EMpowered

Boundaries are often misunderstood, but when done right, they create safety, structure, and predictability. The key ingredients for a classroom where children feel secure and engaged. If you've ever struggled with feeling like kids are walking all over you or wondered how to hold firm boundaries without resorting to control or punishment, this episode is for you. This episode is part of the EM...

Trauma affects how children learn in the classroom. When children don't feel safe, they cannot access the part of the brain required for learning. If you've ever wondered why some students seem constantly dysregulated, reactive, or withdrawn, this episode will give you the missing piece. What you'll learn in this episode: → Why trauma leaves a lasting impact on a child's behaviour,...

Rewards and punishments might seem like an easy way to manage behaviour, but do they actually work? In this episode of the Beyond Behaviours series, I'm talking about why extrinsic rewards and punitive consequences don't create long term behaviour change, and what to do instead. If you've ever relied on sticker charts, prize boxes, or detentions but found they don't really shift be...

In this episode, I'm focusing on how you can set up your classroom and learning environment for 2025. It's not about Pinterest-perfect displays but creating a purposeful, functional space where children feel emotionally, physically, and mentally safe. If you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to balance aesthetics with practicality or you're unsure how your classroom setup impacts beh...

Welcome to the first episode of the Beyond Behaviours series, where I'm sharing quick and actionable steps to help you create a conscious classroom that feels safe, structured, and supportive from day one. This episode is all about routines and expectations—the essential building blocks for a classroom where children feel secure and ready to learn. If you've ever struggled with behaviours...

In this episode, you will learn how to set up your classroom this year to have a learning environment that's safe and nurturing, where students can thrive both academically and socially. If you've ever wondered how to move away from punitive measures and into a more responsive, emotionally aware teaching approach, this episode is for you. Here's what you'll learn: → How emotional i...

In this episode, I dive into the self-doubt and comparison trap that many educators, both new and experienced, find themselves stuck in. If you've ever wondered why your brain zeroes in on what you're lacking and why you keep comparing yourself to other teachers, this episode is here to help. Here's what you'll learn: → Why comparing yourself to others is normal but unhelpful. → Pr...

In this episode, I'm reflecting on a massive 2024, both personally and professionally and sharing my intentions for 2025. 2024 was full of growth, messy moments, and beautiful lessons. I hope my reflections inspire you to take stock of your own year and step into 2025 with intention and purpose. Here's what you'll hear: → Why aligning your work with your passions is key to avoiding bur...

Welcome back beautiful human! In this episode, I'm sharing three simple habits that can truly improve your wellbeing over the holidays and into 2025. These strategies are designed to help you relax, recharge, and step into the new year with clarity, calm, and purpose. Here's what you'll learn → How these three habits can help you process the year, find clarity, and connect with the per...

In this episode, I want to help you wrap up the school year with intention and positivity. Whether 2024 has been your best year yet or one filled with challenges, this episode will guide you through reflecting, processing, and planning so you can head into the holidays rested and recharged. Here's what you'll learn → Learn how to celebrate your successes, process what didn't go as plan...

In this episode, I sit down with Marg Thorsborne and Joe Brummer, two incredible thought leaders in trauma-informed and restorative practices. Together, they've written two books, Becoming a Trauma-Informed Restorative Educator and Becoming a Trauma-Informed Restorative School - Practical Skills to Change Culture and Behaviour . It's all about creating safer, more connected classrooms that...

In this episode of The EMpowered Podcast , we're diving into a topic every teacher can relate to: stress. While a little bit of stress can be healthy, chronic stress can leave us feeling overwhelmed, dysregulated, and depleted. I'll share  three actionable strategies to help you reduce your stress levels, balance your body, and feel more in control of your wellbeing. What You'll Learn:...

In this episode of The EMpowered Podcast , I'm diving into some of the most common questions I hear from beginning teachers, especially as they prepare for their first year. This one is for all my new and graduate teachers feeling the overwhelm of getting started, don't worry, I've got you! We cover everything from setting up your classroom and planning lessons to prioritising your wel...

Consequences in the classroom - where do you even start? In this episode, I'm diving into one of the biggest questions I get from teachers: "How can I support student behaviour without falling back on punishments?" I go through what really works (and what really doesn't) when it comes to behaviour, boundaries, and creating a connected classroom. I know that as educators who are c...

Today, I'm diving into how to find a school that truly matches your philosophy on non-punitive, trauma-informed practices. If you want to work somewhere that values real student and teacher wellbeing, but don't know where to start, this one's for you. Here's what you'll learn → How to use CRT (Casual Relief Teaching) as a way to 'test drive' a school's culture befor...

In this episode, we welcome Chelsea Luker, an Autistic ADHD psychologist, author, and advocate for neurodiversity-affirming practices. Chelsea dives deep into what it means to adopt a neurodiversity-affirming approach, her journey as a parent to neurodivergent children, and her impactful work at Connect Us Psychology. Chelsea also discusses her book, Square Me Round World, a collection of stories...

This episode is a personal one about why we're not meant to do it all, and what happens when we try to keep going without help. Parenting isn't meant to be a solo act. Especially when life throws in a few curveballs or even just the regular chaos of life. If you've ever found yourself losing it with the kids or feeling like you're juggling too many balls (and dropping a few), this...

In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Michelle Mitchell, who's spent years working with teens, tweens, and their families. Supporting kids at this stage can feel overwhelming, especially when it seems like they've got that wall up and are shutting you out. There is so much more going on beneath the surface. Michelle Mitchell is a former teacher turned tween and teenage expert, wi...

In this episode, I'm joined by Jacquie Ward, a psychologist who specialises in child and adolescent mental health. We talk about the realities of mental health in schools, and this conversation doesn't happen nearly enough. If you've ever wondered how mental health and anxiety show up in your classroom or why children some children feel things so deeply, then this episode is for you. J...

In this episode, I sit down with Marg Thorsborne, an international consultant specialising in the implementation of restorative and trauma-informed practices. Marg shares her journey from a biology teacher and school guidance officer to becoming a leading expert in creating positive cultural change in schools and workplaces. We dive deep into the principles of restorative practice, the importance...

In this episode, I dive into how both children and adults handle and express uncomfortable feelings and why it's important to understand them, and how to express them in healthy ways. As an emotional intelligence coach, working with both children and adults, I have seen firsthand the impact of understanding and navigating uncomfortable emotions. In this episode, you'll learn: → Three ways...

In this episode, I talk about the revelation that completely changed my approach to supporting children's behaviour. In this episode you will learn: → What exactly are belief systems, and how they influence your interactions The impact of understanding and changing belief systems on supporting children's behaviour → Why doing the deeper work, beyond surface level strategies is the key fact...

TW: This episode discusses childhood trauma, and abuse. In this episode, I get the absolute privilege of talking with Beck Thompson. She is absolutely amazing, sharing her journey of resilience, transformation, and empowerment. As a teacher, author, and speaker, she brings a unique perspective shaped by her lived experience of trauma and abuse. We discuss how transformative compassionate teaching...

In this episode, I'm talking about emotional coaching in education and how it can change how children behave and engage in your classroom.  Here's what you'll learn: → How emotion coaching can change your classroom environment → What it looks like to be emotionally attuned to your students. → How to balance emotional support with setting necessary boundaries. → The five steps of emotio...

In this episode, I talk about why it's difficult for teachers and parents to sit with children's emotions. I also discuss how self regulation and understanding our beliefs about emotions, influence how we react to children when they express big emotions.   Here's what you'll learn: → Why your own childhood experiences can make it difficult to handle your children's emotions → H...