Carolyn Long's journey in speech-language pathology has been driven by a deep passion for helping individuals, especially teenagers and adults, develop essential communication skills that foster connection and understanding. Over the course of her 22-year career, she has gained invaluable insights into the profound and lasting impact of effective communication, particularly for those who may not conform to societal norms.

With 14 years dedicated to working within educational settings, including navigating the challenges of teaching during the first and second years of the COVID-19 pandemic, Carolyn has acquired a wealth of knowledge about what truly engages neurodivergent students and what falls short.

Her expertise has been instrumental in designing a life skills curriculum tailored specifically for students with autism and other social communication challenges, as no existing curricula met their unique needs.

Her current endeavor, Social Optics, represents the culmination of her dream—a platform designed to encourage open conversations about communication, normalize differences, and enhance overall well-being.

Carolyn firmly believes that the connections we form with others through communication are the foundation of a sense of belonging, and she is on a mission to make these connections more accessible and meaningful to everyone.

Carolyn Long's LinkedIn

Social Optics

Quotes

"It gives students on the fringes who are neurodivergent a set of tools."

"It is hard to be present and in the moment."

"I can tell by the way you look this will not be a good phone call. Would you like me to stay here or would you like me to stay away to give you some space to have this phone call?" (student talking with Carolyn after using the Social Optics program)

"EQ is everything!"

"Communication skills are in the top 4 of what employers value."

I sat down with Esperanza Smith, an Energy Medicine Practitioner, holistic educator, and founder of PureEsperanza, NFP. With over 25 years of holistic education experience, she's a certified Master Practitioner of Shamanic Energy Medicine and has explored diverse fields, from energy medicine to quantum physics. Esperanza's journey includes a rich tapestry of roles in education, spanning traditional and non-traditional institutions.

She has served as a director and administrator of educational and nonprofit institutions, touching lives in Waldorf schools, alternative education programs, adult enrichment programs, natural childbirth classes, social services, disability programs, parent workshops, tutoring, facilitating, speaking at national conferences, community events, and private consultation. Additionally, Esperanza is the author and illustrator of Girl Seeking Pearls and other inspired writings.

Join us as we delve into her remarkable journey, lifelong learning, and her vision for PureEsperanza, where ancient wisdom and emerging technology converge in the Metaverse. PureEsperanza, NFP, is on a mission to spark creativity, curiosity, and consciousness through responsible technology and wisdom teachings.

In this episode, we discuss an interconnected world that provides resources for individuals and communities, leaving no one behind. From the physical to the virtual, PureEsperanza is there wherever your stream of consciousness takes you.

Esperanza Smith's LinkedIn

Esperanza Smith’s website

PureEsperanza website

Quotes

“It was about provoking the inner sense of the child to express their perception.”

“Imagination was seen as critical to enter a dimension within ourselves that does not just regurgitate information.”

“At this moment we are in that stretch leading us to the next evolution of the human race.”

“This is the time to have an expansive view of what it means to be human and how we are all connected.”

“To see all the cross sections of everything in life.”

“The Metaverse is about going into spaces that are boundless and limitless. We get to choose how we want to use it. It is challenging us; it is the stretch.”

This teacher has one of the biggest hearts, and in this episode, I sit down with Genevieve Galvan Frenes, a dedicated teacher and author.

Genevieve has self-published two novels, a poetry book, and a children's book through Amazon, with her most recent work titled Hearts in the Classroom.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to education, and amidst the turmoil, teachers stood as beacons of support, tirelessly teaching, encouraging, and uplifting their students through the trials of distance learning.

In Hearts in the Classroom, Genevieve Galvan Frenes offers us a window into the lives of her students before, during, and after the pandemic, through beautifully crafted poems that capture the essence of everyday student experiences.

This poetry book is a must-read for students, parents, and educators alike, serving as a poignant reminder of the powerful connection between students and teachers as they navigate the ever-changing landscape of the classroom.

This is a heartfelt conversation that explores the resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment of both students and teachers during one of the most challenging periods in education.

**Genevieve reads two of her poems at 21 minutes into the episode. The poems are titled Helpless and A Teacher's Heart.

Genevieve Galvan Frenes's LinkedIn

Hearts in the Classroom

Quotes

"I never saw his face during the pandemic."

"Compassion is the friend we need for my student and for myself."

