Rishanka Jones Show

Rishanka Jones
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In this series, I'll engage with leaders, entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, and innovative thinkers, exploring their unique experiences and untold stories. Each episode offers actionable insights for personal and professional growth, highlighting lessons from both challenges and successes. Whether you seek inspiration, knowledge, or insights into transformative journeys, this series has something for everyone. Join me as we explore the intersections of leadership, innovation, and healthcare, uncovering narratives that inspire change and motivate action.

  1. Special Education Advocacy: How to Get the Right Support for Your Child

    3 days ago

    Special Education Advocacy: How to Get the Right Support for Your Child

    Confused by the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan? Most parents underestimate how complex these legal tools are—and many schools make it even harder to navigate the process. In this episode of The Rishanka Jones Show, I’m joined by Rich Weinfeld, a seasoned expert in special education law with over 30 years of experience, to show you how to advocate effectively for your child’s unique needs. We uncover the hidden layers of special education advocacy. Whether your child is twice-exceptional (2e), struggling with executive functioning, or facing emotional regulation challenges, understanding the true purpose of these plans is the game-changer for their future success. In this episode, you’ll discover: IEP vs. 504: The critical distinction between targeted instruction (IEP) and barrier-removing accommodations (504).The Advocacy Roadmap: How to ensure your child’s plan actually aligns with what is discussed in meetings.Legal Protections: How to use "Prior Written Notice" and handle disputes when resources fall short.College Admissions: Why your child’s current plan matters for their long-term future.Avoiding Pitfalls: How to spot and stop watered-down accommodations before they hurt your child’s progress.Chapters: 0:00 Understanding IEP and 504 Plans 2:32 Challenges in Obtaining IEP and 504 Plans 7:33 Long-Term Impacts and College Admissions 19:59 Annual Review and Accommodations 26:13 Prior Written Notice and Advocacy About Rich Weinfeld: Rich Weinfeld is a certified special education advocate and attorney with over 30 years of experience. He is a nationally recognized expert in supporting twice-exceptional (2e) students and their families in navigating the complexities of education law. Stay Connected: 🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into intentional parenting and educational advocacy. [Link to your website/newsletter] #IEP #504plan #SpecialEducation #TwiceExceptional #2eStudents #SchoolAdvocacy #ParentingTips #IEPMeeting #EducationLaw #TheRishankaJonesShow

    32 min
  2. How to Homeschool: Laws, Portfolios & Curriculum Explained

    30 Jun

    How to Homeschool: Laws, Portfolios & Curriculum Explained

    Are you considering homeschooling in Maryland or feeling overwhelmed by MD homeschool laws? In this episode, seasoned homeschool mom Brandy Orndorff breaks down how to homeschool in Maryland legally, confidently, and stress-free. Whether you are just beginning your homeschooling journey or transitioning your kids mid-year from MD public schools, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about setting up routines, choosing curriculum, and managing family life. Subscribe to the channel for more expert homeschooling interviews, legal deep-dives, and practical parenting advice: https://www.youtube.com/@rishankabjones 🕒 TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction to homeschooling in Maryland with Brandy Orndorff 00:25 - Brandy’s motivation for homeschooling her children 01:22 - Support systems like co-ops and curriculum choices 02:11 - Legal requirements for homeschooling in Maryland 03:00 - The paperwork process and interviews with public school system 03:48 - Curriculum essentials and flexibility in instruction 04:44 - Understanding portfolio reviews and maintaining student work 05:46 - The umbrella group option versus direct filing with the district 06:57 - What a portfolio review entails and how to prepare 08:23 - Entry points for homeschooling mid-year and rejoining public school 09:11 - Selecting suitable textbooks and support groups for beginners 10:04 - The role of co-ops like Classical Conversations and Homesteaders 11:44 - How to start with elementary curriculum options 12:04 - The benefits of structured programs like Classical Conversations 13:34 - Typical daily schedule tailored for various ages 15:32 - Balancing homeschooling with family life and extracurriculars 19:21 - Discussing tutors, online classes, and addressing gaps in education 22:24 - How to handle academic testing and standardized assessments 25:18 - The financial aspect of homeschooling, including dual enrollment 26:12 - Comparing homeschool community and traditional school communities 28:58 - Socialization strategies and handling bullying at home 34:03 - Addressing societal judgments and misconceptions about homeschooling 39:27 - Creating discipline and routines at home 44:46 - The importance of testing and academic progress tracking 47:22 - Managing stress and mental health as a homeschooling parent 51:54 - Benefits and potential drawbacks of homeschooling 54:43 - Unique considerations like sports participation and extracurricular activities 55:42 - Final thoughts and encouragement for homeschooling families 🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED Learn more about Classical ConversationsOfficial Maryland Home Instruction Guidelines: Maryland Public Schools Home InstructionLegal Information: HSLDA Maryland Homeschool LawsConnect with the Maryland Homeschool Association#MarylandHomeschool #HomeschoolingInMaryland #HomeschoolMom #HomeschoolCurriculum #ClassicalConversations #PortfolioReview #HomeschoolPodcast

