Episode 28 - Ms. Kate Witt

This week, I am joined by Ms. Kate Witt, a college student at the University of Alabama. Kate speaks about her learning difficulties with processing disorders and dyslexia while attending Catholic schools and now at the University of Alabama. Kate discusses how she compensated at an early age before being diagnosed and offers strategies for teachers to help students like herself. She comments how her disability is a “gift from God” and states “I’m so glad I’m dyslexic!” Kate is a remarkable example of what can happen when students with disabilities receive the right supports to succeed in Catholic school and how they can translate to the present day.

Episode 27 - Dr. Diane Starkovich

This week, I am joined by Dr. Diane Starkovich. Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Diane speaks about her journey to being superintendent in Atlanta as well as the background into the development of Catholic schools in Atlanta. Diane shares her vision for special education in her Archdiocese as well as the success students with disabilities are having through assessment and support systems available to them. For more information about Diane, please email her at DStarkovich@archatl.com. For more information about the Archdiocese of Atlanta Catholic Schools, please visit https://archatl.com/schools/why-catholic-schools/.

Dr. Brooke Tesché

On the first episode of 2018, I am once again joined by Dr. Brooke Tesché, Deputy Superintendent of Education for the Diocese of Allentown in Pennsylvania. Brooke discusses the varied roles of assessment in the classroom especially as to how it pertains to students with disabilities. She discusses accommodations and meeting the needs of all test takers. For more information about Brooke, please email her at btesche@allentowndiocese.org For more information about the Diocese of Allentown, please visit their website http://www.allentowndiocese.org.

Episode 22 - Mrs. Katie Carden

This week I interview Katie Carden, Principal at the School of Saints Faith, Hope, Charity at Winnetka, Illinois. Katie speaks about here role not only as principal of the school but also as the mom of six, one of which has Down Syndrome. She also speaks how her school meets the needs of diverse learners and offers advice to principals on how to get the ball rolling on inclusion in their school. For more information on Katie, please email her at kcarden@faithhopeschool.org. For more information about the school, please visit http://www.faithhopeschool.org. 

Episode 21 - Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt

This week I interview Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt, Senior Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Toledo. Vince discusses all the roads he has taken in Catholic schools that led him to the Diocese of Toledo. Vince also speaks about how the birth of his son led to the development of an innovative and nationwide sports program. After this podcast, I will never look at the word “mosaic” in the same way again. For more information about Vince, please email him at vschmidt@toledodiocese.org. For more information about the Diocese of Toledo, please visit http://toledodiocese.org.

Episode 16 - Ms. Anna Schultz Breef

This week I interview Ms. Anna Schultz-Breef, a college student at Illinois Wesleyan University and former student at Mother McAuley High School in Chicago Illinois. Anna details her experiences with her auditory processing disorder and how it has impacted her learning throughout her life. Anna talks about the strategies she used to learn in the classroom as well as those educators which impacted her learning. For more information on Anna, please follow her in Twitter @theannasb.

Episode 15- Dr. Brooke Tesché

This week I interview Dr. Brooke Tesché, Deputy Superintendent of Education for the Diocese of Allentown in Pennsylvania. Brooke discusses her journey in special education that led her to become deputy superintendent in Allentown including her work with students with emotional needs. Brooke details the numerous programs in her diocese that works with students with special needs including her role in those programs. For more information about Brooke, please email her at btesche@allentowndiocese.org For more information about the Diocese of Allentown, please visit their website http://www.allentowndiocese.org.

Episode 14 - Mrs. Janice Benton

On the show today, I am joined by Mrs. Janice Benton, Executive Director of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD). Jan speaks about the vision for the NCPD as well as her role in the organization. Jan also discusses how families can have access to the Mass and the sacraments through the USCCB’s Guidelines for the Celebration of Sacraments from Persons with Disabilities. Jan provides great insight into how all families belong in our Catholic Church being by virtue of their Baptism and the services NCPD offers to families. She also encourages families to take advantage of the resources on their website. If you would like to reach out to Jan, please email her at jbenton@ncpd.org. For more information about the NCPD, please visit their website at http://www.ncpd.org or follow them on Twitter @NCPD

Episode 13 - Mrs. Ana Garcia

This week, I interview Mrs. Ana Garcia, Principal for Msgr. Edward Pace Catholic High School in Miami, Florida. Ana speaks about her journey that led her to become principal of the high school. She also details the students with special needs that attend Pace High and the different educational options available for them at the school. Ana is a remarkable principal with a deep love for all students.  For more information about Ana, please email her at agarcia@pacehs.com. For more information about Msgr. Edward Pace, please visit their website http://www.pacehs.com.

Episode 11 - Most Reverend Archbishop Joseph Kurtz

This week, I interview Most Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, the Archbishop for the Archdiocese of Louisville. Archbishop Kurtz speaks about his role in Catholic special education dating back to his brother, George. He also speaks about the USCCB and the recent revisions to the Guidelines for the Celebration of Sacraments from Persons with Disabilities. The Archbishop also shares how the document can help teachers and catechists with sacramental preparation. For more information about Archbishop Kurtz, please email him at archbishop@archlou.org or follow him on Twitter @ArchbishopKurtz.  For more information about the Archdiocese of Louisville and its schools, please visit https://www.archlou.org.