Explore every episode of the podcast I Hear You Say

<img class="wp-image-4594 aligncenter" src="https://videos.schoolcounselor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ep50_social_media_1080x0180.jpg" alt="" width="275" height="275" /> <p style="text-align: center">In this episode of the I Hear You Say podcast, recorded live at the 2025 Navigate and Innovate ASCA Annual Conference in Long Beach, host Jill Cook, Executive Director of the American School Counselor Association sits down with ASCA board Chair Christy Welch and Assistant Chair Dr. Ebonee Magee-Dorsey. Welch reflects on her journey from emerging leader to ASCA board chair, while Dr. Magee-Dorsey shares her advocacy work in Mississippi to ensure every school has access to a counselor and her own path to national leadership. Together, they offer a behind-the-scenes look at the ASCA board’s role in shaping policy, monitoring progress, and connecting with members. The conversation also features practical advice for aspiring leaders and emphasizes the power of collaboration in advancing the association’s mission.</p> <a href="https://schoolcounselor.org/About-ASCA/Board-of-Directors" rel="noopener">ASCA Board</a> <a href="https://schoolcounselor.org/About-ASCA/Board-of-Directors/Board-of-Directors-Candidate-Information" rel="noopener">Board of Directors Candidate Information</a>

<img class="wp-image-4505 aligncenter" src="https://videos.schoolcounselor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ep49_social_media_1080x0180.jpg" alt="" width="376" height="376" /> <p style="text-align: center">In this special episode of the I Hear You Say podcast, recorded live at the 2025 Navigate and Innovate ASCA Annual Conference in Long Beach, host Janae Douglas captures the voices and experiences of attendees throughout the event. From first-time participants to long-time professionals, guests reflect on mentorship, professional growth, and the importance of building meaningful connections. Conversations highlight the energy of networking, the insights gained from conference sessions, and the sense of community that defines the school counseling profession. The episode also looks ahead to future gatherings and the continued role of ASCA in supporting counselors at every stage of their careers.</p> <p style="text-align: center">To Get Involved with ASCA, to include becoming an ASCA Ambassador at our next annual conference, please visit: <a href="https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Membership/Get-Involved">https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Membership/Get-Involved</a></p>

<img class="wp-image-4062 aligncenter" src="https://videos.schoolcounselor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ep47_social_media_1600x900.jpg" alt="" width="478" height="269" /> In this episode of the<em> I Hear You Say</em> podcast, host Jill Cook, executive director of the American School Counselor Association, and Brian Levy, ASCA’s director of sales and partnerships, chat with Dr. Reberkah Cole, Dr. Crystal Hatton, and Dr. Taqueena Quintana about the unique challenges and strengths of military-connected students. With personal ties to military life, the guests highlight the impact of frequent moves, shifting routines, and emotional transitions on these students. The conversation explores practical ways school counselors can foster resilience, from building strong family partnerships to implementing school-wide initiatives like Purple Up Day. The episode also underscores the importance of cultural humility, ongoing professional development, and direct communication in creating a supportive school environment.

&nbsp; <p style="text-align: center"><img class="wp-image-4012 aligncenter" src="https://videos.schoolcounselor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ep11_social_media.jpg" alt="" width="304" height="304" />In this episode of the I Hear You Say podcast, host Jill Cook, executive director of the American School Counselor Association, and Angie Hickman, CAE, ASCA’s director of research and marketing, chat with Carmen Larson, Ph.D., the 2025 School Counselor of the Year. Dr. Larson shares her journey as a passionate advocate for school counselors, detailing the legislative impacts following the 2018 Parkland shooting that heightened mental health awareness in Florida schools. She discusses her work in reducing counselor-to-student ratios, eliminating non-counseling duties, and implementing data-driven strategies to improve academic outcomes. She also highlights the power of advocacy, the role of professional standards in overcoming challenges, and her innovative use of animal-assisted interventions—including how her therapy dog, Winston, supports student well-being. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on strengthening the role of school counselors and driving meaningful change in education!</p>

