It's Special

The Road to Independence: Life Skills, Confidence, and Real-World Readiness | John Civita

For many families, the biggest unanswered question in special education is what happens after high school, and how to prepare young people for real independence in a world that isn’t always designed for them. In this episode, host Tracey Spencer Walsh sits down with John Civita, longtime educator and leader of the Transitions Program at Winston Preparatory School, to explore what meaningful postsecondary preparation truly looks like for neurodivergent students. John shares his unconventional path into education and how Winston Prep’s one-to-one model evolved into a robust transition program focused not just on academics, but on life skills, self-advocacy, and confidence. Together, they unpack what families often miss when planning for adulthood, and why independence is built through intentional practice, not pressure. Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode: 🟡 What “transition” really means beyond graduation, and why it should start earlier than most families expect 🟡How Winston Prep’s individualized approach helps students build independence without sacrificing support 🟡Why executive functioning, communication, and self-advocacy are as critical as academic skills 🟡The role of real-world experiences in preparing students for college, work, and adult life 🟡How educators and families can collaborate to reduce anxiety and increase readiness 🟡Why there is no single path to success, and how honoring each student’s trajectory changes outcomes “At the heart of transition work is helping students understand themselves, what they need, how they learn, and how to ask for support in a world that won’t automatically offer it.” – John Civita This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and advocates thinking about the long game of special education. Whether your child is approaching high school, already in a transition program, or somewhere in between, this conversation offers clarity, reassurance, and a powerful reminder that independence is not a destination, it’s a process. Press play to learn how thoughtful transition planning can turn uncertainty into possibility, and help young people step into adulthood with dignity, agency, and confidence.   John Civita, M.Ed. is a seasoned educator and program leader with over 20 years of experience supporting neurodiverse adolescents and young adults. As Director of Transitions Programming at Winston Transitions, John designs and oversees individualized programming for students ages 17–21+ focused on building confidence, life skills, and readiness for adult life. In his work, John specializes in language and non-verbal processing, executive functioning, social-emotional development, and real-world skill building. Under his leadership, Winston Transitions, across New York City and San Francisco campuses, has become widely respected for bridging the gap between high school and adulthood through a highly personalized, strengths-based approach. John brings a grounded, compassionate perspective on what true independence looks like, and how families and educators can support young people in developing the confidence, self-awareness, and practical skills needed to navigate adult life with dignity and purpose.

Delays, Dollars & Due Process: Families & Schools in Crisis | Attorney Matthew Delforte

Behind every delayed tuition payment is a family left in limbo. This episode pulls back the curtain on what’s really going on. Host Tracey Spencer Walsh is joined by Matthew Delforte, a veteran education attorney, for an eye-opening conversation about the deep systemic failures surrounding tuition reimbursement, impartial hearing orders, and how the Department of Education’s delays are devastating families and schools. Together, they break down the urgent issues and the bold solutions proposed to fix them. Here is what you’ll take away from this important conversation: 🟡 What’s really happening behind the scenes when the DOE delays paying court-ordered tuition reimbursements 🟡 Why some families are waiting 1–2 years for money they’re legally owed, and the emotional and financial toll that takes 🟡 How nonpublic schools are being pushed to the brink of closure due to millions in unpaid tuition 🟡 What the Special Master’s report revealed about the DOE’s broken systems 🟡 Why NYC families are being forced to file federal lawsuits to enforce basic education rights 🟡 The legislation being proposed to withhold DOE funding until they comply with the law “This is scarring families, and it shouldn’t be this hard to get what your child is legally entitled to.” – Matthew Delforte This episode is a powerful look at the intersection of education, justice, and civil rights in NYC.  Whether you're a parent, advocate, or educator, this conversation will give you critical insight into how we got here and what needs to change. 🎧 Hit play now and join the fight for transparency, accountability, and a fair shot for every child.   Matthew J. Delforte, J.D. Matthew J. Delforte is a partner at Shebitz Berman & Delforte, P.C., where he leads the firm’s education law practice. He represents public and private schools, colleges, and universities across New York, including charter schools,private schools, and schools for children with disabilities. A passionate advocate for children with special needs, Mr. Delforte has worked on the creation of specialized schools, and represented Early Intervention, SEIT, and related service providers in matters of compliance, contracts and more. An experienced legal educator, Mr. Delforte has also servedas a Special Professor of Law at Hofstra Law School and as an adjunct professor at the College of St. Rose and Fordham University’s Graduate School of Education, teaching Education Law for many years. He earned his J.D. from the City University of New YorkSchool of Law and his undergraduate degree from St. Bonaventure University. Admitted to practice in New York State, the U.S. Supreme Court, and the federal courts in New York, Mr. Delforte combines extensive legal expertise with acommitment to advancing education and fighting for students’ rights, particularly for children with disabilities and special needs. Matthew’s passion and deep understanding of both the legalframework and the realities families face make him a trusted advocate. He challenges broken systems, raises public awareness, and fights to ensure that every child receives the education they need and deserve.

