Development Desk

In this episode, we sit down with Thomas Jonathan Maese—an MTSS/504 Coordinator, teacher mentor, and community-rooted educator who brings a unique lens to inclusive education. From early childhood to secondary classrooms, Thomas has worked across age groups and systems, always centering students who are neurodiverse or behaviorally complex. We explore how schools can better support diverse learners, what makes a 504 plan meaningful, and why teacher recognition matters more than we think. Plus...

What can a barber’s chair reveal about parenting, behavior, and childhood development? In this episode, Ana sits down with Paddie, a skilled barber and studio owner who’s spent years observing family dynamics while shaping up hairlines. From managing sensory needs for kids on the spectrum to noticing how discipline styles show up in the barber chair, Paddie brings a grounded, insightful, and refreshingly honest take on what today’s kids—and their parents—are navigating. https://www.youtube.co...

When it comes to your child’s education, your voice matters. In this episode, we unpack the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process—what it is, why your attendance is critical, and how you can show up prepared. From knowing what to focus on during the meeting to organizing your records for the long haul, this conversation will help you feel less overwhelmed and more empowered. You don’t have to know all the acronyms—you just have to know your child. And when you bring that perspectiv...

When should you request a school evaluation for your child? In this episode, Ana breaks down the key signs parents should pay attention to—academic red flags, behavior or attention concerns, and communication or developmental delays. You’ll learn what these early indicators can mean, how evaluations open doors to supports like speech therapy, occupational therapy, or special education, and why trusting your instincts as a parent matters. Knowing when to act can change the trajectory of your c...

After a meaningful run co-hosted by Ana and Jessica, Brainwaves & Backpacks is closing its final chapter—and opening the door to a brand new one. In this special farewell episode, Ana shares a heartfelt message about the journey, the lessons learned, and what’s ahead with the launch of her new podcast, Development Desk. If you’ve found insight, strength, or solidarity in these episodes, we invite you to continue the journey with us. Development Desk will carry forward the mission of emp...