<img class="wp-image-3984 aligncenter" src="https://videos.schoolcounselor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ep10_social_media_1080x0180.jpg" alt="" width="304" height="304" />In this episode of the I Hear You Say podcast, host Jill Cook, executive director of the American School Counselor Association, and Deirdra Williams, ASCA’s director of programs and advocacy, engage in a powerful discussion with Dr. Brandy Richeson and Dr. Crystal Hatton of Liberty University, along with Dr. Krystal L. Clemons, founder and CEO of Our Village Consulting. Together, they explore the vital role of supporting and advocating for Black students, particularly during Black History Month. The conversation delves into their personal journeys, the significance of authenticity, intentionality, and advocacy in their work, and the broader impact of the 2023 Supreme Court ruling on race in college admissions. They also highlight the enduring value of HBCUs and share strategies for combating misinformation surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the crucial role of school counselors in advancing equity, connecting students to post-secondary opportunities, and fostering community collaboration to empower the next generation. X: @DrKLClemons IG: @ourvillageconsulting; @drkrystal.l.clemons Threads: @drkrystal.l.clemons BlueSky: @drklclemons.bsky.social

<p style="text-align: center"><img class="wp-image-3909 aligncenter" src="https://videos.schoolcounselor.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ep44_social_media_1080x1080.jpg" alt="" width="301" height="301" />In this episode of the I Hear You Say podcast, host Jill Cook, executive director of the American School Counselor Association, sits down with Dr. Carolyn Stone, professor emeritus at the University of North Florida, to explore the critical role of ethics and law in school counseling. Dr. Stone discusses the importance of building a strong ethical foundation to address complex legal and professional challenges. She highlights key topics such as parental involvement, understanding state statutes, and balancing confidentiality in the educational setting. Additionally, she shares insights on using data to measure ethical behavior and the value of consultation and supervision when navigating ethical dilemmas. Tune in for expert advice on how school counselors can confidently uphold ethical standards while supporting their students.</p>

<p style="text-align: center"><img class="alignnone wp-image-3877" src="https://videos.schoolcounselor.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ep8_social_media.jpg" alt="" width="275" height="275" /></p> <p style="text-align: center">In this episode of the I Hear You Say podcast, host Jill Cook, executive director of the American School Counselor Association, and Angie Hickman, CAE, ASCA’s director of research and marketing, chat with Dr. Jennifer Curry, a teacher in the school counselor education program at Louisiana State University. In honor of Career Development Month, they dive into the importance of early career exploration and share practical career readiness activities tailored for students at various grade levels. The discussion highlights valuable tools like Career One Stop and the College Scorecard, while also addressing critical topics such as supporting students from low-income backgrounds. Additionally, they explore the emerging role of AI in transforming career readiness programs.</p>

<img class="wp-image-3845 aligncenter" src="https://videos.schoolcounselor.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ep7_social_media.jpg" alt="" width="220" height="220" /> <p style="text-align: center">In this episode of the I Hear You Say podcast, host Jill Cook, executive director of the American School Counselor Association, and Jennifer Walsh, ASCA's Director of Education and Training, chats with Kriya Lendzion is a 23-year veteran School Counselor with expertise in the areas of addictions and prevention. In recognition of Red Ribbon Week, they discuss strategies for engaging teens, addressing vaping, and involving all staff and students in education and policy development.  Kriya shares her personal experience with addiction and its impact on her career and emphasizes the importance of respecting and understanding students' needs, using non-judgmental and empathetic approaches. She also stresses the significance of supporting students with addicted guardians, providing resources and fostering resilience.</p>

<img class="wp-image-3807 aligncenter" src="https://videos.schoolcounselor.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/img-20240925163902.jpeg" alt="" width="343" height="193" /> <p style="text-align: center">In this episode of the I Hear You Say podcast, host Jill Cook, executive director of the American School Counselor Association, chats with Cheri Dowling, executive director of the American Society for Deaf Children. In celebration of National Deaf Awareness month, they discuss the evolution of support for deaf children, the benefits of American Sign Language (ASL), and the importance of understanding Deaf culture. Cheri also highlights resources from the Maryland School for the Deaf, including a new professional development program for educators, and the upcoming ASDC literacy conference in Charleston, South Carolina.</p> <strong>ASDC - <a href="http://www.deafchildren.org">www.deafchildren.org</a></strong> <strong>Literacy Conference - <a href="https://deafchildren.org/literacy2024/">https://deafchildren.org/literacy2024/</a></strong> <strong>ASL Classes/Webinars - <a href="https://deafchildren.org/knowledge-center/asl-resources/online-asl-classes/">https://deafchildren.org/knowledge-center/asl-resources/online-asl-classes/</a></strong>

