PODCAST

Think Inclusive

Tim Villegas

Think Inclusive brings you real conversations about building schools where every learner belongs.

education courses

All Episodes

88:30

Think Inclusive Turns 13

Think Inclusive ·

2025/12/04

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, and heartfelt reflections from special guests and supporters. The episode highlights stories of advocacy, legal victories, and personal transformation, while also surpassing fundraising goals for MCIE. Listeners are treated to bold predictions for the future of

65:37

Empowering Non-Speaking Students: Tools and Mindsets...

Think Inclusive ·

2025/11/24

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 access and trains educators to presume competence and embrace inclusion.This episode explores how opening up possibilities for communication can transform the lives of non-speaking students. Lisa shares her journey from public school teacher to innovator, highlighting

60:50

Down Syndrome Advocacy in Action: Lessons from Audrey...

Think Inclusive ·

2025/11/13

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 more inclusive. Their work matters because they show the world that everyone deserves to belong, be valued, and have their voices heard.Audrey and Jeremy join Think Inclusive to talk about their journey as advocates, podcasters, and friends. They share stories about

48:39

Designing Schools for Belonging: Jordyn Zimmerman on...

Think Inclusive ·

2025/11/07

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 learner has the tools and supports they need to thrive. Their advocacy is rooted in personal experience with segregation and inclusion, making their voice essential for building more inclusive schools.In this episode, Jordyn Zimmerman shares their journey from

68:25

Disability Justice and Inclusion: Meghan Ashburn &...

Think Inclusive ·

2025/10/30

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 activist and parent of autistic children. She is the writer of Autistic, Typing, and works to educate the community and influence policy to promote disability justice.Meghan Ashburn and Jules Edwards join Tim Villegas to talk about their journey from online tension to

28:55

How Madison Tevlin Redefines Disability in Media and...

Think Inclusive ·

2025/10/23

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 beyond disability. She is the host of the upcoming podcast 21 Questions, which celebrates identity, energy, and connection. Madison’s advocacy extends to inclusive classrooms and authentic storytelling, and she is passionate about being recognized for her personality

68:00

General Education Has to Be for Everyone

Think Inclusive ·

2025/10/16

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 curriculum, and accountability for systems so that inclusion is real, not just a placement.Tim and Jen unpack what “general education” really means under IDEA: not a room, but the default setting for every learner—with supports, adaptations, and shared responsibility

56:38

Navigating School Leadership in Chaotic Times: A...

Think Inclusive ·

2025/10/08

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. Will’s work matters for inclusion because he supports educators in leading with heart and compassion, especially during challenging times. In this episode, Tim Villegas talks with Will Parker about navigating the emotional weight of current events, the impact of

68:41

How to Talk to People You Disagree With—Insights from...

Think Inclusive ·

2025/10/02

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 culture and navigating relationships with people we love but deeply disagree with. Their work matters for inclusion because it helps people build bridges in schools, communities, and families. Brit Barron joins Tim Villegas to talk about how to get better at

67:39

Radical Listening: How Jack Pearpoint’s Punk Rock...

Think Inclusive ·

2025/09/25

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 belongs. In this episode, Jack Pearpoint and Tim Villegas talk about “inclusion punk rock”—doing what’s right for learners even when systems say no. They dig into the origin of MAPS, PATH, and Circles of Support, how to keep planning deeply personal (not just an

48:19

Navigating Political Challenges in Education—Advice...

Think Inclusive ·

2025/09/17

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 because it centers relationships, cognitive growth, and everyday practices that make classrooms safe and welcoming for every learner.In this conversation, Jennifer Gonzalez and host Tim Villegas talk about teaching through a turbulent political moment—putting

64:40

Cathi Davis on Creating Schools Where Every Learner...

Think Inclusive ·

2025/09/11

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 for belonging, elevating student voice, and protecting adult collaboration so inclusive practices stick.Principal Cathi Davis shares how Ruby Bridges Elementary purposefully designs for belonging rather than just declaring it—centering student voice, presuming

43:05

The Ride Ahead: Samuel and Dan Habib on Disability,...

Think Inclusive ·

2025/09/04

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 for Human Development and is pursuing a degree in history at Southern New Hampshire University.Dan Habib is an Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker and longtime advocate for inclusive education. He has directed several impactful films including Including Samuel and

2:19

Think Inclusive Trailer

Think Inclusive ·

2025/08/11

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 Tim Villegas, Director of Communications at the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE), Think Inclusive shares real stories, practical strategies, and honest conversations that help you move inclusion forward where you are. It’s also a proud production of

36:04

Elizabeth Bonker: Empowering Nonspeakers with...

Think Inclusive ·

2025/07/31

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 for non-speakers through typing. Despite the communication barriers she faced, Elizabeth emerged as a powerful force in advocating for inclusivity in education and society. Elizabeth discusses the challenges non-speaking students encounter in schools, particularly

15:50

Transforming California Education: EmbraceAbilities...

Think Inclusive ·

2025/07/24

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 Marcia Riley and Kristen Danhour Stanke, two educational specialists from the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Their mission is to reshape how the educational system supports students with extensive needs, encouraging a shift from segregated learning

1:02:29

Exploring Play's Role in Inclusion and Personal Growth

Think Inclusive ·

2025/07/17

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 resource teacher, and SEL Mental Health helping teacher. Leah is known for her national and international presentations on neurodiversity, advocacy, and inclusion, as well as her popular blog “30 Days of Autism.” She is a sought-after speaker recognized for her

19:12

Voices of Change: Inside the EALA Community of Action

Think Inclusive ·

2025/07/11

Episode SummaryIn 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 mission-aligned organizations gathered for a 36-hour innovation sprint aimed at developing transformative projects in inclusive education. The event emphasized solutions co-designed by those closest to the challenges, offering fresh perspectives and actionable

43:06

From Vision to Action: The Collaboration Behind...

Think Inclusive ·

2025/07/10

Episode SummaryIn 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 national campaign, their goal is to ensure that more than a million students are educated in environments committed to inclusive learning practices. This episode captures the essence of their shared mission and navigates the challenges and triumphs of their

1:05:23

Unveiling The Deaf Experience: Rachel Zemach's...

Think Inclusive ·

2025/06/26

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 her book, "The Butterfly Cage: Joy, Heartache, and Corruption Teaching While Deaf in a California Public School," published in 2023. Rachel, who became deaf at the age of 10, is a strong proponent of positive deaf identity and sign language, striving to raise

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