Best Judy Sparks Podcasts (2024)

1
Graduate Excluded at Ceremony Sparks Fight for Inclusion 18:40

5d ago18:40

18:40

About the Guest(s): Ashlynn Rich: Ashlynn Rich is a recent high school graduate with Down syndrome. She graduated with honors and earned the title of scholar-athlete for her involvement in the school’s swim team. She also owns her own small business, Pop Queen Baked Goods. Ashlynn advocates for including students with disabilities in school and the…

1
We All Learn Differently: Empowering Neurodivergent Middle Schoolers 44:08

6d ago44:08

44:08

About the Guest(s): Bari Levin is a retired special educator with over 34 years of experience, predominantly working with middle school students with learning differences. He is actively involved with the I Am Able Foundation, focusing on storytelling to remove the stigma associated with neurodiversity. Bari co-leads the We All Learn Differently ca…

1
Sam Drazin Discusses Building Inclusive Schools with Changing Perspectives 45:30

7d ago45:30

45:30

About the Guest(s): Sam Drazin is the founder and Executive Director of Changing Perspectives, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering inclusive educational practices. A former elementary school teacher, Sam brings firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in creating inclusive school environments. Hi…

1
Prioritizing Self-Care and Well-Being for Medical Professionals | Balance to Excellence Show 40:02

10d ago40:02

40:02

This conversation tackles the critical issue of exhaustion and burnout among medical professionals. It highlights the potential dangers and consequences, showcasing real-life examples of healthcare workers who have experienced accidents or made mistakes due to fatigue. Self-care and well-being are emphasized as key defenses against burnout. Dr. Jud…

1
How to Know You Are Implementing UDL with Loui Lord Nelson 51:58

13d ago51:58

51:58

About the Guest(s): Loui Lord Nelson, an internationally recognized expert in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), is the author of the bestselling book, "Design and Deliver." A former special education teacher, Loui is renowned for her work on UDL at various levels, including district, national, and international stages. She has been awarded her p…

1
Reframing Special Education Using Strengths-Based IEPs with April Rehrig 51:58

20d ago51:58

51:58

About the Guest(s): April Rehrig is the founder of Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting, LLC. With over 20 years of experience as an elementary school teacher and school psychologist in Los Angeles, April is a licensed educational psychologist and a board-certified special education advocate. She has attended the prestigious COPAA SEAT 2.0 and …

1
Embracing Passion and Authenticity | Balance to Excellence with Dr. Judy Wright 48:37

25d ago48:37

48:37

Summary: Dr. Dominique Carson, an award-winning freelance journalist and licensed massage therapist, shares her inspiring journey from initial skepticism to global recognition in the world of massage. This episode dives into the transformative power of massage therapy, not just for clients, but for therapists themselves. We'll explore the importanc…

1
FEED DROP: AMI The Pulse 26:13

27d ago26:13

26:13

Think Inclusive is off this week as we prep for the homestretch to season 11. This week, we have a feed drop for you from our friends at AMI. It’s called The Pulse. In this episode: Journalists Amy Silverman and Rebecca Montelion discuss ableism, journalism, and intellectual disability. They explore the importance of plain language in news reportin…

1
Is Balance a Myth? Exploring a Holistic Approach to Well-Being and Success 38:27

1M ago38:27

38:27

In this episode of the Balance to Excellence Show, Dr. Judy Wright tackles the concept of balance in modern life. She starts by questioning the idea of "work-life balance" and suggests a more holistic approach: life balance. Why "Work-Life Balance" is a Myth 👉🏾 Societal pressures and economic realities can make true balance seem impossible. 👉🏾 The …

1
Breaking Barriers: How JDS Creative Academy is Empowering Adults with Developmental Disabilities 44:38

1M ago44:38

44:38

About the Guest(s): Diane Strand is an accomplished entrepreneur, influential leader in the creative industry, and an advocate for inclusion through the arts. With a rich background that includes credentials from iconic shows such as "Friends," "General Hospital," and "Veronica's Closet," Diane's expertise spans across production and acting. Alongs…

1
Navigating Challenges and Finding Balance in Healthcare: Dr. Giovannie Jean-Baptiste | Balance to Excellence w/ Dr Judy Wright 1:17:12

