Counselor Accents

Practical Trauma Tools and Observations with Former Obama Policy Advisor, Karen Gross

May 24, 2021 03:52 - 1 hour - 139 MB

You will want to have pen and paper handy AND you'll want to listen to this episode multiple times! Karen Gross, a former university president and Obama Policy advisor (among so many other titles), shares her conclusions to questions we should be asking as we are closing schools and preparing for the upcoming school year. She challenges us with many thoughts such as, "Have we asked enough questions about mental health and the well-being of students, parents, and faculty?" This episode is f...

Everyone Has a Story: Quan Huynh

May 12, 2021 02:25 - 1 hour - 177 MB

This is the first episode of our "Everyone Has a Story" segment. And oh my goodness, Quan has a story! We believe that as you listen to Quan's story you will be thinking of students you have known over the years who have had similar experiences. Quan's story will shed some light on a fact we all know: social and emotional experiences that happen outside of school still affect our students at school. Share this with anyone you know who works with students. Click here for more info from ...

Using MTSS in Your School and School Counseling Program

April 19, 2021 13:45 - 1 hour - 47 MB

Whether you're an MTSS veteran or a beginner, we can guarantee you'll learn something new after listening to this podcast episode. We are joined by the authors of the book, Making MTSS Work. This episode feels more like a party! Hear the story of how these four former school counselors came together and discovered the need and a plan for implementing MTSS in schools. They believe in the power of MTSS to change educational systems and support school counseling programs. After listening to...

Wisdom from Your 2021 School Counselor of the Year

March 29, 2021 03:30 - 52 minutes - 96.1 MB

Olivia Carter, the ASCA 2021 School Counselor of the Year (and our new best friend), tells us ALL about how she became a school counselor, her personal life, and how she advocated for the school counseling profession, led her school, and transformed school counseling in her community. You will be SO inspired after listening to this episode!

Why Everyone Should Focus on Social Emotional Learning and Easy Ideas for #SELDay

March 22, 2021 03:37 - 49 minutes - 37.4 MB

Alert: this is one of those episodes you'll want to share with EVERYONE! David Adams is the CEO of Urban Assembly, co-founder of SEL Day, and most importantly, the husband of a school counselor! In this episode he explains social emotional learning, why it's everyone's responsibility, and he gives great ideas for educators who want to participate in SEL Day on March 26. To participate in SEL Day, start here! Don't forget to use #SELDay in all of your social media posts. Tag us, too! @c...

School Counseling- A Principal's Perspective

March 17, 2021 02:29 - 53 minutes - 40.5 MB

In this episode we're talking about school counseling with a principal. And not just ANY principal! We're talking with Karensa Wing, The National Principal of the Year! Prepare to be amazed at her knowledge of ASCA, SEL, and so many other facets of the job of a school counselor. We are certain that by the end of this episode you will feel like you're best friends with the National Principal of the Year, too! Items Mentioned in This Podcast Here is a link to the book, Onward, that Ms. W...

Counseling Toolbox with Brent Cosby

March 01, 2021 17:36 - 1 hour - 114 MB

You're going to want to listen to this episode multiple times- several times for sheer entertainment value, and then multiple times to take notes. Brent Cosby has a gift when it comes to story-telling and practical counseling application. Brent gives us ideas on how to use everyday items and illustrations to reach students. You are going to want to contact him immediately to have him come talk to your students and your staff.

Lauren Sisler- A Personal Story of How She was Affected by Family Members' Substance Abuse

February 22, 2021 11:58 - 57 minutes - 108 MB

ESPN reporter, Lauren Sisler, shares her personal story of how substance abuse by other family members affected her. This is an issue that is impacting so many of our students. Prepare to be amazed as she describes what happened, and how she is giving a purpose to her pain. Visit Lauren's website to see all of the exciting things she has going on, or to book her to speak to your students or faculty.

Restorative Justice Circles- What Are They and How Do They Work?

