The SENIA Happy Hour Podcast
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- 137
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- Letzte Folge
- 27. Okt. 2026
Über den Podcast
Where the international education community meets to talk inclusion. Join Lori Boll for deep dives with experts and families into creating more accessible, supportive, and diverse learning environments. Let’s make the world more inclusive, one conversation at a time.
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#128 Escola Americana do Rio De Janeiro
The conversation with Cody Alton from EARJ covers topics such as the school's unique structure, navigating a new role, legal landscape and inclusion challenges, responsible inclusion and capacity stretch …
Shownotes
The conversation with Cody Alton from EARJ covers topics such as the school's unique structure, navigating a new role, legal landscape and inclusion challenges, responsible inclusion and capacity stretch, developing support for gifted learners, next steps and leadership transition, and the school's connection with SENIA. The discussion highlights the intentional and thoughtful approach of EARJ towards every student's learning process, as well as the school's commitment to inclusion and community building.
Takeaways
- Unique structure of EARJ with two campuses and diverse pathways
- Challenges and opportunities in responsible inclusion and capacity stretch
Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction to EARJ
- 01:14 EARJ's Unique Structure
- 03:10 Navigating a New Role
- 10:06 Legal Landscape and Inclusion Challenges
- 16:12 Responsible Inclusion and Capacity Stretch
- 26:12 Developing Support for Gifted Learners
- 34:19 Next Steps and Leadership Transition
- 36:52 Connection with SENIA
#127 Adult Behaviors, Student Outcomes
Dr. Clay Cook discusses the importance of implementation science, adult behavior change, and the challenges faced in school communities. He emphasizes the need for readiness, shared ownership, and collaboration …
Shownotes
Dr. Clay Cook discusses the importance of implementation science, adult behavior change, and the challenges faced in school communities. He emphasizes the need for readiness, shared ownership, and collaboration in the implementation process. Additionally, he highlights the role of leadership and the impact of cultural diversity on implementation. Dr. Cook also shares insights into the work of Character Strong and his upcoming participation in a conference in Jakarta.
Takeaways
- Implementation science is essential for facilitating the adoption and high fidelity use of evidence-based practices.
- Shared ownership and collaboration are crucial for successful implementation in school communities.
- Cultural diversity and context adaptation play a significant role in the implementation process.
Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction to Implementation Science
- 03:01 The Impact of Adult Behavior Change
- 04:26 Understanding Implementation and Evidence-Based Practices
- 07:38 Challenges in Implementation and Readiness
- 09:46 Leadership and Shared Ownership
- 19:03 Adapting Implementation to Cultural Diversity
- 23:28 Character Strong and Conference Participation
#126 International School of Tanganyika
What does inclusion look like when an entire school works together to support every learner?In our latest podcast episode, Pita-Gay Nelson takes us inside the International School of Tanganyika and shares how …
Shownotes
What does inclusion look like when an entire school works together to support every learner?
In our latest podcast episode, Pita-Gay Nelson takes us inside the International School of Tanganyika and shares how its team is strengthening student support across a diverse, multilingual community.
From MTSS and co-teaching to booster groups, student voice, and thoughtful use of data, this conversation offers practical examples of inclusion in action.
Show #125 Introducing SENIA's Disability Inclusion Standards
In today’s podcast, we’re celebrating the release of this powerful new framework, created to help schools turn their commitment to inclusion into meaningful, consistent action.Host Lori Boll speaks with April …
Shownotes
In today’s podcast, we’re celebrating the release of this powerful new framework, created to help schools turn their commitment to inclusion into meaningful, consistent action.
Host Lori Boll speaks with April Remfrey, SENIA’s Director of Accreditation, about why the Standards were created, what authentic disability inclusion looks like, how assessment can support reflection and growth, how the voices of students, families, educators, and support staff can guide the work, and what’s next as SENIA develops even more tools and resources for schools.
Whether your school is beginning its inclusion journey or building on years of thoughtful work, this conversation offers inspiration and a practical place to start.