&nbsp; <img class="wp-image-4239 aligncenter" src="https://videos.schoolcounselor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ep5_social_media.jpg" alt="" width="276" height="276" /> <p style="text-align: left">In this episode of I Hear You Say, ASCA’s podcast, hosts Jill Cook, executive director of the American School Counselor Association, and Janae Douglas, ASCA's education and training coordinator, chat with Wisconsin school counselors and ASCA certified trainers, Steve Schneider and Sarah Flier. They share practical strategies for preventing burnout and managing workloads effectively. The conversation covers the importance of using data to prioritize tasks, measuring impact through pre- and post-assessments, and collaborating with school staff to support student needs. They also discuss the benefits of professional development, advocating for resources, and building strong relationships with administrators by showcasing the success of their programs.</p>

<img class="wp-image-3444 aligncenter" src="https://videos.schoolcounselor.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ep4_social_media.jpg" alt="" width="275" height="275" /> <p style="text-align: center">In this episode of ASCA’s “I Hear You Say” podcast, join hosts Jill Cook, executive director of the American School Counselor Association, and Kayla Shelton, ASCA’s marketing and communications coordinator, as they sit down with Sara Carpenter, a practicing middle school counselor by day and a Registered Play Therapist, professional counseling licensure supervisor by night in St. Louis, Missouri. Tune in as they discuss their experiences at the ASCA National Conference, the importance of advocacy, staying up-to-date on trends, student needs, and legal and ethical responsibilities, and the importance of understanding the ethical implications of AI in education.</p>

<p style="text-align: center"><strong><img class="wp-image-3411 aligncenter" src="https://videos.schoolcounselor.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/img-20240529111621.jpeg" alt="img-20240529111621.jpeg" width="376" height="211" /></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center">In this episode of ASCA’s “I Hear You Say” podcast, join hosts Jill Cook, executive director of the American School Counselor Association, and Qisti Gitosuputro, ASCA’s member engagement coordinator, as they sit down with Shakirra McKinley, a certified school counselor and mental health counselor, and Orlando Dobbins Jr., an elementary school counselor specializing in a strength-based approach to positive change for students. Tune in as they discuss mental health and social emotional learning within today's schools.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Qisti Gitosuputro, <u>X:</u> <em>@GitosuputroASCA</em></strong></li> <li><strong>Orlando Dobbins, <u>X:</u> <em>@DobbinJr</em> <u>Instagram:</u> <em>@ocdobbin </em> <u>Linktree:</u></strong> <a href="https://linktr.ee/ocdobbin?utm_source=linktree_admin_share">https://linktr.ee/ocdobbin?utm_source=linktree_admin_share</a></li> </ul>

This I Hear You Say podcast about the fifth edition of the ASCA National Model® was built with AI. Here's how we did it. Step One: Uploaded the ASCA National Model® to Google NotebookLM and asked it to turn it into a two-person podcast, using a conversational tone. The human touch: NotebookLM doesn’t allow you to edit scripts, so we put the podcast into Wondercraft and asked it to generate an editable script. We then edited the script, fixing some mistakes and changing other things to reflect our style. Step Two: Using the edited script, used Wondercraft re-record the podcast. The human touch: The AI voices still struggled to say “ASCA,” so that required some additional manipulation. The script also focused quite a bit of attention on the appropriate and inappropriate duties of a school counselor, which are an important part of the ASCA National Model,® but not the main part, and it could use some additional rewriting/editing.