February 18, 2021 02:48 - 1 hour - 114 MB

Megan Neforos, a school counselor for the Fairfax County, Virginia Public School District, is a trained Restorative Justice counselor. In this episode she answers all of our questions about Restorative Justice Circles. She explains what they are and how they work. Megan is in a school system that mirrors what many of our listeners deal with daily. Megan has stories of students from gangs, sex-trafficking, drug use, poverty, and homelessness. She shares how Restorative Justice Circles he...

Highlights from a Year of the Counselor Accents Podcast

February 09, 2021 16:44 - 40 minutes - 76.2 MB

Can you believe it has been one full year of the Counselor Accents Podcast?! In this episode we share some of our favorite conversations, interviews, and moments that made us laugh. What a year it has been. Thank you all so much for listening and becoming part of our family.

How to Transform Your School Using Award Winning Culture

February 02, 2021 01:04 - 41 minutes - 76.9 MB

This is one of those interviews that ALL educators should listen to. Hans Appel, author of Award Winning Culture, and co-host of the Award Winning Culture Podcast, shares steps that helped transform his school to become an award winning and nationally recognized middle school. Hans is definitely a school counselor at heart. He has worked in the Richland School District for the past 19 years. He's passionate about school culture, servant leadership, and kindness. That's exactly what he s...

Interview with ASCA School Counselor of the Year, Laura Ross

January 25, 2021 03:21 - 54 minutes - 101 MB

It is so easy to see (or Hear) why Laura Ross was chosen as the ASCA National School Counselor of the Year. In this interview she tells us all about the School Counselor of the Year process, plus the issues that are close to her heart such as comprehensive school counseling, school counselors as leaders, anti-bias/anti-racist equity work, and how she advocates for these issues. After this interview you will feel like you have a new best friend. We sure do! Twitter & Instagram: @LRossSchCns...

National School Counseling Week, All In for All Students

January 19, 2021 00:22 - 57 minutes - 107 MB

It's almost the biggest week in school counseling! In this episode we interviewed Angie Hickman, the director of research and marketing for ASCA. She gives us all the inside tips about how they came up with the theme, All In for All Students. Listen to our tips and ideas on how to have a great week, whether you're celebrating in person or virtually. Let us be the first to tell you: Happy National School Counseling Week! And just in case no one has told you lately, you are AMAZING. Scho...

Adolescent Substance Abuse with Richard Capriola

January 13, 2021 05:12 - 50 minutes - 94.9 MB

This podcast episode is so important for counselors of all age groups! After over two decades of experience as an addictions and mental health counselor, Richard Capriola wrote a book called, The Addicted Child: A Parent's Guide to Adolescent Substance Abuse. In this interview Mr. Capriola talks about the warning signs that parents should know about. He tells us what a parent can do if they suspect their child is using, and how parents can understand adolescent substance abuse. Wheth...

Interview with Matt Fleck from Inspire Success

December 29, 2020 14:16 - 39 minutes - 74.2 MB

Meet the man behind "The Velvet Voice!" In this episode Matt Fleck from Inspire Success talks about his passion for providing resources and encouragement to school counselors. You'll love the unique way he provides a weekly 5 minute boost for school counselors! Matt talks about his website, his mission, RAMP opportunities, and so many other resources he helps school counselors with. This was such a fun episode. As always, lots of laughs are included! Check out the Inspire Success websi...

Using LEGO Education Products in School Counseling

December 08, 2020 04:38 - 57 minutes - 110 MB

Find out how to use LEGO products to take your school counseling program to the next level! We talked with Kelly Reddin, LEGO Master Trainer, about the benefits of using LEGO bricks in various school counseling scenarios. She was talking our language as she described the benefits for 21st Century Learners using the 4 C's. Find out how LEGO products are the "building blocks" for collaboration, career lessons, and even computer science, among other things!

Here We Again: Virtual Learning 2.0

November 24, 2020 06:17 - 45 minutes - 41.7 MB

Many schools that opened in the traditional setting are facing the transition back to virtual learning. In this episode we share some of the lessons we've learned since March. We share some of the tips and tools that have helped us. We talk about how to make sure these tools are in place in the event of a virtual learning transition. Just a heads up: if you aren't in a laughing mood, fast forward to about 9 minutes into the episode. Here is a blog post to go along with this episode. Ch...