Spotlight School Series: #124 Schutz American School
What happens when a small school thinks big about meeting the needs of every learner?In this episode of the SENIA Happy Hour Podcast, Lori speaks with Heather Naro, Head of Schutz American School in Alexandria …
Shownotes
What happens when a small school thinks big about meeting the needs of every learner?
In this episode of the SENIA Happy Hour Podcast, Lori speaks with Heather Naro, Head of Schutz American School in Alexandria, Egypt, about the school’s personalized learning journey.
Schutz began with a thoughtful Grade 2 pilot—and the results have been powerful. Heather shares how personalized learning plans bring together student strengths, interests, goals, and assessment data to create learning experiences that offer both support and meaningful challenge.
Show # 124 SENIA Rewind: Processing Speed & Executive Functioning with Sarah Ward
Introducing SENIA Rewind…because great ideas are worth hearing more than once!In our first Rewind episode, host Lori Boll reconnects with executive function expert Sarah Ward for a fascinating conversation …
Shownotes
Introducing SENIA Rewind…because great ideas are worth hearing more than once!
In our first Rewind episode, host Lori Boll reconnects with executive function expert Sarah Ward for a fascinating conversation about processing speed: how learners take in information, organize it, and turn it into action.
Sarah reminds us that processing speed is not a measure of intelligence. Learners who process information differently may simply need more time, clearer routines, and support connecting familiar structures to new situations. This episode is filled with practical insights for educators and families alike.
Show #123 Jakarta Intercultural School
Our first Inclusion School Spotlight of the season is here, and we couldn’t imagine a more fitting place to begin!We’re celebrating Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS), the host of SENIA’s next in-person …
Shownotes
Our first Inclusion School Spotlight of the season is here, and we couldn’t imagine a more fitting place to begin!
We’re celebrating Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS), the host of SENIA’s next in-person conference: Championing Inclusion: Celebrating 25 Years of SENIA, taking place February 26–28, 2027.
For nearly 75 years, JIS has cultivated a community where belonging is woven into the fabric of school life. Across four campuses serving approximately 2,200 students, the school continues to expand inclusive practices, strengthen MTSS and UDL, and create individualized pathways that help every learner thrive.
In this episode, Head of School Maya Nelson shares how the JIS Learning Center is opening doors for more students, building meaningful connections across the school, and creating a community where every child is known, valued, and missed when they are absent.
As Maya reminds us, our job is to believe in students—because we never know how they will astound us.
What a joyful way to launch this season and begin the countdown to two extraordinary milestones: 75 years of JIS and 25 years of SENIA! We can’t wait to celebrate, learn, and champion inclusion together in Jakarta.
Show #122 Stories Build Belonging
On today’s Happy Hour podcast, host Lori Boll sits down with Rachael Thrash, Senior Director of Education and Innovation at Big Bad Boo Studios and author of Let the Learners Lead, for a thoughtful conversation …
Shownotes
On today’s Happy Hour podcast, host Lori Boll sits down with Rachael Thrash, Senior Director of Education and Innovation at Big Bad Boo Studios and author of Let the Learners Lead, for a thoughtful conversation about story-based learning, student voice, and inclusive communities.
Rachael shares how creative approaches to social-emotional learning and citizenship can help educators nurture belonging, connection, and agency in meaningful ways. With programs that have reached more than 3 million children worldwide, this episode offers practical insight and inspiration for anyone committed to building more inclusive learning environments.
