PODCAST · education
Think Inclusive
by Tim Villegas
Think Inclusive brings you real conversations about building schools where every learner belongs.
Episodes
-
Say What You Mean: Michael McSheehan on the Five Features of Inclusion
We say “inclusion” all the time. Michael McSheehan, owner and lead consultant of Evolve & Effect, says it’s time to say what we mean. He and four co-authors set out to write guidance about paraprofessionals and ended up writing the Five Features of Student Experience in a Continuum of Supports…
more -
Real Jobs, Real Risk: Magen Rooney-Kron on Transition and Employment
Magen Rooney-Kron started out co-teaching in Chicago Public Schools. When she asked where her students with intellectual disabilities went after high school, the answers were “I don’t know” and “they go home.” The class meant to prepare them for work had them putting spoons in bags. She has…
more -
Shattered and Becoming: Andrew Goff and the Weight of Being Enough
Andrew Goff threw a mug that said “Best teacher ever” at a wall. It was his twelfth year in the classroom, and the email that set it off came from someone he had counted as an ally. His second memoir, Shattered and Becoming: A Teacher’s Journey Between Policy and Purpose, is about the year that...
-
Just Ask: What Inclusive Support Really Feels Like with Jenna and Emma Rufo
Emma Rufo went to a restaurant in her wheelchair and was handed a kid’s cup with a lid. Everyone else at the table got a regular one. She came back another day walking with crutches, and got a cup with no lid. Emma and her mom, Dr. Jenna Mancini Rufo, join Tim to talk about what happens when…
more -
Unlocking College Access for Students with Intellectual Disabilities with Think College
Meg Grigal is the director of Think College at the Institute for Community Inclusion at UMass Boston. With over 25 years of experience researching pathways to higher education for students with intellectual disabilities, she has been a pivotal force in transforming inclusive postsecondary…
more -
Dream Careers: Inside the Minds of Georgia State's IDEAL Students
Join us for episode three of MCIE's "Think Inclusive" four-part series in collaboration with Think College, as Tim Villegas visits the IDEAL program at Georgia State University in downtown Atlanta. IDEAL — Inclusive Digital Expression and Literacy — is a college program for students with...
-
Redwood SEED Scholars: Roots That Hold Each Other Up
Join us for episode two of MCIE's "Think Inclusive" four-part series in collaboration with Think College, as Tim Villegas travels to the University of California, Davis, to visit the Redwood SEED Scholars Program — California's first four-year residential college program for students with...
-
"I Identify as Blind": Lachi on Disability Language, Identity, and Why Words Matter in Schools
Lachi 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...
-
Navigating Identity: Poetry, Disability, and Inclusion Advocacy with LeDerick Horne
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...
-
Building Inclusive Schools: A Journey of Transformation and Belonging with Angela Macklin and Sue Wright
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...
-
If Not Now, Then When? Early Childhood Education, LRE, and Inclusion with Melissa McCollough and Jani Kozlowski
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...
-
Shifting Focus from Compliance to Outcomes in Education with Glenna Wright-Gallo
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…
more -
Teaching Regulation as a Developmental Skill in Schools with Leah Kuypers
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...
-
Inclusion for Students with Visual Impairments: Overcoming Barriers Together with Jonathan Hooper
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...
-
Fighting to Stop Fighting: What Keeps Advocates Like Ryan Honick Going?
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...
-
Patrick Mulick: Why "Bad Choice" Is the Wrong Language for Schools
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...
-
TerpsEXCEED: Making College Possible for All
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...
-
Rethinking Social Skills: Teaching Social Thinking for All Learners with Michelle Garcia Winner
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…
more -
Advocating for Full Inclusion: Every Student Deserves Belonging with Sandra McElwee
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…
more -
Building Inclusive Schools: From Belief to Practice with Michele Gardner
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,...
-
Centering Disabled Students' Voices for True Inclusion and Justice with Dom Kelly
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...
-
Beyond Welcome: What Real Belonging Looks Like in Schools with Megan Ohlssen
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...
-
Be on Offense: Navigating Inclusion and Accessibility with Dustin Giannelli
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…
more -
Building Inclusive Schools Through Community and Universal Design with Andratesha Fritzgerald
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...
-
Inclusive Education in Faith-Based Schools: Practical Strategies for Supporting All Learners
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...