An Interview with ASCA Executive Director Jill Cook

November 10, 2020 14:18 - 57 minutes - 108 MB

This may be our pinnacle! Jill Cook, executive director of the American School Counselor Association, spoke with us about her journey to become our executive director. She also shared some insight on the future of school counseling and how to advocate for your program, as well as many other fun tidbits along the way. We can't wait for you to hear how down to earth and personable our ASCA executive director is.

Making Your Career Lessons Virtually Awesome!

November 02, 2020 16:52 - 44 minutes - 84.5 MB

Since November is National Career Development month, many school counselors use this as a chance to teach career lessons. This episode is one of our favorite soapboxes! We have presented this at ASCA in Boston, and we've done a webinar for ASCA on this topic! We've presented this multiple times in our own state and others. Can you tell we feel passionately about it?! In this episode we will share ways for you to teach career lessons to the 21st Century learner. Virtual career fairs, ...

Solution Focused School Counseling with Dr. Russ Sabella

October 27, 2020 03:39 - 39 minutes - 74.7 MB

We had the huge honor of interviewing Dr. Russ Sabella, or as we like to call him, "The Contemporary Father of School Counseling." His new book, Solution Focused School Counseling: The Missing Manual is a must-have for all school counselors. In this episode he tells us what solution focused school counseling is, what it looks like in the schools, and how to implement it. We love his phrase, "The empowerment model." Listen as he explains that by using this technique you are empowering stu...

Your Autumn Toolkit

October 19, 2020 03:49 - 57 minutes - 109 MB

October and November are the equivalent to the Superbowl for school counselors! These months are full of awareness dates and weeks. Consider this your all-in-one guide for navigating through Bullying Prevention Month, Red Ribbon Week, National Stress Prevention Week, Career Development Month, World Kindness Day, Halloween, and all the other events in-between! Oh, and we talk about ways to do these things virtually for those of you who are virtual! We laugh a lot in this episode, so be pr...

An Interview with Amberley Snyder: School Counselor, and Inspiration Behind the Movie, "Walk.Ride.Rodeo."

October 12, 2020 22:35 - 26 minutes - 50.6 MB

If you've watched the movie, Walk. Ride. Rodeo, then you know how inspiring Amberley Snyder's story is. BUT did you know she also has her school counseling degree? Prepare to be motivated as we talk with Amberley Snyder, school counseling graduate, barrel racer, motivational speaker, and inspiration behind the movie, Walk.Ride.Rodeo. In this interview Amberley tells us her story, how she has given a purpose to her pain, and what's up next for her. We left this interview feeling empowered ...

A Principal's Perspective: The Importance of Connecting With Students

October 06, 2020 05:37 - 1 hour - 114 MB

We have decided Pennsylvania is one of our nation's gold mines for top notch educators! Pennsylvania Distinguished Principal of the Year, Matt Moyer, joins us on this episode to share ways he and his team connect with students in unconventional and innovative ways. We are certain that after listening to this episode you'll want to gather your team and implement some of his ideas immediately! Get ready to take notes! Check out his website here. Order his book here! Email Matt: MrMattMoy...

Signs Educators Can Look for to End Human Trafficking- Part 2

October 02, 2020 02:18 - 1 hour - 163 MB

Join us for part 2 of our interview with Jo Lembo from Shared Hope International. In this second episode, she shares the conclusion of Brianna's story. She shares many other stories about school-aged children who have been trafficked without their parents or teachers knowing it. In this episode Jo gives us signs to watch out for that indicate our students could be being groomed or trafficked.. She also tells us who to call and what steps to take if we discover or suspect trafficking is ta...

Signs Educators Can Look for to End Human Trafficking- Part 1

September 21, 2020 03:23 - 59 minutes - 111 MB

Human trafficking can happen in big cities or rural communities. Jo Lembo from Shared Hope International explains how human trafficking can happen to any of our students, not just the ones with an "at-risk" score. She also tells us the signs to look for and who to contact in order to rescue our students. Educators are on the frontlines, and may be the first to notice anything out of the ordinary. This is part 1 of a 2 part series. Tools for activists to participate in state and federal ...

