Full episode with Elaine Walklet and Stacey Innes talking about Elain's journey securing EOTIS for her son.

In episode 3, Stacey Innes, founder of Children Lead the Way, sits down with Denita Dinger from Listen to Children for a rich and reflective conversation on the critical importance of listening to children and empowering them in all aspects of their learning and lives.

Denita brings deep insight from her work advocating for children’s voices, sharing what truly empowers children to feel heard, respected, and capable. She explores the conditions that support genuine child agency, as well as the common barriers adults face when it comes to letting go of control, shifting power, and trusting children’s competence.

Alongside this, Stacey shares her own personal journey of overcoming fear and learning to let go — meeting her child exactly where he needed her to be. She reflects on navigating her fear of his big emotions, the inner work required to shift long-held beliefs, and how embracing her child’s voice became a turning point in truly empowering him.

Together, this conversation invites educators, parents, and leaders to reflect on how their own beliefs and practices shape children’s experiences, and challenges us to create environments where children’s voices are not only heard, but valued and acted upon.

In Episode 2, Stacey Innes sits down with Elaine Walklet, Health Psychologist, for an honest and deeply empathetic conversation about the realities, pressures, and emotional toll families face when navigating the EHCP process and advocating for their child’s rights.

Elaine draws on both her professional expertise and lived experience to share valuable insights for families on this challenging journey. Together, they explore the weight of advocacy, the systemic barriers families encounter, and the emotional and practical hardships that often come with seeking the right support for a child.

Alongside the challenges, Elaine also shares the glimmers of hope that sustained her — moments of connection, progress, and resilience that reminded her why the journey mattered. This episode offers reassurance, understanding, and practical reflection for families who may feel overwhelmed, unheard, or exhausted by the process.

A powerful listen for parents, caregivers, and professionals supporting children and families through the EHCP journey.