Finding My Small Town Voice
From small town teacher to finding my voice.
This is a podcast rooted in a love of learning, healing, and authentic story telling; where making mistakes and failing is encouraged as a means to learn and grow. My vision is to foster a community of hope by having hard and honest conversations about societal expectations and personal growth. This is going to be a messy, imperfect journey, but it will be worth it!
Finding My Small Town Voice
Part 1: We Go First -Emotional Regulation, Leadership, and the Trauma Informed Brain with Karol Cabaj-Martin
In this critical episode, "We Go First - Emotional Regulation, Leadership, and the Trauma-Informed Brain" we dive deep into the science that explains why optimal learning and functioning are impossible when stress or isolation are present. I am honoured to be joined by Karol Cabaj-Martin, whose extensive expertise includes a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on trauma and resilience in an educational setting. As a mother of four, a seasoned educator, former principal, and current Director in her school division, Karol offers a unique blend of academic insight and practical experience. Together, we unpack the groundbreaking work of Dr. Bruce Perry and his Neurosequential Model, which illuminates the brain's reliance on sequential development, demonstrating how early life experiences literally form the structural blueprint of our nervous system. A central theme of our discussion is that emotional safety is not a soft skill, but the crucial, non-negotiable prerequisite for a regulated nervous system. When individuals don't feel safe, their brains are stuck in survival mode, making higher-level functions like learning and complex problem-solving inaccessible—a fundamental truth we explore: we cannot learn until we feel safe and connected. We discuss the profound implications of this knowledge for both educators and parents, detailing actionable, simple shifts that can be made to cultivate environments where children and adults feel truly seen, calm, and ready to engage. Furthermore, we examine the vital, biological importance of connection, highlighting how simple acts like consistent eye contact and fostering a strong sense of community are essential developmental nutrients for building healthier, more resilient people. This episode is a powerful call to action, arming listeners with the neuroscientific understanding needed to transform their approach to education and parenting by prioritizing connection and safety above all else.
