Chitty Chats with Stacy

Today, Stacy express heartfelt gratitude towards educators. She encourages listeners to take a moment to appreciate their favorite teachers by reaching out with a message of thanks instead of spending their time on the podcast. Highlighting the significant shifts and challenges in education, Stacy acknowledges the dedication and hard work of educators, including their own 'army bestie' and their children's sports coaches, who go above and beyond their teaching duties. 00:00 Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week01:41 A Personal Shoutout to Influential Educators02:21 Acknowledging the Extraordinary Efforts of Coaches03:19 A Heartfelt Thank You to All Educators03:53 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

In this episode, Stacy reflects on the importance and value of friendship, sparked by a recent visit from a long-time friend. She recount the joy of reconnecting with friends from different phases of her life, including high school friends and a best friend of over two decades. Stacy speaker highlights the practices that have helped maintain these friendships, such as sharing daily gratitudes, and the unique connection felt with people from her small hometown.00:00 Starting the Journey: Reflections on Friendship00:37 Cherishing Long-Term Friendships: A Weekend of Reconnection01:44 The Power of Gratitude in Friendship03:06 Navigating Friendships Through Life's Seasons04:06 Rekindling Connections: The Joy of Small-Town Ties06:40 Contemplating the Impact of Social Media on Modern Friendships07:41 The Enduring Value of Friendship08:12 Invitation to Share Your Friendship Stories

In this episode of Chitty Chats, Stacy shares a training she has held titled "How Does Your Past Impact Your Teaching?". Stacy introduces the concept of how one's physiological and emotional blueprint, developed during early childhood, affects their responses and interactions in educational settings. The session covers the development of the brain, stress response systems, sensory systems, and techniques for emotional regulation, both for teachers and their students. Educators are encouraged to reflect on their own triggers, how they were wired through their own developmental stages, and how this impacts their relationships with students, particularly those they find challenging. Additionally, educators are prompted to consider who has influenced their teaching approach and to reflect on their reasons for staying in the teaching profession, despite its challenges. The workshop aims to equip educators with tools to improve their self-awareness and emotional management, contributing to a more trauma-informed educational practice.00:37 The Impact of Your Past on Teaching06:31 Reflecting on Your Teaching Journey14:12 Understanding How You're Wired: A Look at Brain Development24:44 Navigating Triggers in the Classroom29:24 Exploring Emotional Responses Through Body Awareness32:46 Understanding Children's Emotional Expressions33:23 Navigating Feelings and Family Dynamics34:53 Practical Approaches to Helping Kids Express Emotions35:30 Case Study: Healing Through Emotional Expression38:03 Sensory Systems and Classroom Dynamics46:07 Personal Reflections and Professional Development

Today, Stacy reflects on motherhood, inspired by a recent encounter with a group of mothers during a weekend at a hot springs. She emphasizes the unique challenges and joys of raising toddlers, stressing the significance of emotional development and the importance of supporting each other without judgment. Stacy also acknowledges the hard work of parenting, particularly during the toddler years, and offers encouragement and empathy to all mothers, reminding them they're not alone in their journey. Additionally, she touches on societal expectations of mothers, the importance of self-care, and the necessity of community support, while advocating for understanding and empathy towards all parents.

In this episode, Stacy is joined by Bri Miller, a behavior interventionist from Wichita, Kansas, to discuss the impact of whole brain teaching and behavior intervention strategies in the classroom. Bri shares her journey from teaching fourth and second grades to becoming a behavior interventionist, emphasizing the effectiveness of whole brain teaching in boosting student engagement and reducing classroom disruptions. Topics include:the role of therapy animals in supporting emotional regulation and creating a more conducive learning environment.methods for handling dysregulated behavior in studentschallenges and successes Brie has encountered in her role, the importance of educators learning about behavior regulation and whole brain teaching strategies00:30 Diving Into Bri Miller's Role as a Behavior Interventionist03:39 Exploring Whole Brain Teaching and Its Impact06:22 The Power of Whole Brain Teaching in Classroom Management15:23 Integrating Therapy Dogs in Schools: A Game Changer20:51 Connecting with Bri Miller: Learn More About Whole Brain Learning

