In this episode of the Stress-Free IEP podcast, host Francis Shefter welcomes Casey Joseph, founder and executive director of Casey’s Special Education Services. What starts as a casual discussion unfolds into a rich, insightful conversation about how comprehensive support for students with special needs can transform lives—and why building a collaborative village is more critical than ever.
Starting with One Child
Casey’s journey didn’t begin with a business plan—it began with a single student. A former special education teacher in D.C., Casey never envisioned becoming an entrepreneur. But after tutoring one child privately on weekends, she quickly saw the depth of need among families seeking support outside of traditional school systems. What started as academic tutoring evolved into a wraparound support service, offering everything from IEP navigation to referrals for speech therapy and psychological evaluations.
Her approach is simple: build a one-stop-shop for families. Not to do everything herself, but to make sure families don’t have to knock on ten doors to get the help they need.
It’s All About Collaboration
Frances and Casey bond over a shared belief in collaboration. “It takes a village,” Frances notes—and Casey agrees. Her team focuses on what they do best (education and IEP support) while maintaining a network of trusted professionals in law, speech therapy, mental health, and more.
The goal? Make warm handoffs. Introduce families to the right people. And do it without charging extra. “If it’s one less thing on a parent’s to-do list, it’s a win,” Casey says.
The Power of the Right Fit
Much of Casey’s success comes from intentional matching—finding the right educator for the right child. With 26 team members across the DMV area, Casey prioritizes personal fit over scheduling convenience. If that means a family waits a few weeks for the best match, so be it.
Frances agrees: “Match my kid with the provider, not my time with their time.”
Casey’s team sees clients across the neurodiverse spectrum, from children in elite private schools with ADHD to kids with more complex learning needs. Each case is unique, and every child deserves someone who really “gets” them—both academically and emotionally.
Supporting the Whole Child
Throughout the episode, Casey emphasizes a holistic lens. Her team doesn’t just teach reading or math—they support the whole child, factoring in sleep, hunger, screen time, and emotional regulation.
Frances reflects on her own time as a teacher, recalling how some students would come to school without breakfast and struggle all day. Casey echoes this: “Seventeen percent higher test scores if kids eat a good breakfast. Why isn’t breakfast free for all kids?”
It’s not just about academics. It’s about removing barriers to learning—whatever those might be.
Schools Can’t Do It All
One of the most powerful parts of the conversation is the honest recognition that schools, even with the best intentions, can’t always meet every child’s needs. Whether it’s large caseloads, lack of specialized training, or just time constraints, families often need additional support.
Frances shares a story of advising a parent to invest in private tutoring rather than pursuing more school services. “Take the money and hire a dyslexia specialist,” she suggested. “It’ll get your child where they want to be faster, without sacrificing core classes.”
Casey agrees—this is why her business has grown so quickly. “There’s just such a need,” she says. The goal is not to replace schools, but to supplement them in meaningful ways.
Empowering Parents
Another key theme? Parents often don’t know what to ask for. They may not even know what options exist. Casey’s team gently guides families toward tools, strategies, and accommodations that might never have been offered otherwise. Whether it’s suggesting an AAC device or a private preschool, these simple observations can be transformative.
Frances underscores this: “Sometimes, all it takes is someone saying, ‘Have you thought about…?’ to open up a whole new path.”
Final Thoughts
As the episode winds down, the thunder rolls outside Frances’s office—a reminder of the chaos many parents feel navigating the special education world. But with professionals like Casey and her team in their corner, families don’t have to do it alone.
Casey encourages listeners to reach out through her website (https://caseythespeducator.com), where she offers a free 30-minute consultation. Even if her team isn’t the right fit, she’s happy to connect families with someone who is.
Because in the end, as both Casey and Francis remind us, it’s about the kids. And building that village—one thoughtful connection at a time.
Get in touch with Casey through her social media:
Website: https://caseythespeducator.com
Instagram: @caseythespeducator
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16fMs7usUT/?mibextid=wwXIfr
