The Wholistically PsychEd Podcast
Hello and welcome to the Wholistically PsychEd podcast!
I’m your host, Mariah Choate, a nationally certified school psychologist turned stay-at-home mom who now has the freedom to share what school districts don't want you to know after spending 12 years in the field of education.
My goal is to help you learn all you need to know about special education that districts often gatekeep. Each episode we’ll dive into how commonly laws are blatantly broken and tips on leveraging special education law to support best practices for students and teachers alike.
We’ll also feature interviews with parents and educators who are navigating these challenges head-on, along with those who are making strides to improve this broken system.
This channel is for you—parents of students with suspected or diagnosed disabilities who already have individualized education plans or 504s, and anyone who might need to get one for their student or child. It’s also for teachers, counselors, and fellow school psychologists who are feeling the strain of a system that often leaves us feeling burnt out and overwhelmed.
So, if you’re ready to learn, advocate, and empower yourself, child or students, you’re in the right place.
Let’s get started!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Update frequency
- every 8 days
- Average duration
- 33 minutes
- Episodes
- 21
- Years Active
- 2024 - 2025
Episode 19: Both Sides of the Table — A School Psychologist & Autism Parent’s Perspective
What happens when a school psychologist is also the parent of an autistic child? You get insight that’s honest, nuanced, and deeply human.
In this episode of Wholistically PsychEd, I sit down with Rya…
Episode 18: Faith, Feelings & Family: Emotionally Healthy Parenting
In this heart-centered and eye-opening episode of Wholistically Psyched, I sit down with licensed Christian therapist and author Meaghan Hampton, the creator behind Soul Care for Families and The Big…
Episode 17: Supporting the Supporters: A Candid Conversation
In this episode of Wholistically Psyched, I sit down with the incredible Jenn Adams—special education teacher, instructional coach, and the force behind Teach Love Autism. With her honest insights an…
Episode 16: Empowered, Intentional, and Virtual: A New Era of School Psychology
In this episode, I’m joined by Courtney Johnson, a virtual school psychologist and wellness mentor who’s redefining what it means to serve students and families with boldness, intention, and care. Co…
Episode 15: IEPs, Burnout, and the Power of Simplifying Special Education
In this episode of Wholistically PsychEd, I sit down with Stephanie DeLussey, a veteran special education teacher turned entrepreneur, author, and IEP coach behind the powerhouse platform The Intenti…
Episode 14: Faith, Mental Health, and the Fragility of Public Education
In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Delaney Gillespie — a Southern California public school teacher, woman of faith, and passionate advocate for students’ well-being. Delaney shares what it lo…
Episode 13: Why Wait & See Doesn’t Work - Handwriting & Dysgraphia
In this episode of Wholistically PsychEd, I sit down with Kelli Fetter, occupational therapist and founder of Handwriting Solutions, to uncover why handwriting is much more than just putting pen to p…
Episode 12: An Autism Diagnosis Through A Gospel Lense
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Larah Roberts — a fellow sister in Christ, passionate parent advocate, co-author of How to Advocate and Stay Christian, and the heartfelt voice behind Raisi…
Episode 11: The Unspoken Violation – Moving Students with Behavioral Needs Without an IEP
In this eye-opening episode of Wholistically PsychEd, school psychologist Mariah Choate pulls back the curtain on a practice that’s happening far too often in schools — quietly breaking the law. Tune…
Episode 10: Picky Eating and Neurodivergent Learners
In this episode of Wholistically PsychEd, we’re joined by an experienced occupational therapist, feeding specialist, and parent coach, Alex Klann of Tiny Bite Wellness, who supports families navigati…
Episode 9: To Advocate or Not to Advocate
After a long winter break, we’re diving right in with a topic that’s on the minds of many parents: When is the right time to hire an advocate for your child’s IEP meetings? In today’s episode, I’ll b…
Episode 8: Neurodiversity in Action: Intentional Practices for Home and Classroom Success
In this episode, I sit down with a behavior and learning specialist and former teacher, Danielle from Steam Made Simple, who brings a wealth of experience and a powerful personal story to the convers…
Episode 7: When The District Fails - Exposing How Districts Skirt Special Education Laws
In this episode, join me as I dive into the ways districts often sidestep special education laws, leaving students without the support they need and families (and educators) feeling powerless. From v…
Episode 6: What To Ask In An IEP Meeting, From A School Psychologist
In this episode, join me as I uncover the essential questions every parent should ask during an IEP meeting to ensure their child’s unique needs are met. We’ll also explore the frustrating reality of…
Episode 5: The Importance of IEP Transparency for Students & Teams
In this episode, join me as I interview Briana from EducationallyPsyched, a high school level school psychologist who explains the critical role of transparency in IEP teams. We discuss the importanc…
Episode 4: PART 2 Understanding Dyslexia, IEP Eligibility Pitfalls, & Evidence-Based Support for Dyslexic Learners
In this PART 2 episode, join me as I interview a dyslexia expert, Michelle Henderson of @all.kids.can who shares her personal journey navigating special education with her son. We discuss how her exp…
Episode 4: PART 1 Understanding Dyslexia, IEP Eligibility Pitfalls, & Evidence-Based Support for Dyslexic Learners
In this PART 1 episode, join me as I interview a dyslexia expert, Michelle Henderson of @all.kids.can who shares her personal journey navigating special education with her son. We discuss how her exp…
Episode 3: Response to Intervention (RTI) and Student Student Teams (SST)
In episode 3, we take a quick overview of the Response to Intervention (RTI) through the Student Student Team (SST) or Multi Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) process. We discuss how districts typical…
Episode 2: From Struggle to Strength: A Mother’s Journey Through Special Education
In our very first guest episode, we invite creator of Mad Charlie Inc., Angela Powell to share her unique insight from her son's journey in special education in Tennessee and how it led to her now ad…
Episode 1: My Journey
Welcome to my very first episode of The Wholistically PsychEd Podcast! I’m so happy you’re here!
In this episode, we cover:
- Some backstory of my experiences, observations, and disappointment in the sc…