School: After Hours

In this episode, Yolanda breaks down the importance of establishing mental health practices for professionals in the workplace and how supervisors can help. We discuss:What is mental health and why it's importantSteps professionals can take to protect their mental healthSetting boundaries for your workStrategies organizations can use to incorporate mental health practicesWhat to include in a self-care planand much moreClick here to listen to another episode with Yolanda Hall. This episode is about using mindfulness with young people to deal with trauma. 

Sometimes, you have to do things differently to have a better outcome. In this episode, we talk to mental health professional Ticeses Teasley about seeing an unfulfilled need in mental health services for youth and families; and how she created an afterschool program and business to address those needs she saw in the community. 

If you knew then what you know now, what would you have done differently in your career? In this episode, I talk about the 5 things I would have done differently in my career to have a better life experience as well as a better work experience. 

In this episode, I talk with the founder of Nu Collar Solutions, LLC. , Curtis Hall, about the importance of mentorship for our young men of color. He also shares his experience as a mentee and how those relationships inspired him to form a youth coaching service for young men in the tri-city area. Join the conversation as we discuss: Investing in youth todayTeaching emotional intelligence to young menLack of neighborhood role modelsInfluence of the 8 pillars of power and more

After a holiday break, student behavior can be a challenge. In this solo episode, I share techniques I use to refocus my students after a long break. 

In this episode, we talk with, Andrew Jordan Nance, the author of the bestselling book "Puppy Mind" about his journey with mindfulness, becoming an author, and building a mindfulness program for youth in the San Francisco area. Andrew also gives us some tips on how to use mindfulness with youth and what resources to use if you want to introduce mindfulness to your grogram. Books by Andrew Jordan NancePuppy MindThe Lion In MeThe Barefoot KingMindful Arts in the Classroom

In this episode, we talk with Teen Life Coach, Yolanda Hall about the effects of trauma on our youth and how afterschool programs can use mindfulness to help students self-regulate during times of high stress. We also discuss: the different responses to trauma (fight, flight, or freeze) how to help a student that's showing signs of traumawhere to find resources on trauma informed care training and using mindfulness techniques as a coping strategy to deal with trauma

How do you balance the responsibilities of family, the highs and lows of being an OST professional, a personal life, and staying highly active in the community? This week for our second Afterschool Experiences episode, we talk to someone who has done just that! In the guest seat this week is Kai Banks, the Youth Innovation director at Storefront Richmond. She has managed a juggling act like few others. Join us as we discuss Kai's life as a mother, and a professional, while continuously improving her community.

In today's episode, we'll be talking about some things that students and parents can do to prepare for the transition from high school to college. We'll also touch base on some alternative options seniors could look into, if they did not want to pursue a four-year degree. 

Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and rally behind a cause. In our very first "Afterschool Experiences" episode, we talk about volunteering from a personal perspective. Join us as volunteer and former volunteer manager Christopher Lee talks with us about his experience in both roles.

To evaluate or not to evaluate, that's the question? In this episode, I talk with program developer and entrepreneur, Kam Green, about using evaluations to improve program quality and reach program goals. Join us as we discuss using evaluations as a resource inventory, importance of student feedback, structuring lesson/activity plans , and so much more.

Is there anything you wish you knew before starting a certain job or career? Well in this episode Katherine Spinney and I go over the need to knows for youth development professionals as they journey through this field. Join us as we talk about coaching staff, finding valuable workers, and much more.