Next Step Advocacy

Melanie Lieber
  • 5.0 (11)
  • EDUCATION

The Next Step Advocacy Podcast is your go-to resource for parents of children and young adults with special needs. Each episode provides valuable insights through expert interviews, real-life stories, and practical advice, helping families discover new opportunities and resources available for their students. Whether you're looking for educational support, community services, or guidance on navigating the complexities of transitioning after graduation, this podcast offers a supportive space to learn, grow, and take the next step forward.

  1. 08/25/2025

    Empowering Parents in the ABA Journey: Practical Tips for Families with Autism

    In this episode of the Next Step Advocacy Podcast, host Melanie Lieber sits down with Rima Kliore-Frederickson from Kyo ABA to unpack the role parents play in helping their children thrive with autism. From the importance of early connections and family involvement, to understanding generalization and collaborating with teachers and specialists, this conversation is filled with practical insights every parent can use. 💡 Whether you’re just beginning your journey with an autism diagnosis or looking for new ways to support your child at home, this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and supported.

    34 min

  2. 08/25/2025

    Empowering Parents in the ABA Journey: Practical Tips for Families with Autism

    In this episode of the Next Step Advocacy Podcast, host Melanie Lieber sits down with Rima Kliore-Frederickson from Kyo ABA to unpack the role parents play in helping their children thrive with autism. From the importance of early connections and family involvement, to understanding generalization and collaborating with teachers and specialists, this conversation is filled with practical insights every parent can use. 💡 Whether you’re just beginning your journey with an autism diagnosis or looking for new ways to support your child at home, this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and supported. 👉 Tune in to learn: • Why parents are the most important part of the therapy team • How to transfer skills from therapy sessions into everyday life • Tips for navigating ABA, schools, and specialists with confidence 🎧 Listen now and take the next step in your advocacy journey!

    34 min

  3. 05/15/2025

    I’m Back! Life Updates, Career Changes & Why IEP Advocacy Still Matters

    After a break, I’m back with big updates! In this episode, I share why I stepped away from the classroom after 12 years as a special education teacher and launched Next Step Advocacy. I’ll talk about why IEP advocacy is more important than ever and what you can expect from the podcast moving forward—practical tips, real-life insight, and support to help you feel more confident in the IEP process.

    5 min

  4. 05/27/2021

    Mentoring Autistic Minds with David Rivera!

    In this episode of the Celebrating Autism Podcast we are chatting with David Rivera from Mentoring Autistic Minds!  David shares all about his nonprofit organization that he started and dives into his own challenges growing up that lead him to where is he today.  David is a remarkable young man and this is an episode you will not want to miss!  Enjoy!

    29 min

  5. 04/22/2021

    Meera from Super Speech Solutions - Speech, Language, and Pragmatic Strategies for Children with Autism

    In this episode Melanie interviews guest Meera from Super Speech Solutions based out of Houston, Texas.  Meera explains the difference between speech, language, and pragmatic skills and gives so many tips and strategies for parents, caregivers, or teachers working with children with Autism at home or in school.  You will need a notepad for this episode because it is full of amazing information!!

    38 min

  6. 03/17/2021

    Fiona from Adulting Made Easy - How to use Digital Life Skills Lessons at Home and in the Classroom

    Teachers all around the country are reminded that this week marks one full year of teaching virtually from home.  What better way to celebrate than to have Fiona from Adulting Made Easy on the podcast this week!  Fiona has been teaching transition (ages 18-22) for 6 years while managing and creating her successful blog, teachers pay teachers account, and social media pages.  She really does it all, and her resources are life changing if you are a transition teacher or a parent at home working on all things life skills.  Please follow her on Instagram @spedadulting and go check out her teachers pay teachers page by searching Adulting Made Easy AKA Sped Adulting.  You will not want to miss this episode! Enjoy!

    25 min

  7. 01/07/2021

    Tips and Trick for 100% Attendance during Virtual Learning

    Happy New Year!  In this episode Melanie is breaking down how she has consistently maintained 100% student attendance on zoom during virtual learning.  Melanie is also sharing virtual tips and tricks that have been successful and some new ideas that she is taking into 2021.   Enjoy!

    16 min

  8. 12/10/2020

    Celebrating Autism Speaks with Tracey MacDonald

    Check out part 2 of Melanie's interview with Tracey MacDonald from Autism Speaks.  If you haven't listened to part 1 yet, go back and give it a listen!  In this episode Tracey explains how Autism Speaks came to be and she goes into great detail about all of the amazing resources they provide.  Tracey is not only a fantastic mom to her son Griffin, but she also does amazing work for Autism Speaks and is dedicated to helping families get the resources they need to be successful.  Listen to this episode to find out everything you can access at autismspeaks.org, you will not want to miss it!

    35 min
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5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

The Next Step Advocacy Podcast is your go-to resource for parents of children and young adults with special needs. Each episode provides valuable insights through expert interviews, real-life stories, and practical advice, helping families discover new opportunities and resources available for their students. Whether you're looking for educational support, community services, or guidance on navigating the complexities of transitioning after graduation, this podcast offers a supportive space to learn, grow, and take the next step forward.

Information

  • Creator
    Melanie Lieber
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Melanie Lieber
  • Show Website
    Next Step Advocacy