Building Pathways to Healthy Minds: A ChildBuilders Podcast

Proud and Tired: Reflections on Baby’s First Year

Tamra's podcast description:   What is the first year of parenthood really like? Host Priscilla Bagley welcomes back Tamra Wilkerson for an honest and heartfelt conversation about life after one year into motherhood. Tamra reflects on the joys, challenges, and surprises of parenting, sharing how her expectations compared to reality as she navigated sleepless nights, changing routines, work-life balance, and the everyday decisions that come with raising a child. Together, Priscilla and Tamra explore topics like mom guilt, maintaining a strong partnership, letting go of perfection, and learning to appreciate the small moments through a child’s eyes. Filled with relatable stories and practical wisdom, this episode of Building Pathways to Healthy Minds offers encouragement for parents and caregivers while reminding us that there is no perfect way to parent. The journey of growing alongside our children is what truly matters. * Tamra's previous episode: Parenting Highlight: Before parenthood starts, how do we dream for our children and set up environme… [https://open.spotify.com/episode/66zWZMskZhL1gMpTqQlRSh] * For more information on developmental milestones and what children need at each stage, please visit: Parent Guide | ChildBuilders [https://childbuilders.org/parent-guide/] * Check out Tamra's book recommendation: " Fair Play: A Game-Changing Solution for When You Have Too Much to Do (and More Life to Live): Rodsky… [https://www.amazon.com/Fair-Play-Game-Changing-Solution-When/dp/0525541934]

Parenting Through Trauma with Compassion and Connection

In this episode of Building Pathways to Healthy Minds, host Priscilla sits down with Vincincia Wright, a licensed professional counselor, former educator, and Director of School-Based Services at Clear Hope Counseling and Wellness. Vincincia explains how trauma is shaped by a child's experience, why behavior is often a form of communication, and how parents can help children build resilience through connection, validation, and emotional safety. She also shares practical tips for recognizing when a child may be struggling and modeling healthy coping skills at home. This insightful conversation offers parents and caregivers valuable tools for helping children navigate challenges and thrive. Learn more about Vincincia here: https://www.clearhopewellness.com/vincincia-wright

Preparing Kids for Life Beyond Home

In this episode of Building Pathways to Healthy Minds, educator and school leader Kelly Broaddus shares practical insight on parenting, education, and helping children grow into confident, independent adults. Drawing from 25 years of experience in education and her own parenting journey, Kelly discusses the importance of play-based learning, healthy boundaries, resilience, and allowing kids to safely experience failure and discomfort. The conversation also explores modern parenting challenges like technology overuse, perfectionism, and over-protectiveness, while emphasizing that children don’t need perfect parents — they need supportive adults who listen, guide, and create safe spaces for growth, vulnerability, and connection.

Creating Stronger Families Through Prevention and Connection

In Season 2, episode 15, Michelle Sacks, the CEO of the Kailee Mills Foundation and former ChildBuilders educator, shares her journey and passion for protecting children through prevention and education. Michelle and our host Priscilla discuss the importance of starting safety conversations early, teaching kids assertiveness and empathy, and staying connected as parents. Drawing from both her professional experience and personal life, Michelle offers practical ways to help children navigate real-world risks. Her message is clear: prevention starts with us, and every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and seen. * Learn more about Michelle here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-sacks-gonzalez-40b1bb61/ * Kailee Mills Foundation: https://www.kaileemillsfoundation.org/

Beyond Academics: How Connection Transforms Learning

In this powerful episode of Building Pathways to Healthy Minds, educator and principal Lerato Mashiloane (Ms. Mash) shares her experience working with students in South Africa and the profound impact of social and emotional learning. Drawing from both public and private school settings, she highlights the complex challenges many students face, from poverty and trauma to lack of support at home. Through her work, she’s seen how empathy, connection, and intentional relationship-building can transform a child’s ability to learn and grow. Ms. Mash also offers a personal perspective, reflecting on her own upbringing and how it shapes the way she teaches and parents today. She emphasizes that raising resilient, emotionally aware children starts with adults doing their own healing and modeling healthy behaviors. This episode is a reminder that while education is important, connection comes first—and it starts with us. Learn more about Ms. Mash here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lerato-mashiloane-610555148/