    40 min
  3. Is Private School Worth It? The Truth About Public vs. Private Schools #SchoolChoice#PublicVsPrivate

    22 Jun

    Is Private School Worth It? The Truth About Public vs. Private Schools #SchoolChoice#PublicVsPrivate

    Is private school worth the money, or are public schools just as good? In this episode, Dr. David Steiner, Director of the Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy, uncovers the truth behind the public school vs private school debate. If you are struggling with school choice, deciding on charter schools, or wondering about college admissions advantages, this expert guide breaks down what actually drives student success. 👇 Learn how to evaluate school quality, standardized test scores, and teacher performance to make the best decision for your child. 📌 Key Topics & Timestamps: 00:00 - Public school vs private school: Where should your child go? 00:30 - How to evaluate local public school performance 01:27 - The truth about private school quality & test scores 02:44 - Do private schools actually have better student outcomes? 03:48 - School reputation vs real academic data 04:42 - Private school affordability & wealthy school districts 06:07 - Why parents choose private schools: Religious values & facilities 07:41 - Do elite private school facilities improve core skills? 08:41 - College admissions: The private school advantage myth 09:37 - Teacher certification & teacher quality explained 11:24 - Why private school performance data is hidden 12:25 - How socioeconomic factors impact standardized test scores 13:24 - College admissions metrics that actually matter 14:13 - Are private schools really Ivy League feeders? 14:46 - Legacy admissions & student background impact 15:46 - How school environment influences college rankings 16:23 - How colleges judge school quality & student background 17:10 - Student support systems & extracurricular activities 18:16 - Do summer programs help with college success? 19:02 - Success stories from underprivileged backgrounds 21:38 - Elite private schools: Is the expensive price tag worth it? 22:15 - Social & emotional factors in school choice 23:14 - The real value of school networks & social capital 25:22 - Why parental decisions are driven by social status 26:22 - The hidden risks of low-income public schools 27:13 - Parents guide to visiting schools & classroom observation 28:19 - What is a charter school vs public school? 30:39 - Charter school accountability & state regulations 32:35 - Curriculum standards & building foundational skills 36:00 - The problem with over-testing & teaching to the test 37:24 - High-quality curriculum materials vs teacher impact 41:02 - How teacher quality variability affects your child 44:04 - Standardized testing as an educational metric 45:08 - How to observe school culture & environment 47:29 - Crucial questions to ask on a school tour 50:45 - Special education, IEPs, & accommodations in schools 54:21 - End 🔗 Resources Mentioned Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy: https://education.jhu.edu/edpolicy/Connect with Dr. David Steiner LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-steiner-1922198#PublicSchool #PrivateSchool #CharterSchools #DrDavidSteiner #JohnsHopkins #ParentingTips #CollegeAdmissions #EducationDebate #TuitionFees #StudentSuccess

