Episodes

Dr. Juan Treminio interviews Dean Wies, who has spent 31 years as a transition teacher and is currently a lead teacher in an adult transition program serving students ages 18-22. Dean describes his program's structure (9 classrooms, 11-14 students each, heterogeneous ability levels ranging from students needing full physical support to students with driver's licenses) and explains his philosophy of treating students as adults with real responsibilities and natural consequences. The conversation...

Season One of Pathways to Independence was built on a simple belief: that the educators and specialists doing transition work every day have something worth saying and that the field is better when those voices are in conversation with each other. Jamie Kain brought that belief to life when she created this podcast, and this finale is a fitting close to the season she built. In this episode, Jamie sits down with incoming host Juan Treminio for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about what tra...

In this episode of Pathways to Independence, Jamie Kain of El Dorado County Charter SELPA speaks with Dr. Patrick Gaffney, Director of Student Services at Clayton Valley Charter High School, about their unique transition program for students with IEPs aged 18-22. Dr. Gaffney shares the development and success of their adult transition program, emphasizing the importance of community partnerships, family engagement, and an adaptable, innovative approach. The conversation highlights the logistics,...

In this episode of the Pathways to Independence podcast, Jamie Kain, Program Specialist for the El Dorado County Charter SELPA, discusses the importance of social-emotional supports for students with IEPs as they transition to adulthood. Joined by Sean Andrew, Program Coordinator of Student Wellness, they explore the challenges, solutions, and best practices in supporting these students. Sean shares his experiences from working in special education, emphasizing the need for trauma-informed pract...

In this episode of Pathways to Independence, Jamie Kain from El Dorado County Charter SELPA and Alyssa DiFilippo from Parents Helping Parents discuss the essential role families play in transitioning students with disabilities to adulthood. Alyssa shares her personal journey and professional expertise, highlighting the importance of early transition planning, collaboration between schools and agencies, and the resources provided by Family Empowerment Centers (FECs). They explore the critical nee...

In this episode of the Pathways to Independence podcast, Jamie Kain from El Dorado County Charter SELPA hosts a discussion on building successful transition programs for students with disabilities. Featuring Melissa Hilbig, a Transition Partnership Program Specialist, and Cori Coffey, Chief Schools Officer at the Classical Academies in San Diego County, the episode delves into the importance of community engagement and partnerships. The conversation highlights strategies such as student-centered...

In the first episode of the El Dorado County Charter SELPA’s Pathways to Independence podcast, Jamie Kain interviews Tanya Guston, Program Coordinator for El Dorado County Charter SELPA. Tanya shares her extensive experience in special education since 1997, highlighting her journey and dedication to supporting students through their transitions to adulthood. The conversation delves into the essentials of an Individualized Transition Plan (ITP), emphasizing personalized, student-centered planning...