The Prep Table with Bowdre Fortson Clayton

17. Natasha Kollaros, MSW: The Hope Dealer Approach to Raising Resilient Teenagers

When your child says "I don't feel like I belong," your heart breaks a little. You want to fix it instantly, wrap them in love, and make everything better. But what if the answer isn't in fixing—it's in understanding that belonging takes time, intention, and sometimes uncomfortable growth? In this deeply moving conversation with hope dealer Natasha Kollaros, MSW and Life Coach, we explore the real meaning of belonging and how to raise confident, resilient young people who can navigate the messy, beautiful journey of adolescence. Natasha brings years of experience working with students in both school settings and private practice, offering wisdom that feels like sitting with your most trusted friend. The Heart of Belonging Belonging isn't just getting invited to the party—it's being asked to dance. It's that moment when someone sees you, really sees you, and pulls you into their circle. But here's what we often forget: belonging doesn't happen overnight, and it requires us to show up authentically, even when it feels scary. Natasha shares practical guidance for parents navigating everything from middle school friendship drama to high school transitions, reminding us that sometimes our children need permission to feel uncomfortable while they find their people. Building Real Confidence There's no magic pill for confidence—it's built through action, practice, and yes, even failure. We explore how confidence, competence, and connection work together like a wheel, each strengthening the other as our children try new things, practice skills, and build relationships. From the soccer field to the classroom, confidence grows when we set goals, break them into manageable pieces, and celebrate the small wins that lead to bigger achievements. Here's what you can expect to gain from this conversation: * Understand the true meaning of belonging and how to help your child find their authentic community * Learn practical strategies for building confidence through action and meaningful goal-setting * Navigate social media challenges with wisdom about comparison and authentic self-presentation * Support your child through transitions while maintaining emotional safety and connection * Discover daily practices like word-of-the-week mantras and grounding rituals that build resilience The Foundation That Matters Most Perhaps most importantly, Natasha reminds us that social-emotional wellbeing is 1A, and academics is 1B. When our children feel emotionally safe and deeply rooted in who they are and whose they are, they can weather any storm and thrive in whatever environment they find themselves in. This conversation will leave you feeling more equipped to support your child's journey while giving yourself grace in the beautiful, messy work of parenting. You can follow Natasha here: https://www.instagram.com/nvkollaros/

16. Mary Pryor: Why Boarding School Builds Confidence Through Real World Learning Experiences

Choosing the right educational path for your child feels overwhelming, especially when considering boarding school. The questions swirl endlessly - is my child ready? Will they thrive away from home? What kind of environment will truly help them grow? In this episode, I sit down with Mary Pryor, Assistant Director of Admission at Christchurch School, a stunning Episcopal day and boarding school nestled along Virginia's Rappahannock River. Mary shares how their unique approach to education goes far beyond traditional classroom learning, using the river itself as a living laboratory for growth and discovery. We explore how experiential learning transforms students from ninth grade through graduation, with hands-on projects ranging from oyster restoration to brook trout conservation. Mary reveals how their nationally ranked sailing program - placing fifth in the nation at championships - teaches far more than boat handling and racing tactics. What You'll Discover About Boarding School Life The conversation reveals the deeper magic happening at schools like Christchurch, where students don't just learn subjects - they learn to become. Mary walks us through their comprehensive support systems, including specialized programs for students with learning differences and innovative approaches to building confidence and resilience. * How place-based education creates lasting transformation - From local creek restoration to understanding global environmental connections * The real benefits of competitive sailing - Building leadership, managing failure, and developing mental resilience under pressure * Supporting students with learning differences - Creating toolkits for success that extend far beyond high school * What belonging truly looks like - How faculty create environments where every student feels seen and valued * Signs your child might be ready for boarding school - Practical guidance for parents considering this significant step Mary's insights about failure and resilience particularly resonate. She shares how sailors learn to "rinse out the sponge" after difficult races, developing the mental edge to bounce back from setbacks - skills that serve them well beyond the water. As Mary beautifully explains, "We're cultivating a community that thrives on connection, building relationships... recognizing the dignity of every single person." Whether you're exploring boarding school options or simply curious about innovative educational approaches, this conversation offers a window into how the right environment can help students discover their potential and find their place in the world. Learn more here!! https://www.christchurchschool.org/

