Not Your Average School Psychologist Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Promoting Positive Practices in the Classroom with Dr. Brandi Simonsen Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to Season 7 of Not Your Average School Psychologist!

On today's episode of Not Your Average School Psychologist, we talked with Dr. Brandi Simonsen. Dr. Simonsen shared her expertise on classroom practices and highlighted three simple, essential strategies that educators can use to make a meaningful impact on student behavior. She explained how school staff can create positive classroom environments with the support of a new free professional development webinar series.

For information about the free Promoting Positive Practice in the Classroom webinar series, visit here: https://www.pbis.org/event-series/promoting-positive-practice-in-the-classroom-webinars

For information on the Be+ app, visit here: https://www.pbis.org/announcements/track-positive-reinforcement-with-our-be-app

For more information about CES, visit us at www.centerforeffectiveschools.org.

The Comprehensive Integrated Three-Tiered (Ci3T) Model of Prevention with Dr. Katheen Lane Jun 08, 2026

Show notes

In our final episode of Season 6, we talked with Dr. Kathleen Lane about the comprehensive, integrated, three-tiered (Ci3T) model of prevention. Our listeners will hear about universal screening, building on existing successful practices, and adapting strategies for an integrated model across behavior, academics, and mental health. Keep listening to the end to her inspirational message of hope!

The Science of Math with Dr. VanDerHeyden May 25, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode of Not Your Average School Psychologist, Dr. Amanda VanDerHeyden talked about the science of math, which isn’t that much different than you may think from the science of reading. We also talked about math screening and classwide math intervention, as well as the development of SpringMath as a tool for math assessment and intervention. It’s a great episode for those of you who want to know more about math!

For information, visit here: https://springmath.org/.

For more information, visit us at www.centerforeffectiveschools.org.

School Psychologists in Administrator Roles with Dr. Katzenmoyer May 11, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode of Not Your Average School Psychologist, Dr. Colleen Katzenmoyer talks to us about school psychologists serving in the role of administrator. Dr. Katezenmoyer provides recommendations for becoming an administrator coming from a non-instructional position and shares meaningful tips on how to be an effective administrator by connecting with staff and students. Listen in for how you can make sure that the students in your setting are “in good hands.”

Large-Scale Systems Level Change with Dr. Runge Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

On today’s episode of Not Your Average School Psychologist, Dr. Tim Runge talked about his work at the state-wide level, implementing large-scale change in educational practices across Pennsylvania. He shared his experiences implementing a state-wide adoption of Integrated Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (IMTSS), including recommendations for how to apply basic consultation skills in larger contexts. Listen for tips on how to meet schools where they are and how to start small to make big changes a reality.

Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) website: https://www.pattan.net/

Pennsylvania Intermediate Unit (IU) map: https://gis.penndot.gov/bpr_pdf_files/maps/education/statewide_iu_and_districts_web_map.pdf

For more information, visit us at www.centerforeffectiveschools.org.

Peer-Mediated Interventions as Effective Strategies to Empower Black Youth with Dr. Collins Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode of Not Your Average School Psychologist, Dr. Tai Collins talked about the effectiveness of peer-mediated interventions in supporting students’ academic and behavioral success. He also offered recommendations for adapting interventions to fit a school’s context. Through his description of building authentic opportunities for peer-mediated interventions, Dr. Collins shared tips on how to use problem-solving skills to build on students’ strengths, and how peer-mediated interventions offer unique opportunities to deliver effective interventions for Black youth and to empower minority students as leaders.For more information, visit us at www.centerforeffectiveschools.org.

Teaching Emotion Coping Strategies with Dr. Chafouleas Mar 30, 2026

Show notes

In today's episode of Not Your Average School Psychologist, Dr. Sandy Chafouleas talked about the Feel Your Best Self Toolkit, which focuses on teaching students skills in emotion coping strategies. We learn more about the program, and most importantly about puppets! Stay to the end to hear some great advice on how we can grow by getting out of our silos. Happy listening!

Check out the Feel Your Best Self Toolkit here: https://www.feelyourbestself.org/

For more information, visit us at www.centerforeffectiveschools.org.

Supporting Neurodivergent Students from a Multidisciplinary Approach Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode of Not Your Average School Psychologist, we talked with Ms. Jen Wilger and Dr. Mary Kay Braccio of the Temple Grandin School. They shared about the Temple Grandin School model and approach for educating and supporting neurodivergent students to meet their educational and personal goals. Ms. Wilger and Dr. Braccio highlighted core elements of an effective approach to working with neurodivergent students and the importance of grounding everything we do in a foundation of support and collaboration with multi-disciplinary colleagues, with families, and with students. They share an important reminder for all of us, that we are all “always working on something.”

For more information, visit us at www.centerforeffectiveschools.org.

We Are More Than “Just” School Psychologists with Ms. Rader Kelly Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to our Season 6 preview to celebrate NASP week!

In this episode, we talked with Shawna Rader Kelly, a NASP leader and school-based school psychologist who shared her experiences from her positions in practice and leadership. She talked about finding the “not-so-average" in everything we do as school psychologists, from identifying small ways to start raising our voices in advocacy, to empowering each other, to using our problem-solving skills to address common challenges in school systems. Shawna also shared her goals for NASP's Excellence in School Psychological Services designation for districts and tips for how it can be used as a helpful guide for all school psychologists.

For more information, visit us at www.centerforeffectiveschools.org.

School Psychologists' Role in Early Education with Dr. Hojnoski Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

In our Season 5 finale episode of Not Your Average School Psychologist, we talked with Dr. Robin Hojnoski about the role of school psychologists in early education and in non-traditional settings. Dr. Hojnoski shared how school psychologists in traditional roles could make more intentional, proactive connections with early childhood settings. Dr. Hojnoski also talked about the application of her school psychology background across multiple non-traditional roles in education. Listen in for how to apply the NASP Practice Model as a guide for your work in any setting.

For more information, visit us at www.centerforeffectiveschools.org.

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