What does it mean to create an environment where people feel safe, valued, respected, and empowered to grow?

In this episode of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers, Dr. Esther Bubb welcomes Julia Spychalski, M.Ed., an Autistic Support Teacher and emerging educational leader, for a conversation about neurodiversity, inclusion, belonging, and the leadership lessons we can learn from the classroom.

With more than two decades of experience supporting students with diverse learning, behavioral, and communication needs, Julia shares how her experiences in special education and early intervention shaped her belief that human potential cannot be defined by a diagnosis or traditional measures of success.

Together, Esther and Julia explore:

• Why success is about more than test scores and academics • How to hold high expectations while meeting people where they are • Why relationships and genuine listening are foundational to inclusion • The importance of assuming competence • How behavior and communication can be misunderstood • What psychological safety looks like in classrooms and teams • Why leaders must create space for people to take risks and make mistakes • How celebrating individuality can transform the way people experience belonging • Why leadership is about influence, support, advocacy, and empowerment—not simply a title • How small, everyday choices can create meaningful change

Julia also shares a unique perspective on what it means to be a "ruckus maker"—someone willing to use their voice, actions, and influence to create spaces that are more equitable, compassionate, and accessible.

The conversation closes with a simple Monday Morning Move: learn intentionally from someone with a different perspective or experience, ask questions with curiosity, and listen to understand rather than simply respond.

Inclusion begins with the small, daily choices we make to help people feel valued, respected, safe—and able to be themselves.

Leadership is grounded in behavior, guided by dignity, and designed for change.

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If you're passionate about leadership, behavior science, education, and creating cultures where people flourish, you're in the right place. Because leadership isn't about changing people—it's about creating the conditions where people discover what's possible.

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Leadership is behavior. And behavior always tells a story.

About Our Guest

Julia Spychalski, MEd, Autistic Support Teacher

Julia Spychalski is an experienced special education educator and emerging educational leader with more than two decades of experience supporting students with diverse learning, behavioral, and communication needs across public, charter, private, and early intervention settings. She currently serves as a Teacher of Students with Autism with the Christina School District, where she develops individualized, standards-based instructional programming, implements positive behavior supports, collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, and promotes inclusive and equitable practices through DEIB initiatives and school leadership committees. Her background includes extensive experience in Autism Support, Emotional Support, Life Skills, and Early Intervention programming, along with expertise in IEP development, behavioral supports, community-based instruction, assistive technology, and family collaboration.

Throughout her career, Julia has demonstrated a strong commitment to instructional leadership, student advocacy, and staff collaboration. She has held leadership and mentoring roles including ESY Lead, classroom team supervision, committee participation, and coordination with outside agencies and community partners. Julia earned her M.Ed. with a 4.0 GPA and recently completed her certification program in Supervision and Leadership through Penn State World Campus. She is passionate about creating supportive, student-centered learning environments that foster academic growth, independence, and social-emotional success for all learners.