Raising and Rising

In this Raising and Rising episode, I speak with Monica Cochran — a courageous, deeply experienced educator whose 40-year journey has taken her across public schools, special education programs, Montessori classrooms, corporate training, and micro school consulting.

Monica shares how her fluke entry into education became a lifelong mission to champion emotionally safe, child-centered learning — especially for neurodivergent children and the families who raise them. Together, we explore the vital role of co-regulation, attunement, and noticing our children's strengths, and why it’s never about perfection — but always about connection.

This episode is a warm, grounded reminder that the way we teach, guide, and parent must start with relationship, not curriculum. And that when we meet both our children and ourselves with compassion, growth flows naturally.

• The surprising start to Monica’s 40-year education journey

• How co-regulation and felt safety unlock learning

• Why connection matters more than curriculum — especially for neurodivergent learners

• What gets in the way of “teachable moments” — and how to make space for them

• How to build capacity in parents so they can better support their kids

• Rethinking education for a fast-changing world

00:00:00 – Introduction to Raising and Rising Podcast

00:00:55 – Meet Monica: A Journey in Education

00:01:22 – Early Challenges and Breakthroughs

00:04:04 – The Evolution of Education

00:05:56 – Building Connection and Felt Safety

00:10:16 – Supporting Neurodivergent Kids and Families

00:12:23 – The Importance of Strengths and Passions

00:19:50 – Future of Education and Self-Directed Learning

00:22:47 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Monica is the founder of Learning Without Borders, where she works with families, educators, and micro schools to support neurodivergent learners and reimagine education systems that honor the whole child.🌍 ⁠https://learningwithoutborders.com/⁠

Monica primarily works through referrals and long-standing collaborations — but if her message resonates with you, don’t hesitate to reach out.

💡 Coaching & Resources

If you’re navigating parenting challenges or rethinking how your child learns best, I’d love to support you. I offer practical coaching infused with healing, neuroscience, and self-directed learning.👉 ⁠Start here⁠

🌱 Join the Free CommunityYou’re not alone. Our Self Directed Life community is a space to heal, learn, and lead with curiosity and courage.👉 ⁠nas.io/SDL⁠

📲 Follow on Instagram

Daily tools, deep truths, and a little bit of play — for conscious parents, educators, and women rising into their purpose.👉 ⁠@selfdirectedlearners.co⁠

✨ Let’s keep raising and rising — together.

In this Raising and Rising episode, I speak with Monica Cochran — a courageous, deeply experienced educator whose 40-year journey has taken her across public schools, special education programs, Montessori classrooms, corporate training, and micro school consulting.

Monica shares how her fluke entry into education became a lifelong mission to champion emotionally safe, child-centered learning — especially for neurodivergent children and the families who raise them. Together, we explore the vital role of co-regulation, attunement, and noticing our children's strengths, and why it’s never about perfection — but always about connection.

This episode is a warm, grounded reminder that the way we teach, guide, and parent must start with relationship, not curriculum. And that when we meet both our children and ourselves with compassion, growth flows naturally.

• The surprising start to Monica’s 40-year education journey

• How co-regulation and felt safety unlock learning

• Why connection matters more than curriculum — especially for neurodivergent learners

• What gets in the way of “teachable moments” — and how to make space for them

• How to build capacity in parents so they can better support their kids

• Rethinking education for a fast-changing world

00:00:00 – Introduction to Raising and Rising Podcast
00:00:55 – Meet Monica: A Journey in Education
00:01:22 – Early Challenges and Breakthroughs
00:04:04 – The Evolution of Education
00:05:56 – Building Connection and Felt Safety
00:10:16 – Supporting Neurodivergent Kids and Families
00:12:23 – The Importance of Strengths and Passions
00:19:50 – Future of Education and Self-Directed Learning
00:22:47 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Monica is the founder of Learning Without Borders, where she works with families, educators, and micro schools to support neurodivergent learners and reimagine education systems that honor the whole child.🌍 https://learningwithoutborders.com/

Monica primarily works through referrals and long-standing collaborations — but if her message resonates with you, don’t hesitate to reach out.

💡 Coaching & Resources

If you’re navigating parenting challenges or rethinking how your child learns best, I’d love to support you. I offer practical coaching infused with healing, neuroscience, and self-directed learning.👉 Start here

🌱 Join the Free Community
You’re not alone. Our Self Directed Life community is a space to heal, learn, and lead with curiosity and courage.👉 nas.io/SDL

📲 Follow on Instagram

Daily tools, deep truths, and a little bit of play — for conscious parents, educators, and women rising into their purpose.
👉 @selfdirectedlearners.co

✨ Let’s keep raising and rising — together.

In this Educating from Within episode, Sheryl interviews Dawn Fung, founder of LittleU — a micro school and consultancy designed to support neurodivergent children, homeschooling families, and those recovering from school-related trauma. Dawn shares how her team creates emotionally safe, personalized learning environments, and why portfolios, choice, and slowing down are essential for real growth.

Key Topics Covered:

• What is education equity?

• How school systems can cause trauma

• The importance of portfolios vs. exams

• Guilds, family-led learning, and apprenticeship models

• How to know if your child needs trauma-informed education

• Why choice, safety, and connection matter

00:35 Introduction and Purpose of the Interview

00:59 Overview of LittleU's Mission and Programs

02:12 Challenges and Goals of LittleU

02:41 Understanding Education Equity

05:22 The Role of Portfolios in Education

06:53 Historical Context and Guilds

09:41 Family as a Learning Unit

15:13 Trauma-Informed Education

18:36 Identifying and Addressing Trauma in Children

23:42 LittleU's Approach to Success and Future Plans

27:09 Sustainability and Growth of LittleU

Connect with Dawn Fung & LittleU: www.littleu.org

Want More Support and Connection?

