SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEAC

37:44

Co-Regulation

SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEAC ·

2026/10/19

Show Notes — Co-RegulationSpecial Ed IEPs 504s, Oh My! · Conversations with DCSEACHost: Meredith, with DCSEAC board members Aleia and Kelly Mayr Guest: Kelli Schow, LCSWEpisode Summary: Meredith, Aleia, and Kelly Mayr sit down with therapist Kelli Schow to unpack co-regulation — what it really means, why it's often misunderstood as "gentle parenting" or boundarylessness, and how parents can regulate their own nervous systems in the moments that matter most. The conversation covers quick 30-second

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24:55

Stepping Down the Supports-

SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEAC ·

2026/10/05

Special Ed, IEPs, 504s. Oh My! – Conversations with DCSEACHosts: Meredith & KellyEpisode SummaryMeredith and Kelly have a candid table-talk discussion about one of the most emotionally charged moments in a special education journey: when a child transitions out of Significant Support Needs (SSN) or loses their IEP. Despite often being framed as a "victory," both hosts share that it can feel more like being pushed off a cliff — triggering grief, panic, and uncertainty.Topics CoveredThe emotional

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7:53

Back at it: a new school year of podcasting!

SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEAC ·

2026/09/21

Aleia Mastroianni welcomes listeners back to a new school year of “Special Ed, IEPs, 504s, Oh My: Conversations with DCSEAC,” sharing that new podcast topics are in development and introducing a previously recorded snippet about the Douglas County Special Education Advisory Committee (DCSEAC). Joined by board members Kelly Mayr and Courtney Nangle, Aleia explains that DCSEAC is a state-required Colorado committee that partners with, but does not work for, the school district, bringing community

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14:23

A Year of Growth and Gratitude: Reflecting on Our...

SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEAC ·

2026/05/25

Expanding Community Impact Beyond In-Person EventsIn this episode, Aleia, Courtney and Kelly reflect on how creating on-demand audio content can broaden community impact compared to hosting in-person events, which many people struggle to attend. They emphasize that allowing people to listen whenever they have time makes the effort more accessible and potentially more meaningful, and they express gratitude for having made this format available.00:00 Broader Community Impact01:22 Challenges Attending

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36:00

BASE and the Reality of After-School Care for Kids...

SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEAC ·

2026/05/18

In this episode, host Meredith is joined by board members Aleia, Courtney, and first-time guest Elissa for an honest, heartfelt conversation about BASE — Douglas County's Before and After School Enrichment program — and the unique challenges it presents for families of children with special needs.Elissa shares her family's personal journey navigating BASE with her son, who has diagnoses of ADHD and autism. From referral systems and dismissals to creative childcare patchwork, her story will resonate

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24:35

Surviving May Madness

SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEAC ·

2026/05/11

May Madness: Surviving End-of-Year Overwhelm for Special Needs Families Aleia Mastroianni and DCSEAC board members Kelly Mayr and Courtney Nangle discuss why May feels especially overwhelming for families raising children with disabilities, describing end-of-year scheduling crushes (testing, concerts, prom, graduations), IEP renewals, and teacher appreciation pressures compounded by social media expectations and the many staff and providers supporting IEP students. They note student and parent

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40:36

Special Olympics: More than Sports, A Lifetime of...

SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEAC ·

2026/04/20

Special Olympics & Unified Champion Schools: Building Belonging From Preschool Through Adulthood Host Aleia Mastroianni talks with Maricela Shukie, Senior Director of Unified Champion Schools at Special Olympics Colorado, about how Special Olympics provides lifelong opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through sports, leadership, inclusive school programs, and community. They explain the difference between traditional Special Olympics and Unified, where

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45:11

Understanding Twice Exceptionality (2E)

SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEAC ·

2026/04/13

Special Ed, IEPs, 504s, Oh My! – Conversations with DCSEACEpisode: Understanding Twice Exceptionality (2E)Guests: Natasha Strayer – Director of Advanced Academics and Gifted Programming, Douglas County School District, Steven Whited – Special Education Coordinator, Chaparral Feeder, Douglas County School District, Aleia – Parent advocate and DCSEAC co-hostEpisode Summary: In this episode, host Meredith sits down with two district experts and a parent advocate to unpack twice exceptionality (2E)

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35:15

Unlocking Disability Support: A Conversation with...

SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEAC ·

2026/04/06

Developmental Pathways Explained: Medicaid Waivers, Disability Determination & Community Supports (DCSEAC Podcast) Host Aleia Mastroianni interviews Rachel Walker of Developmental Pathways, the case management agency for Arapahoe, Douglas, and Elbert Counties that helps families access early intervention, long-term care Medicaid services and waivers, and locally funded IDD supports across the lifespan. They explain when to reach out (anytime), how intake works (phone or faster online form), and

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28:16

OT (Occupational Therapy): Beyond the Handwriting

SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEAC ·

2026/03/30

pisode: OT Beyond the Handwriting Special Ed IEPs, 504s & Conversations with DCSEACGuest: Patty Kreinbrink, Occupational Therapist Lead, Douglas County School DistrictEpisode Summary: Host Meredith sits down with Patty Kreinbrink, the OT Lead for Douglas County Schools, to pull back the curtain on what school-based occupational therapy really is — and isn't. From sensory processing and core strength to the difference between school OT and private clinic OT, this episode is packed with insights