15. How the Right Summer Program Builds Unshakeable Confidence in Your Middle School Daughter

As someone whose life was changed through an all girls boarding school, I know the profound impact that the right experience can have on a young girl's confidence and sense of self. But if you're not quite ready to make the full on leap for your daughter, a 3-week summer camp program might be the absolute right option for your family. There's something magical about watching a daughter return home from camp with a new sparkle in her eyes and stories that tumble out faster than she can tell them. In this conversation, I sit down with two incredible educators from Miss. Porter's School—Emily Surprenant, Director of Summer Programs, and Sophie Paris, Director of the Porter Center for Global Leadership. Together, we explore how their innovative summer programming creates transformative experiences that go far beyond traditional camp activities. Miss. Porter's has been empowering young women since 1843, with notable alumni like Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Gloria Vanderbilt. But what sets their summer programs apart isn't just their prestigious legacy—it's their intentional approach to developing what they call "changemakers." What Makes Summer Programming Essential Emily shares compelling insights about why high-quality summer programming matters so much for girls' personal and academic growth. In a low-stakes environment free from grades and homework pressure, girls discover the pure joy of learning while building community with like-minded peers. The residential experience at Porter's creates space for authentic connection and growth that simply can't happen in traditional academic settings. From Global Citizens to Tech Innovators The breadth of programming at Porter's is remarkable. Their Summer in Farmington offers everything from the Sarah Porter Leadership Institute to their brand-new Lead with Impact program—a two-week intensive where girls develop real action plans for creating change in their communities. But perhaps most unique is their Institute for Global Education, where middle school girls actually sit in on UN briefings and meet with high-level advisors to the Secretary General. Sophie describes the energy on the bus ride home from these experiences—girls buzzing with excitement, eager to call their families and share what they've learned about their role in shaping the world. The Power of Intentional Community What struck me most about our conversation was how intentionally Porter's approaches each camper's experience. In our tech-saturated world, their decision to go completely tech-free creates space for deep conversations and genuine presence. Girls communicate with home through old-fashioned postcards and focus entirely on the relationships and experiences happening right in front of them. The international diversity of their campers—drawing girls from across the United States and around the world—creates natural opportunities for perspective-taking and cross-cultural understanding. These aren't just nice additions to the program; they're central to developing the global citizenship that Porter's values so deeply. Traditions That Transform From color wars complete with tutus and face paint to talent shows where girls showcase skills developed throughout the week, Porter's maintains beloved camp traditions while weaving in their commitment to leadership development. Emily and Sophie's enthusiasm for these moments is infectious—you can feel how much joy they find in watching girls step into their confidence. Meeting Each Girl Where She Is Perhaps most importantly, Porter's takes a truly individualized approach to each camper's growth. Through small counselor groups and intentional goal-setting, they meet girls exactly where they are and help them stretch toward who they're becoming. Parents receive follow-up conversations about their daughter's experience and recommendations for continued growth throughout the school year. Here's what you can expect to learn from this episode: * How tech-free environments create deeper connections and more meaningful conversations * The unique leadership development opportunities available through Porter's programming * Why international diversity enhances every aspect of the camp experience * Practical considerations for selecting the right summer program for your daughter * How intentional community-building transforms girls' confidence and sense of agency Whether you're considering Porter's specifically or simply exploring summer options that will help your daughter grow into the leader she's meant to become, this conversation offers valuable insights into what truly transformative programming looks like. Learn more here: https://www.porters.org/ [https://www.porters.org/] Follow along on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/missporters/ [https://www.instagram.com/missporters/] And Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR-wgVhMhI-JGfI2HEgUKzQ

14. Building Confidence One Chess Move at a Time with Adrienne Tellier

What happens when you combine the strategic thinking of chess with the joy of music and movement? Something truly magical emerges—and that's exactly what Adrienne Tellier has created with Musical Chess. As parents, we're constantly searching for activities that nurture our children's minds while keeping them engaged and excited about learning. Traditional chess instruction often feels too rigid for young learners, while many enrichment programs focus on just one aspect of development. But what if there was a way to blend cognitive growth, emotional intelligence, and creative expression into one beautiful experience? In this conversation, Adrienne shares her fascinating path from Broadway stages to New York City classrooms, and how a simple melody that popped into her head while driving became the foundation for an innovative educational approach. Her program serves children ages two and a half to seven, proving that even our youngest learners can grasp complex concepts when presented through play, music, and imagination. What makes Musical Chess so special? This isn't your typical chess club. Adrienne has crafted a developmentally rich environment where children learn each chess piece through song, movement on a life-size board, and hands-on play. But the real magic happens in the moments between moves—when a shy four-year-old gains the confidence to make decisions independently, or when children learn to navigate the big feelings that come with losing their queen. The power of creative failure One of the most compelling aspects of our conversation centers on how Adrienne creates space for children to fail safely and learn from those experiences. She shares specific examples of how she celebrates the small wins—like a child sitting still for ten seconds or moving a piece correctly, even if it doesn't accomplish the intended goal. This approach builds resilience and problem-solving skills that extend far beyond the chessboard. What you'll discover in this episode: * How music and movement make complex strategic thinking accessible to preschoolers * The off-board skills children develop through chess—confidence, emotional regulation, and empathy * Why creating low-pressure learning environments leads to breakthrough moments * Practical insights on parent involvement and when to step back * The importance of celebrating incremental progress in child development * How one entrepreneur is scaling creative education beyond traditional boundaries Adrienne's story reminds us that learning doesn't have to be serious to be serious. When we honor children's natural love of play and creativity, we create conditions where deep learning can flourish. Her approach proves that academic rigor and joyful discovery aren't opposing forces—they're perfect partners in helping children develop both their minds and their hearts. Whether you're curious about chess instruction, seeking innovative enrichment options, or simply want to hear how one educator is revolutionizing early childhood learning, this conversation offers fresh perspectives on what's possible when we meet children where they are. Follow Adrienne here! https://www.instagram.com/musicalchessgvl/

