In this episode of Forks, Alexis and Amie sit down with Emma Plourde-Doran, an educator who faced a defining fork in the road: follow a traditional teaching path or build a high-support classroom for students with autism, from scratch.

Emma took the leap—and it changed everything.

Teaching in Northern Ontario, she transformed an empty classroom into a structured, inclusive space where students with autism could thrive. She pioneered the STEP program, creating tailored education models that empower students with diverse needs. Her groundbreaking work earned her a nomination for the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence.

💡 In this episode, we explore:

•How Emma built a high-support classroom from the ground up

•The challenges and triumphs of implementing inclusive education

•Strategies for fostering student independence and confidence

•The impact of national recognition in the education field

Emma’s story is a powerful reminder that bold choices lead to meaningful change. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!

#ForkInTheRoad #AutismSupport #InclusiveEducation #SpecialEducation #Neurodiversity #TeachingWithPurpose #EducationMatters

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All content, including audio, transcripts, and other materials, is owned by the podcast creators (Alexis Hood and Amie Plourde) and cannot be reproduced or redistributed without permission.

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