S1E1: Nurturing Minds, Elevating Education and Wellbeing with Elle Hayes

S1E3 Video: Connection Over Curriculum: What 40 Years in Education Taught Monica Cochran

In this Raising and Rising episode, I speak with Monica Cochran — a courageous, deeply experienced educator whose 40-year journey has taken her across public schools, special education programs, Montessori classrooms, corporate training, and micro school consulting. Monica shares how her fluke entry into education became a lifelong mission to champion emotionally safe, child-centered learning — especially for neurodivergent children and the families who raise them. Together, we explore the vital role of co-regulation, attunement, and noticing our children's strengths, and why it’s never about perfection — but always about connection. This episode is a warm, grounded reminder that the way we teach, guide, and parent must start with relationship, not curriculum. And that when we meet both our children and ourselves with compassion, growth flows naturally. * The surprising start to Monica’s 40-year education journey * How co-regulation and felt safety unlock learning * Why connection matters more than curriculum — especially for neurodivergent learners * What gets in the way of “teachable moments” — and how to make space for them * How to build capacity in parents so they can better support their kids * Rethinking education for a fast-changing world 00:00:00 – Introduction to Raising and Rising Podcast 00:00:55 – Meet Monica: A Journey in Education 00:01:22 – Early Challenges and Breakthroughs 00:04:04 – The Evolution of Education 00:05:56 – Building Connection and Felt Safety 00:10:16 – Supporting Neurodivergent Kids and Families 00:12:23 – The Importance of Strengths and Passions 00:19:50 – Future of Education and Self-Directed Learning 00:22:47 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts Monica is the founder of Learning Without Borders, where she works with families, educators, and micro schools to support neurodivergent learners and reimagine education systems that honor the whole child.🌍 ⁠https://learningwithoutborders.com/⁠ [https://learningwithoutborders.com/] Monica primarily works through referrals and long-standing collaborations — but if her message resonates with you, don’t hesitate to reach out. 💡 Coaching & Resources If you’re navigating parenting challenges or rethinking how your child learns best, I’d love to support you. I offer practical coaching infused with healing, neuroscience, and self-directed learning.👉 ⁠Start here⁠ [https://wa.me/message/RIJD7DKDBU2CD1] 🌱 Join the Free CommunityYou’re not alone. Our Self Directed Life community is a space to heal, learn, and lead with curiosity and courage.👉 ⁠nas.io/SDL⁠ [https://nas.io/SDL] 📲 Follow on Instagram Daily tools, deep truths, and a little bit of play — for conscious parents, educators, and women rising into their purpose.👉 ⁠@selfdirectedlearners.co⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/selfdirectedlearners.co] ✨ Let’s keep raising and rising — together.

S1E3: Connection Over Curriculum: What 40 Years in Education Taught Monica Cochran

In this Raising and Rising episode, I speak with Monica Cochran — a courageous, deeply experienced educator whose 40-year journey has taken her across public schools, special education programs, Montessori classrooms, corporate training, and micro school consulting. Monica shares how her fluke entry into education became a lifelong mission to champion emotionally safe, child-centered learning — especially for neurodivergent children and the families who raise them. Together, we explore the vital role of co-regulation, attunement, and noticing our children's strengths, and why it’s never about perfection — but always about connection. This episode is a warm, grounded reminder that the way we teach, guide, and parent must start with relationship, not curriculum. And that when we meet both our children and ourselves with compassion, growth flows naturally. * The surprising start to Monica’s 40-year education journey * How co-regulation and felt safety unlock learning * Why connection matters more than curriculum — especially for neurodivergent learners * What gets in the way of “teachable moments” — and how to make space for them * How to build capacity in parents so they can better support their kids * Rethinking education for a fast-changing world 00:00:00 – Introduction to Raising and Rising Podcast 00:00:55 – Meet Monica: A Journey in Education 00:01:22 – Early Challenges and Breakthroughs 00:04:04 – The Evolution of Education 00:05:56 – Building Connection and Felt Safety 00:10:16 – Supporting Neurodivergent Kids and Families 00:12:23 – The Importance of Strengths and Passions 00:19:50 – Future of Education and Self-Directed Learning 00:22:47 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts Monica is the founder of Learning Without Borders, where she works with families, educators, and micro schools to support neurodivergent learners and reimagine education systems that honor the whole child.🌍 https://learningwithoutborders.com/ [https://learningwithoutborders.com/] Monica primarily works through referrals and long-standing collaborations — but if her message resonates with you, don’t hesitate to reach out. 💡 Coaching & Resources If you’re navigating parenting challenges or rethinking how your child learns best, I’d love to support you. I offer practical coaching infused with healing, neuroscience, and self-directed learning.👉 Start here [https://wa.me/message/RIJD7DKDBU2CD1] 🌱 Join the Free Community You’re not alone. Our Self Directed Life community is a space to heal, learn, and lead with curiosity and courage.👉 nas.io/SDL [https://nas.io/SDL] 📲 Follow on Instagram Daily tools, deep truths, and a little bit of play — for conscious parents, educators, and women rising into their purpose. 👉 @selfdirectedlearners.co [https://www.instagram.com/selfdirectedlearners.co] ✨ Let’s keep raising and rising — together.

