Development Desk

In Part 2, Ana and Amanda move into the hard conversations parents don’t always know how to name—classroom behavior, discipline, sensory overwhelm, and when advocacy feels necessary but uncomfortable. They unpack what schools are required to do, why parents often feel brushed off, and how direct, documented communication can change the trajectory for a child. Woven throughout is a candid discussion about screen limits, social media pressure, and how our own upbringing influences the boundaries we set today.https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk

Many parents are shocked and frustrated when a child has a medical diagnosis of autism but does not qualify for Autism services at school. This episode breaks down why that disconnect exists by clearly explaining the educational eligibility criteria used by schools in Texas, without clinical jargon or DSM language. Parents will walk away with clarity on what schools are legally required to evaluate, what “educational impact” really means, and why a diagnosis alone does not automatically trigger services. The goal is understanding, not dismissal—and empowerment, not confusion.https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk

In this first conversation of a new parent interview series, Ana sits down with her longtime friend Amanda to talk honestly about raising a middle schooler in today’s world. What begins as light banter quickly unfolds into a thoughtful discussion about identity, safety, values, academic pressure, and the emotional weight parents quietly carry while trying to do right by their kids. Together, they explore how parenting decisions aren’t always about the “right” answer, but about resilience, trust, and choosing the lessons we want our children to carry forward. This episode is a reminder that there is no perfect parenting, only intentional parenting.https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk

After school is when many children unravel and parents are left wondering why homework feels impossible. In this episode, we unpack what’s really happening neurologically and emotionally after a long school day, and why dysregulation is not defiance. You’ll learn practical, realistic strategies to help your child decompress, transition, and approach homework with less resistance. The takeaway: smoother evenings start with regulation, not pressure.https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk

What does it mean for a child or teen to become emotionally independent—and how can parents support that journey without pushing too soon? In this episode, Dr. Verenice D’Santiago-Eastman helps us unpack age-appropriate milestones of emotional growth and shares practical tools to help kids name their thoughts, challenge unhelpful patterns, and build their own self-regulation toolkit. From mindfulness to journaling to the right questions at the right time, this conversation will help parents support reflection without pressure.https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk

In this episode, we sit down with Claudia Flores, a seasoned Speech-Language Pathologist who has spent over a decade working across medical and school settings. Claudia brings a wealth of experience and a heart for empowering families, educators, and students with language needs. Together, we dive into the power of early intervention, how parents can naturally support their child’s communication at home, and why genuine collaboration between parents and teachers matters more than ever.You’ll also hear Claudia’s perspective on what real appreciation for teachers looks like and how small shifts in understanding can make a big difference for every child. You’ll walk away with simple, practical tools to boost your child’s communication skills—and a deeper understanding of how to partner effectively with educators for your child’s success.https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk

What happens when schools ask for more family engagement — but parents and teachers are already burned out? In Part 2 of our conversation, Dr. Cassie Romo shares real talk on balancing school expectations with family capacity, designing events that actually work for communities, and how to partner with grace on both sides.We also explore meaningful inclusion for students with disabilities and how educators and families can keep the child at the center — even when resources are stretched.This episode is for any parent or teacher looking to build bridges, not burnout.https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk

Dr. Cassie Romo has sat on both sides of the IEP table — as a school administrator and as a parent of a child with Down syndrome. In this powerful conversation, she opens up about what it means to advocate for your child, the overwhelm parents face in special education, and the communication gaps that often leave families feeling lost.We talk about why your voice matters, even when you feel unsure, and how schools can create more compassionate spaces for parents navigating complex decisions.If you’ve ever second-guessed yourself in a meeting or worried about being “too much,” this episode is your reminder: you are your child’s best advocate.https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk

In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Ashley Sommerhalder, we dig into the “what now?”—the screenings, tests, and small shifts that can make a big difference when you’re feeling off. We discuss why traditional doctor visits often fall short, how to advocate for yourself when labs say you’re “normal,” and why so many women feel dismissed in medical spaces. Ashley shares one accessible habit that improves mood, hormone regulation, and family connection—without costing a dime.This is your permission to stop brushing off your symptoms. When moms feel better, families function better.What’s one small shift you can make this week to prioritize your health without guilt?https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk

What if your brain fog, fatigue, or irritability isn’t “just parenting”—but a deeper signal from your body? In Part 1 of this powerful conversation, Dr. Ashley Sommerhalder, a board-certified family medicine physician and menopause practitioner, helps us understand the hidden hormonal shifts that shape our mood, energy, and relationships at home. From postpartum changes to perimenopause symptoms that start earlier than most women realize, we unpack how hormones can impact executive functioning, emotional regulation, and parenting confidence—long before hot flashes ever show up.Whether you’re in your 30s or 50s, this episode is a reminder: your health affects your whole household. What have you been chalking up to “just stress”—that might be worth investigating further?https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk

