Grab my latest book ⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Unshakable-Parenting-through-Courage-Purpose/dp/B0FWB72V93 ⁠⁠.⁠ and connect with me through ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ !

In this episode, I explore the critical role of belonging in education, sharing insights from recent research and personal experiences. Discover how a sense of belonging impacts student achievement and well-being, and what educators and parents can do to foster it.

Grab my latest book ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Unshakable-Parenting-through-Courage-Purpose/dp/B0FWB72V93 . and connect with me through ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ !

Discover how dogs are revolutionizing student well-being and learning in schools through the inspiring work of Kirsten Kinsella. Kirsten is a dog trainer, educator and Director of NYC Schools Comfort Dog Program. This episode explores the intersection of education, behavior, and animal-assisted programs, highlighting real-life success stories and practical insights for educators and policymakers.

Connect with amazing Kirsten:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/chuckspupsinc?igsh=MTd2bmV3dmtkNG41OQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Kirsten's NYCDOE email: [email protected] 

Grab my latest book Unshakable ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Unshakable-Parenting-through-Courage-Purpose/dp/B0FWB72V93 and connect with me through ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ !

In this inspiring interview, principal Luis Eladio Torres shares his journey from a challenging childhood to leading a transformative school in New York City. Discover innovative strategies for empowering students, building community, and securing resources to create a thriving educational environment.

Connect with mazing Luis:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thebronxprincipal?igsh=bDc2MW53aXh3cWls

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-torres-27099948?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios

See Luis's amazing TEDx talk:

https://youtu.be/FM4ztC9NNNs

In this inspiring episode, I interview UNEEKInt, a neurodivergent artist and entrepreneur. He shares his journey from struggles in school to success in music and business. We discuss what it takes to succeed, the importance of recognizing neurodiversity, innovative education, social media strategies, and much more. Experience UNEEKInt shares can leave many speechless, and we can learn so much from his journey.

Connect with this amazing artist and listen to his music on Spotify:

Website: https://www.uneekintsworld.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/uneekintsworld?igsh=c2ZtZDMxNnpzMmRj

UNEEKInt on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/73no0Yxs5lkOd6fCl7UgzI?si=7ymRNWFMSMyT5ZhAyZExig

Grab my latest book Unshakable ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Unshakable-Parenting-through-Courage-Purpose/dp/B0FWB72V93 and connect with me through ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ !

In this inspiring episode, I interview Dory Staehle, a certified drum therapist, about the transformative power of drumming in therapy and education. Discover how drumming can reduce stress, improve focus, and support children and adults with various needs, including autism, anxiety, and ADHD.

Connect with amazing Dori:

Website: https://www.nextstagedrumming.com (Free gift!), Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NextStageDrumming LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doristaehlemba YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextStageDrumming Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextstagedori?igsh=MXhja21xa3Z6NGtwYw==

Grab my latest book Unshakable ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FWB72V93⁠⁠⁠⁠ and connect with me through ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ !

In this episode of "Get Inspired with Dr. Barb," host I interview Dr. Anne Paonessa, an expert in education and author of "Essential Connection Skills." The conversation centers around the concept of connection-driven school systems, emphasizing the importance of fostering genuine connections among students, teachers, and the community to enhance the educational experience. Dr. Paonessa discusses the alarming rates of chronic absenteeism and disengagement in schools, advocating for a shift towards creating social centers within educational environments where students feel valued and connected.

Dr. Paonessa outlines her framework for building connections in four domains: connections to self, to others, to learning, and to the community. She shares practical strategies for educators to implement these connections, such as strength spotlights to help students recognize their talents and collaborative projects that encourage peer interaction. The episode highlights the transformative potential of these strategies in creating a more inclusive and engaging school culture, ultimately leading to better academic outcomes and a stronger sense of belonging for all students.

Connect with incredible Dr. Paonessa:

Website: http://www.annepaonessa.com

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-paonessa-phd-77559292?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18FfX7wtta/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Grab my latest book Unshakable ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FWB72V93⁠⁠⁠ and connect with me through ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ !

In this episode, we explore how neurodiversity, social sustainability, and innovative leadership intersect to reshape education systems worldwide. Join Valeriya Hjertenaes, PhD ABD, a neurodivergent leader and sustainability expert, as she shares insights on fostering inclusive environments and transforming educational practices through conscious leadership and systemic change.

Please connect with amazing Valeriya:

Website: https://bio.site/ValeriyaImpact.Global

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriya-hjertenaes-b1866322b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrs.worldcongeniality?igsh=andtOTZmNmJ4ZHBz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1a7RgV76TQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Grab my latest book Unshakable ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FWB72V93⁠⁠ and connect with me through ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ !

In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I speak with Sharon Zierler Cabelly, an expert in early childhood education, about the unique challenges and joys of teaching one and two-year-olds. We discuss the importance of consistency in learning, the impact of COVID-19 on teaching methods, and the journey of becoming a children's book author. Sharon emphasizes the power of encouragement and empathy in education, as well as the role of technology in enhancing learning experiences for young children. The conversation highlights the significance of kindness and support in the educational environment.

Connect with amazing Sharon and see her books:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharoncabelly?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

One of amazing Sharon's children's books: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sharoncabelly_childrensbook-author-kindness-activity-7191824488475361280-mZZ_?utm_medium=ios_app&rcm=ACoAAAHf67QBta-_q6I6wzzhpxRp1cGX-BSzpyU&utm_source=social_share_video_v2&utm_campaign=copy_link

Grab my latest book Unshakable ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FWB72V93⁠⁠ and connect with me through ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ !

In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I speak with Luke Mickelson, founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization dedicated to providing beds for children in need. We discuss the critical connection between a good night's sleep and children's learning, the importance of community involvement, and the hidden epidemic of child bedlessness. Luke shares personal stories of impact, the organization's growth, and how listeners can get involved to help make a difference in their communities.

Connect with Luke and support his amazing mission:

Website: shpbeds.org

Grab my latest book Unshakable ⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FWB72V93⁠ and connect with me through ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ !

In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I speak with Jonathan Mok, a neurodiversity advocate, strategist, and speaker, about his journey with autism and ADHD. Jonathan shares his experiences in the educational system, the impact of his late diagnosis, and the challenges he faced in the workforce. He emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive environments for neurodivergent individuals and discusses strategies for changing societal attitudes towards neurodiversity. The conversation highlights the need for understanding, support, and representation in both educational and professional settings, as well as the importance of self-acceptance for neurodivergent individuals.

Connect with Jonathan:

Website: https://jonathanmok.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jonathanmok

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kahonm?igsh=MXdxZTRxdWdjZXpwaA%3D%3D

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8f6MdTN4IcNk0pDhE4gdWA