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PODCAST

Starting With IEP

Flor De Amelia Hoffman

Welcome to Starting with IEP! I am Flor De Amelia, an Autism Mom, BCBA, IEP Coach, and SpEd Teacher. I deeply understand the IEP journey, having navigated it for my daughter for 16 years. This podcast goes beyond paperwork to demystify the process and help you confidently advocate for your child"s long-term success. We feature honest conversations with parents, young adults, and insightful professionals, ensuring you feel prepared, empowered, and never alone. My mission is to help families find

education courses

All Episodes

23:27

Episode 16: Avoid the Gap Year - A Parent’s Guide to...

Starting With IEP ·

2025/12/10

Planning for adulthood started early for me, long before Aliyah reached her teenage years. I realized quickly that her adulthood was going to look very different from other kids, and if I wanted her to have the best possible future, I needed to understand transition IEPs, DORS, and the services that support young adults with disabilities.In this episode, I’m sharing my own journey. The emotional moments, the unexpected roadblocks, the misinformation that almost kept Aliyah from qualifying for

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29:07

Episode 15: The Missing Supporting Piece in IEPs and...

Starting With IEP ·

2025/12/03

Guest: Solo episode with Flor De Amelia, Special Needs Mom, Advocate, and Host of Starting With IEPIEPs don’t only determine services, minutes, or goals. They influence the way our children connect with the world, the opportunities they can access, and the friendships that either form or never get the chance to grow. In this solo episode, I talk about something we rarely discuss in IEP meetings but feel deeply as parents: the social side of our children’s lives.I share the painful moments when doors

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24:48

Episode 14: How IEP Goals Turn Into Real Life Skills...

Starting With IEP ·

2025/11/26

Guest: Solo episode with Flor De Amelia — Special Needs Mom, Advocate, and Host of Starting With IEPIEPs don’t just shape a child’s education, they shape entire families.In this solo episode, I open up about the weight we parents carry, the guilt we rarely talk about, and the way IEP goals ripple through siblings, routines, and the entire rhythm of family life. From communication challenges to self advocacy, from balancing attention between my children to navigating meetings that feel overwhelming,

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47:48

Episode 13: Stop Guessing: Dr. Heller's Guide to...

Starting With IEP ·

2025/11/19

Guest: Dr. Carey Heller — Licensed Psychologist, Certified ADHD Professional, Executive Functioning CoachPsychological evaluations can feel overwhelming—pages of scores, terms you’ve never seen, and recommendations that shape your child’s future. Where do you even start? What parts actually matter? And how do you know if something important is missing?In this episode, Flor sits down with Dr. Carey Heller to break down evaluations in a way every parent can understand. Together, they explore how to

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01:17:03

A Dad's Journey of Advocacy in the IEP System: He...

Starting With IEP ·

2025/11/12

What does it truly take for a parent to navigate the complex world of IEPs while believing in their child’s potential? In this inspiring conversation, Flor sits down with Jermaine Evans, a dedicated father whose relentless advocacy helped his son overcome significant learning challenges. Together, they explore the intersection of parental persistence, school collaboration, and the emotional journey of watching a child thrive against the odds.In this episode:How patience and belief in every child’s

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01:18:30

Episode 11: From Expert to Dad - How the IEP System...

Starting With IEP ·

2025/11/06

What happens when an experienced behavior analyst becomes a parent navigating his own child’s IEP journey? In this heartfelt conversation, Flor sits down with Ronald Mazik to explore how professional insight meets personal experience. Together, they unpack dyslexia, dysgraphia, functional behavior assessments (FBAs), and the emotional balance between being an advocate and a parent.In this episode:Early signs of dyslexia and dysgraphia parents should look forHow to document and request testing or an

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53:01

Episode 10: It’s Not Just a Report - It’s a Roadmap:...

Starting With IEP ·

2025/10/28

Episode 10: It’s Not Just a Report - It’s a Roadmap: Making Sense of Psychological EvaluationsGuest: Dr. Carey Heller - Licensed Psychologist, Certified ADHD Professional, Executive Functioning CoachWhy do some kids know exactly what to do… but still can’t seem to do it? In this episode, Flor sits down with Dr. Carey Heller, licensed psychologist, certified ADHD professional, and executive functioning coach, to unpack what’s really happening beneath the surface when children struggle with focus,

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01:22:11

Episode 9: IEPs to Degrees - Becoming the Role Model...

Starting With IEP ·

2025/10/22

Episode 9 - IEPs to Degrees: Becoming the Role Model I Never Had“The Brad Butler Story of Resilience and Redemption”Guest: Brad Butler II, Author, Educator, Motivational SpeakerWhat happens when a student labeled “special ed” refuses to let that define his future?In this powerful episode, Brad Butler II opens up about his 10-year journey in special education and how he transformed setbacks into purpose. From overcoming stigma to earning his master’s degree, Brad now empowers students and teachers

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01:29:14

Episode 8: Guiding Our Kids Beyond the IEP - Lessons...

