Stress-Free IEP – Helping You
Build Your Village
Categories
- 504 Plans vs IEPs
- Accommodations, Modifications & Supports
- ADHD & Executive Function
- Assistive Technology & AAC
- Autism & School Supports
- Behavior Plans (FBA/BIP)
- Blog
- Dispute Resolution & Special Education Law
- Dyslexia & Reading Interventions
- Evaluations & Eligibility (Child Find, IEE)
- IEP Goals, Data & Progress Monitoring
- IEP Meetings & Parent Advocacy
- Mental Health, Anxiety & Social-Emotional Needs
- Placement, Inclusion & LRE
- Related Services (OT, PT, Speech, Counseling)
- School Discipline & Manifestation Determination
- Stress-Free IEP Podcasts
Stress-Free IEP® is a podcast hosted by attorney and advocate Frances Shefter that supports neurodiverse families through expert conversations with professionals who help children thrive at home, in school, and beyond. Produced by Shefter Law, the show shares practical insights and compassionate guidance to help parents make informed, confident decisions and build strong support systems for their families.
When a child receives a diagnosis—whether medical or educational—it can feel like the ground shifts beneath...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP, Frances Shefter speaks with family law attorney, mediator,...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP, Frances Shefter sits down with Leah Ellis—founder of the Society...
IEP Meetings & Parent Advocacy|Mental Health, Anxiety & Social-Emotional Needs|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
This episode hits a nerve—literally. Instead of talking about test scores, curriculum gaps, or academic...
The jump from high school to college is one of the most overlooked transitions for neurodivergent students—and...
Dispute Resolution & Special Education Law|Evaluations & Eligibility (Child Find, IEE)|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
This episode features Frances Shefter, a seasoned special education attorney, discussing the intricacies...
Parents often hear the word “gifted” and assume that school will come easily for their child. But for...
Dispute Resolution & Special Education Law|Evaluations & Eligibility (Child Find, IEE)|IEP Goals, Data & Progress Monitoring|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP, host Frances Shefter digs into one of the most important (and most...
In this solo episode of Stress-Free IEP, Frances Shefter steps in after a last-minute scheduling conflict...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP, Frances Shefter sits down with Joseph Kavitzki, Head of School at...
A familiar IEP problem: the agenda book that never gets used
Frances Shefter opens this episode with...
A family story that starts with milestones—and a gut feeling
Frances Shefter opens this episode of Stress-free...
This episode of Stress-Free IEP zeroes in on a problem parents see all the time: a student is labeled...
The Central Issue
One of the clearest themes in this conversation is that many school-based IEPs and...
EP 126 | Breaking Down the School Search Process: Insights from Hayley Jacobson & Rich Weinfeld
In...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqiwov95-9A
Stress-Free IEP: Sam Mitchell on Autism, Bullying, and Building...
Stress-Free IEP®: Building Your Village in 2026
You Were Never Meant to Do This Alone
Stress-Free IEP®...
Stress-Free IEP®: Building the Village — A Year in Review
No Family Should Have to Do This Alone
Welcome...
Mental Health, Anxiety & Social-Emotional Needs|Placement, Inclusion & LRE|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
Inclusion Coaching, Regulation, and Building a Village
A Stress-Free IEP Conversation with Janelle McCarthy,...
Helping Neurodivergent Teens Find the Right Work Path
Stress-Free IEP with Frances Shefter & guest Viktoriya Selden
In...
Complicated Kids Podcast with host Gabrielle Nicole — Guest: Frances Shefter, education attorney, former...
This week on Stress-Free IEP, host Frances Shefter sits down with speech–language pathologist (SLP) and...
What We Mean by “Executive Functioning” (And Why It Matters)
We toss around the term a lot, but Dr....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?enablejsapi=1&autoplay=0&cc_load_policy=0&cc_lang_pref=&iv_load_policy=1&loop=0&rel=1&fs=1&playsinline=0&autohide=2&theme=dark&color=red&controls=1&disablekb=0&"...
Meet the Guest
This week on Stress-Free IEP, Frances sat down with Lauren Gilbert—VP of Operations by...
A Parent’s Guide to Smooth Transitions with Spectrum Transition Coaching’s Beth Felsen
Episode at a...
Listen to the podcast episode here:
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Frances Shefter on Classroom...
Dispute Resolution & Special Education Law|IEP Goals, Data & Progress Monitoring|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
By: Frances Shefter, Esq.
Know Your Legal Right to Meaningful Participation
Under IDEA, parents are...
Spotting ADHD in Girls Early: A Conversation with Cynthia Hammer
On this week’s episode of Stress-Free...
How the Right IEP Transforms a Child’s School Experience
A Guest Appearance by Frances Shefter on Inside...
Keeping the Drama Out of Divorce: A Conversation with Cary Jacobson
On this episode of Stress-Free IEP,...
Accommodations, Modifications & Supports|School Discipline & Manifestation Determination|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
If you’ve ever skipped balloons because your child hates loud pops (hi, neurodivergent kiddos 👋), this...
IEP Goals, Data & Progress Monitoring|Mental Health, Anxiety & Social-Emotional Needs|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
Guest: Rachel Greenberg, founder of Life Unlimited: Unleash Your Potential, LLC
Host: Frances Shefter,...
Stress-Free IEP Podcast with Frances Shefter & Guest Leila Farshchian, M.A., BCBA
The Evolution...
Helping Kids Regulate by Regulating Ourselves – A Conversation with Rivka Stern
In this episode of Stress-Free...
Featuring Dr. Jessica Hasson, Clinical Psychologist
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP, host Frances...
IEP Goals, Data & Progress Monitoring|Related Services (OT, PT, Speech, Counseling)|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
The Power of Early Intervention and Trusting Your Gut: A Conversation with Gabriele Nicolet
In this...
IEP Meetings & Parent Advocacy|Mental Health, Anxiety & Social-Emotional Needs|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
Healing Through Storytelling: Creating Trauma-Informed Classrooms
On this deeply moving episode of Stress-Free...
Meeting People Where They Are
In this powerful episode of Stress-Free IEP, host Frances Shefter welcomes...
Meet Lauri Getlan-Watson: Teacher, Artist, and Creative Catalyst
In this episode of the Stress-Free...
In this episode of the Stress-Free IEP podcast, host Francis Shefter welcomes Casey Joseph, founder and...
Meet travel trainer Melinda “Mindy” Niland of ECNV, who turns bus routes and metro maps into gateways...
Dr. Steve Truch’s journey began as a school psychologist in the late 1970s. He often saw students...
Joan emphasizes that people often underestimate the potential of technology readily available in their...
From Personal Experience to Professional Advocacy
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, host Frances Shefter...
Mental Health, Anxiety & Social-Emotional Needs|Related Services (OT, PT, Speech, Counseling)|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
In this heartwarming and insightful episode of Stress-Free IEP®, host Frances Shefter reconnects...
In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Stress-Free IEP, host Frances Shefter welcomes Dr. Lauren...
Dr. Hinojosa recently started his own private practice, likening it to a growing plant that he is nurturing....
Planning for the future is something every parent thinks about, yet so many of us put it off. Whether...
The Power of Peer Support
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, host Frances Shefter welcomes Amanda Levin,...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, host Frances Shefter welcomes Andrea Jones, a longtime advocate...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, host Frances Shefter sits down with Lisa Quinn, founder of Reach...
Today on the Stress-Free IEP® show, host Frances Shefter sat down with Arlene Lechner and Melissa Hochberg,...
Debbie Harris shares her personal story of lifelong weight struggles, starting as the “fat...
Evaluations & Eligibility (Child Find, IEE)|Mental Health, Anxiety & Social-Emotional Needs|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, host Frances Shefter sits down with Elyse Dworin, the founder...
Frances Shefter welcomes Michela Laverty, founder of Oly Able Special Education Consulting, to talk about...
In this episode, Frances Shefter welcomes Randi Johnson, Principal Attorney and Chief Engagement Officer...
Host Frances Shefter welcomes Dr. Jaclyn Halpern, a partner and clinical director of psychology at Playful...
Host Frances Shefter welcomes Diane Gould, a licensed clinical social worker and Executive Director of...