"We meet and re-meet attempting to reach a common language, a connection, a kind of communication through the screen."

"Her heart with its cherished memories will beat on enduringly in the lives of her students."

Kids should light up at school and be excited about the learning process!

I sat down with Kristen Shroff, the CEO of Prisma, to explore her educational journey and Prisma's pioneering approach to learning. Kristen's diverse background spans roles as an English Teacher in a NYC public school, Field Manager of TNTP (The New Teacher Project), and Founder/Head of School at Emblaze Academy Charter School, among others. Her rich experiences have uniquely positioned her to lead Prisma, a global virtual school.Kristen shares how Prisma's innovative curriculum, rooted in the Prisma Powers—Applied Curiosity, Communication & Collaboration, Innovator's Mindset, and Initiative & Follow Through—transforms the educational experience. Families find engaging conversations at home, children invested in their learning, and flexible scheduling that fosters quality family time.As you listen to Kristen's insights, you'll be inspired by her passion for education that puts students at the center of their learning journey. Prisma is setting the standard for 21st-century education, and Kristen's leadership is breathing new life into the world of schooling. Discover how education can be transformed for the better, not just at Prisma but in all educational spaces.

Kristen Shroff’s LinkedIn

[email protected]

Prisma

Quotes

“Education should be personalized; everyone learns differently.”

“Kids thrive when the curriculum is learner-driven and interest-driven.”

“Classes consist of a close cohort like a one room schoolhouse but also it is global so students connect with each other all over the world.”

“The world is changing quickly and 65% of kids will work in jobs that don’t yet exist.”

“In each theme, learners are creating hands-on projects to show what they know.”

“Projects consist of making podcasts, creating businesses, designing models, and making museum exhibits.”

“Teachers don’t need to be the holder of the information and distributor.”

“Our Learning Coaches are designing challenges and creating escape rooms. They are there to guide the learners one-on-one.”

“We give Learning Coaches space and flexibility. We say just work with this kid, know them, love them, challenge them, and build a relationship with them.”

How can we achieve real equity and inclusion?

I sit down with Anne Marie Ristow, a dedicated advocate for fostering equity consciousness through her non-profit organizations. Anne Marie serves as the Founder & Director of both SEE, Inc and Systematic Equity Edits, Inc, non-profit organizations that are at the forefront of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work with schools and various organizations.With over 25 years of experience in her career, Anne Marie has been a driving force in the field of education, consistently breaking down barriers and emphasizing the value that each person's unique diversity brings to our world. She firmly believes that the systemic inequities present in our systems require collective attention.Anne Marie's work offers a profound focus on discovery and learning for individuals of all ages, their families, and communities. She approaches this mission with a human-centric perspective, celebrating the diverse brilliance, lived experiences, and identities of those who have historically been marginalized.Anne Marie's impressive and diverse roles include Global Educator, Full Bright Scholar, Student Support and Academic Achievement Coordinator at the University of South Florida, UDLHE Leader within the UDL Implementation and Research Network, Learning Facilitator with the International Baccalaureate, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, and Higher Education Freelancer through her non-profit SEE, Inc.In her journey through the realms of education, Anne Marie stands as a visionary with a compelling mission: to transform the way individuals perceive themselves and the world around them. Together, let's continue working towards the shared mission to "see things differently" and create a more equitable future for all.

Anne Marie Ristow’s LinkedIn

Marie Ristow’s website-See Things Differently

Quotes

"I started a non-profit to focus on mindshifts."

"We start with a deficit and need to shift to an abundance mindset."

"There is a lot of research in the social emotional forum on forging forward and resiliency."

"This work is going from mindshifts to mindfulness so that you can overcome your tendency and influence others."

"What is your legacy? It's about how we can add value instead of marginalize."

"No matter what we look like, where we came from, we are on this Earth and we have a responsibility."

Kevin Foote, M.Ed., ALEP is a former Educator and now is an Education Design Specialist for the Southwest U.S. with Kay-Twelve. With a wealth of knowledge in not only public schools but also charter and private ones, he can provide solutions for schools to thrive in today's challenge of engaging students and creating collaborative classrooms. He has also been accredited by ALEP (Accreditation of Learning Environments Planners) which demonstrates his competencies essential to planning, designing and equipping educational spaces. At Kay-Twelve, they don’t just furnish classrooms. They improve education outcomes by facilitating collaboration and innovation between students and teachers within better learning environments. This episode is filled with funny teaching stories, passion for shifting the education system, and looking at the school environment with a new lens. It is all about creativity!