This reflection focuses on the significance of repair in maintaining healthy relationships. Stacy shares personal thoughts on her recent stress-related behavior that has negatively impacted her closest relationships. Acknowledging her own responsibility, she emphasizes the importance of not just apologizing, but also changing one's behavior to truly repair the bond. The episode highlights the need for adults to take ownership of their actions, model appropriate behavior for children, and actively work on mending relationships that matter to them. Stacy then encourages listeners to reflect on their relationships and take steps towards repair, underscoring that this practice is crucial for both personal growth and the well-being of relationships. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction to the Power of Repair00:42 Personal Reflections on Behavior and Accountability01:26 The Importance of Owning Our Behavior01:55 The Process and Significance of Repair in Relationships03:53 A Call to Action for Personal Repair and Apology05:10 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode, Stacy chats with Jethro Jones. A multitasking educator, podcaster, and advocate for the transformative power of technology in learning, Jethro shares his journey from resisting the teaching profession to embracing various methods of education and podcasting. With experiences ranging from being a K-12 teacher and school principal to creating podcasts like Resilient Schools and Cybertraps, Jethro illustrates his dedication to learning and personal growth. He shares about the impact of his daughter being born with Down Syndrome on his perspectives on education, shedding expectations, and recognizing individual learning paths. The conversation also touches on the importance of authenticity in relationships and how Jethro helps others realize their podcasting dreams, showcasing his passion for unlocking people's potential and advocating for a personalized and inclusive approach to education and personal development.00:54 Jethro's Multifaceted Life: From Education to Podcasting04:36 The Power of Removing Expectations in Learning08:48 Embracing Individual Learning Styles and the Impact of Personal Experiences16:08 The Joy of Podcasting: A Journey of Learning and Connection28:45 Unlocking Potential: The Role of Technology in Education and Beyond36:13 Wrapping Up: The Layers of Jethro and Future Conversations

In this reflection, Stacy discusses the significance of basic needs such as food, water, sleep, social connection, exposure to sunlight, and movement for maintaining emotional regulation and mental well-being. Through a personal anecdote involving a miscommunication with their spouse being resolved post-meal, Stacy underscores how basic needs directly affect our interactions and emotional state. The story highlights not only the immediacy of these needs but also the awareness of the younger generation about mental health and emotional well-being. Stacy encourages the audience to recognize and address their own basic needs and those of the children in their lives to support healthier emotional regulation.01:02 Exploring the Importance of Basic Needs03:07 Personal Anecdote: A Lesson in Basic Needs05:06 The Impact of Basic Needs on Emotional Regulation05:41 Reflecting on the Next Generation's Awareness of Mental Health06:43 Closing Thoughts and Invitation for Engagement

This episode features an in-depth conversation with James Moffett, the principal of Ferris Elementary School in Hutchinson, Kansas. Moffett shares his journey from being unaware of trauma-informed education to fully embracing it and implementing its practices both professionally and personally. He emphasizes the importance of meeting basic needs, like sleep, for students to aid their learning process and discusses his school's creative partnership with a local high school for providing stackable cots. Moffett outlines a continuum for becoming trauma-informed, including awareness, sensitivity, responsiveness, and investment. He asserts that trauma-informed practices are about best practices for humans, not just children, and highlights the necessity of empathy, accountability, structure, and consequences as part of a loving educational environment. He also discusses the challenges and rewards of applying trauma-informed practices at home with his own children, illustrating the potential for these approaches to transform relationships and environments beyond the classroom.00:34 The Life and Times of Education: A Principal's Perspective02:25 Embracing Trauma-Informed Education: James's Journey10:10 The Power of Love and Consequences in Education14:05 Applying Trauma-Informed Practices at Home17:47 Building a Love-Based Environment at Ferris Elementary26:59 The Cost of Connection and Compassion Fatigue28:46 Wrapping Up: The Impact of Community in Education

In this reflection, Stacy shares insights from her experiences attending a virtual psychotherapy network conference, which involves over 5,000 mental health professionals. She talks about the importance of continuing education for licensed clinicians, touching on various topics such as ethics, internal family systems, affairs and betrayal, and the impact of trauma. Stacy also highlights training sessions she found particularly impactful, including discussions on tapping, brain spotting, and the work of Brian Stevenson on uncomfortable conversations and justice. Additionally, she emphasizes the value of regulating personal well-being amid intense professional development and the power of therapy in transforming both clients' and therapists' lives.00:37 The Importance of Continuing Education for Clinicians02:03 Personal Reflections on Trauma and Healing03:19 Exploring Taboo Topics: Affairs, Betrayal, and Family Dynamics05:46 Innovative Therapeutic Techniques: Tapping, Brain Spotting, and More06:27 The Power of Uncomfortable Conversations and Owning Our Stories08:04 The Healing Journey: Embracing Vulnerability and Growth12:09 A Weekend of Learning, Reflection, and Self-Care14:51 Sending Love and Support to All

