Navigating the Adolescent Journey with Tewanda Hardy

In this episode, Catherine Quinlan speaks with Tewanda Hardy, a counselor specializing in working with Black youth. Tewanda shares her journey from a corporate career to independent counseling, emphasizing the importance of supporting adolescents during their transition. The conversation explores the rising rates of mental health issues among youth, the impact of social media and comparison culture, and the generational gaps in expectations between parents and their children. Tewanda highlights the significance of addressing shame and vulnerability, advocating for critical thinking, and the challenges of navigating institutional identity versus personal values. In this conversation, Catherine Quinlan and Tewanda Hardy explore the complexities of parenting, identity, and the impact of societal beliefs on young people. They discuss the importance of questioning established beliefs, the difference between controlling and empowering parenting styles, and the role of boredom in fostering creativity. The conversation also delves into the challenges teenage boys face regarding their identity, the influence of media, and the necessity of creating safe spaces for emotional expression. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for simplicity in parenting and the importance of providing support to help young people navigate their journeys of self-discovery.About Tewanda Hardy, BSW, MSW:Founder & CEO, Project Inside Out Teens, LLCTewanda Hardy is a seasoned social worker with over 20 years of experience supporting youth, families, and communities through challenging life transitions. As the Founder and CEO of Project Inside Out Teens, LLC, she is deeply committed to helping teens evolve from the inside out by guiding them toward self-awareness, confidence, and emotional balance.Through private coaching sessions, support groups, and interactive workshops, Project Inside Out Teens empowers youth to see the good in themselves, navigate life’s pressures, strengthen resilience, and build a sense of true belonging.Vision: A world where every teen feels worthy, strong, creative, and connected. Mission: To help teens evolve through self-discovery, reflection, and emotional growth. Values: Confidence | Resilience | Critical Thinking | BelongingConnect with Tewanda here: https://blinq.me/mHcRMfvgoRLaLJK6ATciAbout the Host: Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan, ED.D. :I am a researcher, professor, and curriculum design expert. I currently hold the Brenda B. Brodie Endowed Chair for Teacher Education in the School of Education at North Carolina Central University. Learn more about me and my research on my websites and YouTube channels. For more information visit my websites: Personal Website of Dr.Catherine L. Quinlan: ⁠https://drcatherinequinlan.com⁠Visibility In STEMSelected Education Work: ⁠https://visibilityinstem.com/⁠TEDx Talk: The ClarityWe Need For Belonging: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xAD3I3x-M&feature=youtu.be⁠Recent Academic Book:Black Representation in the Science Curriculum: Implications for Identity,Culture, Belonging, and Curriculum Development. ⁠https://www.routledge.com/9781032757193⁠Keystone Passage,Chapter Series Book: ⁠https://keystonepassage.com⁠Check out the podcast:Learning, for Truth and Love: Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6IlAjleK06X35gdoGqylGH⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@drcatherinequinlan⁠ Podcasts ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/learning-for-truth-and-love/id1785560564⁠ Music: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/649118d6-1db7-4273-aa01-bfd495703f71/learning-for-truth-and-love⁠ iHeart Radio: ⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-learning-for-truth-and-lov-248725998/⁠