In this episode of Whole Brain Whole Child, Dr. Jillaine Berardi, Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Design at the Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning (CITL) holds space for voices from CITL at Mount Marion Middle School for a powerful, student-centered conversation about learning, belonging, and the systems that shape their experiences.

Joined by Assistant Principal Shelbi Hamilton, middle school students Kestrel and Isaac share their perspectives with honesty and courage, offering insights into what helps them feel supported, what challenges them, and what they envision for the future of education. Their reflections highlight the importance of connection, identity, and creating spaces where every learner is seen, heard, and valued.

At Ulster BOCES, we believe in elevating student voice as a cornerstone of deeper learning. This conversation reflects our North Star Educational Commitments: fostering inclusive environments, nurturing the whole child, and designing learning experiences that empower students to think critically, advocate for themselves, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

This episode invites educators, families, and community members to listen closely, because when students speak, we learn.

• What does it mean to truly support the whole child?
• How can schools better respond to student needs and strengths
• What happens when we center student voice in educational design?

Join us as we explore these questions and continue the journey toward more responsive, human-centered education.

Join Dr. Jillaine Berardi, Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Design at the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) at Ulster BOCES, as she chats with three engaged students from CITL at Port Ewen - Ian, Sean, and Adam - about their educational experience, which is guided by the Ulster BOCES Whole Brain, Whole Child philosophy.

These students share their unique perspectives on what makes their school community so special, from the supportive staff and small class sizes to the exciting project-based learning opportunities. Learn how they're using their creativity and interests to shape their education and plan for the future. With ideas like redesigning classroom spaces, creating school sports teams, and expanding hands-on learning, these students paint a vivid picture of their ideal school experience.

Listeners will also get a strong sense of the sense of community and support the students feel at Ulster BOCES, with teachers and staff who deeply care about their well-being and success. They share insightful ideas for creating more opportunities for interaction and collaboration across the different student communities within Ulster BOCES CITL programs and talk about their project-based learning experience and how they would like to see more specialized learning paths and opportunities for hands-on skill development.

This conversation is sure to inspire listeners to think deeply about how the school experience can be shaped by listening to student voices and showcases the thoughtful, passionate ideas of Ulster BOCES students.

Welcome to the first episode of the Whole Brain, Whole Child podcast — an inspiring series from Ulster BOCES spotlighting transformative practices that are reshaping education for neurodiverse students who need a different way of learning.

In Episode 1, our host, Dr. Jillaine Berardi, Assistant Superintendent of Learning & Design, and her guests Principal Christina Rutella, Social Worker Eric Cruz, and Teacher Rosie Pagana introduce listeners to a groundbreaking initiative at the Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning (CITL) that is reframing how all work together to support every aspect of a student’s development — academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.

Gone are the days of working in silos. At CITL, the entire educational community — from teachers, related services providers, and social workers, to support staff and instructional assistants — co-design to create learning experiences collaboratively. Principles from neuroscience, child development, and educational psychology are integrated to create a learning environment that nurtures all aspects of every child's growth— with their whole brain and whole self at the center.

Classrooms look and feel different here. Students are encouraged to move, find their passion, co-regulate, and contribute to decisions about their learning. From choosing how they engage to influencing the layout of their environment, student voice is deeply embedded in the daily routine. And a stable of caring educational professionals are available to support them at every step of their learning journey.

Listeners will get a glimpse of the successful approach for integrating occupational therapists, physical therapists, social worker services, and other related services directly into classroom activities. They'll also learn about project-based learning initiatives like the Level Up Cafe and workplace learning challenges that are igniting student creativity and engagement at the high school site. These ventures foster a strong sense of belonging and allow students to develop meaningful life and job skills within a supportive environment.

Tune in to Whole Brain, Whole Child at Ulster BOCES to hear how the faculty and staff at the Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning are leading with heart, science, and collaboration to serve students in a truly transformative way.