Think Inclusive

Dr. Ross Greene is the New York Times bestselling author of Lost at School and Raising Human Beings. He developed the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) model, a framework for supporting children with challenging behavior by focusing on problem-solving rather than punishment. Formerly on the faculty at Harvard Medical School for over 20 years, Dr. Greene is now the founding director of Lives in the Balance, a nonprofit offering free resources on CPS. In this episode, Tim Villegas talks with Dr. Ross Greene about why schools need to shift from focusing on student behavior to addressing the underlying problems causing that behavior. They explore how the CPS model works, why traditional behaviorist approaches fall short, and how educators can create more equitable and inclusive environments for all learners. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/dr-ross-greene-using-collaborative-and-proactive-solutions-to-support-the-behavior-of-all-learners/

Dr. Mona Delahooke is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience supporting children and families. She is a senior faculty member at the Profectum Foundation and a member of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Delahooke is the author of Beyond Behaviors: Using Brain Science and Compassion to Understand and Solve Children’s Behavioral Challenges and Brain-Body Parenting. Her work focuses on translating neuroscience into practical strategies for parents and educators to better understand and support children’s emotional and behavioral development.In this episode, Tim Villegas talks with Dr. Mona Delahooke about moving beyond traditional behavior management systems like charts and rewards. They explore why behaviors should be seen as signals rather than targets, the importance of relational safety, and how understanding the brain-body connection can transform parenting and teaching. Dr. Delahooke introduces practical tools like the “check-in” process and explains why co-regulation—not punishment—is key to helping children thrive.Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/dr-mona-delahooke-beyond-behavior-charts-and-positive-reinforcement/

Mazey Eddings is an author and dentist who identifies as neurodivergent (anxiety since childhood; ADHD and autism diagnosed later). She’s on a personal mission to destigmatize mental health and write “love stories for every brain.” She also proudly claims the title of stage mom to her cats, Yaya and Zedi. Host Tim Villegas talks with Mazey Eddings about neurodiverse representation in romance, the visceral reality of anxiety as portrayed in her debut novel A Brush with Love (set in dental school), and how stories can help readers see mental health with greater empathy. They discuss internalized shame and ableism, sexism in clinical training, and the trial‑and‑error of supporting a partner with anxiety—while reaffirming romance’s promise of hard‑won happy endings.Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/mazey-eddings-neurodiverse-representation-in-books/

Liz Weintraub — Senior Advocacy Specialist at the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD); host of the monthly YouTube series Tuesdays with Liz: Disability Policy for All, where she breaks down complex policy terms and bills so everyone can understand and advocate. She’s interviewed legislators and has produced 200+ short episodes over ~5–7 years. Kenneth Kelty — Motivational speaker and disability advocate with the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (UNC); graduate of Western Carolina University’s University Participant (UP) inclusive postsecondary program; host of Exceeding Expectations with Kenneth Kelty, a podcast featuring trailblazers (with and without disabilities) focused on empowerment, inclusive postsecondary education, and competitive employment. His show has covered stories like B3 Coffee (NC) and an international perspective on disability from Ireland. Host Tim Villegas talks with Liz Weintraub and Kenneth Kelty about why they create content as a form of advocacy—Liz to make disability policy plain-language and actionable, and Kenneth to amplify lived experiences and self‑determination through podcasting. They share memorable moments (like explaining congressional recess in everyday terms and highlighting inclusive employment via B3 Coffee) and where listeners can find their work. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/liz-weintraub-kenneth-kelty-using-content-creation-for-disability-advocacy/

Rasheera Dopson — Author, disability justice activist, researcher, and MPH student at Morehouse School of Medicine whose work explores the intersection of race, gender, and disability. She founded Beauty With a Twist in 2016 to build community among women and girls with disabilities and hosts the WomanHood & Disability podcast, creating a safe, intersectional space that bridges disabled and non‑disabled audiences.Host Tim Villegas welcomes Rasheera Dopson to talk about why she launched the WomanHood & Disability podcast and what it means to live at the intersection of womanhood and disability. Rasheera shares how moving from writing to podcasting pushed her to articulate lived experiences—like ableism and health disparities—in ways that invite both vulnerability and community. The conversation covers how she mixes solo episodes with interviews, uses cultural moments (e.g., Black History Month) to frame topics, and keeps the door open for allies while centering disabled voices. She also reflects on internships (including with Sen. Jon Ossoff’s office and AAPD), her goals in disability policy, and what’s ahead for Season 2, from body positivity to Black disability and intersectionality.Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/rasheera-dopson-womanhood-and-disability-podcast/

