Resilient Roots: School Wellness
Episode 01: Developing Organizational Wellbeing with Anna Jesseman
In this inaugural episode, Austen and Sean sit down with Anna Jesseman, a licensed clinical social worker and consultant from MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. They discuss:
- Her research and work in clinical social work
- The critical role of educator well-being in student success
- Where to find high-quality, free resources to support educator and student wellness
Listen and Subscribe
- Apple Podcasts – Listen here
- Spotify – Listen here
- Direct Web Link (Blubrry) – Listen here
Episode Details
Release Date: September 26, 2024
Topics Covered:
- The importance of educator well-being in fostering student success
- Research-based strategies to support mental health in school communities
- Free resources for developing wellness programs in schools
Resources Mentioned
- MedStar’s Free School Wellness Resources – Visit website
- El Dorado County Office of Education (EDCOE) – Visit website
- Geographical SELPA (El Dorado County) – Learn more
- Charter SELPA (Statewide) – Visit website
Episode 02: The Healing-Centered Approach with Dr. Porscha
In this episode of Resilient Roots, El Dorado Charter SELPA Program Coordinator Sean Andrew sits down with Dr. Lee Porscha Moore, keynote speaker at the Resilient Roots Summit and a leader at Flourish Agenda. They discuss the essential role of healing and trauma awareness in developing school wellness and individual well-being within our communities.
Listen and Subscribe
- Apple Podcasts – Listen here
- Spotify – Listen here
- Direct Web Link (Blubrry) – Listen here
Episode Details
Release Date: December 9, 2024
Topics Covered:
- The impact of trauma-informed practices in schools
- Healing-centered engagement and its role in fostering student and educator well-being
- Strategies for creating supportive school communities
Resources Mentioned
- Work with Dr. Lee Porscha Moore & Flourish Agenda – Book a session
- Flourish Agenda – Visit website
- Follow Flourish Agenda:
- Instagram – View profile
- Facebook – View profile
- Podcast – Listen here
- LMS HCE Certification – Learn more
Episode 03: Addressing the Dangers of Restraint and Seclusion in Schools
In this episode of Resilient Roots, El Dorado Charter SELPA program specialist Austen Coles and program coordinator Sean Andrew sit down with Riss Thompson from Lives in the Balance. Together, they examine restraint and seclusion data trends, the harmful impact of restrictive interventions, and alternative approaches to supporting students with behavioral needs in schools.
Listen and Subscribe
- Apple Podcasts – Listen here
- Spotify – Listen here
- Direct Web Link (Blubrry) – Listen here
Episode Details
Release Date: December 9, 2024
Topics Covered:
- Trends in restraint and seclusion data in schools
- Negative consequences of restrictive interventions for students
- Effective alternatives for supporting students with behavioral needs
Resources Mentioned
- Take the Educators Tour of the CPS Model – Explore here
- Dr. Ross Greene’s CPS Podcast – Listen on Apple Podcasts
- Recording: 2024 Children's Mental Health Advocacy Conference – Watch here
- Lives in the Balance Advocacy Page – Learn more
- Take Immediate Action – Get involved
- Documentary: The Kids We Lose – View here
Follow Lives in the Balance
- Instagram – @livesinthebalance
- Facebook – Lives in the Balance
- LinkedIn – Connect here
- Twitter/X – @LITB_
- Bluesky – Visit profile
Episode 04: Developing Peer Advocacy Programs with Tim Hooey and Hilary Roberts
In this episode of Resilient Roots, El Dorado Charter SELPA program specialist Austen Coles and program coordinator Sean Andrew sit down with Tim Hooey from the El Dorado County Office of Education and Hilary Roberts from Peer Advocates to explore the impact of peer advocacy programs.
Hilary explains why peer advocacy works, how it improves student outcomes, and how schools can integrate these programs effectively. Tim shares real success stories from El Dorado County schools and provides practical strategies for establishing, funding, and expanding peer programs in diverse school environments.
Listen and Subscribe
- Apple Podcasts – Listen here
- Spotify – Coming Soon.
- Direct Web Link (Blubrry) – Listen here
Episode Details
Release Date: March 3, 2025
Topics Covered:
- How peer advocacy programs improve student outcomes
- Best practices for establishing and sustaining peer support programs
- Funding opportunities for school-based advocacy initiatives
Resources Mentioned
- Tim Hooey – Student Mental Health & Wellness at EDCOE – Learn more
- California School-Based Health Alliance: Peer Support Resource Hub – Explore here
- Tobacco-Use Prevention Education (TUPE) Funding – Access here
- College and Career Access Pathways Grant (Due March 31, 2025) – Apply here
Episode 5: The Science and Strategy Behind Healthier Tech Use with Dino Ambrosi
Our hosts sit down with Dino Ambrosi from Project Reboot to discuss the neuroscience of technology use, current challenges students face and ways for teachers, parents, and administrators to help their students navigate technology while learning in a safe and intentional way.
Listen and Subscribe
Episode Details
Release Date: December 17, 2025
Topics Covered:
- Neuroscience of Tech Use
- Challenges faced by students and families
- Strategies to support healthy use
Resources Mentioned
- To learn more about school-centered, digital wellness programs visit https://www.projectreboot.school/
- Interested in making your school a Project Reboot Campus? Email Hailey Wright, Head of Educational Partnerships at hailey@projectreboot.school
- For more information about El Dorado Charter SELPA's School Wellness programming and resources, visit https://charterselpa.org/Partner-Services/Program-Support/Mental-Health--Behavior/ and the "+Student Wellness" section
Welcome to Resilient Roots, a new series dedicated to holistic wellness in school communities. Our mission is to inspire and equip schools with the tools and insights needed to foster resilient, supportive, and thriving environments for all.