The GRIT® Podcast - Growing Resilience - Informed on Trauma

The GRIT® Podcast - Growing Resilience - Informed on Trauma

As a former school counselor, planning board member of the first fully-trauma-informed school in South Carolina, speaker at several major education conferences, and Trust-Based Relational practitioner, my take on compassionate practices comes from years of advocacy and training.

This podcast is the...

GRIT® Podcast - Episode 11 - 5 Ways to Hedge Against Childhood Adversity in the Summer
The GRIT® Podcast - Growing Resilience - Informed on Trauma
GRIT® Podcast - Episode 11 - 5 Ways to Hedge Against Childhood Adversity in the Summer

Recent Episodes

11
May 18, 2026

GRIT® Podcast - Episode 11 - 5 Ways to Hedge Against Childhood Adversity in the Summer

Summer creates feelings of joy and relief from hectic school schedules for most, but for about 30 percent of school-aged children, it causes feelings of dread or even fear. Statistics show that for high-risk students receive more than an education during the school year. Schools are their safe place where they are fed and feel safe each day. Part of becoming trauma-informed means moving beyond awareness to practical steps. This episode covers 5 ways to hedge against childhood adversity in the su
10
May 1, 2026

GRIT® Podcast - Episode 10 - How micro-insults and media shape identity in children: Healthy language swaps

Micro-insults are no new phenomenon. Lean in as we discuss what they are, the negative impacts they have on development and emotional well-being, and practical strategies to swap outdated slurs for upstanding language. From minimizing females to over-sexualizing them through media and language, to awareness and accountability, and letting kids be free from limiting shaming and blaming. It's time to double down on schools that feel safe - especially from micro-insults. Don't forget to access your
9
Feb. 25, 2026

GRIT® Podcast - Episode 9 - Moving the Needle: Benefits of Trauma-Informed MTSS Framework

In today's episode, we're talking about how sensory regulation through a trauma-informed multi-tiered system of supports is the missing link in moving the needle for student success at your school. My original research exposed that as a school counselor, I had spent over 500 hours on crisis intervention (putting out fires) in one academic calendar year. Statistically, knowing the prevalence of trauma in early childhood, I knew those hours weren't spent on willful disobedience, but on guiding st
8
Jan. 21, 2026

GRIT® Podcast - Episode 8 - Screen Time's Impact on the Developing Brain

Given the prevalence of screen use in children under two years of age, as a champion for child development and well-being, the negative impacts must be addressed. There is a plethora of research that emphasizes the importance of healthy touch, serve-and-return patterns that build trust, and the chemical changes in the brain that either support or inhibit emotional regulation. We will discuss the growing divide between recommendations for screen use and secure attachment, and some practical strat
7
Sept. 5, 2024

GRIT Podcast - Guests with GRIT Tracy Redfearn

Join me as I welcome Tracy Redfearn on this episode of Guests with GRIT to highlight the power of protective factors within community partnerships. We discuss the prevalence of adversity impacting students today and the benefits of empowering educators and parents with tools for resilience. Pull up a seat and join the conversation on the benefits of creating safe spaces for children from hard places through trauma-informed schools and systems. Tracy shares the successes and struggles of advocacy
6
July 16, 2024

GRIT Episode 6 - Guests with GRIT - Senator Mike Reichenbach and Protective Factors

Join me on the latest episode of Guests with GRIT to explore the impacts of adversity and the power of protective factors through the lens of Senator Mike Reichenbach. Lean in as we discuss his testimony of risk to resilience through his adoption journey and how his family shaped his heart for child advocacy. We identify challenges of adversity, including the strain on systems such as schools, the medical system, corrections, and the workforce and discuss the findings of the Joint Legislative Co