In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Amy Merenda, a licensed educational psychologist, to talk about what it really means to “lead” when you’re not technically the boss.

We share practical strategies for building trust, improving communication, and growing as a leader in your school - even without formal authority.

Amy opens up about her early experiences, lessons she wishes she’d known, and how self-reflection and boundaries can change everything.

Whether you’re brand new to the field or a seasoned school psych ready for a reset, this conversation is packed with insights you can start using right away.

Here are the highlights:

That “Wait, am I in charge?” moment (01:33)

Why leadership is more influence than authority (06:35)

Setting boundaries without burning out (11:38)

The surprising power of self-reflection (17:49)

Using your strengths to tackle growth areas (26:47)

Advice for first-year school psychs (34:20)

The Prepared School Psych series, Wait, am I in Charge?: https://jennyponzuric.com/prepared-school-psychologist/

The information and advice provided are for guidance purposes only, and all listeners are required to follow federal and state law, as well as their school district guidelines and policies.

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