King of Hugs: Tim Harris on Inclusion and Spreading Joy
About The Guest(s): Tim Harris is a motivational speaker, author, and former restaurant owner. He gained national attention when he opened Tim’s Place, a restaurant in Albuquerque, New Mexico, known for its friendly atmosphere and Tim’s signature hugs. Tim has Down syndrome and has used his platform to advocate for inclusion and spread joy through […]
Maya Chupkov: Advocating for Stuttering Awareness Through Podcasting
About The Guest(s): Maya Chupkov is the host of the podcast “Proud Stutter” and a passionate advocate for people who stutter. She is also the Media & Democracy Program Manager at California Common Cause, where part of her work focuses on supporting local journalism. Maya is dedicated to raising awareness about stuttering and creating a more […]
BONUS: Judy Heumann’s Legacy and the Future of Disability Activism
About The Guest(s): Andy Arias: DEIA expert, national policy advisor, instructor at Georgetown University, actor, and producer. Diego Mariscal: Founder, CEO, and Chief Disabled Officer of 2Gether International, an accelerator that supports disabled entrepreneurs. Emily Ladau: Disability rights activist, author of “Demystifying Disability,” and board member of Kids Included Together. Summary: In this episode, Torrie […]
Look Both Ways: Exploring Disability with Brooke Ellison
About The Guest(s): Brooke Ellison, Ph.D., is an associate professor of health policy and medical ethics at Stony Brook University. At age 11, a car accident left Brooke paralyzed from the neck down and ventilator-dependent. At 21, she graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with a degree in cognitive neuroscience. She received a master’s […]
Understanding Bullying: A Personal Journey and Call for Change with Kayla Taylor
About The Guest(s): Kayla Taylor is the author of the book “Canaries Among Us,” which provides a personal view into the challenges of raising a child with learning differences, bullying, and anxiety. She is passionate about raising awareness and understanding of these issues to create a more inclusive and supportive society for all children. Summary: […]
Creating a Culture of Honor in Education: An Interview with Andratesha Fritzgerald
About The Guest(s): Andratesha Fritzgerald is the founder and lead consultant of Building Blocks of Brilliance Educational Consulting Firm. As an international speaker, Fritzgerald exhibits an audacious perseverance that calls organizations to evolve into inclusive antiracist safe zones for all learners. With over twenty years in education, she has served as a teacher, curriculum specialist, […]
The 5 Ps of Inclusive Education with Dr. Shelley Moore
About The Guest(s): Originally from Edmonton, and now based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Dr. Shelley Moore is a highly sought-after teacher, researcher, speaker, and storyteller and has worked with school districts and community organizations around the world, in supporting and promoting equity for all learners. Her first book, “One Without the Other” is a best […]
BONUS: Exploring the Potential and Ethical Implications of AI in Education
About The Guest(s): Michael Boll is a technology coach and educator who specializes in AI and its applications in education. He has a background in technology and has been providing professional learning experiences for educators on AI. Summary: Michael Boll discusses the misconceptions about AI in education and how it can be used to benefit […]
BONUS: Building Inclusive Classroom Tools: A Conversation with Tany Holzworth
About The Guest(s): Tany Holzworth is a content designer for inclusive classroom tools at Microsoft. With a background in education and a passion for inclusion, Tany has worked to create tools and programs that support diverse learners and promote accessibility. Summary: Tany Holzworth, a content designer for inclusive classroom tools at Microsoft, shares her journey […]
Carolyn Teigland and Carol Quirk | MCIE Partners with School Districts to Promote Inclusion and Equity
About The Guest(s) Carolyn is the CEO of the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE). She previously served as the Associate Superintendent for Cecil County Public Schools and has extensive experience in promoting inclusive education. Carol is one of the founders and former CEO of MCIE, having transitioned to Director of Special Projects in 2023. […]