In this episode of the Prepared School Psych podcast, host Jenny Ponzuric welcomes Lucia Serio, a licensed educational psychologist and adjunct instructor at California State University, Los Angeles. Lucia shares her extensive expertise in psychoeducational and dynamic assessments, particularly in supporting students with Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder. The conversation covers her innovative approaches to assessments, collaboration with educators and parents, and the critical aspects of creating inclusive educational environments. Lucia also discusses her ongoing certification in comprehensive sexuality education, emphasizing autonomy and informed decision-making for young adults with intellectual disabilities. Listeners gain practical insights into using a strength-based approach and the importance of continuous learning and mentorship in school psychology.

Resources:

https://www.down-syndrome.org/en-us/

https://www.strengthbasedcollective.com/

https://www.ndsccenter.org/

https://www.dynamicassessmentuk.com/

Sign Up for our Executive Functioning Academy: Educator’s Edition

If your workload feels unmanageable, your systems aren’t working, and your own executive functioning is constantly on the back burner—this program was built for you.

The Executive Functioning Academy is a structured, research-based program designed specifically for educators, school psychologists, administrators, and support professionals. Over the course of 9 live sessions, we’ll focus on strengthening 12 executive skills that help you manage your day, reduce stress, and build better systems for sustainable success.

Summer cohort begins July 8, 2025

Fall cohort begins September 8, 2025

Sign up early to receive special bonuses ⁠https://jennyponzuric.com/efacademy/⁠

Grad student and EF Focus Group discounts available.

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Follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more:

Instagram: @jennyponzuric https://www.instagram.com/jennyponzuric/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-ponzuric-1562a8119/

Join my FREE LinkedIn Group "Resources for Special Education Professionals": https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14462888/

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to Today's Guest

01:14 Personal Interests and Hobbies

04:17 Diving into Dynamic Assessment

15:36 Challenges and Limitations of Dynamic Assessment

22:03 Creating Inclusive Environments for Students with Down Syndrome

30:27 Strength-Based Approaches in School Psychology

34:37 Expanding Expertise: Sexuality Education Certification

37:18 Final Thoughts and Advice for School Psychologists

39:08 Conclusion and Podcast Outro

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

In this episode of the Prepared School Psych podcast, host Jenny Ponzuric interviews Dr. Peg Dawson, a renowned school psychologist and co-author of the Smart But Scattered series, to discuss the importance of executive functioning in students' academic success. Dr. Dawson shares her extensive career journey, describing her transition from a school psychologist to an expert in executive skills. She emphasizes the critical role of teaching executive skills explicitly and provides insight into collaborating with teachers and parents to support students. Dr. Dawson also highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on executive skill development and the challenges of integrating technology in educational settings. Practical strategies and resources for educators to enhance executive skills in students are offered, making this episode a valuable resource for those looking to deepen their understanding of this vital aspect of education.

Resources:

Smart but Scattered: https://www.smartbutscatteredkids.com/

Laurie Faith: https://activatedlearning.org/

Sarah Ward's resources: https://www.efpractice.com/

Sign Up for our Executive Functioning Academy: Educator’s Edition

If your workload feels unmanageable, your systems aren’t working, and your own executive functioning is constantly on the back burner—this program was built for you.

The Executive Functioning Academy is a structured, research-based program designed specifically for educators, school psychologists, administrators, and support professionals. Over the course of 9 live sessions, we’ll focus on strengthening 12 executive skills that help you manage your day, reduce stress, and build better systems for sustainable success.

Summer cohort begins July 8, 2025

Fall cohort begins September 8, 2025

Sign up early to receive special bonuses ⁠https://jennyponzuric.com/efacademy/⁠

Grad student and EF Focus Group discounts available.

---------------------------------------------------------

Follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more:

Instagram: @jennyponzuric https://www.instagram.com/jennyponzuric/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-ponzuric-1562a8119/

Join my FREE LinkedIn Group "Resources for Special Education Professionals": https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14462888/

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:00 Dr. Peg Dawson's Background and Career Journey

01:59 Understanding Executive Skills

06:23 The Importance of Executive Skills in Education

07:49 Challenges and Strategies for Teaching Executive Skills

10:57 The Role of Technology in Executive Skill Development

17:52 Impact of the Pandemic on Executive Skills

21:31 Rethinking Executive Skills

23:41 Challenges in Measuring Executive Skills

26:05 Real-World Applications and Observations

29:20 Recommended Resources for Educators

35:04 Key Messages for Educators

36:59 Personal Reflections and Advice

41:37 Conclusion and Farewell

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

In this episode of the Prepared School Psych podcast, host Jenny Ponzuric interviews Emily Prissel, the current president of the Wisconsin School Psychologist Association. Emily reflects on her transition from a classroom teacher to a school psychologist, emphasizing her desire to address student learning barriers. She shares insights on the importance of questioning to better understand student needs and the value of supportive teams in education. Emily also discusses her involvement in the state association, from being a student member to taking on the presidency, and highlights the association's initiatives in supporting school psychologists across diverse districts. She offers practical advice for new school psychologists and underscores the significance of community and ongoing professional development.

Resources:Counseling and school website https://www.counselinginschools.org/team/kevin-dahill-fuchel/Are your strategies truly neurodiversity-affirming?The Making the SWITCH Webinar Series from Blooming Brains Educational Psychology offers practical, research-backed strategies for supporting neurodivergent students.This on-demand, five-hour professional development series covers:● Writing counseling goals that lead to progress● Effective executive functioning strategies● Neurodiversity-affirming behavior supports and FBAs● Tailored counseling techniques for neurodivergent studentsAccess the full series for just $99 at ⁠www.bloomingbrains.org/webinar.

WSPA Website: https://www.wspaonline.net/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/wspa.wisconsin/#

FB:https://www.facebook.com/WisconsinSchoolPsychologistsAssociation

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Follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more:

Instagram: @jennyponzuric https://www.instagram.com/jennyponzuric/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-ponzuric-1562a8119/

Join my FREE LinkedIn Group "Resources for Special Education Professionals": https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14462888/

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to Emily Prissel

01:03 Emily's Favorite TV Shows

02:02 Curiosity and Questioning in School Psychology

03:10 Handling Teacher Frustrations

05:16 Impact of Classroom Experience

07:31 Involvement in State Association

09:08 Key Initiatives and Accomplishments

14:49 Balancing Roles and Time Management

18:20 Advice for New School Psychologists

20:05 Encouraging Involvement and Volunteering

23:10 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

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