Think Inclusive

Dom Kelly is the co-founder, president, and CEO of New Disabled South and New Disabled South Rising. A lifelong disability advocate, Dom has made his mark in nonprofit leadership and as a systems thinker who combines lived experience with movement building. Apart from his advocacy work, Dom is an accomplished musician, having toured extensively and shared the stage with renowned artists such as the Indigo Girls and Joan Baez. Amassing an impressive array of fellowships and awards, Dom is also an Atlantic Fellow for Health Equity and a recipient of the JM Kaplan Funds Innovation Prize. He resides in...

Megan Ohlssen is a visionary leader advocating for identity, equity, and belonging within educational spaces. She works dynamically with schools, organizations, and system leaders across the United States to spotlight disability justice and foster meaningful, sustainable change. Her extensive background includes coaching, systems evaluation, and program design, helping teams navigate difficult dialogues and transform intentions into actionable outcomes. Drawing from her personal journey and multifaceted identity, Megan emphasizes the importance of belonging and inclusion for both students and educators.

In this compelling episode of the Think Inclusive Podcast, host Tim Villegas converses with Megan Ohlssen, an advocate...

Dustin Giannelli is the CEO and founder of Hears Dustin, a consultancy dedicated to helping organizations create more inclusive and accessible workplaces. Profoundly deaf since childhood, Dustin navigates the world through lip reading, captions, and a strong sense of self-advocacy. His professional journey is marked by a commitment to enhancing communication, inclusion, accessibility, and workplace culture. Giannelli is a nationally recognized keynote speaker known for his authentic storytelling and leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion spaces.

In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages in a meaningful conversation with Dustin Giannelli, a prominent advocate for...

Andratesha Fritzgerald is an accomplished author, international speaker, and experienced educator who concentrates her work on dignity, humanity, and inclusive learning design. She is known for her leadership in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and her focus on anti-racism in educational settings. Andratesha is the author of “Anti-Racism and Universal Design for Learning: Building Expressways to Success” and is the co-founder of Building Blocks of Brilliance Educational Consulting. She collaborates with schools and organizations across the United States to dismantle barriers and create learning environments where all students can thrive.

In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim...

Colleen McCoy-Cejka and Crystal Brooks are co-founders of Inclusion Solutions. Colleen has experience as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and curriculum director in Catholic schools and has worked closely with dioceses and school leaders on systems change. Crystal is a speech-language pathologist and former state agency specialist whose work focuses on evidence-based instruction, inclusive classroom design, and supporting educators to meet students’ academic, social, and emotional needs.

In this episode, the conversation focuses on what it really means for faith-based schools to say yes to inclusion. Colleen McCoy-Cejka and Crystal Brooks talk about how inclusion is often mi...

Dr. Jennifer Spencer-Iiams is a prominent educational leader with a focus on transformative change in school inclusion practices. Serving as Deputy Superintendent in a medium-sized school district in Oregon, she co-authored "Leading for All: How to Create Truly Inclusive and Excellent Schools." Her leadership has driven initiatives that foster collaboration among educators to effectively include students with diverse learning needs in general education settings.

In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages with Dr. Jennifer Spencer-Iiams in an insightful discussion about the journey towards authentic inclusion in school systems. As a leading advocate for inclusive...

Emily Affolter is an educator and scholar who works at the intersection of culturally responsive pedagogy, decolonizing education, and equity-focused teaching and leadership. She is the director and faculty for Prescott College’s Sustainability Education PhD program, where she works with doctoral scholars around social and environmental justice.

In this episode, Tim Villegas talks with Emily Affolter about what it really means to teach in ways that honor students as whole people, especially during a time when equity work is being questioned and challenged. The conversation moves between big-picture ideas—like power, history, and schooling—and the everyd...

Margo Gross is a national public speaker, educator, certified life coach, and Amazon bestselling author. Her work focuses on DEI, belonging, equity, and culturally responsive teaching. She travels across the U.S. and abroad helping schools and communities better understand identity, student experience, and inclusive practices. Margo is also a former Teacher of the Year and is completing advanced leadership studies at Harvard. Her lived experiences—as a Black woman, mother, educator, and advocate—shape the insight and honesty she brings to her work.