<p style="text-align: center"><img class=" wp-image-3338 aligncenter" src="https://videos.schoolcounselor.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ep2_social_media_630x360.jpg" alt="" width="376" height="215" /></p> <p style="text-align: center">In this episode of ASCA’s “I Hear You Say” podcast, join hosts Jill Cook, executive director of the American School Counselor Association, and Deirdra Hawkes, ASCA’s director of programs and advocacy, as they sit down with Becky Lins and Megan Bowden, school counselors at Peet Junior High in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Tune in as they dive into the journey of achieving the prestigious Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation. From navigating data collection challenges to emphasizing the importance of teamwork, Becky and Megan share invaluable insights into their RAMP experience. Discover the most rewarding aspects of being a RAMP school and gain valuable advice for those considering pursuing this esteemed designation.</p>

<p style="text-align: center"><img class="alignnone wp-image-3296" src="https://videos.schoolcounselor.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ep1_cover-photo.png" alt="" width="376" height="215" /></p> <p style="text-align: center">In this episode of ASCA's "I Hear You Say" podcast, join hosts Jill Cook, executive director of the American School Counselor Association, and Janae Douglas, ASCA's education and training coordinator, as they sit down with the 2024 School Counselor of the Year finalists: Cindy Bourget, Elk Mound Middle School in Elk Mound, Wis.; Kristin Nye, Anna P. Mote Elementary School in Wilmington, Del.; Jennifer Sack, Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, Okla.; and Jorge Torres, Foster High School in Tukwila, Wash. These outstanding counselors share their remarkable journeys, from spearheading initiatives like the Office Discipline Referrals Club and diversity club to advocating for equity, systemic change, and educating the community on immigration law. Tune in to discover how they've made a profound impact on their students and communities, and learn more about their innovative programs shaping the future of education.</p>

Hear from Aly Murray, founder and executive director of Upchieve and one of the keynotes for the eXperiencED general session at the 2022 ASCA Annual Conference. Download the transcript <a href="https://ascaprod.blob.core.windows.net/cmsstorage/asca/media/webinars/podcasts/ep-30_aly-murray-transcript.pdf">here</a>.

Hear from Gavin Grimm, internationally recognized transgender rights activist, writer, and speaker. and one of the keynotes for the eXperiencED general session at the 2022 ASCA Annual Conference. Download the transcript <a href="https://ascaprod.blob.core.windows.net/cmsstorage/asca/media/webinars/podcasts/ep-29_gavin-grimm_transcript.docx">here</a>.

Hear from Rodney Robinson, 2019 Teacher of the Year and one of the keynotes at at the 2022 ASCA Annual Conference. Download the transcript <a href="https://ascaprod.blob.core.windows.net/cmsstorage/asca/media/webinars/podcasts/rodney-robinson_transcript.docx">here</a>.

This I Hear You Say I podcast interview about the September/October 2025 issue of ASCA School Counselor magazine was developed using AI. Here's how we did it: <strong>Step One:</strong> Took all the main feature articles and ran them through ChatGPT, asking it to condense each article into its key points, keeping it in an informal, conversational tone. <strong>The human touch:</strong> Edited/revised some of the descriptions to fix some mistakes and rework some of the language. <strong>Step Two:</strong> Took the revised versions of all the article outlines and asked ChatGPT to combine them all into a script for a podcast interview between a host and the magazine editor to discuss the September/October issue of ASCA School Counselor magazine, which focuses on AI. Asked for an approxi-mately 20-minute podcast in conver-sational but professional tone. <strong>The human touch:</strong> Edited the script to fix some mistakes and highlight some different things rather than what ChatGPT thought was the most important part of each article. <strong>Step Three:</strong> Took the revised script and loaded it into Wondercraft.ai and asked it to record the podcast. <strong>The human touch:</strong> Decided it would be better if the podcast mimicked our own voices, so Angie Hickman and Kathleen Rakestraw both recorded samples of their voices, which AI then used to record the whole script. (Note: this required upgrading to the Pro ver-sion for $65/month.) In some cases, the AI voices spoke too fast, so we used a tool in the program to re-record those sections at a slower pace. Also changed the script to have a phonetic spelling of “ASCA” since it kept saying A-S-C-A instead of pronouncing it as one word.

Hear from SaulPaul, Grammy-Nominated Musician with a Message and one of the keynotes for the eXperiencED general session at the 2022 ASCA Annual Conference. Download the transcript <a href="https://ascaprod.blob.core.windows.net/cmsstorage/asca/media/webinars/podcasts/ep-27_saulpaul_transcript.docx">here</a>.