S1E2 Video: Education Equity and Trauma-Informed Learning – with Dawn Fung from LittleU

In this Educating from Within episode, Sheryl interviews Dawn Fung, founder of LittleU — a micro school and consultancy designed to support neurodivergent children, homeschooling families, and those recovering from school-related trauma. Dawn shares how her team creates emotionally safe, personalized learning environments, and why portfolios, choice, and slowing down are essential for real growth. Key Topics Covered: * What is education equity? * How school systems can cause trauma * The importance of portfolios vs. exams * Guilds, family-led learning, and apprenticeship models * How to know if your child needs trauma-informed education * Why choice, safety, and connection matter 00:35 Introduction and Purpose of the Interview 00:59 Overview of LittleU's Mission and Programs 02:12 Challenges and Goals of LittleU 02:41 Understanding Education Equity 05:22 The Role of Portfolios in Education 06:53 Historical Context and Guilds 09:41 Family as a Learning Unit 15:13 Trauma-Informed Education 18:36 Identifying and Addressing Trauma in Children 23:42 LittleU's Approach to Success and Future Plans 27:09 Sustainability and Growth of LittleU Connect with Dawn Fung & LittleU: www.littleu.org [www.littleu.org] Want More Support and Connection? If you're looking for guidance on raising resilient, curious, and empowered children, I'm here to help! 💡 Coaching & Resources: Chat with me for coaching sessions and resources designed to empower you and your family. ⁠⁠https://wa.me/message/RIJD7DKDBU2CD1⁠⁠ [https://wa.me/message/RIJD7DKDBU2CD1] 🌱 Join My Free Community: Connect with like-minded parents and educators in our Self Directed Life community at ⁠⁠nas.io/SDL⁠⁠ [https://nas.io/SDL]. 📲 Follow Us on Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/selfdirectedlearners.co⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/selfdirectedlearners.co]/ Let’s keep raising and rising together!

S1E2: Education Equity and Trauma-Informed Learning – with Dawn Fung from LittleU

In this Educating from Within episode, Sheryl interviews Dawn Fung, founder of LittleU — a micro school and consultancy designed to support neurodivergent children, homeschooling families, and those recovering from school-related trauma. Dawn shares how her team creates emotionally safe, personalized learning environments, and why portfolios, choice, and slowing down are essential for real growth. Key Topics Covered: * What is education equity? * How school systems can cause trauma * The importance of portfolios vs. exams * Guilds, family-led learning, and apprenticeship models * How to know if your child needs trauma-informed education * Why choice, safety, and connection matter 00:35 Introduction and Purpose of the Interview00:59 Overview of LittleU's Mission and Programs02:12 Challenges and Goals of LittleU02:41 Understanding Education Equity05:22 The Role of Portfolios in Education06:53 Historical Context and Guilds09:41 Family as a Learning Unit15:13 Trauma-Informed Education18:36 Identifying and Addressing Trauma in Children23:42 LittleU's Approach to Success and Future Plans27:09 Sustainability and Growth of LittleU Connect with Dawn Fung & LittleU: www.littleu.org Want More Support and Connection? If you're looking for guidance on raising resilient, curious, and empowered children, I'm here to help! 💡 Coaching & Resources: Chat with me for coaching sessions and resources designed to empower you and your family. ⁠https://wa.me/message/RIJD7DKDBU2CD1⁠ [https://wa.me/message/RIJD7DKDBU2CD1] 🌱 Join My Free Community: Connect with like-minded parents and educators in our Self Directed Life community at ⁠nas.io/SDL⁠ [https://nas.io/SDL]. 📲 Follow Us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/selfdirectedlearners.co⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/selfdirectedlearners.co]/ Let’s keep raising and rising together!

S1E1: Nurturing Minds, Elevating Education and Wellbeing with Elle Hayes

In this episode of Raising and Rising, host Sheryl from Self Directed Life talks with Elle, a former teacher with 30 years of experience who founded a wellbeing support business. They discuss the stress faced by educators, the importance of mental health support for children, and holistic approaches to education. Elle shares insights from her career and the impact of standardized testing on teachers' and students' wellbeing. They also explore effective strategies for creating a safer, nurturing learning environment, emphasizing the importance of listening to children and the benefits of having classroom assistants. The episode provides valuable tips on conscious parenting and the necessity of co-regulation and mindfulness in both children and educators.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:17 Elle's Teaching Journey 01:40 Challenges in the Education System 02:47 Transition to Counseling 03:24 Structure of Elle's Counseling Business 04:26 Preventative Measures for Children's Wellbeing 05:55 Supporting Teachers and Classrooms 07:00 Polyvagal Theory and Personal Healing 07:42 Key Messages for Parents and Educators 11:57 Global Education and Wellbeing 14:28 Montessori School Success 21:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Reach out to Elle Hayes: * calmkidswellbeing.com.au⁠https://www.instagram.com/calmkidswellbeing⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/calmkidswellbeing] Want More Support and Connection? If you're looking for guidance on raising resilient, curious, and empowered children, I'm here to help!💡 Coaching & Resources: Chat with me for coaching sessions and resources designed to empower you and your family. ⁠https://wa.me/message/RIJD7DKDBU2CD1⁠ [https://wa.me/message/RIJD7DKDBU2CD1] 🌱 Join My Free Community: Connect with like-minded parents and educators in our Self Directed Life community at nas.io/SDL. 📲 Follow Us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/selfdirectedlearners.co⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/selfdirectedlearners.co]/ Let’s keep raising and rising together!