Connect
Website: BigBadBoo
Website: Co-create Schools
Show #121 Executive Functioning K-3
Connect:Organized Binder Website Mitch’s LinkedinMitch’s EmailSarah’s WebsiteSarah’s LinkedInResources from Today's ShowHow to buy US Book Purchases: Book 1: Executive Functions for Every Classroom, Grades …
Shownotes
Connect:
Resources from Today's Show
How to buy
US Book Purchases:
- Book 1: Executive Functions for Every Classroom, Grades 3-12: Creating Safe and Predictable Learning Environments
- Book 2: Executive Functions for Every K-3 Classroom: Promoting Self-Regulation for a Strong Start
Outside of the US Book Purchases:
Show #120 Educator Burnout and Renewal
Connect:Website: Applied HarmonyLinkedinInstagram: @kat_huelsResources From Today’s Show:Katrina’s booksTransformational Tools for Special Educators: How to Beat Burnout and Become the Best at What You DoThe …
Shownotes
Connect:
Website: Applied Harmony
Instagram: @kat_huels
Resources From Today’s Show:
Katrina’s books
Transformational Tools for Special Educators: How to Beat Burnout and Become the Best at What You Do
How We Feel App (Yale)
Show #119 Unmasking Imposter Syndrome
In today’s episode of the podcast, host Lori Boll speaks with Dr. Gary Roberts-Walker (they/them), Assistant Professor at National University and global educator, about imposter syndrome and how it quietly …
Shownotes
In today’s episode of the podcast, host Lori Boll speaks with Dr. Gary Roberts-Walker (they/them), Assistant Professor at National University and global educator, about imposter syndrome and how it quietly influences educators, parents, and professionals who support neurodivergent and disabled students.
From explaining away success to hesitating to step into new opportunities, imposter syndrome often shows up in subtle language and internal dialogue. Dr. Gary offers practical tools for recognizing the signs, reframing self-talk, and building a trusted “power of five” support circle to grow into the next level of identity with confidence.
A thoughtful conversation for anyone doing important work while quietly questioning whether they belong.
Connect
Show #117 Hangzhou International School
On today’s episode, host Lori Boll speaks with Reabetswe Maarohanye, Lower School Student Support Leader at Hangzhou International School, about what it truly means to build inclusive systems that serve …
Shownotes
On today’s episode, host Lori Boll speaks with Reabetswe Maarohanye, Lower School Student Support Leader at Hangzhou International School, about what it truly means to build inclusive systems that serve students first.
“We don’t ask if a student is good enough for HIS, we ask if HIS is good enough for the student.”
The conversation explores how this belief shows up in daily practice through a collaborative student support model that blends EAL and learning support, a schoolwide wellness and SEL program, and intentional MTSS problem-solving. Reabetswe also shares how aligning UDL and WIDA standards helps ensure multilingual learners can fully access the curriculum.
🎧 Tune in for a thoughtful, practice-driven discussion on inclusion, collaboration, and designing schools around student needs
Connect
- Website: Hangzhou International School
- LinkedIn: Hangzhou International School
- Reabetswe’s LinkedIn
- Reabetswe’s email
Resources from Today's Show
Show #118 Speech Therapy Beyond the Early Years
Today on the podcast, host Lori Boll is joined Hallie Sherman, a licensed speech-language pathologist, author of the new book The Secondary SLP Roadmap, and the CEO behind Speech Time Fun, where she creates …
Shownotes
Today on the podcast, host Lori Boll is joined Hallie Sherman, a licensed speech-language pathologist, author of the new book The Secondary SLP Roadmap, and the CEO behind Speech Time Fun, where she creates materials, training, and support for SLPs working with students in grades 4 through 12. After 17 years in New York public schools, Hallie learned early on what it really takes to motivate older students, build confidence, and help language skills transfer into real classroom progress. In this conversation, Hallie and Lori dig into what speech therapy can look like in the upper grades, the misconceptions that still linger, and practical strategies teachers can use right away to support language and learning.
Connect
Resources from Today's Show
Diffit: AI differentiation tool
Podcasserole:
Show # 116 International Community School, Addis
On today’s episode, Lori is joined by Reneé Foster, Director of Student Support Services at ICS Addis in Ethiopia. With more than twenty-five years of experience in education, Reneé has worked across …
Shownotes
On today’s episode, Lori is joined by Reneé Foster, Director of Student Support Services at ICS Addis in Ethiopia. With more than twenty-five years of experience in education, Reneé has worked across international and U.S. school settings as a secondary inclusion coordinator, learning support teacher, and bilingual specialist. She brings a deep commitment to inclusion, student voice, and building systems that ensure all learners belong and thrive.