Hear from one of the 2022 School Counselor of the Year Finalists, Ashley Wright, school counselor at Lucille J. Bradley Elementary School in Spring, Texas. <a href="https://ascaprod.blob.core.windows.net/cmsstorage/asca/media/webinars/podcasts/ep-26_ashley-wright_transcript.docx">Download the transcript</a>

Hear from one of the 2022 School Counselor of the Year Finalists, Marianne Matt, school counselor at Capital High School in Madison, Wisconsin. <a href="https://ascaprod.blob.core.windows.net/cmsstorage/asca/media/webinars/podcasts/ep-25_mariannematt_transcript.docx">Download the transcript</a>

Hear from one of the 2022 School Counselor of the Year Finalists, Teshia Stovall Dula, school counselor at Hull Middle School in Duluth, Georgia. <a href="https://ascaprod.blob.core.windows.net/cmsstorage/asca/media/webinars/podcasts/ep-24_teshia-dula_transcript.docx">Download the transcript</a>

Hear from one of the 2022 School Counselor of the Year Finalists, Matthew Berry, lead and district school counselor for Ritenour Husky Academy in Overland, Missouri. <a href="https://ascaprod.blob.core.windows.net/cmsstorage/asca/media/webinars/podcasts/ep-23_matthew-berry-transcript.docx">Download the transcript</a>.

Hear from the 2022 School Counselor of the Year, Alma Lopez, the lead school counselor at Livingston Middle School in Livingston, Calif. and Livingston Unified School District’s school counseling coordinator. Watch Harvard Dean James Ryan's "5 Essential Questions in Life" <a href="https://youtu.be/bW0NguMGIbE">video</a>. <a href="https://ascaprod.blob.core.windows.net/cmsstorage/asca/media/webinars/podcasts/ep-22_alma-lopez_transcript.docx">Download the transcript</a>.

Hear from Tessa Barbazon, director of school counseling and social/emotional learning at the Clarke County School District in Athens, Ga., to learn how to use career development as a catalyst for social/emotional learning and academic achievement. Thanks to our sponsors of today’s episode, <a href="https://xello.world/en/xello-asca/">Xello</a>.

Hear from Brian Mathieson, Assistant Director of Career/College Readiness with Vancouver Public Schools in Vancouver, Wash., about how his school counseling and CTE departments work together to support their students’ journey to future readiness. Learn about how to start a similar collaboration program, continue to improve it and foster an environment for collaboration. Thanks to our sponsors of today’s episode, <a href="https://xello.world/en/xello-asca/">Xello</a>.

With Career Development Month right around the corner, hear from Melissa Ostrowski, K-12 Counseling Coordinator and school counselor in the Penn Manor School District in Millersville, Pennsylvania, who focuses on expanding students’ future options beyond college. Learn what you can do to prepare students academically, socially and financially for all future pathways. Thanks to our sponsors of today’s episode, <a href="https://xello.world/en/xello-asca/">Xello</a>.

Get to know Richard Tench, 2021–2022 ASCA Board of Directors chair. <a href="https://videos.schoolcounselor.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Episode-18_Richard-Tench_Transcript.docx">View the transcript</a>.

<img class="wp-image-4230 aligncenter" src="https://videos.schoolcounselor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ramp_ep5.jpg" alt="" width="275" height="275" /> In this episode of ASCA’s special mini-series, Deirdra Williams, ASCA's Director of Programs and Advocacy, explores the impact and evolution of the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP), which celebrates its 21st year of honoring schools with exemplary, data-informed counseling programs. She’s joined by four RAMP recipients—Leann Munoz (Perry Harrison Elementary, Pittsboro, NC), Laura Robbins (South Newton High School, Kentland, IN), Dr. Keisha Burns (Shadow Hills Engineering and Design Magnet Academy, Palmdale, CA), and Gina Montague (Powell Magnet Elementary School, Raleigh, NC)—who share how they’ve managed large caseloads, advocated for their roles, and built strong support systems. The conversation offers practical tips on time management, effective data collection, and the powerful impact a well-structured school counseling program can have on student success—especially for counselors navigating the process solo.

