Get Inspired with Dr. Barb

Get Inspired with Dr. Barb

By Barbara Vokatis, PhDEducationHow To
Download on the App Store

Get Inspired with Dr. Barb episodes

  • Playtime Isn’t Over: Why Adults Need It as Much as Kids Do

    Dear Valued Listener/Viewer,

    In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I interview David Schatzkamer, a licensed mental health counselor and registered play therapy supervisor. We discuss the significance of play therapy in child development, the role of therapists, and how parents can engage in play therapy techniques at home. David shares insights on the importance of unstructured play, the integration of play therapy in schools, and the future of play therapy for both children and adults. The conversation emphasizes the need for play in education and mental health, advocating for a more playful approach to learning and emotional expression.


    Please connect with David:

    Website: www.center4playtherapy.com 

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidschatzkamer/


    Please connect with me at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠, follow the show, and share this episode to get the word out about what is possible in education. Thank you for being here!

    30 min
  • Bold Voices, Safe Spaces

    Dear Valued Viewer/Listener,

    In this episode, I interview Dr. Jennifer Fraser, a leading expert on bullying and its effects on the brain. We discuss the importance of understanding the psychological and neurological impacts of bullying, particularly on children and adolescents. Dr. Fraser emphasizes the need for advocacy and intervention in bullying situations, the role of empathy in preventing bullying, and the importance of educating both children and adults about the effects of bullying. The conversation also touches on the need for schools to implement effective strategies to create safe environments for students and the potential for brain science to inform educational practices.


    Please connect with Dr. Fraser and see her books:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-fraser-phd-1466a417/

    Website (includes links to books, Psychology Today series, and more): https://bulliedbrain.com/

    Psychology Today Series: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-bullied-brain


    Please connect with me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, follow the show, and share this episode to get the word out about what is possible in education. Thank you for being here!



    50 min
  • The Teacher Effect: Igniting Potential in Every Student

    Dear Valued Viewer/Listener,

    In this episode of Get Inspired with Dr. Barb, Paul L. Gunn Jr. discusses the intersection of education and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of personal experiences in shaping business aspirations. He highlights the significant role teachers play in influencing students' lives and the need for educational systems to foster resourcefulness and collaboration between parents and educators. Paul shares insights on navigating challenges in education and offers advice for aspiring educators and students alike, encouraging them to explore different paths and embrace their unique learning styles.


    Please connect with amazing Paul:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-l-gunn-jr

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulgunnjr/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kuoginc/

    Website: https://kuoginc.com/


    Please connect with me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠, follow the show, and share this episode to get the word out about what is possible in education. Thank you for being here!

    42 min
  • Fueling Minds through What We See

    Dear Valued Viewer/Listener,

    In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I interviews Todd Cherches, a leadership expert and author, discussing the intersection of leadership and education. We explore the importance of redefining leadership for students, the power of visual thinking in communication, and practical strategies for teachers to engage students effectively. Todd emphasizes the need for relevance in education and the use of metaphors and analogies to connect learning to students' interests. The conversation highlights the significance of creativity and experiential learning in teaching, encouraging both educators and students to embrace innovative approaches to learning.


    Connect with Todd:

    Websites:

    www.toddcherches.com

    www.bigbluegumball.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddcherches/

    TEDx talk "The Power of Visual Thinking": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmF5A6zZj0E

    Todd's book "VisuaLeadership":

    https://www.amazon.com/VisuaLeadership-Leveraging-Visual-Thinking-Leadership/dp/1642933376


    Please connect with me at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠, follow the show, and share this episode to get the word out about what is possible in education. Thank you for being here!


    39 min
  • Transforming Lives through Animal Assisted Play Therapy®

    Dear Valued Listener/Viewer,

    In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', Dr. Risë VanFleet discusses her extensive experience in Animal Assisted Play Therapy®, emphasizing the importance of relationships between children and animals. She shares powerful stories of transformation, illustrating how animal interactions can significantly impact children's emotional and social development. The conversation also touches on the challenges and the future of animal-assisted therapy in educational settings. Dr. VanFleet explains how understanding animal behavior is crucial for effective therapy practices and how the future of animal-assisted therapy lies in understanding the needs of both the animal and the child.


    Please connect with Dr. VanFleet and see information about her incredible organization and activity:

    Personal Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/rise.vanfleet

    Professional Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RiseVanFleetPhD 

    Dr. VanFleet's Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

    International Institute for Animal Assisted Play Therapy® 
    (training and supervision): https://iiaapt.org

    International Association for Animal Assisted Play Therapy®
    (community, magazine, newsletter): https://iaaapt.org

    Animal Assisted Play Therapy® International Certification Board (standards, competencies, certification): https://aaptcertboard.org

    Facebook Group: Animal Assisted Play Therapy® Community
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/AnimalAssistedPlayTherapy/

    Please connect with me at ⁠⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠⁠, follow the show, and share this episode to get the word out about what is possible in education. Thank you for being here!


