Chatting with Nicole Santiago from Family ADDventures

12/07/23 • 26 min

Welcome to another empowering episode of the "Don't IEP Alone" podcast! I'm your host, Lisa Lightner, and today, I am thrilled to have a special guest, Nicole Santiago, from Family Adventures. Nicole shares her incredible journey, transitioning from a dedicated Spanish teacher to becoming an advocate for children with diverse learning needs, driven by personal experiences with her own three children, each facing unique challenges.
In this episode, we delve into Nicole's inspiring advocacy work, from her experiences in the education system to her unexpected role in training the San Antonio Police Department on understanding and responding to individuals with neurodivergent needs. Nicole's commitment to breaking down barriers and keeping children out of the school-to-prison pipeline is truly commendable.
We also explore her involvement in supporting a family facing challenges with their church, highlighting the ongoing struggle for inclusivity and understanding within religious communities. Nicole's insights into the complexities of advocating for neurodivergent individuals offer valuable lessons for listeners passionate about making a positive impact.
Tune in, connect with Nicole:
https://familyaddventures.com/

https://twitter.com/famADDventures

https://www.facebook.com/familyADDventures

https://www.instagram.com/familyaddventures/

If you've ever wondered about stepping into advocacy or are seeking inspiration for your journey, this episode is a must-listen. Remember, you don't have to navigate the world of IEPs alone!

Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate

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https://twitter.com/famADDventures

https://www.facebook.com/familyADDventures

https://www.instagram.com/familyaddventures/

If you've ever wondered about stepping into advocacy or are seeking inspiration for your journey, this episode is a must-listen. Remember, you don't have to navigate the world of IEPs alone!

Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate

Thank you for listening to this episode of Don't IEP Alone. See you next time!

Support the show

📣 Exciting News! You can now preorder my book on Amazon, Books-A-Million, Bookshop.org or Barnes & Noble! 📣

📚 Bookshop.org has it on sale! 📚

More IEP help for you--at home or at school--
📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff)

📒 Free IEP Binder for Parents

☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents

🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents

👩‍💻 Online Advocacy Training

🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question

🧰 ...

Previous Episode

Gotcha

Welcome, everyone! I'm Lisa Lightner, and I'm thrilled to bring you another episode of "Don't IEP Alone." Whether you're tuning in on YouTube or on different podcast platforms, or catching up with me on LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Instagram, I'm glad you're here. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode.
I want to delve into the concept of "gotcha." Four specific situations have recently come up where parents felt they had the upper hand, armed with what they believed were game-changing pieces of information. But does a gotcha moment really work in the world of IEPs?
To clarify, a gotcha is like saying, "I've got you" to surprise or frighten someone, indicating an advantage. I've encountered parents who believe they've caught their IEP team in a gotcha moment, armed with information that should lead to positive changes. However, it's crucial to understand why this approach often falls short.
Parents, understandably frustrated and feeling extra pressure in the current climate, bring forth information they believe will change the game. But having a gotcha doesn't necessarily result in the outcomes parents hope for.

Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate

Thank you for listening to this episode of Don't IEP Alone. See you next time!

Support the show

📣 Exciting News! You can now preorder my book on Amazon, Books-A-Million, Bookshop.org or Barnes & Noble! 📣

📚 Bookshop.org has it on sale! 📚

More IEP help for you--at home or at school--
📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff)

📒 Free IEP Binder for Parents

☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents

🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents

👩‍💻 Online Advocacy Training

🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question

🧰 ...

Next Episode

Raising Awareness: Women, Alcohol, and the Path to Healing and Empowerment

Welcome to a special series on "Don't IEP Alone", where we delve into the important and often overlooked topic of women and alcohol. In this powerful three-part series, we will explore personal stories, challenges, and resources related to this issue. In the first episode, our host Lisa Lightner shares a deeply personal story about her own experiences with alcoholism in her family and her journey to understanding the impact it has had on her life.
Through this raw and honest narrative, she brings to light the stigma surrounding addiction and the reality many women face. Join us as we shine a light on this important topic and provide resources for those in need of support. Thank you for listening.
More on Quit Lit: https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/01/19/quit-lit-women-drinking-addiction/

Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate

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