I Hear You Say

<img class=" wp-image-5108 aligncenter" src="https://videos.schoolcounselor.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ep62_social_media_1080x1080.jpg" alt="" width="375" height="375" />In this episode of I Hear You Say, hosts Jill Cook and Janae Douglas welcome Charle Peck, international keynote speaker, author, former educator and clinical trauma therapist, for a conversation about helping school counselors build stress tolerance and thrive under pressure. Peck explores the difference between simply surviving and truly thriving, why even highly capable educators can struggle when stress takes over and how anticipating pressure points can help school counselors prepare before challenges arise. She shares practical strategies for strengthening communication with teachers and families, using quick “rapid resets” to regulate the nervous system, recognizing negative “story spirals” and staying grounded by considering what information might be missing. The conversation also explores emotional regulation and co-regulation as the heartbeat of a school, the importance of modeling calm leadership and setting respectful limits, as well as how small, manageable steps can build greater well-being and resilience throughout the school year.

<img class="wp-image-5091 aligncenter" src="https://videos.schoolcounselor.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ep61_social_media_1080x1080.jpg" alt="" width="376" height="376" /> In this episode of I Hear You Say, hosts Jill Cook and Janae Douglas welcome Brent Burnham, nationally recognized educator, former school counselor and creator of the Bully Blockers and Cool2Care Revolution programs, for a conversation about supporting students' mental health and resilience. Burnham explores how school counselors can use data and the ASCA Student Standards to proactively support the whole child while addressing the growing impact of stress, anxiety and depression. He shares practical strategies for fostering a growth mindset, helping students reframe setbacks, recognize negative self-talk and build confidence through effort and persistence. The conversation also covers identifying signs of emotional distress, incorporating mindfulness and self-regulation techniques into the school day and understanding when students should be referred to mental health professionals for additional support.

<img class="wp-image-4932 aligncenter" src="https://videos.schoolcounselor.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ep60_social_media_1080x1080.jpg" alt="" width="375" height="375" /> In this episode of I Hear You Say, host Jill Cook, ASCA executive director, and co-host Christy Welch, chair of ASCA, welcome board candidates Ebonee Magee-Dorsey, DPC, Monica Bryant, Ed.D., Andres Castro, Ed.D., and Tosha Todd to discuss their backgrounds, leadership philosophies, and visions for the future of the profession. The candidates share why they are seeking board service and explore key issues facing school counselors, including advocacy, equitable access to comprehensive school counseling programs, student mental health, workforce readiness, and counselor retention. They also discuss the importance of transparent, collaborative governance and their commitment to helping ASCA continue advancing the profession and supporting school counselors nationwide.

<img class=" wp-image-4864 aligncenter" src="https://videos.schoolcounselor.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ep59_social_media_1080x01800.jpg" alt="" width="378" height="378" /> In this episode of I Hear You Say, host Jill Cook, ASCA executive director, and co-host Janae Douglas, ASCA education and training coordinator, are joined by Dr. Emily Goodman-Scott, Dr. Jennifer Betters-Bubon, Dr. Peg Donohue and Dr. Jacob Olsen, collectively known as School Counselors for MTSS, for a conversation about the growing role of multitiered systems of supports (MTSS) within the school counseling profession and its integration into the ASCA National Model®. The guests reflect on how the field has evolved from introducing MTSS concepts to focusing on deeper, more intentional implementation and share updates from the newly submitted second edition of "Making MTSS Work." The discussion explores expanded real-world examples; stronger guidance around teaming and collaboration; evidence- and practice-based interventions; and the importance of incorporating student, family and staff perspectives into Tier 1 systems. They also discuss practical implementation tools, including phased planning and checklists, along with strategies for aligning initiatives such as SEL and restorative practices within MTSS frameworks. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize that effective MTSS requires intentional systems, consistent practices and fidelity, rather than simply layering disconnected tiered activities.

<img class=" wp-image-4856 aligncenter" src="https://videos.schoolcounselor.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ep58_social_media_1080x0180.jpg" alt="" width="376" height="376" />In this episode of I Hear You Say, host Jill Cook, executive director of the American School Counselor Association, and co-host Leisl Moriarty, director of affiliate relations at ASCA, are joined by leaders from the Oklahoma School Counselor Association – Chelsea Hinkle, Dr. Sarah Kirk and Allison Morris – to discuss their 2025 award-winning Supporting Emergency and Alternative Licensure (SEAL) program. Created in response to a growing number of emergency-certified school counselors across the state, SEAL is a semester-long virtual training series designed to build foundational skills and align participants with the ASCA National Model®. The conversation explores how the program is strengthening confidence, improving program quality and expanding access for school counselors in rural and virtual settings. The group also shares lessons learned along the way, including navigating funding challenges, building buy-in and using data to support advocacy efforts.