What happens when an experienced behavior analyst becomes a parent navigating his own child’s IEP journey? In this heartfelt conversation, Flor sits down with Ronald Mazik to explore how professional insight meets personal experience. Together, they unpack dyslexia, dysgraphia, functional behavior assessments (FBAs), and the emotional balance between being an advocate and a parent.

In this episode:

• Early signs of dyslexia and dysgraphia parents should look for
• How to document and request testing or an FBA effectively
• The difference between good and bad FBAs
• What collaboration between parents and schools should really look like
• Why advocacy and empathy go hand in hand

Gain practical insight from both sides of the IEP table, “professional and personal”, and discover how understanding, patience, and teamwork can truly change a child’s educational path.

Episode 11 is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FlorDeAmelia

.✨ Connect with Ronald Mazik:

Website: https://sites.google.com/mazikgroup.org/site

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ron.mazik

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwmazik/

LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronald-mazik-mba-ma-bcba-89b47b13/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mazik-group-llc/

📲 Let’s Connect!

Turn IEP stress into confidence. I share useful resources every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday across all my social platforms.

Podcast Website: http://www.startingwithiep.com/

Website: https://www.flordeamelia.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/starting-with-iep

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StartingWithIEP

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flordeamelia_ebs/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/flordeameliahoffman/

For content collaborations, email: flor@flordeamelia.com

#IEP #SpecialEducation #DyslexiaAwareness #FunctionalBehaviorAssessment #BehaviorAnalysis #LearningDisabilities #ParentAdvocate #IEPProcess #InclusiveEducation #EducationPodcast #RonaldMazik #FlorDeAmeliaPodcast #Neurodiversity #ParentSupport #IEPJourney

Episode 10: It’s Not Just a Report - It’s a Roadmap: Making Sense of Psychological Evaluations

Guest: Dr. Carey Heller - Licensed Psychologist, Certified ADHD Professional, Executive Functioning Coach

Why do some kids know exactly what to do… but still can’t seem to do it? In this episode, Flor sits down with Dr. Carey Heller, licensed psychologist, certified ADHD professional, and executive functioning coach, to unpack what’s really happening beneath the surface when children struggle with focus, follow-through, and self-management.

Dr. Heller offers practical, compassionate insights for parents navigating IEPs and daily challenges, helping families understand that these struggles aren’t defiance, they’re developmental. From testing and evaluations to real-life strategies, this conversation bridges science and everyday parenting with warmth and clarity.

💡 In this episode:

• What executive functioning actually means and why it matters beyond school
• The “knowing - doing gap”: why kids understand expectations but can’t follow through
• When rewards and punishments fail, and how to teach missing skills instead
• Simple systems that help kids build independence and confidence
• Why progress looks different for every child (and that’s okay)
• The importance of parent self-care and emotional support

If you’ve ever wondered whether your child’s challenges are behavioral or neurological, this episode will bring clarity, empathy, and practical next steps to guide you forward.

🎧 Listen and discover how understanding executive functioning can transform your child’s growth, and your family’s peace of mind.

Episode 10 is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FlorDeAmelia

✨ Connect with Dr. Carey Heller:

Website:https://hellerpsychologygroup.com/

Instagram: @carey_heller_psy.d / @hellerpsych

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HellerPsychology/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HellerPsychology

📲 Let’s Connect!

Turn IEP stress into confidence. I share useful resources every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday across all my social platforms.

Podcast Website: http://www.startingwithiep.com/

Website: https://www.flordeamelia.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/starting-with-iep

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StartingWithIEP

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flordeamelia_ebs/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/flordeameliahoffman/

For content collaborations, email: flor@flordeamelia.com

#ExecutiveFunctioning #ADHDParentSupport #IEPHelp...

Episode 9 - IEPs to Degrees: Becoming the Role Model I Never Had

“The Brad Butler Story of Resilience and Redemption”

Guest: Brad Butler II, Author, Educator, Motivational Speaker

What happens when a student labeled “special ed” refuses to let that define his future?

In this powerful episode, Brad Butler II opens up about his 10-year journey in special education and how he transformed setbacks into purpose. From overcoming stigma to earning his master’s degree, Brad now empowers students and teachers across the nation to rise above labels and lead with heart.

🌟 In this episode, you’ll learn:

1️⃣ Why self-care isn’t selfish — it’s essential for educators to show up fully for their students.

2️⃣ How one teacher’s compassion can spark lifelong confidence in a struggling child.

3️⃣ The truth about overcoming labels and rewriting your story after an IEP.

4️⃣ How Brad turned rejection letters into motivation that fueled his success.

5️⃣ Why “Don’t be perfect, be present” can change the way we teach and parent.

If you’re a parent, educator, or advocate, Brad’s story will remind you that learning differently is not a limitation — it’s a different path to greatness.

🎧 Listen to Episode 9 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube.

www.youtube.com/@FlorDeAmelia

✨ Connect with Brad and explore his resources and motivational work here:

Website: https://www.bradbutler2.com/

Instagram: @mr.bradbutler2

TikTok: @mr.bradbutler2

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bradbutlerii

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bradbutlerII/

Facebook Motivational Speaker: https://www.facebook.com/BradButlerThe2nd/

Let's Connect!

Turn IEP stress into confidence. I share useful resources every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday across all my social media platforms.

Podcast Website: http://www.startingwithiep.com/

Website: https://www.flordeamelia.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/starting-with-iep

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StartingWithIEP

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flordeamelia_ebs/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/flordeameliahoffman/

For content collaborations, please email me at flor@flordeamelia.com

#IEPSupport #BilingualParents #SpecialEducation #ParentAdvocate #BilingualEducation #ParentTips #FlorDeAmeliaPodcast #EducationMatters #ParentConfidence