In this conversation, Reneé shares how responsible inclusion comes to life at ICS Addis, from culturally rooted community practices to intentional collaboration across student support teams. The episode explores MTSS, post-secondary transitions, empowering educational assistants, and the importance of shifting from deficit-based thinking to strength-based, asset-focused practices. Reneé also reflects on leadership, growth, and why inclusive systems must be viewed as an ongoing journey rather than a finished destination.
Connect:
Show #114 International School Kenya
ConnectWebsite: International School KenyaResources from Today's ShowASDANSTEPS CommunityISLES Collaborative
Show #113 Solving for Why- Math is for ALL learners
ConnectWebsite: All Learners NetworkFacebookInstagramXLinkedInJohn’s email: [email protected] from Today's ShowJohn’s book: Solving for Why: Understanding, Assessing, and Teaching …
Shownotes
Show #112 Western Academy Beijing
Connect:Website: Western Academy BeijingWAB’s LinkedinResources mentioned on today’s show:Connected Ecosystem graphic
Show #111 American School of Asunción
This week’s episode features Silvia Zanotti de Brozzon, Deputy Director General at the American School of Asunción, and Bethany Blevins, ASA’s Director of Student Services.Silvia and Bethany share how their …
Shownotes
This week’s episode features Silvia Zanotti de Brozzon, Deputy Director General at the American School of Asunción, and Bethany Blevins, ASA’s Director of Student Services.
Silvia and Bethany share how their small-but-mighty school is strengthening inclusion through aligned systems, strong family partnerships, intentional bilingual support, and a growing culture of belonging. They reflect on insights gained from the Expanding and Enhancing Student Support Program Summer Institute, how teacher collaboration has transformed student support, and why expanding access for neurodivergent students is becoming a key part of ASA’s future vision.
It’s an inspiring conversation about what inclusion looks like in practice, and how schools can continue moving forward no matter where they are on their journey.
Connect:
Website: American School of Asunción
Resources in Today’s Show:
TOPS- Teacher Observation of Potential in Students
Safe Schools Safe Communities Survey
Show #110 Universal Design, Universal Belonging
Today, Lori speaks with Dr. Katie Novak, Founder and CEO of Novak Educational Consulting. Katie is an experienced educator, bestselling author, adjunct instructor at the University of Pennsylvania, global …
Shownotes
Today, Lori speaks with Dr. Katie Novak, Founder and CEO of Novak Educational Consulting. Katie is an experienced educator, bestselling author, adjunct instructor at the University of Pennsylvania, global keynote speaker, and one of the leading voices in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS).
Known for her clarity, courage, and contagious energy, Katie has helped schools around the world rethink how they design systems, lessons, and professional learning so every student — and every teacher — can thrive. In this conversation, she shares what UDL really means, why Tier 1 instruction is where inclusion begins, and how schools can move from good intentions to truly accessible, equitable practice.
Connect
Website: Novak Education
LinkedIn: Novak Educational Consulting
Book Recommendation: Subtract
Blog: How to Support, Challenge, and Engage Gifted and Twice Exceptional Students in Your Classroom
Slides that include a prompt to create a rubric that goes to mastery and beyond
Evidence-Based Intervention Resources
In ESSA for Evidence, find evidence-rated programs in reading, math, SEL, and attendance. Filter by grade band, setting, and subgroup to build a shortlist of programs to explore!
“Evidence-based” at Tier 2 means that the intervention program has been demonstrated through rigorous research to have a positive impact on target outcomes for students at risk, when delivered with fidelity.
Learn more about the tools and strategies with this evidence below.
