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.

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

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.

In this episode of the Prepared School Psych Podcast, the host welcomes Christine Esposito, the immediate past president of the New Jersey Association of School Psychologists. Christine shares her journey and various roles within the association, including her leadership during the 2020-2024 term. She discusses her background in business, which has influenced her work in school psychology, and emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health and supporting students' academic success. Christine also talks about her efforts in professional development, mentorship, and the challenges and strategies of transitioning back to in-person events post-COVID. The episode delves into initiatives Christine has led, like the Be Well Initiative and collaborations with state universities. Listeners gain insights into balancing professional and personal life, managing time, and the significance of self-care and continuous learning in the field of school psychology.

Resources:

**NEW** Try the Prepared School Psychologist Membership for Free

We’re offering a free 4-week trial of the Prepared School Psychologist Membership. Use the code PODCAST to explore our valuable resources, including 2 mini-courses designed to support your professional growth and development.

Be prepared for whatever your role throws your way. The Prepared School Psychologist Membership gives you the resources and support you need to confidently serve students and navigate the challenges of school psychology.

Start your free trial today: https://jennyponzuric.ac-page.com/the-prepared-school-psych-free-trial

NJASP Home: https://www.njasp.org/

Be Well Initiative: https://www.njasp.org/Professional-Development

Government and Professional Relations Committee: https://www.njasp.org/page-1097355

The Curriculum Shared that her PK team was used was a modified version of this: https://www.socialthinking.com/?https://www.socialthinking.com?utm_source=google-ads&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=branded-search-dynamic&utm_content=brand-1&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=8927758213&gbraid=0AAAAACnN8MLBSOkF-Bmlk8wmYdL31jBNU&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_dbABhC5ARIsAAh2Z-QKZ4zNpiNVywpWH11LKSKXNlL9lWAs9KQu2Xso_fo5YEMNc2qAhYoaAsJEEALw_wcB

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

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 Overview

00:23 Christine's Background and Experience

01:42 Personal Insights and Favorite TV Shows

03:05 Journey into School Psychology

05:03 Leadership and Involvement in NJASP

05:58 Key Initiatives and Accomplishments

13:05 Advice for New School Psychologists

19:14 Balancing Professional and Personal Life

20:35 State Association Highlights and Resources

22:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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, Jenny Ponzuric is joined by Kevin Dahill-Fuchel, Executive Director of Counseling in Schools. With over three decades of experience in school-based social work, Kevin shares how his team has helped transform mental health support for students and school communities across New York City.

Kevin reflects on his early experiences providing crisis support following events like 9/11 and Superstorm Sandy, and how those shaped his leadership approach. He discusses the transition to remote counseling during COVID-19, the long-term social-emotional effects of remote learning, and the importance of embedded mental health professionals in schools.

Listeners will gain insights into restorative practices, the role of school leadership in social-emotional support, and why building authentic adult relationships within schools matters. Kevin emphasizes that true preparedness stems not just from credentials—but from showing up as a whole person.

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 students

Access the full series for just $99 at ⁠www.bloomingbrains.org/webinar.

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

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 Welcome

00:54 – Favorite TV Shows (The Bear)

02:47 – How Colleagues Would Describe Kevin as a Mental Health Provider

03:28 – Kevin’s Journey with Counseling in Schools

05:36 – Evolution from Clinic Model to School Integration

07:48 – Gaining Trust of School Staff

09:15 – Barriers to Access and the Role of Embedded Counselors

09:49 – Crisis Leadership: Lessons from Superstorm Sandy

12:56 – Importance of Listening and Not Rushing into Action

15:50 – Crisis Response Post-COVID and Eliminating the "Trauma Gap"

18:22 – Staff Support and Internal Communication During COVID

21:01 – Managing Student Risk Remotely

22:33 – Long-Term Impacts of Remote Learning

24:06 – Chronic Absenteeism and Student Motivation Post-COVID

24:56 – Strategies for Building Robust Social-Emotional Support

25:36 – Restorative Practices and the Power of Circles

27:28 – Humanizing the Role of Educators and Support Staff

29:16 – Gaining Buy-In from School Staff and Leadership

31:22 – Long-Term Change and School Culture

32:15 – Increased Mental Health Needs and Decreased Hope

33:59 – Modeling Positivity and Connection for Students

35:00 – Dual Role of Awareness and Emerging Mental Health Challenges

36:02 – How School Psychologists Can Better Support Students

37:01 – Learn More About Counseling in Schools

38:00 – Advice for New Mental Health Providers

40:08 – How the Work at Counseling in Schools Promotes Preparedness

42:00 – Closing Remarks

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, the host Jenny Ponzuric interviews Brandi Rosen, an experienced educator specializing in IEPs and behavior management. Brandi shares her passion for simplifying teaching complexities and provides practical, legally sound, and student-centered solutions to educators. She discusses her career journey, emphasizing the importance of impactful and meaningful educational strategies. Brandi highlights the challenges new special education teachers face, such as overwhelm and the lack of adequate training, and offers advice on prioritizing tasks, self-care, and seeking support. The conversation also covers the creation and implementation of effective behavior plans and the development of comprehensive training resources that Brandi has designed to support educators in navigating the special education landscape.

Resources:Brandi's website: https://teachinguntangled.com/

The First Days of School (Wong): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-first-days-of-school-harry-k-wong/1000427456?ean=9780976423386

**NEW** 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 to the Podcast

00:09 Meet Brandi Rosen

00:51 Brandi's Favorite TV Shows

01:41 Colleagues' Perspective on Brandi

02:38 Out-of-the-Box Thinking in Education

04:00 Brandi's Journey into Education

05:04 Supporting Teachers with IEPs and Behavior Management

12:22 Challenges Faced by New Teachers

19:40 Resources for IEPs and Behavior Management

21:31 Brandi's Created Resources

25:36 Advice for New Educators

30:11 The Importance of Being Prepared

32:27 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 the final episode of the Prepared School Psych podcast's series on executive functioning skills, host Jenny Ponzuric discusses her own strengths and challenges in this area. Jenny details her proficiency in planning and prioritizing, organization, goal-directed persistence, and metacognition. She also candidly addresses her difficulties with task initiation, time management, and flexibility, and explains how leveraging her strengths helps mitigate these challenges. The episode offers personal insights and practical strategies for listeners, and promotes the upcoming Executive Functioning Academy Educator edition launching this summer and fall.

Resources:

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 to the Final Episode

00:44 Jenny's Executive Functioning Strengths

00:55 Strength 1: Planning and Prioritizing

04:49 Strength 2: Organization

07:40 Strength 3: Goal-Directed Persistence

09:16 Strength 4: Metacognition

10:10 Jenny's Executive Functioning Challenges

10:18 Challenge 1: Task Initiation

13:31 Challenge 2: Time Management

16:24 Challenge 3: Flexibility

18:02 Leveraging Strengths to Overcome Challenges

20:01 Conclusion and Academy Information

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 continues the mini series on executive functioning with guest Dr. Amy Merenda. They discuss the common struggles associated with the implementation of new strategies learned from workshops and books, often overshadowed by daily responsibilities. They emphasize the need to break out of autopilot routines to adopt new practices effectively. Dr. Merenda highlights the upcoming Executive Functioning Academy and the Executive Functioning Momentum community, focusing on practical strategies, accountability, mindset, and coaching to help implement and sustain these new practices. The episode concludes with a mindset exercise to shift from stress to excitement, revealing how language influences motivation.

Resources:

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 Welcome

00:27 The Struggle of Implementation

02:59 Autopilot and Routine

03:55 Executive Functioning Academy

06:07 Executive Functioning Momentum Community

09:53 Motivation and Mindset

12:58 Coaching and Leadership

18:16 Mindset Language Game

23:18 Conclusion and Next Steps

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.