1M ago1:17:12

1:17:12

In this episode of the Balance to Excellence podcast, Dr. Judy Wright, Life Balance and Wellness Strategist, interviews Dr. Giovannie Jean-Baptiste, MD, MBA. Dr. Jean-Baptiste is the Senior Vice President of Employee Health Services at Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health. Dr. Jean-Baptiste shares her inspiring career path, which began with a desire…

1
Understanding Behavior in Education: Shifting Perspectives and Supporting Students with Dr. Emily King 53:22

1M ago53:22

53:22

About the Guest(s): Dr. Emily King is a licensed psychologist with a background in school psychology and a passion for supporting neurodivergent individuals. Her professional history includes working as a school psychologist and providing consultation services for educators and parents. Dr. King focuses on understanding and supporting diverse learn…

1
Embracing Change in the Evolving Landscape of Medicine with Dr. Roberta McNeil | Balance to Excellence Show with Dr. Judy Wright 1:01:36

2M ago1:01:36

1:01:36

Dr. Judy Wright interviews Dr. Roberta McNeil, Chief Medical Officer at US Family Health Plan, as she discusses her inspiring journey in medicine, including her transition to population-based care. Dr. Roberta Mc Neil sheds light on the challenges faced by women of color in the medical field and emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and fi…

1
The Importance of Inclusion in Education: A Principal's Perspective with Will Parker 1:04:14

2M ago1:04:14

1:04:14

About the Guest(s): Will Parker hosts "Principal Matters: The School Leaders Podcast." With a rich background in education spanning over three decades, Will Parker has established himself as a seasoned educator and an influential voice in school leadership. Having served as a high school administrator for over 13 years and then as an executive dire…

1
Finding Life Balance and Avoiding Burnout | Balance to Excellence Show with Dr. Judy Wright 11:19

2M ago11:19

11:19

Dr. Judy Wright, family physician and life balance and wellness strategist, shares her powerful story of overcoming burnout and achieving life balance. This episode is jam-packed with actionable strategies for conquering stress, setting healthy boundaries, and prioritizing essential self-care. Learn how to achieve a sustainable work-life balance an…

1
How Oregon Prioritizes Early Childhood Inclusion 1:06:04

2M ago1:06:04

1:06:04

About the Guest(s): Meredith Villines has 20+ years of working in early care and education and is currently at the Oregon Department of Education in the Office of Enhancing Student Opportunities. Meredith’s primary roles have been a classroom teacher in inclusive childcare and preschools, lead teacher in an Early Childhood Special Education classro…

1
ECTA: Building High-Quality Systems Supporting Inclusive Education for Young Learners with Disabilities 59:21

2M ago59:21

59:21

About the Guest(s): Christina Kasprzak and Dr. Megan Vinh are the Co-Directors of the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA). Christina brings her expertise in leading initiatives to develop equitable and sustainable state systems for children with disabilities and their families. Her personal connection to the cause comes from a family…

1
The Autism Society: Promoting Inclusion and Amplifying Autistic Voices 49:52

2M ago49:52

49:52

About the Guest(s): Allie Tasche is an advocate and leader in the field of inclusive education. With over a decade of experience that includes six years as a classroom educator followed by various coaching and administrative leadership roles, Allie has specialized in systems-level practices for educational equity. Her background includes working in…

1
Embracing Neurodiversity in STEM Education for All Learners 1:06:03

3M ago1:06:03

1:06:03

About the Guest(s): Dr. Jodi Asbell-Clarke is an esteemed figure in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) community, particularly in the realm of game-based learning. With a background enriched by working on the space shuttle program for its first 25 missions, she has been pivotal in linking computational thinking and neurodivers…

1
The Participation Specialists: How Occupational Therapists Can Facilitate Inclusive Education 1:02:48

3M ago1:02:48

1:02:48

About the Guest(s): Savitha Sundar, an Occupational Therpaist and Ph.D. candidate, specializes in inclusive practices for students with Extensive Support Needs. With over 15 years in public schools, she’s a champion for inclusive education, leveraging her OT expertise to foster access and participation. At Texas Woman’s University, she mentors futu…