Rewriting The Rules: Anxiety, Belonging, and the Power of Support | Dr. Lauren Bleggi

For so many students today, the biggest barrier to learning isn’t ability. It’s anxiety, burnout, and feeling unseen. In this episode, host Tracey Spencer Walsh sits down with Dr. Lauren Bleggi, Head of School at SAGE Alliance New York City, to explore how therapeutic education can redefine what success looks like for students struggling with mental health challenges. Dr. Bleggi shares her personal journey from classroom teacher to school counselor to head of a groundbreaking therapeutic school opening in Manhattan, where academics and emotional well-being are treated as inseparable. Together, they discuss how SAGE Alliance helps students rebuild confidence, re-engage with learning, and prepare for life after high school, with compassion, structure, and purpose. Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode: 🟡 What makes a therapeutic school different and why many academically capable students need this kind of environment 🟡 How SAGE Alliance blends rigorous academics with individualized therapy and social-emotional skill building 🟡 Why success isn’t “graduation”. It’s helping students rediscover joy, connection, and self-belief 🟡 The mental health trends Dr. Bleggi sees post-pandemic and how schools can respond 🟡 How positive affirmations and flexible classroom strategies can transform self-talk and test anxiety 🟡 The importance of family partnership and why parent self-regulation is key to student success “If you have 20% and you give me 20%, you actually gave me 100% that day. What can you give me today? I will meet you there.” - Dr. Lauren Bleggi This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and advocates seeking solutions for students who are bright, capable, and struggling to thrive in traditional settings. Learn how the SAGE Alliance model is helping students and their families build the confidence and coping skills not just to attend school, but to love learning again. Press play to hear how empathy, innovation, and therapeutic support can create schools where every student feels seen, supported, and capable of success. Dr. Lauren Bleggi, Ed.D. Head of School, SAGE Alliance New York City Dr. Lauren Bleggi is a licensed educator and school leader dedicated to creating environments where students thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. She began her career in education with a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and soon discovered her passion for supporting students’ mental health and personal growth. This led her to earn an M.Ed. in Educational Psychology from the University of Utah, specializing in College and Career Readiness. After years as a high school counselor, helping students navigate academics, social-emotional development, and postsecondary planning, Dr. Bleggi pursued her Ed.D. in Learning and Organizational Change from Baylor University. Her doctoral work focused on parental self-regulation, reinforcing her commitment to supporting both students and families through the educational process. An experienced leader in curriculum development, social-emotional learning (SEL), and data-driven school improvement, Dr. Bleggi brings a collaborative and compassionate approach to every level of education. Today, as Head of School at SAGE Alliance New York City, she continues her mission to bridge academic rigor and therapeutic support, helping students rediscover confidence, purpose, and the joy of learning.

Inside the IEP Room: Clarity, Compassion, and Concrete Steps | Dr. Alexis Sporkin

