Think Inclusive Podcast

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 political rhetoric on schools, and how educators can stay grounded in their mission to serve students. The conversation centers on leading with compassion, focusing on local action, and finding hope in everyday relationships. The episode is intentionally broad so listeners can apply the insights to many situations. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/navigating-school-leadership-in-chaotic-times-a-conversation-with-will-parker-1306/

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 disagreement—without giving up your values or just being nice. They discuss why empathy isn’t weakness, how our bubbles can hurt us, and how educators can lead with compassion even when values clash. The conversation is honest, friendly, and full of practical wisdom for anyone trying to build more inclusive communities. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/how-to-talk-to-people-you-disagree-with-insights-from-brit-barron-1305/

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 app or a checklist), and why change grows from relationships, neighborhoods, and people on the margins. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/radical-listening-how-jack-pearpoints-punk-rock-spirit-shaped-inclusive-education/

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 safety first, staying grounded in real (not performative) inclusion, and finding allies at school and beyond. They share concrete moves teachers can make right now, plus where to find hope when the news feels heavy.Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/navigating-political-challenges-in-education-advice-from-jennifer-gonzalez-1303/

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 competence, and building systems where every learner is a leader and belongs. She breaks down how leaders protect weekly co‑planning time, model vulnerability, and act with urgency because kids don’t get these minutes back—there are only 188 school days to invest in community.Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/cathi-davis-on-creating-schools-where-every-learner-belongs-1302/

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 Intelligent Lives. Dan co-directed The Ride Ahead with Samuel and has been instrumental in promoting authentic representation of disabled voices in media.In this heartfelt episode, Tim Villegas speaks with Samuel and Dan Habib about their documentary The Ride Ahead, which explores Samuel’s journey into adulthood, the challenges of traveling with a disability, and the importance of mentorship and community. The conversation dives into storytelling, inclusive education, dating and intimacy, and the power of showing up

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 MCIE.What you’ll hear in this feed:Straight‑talk interviews with educators, advocates, and self‑advocates who are changing systems.Clear, actionable ideas you can use in classrooms, IEP meetings, and leadership teams.Themes we return to often: belonging, presuming competence, UDL, co‑teaching, accessible materials, and shifting mindsets that sustain inclusive schools.Why listen now: Since 2012, Think Inclusive has released over 200 episodes and ranks in the top 2% of podcasts globally—so you’ll find a deep, practic

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 the prevalent resistance to recognize typing as a legitimate communication method. She compares typing to Braille for the blind or sign language for the deaf, advocating for its integration into educational settings as a civil rights issue. The episode delves into Elizabeth's personal experiences, emphasizing the significant impact of presuming competence. She underscores the necessity of educational reform to facilitate access to typing for non-speakers, advocating for a shift in perception that acknowledges their

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 environments to fully inclusive classrooms.Marcia and Kristen share essential insights into the ongoing journey of the EmbraceAbilities project. Originally funded by the California Department of Education, this initiative aims to empower county offices of education with frameworks and tools to advance inclusive practices. The discussion underscores the significance of “extensive support needs” and how Marcia and Kristen, through statewide engagement and site visits, have co-created solutions that reflect the unique chall

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 storytelling and practical wisdom, encapsulated in her book “The Person Who Arrives: Connecting Disability Studies to Educational Practice for Teachers, Parents, and Others.”Dr. Kari Gustafson is an instructor and researcher specializing at the intersection of neurodiversity, disability studies, education, and role-playing games. Kari holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy of Education from Simon Fraser University, where their dissertation delved into relationality and inclusion within role-playing games like D&D. Currently a

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 outcomes. With two standout projects each receiving $75,000 in funding, the retreat underscored the power of community-led grant making. This episode captures the behind-the-scenes experiences of participants as they share their reflections on creativity, collaboration, and the pursuit of inclusive education advancements.Throughout the episode, the emphasis is placed on collaboration and the significance of involving educators, families, and students in the co-creation process for meaningful outcomes. Featuring convers

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 team-based approach.The episode unravels the experiences during the Educating All Learners Alliance's Community of Action in December 2023, where educators from diverse backgrounds coalesced around a shared mission. Through detailed discussions, Tim, alongside his team, recounts how trust, collaborative synergy, and dedication shaped their successful initiative. They recount into how the Community of Action facilitated rich exchanges leading to the development of an inclusive toolkit, breaking down complex educational bar

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 awareness about the challenges faced by deaf students in mainstream educational settings. She currently resides in Northern California.Episode Summary:In this engaging episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas speaks with Rachel Zemach, a deaf author and former teacher, about her firsthand experiences educating deaf children within California's public school system. The episode dives deep into the themes of inclusion, identity, and the significance of tailored education for deaf students. With her book "The Butterfly