Hear from Ian Levy, Ed.D., assistant professor of school counseling at Manhattan College, and Mathew Lemberger-Trulove, Ph.D., professor of counselor education at the University of North Texas, as they discuss how school counselors' work as both an educator and a school counselor can affect roles and responsibilities associated with school counseling. <a href="https://ascaprod.blob.core.windows.net/cmsstorage/asca/media/asca/asca-u/i-hear-you-say_ep-17_transcript.docx">View the transcript </a>

On the one-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, hear from the co-editors of a special issue of <em>Professional School Counseling</em> journal, “School Counseling and Males of Color,” as they discuss the issue releasing this summer and what they learned. Co-editors are: Erik Hines, Ph.D., associate professor at Florida State University; James Moore, Ph.D., vice provost for diversity and inclusion and chief diversity officer, executive director for Todd A. Bell National Resource Center on the African American Male and EHE Distinguished Professor of Urban Education, The Ohio State University; and Paul Harris, Ph.D., associate professor, The Pennsylvania State University. <a href="https://ascaprod.blob.core.windows.net/cmsstorage/asca/media/webinars/episode-16_males-of-color.docx">Read the transcript </a>

Hear from Joy Erzinger, a school counselor in Des Moines Public Schools in Des Moines, Iowa, as she discusses her experience as an Asian American and how this has shaped her identity and her work as a school counselor. <a href="https://ascaprod.blob.core.windows.net/cmsstorage/asca/media/webinars/joyerzingerfinal.pdf">Read the transcript</a>.

Get to know <a href="https://www.schoolcounselor.org/cmsctx/pv/09825baf-e53b-4657-8b73-bbdea36ac65a/culture/en-us/wg/270b01d0-d8cc-4261-a827-c2d74a4f3552/readonly/0/pts/637472261525117809/ea/1/h/a6f13de142ddd2ca529bf3f74069e104264700ceaaf92e504bc1f895df03b0de/-/getmedia/87d3bbb7-646d-4388-a962-7d9ea9940ee6/2021-SCOY-Finalist-Truluck.pdf?uh=c4474e53cbfc272af302f3ef0fc8d228fd2b1ef8c692e59b13373a5208b0cdd3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Barbara Truluck</a>, 2021 School Counselor of the Year finalist and a school counselor at Palmer Middle School, Kennesaw, Ga. <a href="https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/bd8f4420-37ca-4b61-b8af-c3be4a7dece4/Barbara-Truluck-transcript.docx">Read the transcript</a>..

Get to know <a href="https://www.schoolcounselor.org/cmsctx/pv/09825baf-e53b-4657-8b73-bbdea36ac65a/culture/en-us/wg/6b379b34-d4fa-4b71-9918-e2770ae35a44/readonly/0/pts/637472256282907355/ea/1/h/9672660dc85ffac5ef8140c55afb251e809515f4ef98fcd1266feef92dbbda93/-/getmedia/b8beedc5-555b-4cfd-950c-2b180c4bd4f2/2021-SCOY-Finalist-Flier.pdf?uh=9ba271b59430e9578344b01df15c11f35d32f40a56e9e04aa556d46c0d83d06b" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sarah Flier</a>, 2021 School Counselor of the Year finalist and a school counselor at Willow River Elementary School, Hudson, Wis. <a href="https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/f25a9254-4c35-4a40-9655-05c041ed5fac/Sarah-Flier-transcript.docx">Read the transcript</a>.

Get to know <a href="https://www.schoolcounselor.org/cmsctx/pv/09825baf-e53b-4657-8b73-bbdea36ac65a/culture/en-us/wg/c17c140f-b2dc-44cb-9eed-4c588745460b/readonly/0/pts/637472249037175747/ea/1/h/2798828c5a8f92ec66a84c8ad73b970cde990bdff7c57caf9730cb36ed9df94e/-/getmedia/0a0c7533-0e09-4fdd-b6c1-78463166bec2/2021-SCOY-Finalist-Bledsoe.pdf?uh=54dfc99779496cafa27e1ff0cae13cc1d67bdd826781cb69e67b9bc4f2d955f9" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Megan Bledsoe</a> 2021 School Counselor of the Year finalist and a school counselor at Discovery Middle School in Vancouver, Wash. <a href="https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/77bd47ac-8bbb-467b-97aa-96303faddd38/Megan-Bledsoe-transcript.docx">Read the transcript</a>.