In this episode, Tim talks with educator and speaker Margo Gross about staying grou...

Justin Reich is an Associate Professor of Digital Media at MIT in the Comparative Media Studies/Writing program and the director of the Teaching Systems Lab. He is a longtime educator and host of the TeachLab podcast. His research focuses on how learning technologies shape teaching and learning in real classrooms and what actually happens when schools adopt new tools. He brings a thoughtful, historically grounded perspective to how generative AI is transforming education.

Jesse Dukes is a journalist, comedian, and audio storyteller with a long career producing narrative audio. He works with MIT’s Teaching Systems La...

David Solomon is the President of Lightspeed Technologies and has spent the past 20 years helping schools create clearer, more accessible classroom listening environments. He focuses on simple, effective audio tools that boost attention, confidence, and inclusive learning for all students. Lightspeed Technologies designs instructional audio systems used in classrooms across the country to improve equity, belonging, and student engagement.

This episode explores how classroom sound shapes belonging, attention, and access—something we don’t always think about in conversations about inclusion. David Solomon from Lightspeed Technologies explains why clear, natural‑volume audio helps every learner, not just studen...

Matt Guerrero and Tiffany Galloway are leaders at Blue Engine, a nonprofit organization that partners with school systems to scale inclusive practices. Their work spans regions across the U.S.—from New York City to Louisiana, Massachusetts, and the Pacific Northwest—supporting districts in building coherent, system‑level approaches to inclusive instruction. Matt and Tiffany bring deep backgrounds as classroom teachers, special educators, coaches, and district‑level leaders focused on equity, learner variability, and instructional design.

In this episode, Tim talks with Matt Guerrero and Tiffany Galloway about how Blue Engine has evolved from classroom‑level co‑teaching sup...

Dr. Michael Barla is an early childhood educator and former higher‑ed faculty member who now works at the Anchor Center for Blind Children in Denver. In 2024, he completed a residential fellowship at the Clyfford Still Museum, where he designed a sensory‑based translation of a Clyfford Still painting for a young child with a visual impairment.

Jen Taylor is a teacher of students with visual impairments. She began her career in East Texas, spent several years at the Anchor Center, and now works in the Cherry Creek School District. Jen collaborated with Michael on conceptualizing and desi...

Katie Novak is an internationally recognized education consultant, author, and expert in Universal Design for Learning. She teaches at the University of Pennsylvania and leads Novak Education, helping schools and districts disrupt inequitable systems and embrace inclusive practices. Katie is also a mom of four and a passionate advocate for public education.

In this episode, Katie explains why UDL should be seen as a mindset rather than a checklist and how it can dismantle systemic inequities. She uses vivid analogies—like camping trips and tax filing—to illustrate flexibility and access in learning environments. Katie also shares her...

Jennifer Berkshire: Education writer, author, and co-host of Have You Heard. Known for her sharp analysis of education policy and its impact on communities.

Jack Schneider: Historian of education, researcher, and co-host of Have You Heard. Jack brings a deep understanding of the historical and sociological forces shaping public schools.

Public education is under pressure like never before. Jennifer and Jack explain why the system is on a precipice, how misinformation and political agendas distort reality, and what’s at stake for students—especially those with disabilities—if privatization wins. Tim shares a powerful story from t...

On this special Giving Tuesday edition of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas celebrates 13 years of the podcast and the ongoing work of MCIE to advance inclusive education. The live event features interactive games, audience participation, and heartfelt reflections from special guests and supporters. The episode highlights stories of advocacy, legal victories, and personal transformation, while also surpassing fundraising goals for MCIE. Listeners are treated to bold predictions for the future of inclusion, practical tips for educators, and a collaborative spirit that defines the Think Inclusive community.

Special Guests

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Lisa Mihalich Quinn is the founder of Reach Every Voice and co-founder of Adaptiverse. She is a former public school teacher who builds solutions for non-speaking autistic learners. Her work matters because she helps unlock grade-level access and trains educators to presume competence and embrace inclusion.

