The SENIA Happy Hour Podcast

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.TakeawaysUnique structure of EARJ with two campuses and diverse pathwaysChallenges and opportunities in responsible inclusion and capacity stretchChapters00:00 Introduction to EARJ01:14 EARJ's Unique Structure03:10 Navigating a New Role10:06 Legal Landscape and Inclusion Challenges16:12 Responsible Inclusion and Capacity Stretch26:12 Developing Support for Gifted Learners34:19 Next Steps and Leadership Transition36:52 Connection with SENIA

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.TakeawaysImplementation 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Implementation Science03:01 The Impact of Adult Behavior Change04:26 Understanding Implementation and Evidence-Based Practices07:38 Challenges in Implementation and Readiness09:46 Leadership and Shared Ownership19:03 Adapting Implementation to Cultural Diversity23:28 Character Strong and Conference Participation

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.ConnectWebsite: BigBadBooWebsite: Co-create SchoolsLinkedin

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 3-12: Creating Safe and Predictable Learning EnvironmentsBook 2: Executive Functions for Every K-3 Classroom: Promoting Self-Regulation for a Strong StartOutside of the US Book Purchases: Book 1: Executive Functions for Every Classroom, Grades 3-12: Creating Safe and Predictable Learning EnvironmentsBook 2: Executive Functions for Every K-3 Classroom: Promoting Self-Regulation for a Strong Start

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 Motivation Toolkit: Cultivate Your Inner DriveHow We Feel App (Yale)