The School Collective

What happens when two school psychology podcasts sit down together? A conversation packed with leadership insight, podcast behind-the-scenes moments, and honest reflections on the people shaping our field.

In this crossover episode, The School Collective Podcast teams up with the Boston School Psychs Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about advocacy, collaboration, and what they’ve learned from giving school psychologists a platform to share their work. Together, the group talks about using podcasts to translate research into practice, highlight unsung heroes, and build stronger professional communities across districts and states.

The discussion explores innovative leadership, in...

Dr. Christopher Ponce sits down with school psychologist, content creator, and parent Tiffany Lee (@schoolpsychtiffany) for a candid conversation about building a career in school psychology while also building a life outside of it. Tiffany shares her path into the field, from studying psychology and business to discovering school psychology through work with students with disabilities and realizing she wanted to make a measurable impact.

They dig into the realities of the job right now — long evaluation timelines, differences across states, imposter syndrome in early career years, and the importance of strong relationships with colleagues. Tiffany reflects on...

In this special group episode, we sit down with Carmen Cisneros and Dr. Andrew Shanock for an open, reflective conversation about the growing need for community, training, and shared responsibility in supporting multilingual learners.

Together, the group unpacks the purpose behind the NASP Bilingual Interest Group (BIG) and the Multilingual Interest Group (MIG), two spaces dedicated to supporting school psychologists serving bilingual and multilingual students.

Listeners will hear about the innovative monthly MIG gatherings, ongoing book studies on bilingual literacy, the growing resource library housed within NASP, and why this work must belong to all...

In this episode of The School Collective Podcast, we welcome Amber Moore as a new co-host and dive into a wide-ranging, honest conversation about what it really means to show up for students and families in school psychology. Amber shares her journey from aspiring teacher to school psychologist, reflecting on how practicum experiences, family-centered work, and real-world constraints shaped her professional identity.

Together, we explore the importance of building trust with families—especially when working in homes, early childhood settings, and high-need communities—and why using clear, human-centered language matters more than perfect scores or polished reports. The...

In this episode of The School Collective, we sit down with retired principal and author Martin Silverman to explore why the earliest years of education can shape a child’s entire academic future. We discuss building a strong school culture, supporting teachers before burnout occurs, and shifting from a deficit mindset to a strengths-based view of young learners, especially in Pre-K and kindergarten.

Martin shares lessons from his decades of leadership experience, including what school leaders can do right now to build trust, empower teachers, and foster environments where children thrive through curiosity and connection. We even wr...

In this powerhouse episode, Christopher sits down with two icons in school psychology—Dr. John Kelly, former NASP President and lifelong advocate for equitable practice, and Dr. Jack Naglieri, renowned cognitive assessment researcher and co-developer of the KABC and CAS.

Together, they take listeners on a journey through the history and evolution of intelligence testing, unpacking how assessment practices have both shaped and been shaped by systemic inequities. From the origins of cognitive theory to the modern-day implications of PASS theory and test fairness, Jack and John bring decades of insight and candor to the conversation.

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In this episode, Christopher, Amy, and Brooke sit down with Dr. Eric Rossen, Executive Director of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), for an inside look at how the largest school psychology organization in the world operates. Dr. Rossen breaks down NASP’s structure, decision-making, and advocacy strategy—offering candid insight into how policies are shaped, how the organization decides when to speak out, and what “DRIP” (Discipline, Restraint, Intentionality, Prioritization) means for meaningful advocacy.

From balancing science and leadership to a sneak peek into NASP’s new youth mental health documentary featuring Andy Garcia, this conversati...

In this episode, Christopher sits down with Taisha Torres, a bilingual school psychologist whose journey from New York City to Texas reveals the beauty and complexity of serving diverse communities. Taisha shares how a college course unexpectedly led her into school psychology, the mentorship that shaped her path, and the lessons learned from working in culturally rich and high-need settings.

Together, they explore the nuances of bilingual advocacy, the balance between structure and flexibility in parent-teacher meetings, and the differences between school systems across regions. Taisha also opens up about her experiences as a mom, her authentic...

In this episode, Chris and Amy sit down with Paloma Nava, a bilingual school psychologist whose professional journey has taken her from criminal justice to school psychology across Texas and New Mexico. Paloma shares how navigating different state regulations has shaped her practice and highlights the unique challenges of evaluating students in borderland regions.

The conversation dives into Paloma’s work with Child Find, her role in psychological and cognitive testing, and her commitment to understanding students’ cultural and linguistic backgrounds, especially for recent immigrants and children with complex needs. She offers a critical look at the limi...

In this episode of The School Collective Podcast, hosts Amy and Brooke sit down with occupational therapist Mary Beth Powell to explore the vital role of OTs in schools. With over a decade of experience across districts and clinical settings, Mary Beth sheds light on how occupational therapy supports student success, whether through fine motor skills, self-care, or navigating sensory and behavioral challenges.