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36:33

Ask DCSEAC: Your Special Education Questions Answered

SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEAC ·

2026/03/23

First Crossover Q&A: Autism Team Access, IEP vs 504, ADHD After School, and Finding Community Aleia Mastroianni and Meredith host their first crossover Q&A for “SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my,” answering listener and event-submitted questions. They explain how to request DCSD autism or behavioral team consultation through the school (escalating to coordinators/directors if needed) and note team leads Jennifer Tilley and Keith Souza. They cover center-based CPI training, how AN (Affective

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42:37

SLP- Speech it is More Than the R Sound

SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEAC ·

2026/03/16

SLP — It's More Than the R SoundSpecial Ed IEPs, 504s, Oh My! Conversations with DCSEACEpisode Summary Host Meredith sits down with Annika Barton (Assistant Director, Early Childhood Department, Douglas County School District) and Cindy Stephenson (Speech Language Pathologist Lead, K–Bridge) to demystify speech-language services in schools — from birth to age 21. Topics Covered🗣️ Why Speech is the "Front Door" to Special Education Speech and language delays are often the first outward sign

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36:29

Celebrating Student Voices and Insights

SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEAC ·

2026/03/09

Student Voices in DCSD Special Education: Bridge, Mild/Mod, and SSN Perspectives DCSEAC’s podcast features student voices for the first time, highlighting daily school experiences and strengths across Douglas County School District special education programs. Maria, a Bridge program student (ages 18–21 with IEPs), discusses political activism around Medicaid cuts, learning English after moving from Bulgaria, and her community-based job training, including an internship at Legacy Cafe with job

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24:17

Hope and Resilience: Part 3 of a Kitchen Table Series

SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEAC ·

2026/03/03

Episode 3: Hope and Resilience - Kitchen Table Talk SeriesDuration: 24 minutes Podcast: Special Ed IEPs, 504s, Oh My - Conversations with DCSEACContent WarningThis episode covers sensitive topics regarding children's mental health and suicidal distress. If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's okay to listen in small doses.Crisis Resources988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (available 24/7)Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth): Call 1-866-488-7386 or text

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31:00

The Marathon: Part 2 of a Kitchen Table Series

SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEAC ·

2026/02/26

This powerful conversation with Courtney explores what happens after the initial fog clears following a child's mental health crisis. This is Part 2 of a series documenting one family's journey through inpatient and outpatient care, school support systems, and the ongoing challenges of advocacy and self-care.Episode Length: 31 minutes Content Warning: This episode discusses children's mental health, suicidal ideation, and mental health hospitalizationCrisis ResourcesAvailable 24/7:988 Suicide &

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21:33

The Fog: Part 1 of a Kitchen Table series

SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEAC ·

2026/02/18

The Fog - Part 1Episode DescriptionThis conversation covers sensitive topics regarding children's mental health and suicidal distress. We talk about these things because silence grows stigma, but conversation grows hope.In this first episode of our Kitchen Table Talks series, host Meredith sits down with Courtney, a parent who has navigated the incredibly difficult journey of supporting a child through mental health crisis. This is a raw, honest conversation about the moments we don't usually post

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39:03

Let's Talk About Transitions: Part Two - High School,...

SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEAC ·

2026/02/09

Navigating Transitions in Special Education: From Middle School to Adulthood In this episode of SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my: Conversations with DCSEAC, the focus is on the critical transitions for students with special needs from middle school to adulthood. The hosts delve into the nuances of changing IEP instructional minutes and direct versus indirect services as students enter high school. They discuss the importance of understanding high school options, including team-taught classes and the

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35:59

Let's Talk About Transitions: Part One - PreK through...

SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEAC ·

2026/02/02

In this episode of 'SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my: Conversations with DCSEAC,' hosts Aleia Mastroianni, Kelly Mayr, and Meredith Daly discuss the challenges and anxieties families face when their children with special needs transition between schools. They explore transitions from pre-K to elementary school and from elementary to middle school. Topics include the importance of transition meetings, the clarification of roles and expectations, the differences between school environments, and the

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20:31

Shining Star Season: Shining Light on the Staff

SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEAC ·

2026/01/26

Show Notes: DCSEAC Shining Stars Award - Celebrating Those Who Make a DifferenceEpisode OverviewJoin hosts Meredith and Courtney as they discuss the DCSEAC Shining Stars Award program, a special initiative to recognize and celebrate the educators, staff, and community members who make a profound impact on children with special needs in Douglas County.Featured Guest: Courtney - Shining Star Coordinator for DCSEACKey Topics Discussed: What is the Shining Stars Award?An annual recognition program

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34:27

Beyond the Hyperactivity, ADHD through the School Years

SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEAC ·

2026/01/19

Beyond the Hyperactivity, through the School YearsPodcast: Special Ed IEPs, 504s, Oh My! Conversations with DCSEAC Host: Meredith Guest: Dr. Erin Grell, School Psychologist Co-Host: Kelly, DCSEAC Board Member (parent of 6 children with ADHD) Duration: 34 minutesEpisode DescriptionDiving deep into ADHD in schools—how it really shows up and how it changes from elementary to high school. The difference in symptoms and supports is huge, and getting the right plan is everything.Key Topics &

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一起读书吧！