Nurturing the Mind and Heart: Salesian Wisdom for Raising Teen Girls

In this episode, Kati and Ellen explore the transitions in family life, education, and personal growth, highlighting how to navigate change with confidence and resilience. From summer routines to high school and college transitions, we offer practical insights for parents and students alike.

In this insightful episode, Kati and Ellen chat with science and math teacher Michal Kolpak about the delicate balancing act of caring for aging parents and teenage daughters, emphasizing the importance of communication, self-care, and family inclusion. Discover practical tips for managing multiple generations, fostering independence in teens, and staying resilient through life's surprises.

In this episode, Kati and Ellen host a compelling discussion with Mary McVearry Austin ‘99, a pelvic health physical therapist, exploring menopause, teenage health, and the importance of self-care. They share practical advice, scientific insights, and compassion-driven perspectives to support women and families through life's transitions.

In this conversation, Kati and Ellen explore the significance of Easter, the meaning of being resurrection people, and how faith and hope can guide us through life's crosses. We offer insights into spiritual growth, family traditions, and the symbolism of rebirth during spring.

Mike Williams, leading trial lawyer and partner with Kirkland & Ellis, spoke to Georgetown Visitation as part of our Fides et Scientia - faith and knowledge - speaker series, sharing his experience and lessons from his pro-bono work, representing inmates on death row. He shares his love for his family and his fight for the dignity of all people, even in very difficult circumstances.

In this conversation, Dr. Liz Turner discusses her journey in music education, emphasizing the importance of joy in singing and the role of the arts in community building. She shares insights on developing confidence in young performers, the empowerment that comes from theater, and the life lessons learned through the arts. The conversation highlights the significance of teamwork and collaboration...

In this conversation, Kati and Ellen discuss the importance of creating a nurturing and safe home environment for children as they grow. They emphasize the need for intentionality in home design, particularly in how spaces are personalized with family art and memories. The discussion also covers the significance of comfort and functionality in furniture choices, encouraging social interaction amon...

At Georgetown Visitation’s Salesian Motherhood Workshop, speaker Krista Simpson Anderson speaks about her journey of marriage and motherhood, then being suddenly widowed and how she relearned to embrace joy, to mother her children, and to trust God even in the grief and sorrow of life. Krista co-founded The Unquiet Professional to support military families and survivors and founded Brave Group, LL...

In this engaging conversation, Kati, Ellen, and a guest, longtime Visitation staff member Arjetta Faulkner-Ekandem, explore the multifaceted nature of prayer and its significance in personal and communal life. Arjetta shares her journey of developing a personal prayer life, emphasizing the importance of direct communication with God. The discussion delves into how to listen for God's voice amidst...

At Georgetown Visitation’s Salesian Motherhood Workshop, speaker Ann O’Neil Gradowski ‘81 spoke about how mothers can “be who we are and be that very well so as to bring honor to the Master Craftsman whose handiwork you are” (St. Francis de Sales). She shared personal stories and insights about the different phases of mothering our children and nurturing other people.

In this conversation, Kati and Ellen discuss the importance of self-care, gratitude, and modeling balance for children as parents. They emphasize the need to fill one's own cup to handle life's demands, and the significance of maintaining perspective during challenging times. The discussion also touches on practical strategies for incorporating gratitude practices and family time into daily life,...

In this episode, hosts Kati and Ellen kick off Season 3 by discussing the pressing issue of screen time and its impact on children, particularly teenagers. They reflect on their own experiences as mothers navigating the complexities of technology in their children's lives. The conversation highlights the importance of setting boundaries around screen use, sharing personal anecdotes about their dec...

This bonus episode is a recording from a Fides Et Scientia - faith and knowledge, Georgetown Visitation’s motto - speaker event on November 6, 2025. The conversation, sponsored by the PeaceWorks Foundation, explores the themes of peace, conflict resolution, and the importance of empathy through the lived experience of two men in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Kobi Skolnick and Jasser Abu Mousa...