The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration between OTs, teachers, and administrators, and touches on best practices for supervision when leaders may not share the same professional background. Mary Beth also offers practical tips...

In this episode of The School Collective Podcast, hosts Amy and Brooke sit down with occupational therapist Mary Beth Powell to explore the vital role of OTs in schools. With over a decade of experience across districts and clinical settings, Mary Beth sheds light on how occupational therapy supports student success, whether through fine motor skills, self-care, or navigating sensory and behavioral challenges.

The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration between OTs, teachers, and administrators, and touches on best practices for supervision when leaders may not share the same professional background. Mary Beth also offers practical tips...

In this foundational episode, Amy and Christopher are joined by Melissa Mathews, a seasoned speech therapist and assistive technology (AT) specialist, to break down the essentials of AT in education. From text-to-speech and speech-to-text tools to AAC devices and high-tech supports like eye-gaze systems, Melissa demystifies what AT really is, who it serves, and why it matters.

The trio dives into the SETT framework, misconceptions about AT evaluations, and the growing role of AI in accessibility. Along the way, they share personal stories, reflect on their own professional journeys, and even explore the world of Sulcata tortoises...

In this episode of The School Collective, we sit down with Jana Parker, a Licensed Educational Psychologist, Board Certified School Neuropsychologist, and founder of Mind by Design, Inc. Jana shares her journey from school psychologist to CEO, giving us an inside look at what it takes to launch and grow a thriving private practice in California. We talk about the highs and hurdles of transitioning out of public education, her mission behind Empower LEP, and how she’s helping other professionals redefine success on their terms.

If you're curious about what it means to be an LEP, th...

In this episode of The School Collective, Christopher and Brook sit down with sports psychologist Dr. Blakely Low Sampson for an engaging and eye-opening conversation about the world of sports psychology. Dr. Blakely shares how she helps athletes, from elite performers to burned-out high achievers, navigate both performance demands and mental health challenges.

Together, they unpack the unique pressures athletes face, common misconceptions about the field, and the vital role parents play in supporting (not pushing) their young competitors. From managing perfectionism and game-day nerves to fostering intrinsic motivation and value-driven decision-making, this episode is packed with...

In this heartfelt conversation, Amy sits down with Sherri Patton-Grubb, a wellness counselor at Austin High School, for a fireside chat that explores the real-life challenges and triumphs of working in education. Together, they unpack strategies for building strong, collaborative relationships with school administrators, maintaining professionalism in tense situations, and supporting youth and families through adversity. Sherri shares her career experiences, thoughts on boundary-setting, and her philosophy of resilience, offering listeners both practical tips and heartfelt wisdom. The episode closes with lighthearted reflections on camping, favorite snacks, and the importance of finding joy outside of work.

In this episode of The School Collective, Christopher talks with Dr. Ashley Doss, a licensed psychologist and school psychologist in Anchorage, Alaska. Dr. Doss shares her journey from Texas to the north, offering insight into the unique challenges of practicing in Alaska’s diverse and remote communities.

We dive into her work leading crisis response and suicide prevention efforts, her involvement with the statewide Silo 2 initiative, and how Alaska is building a stronger, more connected school psychology workforce. From freezing temperatures to culturally responsive practices, this episode highlights the resilience and innovation shaping school psychology in the 49th...

In this episode of The School Collective, Christopher sits down with power couple and school psychologists Tyler and Dr. Lina Kitson to talk shop—and share how they’re revolutionizing report writing with their tool, Copy Paste Report. They unpack the journey from late-night frustration to launching a customizable, time-saving platform for assessments that now supports over 100 measures.

The Kitsons also open up about their unique paths into school psychology, their experiences navigating leadership roles at the state and national levels, and their hopes for a more tech-savvy, sustainable future in the field. From MTSS leadership in Kans...

It’s that time again: new year, new buildings, new chaos!

In this season-ready episode, we welcome back school psychologist Huma Imtiaz (@the_school_psychologist) for a crew-style conversation packed with tips, reflections, and real talk to help school psychs hit the ground running.

We cover everything from how to introduce yourself in a new school, building genuine relationships across campus, and managing your caseload without burning out. You’ll hear organizational hacks from the team, boundary-setting strategies, and the kind of advice we wish we had in our first year.

Also inside: bocc...

In this episode of The School Collective, we welcome back our favorite Texas special education attorney, Elvin Houston (@school.lawyer), for a timely and engaging conversation on recent legislative updates impacting educators and school psychologists. Elvin breaks down major new Texas laws—like House Bill 1481’s student cell phone ban, Senate Bill 2’s education savings accounts, and House Bill 6’s discipline reforms—and explains how these intersect with federal IDEA protections.