This episode explores how opening up possibilities for communication can transform the lives of non-speaking students. Lisa shares her journey from public school teacher to innovator, highlighting the importance of presuming competence and understanding apraxia and co-regulation. The conversation covers practical strategies, breakthrough stories, and the need for systemic change in...

Audrey and Jeremy are lifelong friends, advocates, and co-hosts of The Audrey and Jeremy Show. Together, they speak up for disability rights, share their experiences as people with disabilities, and work to make schools and communities more inclusive. Their work matters because they show the world that everyone deserves to belong, be valued, and have their voices heard.

Audrey and Jeremy join Think Inclusive to talk about their journey as advocates, podcasters, and friends. They share stories about speaking up for Medicaid in Washington, D.C., challenging ableism in schools, and using their podcast to teach others...

Jordyn Zimmerman is a passionate educator, disability advocate, and accessibility innovator. Diagnosed as autistic and denied access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) until age 18, Jordyn’s work centers on ensuring every learner has the tools and supports they need to thrive. Their advocacy is rooted in personal experience with segregation and inclusion, making their voice essential for building more inclusive schools.

In this episode, Jordyn Zimmerman shares their journey from segregation to meaningful inclusion in schools. The conversation covers the importance of presuming competence, the need for accessible communication, and how policy and practice must evolve to...

Meghan Ashburn is a mother of autistic twins. She's an educational consultant who is passionate about inclusion and accessibility. Meghan is the creator of Not an Autism Mom and hosts That Au-Some Book Club.

Jules Edwards is an autistic activist and parent of autistic children. She is the writer of Autistic, Typing, and works to educate the community and influence policy to promote disability justice.

Meghan Ashburn and Jules Edwards join Tim Villegas to talk about their journey from online tension to collaboration, co-authoring a book that challenges dominant narratives about autism and disability. They...

Madison Tevlin is an actor, advocate, and podcaster known for her breakout role in the film Champions and her viral YouTube performances. Madison’s work centers on authentic representation in media, advocating for inclusion that goes beyond disability. She is the host of the upcoming podcast 21 Questions, which celebrates identity, energy, and connection. Madison’s advocacy extends to inclusive classrooms and authentic storytelling, and she is passionate about being recognized for her personality and talents rather than her diagnosis.

In this episode, host Tim Villegas talks with Madison Tevlin about her journey as a performer and advocate. Madi...

Dr. Jen Newton is an Associate Professor of Special Education at Ohio University and founder of Teaching is Intellectual. Jen works to re‑imagine general education as the default setting for all learners and centers belonging, access to curriculum, and accountability for systems so that inclusion is real, not just a placement.

Tim and Jen unpack what “general education” really means under IDEA: not a room, but the default setting for every learner—with supports, adaptations, and shared responsibility across a school. They clarify why “least restrictive environment” (LRE) is not a place, how ableism shows up in decisions...

Will Parker is an educator, author, and executive coach. Will helps school leaders build strong cultures, communication, and community through his work at Principal Matters. He’s a former principal and host of the Principal Matters podcast. Will’s work matters for inclusion because he supports educators in leading with heart and compassion, especially during challenging times.

In this episode, Tim Villegas talks with Will Parker about navigating the emotional weight of current events, the impact of political rhetoric on schools, and how educators can stay grounded in their mission to serve students. The conversation centers on lead...

Brit Barron - Speaker, author, and comedian. Brit’s work explores how we stay connected in a polarized world, focusing on empathy, belonging, and liberation for all people. Brit’s book, Do You Still Talk to Grandma?, dives into cancel culture and navigating relationships with people we love but deeply disagree with. Their work matters for inclusion because it helps people build bridges in schools, communities, and families.

Brit Barron joins Tim Villegas to talk about how to get better at disagreement—without giving up your values or just being nice. They discuss why empathy isn’t weakness...

Jack Pearpoint: Canadian publisher, inclusion advocate, and co‑creator of person‑centered planning tools like MAPS, PATH, and Circle of Friends. Jack’s work centers on relationships and building local leadership for change so every learner belongs.

In this episode, Jack Pearpoint and Tim Villegas talk about “inclusion punk rock”—doing what’s right for learners even when systems say no. They dig into the origin of MAPS, PATH, and Circles of Support, how to keep planning deeply personal (not just an app or a checklist), and why change grows from relationships, neighborhoods, and people on the margins.

