Teacher Spotlight: Faith, Joy & the Heart of Teaching at Saint Barnabas — Conversations with Two Inspiring Educators

Teacher Spotlight: Faith, Joy & the Heart of Teaching at Saint Barnabas — Conversations with Two Inspiring Educators

In this heartwarming teacher spotlight episode of Saint B’s Podcast, host Paul Garcia sits down with two beloved Saint Barnabas Episcopal School educators: Mrs. Shannon Honeyager, longtime third-grade teacher, and Miss Elyse Ashwood, middle school science teacher and former SBES student. Together, they share their personal journeys into education, what fuels their passion for teaching, and how faith shapes their classrooms every day. Listeners will enjoy stories of classroom life—from third-grade structure and cursive writing to middle-school lab experiments and Snapple facts—as well as meaningful reflections on joy, patience, mentorship, community, and the transformative relationships between teachers and students. The episode also highlights the special full-circle bond between Elyse and her former third-grade teacher, Shannon. Whether you're a parent, educator, alum, or someone who simply loves great stories of teaching and faith, this episode is an uplifting tribute to the heart and heritage of Saint Barnabas. ⏱️ Time Stamps 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction 00:13 – Teacher Spotlight Begins 00:28 – Meet Mrs. Honeyager & Miss Ashwood 01:18 – How Their Paths Led to Teaching 02:28 – Passion for Third Grade & Middle School Science 04:23 – What Life Looks Like in Their Classrooms 06:19 – The Value of Cursive, Hands-On Learning & Safe Spaces 08:42 – Classroom Routines, Centers & Engagement 11:48 – Building Joy, Confidence & Relationships 14:17 – Growing Up in DeLand & Teaching in Their Hometown 16:32 – How Faith Shapes Their Teaching 19:37 – Lessons Their Students Have Taught Them 26:04 – Their Unique Teacher–Student–Colleague Connection

Raising Teenagers in a Digital World: Faith, Mental Health, Technology & Communication for Today’s Families

Parenting teenagers has never been more complex—or more meaningful. In this episode of Saint B’s Podcast, host Paul Garcia sits down with Evelyn McCulloch, Director of Technology for the Florida Council of Independent Schools, and Lauren Higgs, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and adolescent therapist, to explore what today’s teens are facing and how families can navigate this season with wisdom, faith, and connection. Together, they unpack everything from digital challenges and healthy tech boundaries to communication strategies, mental health, anxiety, resilience, rewards, family balance, and nurturing faith in a world full of distractions. Evelyn and Lauren offer real-world examples, practical tools, and heartfelt guidance for parents who want to stay connected, stay informed, and raise emotionally grounded, spiritually rooted teens. If you're parenting a teen—or preparing for that chapter—this episode will leave you encouraged, equipped, and reminded that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. ⏱️ Time Stamps 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction 00:15 – Today’s Topic: Parenting & Supporting Teens 00:36 – Guest Introductions: Technology & Mental Health Experts 01:36 – How Technology Shapes Today’s Teen Experience 02:41 – Teens, Anxiety & Emotional Health 03:45 – Communication Strategies for Teenagers 06:14 – Using Rewards, Structure & Trust-Building 08:01 – Parenting Resources: Media, Monitoring & Guidance 09:21 – Helping Teens Find Balance in a Busy World 12:28 – Nurturing Faith & Family Values Amid Distractions 16:11 – Staying Ahead of Tech: Boundaries & Curiosity 21:22 – Understanding Anxiety: When to Seek Help 26:04 – Lightning Round: Insights, Advice & Faith for Parents

School Safety at Saint Barnabas: Expert Insights on Preparedness, Security & Building a Protected Campus Community