1
Embracing Radical Acceptance: A Journey of Inclusion and Understanding with Dr. Leah Kelley 1:00:22

3M ago1:00:22

1:00:22

About the Guest(s): Dr. Leah M. Kelley is a storyteller, writer, activist, teacher educator, education consultant, and parent who identifies as neurodivergent and otherwise disabled. She was a K-12 public school teacher for over 25 years and has extensive experience supporting inclusion. Her newly published book, “The Person Who Arrives: Connecting…

1
A Conversation with Sharon Draper on her 'Out of My Mind' Book Series 49:19

3M ago49:19

49:19

About the Guest(s): Sharon M. Draper is an accomplished author and educator, widely recognized for her contribution to young adult literature. Her career as an English teacher spanned over 30 years, engaging with students from sixth to twelfth grade. Draper's literary portfolio includes books that address diverse and compelling topics, with "Out of…

1
The Barefoot Autism Challenge: Exploring Neurodiversity Through Running Barefoot 52:12

3M ago52:12

52:12

About the Guest(s): Ken Posner is a passionate advocate for the therapeutic benefits of natural stimulation and mindfulness, particularly through the practice of going barefoot as part of the "Barefoot Autism Challenge." Although not a professional runner, Ken's fervor for barefoot running, stemming from the energy and joy it offers, has led him to…

1
Breaking the Curve: How Standards-Based Grading is Transforming Education 54:56

4M ago54:56

54:56

About the Guest(s): Thomas R. Guskey, PhD, is Professor Emeritus in the College of Education, University of Kentucky. A University of Chicago graduate and former middle school teacher, he served as an administrator in Chicago Public Schools and was the first Director of the Center for the Improvement of Teaching and Learning, a national educational…

1
FEED DROP Learn with Dr. Emily 58:06

4M ago58:06

58:06

Hi Friends. Tim Villegas here from the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education. This week, we have a feed drop from a fantastic podcast, Learn with Dr. Emily. Dr. Emily King is a child psychologist and former school psychologist specializing in raising and teaching children and teens diagnosed with autism, ADHD, anxiety, learning disabilities, a…

1
Beth Leipholtz: Advocate for Inclusion and Accessibility 49:34

4M ago49:34

49:34

About the Guest(s): Beth Leipholtz is a multifaceted professional and mother, known for her transparent sharing of personal life experiences on social media. She is the author of the children's book, "The ABCs of Inclusion," and previously penned "Hello, Holland," aimed at parents navigating their children's hearing loss. Beth's journey through mot…

1
SmartWIN24 Speaker Spotlight: Brad Ewing - Building Relationships for Successful AEC Project Pursuits 9:28

4M ago9:28

9:28

Katie sits down with Associate Principal and Regional Practice Leader, Brad Ewing, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, from NELSON Worldwide. Brad talks about one of the unexpected skills that architects need to master–sales. He emphasizes the importance of being adaptable and flexible for career progression in the AEC sector. Brad also offers invaluable advice o…

1
SmartWIN24 Speaker Spotlight: Tiffany Konenkamp - AEC Branding and Mergers 16:43

4M ago16:43

16:43

Do you feel lost in the sea of mergers and acquisitions? Katie is talking with Tiffany Konenkamp, CPSM, from Century Fire, about branding and M&A in the AEC sector. Tiffany discusses the nuances of acquiring smaller firms, focusing on the need to balance respect for the acquired company's brand while transitioning to the Century Fire identity. She …

1
How PINE is Revolutionizing Professional Learning for Inclusive Education 50:03

4M ago50:03

50:03

About the Guest(s): Lauren Hough Williams is the Executive Director of the Program for Inclusion and Neurodiversity Education, better known as PINE, an online platform that offers training and support to schools committed to building more neuro-inclusive schools. Lauren is an autism and inclusion specialist and began her career as a special educato…

1
SmartWIN24 Speaker Spotlight: Mike Macon - Strategies for Pursuing Large-Scale Projects 16:13

4M ago16:13

16:13

Katie is back with Balfour Beatty's Senior Vice President, Mike Macon, discussing the construction giant's brand strategy and competitive positioning. Mike details the company's approach to winning large public sector projects, emphasizing the necessity of aligning with client expectations, the pivotal role of communications, and the importance of …