In this episode, we sit down with Thomas Jonathan Maese—an MTSS/504 Coordinator, teacher mentor, and community-rooted educator who brings a unique lens to inclusive education. From early childhood to secondary classrooms, Thomas has worked across age groups and systems, always centering students who are neurodiverse or behaviorally complex. We explore how schools can better support diverse learners, what makes a 504 plan meaningful, and why teacher recognition matters more than we think. Plus, Thomas shares insights from his work with Head Start and the teacher-owned coffee business he co-runs.Every child deserves a system that sees their potential—and every great teacher deserves to be seen, too.https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk

When kids act out, it’s easy to focus on what they did—but the real power lies in understanding why. In this short but impactful episode, we explore the four functions of behavior using the EATS framework: Escape, Attention, Tangibles, and Sensory. These simple categories help decode the reasons behind challenging behaviors—at home, at school, or anywhere in between.Whether your child is throwing tantrums, interrupting constantly, or melting down over screen time, this episode will give you tools to respond with insight instead of frustration. You’ll leave with a clearer lens and a new question to ask:What is my child trying to communicate through this behavior?🎧 Tune in for practical examples, calming mindset shifts, and one powerful takeaway: Behavior is communication.https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk

What can a barber’s chair reveal about parenting, behavior, and childhood development? In this episode, Ana sits down with Paddie, a skilled barber and studio owner who’s spent years observing family dynamics while shaping up hairlines. From managing sensory needs for kids on the spectrum to noticing how discipline styles show up in the barber chair, Paddie brings a grounded, insightful, and refreshingly honest take on what today’s kids—and their parents—are navigating.https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk

With decades of experience in both schools and private practice, Emilie of Stonebridge Behavioral Alliance joins us to unpack the powerful role psychological evaluations can play in a child’s life. We explore how assessments can open doors to services, bridge gaps between clinic and campus, and equip families with clarity and confidence. Emilie offers practical guidance for parents and professionals alike—rooted in compassion, advocacy, and deep systems knowledge.https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk

When it comes to your child’s education, your voice matters. In this episode, we unpack the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process—what it is, why your attendance is critical, and how you can show up prepared. From knowing what to focus on during the meeting to organizing your records for the long haul, this conversation will help you feel less overwhelmed and more empowered.You don’t have to know all the acronyms—you just have to know your child. And when you bring that perspective into the IEP meeting, you’re already the most important advocate at the table.https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk

The move from elementary to middle school is more than just a change in classrooms—it’s a shift in identity, independence, and expectations. In this episode, school psychologist Anna Martinez brings her unique lens from both elementary and middle school campuses to unpack what this transition really looks like for kids. Together, we explore how parents can build emotional resilience, foster self-advocacy, and prepare their children for the academic and social challenges ahead. Whether your child is nervous or eager, this conversation offers insights to help you lead with confidence and connection.Leave with tools and talking points to strengthen your child’s emotional toolkit—and your own peace of mind—as you both step into the middle school years.https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk

When should you request a school evaluation for your child? In this episode, Ana breaks down the key signs parents should pay attention to—academic red flags, behavior or attention concerns, and communication or developmental delays. You’ll learn what these early indicators can mean, how evaluations open doors to supports like speech therapy, occupational therapy, or special education, and why trusting your instincts as a parent matters.Knowing when to act can change the trajectory of your child’s learning. If something feels “off,” you don’t have to wait—an evaluation can be the first step toward clarity and support.https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk

In this empowering episode, Dr. Verenice D’Santiago-Eastman—a licensed psychologist and school psychologist—shares how we can support preteens and adolescents navigating anxiety and depression. From fostering independence to using motivational interviewing, Dr. Eastman offers practical, parent-friendly strategies to build confidence and emotional insight in kids. She also spotlights helpful tools like Let Grow and Common Sense Media for families ready to take the next step.Takeaway for Listeners: How might your child grow if they believed in their own ability to cope, reflect, and reset? https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk

After a meaningful run co-hosted by Ana and Jessica, Brainwaves & Backpacks is closing its final chapter—and opening the door to a brand new one. In this special farewell episode, Ana shares a heartfelt message about the journey, the lessons learned, and what’s ahead with the launch of her new podcast, Development Desk.If you’ve found insight, strength, or solidarity in these episodes, we invite you to continue the journey with us. Development Desk will carry forward the mission of empowering parents, demystifying school systems, and raising confident kids—with fresh energy, new topics, and the same heart.https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk