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The Whole Child Advocate

The Whole Child Advocate

By: Dominique McLellan
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About this listen

The Whole Child Advocate brings together parents, teachers, and professionals in meaningful conversations about supporting students with diverse learning needs. Hosted by Dominique McLellan, BCASE, founder of Whole Child Advocacy, each 15-minute episode offers real-world strategies, uplifting stories, and expert insights that build understanding between home and school. If you care about inclusion, collaboration, and empowering every learner, this podcast is for you.Dominique McLellan
Episodes
  • Episode 19 | Why Advocacy Should Be Parent-Led and Child-Focused
    Feb 13 2026

    Advocacy isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room — it’s about being the most consistent and informed one.

    In this episode of The Whole Child Advocate, Dominique McLellan shares the core philosophy behind her work: the most effective advocacy is parent-led and child-focused. When parents understand their rights, stay grounded in their child’s long-term needs, and lead with clarity and compassion, meetings become more productive — and outcomes become more meaningful.

    You’ll learn:

    • What “parent-led advocacy” actually means (and what it doesn’t)

    • Why parents are the constant in their child’s educational journey

    • How to keep decisions centered on your child — not system convenience

    • Common advocacy pitfalls to avoid

    • How leadership rooted in love and information becomes empowerment

    💡 Key Takeaway: When parents lead with love and information, advocacy becomes empowerment.

    📘 Read the companion blog post, Why Advocacy Should Be Parent-Led and Child-Focused, and book a consultation at:
    www.wholechildadvocacy.com

    🎧 Follow The Whole Child Advocate for weekly support, strategy, and encouragement for families navigating special education with confidence.

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    8 mins
  • Episode 18 | Building Your Child’s Support Network
    Feb 6 2026

    Special education can feel overwhelming — not because parents aren’t capable, but because the weight of advocacy often falls on them alone. In this episode of The Whole Child Advocate, Dominique McLellan, BCASE, explores why special education feels so heavy and how building a strong, connected support network can make all the difference.

    This episode blends emotional validation with practical guidance to help parents move from isolation to collaboration.

    You’ll learn:

    • Why advocacy feels exhausting for so many families

    • Who should be part of your child’s support network

    • How to build trust-based relationships with teachers and specialists

    • Simple ways to maintain connection without constant meetings

    • Why consistency matters more than being “the loudest voice”

    💡 Key Takeaway: Collaboration builds confidence — in your child and in the adults supporting them.

    📘 Read the companion blog, Why Special Education Feels So Heavy, at:
    www.wholechildadvocacy.com

    🎧 Follow The Whole Child Advocate for weekly episodes supporting parents navigating special education with clarity and compassion.

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    6 mins
  • Episode 17: The Hidden Struggle - Masking & Student Impact
    Jan 30 2026

    For many children with Dyslexia and other “hidden” disabilities, the hardest parts happen beneath the surface. In this episode of The Whole Child Advocate, Dominique McLellan, BCASE, explores the emotional toll of masking, anxiety, and exhaustion that students often carry silently every school day.

    Dominique shares:

    • why academic measures can miss the real struggle

    • how masking erases internal distress

    • how to track behavior and communicate student impact

    • advocacy language that helps schools understand emotional burden

    • ways to support your child at home with validation and regulation

    💡 Quick Takeaway: A calm exterior doesn’t always mean there’s no struggle — focus on the impact on your child’s well-being, not just academic outcomes.

    Visit us at: www.wholechildadvocacy.com for tools and supports or to book a consultation.

    #WholeChildAdvocate #Dyslexia #AnxietyInSchools #Masking #ParentAdvocacy #StudentImpact #Neurodiversity #SpecialEducationSupport #TheWoodlandsTX


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    10 mins
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