    49 min
  4. How to Stop Menopause Weight Gain & Fix Your Metabolism

    15 Jun

    How to Stop Menopause Weight Gain & Fix Your Metabolism

    Struggling with sudden weight changes, stubborn belly fat, or low energy? In this episode, Dr. Madison Kackley from the Ohio State University SHE IS Lab breaks down the science of female metabolism, hormonal shifts, and menopause weight gain. If you want to understand how estrogen, cortisol, and insulin resistance affect your body in your 30s, 40s, and beyond, this expert guide is for you. 📌 Key Topics & Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro: Female metabolism & hormonal influences 00:03 - Sudden weight changes in perimenopause 01:04 - How declining estrogen affects insulin and blood sugar 01:34 - Panic response & cortisol spikes during menopause 02:38 - Dangers of panic dieting and rapid weight loss 03:10 - Diet approaches for women in their 30s and 40s 03:39 - Why you need to increase protein and lower carbs 04:10 - Fats and ketones for brain energy 05:37 - Gradual modifications for sustainable results 06:34 - Debunking fasting myths during menopause 07:25 - How age-related insulin resistance develops 08:20 - Utilizing exogenous ketones for metabolic flexibility 10:00 - What causes belly fat and visceral fat increases 11:04 - How low carb diets target visceral fat tissue 12:01 - How hormone balance impacts stubborn belly fat 13:17 - Ketogenic diet benefits for women explained 14:19 - External ketone supplements and how to use them 15:18 - Adapting a ketogenic lifestyle for female biology 16:45 - Adjusting diet based on your cycle phase 17:41 - Historical lack of research on women’s health 18:26 - Postpartum challenges & fueling energy deficits 19:29 - How sleep loss and stress impair postpartum health 20:24 - Nutrition for lactation, recovery, and hormone balance 22:25 - How extreme calorie restriction drops milk supply 23:58 - Supplement safety: Choosing high-quality ketone sources 30:22 - Combining fasting, carb tracking, and fat strategies 37:04 - Managing night sweats & sleep disturbances 38:54 - Role of magnesium and vital nutrients for sleep 40:00 - Preserving muscle mass during hormonal transitions 41:29 - Resistance training & core strength for women 44:43 - Transitioning to a sustainable lifestyle 48:39 - Final advice on macronutrients for metabolic health 🔗 Resources Mentioned: SHE IS Lab: osu.eduKetone Study Info: metabolicmind.org👋 Connect with Dr. Madison Kackley: LinkedIn: linkedin.comInstagram: instagram.com💬 Drop your questions about metabolism or menopause below! LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more women's health insights. #MenopauseWeight #FemaleMetabolism #HormoneHealth

    46 min

  5. Trailer

    504 or IEP Plans?

    The conversation covers the topics of Individual Education Plan (IEP) and 504 Plan, as well as legal documents related to education and disability rights. Takeaways IEP and 504 PlanLegal Documents Chapters 00:00 Individual Education Plan (IEP) and 504 Plan

    1 min
  6. IEP or 504 Plan? Which one does your child need?

    8 Jun

    IEP or 504 Plan? Which one does your child need?

    Navigating the complexities of special education plans like 504 and IEP can be overwhelming for parents. In this episode, Sandra Blumenreich, a seasoned advocate with a background in education, shares her insights on how parents can effectively advocate for their children's needs within the school system and understand their options more clearly. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to special education plans and advocacy 00:33 - Sandra's background and approach to helping parents 01:23 - How school systems work to support students with disabilities 02:36 - Differentiating between IEP, 504, and building-level plans 03:22 - Key legal frameworks: Rehabilitation Act, Americans with Disabilities Act 04:17 - The process of evaluation and eligibility for special support 05:42 - Diagnosing learning disabilities and insurance hurdles 06:56 - The role of school teams in evaluations and strategies 08:24 - Advocating without formal diagnosis and pushing for accommodations 09:58 - Supporting high-functioning students with hidden struggles 10:54 - Demonstrating a child's needs through data and behavioral examples 12:09 - How to handle hesitant schools or delayed plans 13:57 - Early intervention and school-based counseling 14:50 - Supporting twice exceptional students 15:58 - Challenges in advocating for gifted and talented students with disabilities 18:25 - Comparing private and public school accommodations 19:46 - When the state covers private school placements 23:57 - Enforcing plans and parents' rights if schools don't comply 25:02 - The importance of early and ongoing parental involvement 26:51 - Strategies for proactive communication and planning with schools 28:52 - The importance of tailored support for different disabilities 30:35 - Final thoughts and resources Resources & Links: Connect with Sandra Blumenreich: https://sandrablumenreich.com/

    26 min
  7. ADHD: What Parents Need to Know?

