Pathways to Independence: A Transition Podcast

Juan Treminio

Hosted by experts in the field, each episode explores the skills, supports, and systems that help young people move from school-based services into adult life with confidence and purpose. Through honest conversations, expert interviews, and real-life stories, we tackle topics like: Building soft skills for employment and independence Self-advocacy and student-led planning Navigating transition meetings and IEP development Understanding postsecondary pathways (college, work, and more) Accessing adult services and community supports Getting the most out of college disability resources Supporting families after high school ends Whether you're a parent preparing for your child’s next step, an educator building better IEPs, or a student wondering what comes next, this podcast is your launch pad.

Episodes

  1. Sep 4

    Season 2 Episode 1: Adult Transition Programming an Interview with Dean Weese

    Dr. Juan Treminio interviews Dean Wies, who has spent 31 years as a transition teacher and is currently a lead teacher in an adult transition program serving students ages 18-22. Dean describes his program's structure (9 classrooms, 11-14 students each, heterogeneous ability levels ranging from students needing full physical support to students with driver's licenses) and explains his philosophy of treating students as adults with real responsibilities and natural consequences. The conversation covers how the program builds functional life skills (banking, money management, self-advocacy) to counter "learned helplessness" some students develop in high school; how Individual Transition Plans (ITPs) are built around student-driven interviews and interests (e.g., wanting to work at Chick-fil-A, live in a group home, or learn to drive); and how video documentation in IEPs has been a powerful, trust-building tool for showing families skills growth they wouldn't otherwise believe. Dean also details the mechanics of job placement: a team of job developers who solicit paid (workability-grant-funded) and volunteer job sites and formalize each placement with a detailed "job contract." He explains his program's close collaboration with the San Diego Regional Center (inviting caseworkers to IEPs), and with programs like Miramar College's College to Career (C2C) program, a competitive three-year certificate program. Dean shares how he began proactively connecting families to outside agencies after seeing students sit idle for months post-graduation, which evolved into an annual resource fair. The episode closes with Dean's observations on a demographic shift toward more students with higher support needs entering transition programs since the alternate diploma pathway was introduced, his advice for early-grade educators (start functional skills young; let students fail safely), and a walkthrough of his classroom's daily routine (morning check-in, community outings, job sites, afternoon IEP-goal work).

  2. May 13

    Where We've Been, Where We're Going — A Season One Finale

    Season One of Pathways to Independence was built on a simple belief: that the educators and specialists doing transition work every day have something worth saying and that the field is better when those voices are in conversation with each other. Jamie Kain brought that belief to life when she created this podcast, and this finale is a fitting close to the season she built. In this episode, Jamie sits down with incoming host Juan Treminio for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about what transition planning is really for and where the field too often gets it wrong. They dig into the independent living component that gets skipped, the difference between self-advocacy as a checkbox and self-determination as a practice, how family expectations and student voice can pull in opposite directions, and why going door-to-door to local businesses to create vocational opportunities is still one of the most powerful things a transition team can do. Juan also shares a preview of what Season Two will look like: a deeper focus on interagency collaboration, with guests from the Department of Rehabilitation, Regional Centers, and community employers who have worked directly with students with disabilities. This episode also marks a transition of its own. Jamie is passing the hosting reins to Juan Treminio, Program Specialist in Transition Services at El Dorado County Charter SELPA, who will carry Pathways to Independence into Season Two. To Jamie: thank you for building something that matters. To our listeners: Season Two is coming.

  3. Mar 16

    Adult Transition - Clayton Valley - Patrick Gaffney

    In this episode of Pathways to Independence, Jamie Kain of El Dorado County Charter SELPA speaks with Dr. Patrick Gaffney, Director of Student Services at Clayton Valley Charter High School, about their unique transition program for students with IEPs aged 18-22. Dr. Gaffney shares the development and success of their adult transition program, emphasizing the importance of community partnerships, family engagement, and an adaptable, innovative approach. The conversation highlights the logistics, challenges, and achievements of the program, offering insights for other schools looking to implement similar initiatives. How can schools maintain the connection between the everyday activities of the ITP and the goal of independent adulthood for students?

  4. Mar 16

    Social Emotional Supports for Transition

    In this episode of the Pathways to Independence podcast, Jamie Kain, Program Specialist for the El Dorado County Charter SELPA, discusses the importance of social-emotional supports for students with IEPs as they transition to adulthood. Joined by Sean Andrew, Program Coordinator of Student Wellness, they explore the challenges, solutions, and best practices in supporting these students. Sean shares his experiences from working in special education, emphasizing the need for trauma-informed practices, mental health services, and seamless transitions between school and adult care. They also discuss the pivotal role of families and the importance of professional development for educational staff. • Mental Health and Transition: Exploring the need for appropriate social-emotional supports and the integration of mental health services into IEPs. • Addressing the "Service Cliff": Highlighting the need to create a seamless bridge between school services and adult mental health supports to ensure continuity of care. • School Strategies: Practical steps for schools, including integrating life skills into the curriculum (stress management, self-advocacy), expanding peer mentorship, and staff training

  5. 12/18/2025

    Family Involvement in Transition

    In this episode of Pathways to Independence, Jamie Kain from El Dorado County Charter SELPA and Alyssa DiFilippo from Parents Helping Parents discuss the essential role families play in transitioning students with disabilities to adulthood. Alyssa shares her personal journey and professional expertise, highlighting the importance of early transition planning, collaboration between schools and agencies, and the resources provided by Family Empowerment Centers (FECs). They explore the critical need for building trust with families, educating them on services, and working together with schools and agencies to ensure successful transitions for students with disabilities.

  6. 12/18/2025

    Transition Partnership Program thru Department of Rehabilitation

    In this episode of the Pathways to Independence podcast, Jamie Kain from El Dorado County Charter SELPA hosts a discussion on building successful transition programs for students with disabilities. Featuring Melissa Hilbig, a Transition Partnership Program Specialist, and Cori Coffey, Chief Schools Officer at the Classical Academies in San Diego County, the episode delves into the importance of community engagement and partnerships. The conversation highlights strategies such as student-centered planning, family involvement, and networking with community partners including the Department of Rehabilitation. Helpful tips and real-world examples of how to create meaningful transition activities and leverage technology to connect students with the broader community are also shared. Listeners are encouraged to access the resources mentioned via the website and stay tuned for more insights in the upcoming episodes.

  7. 12/18/2025

    Transition Basics and Assessment

    In the first episode of the El Dorado County Charter SELPA’s Pathways to Independence podcast, Jamie Kain interviews Tanya Guston, Program Coordinator for El Dorado County Charter SELPA. Tanya shares her extensive experience in special education since 1997, highlighting her journey and dedication to supporting students through their transitions to adulthood. The conversation delves into the essentials of an Individualized Transition Plan (ITP), emphasizing personalized, student-centered planning, family involvement, and collaboration with community agencies. Tanya provides insights into effective assessments, especially for students with extensive support needs, and strategies for ensuring meaningful transition goals. The episode concludes with a heartwarming note on the lasting impact of special education on students' lives.

  • 7 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

About

Hosted by experts in the field, each episode explores the skills, supports, and systems that help young people move from school-based services into adult life with confidence and purpose. Through honest conversations, expert interviews, and real-life stories, we tackle topics like: Building soft skills for employment and independence Self-advocacy and student-led planning Navigating transition meetings and IEP development Understanding postsecondary pathways (college, work, and more) Accessing adult services and community supports Getting the most out of college disability resources Supporting families after high school ends Whether you're a parent preparing for your child’s next step, an educator building better IEPs, or a student wondering what comes next, this podcast is your launch pad.

Information