Kevin Foote’s LinkedIn

Kay-Twelve Website (classroom design company)

Quotes

“It is about creating a learner centered environment. Instead of this is my room to this is our room.”

“At this one school, the classrooms haven’t been touched since the 1970s. We updated the school and the kids were so excited!”

“Everybody has a lightbulb moment.”

Do we need more joy in schools?! Yes, we do! Check out this heartfelt conversation with Cindi Cohn and Christine Jones as we dive into what is missing in schools and how we can build community through celebrations and inspiration. Cindi Cohn worked in the first virtual school as an Academic Coach. She is now the author of "More Joy", Podcast Host, and created the "More Joy" community. Christine Jones is a current Kindergarten Teacher, has various leadership roles in education, and is about to publish two books ("The Balancing Act" and "Creating Harmony in the Classroom") and a program called "Social Emotional Reframing." These two women exude joy and want to see that in schools! As the school year starts in many parts of the northern hemisphere, we want to send love and support to our teachers and students as they venture into another school year filled with learning and growth.

In this episode.... Introduction-about my summer break since I took a break from the podcast from Season 2 (ended on June 25th) and Season 3 (starts August 20th). I talk about writing my first book..which my goal is to have it out by mid-late fall! I read a love letter to Hawaii which is part of my Hawaii chapter in my book. I say a prayer for Maui and the Big Island. After the introduction the rest of the episode is a conversation with Cindi and Christine.

Introduction (1st 11 minutes)

Cindi & Christine More Joy conversation (starts at 11:10 minutes)

If you would like to donate to Hawaii to help them restore and rebuild after the devastating fires you can follow these links below:

https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong

https:/mauifoodbank.org

https://hawaiifoodbank.org

https://mauiunitedway.org/disasterrelief

https://www.redcross.org/local/hawaii.html

https://www.mauihumanesociety.org/donate-olx/

Guest Contact Information

Cindi Cohn’s LinkedIn

Cindi Cohn’s Website

Christine Jone’s LinkedIn

Quotes

Cindi

"I literally lived education!"

"I love non-traditional types of education where we are teaching life skills."

"Your vibe attracts your tribe!"

Christine

"We got to work on the community"

"We bring joy to the classroom with class celebrations and cheering each other on."

"My kids sang to me-I love you, you love me, we are a happy family."

This episode is part of my Diary Entry series. I like to send out a big thank you to all of my guests in Season 2 in this Diary Entry 5. I share about great collaborations with some of my guests, the end of the school year, my experience at the spiritual retreat in California, my work with starting to write my first book, presenting at the AERO conference June 23rd weekend, and a preview of Season 3. I will be on taking a summer break from airing new episodes until mid-August and kickoff Season 3 on August 20th! I may share a special episode sometime in July about the AERO (Alternative Education Resources Organization) conference. Thank you to all of my guests and listeners! I would not be here doing this work today if it was not for all of you. I am grateful for all of you! You have touched my heart and soul. Let's keep doing good work in education and building a better future for our children.

I interviewed Matthew Courtney, a Policy Advisor for a state Department of Education. Matthew helps schools help kids! Whether he is supporting his state's schools through the creation of new policy, conducting search and data analysis projects, training on data use at a national conference, or completing a program evaluation for a consulting client, his career is dedicated to helping schools provide the highest quality instruction to their students. Matthew shares so many examples of how looking at data in a unique way can tell you much more than just test scores. Matthew is also a former educator for many years so he can relate to current teachers. He helps to train teachers and show them the various ways data can truly improve not only their teaching but how they can address student concerns and needs. Matthew's work shows that there is deep meaning behind the numbers.

Matthew Courtney’s LinkedIn

Matthew Courtney’s website

Quotes

“I remember driving home from student teaching saying this it…this is where I need to spend the rest of my life.”

“I’m going to give you a handful of strategies and data analysis tools, and then you are going to solve your own problems.”

“This is an empowerment framework. Teachers are the most innovative people on the planet. They are like scientists running tiny experiments all the time, all day, everyday.”

“I want to help teachers capture that data empirically and prove their interventions are working.”

“Prioritizing data research in a new way will help with reshaping the education system moving forward.”

“We need to elevate the quality of life for teachers.”