In this episode of The School Collective Podcast, we welcome Amber Moore as a new co-host and dive into a wide-ranging, honest conversation about what it really means to show up for students and families in school psychology. Amber shares her journey from aspiring teacher to school psychologist, reflecting on how practicum experiences, family-centered work, and real-world constraints shaped her professional identity.

Together, we explore the importance of building trust with families—especially when working in homes, early childhood settings, and high-need communities—and why using clear, human-centered language matters more than perfect scores or polished reports. The conversation also touches on power dynamics between schools and families, balancing professional expertise with lived experience, managing heavy caseloads, and navigating inequities across school settings.

We also unpack authenticity in professional spaces, including social media, and why being transparent, reflective, and values-driven can help reduce burnout and strengthen connections within the field. This episode blends practical insight, personal reflection, and lighthearted moments—offering an affirming listen for early career school psychologists, seasoned practitioners, and anyone committed to doing this work with intention and heart.

Social Handles:

Christopher Ponce

• Instagram - @theschoolpsychguy
• LinkedIn - Christopher Ponce

Amber Moore

• Instagram -@therelateableschoolpsych

Music by: J. Andrew Collins

In this episode of The School Collective, we sit down with retired principal and author Martin Silverman to explore why the earliest years of education can shape a child’s entire academic future. We discuss building a strong school culture, supporting teachers before burnout occurs, and shifting from a deficit mindset to a strengths-based view of young learners, especially in Pre-K and kindergarten.

Martin shares lessons from his decades of leadership experience, including what school leaders can do right now to build trust, empower teachers, and foster environments where children thrive through curiosity and connection. We even wrap up with a festive holiday roundtable featuring very important topics such as when to hang Christmas lights and the ethics of regifting.

Social Handles:

Christopher Ponce

• Instagram - @theschoolpsychguy
• LinkedIn - Christopher Ponce

Martin Silverman

• Instagram -@the5silvermans

Music by: J. Andrew Collins

In this powerhouse episode, Christopher sits down with two icons in school psychology—Dr. John Kelly, former NASP President and lifelong advocate for equitable practice, and Dr. Jack Naglieri, renowned cognitive assessment researcher and co-developer of the KABC and CAS.

Together, they take listeners on a journey through the history and evolution of intelligence testing, unpacking how assessment practices have both shaped and been shaped by systemic inequities. From the origins of cognitive theory to the modern-day implications of PASS theory and test fairness, Jack and John bring decades of insight and candor to the conversation.

They also share reflections on their own careers—balancing science, advocacy, and humanity—and offer advice for early-career practitioners seeking to expand their roles beyond testing. Expect wisdom, humor, and a few sailing and guitar stories along the way.

Topics include:

• The difference between test bias and test fairness
• Why subtest interpretation may be scientifically unsound
• How systemic inequities impact identification of gifted and diverse learners
• The role of school psychologists as advocates for equity and comprehensive services