Unlocking Potential: Special Education Perspectives

In this episode we give you a preview of our upcoming Pre K Summit, and speak with this year's keynote Dr. Layne Pethick.

You won't want to miss it!

In this episode of Unlocking Potential, we’re giving you a behind-the-scenes look at our upcoming Autism Conference! Winston sits down with co-host Danielle, who leads the conference, to share what makes this event so meaningful and what participants can expect.

Then, we’re joined by Morgan Van Diepen, BCBA and co-founder of ABA Visualized, who will be delivering this year’s keynote, “Actionable Practices for Celebrating Neurodiversity.” Morgan shares how small shifts in language, perspective, and practice can create more inclusive and supportive environments for neurodivergent learners.

In this episode of Unlocking Potential, we’re giving you a sneak peek at one of our favorite events of the year—SPED Camp! Hear from our SPED Camp lead as she shares what makes this conference such a meaningful experience for educators and why you won’t want to miss it.

Then, we’re joined by Allison Posey, international leader in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and this year’s keynote speaker. Allison brings the science of how the brain learns into practical classroom application, helping educators design learning experiences that truly reach every student.

In this episode of Unlocking Potential, we continue our season on transition to adulthood by spotlighting Dumas ISD’s 18+ program. Join us as we talk with Mattye Calvery and Frankie Blue about how their program supports students with disabilities in building independence, developing employment skills, and preparing for meaningful life after high school.  

In this episode, we sit down with Elizabeth Blackwell, a dedicated special education teacher serving elementary students with complex access needs. Elizabeth shares what it means to truly presume potential, foster inclusion, and creatively provide access to learning and connection for every child. With compassion, expertise, and innovation, she’s changing the game for students who need more than just support—they need champions. Tune in to hear her story, her strategies, and her heart for this work.   

In this episode,  we’re wrapping up our series on MTSS—Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. If you’ve been with us for our Tier 1 and Tier 2 episodes, you know we’ve been digging into how schools can build layered systems of support for all students. And now... we’re diving deep into Tier 3 with Lead Strategic Integration Liaison Krystal Hare.

In this episode we welcome Casey Newman from Region 16 to discuss MTSS. We'll discuss what MTSS is and how it benefits students.

In this episode we sit down Heidi Brewer and Janna Padilla from Region 16 to discuss UDL and how it can help students.

In this episode of Unlocking Potential, we're joined by Kelisha Murray, MOT, OTR, and Director of Donor Guidance for The Turn Center, to dive into the transformative power of sensory supports in the classroom. In this conversation, we explore how simple, proactive Tier 1 interventions can benefit all students by fostering focus, engagement, and self-regulation. Kelisha shares her expertise on creating inclusive sensory-friendly environments and offers practical strategies that teachers can implement to meet the diverse sensory needs of students.

In this episode, we continue our dive into MTSS.  Candra Clary, one of four Statewide Lead Strategic Integration Liaisons (SILs) at Region 16, speaks with us about Tier 1 instruction.

In this episode we welcome Khara Skidgel Region 16’s Coordinator of Tiered Services and Mandie Duggan Region 16’s Strategic Integration Liaison to discuss what Tiered Services will mean for you and your school. 

In this episode we are joined by Anne Marie Wartes, who is the Lead Counseling and Mental Health Specialist with Tiered Services here at Region 16.

Assistant Director of Tiered Services here at Region 16. She discusses why the SPED Department moved to Tiered Services and how that move will help us reach more teachers and help more students. 

In this episode we are joined by Kate Martin. Kate is committed to engaging, relevant training, speaking, and coaching, which empowers and builds capacity in leaders and organizations. 

You can register for this year's SPED Camp here: https://www.escweb.net/tx_r16/catalog/conference.aspx?isSearch=0&conference_id=981243

Dr. Layne Pethick joins us on this episode to talk about his upcoming keynote sessions for SPED Camp & the Autism Conference.  Layne brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table as a Behavior and Autism Spectrum Disorders Master Consultant for Region 10 ESC.

Register for SPED Camp here: https://www.escweb.net/tx_r16/catalog/conference.aspx?isSearch=0&conference_id=981243

Danielle and Winston are joined by SLP Tiffany Leach. Tiffany is an Assistant Clinical Professor and Supervisor for the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department at Texas Woman’s University.

She has worked in public schools, outpatient settings, home health and owned and operated a private practice.  She is currently an Education Specialist for ESC9 in Wichita Falls, Texas.

They will discuss the shortage of SLPs in the state and a unique program for anyone wanting to become a SLP from Texas Woman's University.

Here is a link with more information:

https://www.region10.org/programs/speech-language-pathology-masters-degree-program/overview/

In this episode of Unlocking Potential we are joined by Myra Johnson to discuss this year's Transition Fair. The Transition Fair is on February 9, 2024. You can find out more info by clicking the link below.

https://www.escweb.net/tx_r16/catalog/session.aspx?session_id=977367

Please contact Myra if you have any questions about this year's fair.

Myra Johnson

Education Specialist  /  Early Childhood Special Education

phone: 806. 677.5283  

Contact Brandi today with any questions about behavior.

Brandi Culwell

Behavior Consultant  /  Special Education

5800 S. Bell Street, Amarillo, TX 79109

ph: 806.677.5293 

In this episode we sit down with Khara Skidgel and Greg Johnston, the Region 16 Statewide Special Education Liaisons. We'll discuss what the State Liaison roll is and how they can help our SPED students.

In this episode of Unlocking Potential, we talk with Beth Presley about the practice of Active Learning.

In this episode we speak with John Halloran. John, a speech language pathologist, is the Senior Clinical Associate for the Center for AAC & Autism and the co-author of Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP). In this episode we'll be discussing AAC, LAMP, and John's upcoming visit to Region 16.

In this episode of Unlocking Potential: Special Education Perspectives, we talk with Heidi Brewer about the upcoming Rookie SPED series.

This is the first episode of our new SPED podcast. We're calling it Unlocking Potential: Special Education Perspectives. We will discuss all aspects of SPED in and out of the classroom.