Craig, Carroll and Juli have a conversation with nationally recognized Andy Gonzales, Co-Founder of the Holistic Life Foundation in Baltimore, MD. Andy and his colleagues are implementing mindfulness practices in some of the most challenging schools across our country and finding data-driven results. Andy and his team have collaborated with schools, politicians, and some of the world's leaders in the area of mindfulness. Andy will share what mindfulness is, how schools can implement it and why it is such an important tool to have in all our toolboxes.

Holistic Life Foundation Website: http://hlfinc.org/

Part 2 of last week's conversation with Gary Conway, Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

Carroll, Craig and Juli sit down with Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Gary Conway. Gary is a former public school teacher and middle school counselor. This is the first of a two part conversation on the topic of stress reduction.

Episode Resources:

Gary Conway Website: http://www.counseling4nd.com/index.html

https://www.heartmath.org/ : Scientifically based tools to help people bridge the connection between their hearts and minds, and deepen their connection with the hearts of others.

http://www.stevenchayes.com/ : Steven Hayes is the developer of Relational Frame Theory, an account of human higher cognition, and has guided its extension to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a popular evidence-based form of psychotherapy that uses mindfulness, acceptance, and values-based methods.

http://www.counseling4nd.com/LinkstoVideos.en.html : Collaborative Problem Solving, Video archive, etc.

http://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-core-values.html : Definition and examples of Core Values. Utilize in creating a set of personal family core values or principles.

Christine Brown and Megan Contreras of Westfield Youth Assistance visit the Toolbox. WYA is a local agency devoted to providing case management services to students and families in need. Christine and Megan discuss their work as well as the wealth of other resources available in the area. They also share how students and families can assist in volunteering and getting involved to make Westfield even greater!

http://youthassistance.org/westfield/

Mrs. Easterday plays the role of guest in this episode sharing her wealth of experiences as a Director of College Admissions (Butler and Whitman College), a Director of Counseling from her years at North Central High School, her work with The College Board and her current training in the field of mental health. Carroll will share helpful info. about Naviance Family Connection, Simon Sinek and CASEL (The Collaboration for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning) and much more.

Naviance Family Connection: https://vimeo.com/46032210

Simon Sinek Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action

Simon Sinek on Millenials: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hER0Qp6QJNU

CASEL Website: http://www.casel.org/

In this initial episode, Craig, Carroll and Juli share a bit about themselves and the vision of the podcast.