Published by Tim Villegas
Think Inclusive brings you real conversations about building schools where every learner belongs.
Listen on Apple PodcastsLachi is a distinguished figure in the music and media industries, known for her work as an award-winning recording artist, producer, and advocate. She has a dynamic career that includes a Grammy-nominated album, hosting the PBS series Renegades, and founding the organization RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities). Lachi is also a national trustee of the Recording Academy and she identifies as blind and neurodivergent. In this riveting episode of Think Inclusive , host Tim Villegas engages in a profound conversation with the multitalented Lachi, who uses her platform to advocate for disability pride and accessibility in the music industry. The episode dives deep into how language shapes our understanding of disability, and why Lachi chooses to “identify as blind,” a declaration that challenges societal norms and sparks dialogue about the disabled community versus the disabled population. Joining this dialogue, Lachi shares her experiences growing up with blindness and neurodivergence, highlighting how these challenges shaped her career as a musician and advocate. This episode is rich with insight into Lachi’s philosophy on inclusion and her journey to remove stigmas attached to disabilities. Her reflections on navigating the industry, establishing RAMPD to support disabled music professionals, and the importance of speaking to individuals with dignity and respect offer a thoughtful critique on how society views and engages with disability. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/i-identify-as-blind-lachi-on-disability-language-identity-and-why-words-matter-in-schools-1340/
LeDerick Horne is a spoken word poet, advocate, and speaker known for his work in special education and disability advocacy. He serves as the board chair of All In for Inclusive Education and is co-author of “Empowering Students with Hidden Disabilities: A Path to Pride and Success.” LeDerick has performed his poetry at high-profile venues, including the White House, and is the co-host of the “Black and Dyslexic Podcast.” His work primarily revolves around exploring his dual identity as a Black man with a learning disability, utilizing poetry to advocate for inclusive education practices. In this insightful episode of Think Inclusive, Tim Villegas is joined by LeDerick Horne, a distinguished advocate for inclusive education and a spoken word poet. The conversation delves into the implications of labeling in education and the transformative power of truly inclusive environments. As someone who has navigated the challenges of a learning disability, Horne shares his journey and the significance of acknowledging disability as a political identity. The dialogue explores how educators can effectively support students with hidden disabilities such as dyslexia. With an emphasis on collaboration among teachers and acknowledging gaps in knowledge, Horne asserts that integration within classrooms should not merely be about co-location but about genuine collaboration and support. Furthermore, the episode includes a compelling discussion on the intersectionality of race and disability, urging educators to demystify neurodiversity and challenge systemic segregation in schools. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/navigating-identity-poetry-disability-and-inclusion-advocacy-with-lederick-horne-1339/
Angela Macklin is a dedicated special education teacher and inclusive systems leader who played a pivotal role in transforming Cottage Lake Elementary School into a hub of inclusivity. Angela’s expertise in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and inclusive practices has now extended to the district-wide level in the North Shore School District, Washington. Her innovative approach is centered on fostering environments where every student can thrive, focusing on systemic change from the ground up. Sue Wright is an experienced kindergarten teacher at Cottage Lake Elementary, where she has taught for 15 years. She possesses firsthand knowledge of how segregated and inclusive practices impact students and faculty. Over the years, Sue has become a vital ally in implementing inclusive models at the school, working closely with Angela Macklin to break down barriers between general and special education. In this enlightening episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages with Angela Macklin and Sue Wright to uncover what happens when a school stops waiting for the ideal inclusive blueprint and takes matters into its own hands. At the heart of Cottage Lake Elementary’s transformation lies a commitment to fostering inclusive educational spaces where every student is valued and no classrooms are segregated. Through their account, Angela and Sue provide insider insights into creating schools where each child truly belongs, recounting their journey of trial, error, and ultimate success. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/building-inclusive-schools-a-journey-of-transformation-and-belonging-with-angela-macklin-and-sue-wright/
