Building Pathways to Healthy Minds: A ChildBuilders Podcast

Tamra's podcast description:   What is the first year of parenthood really like? Host Priscilla Bagley welcomes back Tamra Wilkerson for an honest and heartfelt conversation about life after one year into motherhood. Tamra reflects on the joys, challenges, and surprises of parenting, sharing how her expectations compared to reality as she navigated sleepless nights, changing routines, work-lif...

In this episode of Building Pathways to Healthy Minds, host Priscilla sits down with Vincincia Wright, a licensed professional counselor, former educator, and Director of School-Based Services at Clear Hope Counseling and Wellness. Vincincia explains how trauma is shaped by a child's experience, why behavior is often a form of communication, and how parents can help children build resilience t...

In this episode of Building Pathways to Healthy Minds, educator and school leader Kelly Broaddus shares practical insight on parenting, education, and helping children grow into confident, independent adults. Drawing from 25 years of experience in education and her own parenting journey, Kelly discusses the importance of play-based learning, healthy boundaries, resilience, and allowing kids to saf...

In Season 2, episode 15, Michelle Sacks, the CEO of the Kailee Mills Foundation and former ChildBuilders educator, shares her journey and passion for protecting children through prevention and education. Michelle and our host Priscilla discuss the importance of starting safety conversations early, teaching kids assertiveness and empathy, and staying connected as parents. Drawing from both her prof...

In this powerful episode of Building Pathways to Healthy Minds, educator and principal Lerato Mashiloane (Ms. Mash) shares her experience working with students in South Africa and the profound impact of social and emotional learning. Drawing from both public and private school settings, she highlights the complex challenges many students face, from poverty and trauma to lack of support at home. Th...

ChildBuilder's very own Executive Director, Amanda Siroosian is the special guest on this episode of Building Pathways to Healthy Minds. Together, Amanda and our host, Priscilla Bagley, discuss the power of prevention and how communities can work together to protect children. Amanda shares how ChildBuilders is making a difference by empowering the three most important influences in a child’s l...

This episode of Building Pathways to Healthy Minds takes a powerful and honest look at human trafficking and how it impacts children and families today. Host Priscilla Bagley sits down with David Reid, founder of redM, to break down what trafficking really looks like, how grooming happens, and the warning signs parents and caregivers should not ignore. Together, they discuss common misconceptions,...

In this episode of Building Pathways to Healthy Minds, host Priscilla Bagley speaks with Stephanie Smith, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, about the lasting impact of childhood trauma and abuse on mental health. Stephanie shares insights from her clinical experience, explaining how adverse childhood experiences can contribute to challenges later in life, including di...

In Season 2, episode 10 of Building Pathways to Healthy Minds, Priscilla Bagley chats with kindergarten teacher Meghan Gregory to talk about cultivating nurturing classrooms and how the same principles apply at home. Megan shares how emotional safety is just as important as academics, emphasizing love, trust, collaboration, and giving children space to take risks and make mistakes. They discuss pr...

In this episode of Building Pathways to Healthy Minds, Priscilla Bagley talks with her husband Kris Bagley, about what it takes to cultivate healthy relationships. Drawing from years of pastoral counseling and personal experience, they explore empathy, unmet expectations, and why relationships aren’t about “winning” or going 50/50, but about carrying each other through hard seasons. The conversati...

Host Priscilla Bagley welcomes educational psychologist, author, and Raising Sons podcast host Dr. Richelle Whittaker for a thoughtful conversation about raising confident, emotionally healthy boys. Drawing from her professional work and personal experiences as a mom, Dr. Whitaker explores how boys develop emotionally, why their needs are often misunderstood in schools and society, and how stereot...

In this episode of Building Pathways to Healthy Minds , host Priscilla Bagley welcomes back Natalie Henderson to explore why assertiveness is a crucial life skill for children. Together, they break down what assertiveness really means and how it differs from passive or aggressive communication, sharing practical, real-life ways parents and educators can help children build confidence, express thei...