1
SmartWIN24 Speaker Spotlight: Greg C. Hart - Navigating AEC Industry Data Dynamics 10:24

4M ago10:24

10:24

Katie continues her SmartWIN24 speaker spotlight series with Greg C. Hart. - President of PSMJ. He discusses the critical need for a deep understanding of the nuanced challenges and opportunities that the AEC sector faces, particularly considering the varied effects of macroeconomic trends. By drilling down on the data, he’s able to share insights …

1
SmartWIN24 Speaker Spotlight: Megan Gregory - Leveraging Paid Media to Build Know, Like and Trust Factors 14:43

5M ago14:43

14:43

The challenges businesses encounter in generating pipeline and revenue have changed. SmartWIN24 speaker and Smartegies Alliance Partner Megan Gregory joins the podcast. With two decades of sales and marketing expertise, Megan offers insights into contemporary marketing strategies. Specifically targeting AEC firms, she discusses the importance of un…

1
SmartWIN24 Speaker Spotlight: Greg Johnson - Enabling Your Growth Sherpas 11:44

5M ago11:44

11:44

Are you enabling the people at your firm to help you grow? Katie welcomes Greg Johnson, PE, a Partner at the distinguished MEP engineering firm Newcomb and Boyd, to the podcast. Greg discusses investments in marketing and business development resources, emphasizing the role of networking and knowledge exchange at events like SmartWIN24. He emphasiz…

1
SmartWIN24 Speaker Spotlight: Brooke Lewis - Leveraging Mergers and Acquisitions to Build Your AEC Brand 10:25

5M ago10:25

10:25

Brooke Lewis, CPSM, Associate Director of Marketing for Stratus Team, LLC, sits down with Katie on today’s episode. Lewis oversees marketing across all firm locations and discusses her first-hand experience with M&A, the challenges of building a marketing team and brand from scratch and adapting to technology's fast pace in the AEC industry. Limite…

1
Principals Show Disability Discrimination in School Access, Study Finds 57:36

5M ago57:36

57:36

About the Guest(s): Lauren Rivera is an esteemed scholar with a focus on discrimination, specifically hiring discrimination, and the complex interplay between social class, gender, and race in social structures. Specializing in sociology, Rivera's professional expertise extends to studying how various forms of discrimination manifest within societa…

1
SmartWIN24 Speaker Spotlight: Jeff Kinsler - Navigating the Media Multiverse in the AEC Industry 8:27

5M ago8:27

8:27

Jeff Kinsler, Senior Account Executive and Media Consultant for OUTFRONT Media joins the conversation today. Kinsler outlines OUTFRONT's operations, highlighting its commitment to leveraging creative design for business growth. He delves into the evolution of out-of-home advertising, including the integration of digital capabilities and geofencing …

1
SmartWIN24 Speaker Spotlight: Katie Harris - Communications Strategies for AEC M&A Success 15:37

5M ago15:37

15:37

Host Katie Cash chats with Smartegies Alliance Partner, Katie Harris. In this episode, Katie provides growth strategy insights for design, engineering, and development firms. She highlights the evolving marketing role in the AEC industry, focusing on the vital need for effective internal and external communications for business growth. She also dis…

1
SmartWIN24 Speaker Spotlight: Beth Ament - Diversifying the Tools in Your AEC Toolbox 9:58

5M ago9:58

9:58

Host Katie Cash sits down with Beth Ament - Associate Vice President, Senior Manager of Communications and Marketing at Epsten Group, a Salas O’Brien company. Together, they reflect on the evolution of business development and marketing within the AEC industry. They discuss the importance of knowing your intended audience and the effectiveness of d…

1
SmartWIN24 Speaker Spotlight: Joe Walker – Building Big Brands with Small Firms 13:07

5M ago13:07

13:07

Katie continues her speaker spotlight series with Joe Walker, the Founding Principal of Walker Architects and host of the "Design For An Agile World” podcast. The discussion centers on the firm's agile design approach, particularly in sectors like higher education, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare. He shares insights into leveraging innovativ…

1
SmartWIN24 Insights: Secrets of AEC Brand Positioning 32:13

5M ago32:13

32:13

There are several things to consider when you are creating your brand and trying to differentiate it from others in the design and construction industry. Katie and Judy engage in a discussion about the challenges of crafting a positioning statement, particularly for multidisciplinary firms and smaller subsidiaries within larger brands. They provide…