Safety isn’t just a protocol—it’s a culture. In this episode of Saint B’s Podcast, host Paul Garcia sits down with emergency management specialist, military veteran, and SBES parent Andrew Jenkins to discuss how Saint Barnabas Episcopal School creates a safe, secure, and prepared environment for every student, teacher, and family. From layered security measures and emergency planning to communication strategies and faith-centered guidance, Andrew offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to protect a school community. Parents will gain practical tips for disaster preparedness at home, learn how to talk with children about safety, and discover why collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies makes Saint Barnabas uniquely equipped for today’s challenges. If you care about student safety, emergency readiness, or building a resilient school community rooted in love and responsibility, this episode is essential listening. ⏱️ Time Stamps 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction 00:13 – Today’s Topic: Safety & Security at SBES 00:38 – Guest Introduction: Andrew Jenkins 01:08 – National Preparedness: Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, Recovery 02:03 – Safety Culture at a Smaller School 03:06 – Layers of Security: Access Control, Cameras, Training 04:08 – Emergency Preparedness & Communication Protocols 05:17 – Why SBES Location & Partnerships Strengthen Safety 06:21 – What a Safety Expert Looks for as a Parent 07:26 – Continuous Improvement & Realistic Expectations 08:20 – Local, State & Federal Collaboration 11:18 – How Parents Can Prepare: Communication, Planning & Calm Leadership

Pastoral Care at Saint Barnabas: How Faith, Presence & Support Shape Students, Families, and Faculty

Pastoral care is more than a program — it's a lifeline of faith, presence, and compassion woven into the culture of Saint Barnabas Episcopal School. In this episode of Saint B’s Podcast, host Paul Garcia sits down with Mother Audrey Sutton and Reverend Stephanie Whitman to explore how pastoral care supports students, families, faculty, and staff through life’s challenges, celebrations, and spiritual questions. Together, they discuss what pastoral care really means, how spiritual guidance intersects with education, the ways students are stepping into leadership and faith formation, and how parents and teachers are finding their own safe spaces for care. You’ll also hear touching stories, practical examples, and a look at how chaplains themselves find the support they need to care for others. Whether you're part of the Saint Barnabas community or simply interested in how faith-based schools nurture whole-person well-being, this episode offers warmth, insight, and inspiration. ⏱️ Time Stamps - 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction Saint B’s Podcast opens with a conversation on faith, family, and pastoral care. - 00:47 – Meet Today’s Guests Introductions of Mother Audrey Sutton and Reverend Stephanie Whitman. - 02:04 – What Pastoral Care Is (and Isn’t) A clear explanation of pastoral care as spiritual guidance rather than counseling. - 03:12 – Ministry of Presence in the Classroom Rev. Whitman shares how faith naturally integrates into teaching. - 05:12 – Supporting Students Through Identity & Emotions Helping young people make sense of spiritual and emotional experiences. - 06:18 – A Student’s Story About Loss & Hope Mother Audrey recounts a meaningful pastoral moment with a grieving student. - 07:38 – Students Stepping into Leadership & Faith Formation Increased chapel participation, Scripture reading, and interest in baptism. - 09:28 – Creating Safe Spaces for Student Questions How pastoral care invites honesty, doubt, curiosity, and spiritual growth. - 12:13 – Caring for Parents & Families Moms groups, conversations, and organic opportunities to support families. - 15:27 – Confidentiality, Trust & the Heart of Pastoral Care How chaplains create a judgment-free, confidential support system. - 21:36 – Supporting Faculty & Staff Prayer teams, emotional support, and a safe place for teachers and administrators. - 25:09 – How Chaplains Care for ThemselvesSabbath, mentorship, prayer practices, and finding support as caregivers.

Trailer - Join us for our first episode!

What happens when faith meets real life inside a school community? In our very first episode, Head of School Paul Garcia sits down with Mother Audrey Sutton and Reverend Stephanie Whitman for a conversation about pastoral care at Saint Barnabas. Together, they explore the power of presence, the role of faith in moments of joy and loss, and the quiet ways students, families, and faculty are supported every day. This episode offers stories, insight, and heart… and a glimpse into what it means to care for the whole person. Join us for the premiere of Saint B’s Podcast, and listen in on a conversation that sets the tone for what’s to come.