A Conversation on Special Education Part 2
Building on Strong Foundations 🏗️
Part 1 gave us powerful insights from a diverse panel of advocates, educators, and exceptional individuals. Now, Part 2 brings back some familiar voices while introducing fresh perspectives to expand the conversation:
Returning Voices:
Shontelle Jackson – Continuing her advocacy with new insights from the field
JJ Mc Kenna – Building on his passionate call for systemic change
Jairon Durham – Sharing evolved perspectives from the exceptional community
New Perspective:
Xenya Nikeyenkova – Bringing international viewpoints and innovative approaches
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
8:00 – 9:00 PM EST
Live at conversationswithtonymobley.com
What’s Evolved Since Part 1 📈
Five weeks ago, our Part 1 panel – including the memorable moment when Sonia McKenna joined her father JJ to share her perspective – established crucial talking points about navigating special education systems, the power of self-advocacy, and the importance of community support. Zachary Sorenson’s educator insights complemented the lived experiences shared by other panelists, creating a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities in special education.
Now, Part 2 asks: How do we build on what we’ve learned?
Continuing Conversations Include: 💬
Updates from the Field
Progress reports from our returning panelists
Community responses to Part 1’s discussion
New developments in special education advocacy
International Perspectives with Xenya
How other countries approach inclusive education
Innovation in neurodiversity support globally
Cross-cultural understanding in special education
From Awareness to Action
Concrete strategies developed since Part 1
Success stories from the community
Addressing barriers identified in our first conversation
The Next Generation’s Voice
Building on Sonia McKenna’s powerful guest appearance
Amplifying young advocates in the exceptional community
Preparing future leaders in inclusive education
Why We Need Part 2 🎯
The complexity of special education reform and the lived experiences of exceptional individuals cannot be captured in a single conversation. By bringing back key voices from Part 1 while adding Xenya’s international perspective, we ensure continuity while expanding our horizons.
Our returning panelists bring:
Five weeks of reflection on Part 1’s impact
Updates on initiatives sparked by our conversation
Responses to community feedback and questions
Your Voice Continues to Matter 🗣️
Part 1 generated an outpouring of stories, questions, and connections from viewers who saw themselves reflected in our panel’s experiences. Part 2 is shaped by your responses. Bring your questions:
What resonated most from Part 1?
What strategies have you implemented?
What new challenges need addressing?
How can we strengthen our advocacy network?
Missing Voice, Continued Mission 💙
While we’ll miss Zachary Sorenson’s educator perspective in Part 2, his contributions from Part 1 continue to inform our discussion. The insights he shared about working within educational systems while pushing for change remain central to our ongoing conversation.
Moving Forward Together 🤝
Part 1 opened doors by bringing together diverse perspectives – from JJ’s systemic advocacy to Shontelle’s practical strategies, from Jairon’s lived experience to Zachary’s educator insights, and even Sonia’s next-generation voice. Part 2 walks through those doors with purpose and expanded vision.
Join us as we transform dialogue into action, building on the foundation laid by our exceptional Part 1 panel.
Tony Mobley
Host, Conversations with Tony Mobley
“When exceptional voices unite, exceptional change follows.”