

Mission PROMISE: Navigating Special Education for Military Families is a podcast presented by Partners in PROMISE. Partners and PROMISE is a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the rights of military children in special education. Join us on our mission as we share stories, insights, and resources that can help military families navigate the world of special education.
Episodes

Mar 20, 2025
Mar 20, 2025
34 min
Welcome, listeners!
In this episode, our host, Carla Wyrsch, speaks with guests Judy Jankowski, Ed.D and Tara Miner.
Learn more about Partners in PROMISE Resources:
- Special Needs Binders, free and downloadable
- 1:1 Special Education Consultations for military families
- Special Education Training Workshops across the US
- Quarterly Lunch & Learn Virtual Webinars
- On-demand Special Education Content
If you or a family member is in need of mental health support, contact Military OneSource for a free consultation.
Follow us:
Facebook - @partnersinPROMISE
Instagram - @partnersinpromise
LinkedIn - @partners-in-promise
Twitter - @PartnersinPROM1
Website - www.thepromiseact.org

Oct 15, 2024
Oct 15, 2024
30 min
Welcome, listeners!
On this episode, our host, Mary Monrose, speaks with guest Michelle Norman about the nuances of transitioning from high school and all of the things that you need to know to best prepare your child, yourself, and your family. Remember, we are here for you!
Learn more about Partners in PROMISE Resources:
- Special Needs Binders, free and downloadable
- 1:1 Special Education Consultations for military families
- Special Education Training Workshops across the US
- Quarterly Lunch & Learn Virtual Webinars
- On-demand Special Education Content
If you or a family member is in need of mental health support, contact Military OneSource for a free consultation.
We want to thank our presenting sponsors, USAA Foundation, for their support of exceptional military families.
Follow us:
Facebook - @partnersinPROMISE
Instagram - @partnersinpromise
LinkedIn - @partners-in-promise
Twitter - @PartnersinPROM1

Oct 1, 2024
Oct 1, 2024
18 min
Welcome, listeners!
Join us as we have rebranded and have a new name:
Mission PROMISE: Navigating Special Education for Military Families
In this episode, our host, Mary Monrose, speaks with guest Krystyna Bienia, Psy.D.
- Unlock Your Health campaign: Getting Care | TRICARE
- ECHO: Extended Care Health Option | TRICARE
- EFMP: https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/SpecialNeeds/SNResources
- ACD: https://www.tricare.mil/autism
- Plans Comparison: https://www.tricare.mil/Plans/ComparePlans
- Patients’ Rights and Responsibilities: Rights and Responsibilities | TRICARE
Learn more about Partners in PROMISE Resources:
- Special Needs Binders, free and downloadable
- 1:1 Special Education Consultations for military families
- Special Education Training Workshops across the US
- Quarterly Lunch & Learn Virtual Webinars
- On-demand Special Education Content
If you or a family member is in need of mental health support, contact Military OneSource for a free consultation.
Follow us:
Facebook - @partnersinPROMISE
Instagram - @partnersinpromise
LinkedIn - @partners-in-promise
Twitter - @PartnersinPROM1
Website - www.thepromiseact.org

Sep 17, 2024
Sep 17, 2024
36 min
Welcome, listeners!
Join us as we have rebranded and have a new name:
Mission PROMISE: Navigating Special Education for Military Families
In this episode, our host, Mary Monrose, speaks with guest Blair Matsumoto, the Legal Assistance EFMP Attorney for Navy Region Southwest, which encompasses navy installations in San Diego County, El Centro, Ventura, Lemoore, Seal Beach, China Lake, Monterey, and Naval Air Station Fallon in Nevada. He is an active licensed attorney in California with inactive law licenses in Maryland and Washington, D.C. Mr. Matsumoto has extensive experience in higher education and education law. He was in the general counsel’s office for DC Public schools, served as outside counsel for public and charter schools, and was a full-time professor and Director of Bar Preparation and Academic Success for a law school in California. He feels privileged to be able to assist military families with special education and disability-related challenges and looks forward to growing the EFMP Special Education Program so that it can serve Naval families with special needs dependents wherever enlisted and officer personnel are stationed in service of our great nation.
Links mentioned in the episode:
Learn more about Partners in PROMISE Resources:
- Special Needs Binders, free and downloadable
- 1:1 Special Education Consultations for military families
- Special Education Training Workshops across the US
- Quarterly Lunch & Learn Virtual Webinars
- On-demand Special Education Content
If you or a family member is in need of mental health support, contact Military OneSource for a free consultation.
Follow us:
Facebook - @partnersinPROMISE
Instagram - @partnersinpromise
LinkedIn - @partners-in-promise
Twitter - @PartnersinPROM1
Website - www.thepromiseact.org