School Counselors: Leadership and Advocating for Your Program

September 15, 2020 02:51 - 47 minutes - 87.1 MB

Emilia Peiffer, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania School Counselor Association, talks with us about the importance of being a leader in your school as a school counselor. She covers everything from why it's important, practical ideas to show leadership, and how to establish yourself as a leader when you feel stuck and overlooked. Leadership helps you advocate for your program, which means more resources and opportunities for your students! Spoiler alert: ASCA tells us we ARE leaders!...

What Our Students Can Become: A Personal Story of Overcoming Trauma

September 09, 2020 15:59 - 1 hour - 122 MB

Raegan Schulte embodies why, as school counselors, we need to fight for EVERY student. Raegan's personal story of resiliency and how she defied odds that were stacked against her is captivating from the start. It is our hope that you will be inspired to go find the "Raegans" in your school after listening to this episode. We would challenge you to read the ASCA preamble before and after listening to our interview with Raegan. "School counselors are advocates, leaders, collaborators and c...

An Interview with "The Counseling Geek"

August 31, 2020 03:08 - 54 minutes - 101 MB

Jeff Ream, Better known as "The Counseling Geek," was using technology before using technology was required! In this very fun interview he shares how he uses some of his favorite technology tools. More importantly, he inspires us and encourages us during this new season of virtual counseling. After listening to this episode, it is our hope that you will be equipped with new ways to use tech tools, but that you'll also know you're not alone, and we're all in this together! Oh, and we hope yo...

Virtual Small Groups

August 24, 2020 02:14 - 41 minutes - 76 MB

We are attempting to answer one of our most asked questions EVER! How do we run small groups in a virtual setting? In this episode we share tech tools that you can start using TODAY to connect with students. We also share a small group formula that might help guide your small group meetings. We discuss different types of small groups and ideas for activities. If you are running a virtual school counseling program, this episode is for you! We hope it helps!

Tips for Connecting with Parents Even Through Distance Learning

August 12, 2020 03:52 - 47 minutes - 89 MB

School counselors are in a unique position. Our primary role is to serve the students in our schools, but raise your hand if that has ever meant taking care of parents, too! In this episode Chelsey Wilson, or Counselor Chelsey, shares tips for connecting with parents. We're talking about it all on this episode: going above and beyond to provide information to parents, how to disarm and engage an angry parent, and what we can do to encourage those parents who need a boost of confidence. T...

Back to School Virtual Counseling

August 03, 2020 18:01 - 59 minutes - 111 MB

If you are like 99% of educators right now, you may be worrying and wondering about how to do your job virtually. Take our advice and listen to this podcast episode! Our guests, Vicki Jordan and Candace Doak, have worked as school counselors at Alabama Virtual School. In this episode they share their best tips for organization, connection, and overall how-to's and must-do's. We are pretty certain you will have a few laughs while feeling informed and ready to put some of their tips into p...

SCUTA, a School Counselor's Dream Program!

July 20, 2020 14:23 - 45 minutes - 84.8 MB

Steve Zaharakis has created one of the best tools for school counselors. If you haven't heard of SCUTA, your life is about to be changed! Listen as Steve shares his unique background and the incredible inspiration behind SCUTA, an all in one school counseling program that will add to your success. SCUTA collects your data, schedule, survey results, and creates instant use of time analysis results, closing the gap results, small group results, annual administrator conference documents, and s...

Trauma Informed Schools with Michael McKnight

July 07, 2020 20:22 - 1 hour - 114 MB

Michael McKnight won't admit to being an expert; however, we found him to be a treasure trove of information regarding students who have experienced trauma. He is especially passionate about how to educate educators on ways to work with students. In this episode Mr. McKnight talks about the power of caring adults in students' lives. He also believes in what we call "Rubber meets the road" strategies to engage and encourage students. In fact, listen as he takes us through a "wake-up activ...