In this episode of Chitty Chats with Stacy, Stacy welcomes Charles Williams, a Chicago-based school administrator with extensive experience in speaking, workshop facilitation, and podcast hosting. Charles shares his unexpected journey into education, originating from a need to ensure financial security for his children as a single father. He speaks about his progression from being an assistant principal to focusing on nationwide educational speaking engagements, emphasizing equity in education, and balancing family life. Charles elaborates on his efforts to create equitable educational spaces and the broader implications of equity beyond racial lines, touching on socioeconomic disparities and ableism. He also discusses the importance of authentic relationships between educators and students, recounting personal anecdotes to highlight how genuine connections can foster a supportive learning environment. Lastly, Charles mentions his work as an author and the purpose behind his speaking engagements, aiming to invoke meaningful conversations and changes within educational systems.00:21 Charles Williams: The Journey from Judgy McJudgerton to EduCrew03:23 The Unplanned Path into Education: Charles's Story05:31 From Classroom to Administration: Shaping a New Educational Paradigm08:39 Understanding Equity in Education: Beyond Race and Gender15:26 Expanding Horizons: The Embark Program and Its Impact16:25 Expanding Horizons Beyond Race and Socioeconomics17:48 The Importance of Authentic Relationships in Education18:26 Building Connections Through Authenticity and Patience22:49 Engaging with Educators and Students on Leadership and Equity28:44 The Journey of an Author: Sharing Leadership Insights29:14 Connecting and Sharing Resources Beyond the Classroom

In this reflection, Stacy, who is both in the military and a military spouse, shares her personal experiences and challenges of being part of a military family. Reflecting on a week of unpredictable events and the need for flexibility, She highlights the unique struggles and resilience of military spouses. From dealing with deployments and maintaining communication through video calls to handling unexpected situations and the complexities of purchasing a home online, this reflection  underscores the importance of flexibility and support within military families. 00:14 Reflecting on Military Life and Its Challenges01:17 A Personal Journey Through Military Spousal Life02:23 The Unpredictable Adventure of Being a Military Spouse03:43 Embracing Flexibility in the Face of Uncertainty05:04 The Unsung Heroes: A Tribute to Military Spouses06:21 The Power of Support and Understanding07:29 A Heartfelt Shoutout and Encouragement

In this episode, Stacy chats with her longtime friend and fellow clinician, Chelle Taylor. They recall their mutual training in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics under Dr. Bruce Perry, which greatly influenced their approach as clinicians. Chelle shares experience in early intervention work with families and children up to 5 years old, and she stresses the importance of the role of relationships and authenticity in therapy, pointing out that love can be the strategy while maintaining proper boundaries. Chelle discusses the healthcare system in Australia, including its struggles, and compares it with the American system. She mentions her journey in dealing with personal struggles, including how it impacted her work as a clinician by pushing her towards authenticity in connection with her clients.00:54 How We Met and Our Journey Together02:07 Who Am I? A Glimpse into Chelle's Life and Career03:43 The Impact of the Neurosequential Model in Practice03:59 Introduction to the Neurosequential Model07:53 The Power of Relationships in Therapy11:34 Mental Health Practice in Australia16:12 The Importance of Early Intervention24:53 The Role of Love in Therapy27:55 The Importance of Doing Your Own Work as a Therapist

In this reflection, Stacy reflects on  a sewage pipe break in her home, using it as a springboard to dive into the broader theme of perspective.She highlights how life's experiences, both minor and significant, shape our ability to view situations in relative terms. Emphasizing the development of the cortex, which greatly influences our critical thinking, problem-solving, and perspective-taking abilities, she points out that perspective is a gift that comes with age and experience. Stacy also discusses the importance of not minimizing others' experiences due to differing perspectives, particularly in the context of children and teenagers, who are still developing their worldview. Through her storytelling, she underscores the value of experiencing life's challenges, small and large, and the importance of empathy and understanding in navigating these situations with others.00:23 Exploring the Concept of Perspective02:08 A Shitty Situation Turns into a Life Lesson03:49 Finding Gratitude in the Midst of Chaos04:19 The Gift of Perspective and Its Impact