About the Guest(s):Emily Ladau is an activist, writer, and speaker, known for her relentless advocacy for disability rights. With a decade of experience, Emily serves as the editor of Able News, a digital newspaper amplifying the voices and stories of New York's vibrant disability community. Her involvement in disability rights extends beyond writing, as she continually seeks to inspire and challenge societal perceptions through her speaking engagements and published works, including her book aimed at bridging understanding between disabled and non-disabled communities.Episode Summary:In this stimulating episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages with long-time friend and leading disability advocate Emily Ladau. As they delve into pressing issues confronting minority groups, Emily reflects on the systematic erosion of rights for the disability community, particularly those with multiple marginalized identities. She provides personal insights into navigating these challenges while expressing the unc

About the Guest(s):Charmaine Thaner is a seasoned educator and advocate with over 30 years of experience, who has dedicated her career to supporting families and children with special needs. As a mother to a son with Down syndrome, she blends personal experience with professional expertise to guide parents through the complexities of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. Thaner is the founder of the Connecting for Change group, where she coaches parents and offers innovative tools and techniques to empower them in educational advocacy, focusing on creating inclusive environments where every child feels valued and supported.Episode Summary:In this episode of the Think Inclusive Podcast, host Tim Villegas converses with Charmaine Thaner about the intersection of artificial intelligence and inclusive education advocacy. Villegas kicks off the episode with an intriguing twist — using an AI-generated version of his voice to introduce the topic and set the stage for a discussion on how AI can be lever

About the Guest(s):Guy Stevens is a nationally recognized expert and advocate for ending restraint and seclusion in schools. He is the founder of the Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint (AASR), a nonprofit organization focused on reforming punitive discipline practices in educational settings. Guy is also a board member of the ARC of Maryland and PDA North America. His advocacy is dedicated to promoting trauma-informed, neuroscience-aligned, and neurodiversity-affirming approaches that prioritize inclusive and safe educational environments for all students.Episode Summary:In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas is joined by Guy Stevens, a leading advocate for more humane behavior support strategies in schools. Through a riveting conversation, they explore the profound harms of traditional punitive practices, like restraint and seclusion, and the importance of trauma-informed educational frameworks. They delve into Guy's personal journey from a conventional understanding of behavior support

About the Guest(s):Toni Barton is a leader in education innovation and the founder of Speligent. She is a recognized authority on transforming schools through inclusive, equity-driven, and tech-enabled learning models, having gained vast experience as a teacher, principal, and district leader. Toni initiated the Inclusive Schools Leadership Institute at Relay Graduate School of Education, training leaders to construct anti-ableist, student-centered environments. Her insights have been featured in major publications including Forbes and The Hechinger Report. Toni is also known for her book, "Six Principles for Building a Truly Inclusive School," which is a resource for forward-thinking educators.Episode Summary:In this episode of the Think Inclusive Podcast, host Tim Villegas engages with Toni Barton in a deep dive into reshaping the educational landscape for inclusivity and equity. Toni shares her journey from a professional in law to an advocate in education, driven by her own son's experience with special e

About the Guest(s): Riley Mulcahy is the founder and Executive Director of The Riley Project, a nonprofit organization focused on storytelling and community building for individuals with learning differences. A graduate of St. Mary's College of California with a background in English and Creative Writing, Riley is also the Marketing and Admissions Associate at Compass High School, where he champions inclusive, strengths-based education. He is an advocate for neurodiversity, dedicating his efforts to initiatives like the Neurodiversity Education Series, aimed at creating supportive systems for neurodivergent individuals. Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas chats with Riley Mulcahy, a prominent advocate for individuals with learning differences. Riley discusses his journey with dyslexia and his commitment to creating inclusive environments through storytelling and advocacy. As the founder of the Riley Project, Riley sheds light on challenges and tri

About the Guest(s):Alissa Rausch is a dedicated advocate for inclusive education rights, especially for young children with disabilities and various intersectional identities. Based at the University of Denver, she has extensive experience as a provider, program leader, educator, and technical assistance provider, notably developing inclusive programs and participating actively in legislative initiatives with organizations like Disability Law Colorado and the Early Childhood Technical Assistance (ECTA) Center.Ben Riepe is a Senior Project Manager at the Positive Early Learning Experiences Center at the University of Denver, contributing significantly to ECTA and the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations. With 13 years supporting Head Start Classrooms as a teacher and coach, Ben focuses on embedding evidence-based inclusive practices into classrooms and communities.Episode Summary:Delve into a transformative discussion on the Think Inclusive Podcast with Tim Villegas, featuring an insightful conversati

About the Guest(s):Jani Kozlowski is a renowned early childhood professional, boasting over 30 years of experience. She is an accomplished author and speaker, serving as a technical assistance specialist and consultant. Jani focuses on supporting the development of young children and their families, with expertise in early childhood disability services, learning environments, and social-emotional development. She currently leads initiatives at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Jani is the author of "Every Child Can Fly: An Early Childhood Educator's Guide to Inclusion" and its family-oriented companion, "Empowering Your Child to Fly."Episode Summary:In this compelling episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages Jani Kozlowski, a notable expert in early childhood inclusion, in a discussion about advocating for inclusive education for young children with disabilities. The episode begins with Jani sharing personal insights on the importance