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.
Tag: Mental Health
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode TEN
Tendrina Alexandre We made it to episode TEN (cue the balloons and confetti)!! I feel like there should be bells, whistles and heralding trumpets! Tendrina Alexandre (get it? TEN??) is another superstar from the past, who comes from a superstar family. Does it feel like everyone I interview here are my faves? Yes, yes it… Continue reading Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode TEN
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 8
There's a lot to say about this budding superstar. I knew her as a teenager - smart, observant, swimming in talent. She melted the paint off of the auditorium walls of and now she is releasing simmering Neo-Soul singles to the world. Someday soon, everybody will have Brianna Knight's name on their lips.
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 5
Stephanie Lauredent-Diasio is back in my blogspace! "Aside from being yourself, realizing that you have your own special thing that you do so incredibly well, will get you so far in life. It's not about the grades...it's really about you as a person and the tools that you bring to the table that matters so much more than the grades you have."
Ruminations of a good person
When I start to notice ruminative thoughts creep in and multiply, I try to write. It's a way of acknowledging the thoughts, accepting they are there, and trying to insert thoughts that are more productive. This is a product of that process.
A new chapter in parenting
t’s been a long time coming. We hadn’t been away from the house for more than several of hours, much less an overnight. For a long stretch, maybe 5 or 6 years, we have had so many reasons to stay home. Kids, anxious pets, viral pandemic - they all gave us more than enough pause to do anything that was just the two of us.
Education’s worst nightmare
Once again, we are back to remote education. This time, it's not COVID.
What I’ve Learned From Podcasting
Taking a look at the creative process of podcasting and developing content about mindful meditation.
Navigating Change
When I was a teenager, change was the greatest source of anxiety for me. The burning feeling of fear housed in my solar plexus sat there, unchallenged. It was silent, and sadly, par for the course in my everyday life. Luckily, that feeling didn’t stop me from trying new things or taking on new ventures,… Continue reading Navigating Change
Boundaries
What it means to set protective emotional boundaries to an empath.
Teaching Mindfulness
In February, 2021, I reached out to the good people at Erika's Lighthouse, a website whose mission is "promoting inclusive school cultures through mental health education." It is a topic that is close to my heart. I had done a series of lessons with my students on developing a more mindful approach to their thought processes and I wanted to share my experience with a broader audience. What better way to do that than a website geared towards educating students and their families about mental health?
Stacey's Headspace 