Joined by special guests Brooke Roberts and Amy Shatila, we also touch on personal habits, back-to-school transitions, and some hilarious moments with professional headshots (and tacos!). We wrap th...

We’re back! In the Season 2 premiere of The School Collective Podcast, hosts Christopher, Brook, and Amy ease back into the mic with a mix of mischief, memories, and meaningful updates. From childhood klepto stories and questionable collections to doctoral stress and dreamy coffee table books, this episode blends laughs with life updates as the team shares what’s been happening behind the scenes.

You’ll also get a peek at what’s to come this season! Deeper conversations, diverse voices, and a continued commitment to building community across education and mental health spaces. Whether you're here for the...

The crew is coming back with a brand-new season of the School Collective! We have an amazing lineup this year of new and returning guests. We cover topics from legislation, back-to-school readiness, parenting, and even sports psychology!

Tune in when the premiere episode drops in a few weeks and make sure to subscribe to our channel!!

Also....Check out the new music!!

Social Handles:

Christopher Ponce

Music by: J Andrew Collins

In the final episode of our special education legal trilogy, The School Collective crew is joined once again by attorney Elvin Houston for an in-depth conversation on Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs). This episode dives into the legal triggers and timelines behind MDRs, the role of evaluation data, and what qualifies as a disciplinary change of placement. The team explores federal and state-level differences, and the importance of voluntary agreements from families when removal is on the table. You’ll also hear candid insights about spring burnout, expedited hearings, and the realities of working with families and advocates.

In this episode, Brook and Christopher kick things off with some March Madness talk—Brook’s leading the brackets, and Christopher’s tech team takes a hit! Then, they dive into a fascinating conversation with Courtney Johnson, a virtual school psychologist and wellness coach. Courtney shares her journey into school psychology, her transition to virtual practice, and how she structures her work for efficiency and impact.

They explore the benefits of virtual school psychology, from increasing accessibility for parents to reshaping how assessments and consultations are conducted. Courtney also gives insight into her wellness coaching, self-care strategies, and th...

In this insightful episode, we sit down with college learning disabilities specialist Elizabeth Hamblet to explore the complexities of transitioning to college for students with disabilities. Elizabeth shares her journey from high school special education to becoming a trusted expert in higher education support, revealing the disconnect between traditional K-12 training and the realities of college accommodations.

We dive deep into key topics, including:

In this special episode of The School Collective Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Michael Gomez, a nationally recognized trauma expert and co-founder of the NCTSN Trauma and IDD Workgroup. Dr. Gomez shares his journey into clinical child psychology, shedding light on trauma as a toxin and how schools can better support students dealing with its effects.

We dive into critical topics such as trauma screening, the impact of racial socialization, the challenges of differentiating between autism and trauma, and the often-overlooked fawn response. Dr. Gomez also discusses secondary trauma and burnout among educators, offering practical strategies...

Join us for a candid conversation with Huma, who you may know on Instagram as @the_school_psychologist, a seasoned school psychologist who shares invaluable insights on building confidence, setting boundaries, and embracing change in your early career.

In this episode, Huma highlights the importance of nurturing children’s nervous systems and emotional intelligence during the formative years—long before academics take center stage. Her practical advice for self-care and establishing trust with colleagues is sure to resonate with anyone striving to thrive in the field.

On a lighter note, Huma reveals her fun side, shar...

In this dynamic episode of The School Collective Podcast, Chris, Amy, and Brook sit down with NASP President Dr. Peter Faustino for an in-depth conversation about the evolving landscape of school psychology. The discussion covers a broad spectrum of topics—from personal journeys into the field and memorable first conference experiences, to the pressing challenges of balancing professional standards with accessibility. The team shares candid insights on youth mental health, the impact of social media, and the need for digital literacy in schools while exploring innovative approaches like virtual continuing education and podcasting as tools for professional development. With st...

In this episode, Christopher, Amy, Elvin, and Brook dive into a mix of lighthearted and deep discussions—from the struggles of dry winter skin to the complexities of Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). The team unpacks key legal cases, including Rowley and Endrew F., exploring how they shaped special education standards. They also discuss the importance of ambitious educational goals, the role of PLAAFP's in IEPs, and the challenges of supporting students with intellectual disabilities.

Along the way, they chat about TV shows, school psychology, and legal nuances in special education. Tune in for an en...

In this episode, Christopher and Brooke sit down with the insightful Dr. Charles Barrett, a seasoned school psychologist, author, and all-around cool guy. They delve into Charles’ journey into school psychology, his passion for mentorship, and his significant contributions to the field through initiatives like the NASP Social Justice Task Force and his impactful books.

The discussion highlights the growing mental health challenges in education, the evolving role of school psychologists, and the need for systemic collaboration to support students better. Charles also shares his philosophy on supervision, the importance of advocacy, and his personal preferences—including his...

