About the Author

Julie Causton is founder and CEO of Inclusive Schooling. She is a former professor in the Inclusive and Special Education Program in the Department of Teaching and Leadership at Syracuse University. She has spent the past 20 years studying and creating best practices for inclusive education, with a specific focus on supporting students whose behavior challenges the educational system. As a former special education teacher, she knows firsthand how belonging leads to better outcomes for students. Julie works with administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals, and families across the country to help them create inclusive experiences. She is the author of seven books about inclusive education and has published articles in over 30 educational research and practitioner journals. She lives in Manlius, NY, with her wife, two adorable teenagers, a dog, and three cats. When she is not parenting and working, she enjoys journaling, organizing, and FaceTiming with Kate.

Kate MacLeod is an assistant professor of special education at the University of Maine at Farmington and founder and consultant at Inclusive Schooling. Her teaching, research, writing, and consulting are guided by a passion for inclusive education and social justice. Kate is a former high school special education teacher in New York City and now works with administrators, educators, and families around the country to create more inclusive practices for all students. Her research and writing are focused on understanding the culture of inclusive schools and best practices for supporting students with complex support needs, including those with challenging behaviors. She lives in Maine with her husband, two dogs, a cat, and a flock of chickens. When she is not working, Kate loves to spend time with family and friends, get outdoors, and set new goals with Julie.