In this episode of Building Pathways to Healthy Minds, our host Priscilla Bagley sits down with Dr. Julie Kaplow, an expert in childhood trauma and grief. They talk about how families and communities can support children through loss. Dr. Kaplow shares insights from her work with children affected by personal loss, natural disasters, and school tragedies, highlighting the power of connection, hone...

In Season 2, episode 5 of Building Pathways to Healthy Minds, host Priscilla talks with Mary Jane Williams, Executive Director of Family to Family Network, about empowering families of children with disabilities. Together, they explore how inclusion, advocacy, and community support can transform fear into hope. Mary Jane shares her personal journey as a parent, her vision for creating truly belong...

In this episode of Building Pathways to Healthy Minds, host Priscilla Bagley sits down with Dr. Natalie Fikac — an educator, counselor, and wellness consultant with more than 30 years of experience in teaching and school mental health. Dr. Fikac shares her inspiring journey from the classroom to her current work with the University of Texas and the Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health....

In Season 2, episode 3 of Building Pathways to Healthy Minds, host Priscilla Bagley speaks with Missie Hills—engineer, mom of two, ChildBuilders Board Member, and leader with RedM, a global, volunteer-led movement fighting human trafficking. Missie shares how her professional skills and personal experiences fuel her advocacy for children and families. Together, she and Priscilla explore how parent...

In this episode of Building Pathways to Healthy Minds , host Priscilla Bagley welcomes mindfulness expert Dr. Ann Friedman to explore the theme of being with uncertainty . Together, they discuss how our brains are wired to protect us by overthinking and worrying, but this often fuels anxiety. Dr. Friedman shares strategies to calm the mind and body, including mindfulness meditation, breathing tech...

In this episode, Priscilla sits down with Dr. Jay Woodward, professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at Texas A&M University, to explore what really makes families strong. Together, they discuss family systems theory, the stages families move through, and the real-life challenges that shape family life. From communication and commitment to crisis management and traditions, Dr. Woo...

Have you ever felt like you or your child learns differently, sees the world differently or reacts to situations differently? In this episode I sit down with Natalie Henderson, a longtime friend who found herself asking herself these questions eight years ago, and that started a beautiful journey of discovering more about herself, her son and parenting. Our conversation is on the topic of neurodiv...

In this episode, we sit down with expectant mother, Tamra Wilkerson, for an open-hearted conversation about the journey into motherhood. As she prepares for the arrival of her baby, she reflects on the emotional, mental, and relational shifts that come with pregnancy. Our discussion touches on the importance of community, small moments of connection, and the value of feeling supported through unce...

This episode we talk to Licensed Professional Counselor Rachael Frasier, as she reflects on her work with both children and adults and shares wisdom from her time supporting students in schools and beyond. She encourages parents and educators to slow down, be present, and practice listening to what kids are saying and noticing what makes them tick. From grounding exercises to planning ahead with o...

In this heartwarming and eye-opening episode, we dive into the magic of childhood wonder with the author of Raising Awe Seekers: How the Science of Wonder Helps Our Kids Thrive. From slowing down time (yes, it is possible!) to embracing curiosity like it’s your kid’s job, we explore the four powerful tenets that reframe how we parent and educate. With tangible tools, real-world examples, and a who...

In this episode, we chat with Liz — entrepreneur, mom, and ChildBuilders board member — about the powerful parenting skills she brings from the workplace to her home. From leading with empathy to building resilience through real-life challenges, Liz shares how treating kids like part of the team can make all the difference. Tune in for relatable stories, smart strategies, and a few laughs along th...

ChildBuilders newest podcast "Being Mindful in a Fast-Paced World" explores the power of mindfulness and self-acceptance in a world that constantly pushes us to compare, perform, and conform. Join us as we dive into the importance of living in the present moment, engaging the five senses, and recognizing the beauty in our everyday surroundings. We learn mindfulness practices like cultiva...

Anxiety is one of the biggest "enemies of empathy". We have all been there- something happens with our kids, and instead of responding with empathy, we respond out of our own anxiety. How can we recognize and overcome that? This episode gives stories and strategies for doing just that and ways to stop the cycle from affecting our children and their futures. We also talk about how prevent...