May 14, 2024
May 14, 2024
45 min
Welcome, listeners!
Join us as we have rebranded and have a new name:
Mission PROMISE: Navigating Special Education for Military Families
In this episode, our host, Mary Monrose, speaks with guest Meg Flanagan - Meg Flanagan Solutions, LLC, Educator and Advocate. We discuss the DoDEA system and your rights. Remember, we are here for you!
Links mentioned in the episode:
DODM 1342.12: https://content.dodea.edu/teach_learn/student_services/sped/companion_files/docs/134212m.pdf
Parent Right & Procedural Safeguards: https://dodea.widen.net/s/nmqwsq89qf/englishDODM Companion Manual: https://content.dodea.edu/teach_learn/student_services/sped/companion_07122017/files/assets/common/downloads/publication.pdf
Another version of the Parent SPED Guide: https://navyjapanschoolinfo.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/max-268_parentguide_12-13-2.pdf
Info for teachers about DODEA SPED: https://content.dodea.edu/VS/HS/dvhs_faculty_handbook_rev/sped.html
Learn more about Partners in PROMISE Resources:
- Special Needs Binders, free and downloadable
- 1:1 Special Education Consultations for military families
- Special Education Training Workshops across the US
- Quarterly Lunch & Learn Virtual Webinars
- On-demand Special Education Content
If you or a family member is in need of mental health support, contact Military OneSource for a free consultation.
We want to thank our presenting sponsors, USAA Foundation, for their support of exceptional military families.
Follow us:
Facebook - @partnersinPROMISE
Instagram - @partnersinpromise
LinkedIn - @partners-in-promise
Twitter - @PartnersinPROM1
Website - www.thepromiseact.org

Apr 9, 2024
Apr 9, 2024
20 min
Welcome, listeners!
Join us as we have rebranded and have a new name:
Mission PROMISE: Navigating Special Education for Military Families
In this episode, our host, Mary Monrose, speaks with guest Destiny Huff, MS, LPC., a Neuroaffirming IEP Coach, Advocate, Educational Consultant, and Social Media Manager for Partners in PROMISE. We discuss the basics of Partners in PROMISE's Bill of Rights. Remember, we are here for you!
Learn more about Partners in PROMISE Resources:
- Special Needs Binders, free and downloadable
- 1:1 Special Education Consultations for military families
- Special Education Training Workshops across the US
- Quarterly Lunch & Learn Virtual Webinars
- On-demand Special Education Content
If you or a family member is in need of mental health support, contact Military OneSource for a free consultation.
We want to thank our presenting sponsors, USAA Foundation, for their support of exceptional military families.
Follow us:
Facebook - @partnersinPROMISE
Instagram - @partnersinpromise
LinkedIn - @partners-in-promise
Twitter - @PartnersinPROM1

Mar 12, 2024
Mar 12, 2024
46 min
Welcome, listeners!
Join us as we have rebranded and have a new name:
Mission PROMISE: Navigating Special Education for Military Families
In this episode, our host, Mary Monrose, speaks with guest Grace E. Kim, Esq., of The Law Office of Grace E. Kim, P.C. and Founder & President of the Executive Board for Partners in PROMISE about data collection and IEPs. Remember, we are here for you!
Learn more about Partners in PROMISE Resources:
- Special Needs Binders, free and downloadable
- 1:1 Special Education Consultations for military families
- Special Education Training Workshops across the US
- Quarterly Lunch & Learn Virtual Webinars
- On-demand Special Education Content
If you or a family member is in need of mental health support, contact Military OneSource for a free consultation.
We want to thank our presenting sponsors, USAA Foundation, for their support of exceptional military families.
Follow us:
Facebook - @partnersinPROMISE
Instagram - @partnersinpromise
LinkedIn - @partners-in-promise
Twitter - @PartnersinPROM1
Website - www.thepromiseact.org