If you're looking for guidance on raising resilient, curious, and empowered children, I'm here to help!

💡 Coaching & Resources:

Chat with me for coaching sessions and resources designed to empower you and your family. ⁠⁠https://wa.me/message/RIJD7DKDBU2CD1⁠⁠

🌱 Join My Free Community: Connect with like-minded parents and educators in our Self Directed Life community at ⁠⁠nas.io/SDL⁠⁠.

📲 Follow Us on Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/selfdirectedlearners.co⁠⁠/

Let’s keep raising and rising together!

In this Educating from Within episode, Sheryl interviews Dawn Fung, founder of LittleU — a micro school and consultancy designed to support neurodivergent children, homeschooling families, and those recovering from school-related trauma. Dawn shares how her team creates emotionally safe, personalized learning environments, and why portfolios, choice, and slowing down are essential for real growth.

Key Topics Covered:

• What is education equity?

• How school systems can cause trauma

• The importance of portfolios vs. exams

• Guilds, family-led learning, and apprenticeship models

• How to know if your child needs trauma-informed education

• Why choice, safety, and connection matter

00:35 Introduction and Purpose of the Interview00:59 Overview of LittleU's Mission and Programs02:12 Challenges and Goals of LittleU02:41 Understanding Education Equity05:22 The Role of Portfolios in Education06:53 Historical Context and Guilds09:41 Family as a Learning Unit15:13 Trauma-Informed Education18:36 Identifying and Addressing Trauma in Children23:42 LittleU's Approach to Success and Future Plans27:09 Sustainability and Growth of LittleU

Connect with Dawn Fung & LittleU: www.littleu.org

Want More Support and Connection?

If you're looking for guidance on raising resilient, curious, and empowered children, I'm here to help!

💡 Coaching & Resources:

Chat with me for coaching sessions and resources designed to empower you and your family. ⁠https://wa.me/message/RIJD7DKDBU2CD1⁠

🌱 Join My Free Community: Connect with like-minded parents and educators in our Self Directed Life community at ⁠nas.io/SDL⁠.

📲 Follow Us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/selfdirectedlearners.co⁠/

Let’s keep raising and rising together!

In this episode of Raising and Rising, host Sheryl from Self Directed Life talks with Elle, a former teacher with 30 years of experience who founded a wellbeing support business. They discuss the stress faced by educators, the importance of mental health support for children, and holistic approaches to education. Elle shares insights from her career and the impact of standardized testing on teachers' and students' wellbeing. They also explore effective strategies for creating a safer, nurturing learning environment, emphasizing the importance of listening to children and the benefits of having classroom assistants. The episode provides valuable tips on conscious parenting and the necessity of co-regulation and mindfulness in both children and educators.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:17 Elle's Teaching Journey

01:40 Challenges in the Education System

02:47 Transition to Counseling

03:24 Structure of Elle's Counseling Business

04:26 Preventative Measures for Children's Wellbeing

05:55 Supporting Teachers and Classrooms

07:00 Polyvagal Theory and Personal Healing

07:42 Key Messages for Parents and Educators

11:57 Global Education and Wellbeing

14:28 Montessori School Success

21:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Reach out to Elle Hayes:

• calmkidswellbeing.com.au⁠https://www.instagram.com/calmkidswellbeing⁠

Want More Support and Connection?

If you're looking for guidance on raising resilient, curious, and empowered children, I'm here to help!💡 Coaching & Resources:

Chat with me for coaching sessions and resources designed to empower you and your family. ⁠https://wa.me/message/RIJD7DKDBU2CD1⁠

🌱 Join My Free Community: Connect with like-minded parents and educators in our Self Directed Life community at nas.io/SDL.

📲 Follow Us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/selfdirectedlearners.co⁠/

Let’s keep raising and rising together!

In this episode of Raising and Rising, host Sheryl from Self Directed Life talks with Elle, a former teacher with 30 years of experience who founded a wellbeing support business. They discuss the stress faced by educators, the importance of mental health support for children, and holistic approaches to education. Elle shares insights from her career and the impact of standardized testing on teachers' and students' wellbeing. They also explore effective strategies for creating a safer, nurturing learning environment, emphasizing the importance of listening to children and the benefits of having classroom assistants. The episode provides valuable tips on conscious parenting and the necessity of co-regulation and mindfulness in both children and educators.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:17 Elle's Teaching Journey

01:40 Challenges in the Education System

02:47 Transition to Counseling

03:24 Structure of Elle's Counseling Business

04:26 Preventative Measures for Children's Wellbeing

05:55 Supporting Teachers and Classrooms

07:00 Polyvagal Theory and Personal Healing

07:42 Key Messages for Parents and Educators

11:57 Global Education and Wellbeing

14:28 Montessori School Success

21:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Reach out to Elle Hayes:

• calmkidswellbeing.com.auhttps://www.instagram.com/calmkidswellbeing

Want More Support and Connection?

If you're looking for guidance on raising resilient, curious, and empowered children, I'm here to help!💡 Coaching & Resources:

Chat with me for coaching sessions and resources designed to empower you and your family. https://wa.me/message/RIJD7DKDBU2CD1

🌱 Join My Free Community: Connect with like-minded parents and educators in our Self Directed Life community at nas.io/SDL.

📲 Follow Us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selfdirectedlearners.co/

Let’s keep raising and rising together!