The Power of Being Present: Lessons from a First-Year School Psych

Don't Tell the ADOS People: Picking the Right Tools for the Right Student

In this episode, I’m talking about a question that comes up all the time in school psychology: how do we choose the right tools when evaluating a student for suspected autism? Do we need the ADOS? Should we add cognitive testing? Which rating scales actually help, and when are we just creating more paperwork for everyone? I walk through why autism evaluations need to start with district expectations, but they cannot stop there. We also have to think carefully about the student in front of us, the questions we are trying to answer, and what information the team actually needs. This is your reminder that more tools do not always mean a better evaluation, and thoughtful, individualized decision-making matters. Highlights: (01:30) - I’m starting with why autism evaluation questions deserve more than a one-size-fits-all answer (02:24) - I’m explaining why district guidelines should be your first stop before choosing tools (04:05) - I’m breaking down when cognitive testing might actually be needed (06:05) - I’m talking through how to choose rating scales without piling on unnecessary forms (08:25) - I’m reminding you that rating scales are useful, but they do not decide eligibility (10:28) - I’m sharing when I do, and do not, reach for the ADOS The Prepared School Psychologist - https://jennyponzuric.com/solutions/ [https://jennyponzuric.com/solutions/] The information and advice provided are for guidance purposes only, and all listeners are required to follow federal and state law, as well as their school district guidelines and policies. Connect with Jenny: FACEBOOK [https://www.facebook.com/jennyponzuric] INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/jennyponzuric/#] WEBSITE [https://jennyponzuric.com/]

The One Day Contract: How One School Psych Manages the Chaos

In this episode, I’m talking with Stefanie Finney, a board-certified behavior analyst who went back to school, earned a second master’s degree, and stepped into the world of school psychology. And yes, even with all that experience, year one still came with a few “wait, nobody mentioned this part” moments. Stefanie shares what surprised her most about the role, how her BCBA background gives her an edge with FBAs, behavior plans, and consultation, and why she gives herself permission to say, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.” We also talk about the one-day contract that helps her manage overwhelm, the value of having people to lean on, and why it may take closer to five years to feel truly steady in this work. Highlights: (01:49) - The real surprise of year one: so many moving parts (03:41) - How a BCBA background became a major school psych advantage (05:57) - Stefanie’s one-day contract for handling overwhelm (07:54) - Why saying “I don’t know yet” can actually build trust (10:21) - How Stefanie prepares when a new role feels brand new again (12:50) - Why five years may be a more realistic comfort-zone timeline The One Day Contract: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-one-day-contract-rick-pitino/1115781881?ean=9781250054906 [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-one-day-contract-rick-pitino/1115781881?ean=9781250054906] The Prepared School Psych community: https://jennyponzuric.com/prepared-school-psychologist/ [https://jennyponzuric.com/prepared-school-psychologist/] The information and advice provided are for guidance purposes only, and all listeners are required to follow federal and state law, as well as their school district guidelines and policies. Connect with Jenny: FACEBOOK [https://www.facebook.com/jennyponzuric] INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/jennyponzuric/#] WEBSITE [https://jennyponzuric.com/]

