For many families, the biggest unanswered question in special education is what happens after high school, and how to prepare young people for real independence in a world that isn’t always designed for them. In this episode, host Tracey Spencer Walsh sits down with John Civita, longtime educator and leader of the TransitionsProgram at Winston Preparatory School, to explore what meaningful postsecondary preparation truly looks like for neurodivergent students. John shares his unconventional path into education and howWinston Prep’s one-to-one model evolved into a robust transition program focused not just on academics, but on life skills, self-advocacy, and confidence. Together, they unpack what families often miss when planning for adulthood, and why independence is built through intentional practice, notpressure. Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode: 🟡 What “transition” really means beyond graduation, and why it should start earlier than most families expect🟡How Winston Prep’s individualized approach helps students build independence without sacrificing support🟡Why executive functioning, communication, and self-advocacy are as critical as academic skills🟡The role of real-world experiences in preparing students for college, work, and adult life🟡How educators and families can collaborate to reduce anxiety and increase readiness🟡Why there is no single path to success, and how honoring each student’s trajectory changes outcomes “At the heart of transition work is helping studentsunderstand themselves, what they need, how they learn, and how to ask for support in a world that won’t automatically offer it.” – John Civita This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, andadvocates thinking about the long game of special education. Whether your child is approaching high school, already in a transition program, or somewhere in between, this conversation offers clarity, reassurance, and a powerful reminder that independence is not a destination, it’s a process. Press play to learn how thoughtful transition planning canturn uncertainty into possibility, and help young people step into adulthood with dignity, agency, and confidence. John Civita, M.Ed. is a seasoned educator and programleader with over 20 years of experience supporting neurodiverse adolescents and young adults. As Director of Transitions Programming at Winston Transitions, John designs and oversees individualized programming for students ages 17–21+ focused on building confidence, life skills, and readiness for adult life. In his work, John specializes in language and non-verbalprocessing, executive functioning, social-emotional development, and real-world skill building. Under his leadership, Winston Transitions, across New York Cityand San Francisco campuses, has become widely respected for bridging the gap between high school and adulthood through a highly personalized, strengths-based approach. John brings a grounded, compassionate perspective on whattrue independence looks like, and how families and educators can support young people in developing the confidence, self-awareness, and practical skills needed to navigate adult life with dignity and purpose.