Jennifer Gonzalez — National Board Certified Teacher and the voice behind Cult of Pedagogy. After more than a decade in classrooms, she now helps educators sharpen their craft with clear, practical guidance. Her work matters for inclusion because it centers relationships, cognitive growth, and everyday practices that make classrooms safe and welcoming for every learner.

In this conversation, Jennifer Gonzalez and host Tim Villegas talk about teaching through a turbulent political moment—putting safety first, staying grounded in real (not performative) inclusion, and finding allies at school and beyond. They share concrete moves teachers can make right now, plus...

Cathi Davis is the principal of Ruby Bridges Elementary School in Woodinville, Washington, and the 2025 Washington State Principal of the Year. She leads a school built on the promise “we thought of you when we made this place,” designing for belonging, elevating student voice, and protecting adult collaboration so inclusive practices stick.

Principal Cathi Davis shares how Ruby Bridges Elementary purposefully designs for belonging rather than just declaring it—centering student voice, presuming competence, and building systems where every learner is a leader and belongs. She breaks down how leaders protect weekly co‑planning time, model vulnerability, and act...

Samuel Habib is a college student, filmmaker, and disability rights advocate. He co-directed The Ride Ahead, a documentary chronicling his transition into adulthood as a disabled person. Samuel works part-time at the Westchester Institute for Human Development and is pursuing a degree in history at Southern New Hampshire University.

Dan Habib is an Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker and longtime advocate for inclusive education. He has directed several impactful films including Including Samuel and Intelligent Lives. Dan co-directed The Ride Ahead with Samuel and has been instrumental in promoting authentic representation of disabled voices in media.

In...

Welcome to Think Inclusive. Each week, we bring together families, educators, and disability rights advocates to build a shared understanding of inclusive education—and what inclusion looks like in real schools and communities.

Hosted by Tim Villegas, Director of Communications at the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE), Think Inclusive shares real stories, practical strategies, and honest conversations that help you move inclusion forward where you are. It’s also a proud production of MCIE.

What you’ll hear in this feed:

In this compelling episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages in an enlightening conversation with Elizabeth Bonker, a prominent advocate for non-speaking individuals. Elizabeth shares her inspiring journey of becoming a voice for non-speakers through typing. Despite the communication barriers she faced, Elizabeth emerged as a powerful force in advocating for inclusivity in education and society.

Elizabeth discusses the challenges non-speaking students encounter in schools, particularly the prevalent resistance to recognize typing as a legitimate communication method. She compares typing to Braille for the blind or sign language for the deaf, advocating for its integration into...

In this riveting episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas delves into the intricacies of educational inclusivity and innovation in California, spotlighting the transformative EmbraceAbilities project. This initiative is spearheaded by Marcia Reily and Kristen Danhour Stanke, two educational specialists from the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Their mission is to reshape how the educational system supports students with extensive needs, encouraging a shift from segregated learning environments to fully inclusive classrooms.

Marcia and Kristen share essential insights into the ongoing journey of the EmbraceAbilities project. Originally funded by the California Department of Education, this initiative...

About the Guest(s):

Dr. Leah Kelley is a distinguished neurodivergent education consultant, author, activist, educator, and parent. With 25 years of experience as a public school teacher, her roles have included primary teacher, inclusion resource teacher, and SEL Mental Health helping teacher. Leah is known for her national and international presentations on neurodiversity, advocacy, and inclusion, as well as her popular blog “30 Days of Autism.” She is a sought-after speaker recognized for her storytelling and practical wisdom, encapsulated in her book “The Person Who Arrives: Connecting Disability Studies to Educational Practice for Teachers, Parents, and Others.”

Episode Summary

In this bonus episode of Think Inclusive, hosted by Tim Villegas, listeners are invited to relive a dynamic and innovative event organized by the Educating All Learners Alliance (EALA). The December 2024 retreat featured 22 mission-aligned organizations gathered for a 36-hour innovation sprint aimed at developing transformative projects in inclusive education. The event emphasized solutions co-designed by those closest to the challenges, offering fresh perspectives and actionable outcomes. With two standout projects each receiving $75,000 in funding, the retreat underscored the power of community-led grant making. This episode captures the behind-the-scenes experiences of participants as they share their...