IEP Goals, Data & Progress Monitoring|Related Services (OT, PT, Speech, Counseling)|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
Frances Shefter hosts licensed clinical marriage and family therapist Robin Brannan, who has over 20...
Introduction:
Frances Shefter welcomes Michelle Letterly from Primerica’s Letterly Group, an experienced...
Frances Shefter, host of Stress-Free IEP®, welcomes Meagan Gillcrist, Executive Director and founder...
Mental Health, Anxiety & Social-Emotional Needs|Related Services (OT, PT, Speech, Counseling)|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Pamela Newman, LCSW-C, owner of PRN...
Frances Shefter welcomes Catina Franklin Sweedy from the Embark Center for Self-Directed Education. The...
Mental Health, Anxiety & Social-Emotional Needs|Related Services (OT, PT, Speech, Counseling)|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
Frances Shefter welcomes Laura Goldstein, a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (LCMFT) and...
Caitlin Garman, Director of Admissions and Outreach at Broad Futures, shares her journey from...
Welcome to another episode of “Stress-Free IEP®,” hosted by Frances Shefter, where...
Dispute Resolution & Special Education Law|Dyslexia & Reading Interventions|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
Introduction to Kids Up Reading Tutors (formerly Kids Up Reading Coaches)
Navigating the realm of special...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Brendan Sheerin, founder of IEP Parenting...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Dr. David Palmiter, a licensed...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Polly Mayer, Associate Professor of...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Sara Gallagher, Founder of Rising Tides...
Evaluations & Eligibility (Child Find, IEE)|IEP Meetings & Parent Advocacy|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter is joined by Dr. Ken Stefano, Clinical Psychologist...
Dyslexia & Reading Interventions|Related Services (OT, PT, Speech, Counseling)|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
Jen Dryer, a former New York City public school teacher and literacy coach, transitioned into parenting...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Ivonne Rodriguez, Project Manager...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Jane Singleton, the founder and executive...
IEP Meetings & Parent Advocacy|School Discipline & Manifestation Determination|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
Introduction to Stress-Free IEP®
Welcome to the Stress-Free IEP® podcast, hosted by Frances Shefter,...
Introduction to Stress-Free IEP®
Welcome to the Stress-Free IEP® podcast, hosted by Frances Shefter,...
Introduction to Stress-Free IEP®
Welcome to the Stress-Free IEP® podcast, hosted by Frances Shefter,...
Dyslexia & Reading Interventions|Related Services (OT, PT, Speech, Counseling)|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
Introduction to Stress-Free IEP®
Welcome to the Stress-Free IEP® podcast, hosted by Frances Shefter of...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP® Frances Shefter speaks with Kitchie McBride, MHA, a health insurance...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Sarah Bobal, a dyslexia specialist and...
Accommodations, Modifications & Supports|Evaluations & Eligibility (Child Find, IEE)|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with April Rehrig, Special education...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter interviews Kelly Nelson, Outreach and Communications...
Evaluations & Eligibility (Child Find, IEE)|Related Services (OT, PT, Speech, Counseling)|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Jennifer Strong, school psychologist...
IEP Goals, Data & Progress Monitoring|Related Services (OT, PT, Speech, Counseling)|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Nicole Connell, an educator,...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Nicole Rouleau, Founder of Igniting...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter interviews Sarah Kodinsky, CEO of...
IEP Goals, Data & Progress Monitoring|Related Services (OT, PT, Speech, Counseling)|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Naomi Matanick, a pediatric occupational...
IEP Meetings & Parent Advocacy|Mental Health, Anxiety & Social-Emotional Needs|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Jennifer Shutts, a certified...
Dyslexia & Reading Interventions|Related Services (OT, PT, Speech, Counseling)|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Natalie Powell, a certified dyslexia...
In this compelling episode of Stress-Free IEP®, host Frances Shefter engages in an enlightening conversation...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances speaks with Dr. Taylor Day, child psychologist and parental...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Jamilah Bashir, Founder of the IEP Coach...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Anjel Burgess, Managing...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP® Frances looks back at the first year of the podcast, highlighting...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Melissa McCall, Owner of Moving Little...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Dr. Bill Stixrud, Clinical Neuropsychologist,...