13. Susannah Long: Why Postpartum Mental Health Goes Beyond Depression and Anxiety Symptoms

The moment you become a mother, everything changes - but what no one prepares you for is how isolating and overwhelming those early months can feel. Even when you're surrounded by people celebrating your beautiful baby, you might find yourself wondering if what you're experiencing is normal, if you're doing enough, or if you're somehow failing at this thing called motherhood. Licensed therapist and postpartum coach Susannah Long understands this struggle intimately. After experiencing her own unexpected battle with anxiety and intrusive thoughts six months after her first daughter was born, she recognized a gap in the support available to new mothers. Despite being a mental health professional herself, she felt lost and alone - which led her to transform her practice and become the resource she desperately needed during her own postpartum journey. Beyond Depression: Understanding the Full Spectrum of Postpartum Mental Health This conversation expands our understanding of postpartum mental health far beyond the commonly discussed depression and anxiety. Susannah introduces the concept of matrescence - the developmental process of becoming a mother, coined by anthropologist Dana Raphael in the 1970s. Just as adolescence doesn't happen overnight, neither does becoming a fully embodied mother. We explore the reality that postpartum is fundamentally about releasing - emotionally, physically, and mentally - as you navigate this profound life transition. The intrusive thoughts, the overwhelming feelings, the sense of losing yourself while gaining a new identity - these experiences are far more common than most mothers realize. The Invisible Load and the Power of Presence One of the most powerful themes in our discussion centers on the invisible emotional load that mothers carry. While pregnancy often feels celebratory and supported, the postpartum period can feel surprisingly lonely. Susannah shares practical wisdom about what true support looks like - and it's not always about completing tasks or offering advice. Sometimes the most healing thing someone can do is simply be present in the messiness without trying to fix anything. We discuss how friends and partners can show up authentically, moving beyond surface-level check-ins to create space for real emotional connection. Values-Based Living: Your Compass Through Chaos Rather than focusing on symptom management, Susannah's approach centers on values-based living. This means getting crystal clear about what you want your life to be about, then committing to actions that align with those values regardless of what difficult thoughts or emotions might be present. This framework provides a powerful compass during the chaos of early motherhood, helping you make decisions from a place of intention rather than being swept away by the intensity of new parent overwhelm. Here's what you can expect to gain from this episode: * Understanding that there's no threshold of suffering you must meet to deserve support * Learning why connection with your baby doesn't always happen instantly - and that's completely normal * Discovering practical tools for emotional repair in difficult moments * Recognizing the importance of community and how to actively build it as a new mother * Embracing the concept of matrescence as a developmental journey rather than a destination Breaking the "Bounce Back" Culture We challenge the harmful narrative that mothers should quickly return to their pre-baby selves. Instead, this conversation celebrates the profound transformation that motherhood brings and encourages mothers to trust themselves through the process. Susannah's message is clear: you don't need fixing. What you need is support, understanding, and permission to feel all the feelings that come with this monumental life change. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, feeling disconnected from your baby, or simply overwhelmed by the magnitude of your new role, there are people who understand and resources available to help. This episode is an invitation to shift how we think about postpartum - from isolation and unrealistic expectations to connection, care, and authentic support for the whole mother. Follow Susannah here: https://www.instagram.com/postpartumwithsusannah/?hl=en Listen to her podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/postpartum-changed-my-life/id1671682300 Visit her website here: https://susannahlongtherapy.com/