Matt (he/him) — Disability advocate (legal name withheld in the episode), graduate of Wake Forest University, podcaster, and independent contractor. He lives with cerebral palsy and discusses the tightrope of earning income while maintaining essential Medicaid benefits. He also co-hosts the actual‑play Dungeons & Dragons podcast With Rolls and No Luck under the alias “Samurai Fooks.”Shirene Hayes (she/her) — Chief Encouragement Officer and creator of Super MEro and The Code, an SEL resource for schools. She’s an award‑winning author, keynote speaker, serial entrepreneur, world traveler, and mother of two grown sons; she champions the “each one, teach one” mindset and the “power of one.”Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/matt-from-with-rolls-and-no-luck-shirene-hayes-creator-of-super-mero/

Ira Eidle (Decatur, GA) is an autistic self‑advocate and curator of Autistic Archive, a growing collection that preserves and teaches the history of the neurodiversity movement. He earned a B.A. in Theater & Performance Studies from Kennesaw State University, completed the 2020 Autism Campus Inclusion program with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), and founded the student group Neurodivergent Advocates of Kennesaw. He currently interns at The Hirsch Academy and is passionate about documenting movement history so educators and advocates can learn from past wins—and missteps. Cameos in this episode: Bryan Nance, a barista at Independent Grounds (Kennesaw, GA), shares how meaningful, inclusive work has improved his life and skills; Tim Villegas hosts.Host Tim Villegas talks with Ira Eidle about the origins and evolution of the neurodiversity movement and why he created Autistic Archive to make that history accessible. They explore early listserv culture, seminal sites like Autistics.org and Neurodiversity.com, and recurring debates inside the movement—centering the question “who’s in control?” of spaces, services, and narratives about autistic people.Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/ira-eidle-autistic-archive/

Haley Moss (she/her) — autistic attorney, author, artist, and advocate based in Miami, Florida. Known as Florida’s first openly autistic attorney, Haley now works as an educator and consultant to corporations and nonprofits on neurodiversity and disability inclusion, and is a frequent commentator on disability rights. Her books include Great Minds Think Differently, Neurodiversity for Lawyers and Other Professionals, and The Young Autistic Adults’ Independence Handbook. Earlier works include Middle School: The Stuff Nobody Tells You About and A Freshman Survival Guide for College Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.What does independence actually mean for autistic young adults—and where does interdependence fit in? Haley Moss deconstructs the all‑or‑nothing notion of “doing everything by yourself,” offers practical life strategies (from grocery shopping to prescriptions), and lays out alternatives to guardianship with a strong emphasis on supported decision‑making. She closes with concrete ways educators can foster self‑advocacy at every age.Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/haley-moss-autistic-independence/

Lisa Drennan — inclusion expert, trainer, consultant, and founder of Merge Inclusion Consulting. She draws on 37 years of leadership supporting people with disabilities and helps community organizations (like YMCAs, rec programs, camps, libraries, and faith groups) build inclusive cultures where everyone has a meaningful role. Host Tim Villegas talks with Lisa Drennan about moving inclusion beyond schools and into community life—especially recreation spaces like YMCAs, summer camps, JCCs, Boys & Girls Clubs, libraries, and arts programs. They cover practical advocacy steps for families (start at the top, ask about barriers, and suggest training), the mindset shift from “we can’t” to “how do we get to yes,” and why inclusion must be an organization‑wide commitment, not a one‑off program or single staff role. Lisa also shares a free toolkit she authored with The Arc of Massachusetts to help community organizations spark authentic friendships between people with and without disabilities.Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/lisa-drennan-inclusive-recreation/

Alida Miranda-Wolff is the CEO and founder of Ethos, a consultancy firm specializing in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) transformation. She is notable for her book, "Cultures of Belonging: Building Inclusive Organizations that Last," which explores strategies for fostering inclusive environments. Alida's background spans higher education at the University of Chicago, non-profit work in immigrant and refugee rights, and a pioneering role in venture capital as one of the first Latina directors. She has taught at the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and General Assembly, cultivating a deep understanding of DEIB initiatives. Through Ethos, Alida aims to innovate and apply DEIB strategies that resonate with modern organizational dynamics.In this insightful episode of the Think Inclusive Podcast, Tim Villegas engages Alida Miranda-Wolff, the CEO of Ethos and author of "Cultures of Belonging," to delve into creating inclusive educational environments. With a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), Alida explains how organizations, particularly schools, can foster a culture of belonging for both students and teachers. Tim and Alida discuss how identity and personal experiences shape one's approach to DEIB work, drawing from Alida's diverse career background in higher education, nonprofit, and venture capital sectors.Throughout the conversation, Alida emphasizes the importance of belonging as a core psychological need and describes her approach to building inclusive cultures, which hinges on the three R's—relationships, resources, and reciprocity. For schools, this means creating meaningful connections and ensuring educators are supported and fairly compensated. Alida also addresses the issue of value misalignment within educational institutions and how teachers can navigate these challenges. Practical strategies for fostering belonging among educators are discussed, encouraging teachers to build their micro-cultures and seek community support, even in misaligned systems.Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/alida-miranda-wolff-building-inclusive-organizations-that-last/