Season 1 Episode 3: Self-Management, Emotional Regulation, and Resilience

Dr. Esther C. Bubb and guest, Dr. Natalie Hess, unpack what it means to lead when you’re tired, stretched thin, or tested, and the behavioral science behind staying centered when it matters most. Dr. Hess's Bio: Dr. Natalie Hess is the Director of Special Education and Support Services for the Brandywine School District, where she leads district-wide programs and services for students with disabilities and their families. A career special education executive, she has led large-scale systems in urban, suburban, and regional settings, including serving as Assistant Director of Student Services for the Delaware County Intermediate Unit and Deputy Chief of the Office of Specialized Services in the School District of Philadelphia, supervising services for more than 19,000 students across 220 schools. Her leadership is grounded in behavioral science, emotional intelligence, and a deep commitment to creating regulated, emotionally safe environments for adults and children. Drawing on ABA-based self-management, resilience research, and her own experiences leading through crisis, staffing shortages, and high-stakes compliance demands, Dr. Hess focuses on concrete behaviors that help leaders stay centered, protect their teams, and preserve dignity for students and families. Dr. Hess holds a Doctorate in Learning and Organizational Change from Baylor University and has presented nationally on early intervention, special education leadership, and organizational change. She is an active member of multiple professional organizations and is passionate about helping leaders sustain their work with clarity, compassion, and steadiness over time.