Melissa McCollough is the Principal and Director of Early Childhood for the East Moline School District in Illinois. A pioneer in inclusive early childhood education, she oversees a program where every preschool classroom is an inclusive one. Melissa is recognized for her innovative approaches to early childhood education and her dedication to creating inclusive learning environments for all children. Jani Kozlowski is a Technical Assistance Specialist with the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center at the University of North Carolina’s Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute. She is also the author of “Every Child Can Fly,” and is well-versed in strategies for inclusive education. Her expertise involves providing support and training to enhance early childhood inclusion practices. In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages in a meaningful discussion with Melissa McCollough and Jani Kozlowski about the essence of inclusive early childhood education. They delve into how inclusive practices can be organically integrated at the early stages of schooling, ensuring that children with disabilities are educated alongside their typically developing peers in welcoming environments. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/if-not-now-then-when-early-childhood-education-lre-and-inclusion-with-melissa-mccollough-and-jani-kozlowski-1337/
Glenna Wright-Gallo is the Vice President of the Office of Strategic Research and Policy at Everway, a global neurotechnology software company. She has previously served as the Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services at the U.S. Department of Education. Glenna is also a person with a disability, a parent, and a former state Director of Special Education. Her extensive experience across educational roles at state and federal levels positions her as an influential figure in shaping inclusive education policies and practices. In this riveting episode of Think Inclusive, Tim Villegas speaks with Glenna Wright-Gallo about the pressing need to shift from a compliance-focused model to outcomes-focused education within special education systems. Glenna brings a wealth of knowledge from her extensive career in education advocacy, emphasizing the importance of aligning educational practices with the intent of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) to create systems that genuinely serve all learners. This episode delves into how educational structures, often hampered by outdated schedules and siloed learning environments, can truly realize the promise of inclusive education by focusing on system-wide solutions rather than ad-hoc heroics. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/shifting-focus-from-compliance-to-outcomes-in-education-with-glenna-wright-gallo-1336/
Leah Kuypers is a distinguished occupational therapist, internationally acclaimed trainer, and speaker renowned for creating the Zones of Regulation framework. With a strong background in occupational therapy and experience as an autism resource specialist, Leah has contributed significantly to international educational practices with her innovative approach to emotional and energy regulation within schools. Her work emphasizes the integration of both co-regulation and self-regulation strategies for learners, partnering with educators to foster a supportive environment for social and emotional development. Leah Kuypers continues to influence schools around the globe with her updated digital curriculum of Zones of Regulation, building on over 15 years of expert knowledge and application in the field. In this insightful episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas chats with Leah Kuypers, the creator of the internationally recognized Zones of Regulation framework. Designed to help manage emotions and energy levels, this model is used globally to encourage the development of self-regulation skills within educational settings. The conversation centers around understanding regulation as a skill that can be taught—not just a behavior to manage. They explore the transformative impact of the Zones framework for entire school communities, highlighting how it shifts traditional disciplinary models to more supportive and skill-building approaches.
Jonathan Hooper is a distinguished educator and a certified teacher of students with visual impairments (TVI) and an assistive technology professional (ATP). With 13 years of experience as an itinerant vision teacher in New York City, Jonathan currently contributes his expertise at Pediatric VIEW at The Children's Home of Pittsburgh. There, he specializes in Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) and complex support needs alongside Dr. Christine Roman Lantzy. His journey into the field was driven by firsthand classroom experiences with a student with visual impairments, which inspired him to transition from a general education role to a specialized advocate for inclusive education. In this insightful episode of Think Inclusive, hosted by Tim Villegas , listeners explore the essential aspects of creating inclusive environments for students with visual impairments. Jonathan Hooper shares his journey from a general education teacher to a specialist in visual impairments, emphasizing the separation of vision from cognition and the significance of presuming competence. The discussion broadly encompasses the value and implementation of accessibility in educational contexts, ranging from academic subjects to everyday social interactions in lunchrooms and playgrounds. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/inclusion-for-students-with-visual-impairments-overcoming-barriers-together-with-jonathan-hooper-1334/
