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Development Desk

Development Desk

Written by: Ana
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About this listen

Development Desk—a space where parenting meets psychology, advocacy meets action, and insight replaces the noise. I’m Ana, a school psychologist and mom, sharing what I’ve learned from years inside the system and alongside families. Together, we’ll unpack the why behind the behavior, decode the school processes, and build something strong—one conversation at a time.


From insight to action. From chaos to clarity. This is Development Desk.


Disclaimer: The information shared on Development Desk is for educational and informational purposes only. While I am a licensed school psychologist, this podcast does not constitute psychological services, legal advice, or a therapeutic relationship. The views expressed are my own and do not reflect the policies or positions of any school district or employer. This content is not a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified provider in your state. Always seek appropriate support when making decisions related to your child’s education, health, or legal rights.

© 2025 Development Desk
Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Verenice, PhD, LP, LSSP : Emotional Independence and Tools for Teen Self-Reflection
    Nov 18 2025

    What does it mean for a child or teen to become emotionally independent—and how can parents support that journey without pushing too soon? In this episode, Dr. Verenice D’Santiago-Eastman helps us unpack age-appropriate milestones of emotional growth and shares practical tools to help kids name their thoughts, challenge unhelpful patterns, and build their own self-regulation toolkit. From mindfulness to journaling to the right questions at the right time, this conversation will help parents support reflection without pressure.

    https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk

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    42 mins
  • Claudia Flores, SLP : Speech Services in School
    Nov 11 2025

    In this episode, we sit down with Claudia Flores, a seasoned Speech-Language Pathologist who has spent over a decade working across medical and school settings. Claudia brings a wealth of experience and a heart for empowering families, educators, and students with language needs. Together, we dive into the power of early intervention, how parents can naturally support their child’s communication at home, and why genuine collaboration between parents and teachers matters more than ever.

    You’ll also hear Claudia’s perspective on what real appreciation for teachers looks like and how small shifts in understanding can make a big difference for every child. You’ll walk away with simple, practical tools to boost your child’s communication skills—and a deeper understanding of how to partner effectively with educators for your child’s success.

    https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk

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    39 mins
  • (Part 2) Cassie Romo, PhD : Burnout, Inclusion, and Grace in the School-Family Partnership
    Nov 6 2025

    What happens when schools ask for more family engagement — but parents and teachers are already burned out? In Part 2 of our conversation, Dr. Cassie Romo shares real talk on balancing school expectations with family capacity, designing events that actually work for communities, and how to partner with grace on both sides.

    We also explore meaningful inclusion for students with disabilities and how educators and families can keep the child at the center — even when resources are stretched.

    This episode is for any parent or teacher looking to build bridges, not burnout.

    https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk

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    34 mins
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