How Trauma-Informed Teaching Transformed My Inclusive Classroom

In this episode of A Work of Heart, Dr. Ilana Nankin sits down with Dr. Salina Gray, a veteran educator whose career spans over three decades across middle, high, and elementary school settings, and now, special education. Salina’s story is a profound example of the "Transformation of Self." She shares her vulnerable journey from an unconsciously dysregulated teacher—who unintentionally caused harm while trying to "fix" her students—to becoming a trauma-informed educator who leads with presence, compassion, and mindful listening. If you have ever felt like you are carrying too much or wondered how your own state of being impacts your classroom, this conversation offers a powerful roadmap for healing and sustainable, heart-centered teaching.Best Moments from the EpisodeSalina describes the pivotal shift from asking, "What is wrong with me/my students?" to "What happened to me?" and how that language change unlocked her ability to heal.We discuss the courage required to face past pedagogical mistakes, apologize to former students, and accept responsibility for unintended harm.Salina shares why "Mindful Listening"—witnessing without the urge to fix, judge, or advise—is the single most transformational practice in her classroom.You will hear how rituals, play-based learning, and morning affirmations have created a classroom culture so regulated that students who struggle with attention are able to engage in rigorous academic work for 30–45 minutes at a time.The conversation highlights how the same tools used for trauma-informed teaching are naturally aligned with supporting neurodiverse students in a Special Day Class (SDC) setting.What You’ll Learn in This Episode You will learn why the most effective tool in your classroom is your own regulated nervous system. We explore the practice of mindful listening as a strategy for building deep social-emotional intelligence and how to implement it even with the youngest learners. You will gain insight into how to structure a classroom day—from morning tubs to affirmations—that builds agency and safety. Finally, you will hear how one educator’s commitment to her own internal "excavation work" led to a professional rebirth, allowing her to serve her students with more clarity and joy than ever before.Meet Your Guest Dr. Salina Gray is a veteran educator with over 30 years of experience, having taught in middle, high, and elementary school settings. She holds a PhD in Education from Stanford University and currently works with neurodiverse students in a Special Day Class (SDC). A dedicated member of the Breathe For Change community, Dr. Gray is a passionate mentor, faculty member, and advocate for trauma-informed, somatic-based education that honors the wisdom of the body.Episode Timestamps00:00 — A 30-Year Career: From Middle School to Special Education02:19 — Healing the Self: "What Happened to Me" vs. "What is Wrong With Me"09:57 — The Mirror of the Past: Realizing Unintended Harm16:04 — The Breathe For Change Transformation25:57 — Mindful Listening: The Ultimate Game Changer33:46 — Inside Dr. Gray’s Classroom: Rituals, Play, and Regulation37:32 — How to Enable Academic Stamina Through ConnectionAbout Breathe For Change We are on a mission to unlock the Human Intelligence in every educator and student through our accredited master's program and certification. When you learn to breathe again, the whole system begins to change.Connect With Us Subscribe to A Work of Heart on your favorite platform. You can learn more about the Breathe For Change Masters of Education on our website and follow our community's journey of transformation on social media.