Episodes

  • 7. The Impact of Epilepsy on Learning with Brisa Ayub

    7. The Impact of Epilepsy on Learning with Brisa Ayub
    Jan 30 2026
    In this episode of the Children First Podcast, host Ronnie Daniel speaks with Brisa Ayub, a dedicated mother and advocate for her daughter with epilepsy. Brisa shares her family's journey in navigating school choice, the challenges they faced, and how the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship has transformed their educational experience. The conversation highlights the importance of advocacy, resilience, and the impact of finding the right educational fit for children with disabilities.
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    21 mins
  • Your Children's Future is Worth It with Elisa Clements Linde

    Your Children's Future is Worth It with Elisa Clements Linde
    Jan 30 2026
    In this episode of the Children First Podcast, host Ronnie Daniel speaks with Elisa Clements Linde, a national leader in education choice and COO of the American Federation for Children. They discuss Elisa's personal journey in education, the importance of parental empowerment in choosing educational options, and the significant legislative victories that have expanded educational opportunities for families, particularly in Utah. Elisa shares inspiring success stories, the unique aspects of Utah's education landscape, and the critical role of donor contributions in supporting students with special needs. The conversation concludes with encouragement for parents navigating educational choices and a hopeful outlook for the future of education reform
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    22 mins
  • 5. When Finances and Family Bring You Onto the Board with Don Mantyla

    5. When Finances and Family Bring You Onto the Board with Don Mantyla
    Jan 28 2026
    In this episode of the Children First Podcast, host Ronnie interviews Don Mantyla, a board member of the Children First Education Fund. They discuss Don's journey with the organization, the importance of tax credits for donations, and the impact of contributions on children with special needs. Don shares his personal experiences as a parent of a child with autism and emphasizes the need for educational choices for families. The conversation highlights the benefits of supporting the organization and encourages listeners to explore scholarship opportunities for children with disabilities.
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    26 mins
  • 4. Why School Choice is Important with Board Chair Jordan Clements

    4. Why School Choice is Important with Board Chair Jordan Clements
    Jan 22 2026
    In this episode of the Children First Podcast, host Ronnie Daniel speaks with Jordan Clements, chairman of the board for Children First Education Fund. They discuss Jordan's journey into education advocacy, the founding of the Children First Education Fund, the impact of tax credit donations, and the importance of educational choice for families with special needs children. The conversation highlights the growth of the organization and its vision for the future, emphasizing the need for customized education solutions for every child.
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    30 mins
  • 3. A Military Dad Finds Long Term Answers with Jonathan Smith

    3. A Military Dad Finds Long Term Answers with Jonathan Smith
    Dec 22 2025
    What do you do when you realize your child is extremely intelligent but needs the proper guidance to unlock that intelligence? Would you have enough resources to invest in order to help them achieve all that they are capable of? Jonathan Smith sits down with Ronnie to go over his family's situation with their autistic son and how a life of early travel in the military has given way to finding a great solution long term for their family via Children's First Education Fund.
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    18 mins
  • 2. Looking From the Top Down With Dr. Galey Colosimo

    2. Looking From the Top Down With Dr. Galey Colosimo
    Dec 22 2025
    In this episode of the Children First Education Fund podcast, host Ronnie Daniel speaks with Galey Colosimo, principal of Juan Diego High School, about the importance of education choice, the impact of scholarships on students with disabilities, and the role of tax credit giving in supporting educational opportunities. Galey shares insights on how school choice has transformed Juan Diego, increased diversity, and improved special education programs. He also discusses the need for advocacy in private education funding and addresses common opposition to education choice, emphasizing the benefits for all families.
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    25 mins
  • 1. Navigating Special Education: Insights from a Father's Journey

    1. Navigating Special Education: Insights from a Father's Journey
    Dec 16 2025
    Welcome to the Children First podcast! In this episode host Ronnie Daniel speaks with Matt Field, a father and business leader, about his personal journey navigating special education for his son with autism. They discuss the importance of education choice, community engagement, and the impact of corporate responsibility in supporting families with special needs. Matt shares insights on the challenges and joys of raising a child with learning disabilities and encourages other business leaders to invest in educational initiatives that make a difference in the lives of children.
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    33 mins