Episode Summary

In this insightful bonus episode of the Think Inclusive podcast, host Tim Villegas and the Inclusion Today team explore the collaborative journey embarked upon with the Educating All Learners Alliance. Igniting an ambitious national campaign, their goal is to ensure that more than a million students are educated in environments committed to inclusive learning practices. This episode captures the essence of their shared mission and navigates the challenges and triumphs of their team-based approach.

The episode unravels the experiences during the Educating All Learners Alliance's Community of Action in December 2023, where educators from...

About the Guest(s):

Rachel Zemach is a deaf author and former educator with a passionate career centered around advocating for deaf students. Her profound experiences in mainstream education as a deaf teacher culminated in the writing of her book, "The Butterfly Cage: Joy, Heartache, and Corruption Teaching While Deaf in a California Public School," published in 2023. Rachel, who became deaf at the age of 10, is a strong proponent of positive deaf identity and sign language, striving to raise awareness about the challenges faced by deaf students in mainstream educational settings. She currently resides in Northern...

About the Guest(s):

Emily Ladau is an activist, writer, and speaker, known for her relentless advocacy for disability rights. With a decade of experience, Emily serves as the editor of Able News, a digital newspaper amplifying the voices and stories of New York's vibrant disability community. Her involvement in disability rights extends beyond writing, as she continually seeks to inspire and challenge societal perceptions through her speaking engagements and published works, including her book aimed at bridging understanding between disabled and non-disabled communities.

Episode Summary:

In this stimulating episode...

About the Guest(s):

Charmaine Thaner is a seasoned educator and advocate with over 30 years of experience, who has dedicated her career to supporting families and children with special needs. As a mother to a son with Down syndrome, she blends personal experience with professional expertise to guide parents through the complexities of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. Thaner is the founder of the Connecting for Change group, where she coaches parents and offers innovative tools and techniques to empower them in educational advocacy, focusing on creating inclusive environments where every child feels valued and...

About the Guest(s):

Guy Stevens is a nationally recognized expert and advocate for ending restraint and seclusion in schools. He is the founder of the Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint (AASR), a nonprofit organization focused on reforming punitive discipline practices in educational settings. Guy is also a board member of the ARC of Maryland and PDA North America. His advocacy is dedicated to promoting trauma-informed, neuroscience-aligned, and neurodiversity-affirming approaches that prioritize inclusive and safe educational environments for all students.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim...

About the Guest(s):

Toni Barton is a leader in education innovation and the founder of Speligent. She is a recognized authority on transforming schools through inclusive, equity-driven, and tech-enabled learning models, having gained vast experience as a teacher, principal, and district leader. Toni initiated the Inclusive Schools Leadership Institute at Relay Graduate School of Education, training leaders to construct anti-ableist, student-centered environments. Her insights have been featured in major publications including Forbes and The Hechinger Report. Toni is also known for her book, "Six Principles for Building a Truly Inclusive School," which is a resource...

About the Guest(s): 

Riley Mulcahy is the founder and Executive Director of The Riley Project, a nonprofit organization focused on storytelling and community building for individuals with learning differences. A graduate of St. Mary's College of California with a background in English and Creative Writing, Riley is also the Marketing and Admissions Associate at Compass High School, where he champions inclusive, strengths-based education. He is an advocate for neurodiversity, dedicating his efforts to initiatives like the Neurodiversity Education Series, aimed at creating supportive systems for neurodivergent individuals. 

Episode Summary: 

In...

About the Guest(s):

Alissa Rausch is a dedicated advocate for inclusive education rights, especially for young children with disabilities and various intersectional identities. Based at the University of Denver, she has extensive experience as a provider, program leader, educator, and technical assistance provider, notably developing inclusive programs and participating actively in legislative initiatives with organizations like Disability Law Colorado and the Early Childhood Technical Assistance (ECTA) Center.

Ben Riepe is a Senior Project Manager at the Positive Early Learning Experiences Center at the University of Denver, contributing significantly to ECTA and the...