Think Inclusive
Education & Explainer
About
Think Inclusive brings you real conversations about building schools where every learner belongs.
Episodes
- Rethinking Social Skills: Teaching Social Thinking for All Learners with Michelle Garcia Winner
About the Guest(s): Michelle Garcia Winner is a renowned speech-language pathologist and the founder of Social Thinking. With over 30 years of experience, she has developed a methodology that seeks to aid teachers, therapists, and families…
- Advocating for Full Inclusion: Every Student Deserves Belonging with Sandra McElwee
Sandra McElwee is a prominent advocate for inclusive education and disabilities rights, known for her role as Sean's mom from the Emmy-winning reality TV series, "Born This Way." With over three decades of experience advocating for individ…
- Building Inclusive Schools: From Belief to Practice with Michelle Gardner
Michelle Gardner is the interim CEO at All In for Inclusive Education, an organization dedicated to fostering inclusive practices in educational institutions. With over 25 years of experience in the New Jersey public school system, Michell…
- Centering Disabled Students' Voices for True Inclusion and Justice with Dom Kelly
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…
- Beyond Welcome: What Real Belonging Looks Like in Schools with Megan Ohlssen
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 an…
- Be on Offense: Navigating Inclusion and Accessibility with Dustin Giannelli
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, cap…
- Building Inclusive Schools Through Community and Universal Design with Andratesha Fritzgerald
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 Learni…
- Inclusive Education in Faith-Based Schools: Practical Strategies for Supporting All Learners
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 s…
- Inclusive Systems Change in Secondary Schools with Dr. Jennifer Spencer-Iiams
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 Al…
- Decolonizing Education: What It Means for K-12 Teachers and Students with Emily Affolter
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 Sustainab…
- DEI in Schools: Why Belonging Matters More Than Access with Margo Gross
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 school…
- The Homework Machine: What AI Is Really Doing in Classrooms
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…
- How Instructional Audio Transforms the Inclusive Classroom with Lightspeed Technologies
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, c…
- Blue Engine on Scaling Inclusion: Silos, Safety, and Systems Change
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, Massachusett…
- How Museums Can Support Young Learners with Visual Impairment
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 des…
- Katie Novak on Why UDL Is Not the Goal—but the Tool for Equity
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 inequita…
- Public Education on the Precipice: Narratives, Inclusion, and What’s at Stake
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.…
- Think Inclusive Turns 13
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,…
- Empowering Non-Speaking Students: Tools and Mindsets for Inclusive Schools
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 acc…
- Down Syndrome Advocacy in Action: Lessons from Audrey and Jeremy
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 mor…
- Designing Schools for Belonging: Jordyn Zimmerman on Inclusion and AAC Tools
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…
- Disability Justice and Inclusion: Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards Speak Out
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 ac…
- How Madison Tevlin Redefines Disability in Media and Hollywood
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 beyon…
- General Education Has to Be for Everyone
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 c…
- Navigating School Leadership in Chaotic Times: A Conversation with Will Parker
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…
- How to Talk to People You Disagree With—Insights from Brit Barron
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 cult…
- Radical Listening: How Jack Pearpoint’s Punk Rock Spirit Shaped Inclusive Education
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…
- Navigating Political Challenges in Education—Advice from Jennifer Gonzalez
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…
- Cathi Davis on Creating Schools Where Every Learner Belongs
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…
- The Ride Ahead: Samuel and Dan Habib on Disability, Storytelling, and Inclusion
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…
- Think Inclusive Trailer
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 T…
- Elizabeth Bonker: Empowering Nonspeakers with Communication and Education
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 f…
- Transforming California Education: EmbraceAbilities Drives Inclusive Change
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…
- Exploring Play's Role in Inclusion and Personal Growth
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…
- Voices of Change: Inside the EALA Community of Action
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…
- From Vision to Action: The Collaboration Behind Inclusion Today
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…
- Unveiling The Deaf Experience: Rachel Zemach's Identity Transformation Journey
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 h…
- Navigating Disability Advocacy Amidst Political Challenges and Misunderstandings
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 a…
- Empowering Advocacy with AI: Charmaine Thaner's Insights
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 bl…
- Rethinking Behavior Support: Ending Restraint and Seclusion in Schools
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 ref…
- Transforming Schools with Truly Inclusive Leadership and Practices
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…
- Empowering Neurodivergent Students Through Storytelling and Advocacy
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…
- Transforming Inclusive Education Through Inclusion Indicators
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 experienc…
- Unlocking Inclusive Strategies: Empower Every Child to Fly
About the Guest(s): Jani Kozlowski is a renowned early childhood professional, boasting over 30 years of experience. She is an accomplished author and speaker, serving as a technical assistance specialist and consultant. Jani focuses on su…
- Why We Need to Blend General and Special Education Teacher Training
About the Guest(s): Jen Newton is an Associate Professor at Ohio University with a dedicated career in inclusive education spanning 25 years. Her expertise encompasses anti-racist, anti-ableist education, early childhood inclusion, and inc…
- Empowering Inclusion: Advocates Share Stories and Strategies
About the Guest(s): Brilly Semenova: Brilly is a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities, having started her advocacy journey during her middle school years. She is based in Maryland but operates nationally, providing resourc…
- Empowering Educators: Navigating Inclusive Education Challenges and Opportunities
About the Guest(s): Nicole Eredics is a seasoned expert specializing in inclusive education, boasting over 25 years of experience in the field. Armed with degrees in elementary and special education, Nicole began her career as an inclusion…
- The Power of Storytelling in Disability Rights with Jeiri Flores
About the Guest(s): Jeiri Flores is a Puerto Rican disability rights activist based in Rochester, New York. After earning her bachelor's degree in Sociology and African American Studies from SUNY Brockport in 2014, she pursued a master's i…
- Disability Inclusive Curriculum: Changing Mindsets in Pennsylvania Schools and Nationwide
About the Guest(s): Lisa Aquila is a dedicated advocate for disability rights and Vice Chair of the Board at Disability Equality in Education (DEE). Lisa's journey into disability advocacy began after a career as a home care attendant was…
- One parent's fight for inclusive education in Georgia
About the Guest(s): Chelsea Hutchings is a dedicated advocate for inclusive education, residing in Gwinnett County, Georgia. As a mother of five, with her youngest son having Down syndrome, she became intricately involved in advocating for…