    50 min
  • Innovative Animal Assisted Education Partnerships

    Dear Valued Listener/Viewer,

    In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I discuss the transformative role of therapy dogs in education with guests Ginette Garrity, a teacher, and Katie Baron, a therapy dog advocate. They explore how therapy dogs can enhance learning experiences, foster engagement, and create a positive classroom environment. The conversation highlights innovative teaching methods, the importance of collaboration between teachers and therapy dog teams, and practical advice for educators looking to implement similar programs in their schools. Bonus: Archer, Katie's incredible therapy dog, makes an appearance in this episode!


    Please connect with Ginette and Katie:

    Ginette's Twitter: https://x.com/ginettegarrity1?lang=es

    Ginette's Email: [email protected]

    Katie's Website: https://archerthetherapydog.com

    Students' Writing Samples: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lIn8wKNThANMX1pPb_mB6N9iroDO6s7oKoG_DXX0ph4/edit?tab=t.0

    Descriptive Activity with Archer: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YZHeaZFQ6G0hvIWy97GNTy3dN-JcTiOP9CLfMz7qn_U/edit?tab=t.0


    Please connect with me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠, follow the show, and share this episode to get the word out about what is possible in education. Thank you for being here!



    42 min
  • Innovative Approach to Student Mental Health

    Dear Valued Listener/Viewer,

    In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I engage with Iuri Melo, the founder of SchoolPulse, to discuss the importance of proactive mental health support in education. We explore the collective responsibility of education, the need for positive relationships between students and educators, and the role of parents in fostering a supportive environment. Iuri shares the genesis of SchoolPulse, its innovative approach to student mental health, and the significance of prevention in addressing youth challenges. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community engagement and effective communication in creating a culture of care within schools.


    Connect with Iuri and see his resources:

    Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/iuritiagomelo

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iuri-melo-1b41482/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iuritmelo/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SchoolPulsePodcast/videos?view=0&sort=dd&shelf_id=2

    Know Thy Selfie - t.ly/juUMB

    Mind Over Grey Matter - t.ly/SxNUU


    Please connect with me at ⁠⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠⁠, follow the show, and share this episode to get the word out about what is possible in education. Thank you for being here!


    1 hr 2 min
  • Energy and Vibration in Education

    Dear Valued Listener/Viewer,

    In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I speak with Donna Lee Zmenak, a thought leader and expert in biofield energetic communication. We discuss the importance of authenticity in healing and teaching, the challenges faced by neurodivergent children, and the role of parents in advocating for their children's needs. Donna shares her personal journey of overcoming illness and how it shaped her approach to education and parenting. The conversation emphasizes the need for safety and connection in learning environments and the benefits of therapy animals.


    Connect with Donna:

    Website:https://www.donnaleezmenak.com/

    LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/donna-lee-zmenak-43357b26


    Please connect with the host, Dr. Barb, at ⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠, follow the show, and share this episode to get the word out about what is possible in education. Thank you for being here!

    47 min
  • Let's Empower Girls!

    Dear Valued Listener/Viewer,

    In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I interview Jonathan Macdonald, the CEO and founder of Potency.World, an initiative aimed at transforming education for children, particularly girls. Jonathan shares his journey from working with children in hospitals to volunteering in schools, emphasizing the importance of engaging and empowering children through innovative teaching methods. Our conversation highlights the detrimental effects of labeling in education and the need for a supportive environment that fosters self-belief and creativity. Jonathan discusses his vision for Potency. World, which focuses on providing girls with the tools and opportunities to succeed in a rapidly changing world, encouraging them to believe in themselves and their potential.


    Connect with Jonathan:

    Website: https://potency.world/

    LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/potencyworld


    Please connect with me at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠, follow the show, and share this episode to get the word out about what is possible in education. Thank you for being here!



    45 min
  • Self-efficacy: Game Changer

    Dear Valued Listener/Viewer,

    In this solo episode, I discuss the critical role of self-efficacy in education and how innovative approaches, particularly involving therapy dogs, can significantly enhance children's belief in their ability to learn. I emphasize the importance of language and engagement in boosting self-efficacy, especially for children in remedial education. Through creative activities, children can develop a positive attitude towards learning, leading to improved motivation and success.

    Please connect with me at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠, follow the show, and share this episode to get the word out about what is possible in education. Thank you for being here!

    7 min

About Get Inspired with Dr. Barb

From the publisher's feed

Get Inspired with Dr. Barb is a podcast featuring thought-provoking conversations with educators, researchers, authors, entrepreneurs, artists, healthcare professionals, and other changemakers whose…