Resilient Roots: School Wellness
Resilient Roots envisions a future where every school community thrives with holistic wellness. By amplifying the voices of educators, experts, and change-makers, our podcast sheds light on crucial topics such as teacher wellness and retention, combating chronic absenteeism, and fostering social-emotional learning.
We aim to inspire and equip schools with the tools and insights needed to cultivate resilient, supportive, and thriving environments for both educators and students.
Together, we will nurture the roots of wellness and grow a stronger, more vibrant educational landscape.
Episodes
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 and families face, and strategies for teachers, parents, and administrators to support healthy technology use while helping students navigate learning in a safe and intentional way.
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Resources Mentioned
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- To learn more about school-centered, digital wellness programs visit Project Reboot
- 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 Charter SELPA - Mental Health & Behavior and expand the "+ Student Wellness" section
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 on student outcomes. Hilary explains why peer advocacy works, how it improves student outcomes, and shares best practices for establishing and sustaining effective peer support programs in schools. Tim highlights real success stories from El Dorado County schools and discusses practical strategies for establishing, funding, and expanding peer advocacy initiatives across diverse school environments.
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Resources Mentioned
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- 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
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 trends in restraint and seclusion data in schools, discuss the negative consequences of restrictive interventions for students, and explore effective alternative approaches for supporting students with behavioral needs in school settings.
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Resources Mentioned
View resources
- 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
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. Together, they explore the impact of trauma-informed practices in schools, discuss healing-centered engagement and its role in fostering student and educator well-being, and share strategies for creating supportive, resilient school communities.
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Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Direct Web Link (Blubrry)
Resources Mentioned
View resources
- 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
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 importance of educator well-being in fostering student success, research-based strategies to support mental health in school communities, and where to find high-quality, free resources for developing wellness programs that support both educator and student wellness.
Listen and Subscribe
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Direct Web Link (Blubrry)
Resources Mentioned
View resources
- 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