Starting With IEP ·

2025/10/14

Episode 8: Guiding Our Kids Beyond the IEP - Lessons in Advocacy and GrowthGuest: Randi Schleider, Certified Life and ADHD/Executive Function CoachIn this empowering episode, Flor De Amelia talks with Randi Schleider, a certified coach, educator, and parent advocate who helps neurodivergent students build the skills they need to thrive in school, college, and beyond.Randi shares her personal story of raising her son, Ben, who was diagnosed with ADHD, and how early intervention, speech therapy, and

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01:04:05

Episode 7: How Assistive Technology Unlocks Kids’...

Starting With IEP ·

2025/10/08

Episode 7: How Assistive Technology Unlocks Kids’ IndependenceGuest: Joan Green, Licensed and Certified Speech-Language PathologistWhen it comes to communication, the right tool can change everything. In this episode, Flor sits down with Joan Green, a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist, assistive technology specialist and founder of InnovativeSpeech.com, to explore how assistive technology can open doors for children and adults alike.Joan shares powerful insights on using tech tools

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01:23:04

Episode 6: Life Beyond the IEP - Preparing Kids with...

Starting With IEP ·

2025/10/01

Episode 6: “Life Beyond the IEP: Preparing Kids with Autism for Adulthood”Guest: Dr. Sylvie Nguena, Ph.D., BCBAWhat happens when a parent hears “your child doesn’t qualify for services”? How do you prepare your child for life after school when adulthood feels terrifyingly close?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sylvie Nguena, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and mom of a young adult with autism. Sylvie shares her remarkable journey, from leaving her accounting career to pursuing a Ph.D. in

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40:55

Episode 5: Empowering Bilingual Parents with their...

Starting With IEP ·

2025/09/25

Episode 5: Empowering Bilingual Parents with their IEPGuest: Sandy Santeiro, Bilingual IEP CoachWhat unique challenges do bilingual parents face when navigating the IEP process? How can families advocate for their children with confidence, even when language and cultural barriers exist?In this episode, I sit down with bilingual IEP coach Sandy Santeiro, who shares her powerful journey as a parent and advocate. From being told her son “wasn’t messed up enough” to qualify for services, to building a

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50:56

Episode 4: Behind the Table — Perspectives from a...

Starting With IEP ·

2025/09/17

Episode 4: Behind the Table — Perspectives from a Special EducatorGuest: Veronica Karwoski, Educational TherapistWhat really happens behind the scenes before an IEP meeting? How can teachers and parents work together to support struggling readers? In this episode, I sit down with educational therapist and former special education teacher Veronica Karwoski to explore these questions and more.Veronica shares her journey from 10 years in the classroom to building her own practice, why she pursued

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46:33

Episode 3: Goals That Matter with Heather Knickerbocker

Starting With IEP ·

2025/09/11

When I first began advocating, I quickly realized that not all IEP goals are created equal. Some move our children forward, while others just fill space on a page. In this episode, I sit down with advocate and educator Heather Knickerbocker, who brings over 20 years of experience in special education. She shares openly about how to create goals that truly matter, goals that shape growth, independence, and a meaningful future.Heather’s insights will help if you’ve ever felt: ✨ Unsure if your child’s

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01:46:13

Episode 2: The Emotional Toll of Advocacy with Missy...

Starting With IEP ·

2025/09/03

Episode 2: The Emotional Toll of Advocacy with Missy Purcell | Starting with IEP PodcastAdvocating for your child in the special education system takes more than persistence—it takes heart. In this episode, I sit down with parent advocate Missy Purcell to talk about the emotional toll that comes with constantly fighting for our kids.Missy opens up about her own journey, including: 💜 How schools brushed off her early concerns with excuses like “he’s a boy” or “he’ll catch up” 💜 The guilt and

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50:14

EPISODE 1: Why This Podcast Exists — And Why I Get It

Starting With IEP ·

2025/08/27

In this first episode of "Starting with IEP," I share the deeply personal story of my daughter, Aliyah. I open up about the painful journey of seeking a diagnosis, the frustration of being dismissed by doctors, and the emotional toll of watching my child struggle.This isn't just a story about medical challenges; it's a testament to a mother's relentless fight to ensure her daughter is seen, heard, and supported. I explain how my own experience transformed me into a passionate advocate and educator,

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01:58

Welcome to Starting with IEP - Trailer

Starting With IEP ·

2025/07/21

Are you navigating the IEP process for your child's special education journey?I’m Flor De Amelia, a special educator, behavior analyst, and fellow parent. I'll guide you to become a prepared and powerful advocate as we demystify IEPs and explore how these plans are truly a roadmap for your child's life.Hear honest conversations with:ParentsSiblingsYoung adults who had IEPsDedicated professionalsFind the clarity, encouragement, and community you need to empower your child's future.Let's start with

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