In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, Charles Williams speaks with Lydia McNeely, a lead professional learning specialist for Hatching Results, about her non-traditional journey in education and the vital role of school counselors. They discuss the current challenges facing school counselors, particularly regarding misconceptions about their roles, the importance of family engagement, and the need for community support in education. Lydia shares her experiences and insights on how to effectively support students and families, especially in immigrant communities, and emphasizes the importance of being intentional in outreach and engagement efforts. In this conversation, Lydia McNeiley and Charles Williams discuss the evolving role of school counselors, addressing misconceptions about their work and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in education. They emphasize the need for counselors to support all students and advocate for their needs, while also providing resources for parents and educators to better understand the counseling profession.

In this episode, Charles Williams reflects on a transformative morning experience where he chose to listen to a baseball game instead of the usual news briefing. This decision led him to realize the importance of finding simple moments of joy and comfort in daily life, emphasizing the need to 'fill your bucket' with small, grounding experiences that can reset one's mood and perspective.

In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, Charles Williams speaks with Dr. Julie Hasson about her journey in education, focusing on the importance of teacher resilience and engagement. They discuss the shift from external factors affecting teacher retention to the internal resources teachers need to thrive. Julie shares practical strategies for building resilience, the significance of self-check-ins, and the need for a culture of honesty in educational settings. The conversation also highlights the upcoming NCMLE conference and the sessions they will be leading.