Stress-Free IEP®
by Frances Shefter
Frances Shefter is an Education Attorney and Advocate who is committed to helping her clients have a Stress-Free IEP® experience. Each week you will hear from inspiring people to share information, educate you, empower you and help you get the knowledge you need.
Episodes
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EP 166 | Does My Child Need PT? Learn What It Can Do | Dr. Eena Kapoor
What does pediatric physical therapy involve, and why might a family choose to have it at home? Dr. Eena Kapoor, founder of Baby Steps Pediatric Physical Therapy, joins Frances Shefter to explain how PT supports children’s movement and development, and how in-home sessions let parents take part…
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EP 165 | Is My Child Acting Out? Learn Why Belonging Matters | Jennifer Awesome
What if the behaviors adults try to correct are really signs that a child needs more connection, purpose, or belonging? Jennifer Awesome, founder of Awesome Consulting & Educational Services, joins Frances Shefter to explore how schools can move beyond compliance and create environments built...
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EP 164 | Beverley H. Johns On Understanding Today’s Students and Their IEP Needs
Beverley H. Johns explores what today’s students are facing and why understanding their challenges is essential for effective support. Learn the cautions educators and parents should watch for when working with students with disabilities, learning differences, and behavioral needs. She also...
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EP 163 | Meg Shah On Homework Battles, Learning Gaps & School Conflict
Meg Shah shares practical ways to build a stronger partnership between families and schools when learning challenges arise. Learn how to use family-teacher conferences to identify learning gaps and create a clear support plan, de-escalate conflict when parents and schools disagree, and reduce...
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EP 162 | Ethan Ulanow On Neurodivergent Care, Crisis Planning, and Trust
Ethan Ulanow explains why families should build a list of trusted mental health providers before a child or teen reaches a crisis point. He shares what parents should look for in therapists who understand neurodivergence, PDA, LGBTQ+ youth, and suicidal ideation. Ethan also explores how his own...
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EP 161 | Rebecca Murphy On Building Confidence Through Coding and STEM
Rebecca Murphy shares how STEM can turn screen time into skill time by helping kids code, create, solve problems, and build confidence. She explains why children need more than technical know-how to prepare for future careers, including teamwork, communication, creativity, and resilience. Rebecca...
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EP 160 | How Should My Child Learn to Read? Discover What Helps | Tara Giddings
If your child is struggling to read, how do you know whether the instruction or tutoring they’re receiving is truly effective? Tara Giddings, Deputy Director of LearnUp Centers, joins Frances Shefter to explain what makes a strong structured literacy program, what parents should look for when...
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EP 159 | Kayla Ireland on Cerebral Palsy, Inclusion, and Being Heard
Kayla shares what school was really like growing up with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, from elementary school supports to college accommodations. She explains why being nonverbal should never be confused with lacking intelligence and what true inclusion looks like in everyday school life. Hear how...
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EP 158 | Justin H. Dove On Independent Evaluations and Parent Advocacy
Justin H. Dove of PEACE ED explains how parents can advocate with confidence throughout the special education process. Learn when to request an independent educational evaluation, what school psychologists actually do, and how to support gifted and twice-exceptional children. He also shares...
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EP 157 | Sarah Juliana on Autism, Identity, and Cognitive Connections
Sarah Juliana explores what autism really means, how neurodivergent learners may think differently, and why those differences should shape educational support. Drawing from her lived experience and 12+ years in special education, she explains the cognitive connections behind learning, behavior…
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EP 156 | Dr. Julie Davelman on Collaborative Divorce for Special Needs Families
Dr. Julie Davelman explores why parents of children with special needs often feel guilty no matter how much they do—and how that guilt can shape difficult family decisions. She explains how collaborative divorce can reduce conflict, protect children’s mental health, and support healthier...
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EP 155 | Robin Rinearson on Building Workplaces for Differently Abled Adults
Robin Rinearson of Jake’s Ice Cream and Jake’s Gourmet Popcorn shares how parents can support differently abled adults as they move toward meaningful work and real independence. Learn what transition planning and job coaching look like outside the school system, including group vs. individual...