In this episode, Christopher, Amy, and Brook welcome Dr. Lisa Aguilar (NCSP) and Loren Houle (NCSP, BCBA) to discuss their work as Indigenous school psychologists. The conversation explores decolonizing education, the importance of culturally responsible research, and the challenges faced by Native American students. Lisa shares insights into her critical relationality framework and experiences working with Native communities.

The team delves into land acknowledgments, their role in fostering meaningful relationships, and actionable ways to support Indigenous families. They also highlight the significance of appropriate language, identity, and cultural values in educational settings.

Join us for...

In this episode of The School Collective podcast, Christopher sits down with Juliana Ramirez, a bilingual school psychologist and the founder of PERA Services Inc. Juliana shares her inspiring journey from public school psychology to building her independent practice, where she partners with over 35 school districts across Ohio. She discusses her passion for culturally and linguistically responsive evaluations, supporting bilingual students, and mentoring school psychologists transitioning to private practice.

Juliana also highlights her creative ventures, including her book Juanita La Princesita!, which helps children navigate anxiety, and her innovative online course, the Leap to Independence Winter Accelerator...

In this episode, we welcome special guest Elvin Houston (@school.lawyer), an attorney and partner at Walsh, Gallegos, Kyle, Robinson & Roalson to discuss the intersection of law and education. Elvin shares his journey into special education law, his unique presentation style, and his favorite topics to teach.

Join us as we dive into key issues impacting schools today, including:

In this week's episode.....

The crew decided to sit down and have a conversation with no limitations or boundaries. We just let the recording go and saw what happened!

We touch on a bunch of different things:

Listen to the end where we get misty-eyed and talk about our favorite things about our children!

Socials:

Christopher

Instagram/Bluesky - @theschoolpsychguy

In this episode, Amy and Camika Lewis chat it up about disrupting the status quo, building equity in education, and shifting our mindset from superhero syndrome to being good enough.

As a TASP presidential nominee, Camika also dives into her journey in school psychology and what she plans to do if she is elected president of TASP.

Listen in, and remember to VOTE in TASP elections before November 22!

On this special episode, the crew discussed their personal experiences and the challenges faced by Latino families in accessing mental health services and navigating school systems with special guest Christian Herrera~

We emphasized the importance of understanding and appreciating the culture, traditions, and language of these families to facilitate conversations about mental health and disability. Christian also touched on the need for more awareness and guidance about school psychology, particularly for high school students, and the importance of building trust and rapport with Latino families.

Website: schoolcollective.net

Social...

On today's episode, we invite special guest Francis Chen to talk about utilizing the community to help our students. Francis has been able to help facilitate many aspects of the community into his student's lives. We discuss the role of school psychologists on campus and how we can expand the idea of what we can do to help our students.

Website: schoolcollective.net

Follow us on our socials!

Chris - @theschoolpsychguy

Music by: J Andrew Collins

In this episode, we explore the key ingredients to creating an uplifting and positive school culture with insights from school psychologists and our special guest, former principal Martin Silverman. We discuss the role of leadership, the importance of mental health support, and the power of collaboration between educators and mental health professionals. Martin shares his experiences fostering an inclusive and nurturing environment for students, staff, and families. You can tune in to learn practical strategies for transforming your school into a space where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed.

Website: schoolcollective.net

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In this episode, we dive deep into the impact of toxic work environments on professionals in education. Join Chris, Brook, Amy, and special guest Melissa Mathews as we discuss the signs of workplace toxicity, the emotional toll it takes, and the burnout that often follows. Our guests share their personal stories and practical strategies for cultivating healthier, supportive, and more productive work environments. Whether you're navigating a difficult workplace or looking to foster a culture of growth and collaboration, this episode offers insights and solutions to help you and your team thrive.

Website:<...

In this episode, Chris, Amy, and Brook dive deep into the elusive goal of achieving life harmony. From managing heavy caseloads and emotional demands to setting boundaries and finding time for self-care, our hosts open up about the real struggles they face in maintaining balance in both their personal and professional lives.

Join us as we explore strategies for avoiding burnout, tips for staying grounded, and how we can all strive for better work/life harmony in the fast-paced world of education. Whether you’re a school psychologist, educator, or anyone working in a high-stress field, this ep...

On today's episode, we interview actor and school psychologist extraordinaire Jenn Convington and director Aaron Abolt as they talk about their newest short film Existing Patient. This short film has been accepted to 2 disability film festivals and won an award at the Cinema Touching Disabilities Film Festival. Come listen to us break down the film and talk about its very deep themes.

Screenings will be at the Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival at the Long Center in Austin on September 28th, and also at the Superfest Film Festival, where it will screen virtually October 17-20 and at...