Interrupting Racism

June 22, 2020 20:42 - 51 minutes - 96.1 MB

In a very timely episode, Alicia Oglesby and Rebecca Atkins discuss their book, Interrupting Racism: Equity and Social Justice in School Counseling. Their book is specifically for school counselors, as we are the "social justice advocates" according to the ASCA Ethical Standards. In this episode we talk about culturally relevant instruction at all grade levels, implicit bias, using data to support all students, and What to say when you're scared of saying the wrong thing.

How to Bring Hope to Hopeless Situations

June 16, 2020 06:55 - 1 hour - 119 MB

In an unforgettable episode, teacher and motivational speaker, Joseph Roberts, shares his personal story of overcoming obstacles and how those events have shaped him into the educator he is today. He tells us the Importance of never giving up on our students, how to build trust with students with specific things to consider for black students and people of color. Plus what is in a why box and why you should have one! Y'all... the intro had us laughing so hard we were crying during the repla...

Tips for the Best Year Yet

June 11, 2020 05:24 - 35 minutes - 65.7 MB

No matter how long you've been a school counselor, each year is a fresh start. It's never too soon to start preparing for the upcoming school year. This episode has tips that will help you no matter how long you've been a school counselor. Our guest, Abby Cantello, talks with us about starting a school counseling program from scratch. She has tips we can all use! Make sure you download our guide to the first 20 days of your school counseling year.

De-escalating Tough Situations

May 28, 2020 01:08 - 55 minutes - 104 MB

Matt Eldridge travels the country speaking to educators with his organization, Certified Restraint Training, but spoiler alert: his goal in trainings is to de-escalate behavior so that restraint isn't needed. If you're like us, you will be riveted within about 10 seconds of his story-telling. Matt delivers practical, no nonsense ways of talking to students and defusing intense and potentially volatile situations. He shares lessons he's learned through his years as a teacher, administrator...

Dr. Lena Pearlman: The Role of Grief Counseling When We Return to School

May 18, 2020 21:24 - 41 minutes - 78.1 MB

All students and educators have experienced the loss of the traditional school year. The sudden loss of what was expected has left many students and adults feeling a certain level of grief, whether they realize it or not. Dr. Lena Pearlman, mental health therapist and author of Stay Here: Your Personal Journal to Staying Present, Mindful, and Grateful Every Day, shares ways for all educators to prepare to support students in grief from a distance and when we return to school. Buy the bo...

Tech Tools for School Counselors

May 17, 2020 17:30 - 38 minutes - 72.5 MB

Get ready to take notes! Steve Sharp, co-author of 50+ Tech Tools for School Counselors, President-elect of the Pennsylvania school counselors association, and middle school counselor, shares some tech tips with us along with a lot of laughs and school counseling wisdom. This episode started as technology-focused, but quickly transformed into how to advocate for your program and career. It is easy to see why he is the president-elect for the Pennsylvania School Counseling Association! Ge...

Simplifying Your Counseling Program by Using Google Products

May 13, 2020 04:38 - 51 minutes - 97.1 MB

Ever wondered how to clone yourself in order to be more effective? Whether you are a new counselor or a veteran counselor, Level 2 Google Certified Educator Teyanna Walker has something to teach all of us on using Google to improve our efficiency. In this episode she walks us through using Google Classroom, explains why we should be using Google Classroom in school counseling, and tells us what a Google Cocktail is. Whaaatt?? This episode will take your counseling program to the next leve...

Counseling Through Trauma: A Comparison to the Columbine Tragedy

May 01, 2020 21:02 - 1 hour - 117 MB

Sandy Austin was instrumental in providing counseling services during the Columbine tragedy and the difficult years that followed. In this episode she inspires listeners to give a purpose to the pain and shares how she did that through her program, B.I.O.N.I.C., which stands for Believe It Or Not I Care. You can watch this episode here! Check out her website here and find out how you can start a B.I.O.N.I.C. team at your school! If you want more of Sandy, and believe us... You're going...