Get to know <a href="https://www.schoolcounselor.org/cmsctx/pv/09825baf-e53b-4657-8b73-bbdea36ac65a/culture/en-US/wg/45dbff89-e7b7-4943-902c-42ab58fc10bf/readonly/0/pts/637472245482552161/ea/1/h/ff1f741282dc87066ece73e28c142fb5bce5a366af256249a9f6cebab1fab784/-/getmedia/038980e3-5c9d-4164-bd22-1e0b0a3c35a0/2021-SCOY-Finalist-Barnes.pdf?uh=f9437ffa805ca9800de416cbb8fe14afd9b7470ef2a4ddc217e0aa7bce226ab0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Vanessa Goodman Barnes</a>, 2021 School Counselor of the Year finalist and the dean of students, counseling and student services at Millbrook Magnet High School in Raleigh, N.C. <a href="https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/c066f939-d277-4e46-ad18-35c82f527bcc/Vanessa-Barnes-transcript.docx">Read a transcript</a>.

Get to know <a href="https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/cba14b45-78ca-4436-805d-093fec9dad10/2021-SCOY-Carter.pdf">Oliva Carter,</a> 2021 School Counselor of the Year and a school counselor at Jefferson Elementary School in Cape Girardeau, Mo. <a href="https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/50e6a049-d01f-4099-bf1a-32f97ff5ed8e/Olivia-Carter-transcript.docx">Read the transcript</a>.

Today we sit down with one of the 2019 School Counselor of the Year finalists, Jan Desmarais-Morse. Jan recognized that the school climate at her middle school was at one time struggling. Hear how she took action to address the problem.

Hear from victim-turned-hero and 2019 ASCA Conference keynoter Jeff Bauman. <strong>Show notes: </strong> Below are resources mentioned in this episode: <ul> <li>US Department of Education: Practical Information on Crisis Planning <a href="https://www2.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/crisisplanning.html">Brochure</a>- Preparing Your School for a Crisis</li> <li><a href="http://d3vc4vygg8dc62.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/Safe-Healthy-and-Ready-to-Learn_Full-Report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Safe, Healthy and Ready to Learn: Policy Recommendations to Ensure Children Thrive in Supportive Communities Free from Violence and Trauma</a> (Futures Without Violence)</li> <li><a href="https://www.schoolcounselor.org/school-counselors/professional-development/asca-u-specialist-trainings/trauma-and-crisis-management-specialist">ASCA U Trauma &amp; Crisis Management Specialist Training</a></li> </ul>

<img class="wp-image-4163 aligncenter" src="https://videos.schoolcounselor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ramp_ep4.jpg" alt="" width="275" height="275" /> In this episode of ASCA’s special mini-series, Deirdra Williams, ASCA's Director of Programs and Advocacy, explores the impact and evolution of the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP), which celebrates its 21st year of honoring schools with exemplary, data-informed counseling programs. She’s joined by two RAMP recipients—Jeff Hargis from Legacy High School (Legacy High School, Broomfield, CO) and Jeff Pastiak (Oak Lawn Community High School, Oaklawn, IL)—who share what it’s like to pursue RAMP as part of a large counseling team. They discuss how collaboration, strategic task-sharing, and adaptability drive their success, offering practical insights for other teams looking to strengthen their programs and achieve RAMP recognition.

Hear from Geoffrey Canada, one of the keynote speakers at the 2019 ASCA Annual Conference in Boston, Mass. In his 20-plus years with the Harlem Children’s Zone, Canada has become nationally recognized for his pioneering work helping disadvantaged children and families in Harlem and as a passionate advocate for education reform.

<p class="ox-1a0c8452ac-msonormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt">In honor of National School Counseling week, we sit down with the 2019 School Counselor of the Year, Brian Coleman, to discuss his high-performing, diverse school and the unique challenges and opportunities that poses. Hear about his approach to holistic school counseling and how he spearheaded student-led revisions to the school’s sexual health education program.</p>

‘Tis the season for holiday cheer, right? While for most of us the holiday season is a time to relax, eat, spend time with loved ones and exchange gifts, some students may not have that same warm, inviting experience. Learn how you can best support these students this holiday season.

In honor of National Parent Involvement Day, hear how two school counselors creatively involve parents, particularly from an equity perspective, to better students' educational experience and outcomes.