages ..read more

About the Guest(s): Lauren Hough Williams is the Executive Director of the Program for Inclusion and Neurodiversity Education, better known as PINE, an online platform that offers training and support to schools committed to building more neuro-inclusive schools. Lauren is an autism and inclusion specialist and began her career as a special educator for the NYC Department of Education before working for over a decade to define, refine, and expand the NYU ASD Nest Support Project. She partners with the neurodivergent community to shift the special education paradigm from deficits to strengths ..read more