Dr. Ruby K. Payne Discusses the Educational Impact of Poverty

April 27, 2020 05:00 - 50 minutes - 93.7 MB

Dr. Ruby Payne prepares us for the changing face of poverty in the educational system. She discusses who's vulnerable, who will bounce back, and how to care for those in sudden need. Share this episode with your administrator and your staff. It is a must listen to for all educators! Click here to visit Dr. Payne's Website full of resources for all educators. You can also join a weekly webinar with her on Wednesdays. Sign up on her website. Check out her On-Demand professional developmen...

How to Plan a Virtual Career Fair Part 2

April 23, 2020 18:52 - 33 minutes - 62.3 MB

Listen and be inspired as Bryan Pecoraro gives us step by step instructions on setting up a virtual career fair using Google Meets. Bryan was doing virtual career fairs before virtual career fairs were cool! He candidly shares things he did the first time that he DIDN'T do the next time! We hope you'll feel empowered after this episode to launch your virtual career fair OR make your existing virtual career fair even better! Check out Bryan's presentation on virtual career fairs here!

Easy Tips for Planning a Virtual Career Fair Part 1

April 21, 2020 07:29 - 37 minutes - 70.4 MB

Author and School Counselor, Lisa King, gives practical ways to start a virtual career fair at your school. She shares tips from her school including dress up days, Interactive career-related games, and ideas to involve parents, students, and teachers! Check out Lisa's webpage here. Make sure to look at her books including Be Your Own Hero, a very timely children's book that talks about the character of people rather than what they do. Lisa also has great resources on Growth Mindset. Inte...

Making an Effort for Self Care

April 17, 2020 06:17 - 32 minutes - 61.3 MB

We realize we did an episode on self care recently, BUT that was before uncertainty hit our lives from out of nowhere. Now with the pressure of balancing work life, homeschooling, parenting, and our own anxiety, making an EFFORT for self care is imperative. Listen as we use the letters in the word "Effort" to talk about MORE ways you can take care of yourself during these uncertain times. Join our Facebook group that we talk about during this episode! A list of some of our favorite books...

Understanding the Impact of Maslow Before Bloom with Dr. Bryan Pearlman

April 14, 2020 00:54 - 1 hour - 133 MB

Dr. Bryan Pearlman, author of the book, Whatever It Takes for All Students to Succeed in School and Life, shares wisdom on what preparations we can make now to support faculty and students with increasing mental health concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Pearlman is a former administrator (and self-admitted teacher at heart), therapist, and co-founder of the non-profit Distinguished School of Mental Health and Wellness program. He runs a Facebook group called Maslow Before Bloom where...

Resources for Parents During Covid-19

April 11, 2020 05:47 - 28 minutes - 52.7 MB

As a parent herself, School counselor Alisha Kowsky, understood how parents have been feeling in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. She shares with us what she implemented and the resources she has been sharing with parents and teachers to offer support. We also discuss the website, https://wideopenschool.org/ and the incredible learning paths available to students of all ages. Alisha's parent group: Happy Parents, Happy Kids.

Tips for Educators With Anxiety

April 08, 2020 04:01 - 47 minutes - 88.6 MB

This season of change can be overwhelming. In a very timely episode, Lauren Jewett, special education teacher and BLTN Teachers Fellow, shares practical tips we can use to manage anxiety. Share this episode with your staff to help calm their stress and let them realize we are all navigating this together. Here is a link to the article Lauren wrote for Teachers with Anxiety.

No Internet? No Problem! Ensuring Equitable Access During Distance Learning

April 03, 2020 06:17 - 45 minutes - 84.2 MB

School counselor, Rachel Berogan, shares multiple distance learning resources she has created for students in her rural community. These social emotional tools are activities students can do independently or with family members. The activities don't require internet capabilities which ensures equitable access for all students.

Mental Health Resources During Covid-19

March 31, 2020 04:32 - 39 minutes - 73.1 MB

Our special guest, Samantha Kobs, a school counselor and an LPC in Oklahoma, shares valuable mental health insight and practical resources that we can pass along to our students, staff, and even parents in our communities. Add Samantha to our list of school counseling heroes! Self care tips for virtual learning Optional Upper School Schedule Counselor Resources for Families and Students Taking Care of Your Mental Health Tips for Helping Students Deal with Social Distancing

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