“Evidence-based” at Tier 3 means that the interventionist is following the data-based individualization (DBI) process with fidelity, making iterative adaptations as needed to an intervention platform, using their clinical judgment and expertise based on analysis of student data.
Learn more about this in one of the links below.
Show #109 Surabaya Intercultural School
On today’s SENIA Inclusion Spotlight Series episode, host Lori Boll speaks with Yaśodā Deva from Surabaya Intercultural School in Indonesia.Though Surabaya is a small school, Yaśodā and her team are making a …
Shownotes
On today’s SENIA Inclusion Spotlight Series episode, host Lori Boll speaks with Yaśodā Deva from Surabaya Intercultural School in Indonesia.
Though Surabaya is a small school, Yaśodā and her team are making a big impact, from year-round disability awareness to creative community partnerships and expanding supports for diverse learners.
Listen in and be inspired by their commitment to inclusion that reaches far beyond school walls.
#SENIA #Inclusion #Education #SpotlightSeries
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Surabaya Intercultural School
Show #108 American International School Johannesburg
Connect:Website: American International School JohannesburgLaura’s LinkedIn
Show #107 Solving Problems Before They Become Problems
Join Lori Boll and Social Thinking founder Michelle Garcia Winner as they dive into the How to Solve Problems Before They Become Problems framework—an easy-to-use think sheet that guides students to identify …
Shownotes
Join Lori Boll and Social Thinking founder Michelle Garcia Winner as they dive into the How to Solve Problems Before They Become Problems framework—an easy-to-use think sheet that guides students to identify challenges, explore multiple choices, anticipate what happens next, and manage anxiety.
This conversation offers practical strategies for teachers, counselors, and parents to build flexible thinking and strengthen executive functioning.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts, and SENIA members can also watch the video on Mighty Networks. Either way, you can access the template and start using this strategy right away.
Connect:
Resources From Today’s Show:
Inclusion Spotlight Series: Show #106 The KAUST School
Today we’re joined by Zachary Berezowski, Director of Student Support Services at The KAUST School in Saudi Arabia, a proud SENIA Member School. With over 16 years in education, Zach is a passionate advocate …
Shownotes
Today we’re joined by Zachary Berezowski, Director of Student Support Services at The KAUST School in Saudi Arabia, a proud SENIA Member School. With over 16 years in education, Zach is a passionate advocate for inclusive practices and student-centered learning. At KAUST, he leads the school’s commitment to “finding the yes”, partnering with families and staff to ensure every student has a pathway to belonging and success. Located on the Red Sea within the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology community, KAUST serves nearly 2,000 students from more than 70 nationalities and offers the full IB continuum. With its vibrant diversity and focus on inclusion, KAUST stands as a model of personalized learning and cultural connection.
Connect:
Website: The KAUST School
Show #105 Everything is Possible with Connection
Connect:Ginger’s WebsiteLinkedInResources From Today’s Show:Ginger’s Book: Connectivity CanonTED Talk: “To Love is to Be Brave”
Show #103 Osaka YMCA International School
Welcome to the Inclusion Spotlight Series on the SENIA Happy Hour Podcast. In this series, we showcase SENIA member schools and their inclusive practices—sharing successes, challenges, and strategies with MTSS …
Shownotes
Welcome to the Inclusion Spotlight Series on the SENIA Happy Hour Podcast. In this series, we showcase SENIA member schools and their inclusive practices—sharing successes, challenges, and strategies with MTSS, UDL, and student support. Our aim is to celebrate schools, build collective knowledge, and inspire inclusion at every stage of the journey.Today’s guest is **Laura Austin**, Head of Inclusion at Osaka YMCA International School in Japan. With over 30 years of experience in education across four continents, Laura brings a global perspective to creating inclusive schools. At her small IB school in Osaka, she leads efforts to ensure every student has equal access to learning—using Universal Design for Learning, multi-tiered systems of support, and creative small-school solutions.
