As we go through life, our identity is defined by the things we do and the relationships we hold dear. In this episode, Jacqueline Smith-Musselman reflects on all of her identifiers, including the bliss (and terrors) of motherhood and her dream job as a Kindergarten teacher. We also talk about the benefits of therapy, being joyful, and the struggle to maintain balance.
Author: Stacey's Headspace
Educator, family woman, author and Geriatric Gymnast.
Changed for the Better, Episode 27
This episode's theme is centered around social-emotional learning. So much valuable knowledge was shared in this conversation about how arts education activities support SEL for students. See what Cesia Roman learned through her performing arts activities, and how she is now paying it forward to the teenagers in her home district.
Changed for the Better, episode 26
Today's blog focuses on Michaelle Vilsa, Spring Valley High School class of 2014. From her high school days to the present, Michaelle has always done her best work in the spotlight. Read on to learn how she's taken her early training in the arts to new heights.
Changed for the Better, episode 25
Chizi Duru is a content creator/influencer/entrepreneur/media personality. With over 500,000 followers, her YouTube channel promotes her mission to create a space for women to love themselves authentically so they may step into their power. Read on to see how her time in the dance studio helped her to overcome her fears and inspire her trajectory towards the creation of her social media empire.
Back to School
This is the teacher’s burden: starting from square one every September. We are the alchemists that blend old and new, learning and knowledge, excitement and neuroses, and doing it all equitably with limited resources, so that the recipients of our magic leave transmuted in ten months time. This is why summer vacation is so highly coveted by educators. It is exhausting work.
Changed for the Better: episode 24
Elya Shavrova talks about learning through disappointment, developing strong roots, and how her performing arts experiences gave her the self-confidence to determine who she is and what she wants.
Gymnastics and play
Why is jumping on the trampoline so much fun? Why is it such a draw? The focus of this blog post is how adults need to play just as much as kids do and how gymnastics provides an excellent way to satisfy the needs of our inner-child.
Changed for the Better: episode 23
Before Robyn Corujo became the superhero beast she is today, our paths first crossed in my first year at Spring Valley. Here's a look back to that important musical experience and how we were both "Changed for the Better" because of it.
Weight-Loss part 8: Staying on Track
Today’s post looks at cholesterol, facing your fifties and three specific things I think are most important to focus on when you are doing the work of losing weight.
Nature’s gift
In my desire to practice more writing this summer, I took the opportunity to take notice of my surroundings in a quiet moment and create a little piece of prose.
Changed for the Better: episode 22
Brittany Gischner is straight out of Central Casting - literally. This successful casting director looks back to her roots as Thespian President, and how she applies our motto, "Act well your part; there all the honor lies" every single day.
When the first kid goes away
Like millions of other parents, we just dropped our eldest kid off to college. This is my experience. I'd imagine anyone in the same boat feels much the same way.
Changed for the Better: Episode 21
Back in high school, Bianca was a bright, personable, happy young woman with a smile as wide as Texas, full of positivity and light. Despite some significant, unresolved childhood traumas, Bianca found a home with Thespians, where she was surrounded by a community who embraced her energy and helped her channel the difficult emotions she was experiencing behind that smile.
In loving memory
My father-in-law died this past weekend. His passing rocked everyone's world, including mine. This is my tribute to his life and what he meant to me.
Changed for the Better: episode 20
Alex Domini's story is another example of how you make plans, God laughs, and you make new plans. Life is a journey, and it's best to traverse the terrain with eyes wide open, ears attuned to the universe, and heart ready for the ride. Read on to learn about Alex's journey.
Weight-Loss part 7: Talking About Fiber
Part of any weight-loss nutrition plan is understanding how the different components affect your body's metabolism and functioning. It's very complex with lots of moving parts, and is enough to send anyone running for a bowl of ice cream with sprinkles to soothe your weary soul. I've been working seriously on improving my health through nutrition and I want to share some of the things I've learned. Maybe it will inspire someone else on their journey. I'm not a doctor, or a nutritionist, or any sort of expert. I'm just a regular 50-year-old woman trying to figure out what works for me. I hope there's some helpful information here for you.
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 19
This episode shares the experience of someone diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder, and how his Thespian experience provided the community he needed to navigate some dark times in his life.
Weight-Loss part 6: Summertime Sustenance
A 50-year-old mom's greatest weight-maintenance challenge, besides age, is dinnertime. Read to learn more about the daily work-in-progress as the summertime schedule sets in.
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 18
The third of the Alexandre legacy at Spring Valley, Kinsley talks about learning to enjoy the journey every day, and how maturing has taught him to work smarter, not harder.
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 17
We have a tendency to stay comfortable. Part of growing up is learning to sit in a space where you don't have control, that pushes your buttons and still tolerating feelings of awkwardness and instability. Sofia Poe tells us how she did just that.
Good news!
For your listening pleasure, "Changed for the Better" is now available on Spotify! Click the link in the blog.
My story of losing a child
Listen to the stories of other women. Hear what they have to say before you judge them. Have compassion and empathy. Your moral compass may differ from theirs, but their life is just that - theirs, not yours. This is a women's health issue, not a political one. It's for women and their doctors to decide what's best.
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 16
Though known as "the quiet one" of the family, Kenney had lots to say about his high school Thespian experience. Following closely behind his sister as "Tendrina's little brother," he learned how to make his own impression and became his own person.
Two Decades
I’ve been a parent for 20 years now. 20 years is a long time. My child is 20. I have to keep saying that because it is so unbelievable that it is the truth.
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 15
Victor went from the "new kid in town" to the shining star who found his home in the studio. In this episode, we talk about learning to live your authentic self, in all of its incarnations, despite the immense challenges of adolescence.
100th post!
On July 13, 2020, I published my first blog post called “Who am I?” Almost two years later, I am publishing my 100th post. Crazy.
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 14
In this episode, we travel back to the class of 2003 and get an inside look at the life of a first responder/law enforcement professional who found his peace in the performing arts.
The Inaugural (Post-Covid) Dance Concert
The first Friday of June is dance concert day, and that week was all about making the transition from the classroom to the stage. What was once a foreign, faraway concept for my students was now hitting closer to home for everyone. This week, they will all be forever changed (for the better).
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 13
Graig Kriendler is all about nostalgia. It seems to be the driving force behind his life's work, which is why this interview feels so special. For a guy who has been interviewed for tons of articles and podcasts about his professional achievements, this discussion was particularly meaningful for both of us.
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 12
Special college edition! Tom Dheere is a fellow Montclair State alum (class of 1993!). We chatted about college, his prolific career as a voiceover professional (aka The VO Strategist), and how taking care of your mental health is paramount to any measure of success.
Stacey's Headspace 