Boston School Psychs Podcast

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Welcome to the Boston School Psychs Podcast! These conversations with Boston school psychologists highlight the people, practices, and partnerships that strengthen behavioral health and promote student well-being across Boston Public Schools and beyond. Each episode explores how school psychologists and community partners are working together to create safe, supportive, and thriving learning environments for every student.

Episodes

  1. OCT 29

    Episode 5: From Theory to Impact: The BPS Internship Experience

    This week on the Boston School Psychs Podcast, we’re joined by Arabiye Artola Bonanno and Pravash Kumar, school psychology doctoral interns completing their internship year in Boston Public Schools (BPS). BPS is the only school district in Massachusetts to offer a doctoral-level training program within the district, and we are proud that the program was recently awarded APPIC status. Together, they discuss how their internship has helped them bridge the gap between research and real-world practice, the rewarding experiences that have shaped their growth, and how collaboration with educators across settings strengthens student support. They also reflect on working within a highly diverse school district, gaining deeper insight into equity, cultural responsiveness, and resource allocation across schools. Lastly, they share how this internship experience is influencing their future roles as school psychologists and their goals for impact at both the school and system levels.

    29 min

  2. OCT 22

    Boston School Psychs Podcast - Episode 4: Connection is Key: Supporting and Advocating for School Psychologists

    This week on the Boston School Psychs Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Amber Harris, NASP Treasurer and Assistant Professor at Louisiana State University Shreveport, along with Dr. Andria Amador, Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services in Boston Public Schools.Together, they explore the power of connection in school psychology such as how fostering relationships, advocacy, and community can strengthen and sustain the profession. Reflecting on her 15 years of experience as a school psychologist and her leadership at both the state and national levels, Dr. Harris shares meaningful insights on supporting one another in the field. The conversation also touches on the popular Facebook forum she moderates, Said No School Psychologist Ever, and how it provides a unique space for connection and professional growth.

    50 min

  3. OCT 15

    Episode 3: Practical Tips for Supporting Multilingual Learners

    This week on the Boston School Psychs Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Ivonne Borrero, Psy.D., Assistant Director of Behavioral Health Services for Boston Public Schools.With over three decades of experience, Dr. Borrero shares practical tips for supporting multilingual learners, drawing from her work as an assistant director, bilingual school psychologist, adjunct professor, and clinical psychologist. She discusses how school psychologists can foster inclusive practices, strengthen family collaboration, and promote equitable support for multilingual learners.

    22 min

  4. OCT 8

    Episode 2: Dreaming Big: Big Ideas in School Psychology Featuring Dr. Eric Rossen and Dr. Andria Amador

    This week on the Boston School Psychs Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Eric Rossen, Executive Director of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), along with Dr. Andria Amador, Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services in Boston Public Schools. Together, we explore how NASP is advocating for school psychologists, helping build community, promoting meaningful discussions, and addressing challenges such as workforce shortages in school psychology. Dr. Rossen and Dr. Amador also share how the NASP Practice Model can serve as an advocacy tool to support an expanded, more comprehensive role for school psychologists, one that goes beyond assessment to utilize the full range of skills we are trained in.

    52 min

  5. OCT 1

    Episode 1: Beyond a Kit, a Kid, & a Closet Featuring Dr. Andria Amador

    Welcome to the Boston School Psychs Podcast! These conversations with Boston school psychologists highlight the people, practices, and partnerships that strengthen behavioral health and promote student well-being across Boston Public Schools. Episodes will be released every Wednesday, beginning with today’s episode. In our very first episode, we are honored to sit down with Dr. Andria Amador, Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services in BPS and the driving force behind the Comprehensive Behavioral Health Model (CBHM). A nationally recognized leader, Dr. Amador has led the transformation of behavioral health in Boston schools from a small pilot to a district-wide framework that is now shaping practice across the country. This conversation comes at a timely moment: Boston Public Schools has been awarded the 2025 NASP Excellence in School Psychological Services Award at the Exemplary level, which is the highest honor our field can bestow on a district. Together, we celebrate this recognition, reflect on CBHM’s growth, and hear Dr. Amador’s perspective on leadership, equity, and the future of school-based behavioral health. Listeners will learn: How Dr. Amador’s personal and professional journey led her to school psychology leadership in Boston. The evolution and impact of CBHM over the past 14 years. Milestones that make her most proud, and her advice for new school psychologists entering the field. Why equity, multilingual hiring, and diversifying the workforce are central to the future of behavioral health. What keeps her hopeful and motivated in a time of great need. Join us as we go beyond a kit, a kid, and a closet, and into the comprehensive role of school psychologists building safe and supportive schools, one conversation at a time.

    20 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

Welcome to the Boston School Psychs Podcast! These conversations with Boston school psychologists highlight the people, practices, and partnerships that strengthen behavioral health and promote student well-being across Boston Public Schools and beyond. Each episode explores how school psychologists and community partners are working together to create safe, supportive, and thriving learning environments for every student.

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