In this conversation, Kati Krueger and Adri Smith Reig explore the multifaceted experience of motherhood, emphasizing the importance of community, faith, and personal growth. They discuss the season of Advent and how this moment of preparing to receive Jesus incarnate into the world – and Mary’s total yes to God’s plan – takes on deeper meaning when you are nurturing your own children. The convers...

In this conversation, Kati Krueger interviews Genevieve Kocienda, our school archivist, about the significance of archives, the art of storytelling, and the importance of preserving family history. Genevieve shares her diverse background and how it informs her work in archiving, emphasizing the value of primary sources and the serendipitous discoveries that come with archival research. The discuss...

Amelia Blanton-Hibner and Claire Kranz, Kati’s two counterparts in sharing the Salesian charism at Visitation Academy in St. Louis and Visitation School in Mendota Heights, respectively, join Kati to discuss our shared mission as Visitation educators, and how we collaborate across the Visitation Salesian Network. We share the opportunities we provide Visitation students from different campuses get...

In this conversation, Kati Krueger and Visi mom Leana Katz discuss the principles of effective dialogue, particularly in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. They emphasize the importance of vulnerability, empathy, and finding common ground in conversations, especially when dealing with disagreements. The discussion also highlights the Visitation Salesian Network’s mnemonic GRACE to help us reme...

In this conversation during a Mary and Moms event, Father Danny Morrison shares his insights on motherhood, emphasizing its authority, vocation, and the spiritual battles mothers face. He reflects on the role of Our Lady and the importance of prayer, particularly the rosary, as tools for spiritual warfare. The talk highlights the profound impact of motherhood in guiding families towards heaven and...

In this podcast episode, Kati Krueger interviews Marlayna Soenneker, a marriage and family therapist at Catholic Community Services of Western Washington Archdiocese, about her work in family behavioral health. Marlayna shares insights on supporting teenagers in crisis, the impact of social media on mental health, and the lasting effects of the pandemic on youth. The conversation emphasizes the im...

In this conversation, Dr. Nancy Cowden-Hennessy, a neuroscientist and educator, discusses the intersection of neuroscience and teaching, particularly focusing on student stress, neuroplasticity, and the importance of a growth mindset. She emphasizes the need for balance in students' lives, the role of mindfulness and prayer, and the impact of social media on attention and dopamine levels. The conv...

Listen in as AP Environmental Science Teacher Rick Thomas joins Kati & Caroline to talk about his journey into education and his commitment to engaging students in environmental issues. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the intersection of climate change and social justice, particularly how environmental problems disproportionately affect marginalized communities. The discussion also c...

Kati and Caroline are joined this week by Visitation’s Head Librarian Liz Burke to discuss the importance of information literacy in today's digital age. They explore the challenges students face in evaluating sources, the distinction between misinformation and disinformation, and the role of parents in guiding their children through the complexities of information consumption. The discussion emph...

Joining Kati & Caroline this week are the mother-daughter alumnae duo of Carola Rubio Williamson ‘92 and Caroline Williamson ‘24. Carola is Visitation’s Assistant Director of Admissions. During their chat, the four discuss the dynamics of friendship among high school students, including the importance of being open-minded, navigating new school environments, the impact of social media, and the rol...

This week, Kati & Caroline are joined by Mary Vieth, and alumnae and the Athletic Director at Visitation. They discuss how to nurture Salesian Spirituality in the realm of sports, helping athletes cultivate virtues like humility, patience, and resilience. Delivering deeper, they explore the significance of building holy friendships through sports, how parents can support their daughters as they na...

Tune in as Kati and Caroline explore the significance of gratitude in daily life, particularly in the context of parenting teenage daughters. They discuss personal practices of gratitude, the importance of modeling these behaviors for their children, and the challenges posed by social media. The conversation emphasizes the need for open communication about emotions and the value of celebrating oth...