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EP 154 | Matthew "Dr. Matt" Zakreski on Giftedness, 2e, and IEPs
Matthew “Dr. Matt” Zakreski explains what parents need to know about supporting gifted, twice-exceptional, ADHD, autistic, and dyslexic kids. Learn how neurodiversity affects IEPs, 504 plans, therapy, and social-emotional learning. He shares practical ways to spot missed needs, avoid common...
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EP 153 | Lisa Richer on Clarity, Confidence, and IEP Advocacy
Lisa Richer shares how parents can move from confusion and frustration to clarity, confidence, and courage in the IEP process. Learn why trusting your gut matters, how to work with school teams without starting a fight, and when data should guide the next step. She also explains common mistakes...
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EP 152 | David Pisarra on Dads, Family Court, and IEP Rights
David Pisarra explains why family breakups can leave dads feeling lost, rushed, and unsure of their rights—especially when parenting time, school decisions, or IEP support are involved. He breaks down what is happening in family court, how the system can add to the chaos, and what fathers need to...
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EP 151 | Alexis Mays-Fields On Arts Integration in Special Education
Alexis Mays-Fields shares how parents can better understand and advocate for their child’s IEP while building stronger support at home and school. She explores inclusive practices that help students with diverse learning needs feel seen, supported, and successful. Alexis also discusses how arts...
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EP 150 | Lisa Zeiderman on Custody Conflict, IEPs, and Child Delays
Lisa Zeiderman of Miller Zeiderman LLP explains what happens when parents cannot agree on major decisions for their child—and how delays in family law can affect education, services, and stability. She breaks down when decision-making may shift from parents to courts, evaluators, attorneys, or...
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EP 149 | Amy Orlando on Dopamine, Motivation, and Follow-Through
Amy Orlando, occupational therapist and founder of AEO Coaching, explains why procrastination is often a cue to adjust systems—not a sign to just “try harder.” Learn how dopamine, motivation, attention, and environment affect follow-through for neurodivergent students and adults. She shares...
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EP 148 | Michelle Steiner on Learning Disabilities and Self-Advocacy
Michelle Steiner shares what it is really like to live, learn, work, and advocate with hidden disabilities and learning disabilities. She opens up about being told what she could not do—and how writing, photography, education, and self-advocacy helped her prove otherwise. Parents will learn why...
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EP 147 | Mary McDirmid on Financial Planning for Special Needs Families
Mary McDirmid breaks down what families often miss in special needs financial planning—and how to fix it before it’s too late. Learn what really happens at the age 18 financial cliff, how ABLE accounts and special needs trusts actually work, and when to use each. She shares how to build a clear...
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EP 146 | Sue Lux On Why Schools Deny IEPs and What Parents Can Do
Sue Lux breaks down the biggest mistakes families make in the special education process—and how to fix them. Learn why schools deny IEP eligibility, how to move from a 504 plan to real support. She also explains why phonics-based instruction is critical for students with dyslexia and how poor...
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EP 145 | Thea Mullis on Building Independence Through Travel
Thea Mullis shares how travel can unlock real independence for neurodiverse young adults—and what parents often miss. Learn how to tell if your child is truly ready for an experience like Camp On Tour or a residential program, and what skills they’ll build without even realizing it. She breaks…
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EP 144 | Shabnum Bi on Early Intervention in SEND and IEP Systems
Shabnum Bi breaks down why parent partnership isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of strong SEND and IEP support from the very start. She explains how the early years can either prevent long-term challenges or allow them to grow, and what families often miss in those critical first steps. You’ll...
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EP 143 | Liz Sokolov: College Readiness vs Risk for Neurodivergent Teens
Liz Sokolov breaks down the real signs of college readiness for neurodivergent teens—and the risks of getting it wrong. Learn the red flags that can lead to burnout, anxiety, or crisis in college. She shares practical ways to assess readiness beyond grades and test scores. Plus, discover better...
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EP 142 | Rachel Greenberg: Helping Kids Build Social & Dating Skills
Rachel Greenberg returns to share real strategies for building social skills and dating confidence for individuals with disabilities. Learn how to start conversations, read social cues, and build real friendships that last. She also breaks down dating—how to meet people, set boundaries, and feel...
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EP 141 | Sean McCormick on Executive Function Skills for IEP Success
Struggling with organization, time, and follow-through? Executive function skills are the key. Sean McCormick explains what these skills are and why they matter for school and life. Learn the risks of ignoring them—and how to build them into your child’s IEP or 504 plan. Get simple, practical...
