KindSight 101

In this episode, I take you though the four ways we make memories and how trauma can impact your ability to make, keep, and retrieve memories. Also, I talk about the practice of building a robust positive memory bank upon which you can draw gratitude when you are in reflective practice. There are some easy, proven ways that you can do this in order to build on your own well-being. 

Raphael (Didier) Vincent from Port-Au Prince Haiti, grew up as the middle child in a family of five brothers. The family left Haiti when he was at the age of 10, arriving in Victoria in the spring of 2008.

Growing up, Raphael was inspired by his father, Alain Vincent, a hard working pharmacist and business owner who would paint during his downtime. From the many perspectives of unspoken stories through his father’s artwork, Raphael developed a unique way of expression through various art mediums.

In Haiti, the words “ L'union fait la Force” is seen on the flag. This means “Strength Through Unity” and it is the energetic seed he wishes to share with every student he comes in contact with.

Raphael was born and raised in a large close family concept, where the idea of unity has always been present, and he wanted to bring this understanding to all students, no matter where they are in the world.

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Inspired by his work for the family’s non-profit organization “The Daily Dose Society”, Raphael wants to use his art to create healing in our communities. In particular, Raphael works with youth and communities to co-create art representing the magnificent chaotic orchestra of the shared human experience. 
 

Being an ear to countless stories of suffering and hardship from people in recovery from substance use has largely widened his perspective in life and towards the long journeys through recovery. With this wish to gift to share of the Unity Mandala.

Raphael hopes to create a healing symbol for those involved in the system and bringing students together for the greater good.

In particular, Raphael works with youth and communities to co-create art representing individuality in a collective.

“ Art is meant to represent the magnificent chaotic orchestra of the shared human experience” ~

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~ Raphael  DivVi

Dr. Nadia Lopez is pioneering a path of inspired leadership. The founding principal of Mott Hall Bridges Academy, a New York City Public School, Lopez became a viral sensation after one of her students was featured on the popular blog, Humans of New York. Millions of people around the world discovered the positive learning environment, high expectations and growing success rate at her school, which is located right in the middle of one of the most under-served communities in America. In 2015 a Humans of New York fundraiser raised $1.4 million to take Lopez's students on college trips that include Harvard University, Summer STEAM programs and college scholarships.

Lopez's story was shared across numerous media outlets and resulted in her guest appearing on the Ellen Show, visiting President Barack Obama at the White House and receiving the Medal of Distinction from Barnard College. In addition, Lopez was honored alongside First Lady Michelle Obama with the Change Agent Award at the Black Girls Rock show hosted on BET Networks.

Lopez's passion, belief in children and strong conviction has been unwavering in her belief that her community needs strong leadership. Despite the adversities she faced in opening Mott Hall Bridges Academy in 2010, Lopez is encouraged and inspired to see children overcome the "beautiful challenges" of Brownsville and ensuring that they are admitted into some of the most competitive high schools in New York City. Understanding the power of programming, Lopez continues to impact the lives of children through her "She Is Me" and "I Matter" initiatives, which have served thousands of youth throughout Central Brooklyn by providing workshops, forums and mentoring. Lopez continues to influence and inspire the world through her company The Lopez Effect, which offers a blueprint for personal and organizational success.

Monique Gray Smith is a proud mom of twins, an award-winning, best-selling author and sought after consultant. Monique’s first published novel, Tilly: A Story of Hope and Resilience won the 2014 Burt Award for First Nation, Métis and Inuit Literature.

Since then, Monique has had 5 books come out, including Speaking our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation. Speaking our Truth has won numerous awards, is a a Canadian Best Seller and a finalist for the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award.

It continues to be used across the country as a tool to educate the hearts and minds of both young and not so young readers. Monique’s latest release, Tilly and the Crazy Eights is an adult novel about an epic road trip that reminds the reader of the power of the human spirit and that love is medicine.

Monique is Cree, Lakota and Scottish and has been sober and involved in her healing journey for over 29 years. She is well known for her storytelling, spirit of generosity and focus on resilience.

Linda Cliatt-Wayman is a renowned education leader with an unwavering belief in the potential of all children. She uses her decades of experience to move educational leaders from knowledge to practice in ways that are transformative for children through on-site leadership development series, convenings, and keynote addresses.

Wayman grew up in poverty in North Philadelphia, where she experienced firsthand the injustice perpetuated against poor students in their education. She vowed to dedicate her life to helping as many children escape poverty through education as she could.

Wayman’s powerful leadership and the success of her students caused people to take notice. Her acclaimed 2015 TED Talk has been viewed over 2 million times. She’s been featured by Diane Sawyer on ABC World News Tonight and Nightline. Her book, Lead Fearlessly, Love Hard, is beloved by educators. And in 2016, she was named a Top 50 Finalist for the Global Teacher Prize out of over 8,000 nominees from around the world. Above all, Linda Cliatt-Wayman is driven by her love for children. She ended her morning announcements to her students each day by saying, “remember, if no one told you they loved you today, remember I do and always will.”

One of the most sought-after school leadership experts and education presenters in America, Principal Kafele is impacting America’s schools! He has delivered over two thousand conference and program keynotes, professional development workshops, parenting seminars and student assemblies over his 34 years of public speaking. His strategies for inspiring school and classroom excellence are vastly impacting America’s school leaders and teachers! Contact Principal Kafele today to present at your next conference, inservice, event or program at [email protected] or (201) 424-0201.

Adam has been a teacher, Principal, Director of Innovation for a district with 35,000 students and enjoys pushing the envelope to always do what's best for kids! Adam is passionate about technology integration with all educators and a huge advocate of social media and connecting with other educators from across the country. Adam makes it clear that kids come first and has preached the message of Team Kid for many years. He is also the co-founder of Kids Deserve It, the author of Run Like a Pirate and Empower Our Girls.

Check out his work on www.mradamwelcome.com

A special, Mother's Day Episode dedicated to resilience, moving forward and what can we do to overcome a problem?

You can find me on instagram @smallactbigimpact