Ryan Honick is an award-winning disability advocate, professional persuader, and prominent speaker. Over the years, he has forged significant pathways in advocacy on Capitol Hill, within federal government parameters, nonprofit organizations, and expansive PR firms. Honick is recognized for his influential work in publicizing the challenges faced by individuals using rideshare apps with service dogs, which led to a noteworthy lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice. Currently matched with his second service dog, Lovey, Honick remains an indefatigable voice in the arena of disability rights, leveraging platforms like LinkedIn to share his narrative and insights. In this invigorating episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas is joined by remarkable disability advocate Ryan Honick. The spotlight is on Ryan's relentless decade-long fight against rideshare app discrimination towards service dog users, culminating in a Department of Justice lawsuit. Villegas delves into the parallels between Honick's personal advocacy experiences and the indispensable fight for inclusive practices within educational settings, resonating deeply with educators and families nationwide. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/fighting-to-stop-fighting-what-keeps-advocates-like-ryan-honick-going-1333/
Patrick Mulick is a board-certified behavior analyst, a certified speaker, trainer, and coach with the John Maxwell team. Serving as the Director of Student Engagement at the Auburn School District in Washington State, Patrick holds degrees in Special Education and Behavior Analysis from Gonzaga University. He has years of experience teaching students with disabilities, particularly those with autism and complex behavioral needs, and is now a nationally recognized speaker who shares practical tools and strategies for educators. In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas sits down with Patrick Mulick, a behavior analyst and Director of Student Engagement at Auburn School District, to discuss reducing the use of restraint and eliminating isolation in schools. Patrick recounts how the pandemic provided a turning point for schools to rethink their approach to handling students with complex behavioral needs. By implementing proactive strategies, shifting focus from restraint to personalized support, and using data-driven approaches, Patrick has successfully led his district to significantly reduce incidents of isolation and restraint. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/patrick-mulick-why-bad-choice-is-the-wrong-language-for-schools-1332/
Join us on this insightful episode of MCIE's "Think Inclusive" podcast, as Tim Villegas delves into the Terps Exceed program at the University of Maryland. Explore the innovative two-year initiative that integrates students with intellectual disabilities into university life, providing them with education, employment, and social opportunities typically seen in post-secondary education settings. With compelling narratives from students, peer mentors, and coordinators, this episode highlights the vital role of inclusive post-secondary education in evolving societal perspectives. The Terps Exceed program at UMD exemplifies how creating inclusive college environments benefits all students. As part of a four-part series in collaboration with Think College, this episode uncovers how peer mentors contribute to a transformative college experience for students with intellectual disabilities. Key figures, such as Betsy Tornquist and Amy D'Agati, share the program's journey and its broader implications, setting an inspiring precedent for other institutions. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/terpsexceed-making-college-possible-for-all-1330/ This episode was made possible with generous support from Think College. Learn more at thinkcollege.net .
About the Guest(s): Michelle Garcia Winner is a renowned speech-language pathologist and the founder of Social Thinking. With over 30 years of experience, she has developed a methodology that seeks to aid teachers, therapists, and families in supporting social and organizational learning. Her work focuses on helping individuals, especially those on the autism spectrum, understand and enhance their social thinking skills. In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas sits down with Michelle Garcia Winner, the mind behind the Social Thinking methodology. With a rich conversation centered around the invisible social rulebook, they discuss how educators and therapists can move beyond teaching social skills as mere behaviors. Michelle unfolds her insights into interpreting social situations, self-advocacy, and flexible thinking, breaking down the complexities into teachable and actionable strategies. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/rethinking-social-skills-teaching-social-thinking-for-all-learners-with-michelle-garcia-winner-1330/
Sandra McElwee is a prominent advocate for inclusive education and disabilities rights, known for her role as Sean's mom from the Emmy-winning reality TV series, "Born This Way." With over three decades of experience advocating for individuals with disabilities, Sandra has been a pillar of support and change within the inclusive education community. She is an author, public speaker, and independent facilitator writing Person-Centered Plans in California. In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages in a compelling conversation with Sandra McElwee, a pioneering advocate for inclusive education. As the mother of Sean, famously known from the TV show "Born This Way," Sandra shares her journey of challenging educational norms to ensure her son had an inclusive education from the 1990s onwards. This episode explores the transformative power of inclusion in schools and the uphill battle families often face within the educational system. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/advocating-for-full-inclusion-every-student-deserves-belonging-with-sandra-mcelwee-1329/
