The Big E.D idea Podcast

She is currently the director of programs for the Attachment & Trauma Network where she co-anchors the podcast “Regulated and Relational” and speaks nationwide on trauma-informed schools, therapeutic parenting, and community engagement.

Ginger is the author of Regulation and Co-Regulation: Accessible Neuroscience that Brings Calm into the Classroom and has a companion workbook set to release in February! Her greatest teachers about developmental trauma and neurodivergence are her four children.

Join Ginger and I as we discuss how Big Brothers Big Sisters focus on creating and supporting one to one mentoring can literally save the lives of kids!

In her two decades as a consultant on education and economic class, Ruby has published more than a dozen books and spoken extensively around the globe.

Ruby empowers educators and community leaders to address issues of poverty in classrooms, communities, businesses, hospitals, churches, and social services. Through aha! Process programs and conferences, Ruby has certified thousands of trainees in her Framework for Understanding Poverty and Bridges Out of Poverty models. Her book Emotional Poverty won an IPPY Award from the Independent Publishers organization, which named it one of the best educational resources of the year.

Over her distinguished career, Ruby has worked as a teacher and principal, written K–12 curriculum in all subject areas, and assisted in strategic planning and staff development programs for multiple organizations. Ruby’s work guides educators and community leaders through her extensive library of resources. She aims to equip everyone she meets with the tools to write a future story full of hope.

Her work has been featured in IL-ASCD, Teach Plus, NEA Today, Education Post, and the book Flip the System US: How Teachers Can Transform Education and Save Democracy. Her career in education spans 19 years, and she currently serves as the state coordinator for Educators Rising Illinois & the Early Career Development and Aspiring Ed Director for the Illinois Education Association.

Lindsey is an educator by day and musician by night. Lover of hiking, dogs, eclectic music, delicious food, dry red wine, and all things public education.

He supports schools and youth justice institutions internationally using a trauma-informed restorative lens to create supportive human-centered environments. Joe is a member of the adjunct faculty at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace, teaching the Peacebuilding Skills: Dialogue, Trauma & Restorative Justice course.

Joe has appeared on dozens of podcasts and webinars and presented at national and international conferences. He has also completed the certification course in Dr. Bruce Perry’s Neurosequential Model in Education and is a member of the Attachment and Trauma Network’s Training Collaborative. After years of working in the mental health training field, he was the associate director of a community mediation center, where he ran criminal mediation programs, community dialogue initiatives, and school-based peer mediation programs, training hundreds of people to become mediators. He served seven years on the board of directors for the National Association for Community Mediation.

Joe's book, Building a Trauma-informed Restorative School: Skills and Approaches for Improving Culture and Behavior (2020) is used by schools across the globe. His next book, Becoming a Trauma-Informed Restorative Educator: Practical Skills to Change Culture and Behavior, co-authored with Margaret Thorsborne, will be released in mid-2024.

Ryan Scott is the Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Indiana. He can be described as goal-driven, servant-led, and incredibly relentless in his pursuit to fight for ALL kids!

Prior to coming on board BBBS, Ryan spent 16 years in public education, where he worked tirelessly to preach the gospel of connection before content and that we had a connection, not entirely an academic gap. Ryan received his undergraduate degree from Murray State University and two master’s degrees from The University of the Cumberlands.

“Thousands of research studies have proven that positive, nurturing, supportive relationships are the lifeblood of a successful, happy life. Connecting children with role-models who can provide these critical elements has the ability to literally change the direction of a kids’ life,” says Ryan. “In a world where hope is often lacking among our most vulnerable youth, one positive role model can provide the essential support needed to persevere through life. Life is easily the hardest thing we ever have to do, but having someone walking beside you makes it 10x easier.”

In this episode, you will hear Ryan speak to the "why" behind the podcast and what you can expect to hear on future episodes!

Alex T. Valencic is an educator, former small business owner, Boy Scout leader, volunteer drug prevention specialist, and geek of all things. Currently the Professional Learning Coordinator for Freeport SD 145, home of the Pretzels! 🥨 Teach Better Ambassador with The Teach Better.com Crew! Hails from NW Illinois

She is currently the director of programs for the Attachment & Trauma Network where she co-anchors the podcast “Regulated and Relational” and speaks across the nation on trauma-informed schools, therapeutic parenting, and community engagement.

Ginger is also the author of Regulation and Co-Regulation: Accessible Neuroscience that Brings Calm into the Classroom. Ginger is married and has four children who have been her greatest teachers about developmental trauma and special needs. She loves to travel and read.