The Power of Being Present: Lessons from a First-Year School Psych

In this episode, I’m joined by Julie Waldschmidt, a newer school psychologist who began her journey in the field after years as a special education teacher. That classroom experience shows up in powerful ways, from how she connects with teachers during consultation to how she observes students, understands frustration and looks for strengths. We talk about preschool evaluations, English language learner assessments, collaboration, resource hunting, school-life balance and the importance of being visible in your buildings. Julie’s advice for new school psychs is simple but so helpful: ease in, go slow, listen well and remember that it does not all have to happen at once. Highlights: (01:41) - Why preschool evaluations brought unexpected learning (02:21) - The training gap around English language learner assessments (02:50) - How special education teaching experience supports school psych work (03:41) - Why teacher consultation feels different when you have been in the classroom (05:33) - Julie’s favourite resources for learning and self-care (07:38) - Why visibility and listening matter in your first solo role Links: The Prepared School Psych community: https://jennyponzuric.com/prepared-school-psychologist/ [https://jennyponzuric.com/prepared-school-psychologist/] Rebecca Branstetter: https://rebeccabranstetter.com/ [https://rebeccabranstetter.com/] Dr. Charles Barrett - It is Always About the Children: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/its-always-about-the-children-2e-charles-alexis-barrett/1149057051?ean=9781735026480 [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/its-always-about-the-children-2e-charles-alexis-barrett/1149057051?ean=9781735026480] Angela Watson, Truth for Teachers: https://truthforteachers.com/ [https://truthforteachers.com/] Not Your Average School Psychologist Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-your-average-school-psychologist-podcast/id1704722978 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-your-average-school-psychologist-podcast/id1704722978] School Psyched Podcast: https://www.schoolpsychedpodcast.com/ [https://www.schoolpsychedpodcast.com/] The Autism Helper Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-autism-helper-podcast/id1443908794 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-autism-helper-podcast/id1443908794] The information and advice provided are for guidance purposes only, and all listeners are required to follow federal and state law, as well as their school district guidelines and policies. Connect with Jenny: FACEBOOK [https://www.facebook.com/jennyponzuric] INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/jennyponzuric/#] WEBSITE [https://jennyponzuric.com/]

Be Curious, Give Grace, Have Fun: A First-Year School Psych's Mantra

In this episode, I’m joined by Nicholas Shannon, a first-year school psychologist with a path into the field that is anything but predictable. Before reports, meetings and rating scales, Nicholas was working in hospitality, learning how to read people, stay calm under pressure and make strangers feel comfortable. Turns out, those skills travel surprisingly well. We talk about the real first-year stuff: overwhelm, collaboration, missed parent forms, different school cultures, professional growth and what it means to make an impact before you feel like an expert. Nicholas also shares why representation matters, and how he is learning to do this work in a way that feels true to him. Highlights: (01:59) - The surprise of realizing school psychology feels very different in the real world (03:41) - Why collaboration deserves way more attention in training (05:25) - How Nicholas grounds himself when overwhelm starts creeping in (07:03) - What restaurant work taught him about parents, students and pressure (13:24) - Staying curious when you do not have all the answers (16:43) - Why representation and doing the work your own way matters The Prepared School Psych community: https://jennyponzuric.com/prepared-school-psychologist/ [https://jennyponzuric.com/prepared-school-psychologist/] The information and advice provided are for guidance purposes only, and all listeners are required to follow federal and state law, as well as their school district guidelines and policies. Connect with Jenny: FACEBOOK [https://www.facebook.com/jennyponzuric] INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/jennyponzuric/#] WEBSITE [https://jennyponzuric.com/]

How Mastering IEPs Can Help You Pivot Beyond Traditional School Psychology

In this episode, I’m talking about what happens when your role no longer fits the way it used to. I sit down with Erin to explore her journey from a traditional school psychology role into mentorship, private practice, and university teaching, and how she found new ways to use her skills without leaving the field entirely. What I love about this conversation is how practical it is. We talk about career pivots, side hustles, and how to figure out what actually lights you up, instead of just sticking with what feels safe. If you’ve been wondering what else is possible in this field, this one will open your thinking. Highlights: (01:02) - The moment Erin realised her traditional role was no longer fulfilling (04:00) - Why mastering IEP meetings sets you up for so many other roles (05:13) - Stepping into mentorship and supporting other school psychologists (07:11) - Moving into university teaching and why it felt like the right next step (09:04) - How to explore new career paths without quitting your job (12:54) - Finding what actually lights you up and building from there The information and advice provided are for guidance purposes only, and all listeners are required to follow federal and state law, as well as their school district guidelines and policies. Connect with Jenny: FACEBOOK [https://www.facebook.com/jennyponzuric] INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/jennyponzuric/#] WEBSITE [https://jennyponzuric.com/]