Michele Gardner is the interim CEO at All In for Inclusive Education, an organization dedicated to fostering inclusive practices in educational institutions. With over 25 years of experience in the New Jersey public school system, Michelle has held various roles such as special education teacher, paraprofessional, assistant principal, and director of special services. Additionally, she has been an adjunct instructor at the College of New Jersey, teaching future educators, and earning acclaim for her leadership in inclusive education. Her efforts focus on supporting systemic change through coaching, consultation, and professional development for educators and administrators. In this insightful episode of "Think Inclusive," Tim Villegas hosts Michele Gardner, interim CEO of All In for Inclusive Education, to discuss the intricacies of systemic change towards inclusive education. Tim and Michelle delve into how schools and districts can transform inclusive education from a mere belief to a practice embraced in every classroom. They explore core themes of systems change, capacity building, and mindset shift in educational environments, spotlighting the journey from exclusionary practices to inclusive excellence. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/building-inclusive-schools-from-belief-to-practice-with-michelle-gardner-1328/
Dom Kelly is the co-founder, president, and CEO of New Disabled South and New Disabled South Rising. A lifelong disability advocate, Dom has made his mark in nonprofit leadership and as a systems thinker who combines lived experience with movement building. Apart from his advocacy work, Dom is an accomplished musician, having toured extensively and shared the stage with renowned artists such as the Indigo Girls and Joan Baez. Amassing an impressive array of fellowships and awards, Dom is also an Atlantic Fellow for Health Equity and a recipient of the JM Kaplan Funds Innovation Prize. He resides in Atlanta with his family. In this powerful episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages in a significant dialogue with Dom Kelly, steering deeply into the realm of disability justice in schools. The conversation navigates the intertwining facets of inclusion, justice, belonging, and how these play out within educational settings. Dom Kelly, drawing from his multifaceted experiences as a disability advocate and co-founder of New Disabled South, speaks on evolving beyond mere compliance to fostering inclusive environments that value the voices and needs of disabled students, especially at the intersection of race and disability. Complete transcript and show notes: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/centering-disabled-students-voices-for-true-inclusion-and-justice-with-dom-kelly-1327/
Megan Ohlssen is a visionary leader advocating for identity, equity, and belonging within educational spaces. She works dynamically with schools, organizations, and system leaders across the United States to spotlight disability justice and foster meaningful, sustainable change. Her extensive background includes coaching, systems evaluation, and program design, helping teams navigate difficult dialogues and transform intentions into actionable outcomes. Drawing from her personal journey and multifaceted identity, Megan emphasizes the importance of belonging and inclusion for both students and educators. In this compelling episode of the Think Inclusive Podcast, host Tim Villegas converses with Megan Ohlssen, an advocate for disability justice and educational equity, about creating schools where every learner belongs. The discussion unpacks what real belonging means in educational environments and emphasizes the intricate relationship between identity and learning. Megan shares personal insights from her diverse background and sheds light on how holding inclusive spaces for adults—through belonging activities—can significantly alter conversations around inclusion. The episode delves into how ableism subtly permeates educational practices, especially via language and assumptions about rigor. Tim and Megan explore ways educators can responsibly confront these systemic issues using frameworks like Universal Design for Learning (UDL) without feeling overwhelmed. Megan presents practical steps for educators and system leaders to instigate inclusive practices, urging a deep reflection on one’s role in perpetuating systemic inequalities. In her candid dialogue, Megan provides a refreshing yet profound perspective on how schools can evolve into inclusive environments, ultimately making systemic change actionable and tangible. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/beyond-welcome-what-real-belonging-looks-like-in-schools-with-megan-ohlssen-1326/
Dustin Giannelli is the CEO and founder of Hears Dustin, a consultancy dedicated to helping organizations create more inclusive and accessible workplaces. Profoundly deaf since childhood, Dustin navigates the world through lip reading, captions, and a strong sense of self-advocacy. His professional journey is marked by a commitment to enhancing communication, inclusion, accessibility, and workplace culture. Giannelli is a nationally recognized keynote speaker known for his authentic storytelling and leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion spaces. In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages in a meaningful conversation with Dustin Giannelli, a prominent advocate for inclusion and accessibility, and the founder of Hears Dustin. Dustin, who is profoundly deaf, shares his life journey, highlighting the importance of self-advocacy, the motto of being "on offense," and how inclusion is a continuous journey rather than a destination. This episode sheds light on the nuances of communication for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and emphasizes the significance of making small adjustments to daily practices, which can foster inclusivity and participant engagement in various settings, including schools. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/be-on-offense-navigating-inclusion-and-accessibility-with-dustin-giannelli-1325/