-
Inclusive Systems Change in Secondary Schools with Dr. Jennifer Spencer-Iiams
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."…
more -
Decolonizing Education: What It Means for K-12 Teachers and Students with Emily Affolter
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...
-
DEI in Schools: Why Belonging Matters More Than Access with Margo Gross
Margo Gross is a national public speaker, educator, certified life coach, and Amazon bestselling author. Her work focuses on DEI, belonging, equity, and culturally responsive teaching. She travels across the U.S. and abroad helping schools and communities better understand identity, student...
-
The Homework Machine: What AI Is Really Doing in Classrooms
Justin Reich is an Associate Professor of Digital Media at MIT in the Comparative Media Studies/Writing program and the director of the Teaching Systems Lab. He is a longtime educator and host of the TeachLab podcast. His research focuses on how learning technologies shape teaching and learning…
more -
How Instructional Audio Transforms the Inclusive Classroom with Lightspeed Technologies
David Solomon is the President of Lightspeed Technologies and has spent the past 20 years helping schools create clearer, more accessible classroom listening environments. He focuses on simple, effective audio tools that boost attention, confidence, and inclusive learning for all students....
-
Blue Engine on Scaling Inclusion: Silos, Safety, and Systems Change
Matt Guerrero and Tiffany Galloway are leaders at Blue Engine, a nonprofit organization that partners with school systems to scale inclusive practices. Their work spans regions across the U.S.—from New York City to Louisiana, Massachusetts, and the Pacific Northwest—supporting districts in…
more -
How Museums Can Support Young Learners with Visual Impairment
Dr. Michael Barla is an early childhood educator and former higher‑ed faculty member who now works at the Anchor Center for Blind Children in Denver. In 2024, he completed a residential fellowship at the Clyfford Still Museum, where he designed a sensory‑based translation of a Clyfford Still...
-
Katie Novak on Why UDL Is Not the Goal—but the Tool for Equity
Katie Novak is an internationally recognized education consultant, author, and expert in Universal Design for Learning. She teaches at the University of Pennsylvania and leads Novak Education, helping schools and districts disrupt inequitable systems and embrace inclusive practices. Katie is also…
more -
Public Education on the Precipice: Narratives, Inclusion, and What’s at Stake
Jennifer Berkshire: Education writer, author, and co-host of Have You Heard. Known for her sharp analysis of education policy and its impact on communities. Jack Schneider: Historian of education, researcher, and co-host of Have You Heard. Jack brings a deep understanding of the historical and...
-
Think Inclusive Turns 13
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...
-
Empowering Non-Speaking Students: Tools and Mindsets for Inclusive Schools
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...
-
Down Syndrome Advocacy in Action: Lessons from Audrey and Jeremy
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…
more -
Designing Schools for Belonging: Jordyn Zimmerman on Inclusion and AAC Tools
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....
-
Disability Justice and Inclusion: Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards Speak Out
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…
more -
How Madison Tevlin Redefines Disability in Media and Hollywood
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...
-
General Education Has to Be for Everyone
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...
-
Navigating School Leadership in Chaotic Times: A Conversation with Will Parker
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...
-
How to Talk to People You Disagree With—Insights from Brit Barron
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...
-
Radical Listening: How Jack Pearpoint’s Punk Rock Spirit Shaped Inclusive Education
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...
-
Navigating Political Challenges in Education—Advice from Jennifer Gonzalez
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...
-
Cathi Davis on Creating Schools Where Every Learner Belongs
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…
more -
The Ride Ahead: Samuel and Dan Habib on Disability, Storytelling, and Inclusion
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…
more -
Think Inclusive Trailer
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...
-
Elizabeth Bonker: Empowering Nonspeakers with Communication and Education
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...
-
Transforming California Education: EmbraceAbilities Drives Inclusive Change
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 Reily and Kristen Danhour Stanke, two educational...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Think Inclusive have?
Think Inclusive currently has 241 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Think Inclusive about?
Think Inclusive brings you real conversations about building schools where every learner belongs.
How often does Think Inclusive release new episodes?
Think Inclusive publishes regularly with 241 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Think Inclusive?
You can listen to Think Inclusive on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Think Inclusive?
Think Inclusive is created and hosted by Tim Villegas.
URL copied to clipboard!