Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 50     In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter interviews Sarah Kodinsky, Founder and CEO of Apex Social Group, which specializes in live-in developmental childcare for children with disabilities. Sarah’s background in special education fuels her passion for supporting families, and Apex integrates a cultural exchange element with European caregivers. The company meticulously matches caregivers with families and offers ongoing support through personalized care plans and community-building events. Tune in to the episode to h ..read more

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 49 In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Naomi Matanick, a pediatric occupational therapist specializing in infant and child development, sensory-integration therapy, and surf therapy for kids. Naomi is the founder of Ocean Waves Therapy, based in Southern California, where she utilizes the ocean environment to aid children in achieving developmental goals such as gross motor skills, emotional regulation, confidence-building, and self-autonomy. Tune in to the episode to hear about: Surf Therapy for Kids: Naomi Matanick ..read more

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 48   In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Jennifer Shutts, a certified parent coach and mental health nurse practitioner at Willow Tree Parenting, specializing in supporting parents of neurodiverse children. Shutts, a mother of three neurodiverse kids herself, brings her expertise to the forefront, guiding parents through the complexities of advocating for their children’s needs in the education system. Tune in to the episode to hear about: Expertise and Advocacy: Jennifer Shutts, a certified parent coach and men ..read more

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 47 In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Natalie Powell, a certified dyslexia specialist and certified educational therapist based in California. Natalie is the founder and CEO of Natalie LP Therapy, a company dedicated to providing individualized support and resources for dyslexic students. With her expertise in dyslexia and special education, Natalie offers valuable insights into navigating the challenges of supporting these students within the educational system. Tune in to the episode to hear about: Flexible Readin ..read more

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Ep 46 In this compelling episode of Stress-Free IEP®, host Frances Shefter engages in an enlightening conversation with Deborah Brown Hill, owner of Hill Country Dyslexia Services. As a certified academic language therapist (C-A-L-T), Deborah is on a mission to empower children facing dyslexia, dysgraphia, and related learning hurdles. Through her business, Hill Country Dyslexia Services, Deborah leads a dedicated team committed to early detection and tailored interventions for students grappling with literacy and math obstacles. Tune in as we delve into ..read more

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 44 In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Jamilah Bashir, Founder of the IEP Coach LLC. Jamilah F. Bashir is the founder of The IEP Coach LLC, an Education Consultant, and IEP Coach for special education teachers, helping them to balance being a teacher and case manager so they can level up at work and at home. She also helps parents navigate the often complex IEP process with more peace and ease. Jamilah is a sought-after guest and speaker, sharing her wisdom on stages such as Educators Moving On (EMON) LIVE Conference ..read more

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 43     In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Anjel Burgess, Managing Attorney at Burgess & Christensen, a firm solely dedicated to matters involving Social Security disability, veterans disability, and adult guardianship. For over a decade, Attorney Anjel Burgess has provided skilled representation to individuals and families inside and outside of the courtroom. Tune in to the episode to hear about: The difference between SSI and SSDI benefits and how to know which one is right for you How the Social Secu ..read more

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 41 In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Melissa McCall, Owner of Moving Little Minds. Melissa is an educational consultant who provides resources and materials to help educators and families strengthen the skills of young learners. Moving Little Minds provides research-based literacy activities in fun and engaging ways. Merging instruction with play ensures that children are reaching their full potential and embark on their educational journey well-prepared for the future. Tune in to the episode to hear about: The sci ..read more

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 39 In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Author & Board Certified Educational Therapist, Marion Marshall. Tune in to the episode to hear about: What an Educational Therapist is Marion’s career journey through the school systems to becoming an Educational Therapist and Author How Marion came to write her recent book with details of the case study it’s based on, “Virtual Educational Therapy: A Case Study of Clinical Supports and Advocacy” Why getting good grades and achieving goals are not reasons to be removed from ..read more

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 38 In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Laurie Chester, Academic Life Coach with Get it Done, ABC, LLC. Based in Northern Virginia, Laurie has been coaching for 20 years. Laurie primarily works with high school students to help them keep on track with their school work and goals. She works with local students in person and virtually with students from other parts of the country. Tune in to the episode for these key takeaways:  What coaching is and how it differs from other support systems  How Laurie helps s ..read more