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EP 140 | Dr. Maggie Kang: From Overwhelm to Confident IEP Advocacy
Learn how to handle the emotional stress of IEP advocacy while staying organized and clear. Dr. Maggie Kang shares how to turn medical reports into strong school support plans. Discover how to help your child speak up, manage accommodations, and know their rights. This episode gives parents real...
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EP 139 | Matthew Fishleder on Finding Your Parenting Voice During IEP Stress
When the IEP process gets stressful, many parents lose confidence in their own parenting voice. Psychotherapist Matthew explains why stress, school systems, and personal history can make parents react instead of respond. Learn how self-awareness, emotional regulation, and presence help parents…
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EP 138 | Manisha Patel on Mediation, Collaborative Divorce, and Family Law
Divorce and family law disputes don’t have to turn into courtroom battles. In this episode, Manisha Patel explains how collaborative family law, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution help families reach better outcomes with less conflict. She also shares insights on navigating North...
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EP 137 | Leah Ellis: Teaching Kids Entrepreneurship and Real-World Leadership
What if kids are more ready to lead than most adults think? In this episode, Leah Ellis shares how child entrepreneurship builds confidence, problem-solving, and real-world leadership. You’ll hear how kids can learn money skills, start businesses, speak up, and even help change laws in their...
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EP 136 | Why Schools Need Regulation — Not More Curriculum, With Emily Daniels
Teacher burnout is not just stress — it’s a public health crisis. Emily Daniels explains how nervous system regulation can transform school culture and improve teacher retention. Instead of piling on curriculum, she shows why schools need safety, regulation, and mental health awareness first.…
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EP 135 | Cindy Palmer’s Top 10 Tips for Neurodivergent Families Transitioning to College
The leap from high school to college can feel overwhelming for students with ADHD and other neurodivergent profiles. Cindy Palmer shares her top 10 practical tips to help families plan ahead, build executive function skills, and create real support systems. Learn how to balance independence with...
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EP 134 | Neurodivergent, Not Broken: Dr. Matthew Zakreski on ADHD, Autism, and Mental Health
Dr. Matthew “Dr. Matt” Zakreski joins Stress-Free IEP to break down neurodivergence, including giftedness, ADHD, Autism, and dyslexia, in a way that actually makes sense. He digs into impostor syndrome, perfectionism, and why so many neurodivergent people feel like they’re “faking it.” We’ll talk...
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EP 133 | What Schools Should Be Measuring: IEP Data, Tutoring, and Support with Joanna Kidder
What should schools actually be tracking to support your child—and are they doing it right? Joanna Kidder of Kidder Educational Consulting breaks down meaningful data collection, effective tutoring, and what real progress looks like. Learn what a strong co-taught or supported classroom should...
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EP 132 | Frances Shefter Breaks Down LRE, Non-Public Schools, and Your IEP Rights
What do you do when the school is not following your child’s IEP? In this solo episode, special education attorney Frances Shefter breaks down your real options. Learn the truth about Least Restrictive Environment, the continuum of services, non-public vs. private schools, and when homeschooling...
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EP 131 | Rethinking School and Socialization: Joseph Kavitski from Fusion Academy Rockville
Fusion Academy Rockville offers a flexible, relationship-based learning model that supports both homeschool and nontraditional students. In this episode, Joseph Kavitski explains how Fusion partners with homeschooling families to customize academics without sacrificing structure. He also breaks...
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EP 130 | Debbie Rosen & Lindsey Thoms: Why Smart Kids Get Stuck—and How to Unstick Them
Students don’t fail because they’re not smart—they fail because executive function skills aren’t taught. Debbie Rosen and Lindsey Thoms of The StudyPro break down what these skills really are, why “smart but stuck” is so common, and why planners and rewards rarely fix the problem. They expose the...
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EP 129 | Roger Haney: Building Spectrum Fudge and a Future for All Abilities
Spectrum Fudge began with Roger Haney’s journey raising his autistic son, Jake, and searching for a future full of real opportunities.Hear how a major move to Pennsylvania changed everything for their family. Learn how cashing in their retirement turned into a bold mission to employ people of all...