In this episode, Marcel Hernandez opens up about his personal and professional journeys in working with justice-involved youth in Nashville, Tennessee. As the founder of BeAboutChange, Marcel shares how he weaves his experiences from his recovery journey into his work, focusing on the power of relationships in promoting brain development, mental health and overcoming trauma. He also talks about his role as development director for Tucker's House, a non-profit that provides home modifications for families with children with disabilities. He delves into the critical role parenting plays in setting up strong foundational values in children by establishing links between their actions and consequences, and the significance of reinforcing qualities such as emotional intelligence, patience and resilience. Throughout the discussion, Marcel emphasizes the importance of relationships as the key to imparting change and better outcomes for individuals and communities.00:23 Meeting Marcel Hernandez: A Journey Through Trauma Informed Education01:18 The Importance of Brain Development, Mental Health, and Trauma in Education01:37 Marcel's Personal and Professional Background02:52 The Impact of BeAboutChange: A Juvenile Justice Initiative07:47 The Power of Relationships in Youth Development18:06 The Role of Tucker's House in Supporting Families with Children with Disabilities32:03 The Intersection of Professional Lessons and Personal Parenting39:29 Conclusion: The Power of Relationships and the Importance of Apologies

In this episode, Stacy shares insights on understanding triggers, particularly in the context of interactions with children, whether they are one's own children, students, or clients. With nearly two decades of experience as a clinician and a long history of working with children and families, she introduces the concept of triggers—what activates our stress responses in relation to children. The core of this reflection revolves around five critical questions to ask oneself when triggered by a child's behavior. These questions aim to explore one's basic needs, sensory system activations, past experiences and reminders, prior feelings similar to the current reaction, and what one was experiencing at the age of the child causing the trigger. The objective is to shift the blame from the child and encourage adults—teachers, parents, and clinicians—to introspect and identify the roots of their triggers for better emotional regulation and relationship management. Stacy emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and reflection in handling triggers, highlighting that the responsibility for managing one's reactions rests with the adult, not the child.00:37 Exploring the Concept of Triggers01:24 Understanding Our Reactions to Triggers02:21 Five Key Questions to Ask When Triggered03:21 Deep Dive into Each Question04:57 Reflecting on Personal Experiences and Growth

In this interview, Stacy talks with Brian Post, a mental health professional focused on the importance of love and self-reflection in helping adoptive families and individuals struggling with trauma. Over their conversation, Stacy and Brian discuss the foundational principles of his work including his stress model — the idea that all behavior is a reaction to stress, compounded by either fear or love. Brian emphasizes the importance of clinicians doing personal reflective work to best support their patients and shares his experiences. They discuss the lasting impact of love and relationships in the field of mental health, touching on generational trauma, parental influence, and the future of mental health. Brian also gives insights into his personal methods of self-care and maintaining his emotional and physical health.00:54 Getting to Know Brian Post02:50 Brian's Journey and Impact04:19 The Importance of Hope and Vision05:36 The Power of Showing Up08:04 The Challenges of Teaching and Training10:18 The Stress Model and Its Application12:47 The Role of Love in Healing15:25 The Importance of Self-Work23:39 The Impact of Generational Trauma31:15 Self-Care and Personal Relationships

In this episode, the Stacy reflects on the past week and the recurring theme of judgment, or rather, the importance of abstaining from it, across various situations. She urges listeners to show grace to themselves and others, emphasizing that most people are doing the best they can based on their unique circumstances and internal compass.Stacy advocates for letting go of perfection and self-judgment, encouraging listeners to approach the week ahead with less judgment towards themselves and others, and to remember that everyone has their own story, which is often more complex than it appears.00:00 Introduction and Reflections on Judgment00:39 The Impact of Judgment in Different Life Areas02:24 The Importance of Self-Grace and Letting Go of Perfection03:29 Personal Experiences and the Complexity of Human Nature04:46 Encouragement for a Less Judgmental Approach05:04 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of Chitty Chats, host Stacy converses with U.S. Army Major, behavioral health officer, and founder of Focusing on Self, Qwanquita Wright. She discusses her journey in the U.S. Army and her passion for making a positive difference in people's lives. She emphasizes the importance of looking after one's own mental well-being, sharing insights from her personal experiences of dealing with grief and trauma. They also delve into the stigma surrounding mental health in the military and the broader society and stress the need for empathy, open conversations, and therapeutic intervention. Wright encourages other professionals and personally puts a high value on deliberate rest, spiritual growth, and regular self-evaluation to remain resilient amidst life's challenges.01:57 Journey into Social Work in the Military03:13 The Military Masters of Social Work Program04:27 The Unpredictability of Military Life06:27 Addressing Mental Health Stigma in the Military08:20 The Birth of 'Focusing on Self'20:43 The Importance of Self-Care and Rest

In this week's reflections, Stacy shares her thoughts derived from recent professional experiences, particularly around the importance of relationships and co-regulation. She talks about how these concepts apply across various settings, from education to military to parenting. Stacy speaks about how co-regulation is key to self regulation. Finally, she encourages listeners to consider their own relationships and how they contribute to or derive co-regulation from them.