It’s that time again: new year, new buildings, new chaos!

In this season-ready episode, we welcome back school psychologist Huma Imtiaz (@the_school_psychologist) for a crew-style conversation packed with tips, reflections, and real talk to help school psychs hit the ground running.

We cover everything from how to introduce yourself in a new school, building genuine relationships across campus, and managing your caseload without burning out. You’ll hear organizational hacks from the team, boundary-setting strategies, and the kind of advice we wish we had in our first year.

Also inside: bocce ball nicknames, awkward teen memories, and why emotional intelligence matters just as much as technical skill.

Whether you’re a veteran psych or just getting started, this episode is your back-to-school pep talk. Let’s make this year a little more balanced—and a lot more collaborative.

Social Handles:

Christopher Ponce

• Instagram - @theschoolpsychguy
• LinkedIn - Christopher Ponce

Huma Imtiaz

• Instagram - @the_school_psychologist

Music by: J. Andrew Collins

In this episode of The School Collective, we welcome back our favorite Texas special education attorney, Elvin Houston (@school.lawyer), for a timely and engaging conversation on recent legislative updates impacting educators and school psychologists. Elvin breaks down major new Texas laws—like House Bill 1481’s student cell phone ban, Senate Bill 2’s education savings accounts, and House Bill 6’s discipline reforms—and explains how these intersect with federal IDEA protections.

Joined by special guests Brooke Roberts and Amy Shatila, we also touch on personal habits, back-to-school transitions, and some hilarious moments with professional headshots (and tacos!). We wrap things up with a rapid-fire Q&A where Elvin shares his favorite dinosaur, dream meal, and more.

Key Takeaways for School Teams:

• What your district must do before fall regarding cell phone bans and IEP accommodations
• Why Senate Bill 2 could trigger a wave of FIE requests—and how to prepare
• How to stay compliant with federal law when navigating new state discipline policies
• Pro tips on writing defensible prior written notices and evaluation denials

Social Handles:

Christopher Ponce

• Instagram - @theschoolpsychguy
• LinkedIn - Christopher Ponce

Elvin Houston

• Instagram - @School.Lawyer
• TikTok - @School.Lawyer

Music by: J Andrew Collins

We’re back! In the Season 2 premiere of The School Collective Podcast, hosts Christopher, Brook, and Amy ease back into the mic with a mix of mischief, memories, and meaningful updates. From childhood klepto stories and questionable collections to doctoral stress and dreamy coffee table books, this episode blends laughs with life updates as the team shares what’s been happening behind the scenes.

You’ll also get a peek at what’s to come this season! Deeper conversations, diverse voices, and a continued commitment to building community across education and mental health spaces. Whether you're here for the personality quiz, the Dolly Parton book confession, or just curious about our favorite sandwiches, there's something for everyone.

Leave a review, share with your circle, and reach out if you’d like to be a guest. Let’s keep the conversation going!

Welcome to Season 2.

Social Handles:

Christopher Ponce

• Instagram - @theschoolpsychguy
• LinkedIn - Christopher Ponce

Music by: J Andrew Collins