Accommodations, Modifications & Supports|Related Services (OT, PT, Speech, Counseling)|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Author & Board Certified Educational...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Laurie Chester, Academic Life Coach...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Lisa Shaw, CEO & Founder of Mosaic...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Crista Hopp, owner of and Executive...
Mental Health, Anxiety & Social-Emotional Needs|Related Services (OT, PT, Speech, Counseling)|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Maria Slavin. Maria is a Certified...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks about her career and tells some inspiring...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Jared Kallen, Founder of Action Pact...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Psychologist Ali Navidi, Founder of...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Faith Borkowsky, Founder of High Five...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Deepa Gosal, Educational Therapist and...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Jenna Meehan, Autistic & ADHD occupational...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Naomi Rubinstein, Family Educator and...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Dr. Teri Bullis, Behavior Therapist...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Hanna Forrest, ADHD Specialist and Parent...
Evaluations & Eligibility (Child Find, IEE)|IEP Goals, Data & Progress Monitoring|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Dana Jeffrey, Licensed Educational Psychologist...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEPTM, Frances Shefter speaks with Evelyn Fromowitz, BCBA, Director at...
IEP Goals, Data & Progress Monitoring|Related Services (OT, PT, Speech, Counseling)|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
In this episode of Stress-Free IEPTM, Frances Shefter speaks with Sheryl Stevens, a pediatric Speech-Language...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEPTM, Frances Shefter speaks with Shannon Olsen M. Ed., Special Education...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEPTM, Frances Shefter speaks with Rachel Cederbaum, Founder and Lead...
IEP Goals, Data & Progress Monitoring|Mental Health, Anxiety & Social-Emotional Needs|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Gabrielle Czaja, a Physical Therapist...
IEP Goals, Data & Progress Monitoring|Related Services (OT, PT, Speech, Counseling)|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
In this episode of Stress-Free IEPTM, Frances Shefter speaks with Mya Zavaleta, of Rooted Occupational...
IEP Goals, Data & Progress Monitoring|Mental Health, Anxiety & Social-Emotional Needs|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
In this episode of Stress-Free IEPTM, Frances Shefter speaks with Hannah Breckenridge, a Licensed Clinical...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEPTM, Frances Shefter speaks with with Candace Sahm & Kerri Midiri...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEPTM, Frances Shefter speaks with Lavaunda Roundtree, an academic therapist,...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEPTM, Frances Shefter speaks with Ned Johnson, President and Tutor Geek...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEPTM, Frances Shefter speaks with Pia Seltmann, MS, OTR/L, a German occupational...
Dispute Resolution & Special Education Law|Evaluations & Eligibility (Child Find, IEE)|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
In this episode of Stress-Free IEPTM, Frances Shefter speaks with Christine Dodaj. Christine is...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEPTM Frances Shefter speaks with Wendy Taylor.
Wendy Taylor is a certified...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEPTM, Frances Shefter speaks with Meghan Lucas. Meghan is the...
Mental Health, Anxiety & Social-Emotional Needs|School Discipline & Manifestation Determination|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
In this episode of Stress-Free IEPTM, Frances Shefter speaks with Kamakshi “Kami” Sankar Boyle, a Licensed...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEPTM, Frances speaks with Todd Boernstein. Todd is an estate planning...
In this episode of Stress-Free IEPTM, Frances speaks with Scot Marken, Founder and CEO of EdRedefined....
IEP Meetings & Parent Advocacy|Mental Health, Anxiety & Social-Emotional Needs|Stress-Free IEP Podcasts|
Stress-Free IEP™:
Frances Shefter is an Education Attorney and Advocate who is committed to helping her...
Stress-Free IEP™:
Frances Shefter is an Education Attorney and Advocate who is committed to...
Stress-Free IEP™:
Frances Shefter is an Education Attorney and Advocate who is committed to...
Stress-Free IEP™:Frances Shefter is an Education Attorney and Advocate who is committed to helping...
Stress-Free IEP™:Frances Shefter is an Education Attorney and Advocate who is committed to helping her...
Stress-Free IEP™: Frances Shefter is an Education Attorney and Advocate who is committed to helping...