Connect:
Website: Osaka YMCA International School
Laura’s LinkedInResources From Today’s Show:
Show #102 The Harm We Don’t See
In this episode of the SENIA Happy Hour, Lori Boll sits down with Matthew Savage, architect of The Mona Lisa Effect®, to explore what true belonging looks like in schools. Together they discuss the barriers …
Shownotes
In this episode of the SENIA Happy Hour, Lori Boll sits down with Matthew Savage, architect of The Mona Lisa Effect®, to explore what true belonging looks like in schools. Together they discuss the barriers, both visible and invisible, that exclude students, the hidden exhaustion of camouflaging, and why schools are only as inclusive as the experience of their least included member. This honest and inspiring conversation challenges us to rethink inclusion and reminds us that every learner deserves to be seen, heard, known, and to belong.
Connect:Martian in the Playground
Pretending to Be Normal
Note: Both of these books reference the term “Asperger’s Syndrome,” which is no longer in use. Current language reflects our growing understanding of autism and neurodivergence.
Resources From Today’s Show:
Show # 101: The Zones of Regulation, Reimagined
In this episode, host Lori Boll welcomes back Leah Kuypers, creator of The Zones of Regulation, for a deeper dive into her groundbreaking framework. Leah shares how the Zones have evolved, the impact of their …
Shownotes
In this episode, host Lori Boll welcomes back Leah Kuypers, creator of The Zones of Regulation, for a deeper dive into her groundbreaking framework. Leah shares how the Zones have evolved, the impact of their new digital version, and how they align with inclusive, trauma-informed, and neurodiversity-affirming practices. Together, they explore the power of co-regulation, offer practical tips for general ed classrooms—and even dream up a Zones-inspired mocktail. Tune in for insights, inspiration, and a sneak peek at an exciting 2026 collaboration!
Show #100 Looking Back, Moving Forward
For the past five years, the SENIA Happy Hour Podcast has been a platform for powerful stories—stories from global experts, passionate parent and student advocates, and most importantly, individuals with …
Shownotes
For the past five years, the SENIA Happy Hour Podcast has been a platform for powerful stories—stories from global experts, passionate parent and student advocates, and most importantly, individuals with disabilities. Each conversation has brought us closer to SENIA International’s mission of creating truly inclusive learning environments around the world. These voices have sparked change, challenged long-held assumptions, and reminded us that meaningful inclusion starts by listening.
To help us celebrate our 100th episode, we’re joined by someone who helped shape the very foundation of SENIA: Tanya Farrol.
A founding member and now SENIA’s Chairperson, Tanya has dedicated over two decades to inclusive education in international schools across Haiti, Egypt, England, China, and now Nanjing. She has hosted SENIA conferences, supported our Scholarships and Awards program, and helped guide SENIA-Beijing for more than a decade.
In this special episode, Tanya shares the story of SENIA’s beginnings, reflects on the journey so far, and offers her vision for the future of inclusion worldwide. From Canada to Nanjing and beyond, her unwavering dedication continues to inspire our community.
Connect:
Show 99 Navigating Your Normal
In today's episode, host Lori Boll speaks with Vanessa Vanek—a fiber and digital media artist, international educator, and proud disabled woman—on the SENIA Happy Hour Podcast.Vanessa shares how her lived …
Shownotes
In today's episode, host Lori Boll speaks with Vanessa Vanek—a fiber and digital media artist, international educator, and proud disabled woman—on the SENIA Happy Hour Podcast.
Vanessa shares how her lived experience with Spina Bifida has shaped both her art and her teaching. From Kansas to Shanghai, her story is a powerful reminder that beauty doesn’t live in society’s view of perfection—it lives in authenticity, vulnerability, and bold creative expression.
We talk about:
How art can challenge ideas of beauty and normalcy
What it’s like teaching across cultures as a disabled educator
Why inclusive classrooms need representation in every brushstroke
Practical tips for teachers who want to bring disability inclusion into the art room
You don’t want to miss this one. Tune in and be inspired.
Connect:Resources From Today’s Show:
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