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Choosing Goals Over Resolutions
I’m a pretty ambitious person who meets many of the goals I set for myself. But some goals are much harder than others. And with a new year rolling in, I can’t help but…
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Mentoring on the Move
You can tell a lot about a person when you travel with them. I’ll admit that I am not the easiest travel companion. I get anxious about being on time, so I arrive chronically…
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The Power of Plants in Trauma-Responsive Classrooms
In a recent post, The Pinterest Paradox, I discussed how reducing visual overload in classroom environments can help children regulate, especially those who have experienced trauma. One simple but powerful strategy I highlighted was…
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Moving for a Dream
After ten years of teaching at the University of Central Oklahoma, I am honored to begin the academic year in a new role as Professor. This title represents the highest rank a faculty member…
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The Pinterest Paradox: Rethinking Visuals in Trauma-Responsive Spaces
As educators, we often hear that trauma-responsive classrooms begin with nurturing trust, cultivating relationships, building classroom community, and supporting children’s social and emotional needs. These are all essential. But there’s another layer that’s just…
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Curating Truth
As a teacher educator, I sometimes have to choose which truth to tell. It isn’t that I’m lying. It’s more like curating truth, shaped by love, frustration, and necessity. We live in a society…
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The Title That Didn’t Fit
When we first drafted the outline for our book, we titled it Hacking Trauma-Responsive Practices. It was bold. Practical. A nod to the popular “Hack Learning” series and a way to signal immediate solutions…
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Learning Days
My husband recently transitioned into a cybersecurity role at a large regional bank. Though he’s spent decades in IT at community banks, his new position introduced him to something he had not experienced before:…
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Prickly Paths to Advocacy
I have two large, raised beds in my backyard that are filled with prickly pear cacti. What began as a few small pots eventually outgrew their containers and were transplanted into metal troughs. I…