For many families, confusion and frustration in the special education process come from the same place, a system that lacks transparency, support, and trust. In this episode, host Tracey Spencer Walsh sits down with Dr. Alexis Sporkin, Licensed Psychologist, Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, and Clinical Director at BridgeKids, who helps families and educators navigate the complex world of autism evaluations, IEPs, and advocacy. Together, they unpack what a quality autism assessment really looks like, how parents can prepare for IEP meetings with confidence, and what it means to build a system centered on collaboration, dignity, and informed choice, not red tape. Here is what you'll take away from this episode: 🟡 What to look for in a comprehensive autism evaluation and why not all assessments are created equal 🟡 How to advocate effectively in IEP meetings using the right language (hint: “appropriate,” not “best”) 🟡 Why parents shouldn’t have to fight year after year for services their children are entitled to 🟡 The NYC resources every family should know, from INCLUDEnyc to Advocates for Children 🟡 How understanding your rights can transform frustration into empowerment 🟡 Why “families don’t know what they don’t know” and how professionals can change that “Families don’t know what they don’t know. That’s not fair when they’re doing their best. Our role is to give them the information and confidence they deserve to make the right decisions for their child.” - Dr. Alexis Sporkin This episode is a must-listen for any parent, advocate, or educator navigating the special education system. Whether you’re preparing for an IEP meeting, seeking clarity after a diagnosis, or just want to feel less alone in the process, Dr. Sporkin offers the insight and reassurance every family deserves. Press play now to learn how knowledge, empathy, and advocacy can turn a complex system into a pathway for growth. Dr. Alexis Sporkin is a Licensed Psychologist, NYS Certified School Psychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and Licensed Behavior Analyst. She earned her Doctoral degree and BCBA through St. John’s University, where she led the development of an innovative program integrating Applied Behavior Analysis and School Psychology, two interrelated fields that continue to shape her clinical expertise and approach today. With over a decade of experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dr. Sporkin also brings deep expertise in supporting those with anxiety, ADHD, learning delays, and other developmental disabilities. She specializes in comprehensive assessments, including diagnostic evaluations and functional behavior assessments, designed to identify each individual’s strengths and needs with precision and care. Her work spans direct therapy, school consultations, and functional behavior assessments, always guided by a deep respect for the individuality of each child. A passionate advocate for equitable education and early intervention, Dr. Sporkin’s mission is to bridge the gap between science, systems, and families looking for answers and support.

The Doctor Who Built Hope: Autism, Innovation, and the McCarton Model | Developmental Pediatrician Dr. Cecelia McCarton

Host Tracey Spencer Walsh sits down with Dr. Cecelia “Cece” McCarton, a pioneering developmental pediatrician and founder of the McCarton Foundation, for an illuminating conversation about autism, early intervention, and what it really takes to help every child reach their potential. With over four decades of groundbreaking work in developmental pediatrics, Dr. McCarton shares how her experience in the South Bronx inspired a lifelong mission to build programs that combine clinical care, education, and compassion for children with autism and developmental delays. Here is what you'll take away from this important conversation: 🟡 How Dr. McCarton’s personal and professional journey led to founding the first integrated autism centers in New York City 🟡 Why early intervention, starting as young as 18 months, can dramatically change outcomes 🟡 What parents need to know about sensory regulation and why “play” is often powerful therapy 🟡 The lasting effects of COVID-19 on children with autism and the surprising silver linings that emerged 🟡 How collaborative, interdisciplinary care can transform lives and why funding and policy still fall short “Autistic children are incredibly gifted. We spend so much time trying to ‘fix’ them, when we should be celebrating their strengths and helping them shine.” — Dr. Cecelia McCarton This episode is a heartfelt masterclass on hope, science, and advocacy. Whether you’re a parent, educator, therapist, or policymaker, Dr. McCarton’s story will leave you inspired to see autism, and potential itself, through a new lens. Dr. Cecelia McCarton is a pioneering developmental pediatrician whose career began over forty years ago in the South Bronx, where she served as Clinical Director of a high-risk infant project. Witnessing firsthand the profound challenges and resilience of families caring for vulnerable children, she dedicated her life to creating meaningful solutions for those too often overlooked by the system. Driven by compassion and determination, Dr. McCarton founded The McCarton Center for Developmental Pediatrics, the first program of its kind to offer integrated evaluations and therapies for children with developmental disorders under one roof. As autism diagnoses rose, her comprehensive model became internationally recognized for its success, leading to the creation of the McCarton School, The Children’s Academy, and now, the McCarton Foundation’s Early Intervention Center in the Bronx. Through decades of tireless work, Dr. McCarton has redefined what’s possible in care and education for children with autism and developmental differences, guided by one unwavering belief: every child has potential and deserves the opportunity to reach it.