1
Love is a Classroom: Steps Toward Inclusive Practices with Andrew Goff 49:16

5M ago49:16

49:16

About the Guest(s): Dr. Andrew Goff was an educator of children with and without disabilities for twelve years before transferring the knowledge and skills he developed as a teacher to his work as a researcher, author, and college professor. He holds a Bachelor’s in child psychology and a Master’s in early childhood education/special education from…

1
Shades of Perseverance: The Unfiltered Journey of a Makeup Maven with Melanie Mills 59:38

5M ago59:38

59:38

Hello everyone! Welcome to The Dunamis Power Within Podcast! We're thrilled you've joined us for today's episode. At times, life can feel like an avalanche of challenges or bad luck. This weeks guest reminds us that “the sun is always going to rise tomorrow,” and a new mindset or approach can make the world of a difference. In episode 14, Melanie M…

1
SmartWIN24 Speaker Spotlight: Eric Anest – Strategies for Successful M&A for AEC Firms 11:32

5M ago11:32

11:32

Host Katie Cash sits down with Eric Anest, Senior VP of Marketing and Communications at Salas O'Brien, to discuss the integral role of marketing and effective communication in Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) in the AEC industry. Eric shares insights from Salas O'Brien's 30+ mergers that grew the company from 300 to over 2,500 employees. They discuss…

1
Fostering Inclusion and Resilience in Education: The Impact of Circle of Friends 56:43

5M ago56:43

56:43

About the Guest(s): Robyn Stack Reagan is the CEO of Circle of Friends, an organization with a mission to promote inclusion for students with disabilities and those living with adversity. With her extensive background in working with youth in residential treatment and fostering youth with mental illness, Reagan brings a wealth of experience to the …

1
Jeannie Gainsburg Discusses LGBTQ+ Inclusion and Allyship in Education 1:14:48

5M ago1:14:48

1:14:48

About the Guest(s): Jeannie Gainsburg is an LGBTQ+ advocate and author. She has been actively involved in LGBTQ+ inclusion for over 15 years and has worked with various organizations to promote equality and acceptance. Jeannie is passionate about creating inclusive spaces and educating others on allyship. Episode Summary: In this episode, Tim Ville…

1
SmartWIN24 Speaker Spotlight: Mike Hoffman on the Application of Digital Marketing for AEC Firms 12:38

5M ago12:38

12:38

This SmartWIN24 speaker spotlight features Mike Hoffman, i-Heart Media's Director of Brand Partnerships. He sits down with Katie Cash to talk about radio advertising's effectiveness for B2B companies, with a focus on the AEC industry. Mike shares his insights and emphasizes the importance of using data and targeted advertising for specific audience…

1
Prophetic Insights: The Life and Calling of a Modern Day Prophet with Robert Sanchez 1:04:23

5M ago1:04:23

1:04:23

Hello everyone! Welcome to The Dunamis Power Within Podcast, where we embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation! If you're eager to uncover the power of your true self and embrace the journey of authentic living, you're in the right place! In this episode Prophet Robert Sanchez discusses his definition of a prophet as a messenger of …

1
Promoting Peer Engagement and AAC in Inclusive Classrooms 56:01

6M ago56:01

56:01

About the Guest(s): Elizabeth Biggs, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Special Education at Vanderbilt University. She is also an affiliated faculty member of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center. Her research focuses on improving social, communication, language, and literacy outcomes for students with complex communication needs, particularly supportin…

1
The Power of Reflection: How One School District Transformed Education for All Learners 1:12:13

6M ago1:12:13

1:12:13

About The Guest(s): Dr. Kristin Burnette is an Assistant Professor of Special Education at ECU. She has 17 years of experience working with students with extensive support needs and 11 years of classroom experience. She completed her Ph.D. at the University of NC Greensboro, focusing on inclusive education for students with extensive support needs.…

1
Facing the Mountain: Unveiling an Unconquerable Spirit with Natalie Buchoz 1:11:09

6M ago1:11:09

1:11:09

Hello everyone! Welcome to The Dunamis Power Within Podcast, a series dedicated to exploring stories of resilience, personal development, and the unbeatable spirit of humanity. Get ready for a deep dive into inspirational narratives that enhance our understanding of the human condition. In this episode, Natalie Buchoz shares her journey of becoming…

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