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Building Skills That Last with Jennifer Joseph: Reading, Writing, Resumes, and More
Jennifer Joseph of Reading, Writing, Resumé joins Stress-Free IEP® to break down executive function, time management, and organization skills that students actually need. She explains the writing process for college essays, strong reading comprehension, and study skills that stick. Jennifer also...
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EP 127 | Dr. Lisa Riegel on NeuroWell: Why Regulation Comes Before Rigor in Schools
Dr. Lisa Riegel joins Stress-Free IEP® to explain why regulation comes before rigor—and why adult wellbeing shapes everything in schools. She breaks down the NeuroWell Framework and how it moves schools from compliance to real commitment. This conversation tackles psychological safety, nervous...
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EP 126 | Breaking Down the School Search Process: Insights from Hayley Jacobson & Rich Weinfeld
Choosing the right school can feel overwhelming, especially when your child has unique learning needs. Hayley Jacobson and Rich Weinfeld break down how to compare public and private options, build a solid school list, and actually explore those programs in a meaningful way. They walk you through...
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EP 125 | Inside the Mind of Sam Mitchell: Autism, ADHD, and Standing Up to Bullying
Sam Mitchell brings raw honesty about autism, ADHD, bullying, and mental health—shaped by his own lived experience and his hit show Autism Rocks and Rolls. He breaks down stigma, talks about pushing through hard moments, and shares what he learned from giving a TEDx Talk. This episode gives...
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EP 124 | You’re Not Alone: A Look at What’s Ahead on Stress-Free IEP® in 2026
Host Frances Shefter previews upcoming 2026 episodes of Stress-Free IEP®, covering autism, school choices, executive functioning, homeschooling, and mental health. Each conversation focuses on helping families build support beyond school—because you don’t have to do it all alone. Register here so...
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EP 123 | Building the Village: Powerful Stress-Free IEP® Conversations from 2025
Host Frances Shefter looks back on standout Stress-Free IEP® conversations from 2025, highlighting life skills, family support, community programs, and integrative services schools often miss. These episodes show families who belongs in their village—and why no one should have to figure this out...
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EP 122 | How Play Therapy and Inclusion Coaching Help Neurodivergent Kids – with Janelle McCarthy
Join licensed counselor and play therapist Janelle McCarthy as she unpacks what it truly means to be neurodiversity-affirming in therapy, schools, and families. Discover how inclusion coaching helps children, parents, and communities thrive together through understanding, co-regulation, and...
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From Classroom to Career: Viktoriya Selden on Preparing Neurodiverse Students for Work
In this empowering episode, neuroinclusive career expert Viktoriya Selden shares how parents can set their teens up for workplace success. You’ll learn why early work experience — paid or unpaid — builds confidence, skills, and self-awareness that shape future career goals. Discover practical…
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Inclusive Learning Through AI: Derek Crager’s Mission to Help Neurodiverse Students Thrive
Learning doesn’t stop when the school day ends. In this episode, Frances talks with Derek Crager, Founder of Practical AI and creator of Pocket Mentor, about how voice-based AI helps students keep learning anytime, anywhere. You’ll hear how this simple tool supports teachers, builds student...
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Coaching That Works—Jheri South on Empowering ADHD Families
Join ADHD Specialist and Headspace Hub Founder Jheri South as she shares her powerful story of resilience, transformation, and purpose. Learn how being diagnosed with ADHD at 40 reshaped her life and inspired her to help others thrive. Discover the truth about rejection sensitivity (RSD), common...
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Dyslexia Help at Home and School: Deborah Brown Shares What Parents Need to Know
Is your child struggling with reading, spelling, or writing? Join Frances Shefter and Deborah “Debbie” Brown, founder of Hill Country Dyslexia Services, as they explore the early signs of dyslexia at different grade levels. Debbie shares practical strategies parents can use at home to support…
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Finding Ease in Your Body: Gabrielle Czaja on Emotional Regulation and Healing
Discover how to calm your nervous system and restore emotional balance with Gabrielle Czaja, a physical therapist and Alexander Technique teacher who blends science and mindfulness for whole-body healing. In this episode, we explore how gentle awareness and movement can relieve pain, reduce…
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About this show
Frances Shefter is an Education Attorney and Advocate who is committed to helping her clients have a Stress-Free IEP® experience. Each week you will hear from inspiring people to share information, educate you, empower you and help you get the knowledge you need.
Hosted by
Frances Shefter
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