Andratesha Fritzgerald is an accomplished author, international speaker, and experienced educator who concentrates her work on dignity, humanity, and inclusive learning design. She is known for her leadership in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and her focus on anti-racism in educational settings. Andratesha is the author of “Anti-Racism and Universal Design for Learning: Building Expressways to Success” and is the co-founder of Building Blocks of Brilliance Educational Consulting. She collaborates with schools and organizations across the United States to dismantle barriers and create learning environments where all students can thrive. In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages in an enlightening conversation with Andratesha Fritzgerald about cultivating inclusion within schools and communities. Andratesha shares her insights on how educators can maintain hope and purpose amidst the challenges of pursuing equity, citing the pressing need to blend humanity and systemic changes into educational practices. Reflecting on her own work, she explains the benefits of involving diverse voices in crafting inclusive educational policies and emphasizes the significance of storytelling in building understanding and connection among students and educators. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/building-inclusive-schools-through-community-and-universal-design-with-andratesha-fritzgerald-1324/
Colleen McCoy-Cejka and Crystal Brooks are co-founders of Inclusion Solutions. Colleen has experience as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and curriculum director in Catholic schools and has worked closely with dioceses and school leaders on systems change. Crystal is a speech-language pathologist and former state agency specialist whose work focuses on evidence-based instruction, inclusive classroom design, and supporting educators to meet students’ academic, social, and emotional needs. In this episode, the conversation focuses on what it really means for faith-based schools to say yes to inclusion. Colleen McCoy-Cejka and Crystal Brooks talk about how inclusion is often misunderstood and how definitions of inclusion can unintentionally lead to separation instead of belonging. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/inclusive-education-in-faith-based-schools-practical-strategies-for-supporting-all-learners-1323/
Dr. Jennifer Spencer-Iiams is a prominent educational leader with a focus on transformative change in school inclusion practices. Serving as Deputy Superintendent in a medium-sized school district in Oregon, she co-authored "Leading for All: How to Create Truly Inclusive and Excellent Schools." Her leadership has driven initiatives that foster collaboration among educators to effectively include students with diverse learning needs in general education settings. In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages with Dr. Jennifer Spencer-Iiams in an insightful discussion about the journey towards authentic inclusion in school systems. As a leading advocate for inclusive education, Dr. Spencer-Iiams dismantles the myth that inclusion is a "one size fits all" approach. Instead, she underscores the necessity for schools to anticipate variability in classrooms and promote collaboration among educators to cater to diverse educational needs. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/inclusive-systems-change-in-secondary-schools-with-dr-jennifer-spencer-iiams-1322/
Emily Affolter is an educator and scholar who works at the intersection of culturally responsive pedagogy, decolonizing education, and equity-focused teaching and leadership. She is the director and faculty for Prescott College’s Sustainability Education PhD program, where she works with doctoral scholars around social and environmental justice. In this episode, Tim Villegas talks with Emily Affolter about what it really means to teach in ways that honor students as whole people, especially during a time when equity work is being questioned and challenged. The conversation moves between big-picture ideas—like power, history, and schooling—and the everyday decisions educators make in classrooms and systems. Emily unpacks decolonizing education in plain language, framing it as an examination of history, power, and whose knowledge is treated as normal in schools. She explains how culturally responsive teaching is not a label or endpoint, but an ongoing, reflective practice rooted in curiosity, accountability, and relationship. A major focus of the episode is reflexivity and why educators need trusted people to think alongside as they work within imperfect systems. Together, Tim and Emily explore how fear, expertise, and siloed roles can quietly reinforce segregation, including in special education, and how educators can begin to interrupt these patterns even when they cannot change the entire system. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/decolonizing-education-what-it-means-for-k-12-teachers-and-students-1321/
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