    1 Jun

    ADHD: What Parents Need to Know?

    Insights from Dr. Rebecca Resenick Discover how to navigate the complex world of neurodiversity with insights from Dr. Rebecca Resenick, a neuropsychologist and expert in ADHD and autism. This episode emphasizes the importance of a collaborative, compassionate approach to diagnosis and interventions, empowering families to see neurodiverse traits as potential superpowers. Timestamps00:00 - Introduction to neurodiversity and the value of a compassionate, collaborative approach 02:04 - Making assessments positive and empowering for families 03:01 - Labels vs. diagnoses: why definitions matter in understanding and treatment 04:36 - The significance of functional impairment and subjective distress in diagnosis 05:28 - Benefits of diagnosis: unlocking services and understanding progress 06:30 - How neuropsychological assessments work beyond brain scans 09:00 - Limitations of current brain imaging techniques in clinical diagnosis 11:03 - The challenge of translating brain scans into practical interventions 13:01 - Key report components for advocating in educational settings 14:03 - Using diagnostic reports effectively during IEP and 504 meetings 16:11 - The importance of language clarity and action-oriented recommendations 20:14 - Understanding the behavioral basis of ADHD and addressing social behaviors 24:54 - Exploring inattentive ADHD and struggles with social cues 28:26 - Coaching children in social interactions and peer conflicts 31:20 - Building executive functioning skills and emotional regulation 34:44 - The diversity in neurodiverse profiles and strengths-based perspectives 36:03 - Differentiating between ADHD and autism: core differences and overlaps 39:01 - Revisiting outdated myths about autism and recognizing genetic influences 43:34 - How autism manifests as a spectrum of abilities and challenges 45:36 - The importance of individual assessment over labels 49:08 - Overlap of ADHD and autism symptoms and complexities in diagnosis 54:05 - Challenges of diagnosing comorbid ADHD and autism 55:28 - How neuropsychological testing reveals strengths and weaknesses 56:52 - The promise of computational linguistics and AI in early detection and intervention 61:47 - Empowering children by framing their neurodiverse traits as superpowers 65:36 - The value of therapy for neurodivergent children and adults 67:16 - Final thoughts on understanding, acceptance, and supporting neurodiverse individuals Resources & LinksA Family's First Guide to ADHD (hypothetical link for illustration) Connect with Dr. Rebecca Resenick LinkedInTwitter

    30 min
  8. DO YOU HAVE ADHD, AUTISM OR AUDHD?

    1 Jun

    DO YOU HAVE ADHD, AUTISM OR AUDHD?

    The conversation covers topics related to ADHD and autism, including their differences, genetic factors, diagnosis, misconceptions, social communication, empathy, and therapy for neurodivergent children. It also explores computational linguistics in mental health and empowering children with neurodivergent conditions. Takeaways ADHD and autism have overlapping symptoms and challenges, requiring a nuanced approach to diagnosis and intervention.Therapy can be beneficial for neurodivergent children, but it's important to find the right approach and therapist for individual needs. Chapters 00:00 Understanding ADHD and Autism36:03 ADHD and Executive Functioning41:31 Autism and Genetic Correlation46:41 Empathy and Expression in Autism54:08 Challenges in Diagnosis01:01:47 Empowering Children with Neurodivergent Conditions

    27 min
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Trailer

About

In this series, I'll engage with leaders, entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, and innovative thinkers, exploring their unique experiences and untold stories. Each episode offers actionable insights for personal and professional growth, highlighting lessons from both challenges and successes. Whether you seek inspiration, knowledge, or insights into transformative journeys, this series has something for everyone. Join me as we explore the intersections of leadership, innovation, and healthcare, uncovering narratives that inspire change and motivate action.

Information

  • Creator
    Rishanka Jones
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Rishanka Jones
  • Show Website
    Rishanka Jones Show