Raising and Rising

In this Raising and Rising episode, I speak with Monica Cochran — a courageous, deeply experienced educator whose 40-year journey has taken her across public schools, special education programs, Montessori classrooms, corporate training, and micro school consulting.Monica shares how her fluke entry into education became a lifelong mission to champion emotionally safe, child-centered learning — especially for neurodivergent children and the families who raise them. Together, we explore the vital role of co-regulation, attunement, and noticing our children's strengths, and why it’s never about perfection — but always about connection.This episode is a warm, grounded reminder that the way we teach, guide, and parent must start with relationship, not curriculum. And that when we meet both our children and ourselves with compassion, growth flows naturally.The surprising start to Monica’s 40-year education journeyHow co-regulation and felt safety unlock learningWhy connection matters more than curriculum — especially for neurodivergent learnersWhat gets in the way of “teachable moments” — and how to make space for themHow to build capacity in parents so they can better support their kidsRethinking education for a fast-changing world00:00:00 – Introduction to Raising and Rising Podcast00:00:55 – Meet Monica: A Journey in Education00:01:22 – Early Challenges and Breakthroughs00:04:04 – The Evolution of Education00:05:56 – Building Connection and Felt Safety00:10:16 – Supporting Neurodivergent Kids and Families00:12:23 – The Importance of Strengths and Passions00:19:50 – Future of Education and Self-Directed Learning00:22:47 – Conclusion and Final ThoughtsMonica is the founder of Learning Without Borders, where she works with families, educators, and micro schools to support neurodivergent learners and reimagine education systems that honor the whole child.🌍 ⁠https://learningwithoutborders.com/⁠Monica primarily works through referrals and long-standing collaborations — but if her message resonates with you, don’t hesitate to reach out.💡 Coaching & ResourcesIf you’re navigating parenting challenges or rethinking how your child learns best, I’d love to support you. I offer practical coaching infused with healing, neuroscience, and self-directed learning.👉 ⁠Start here⁠🌱 Join the Free CommunityYou’re not alone. Our Self Directed Life community is a space to heal, learn, and lead with curiosity and courage.👉 ⁠nas.io/SDL⁠📲 Follow on InstagramDaily tools, deep truths, and a little bit of play — for conscious parents, educators, and women rising into their purpose.👉 ⁠@selfdirectedlearners.co⁠✨ Let’s keep raising and rising — together.

In this Raising and Rising episode, I speak with Monica Cochran — a courageous, deeply experienced educator whose 40-year journey has taken her across public schools, special education programs, Montessori classrooms, corporate training, and micro school consulting.Monica shares how her fluke entry into education became a lifelong mission to champion emotionally safe, child-centered learning — especially for neurodivergent children and the families who raise them. Together, we explore the vital role of co-regulation, attunement, and noticing our children's strengths, and why it’s never about perfection — but always about connection.This episode is a warm, grounded reminder that the way we teach, guide, and parent must start with relationship, not curriculum. And that when we meet both our children and ourselves with compassion, growth flows naturally.The surprising start to Monica’s 40-year education journeyHow co-regulation and felt safety unlock learningWhy connection matters more than curriculum — especially for neurodivergent learnersWhat gets in the way of “teachable moments” — and how to make space for themHow to build capacity in parents so they can better support their kidsRethinking education for a fast-changing world00:00:00 – Introduction to Raising and Rising Podcast00:00:55 – Meet Monica: A Journey in Education00:01:22 – Early Challenges and Breakthroughs00:04:04 – The Evolution of Education00:05:56 – Building Connection and Felt Safety00:10:16 – Supporting Neurodivergent Kids and Families00:12:23 – The Importance of Strengths and Passions00:19:50 – Future of Education and Self-Directed Learning00:22:47 – Conclusion and Final ThoughtsMonica is the founder of Learning Without Borders, where she works with families, educators, and micro schools to support neurodivergent learners and reimagine education systems that honor the whole child.🌍 https://learningwithoutborders.com/Monica primarily works through referrals and long-standing collaborations — but if her message resonates with you, don’t hesitate to reach out.💡 Coaching & ResourcesIf you’re navigating parenting challenges or rethinking how your child learns best, I’d love to support you. I offer practical coaching infused with healing, neuroscience, and self-directed learning.👉 Start here🌱 Join the Free CommunityYou’re not alone. Our Self Directed Life community is a space to heal, learn, and lead with curiosity and courage.👉 nas.io/SDL📲 Follow on InstagramDaily tools, deep truths, and a little bit of play — for conscious parents, educators, and women rising into their purpose.👉 @selfdirectedlearners.co✨ Let’s keep raising and rising — together.

In this Educating from Within episode, Sheryl interviews Dawn Fung, founder of LittleU — a micro school and consultancy designed to support neurodivergent children, homeschooling families, and those recovering from school-related trauma. Dawn shares how her team creates emotionally safe, personalized learning environments, and why portfolios, choice, and slowing down are essential for real growth.Key Topics Covered:What is education equity?How school systems can cause traumaThe importance of portfolios vs. examsGuilds, family-led learning, and apprenticeship modelsHow to know if your child needs trauma-informed educationWhy choice, safety, and connection matter00:35 Introduction and Purpose of the Interview00:59 Overview of LittleU's Mission and Programs02:12 Challenges and Goals of LittleU02:41 Understanding Education Equity05:22 The Role of Portfolios in Education06:53 Historical Context and Guilds09:41 Family as a Learning Unit15:13 Trauma-Informed Education18:36 Identifying and Addressing Trauma in Children23:42 LittleU's Approach to Success and Future Plans27:09 Sustainability and Growth of LittleUConnect with Dawn Fung & LittleU: www.littleu.orgWant More Support and Connection? If you're looking for guidance on raising resilient, curious, and empowered children, I'm here to help!💡 Coaching & Resources: Chat with me for coaching sessions and resources designed to empower you and your family. ⁠⁠https://wa.me/message/RIJD7DKDBU2CD1⁠⁠🌱 Join My Free Community: Connect with like-minded parents and educators in our Self Directed Life community at ⁠⁠nas.io/SDL⁠⁠.📲 Follow Us on Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/selfdirectedlearners.co⁠⁠/Let’s keep raising and rising together!

In this Educating from Within episode, Sheryl interviews Dawn Fung, founder of LittleU — a micro school and consultancy designed to support neurodivergent children, homeschooling families, and those recovering from school-related trauma. Dawn shares how her team creates emotionally safe, personalized learning environments, and why portfolios, choice, and slowing down are essential for real growth.Key Topics Covered:What is education equity?How school systems can cause traumaThe importance of portfolios vs. examsGuilds, family-led learning, and apprenticeship modelsHow to know if your child needs trauma-informed educationWhy choice, safety, and connection matter00:35 Introduction and Purpose of the Interview00:59 Overview of LittleU's Mission and Programs02:12 Challenges and Goals of LittleU02:41 Understanding Education Equity05:22 The Role of Portfolios in Education06:53 Historical Context and Guilds09:41 Family as a Learning Unit15:13 Trauma-Informed Education18:36 Identifying and Addressing Trauma in Children23:42 LittleU's Approach to Success and Future Plans27:09 Sustainability and Growth of LittleUConnect with Dawn Fung & LittleU: www.littleu.orgWant More Support and Connection? If you're looking for guidance on raising resilient, curious, and empowered children, I'm here to help!💡 Coaching & Resources: Chat with me for coaching sessions and resources designed to empower you and your family. ⁠https://wa.me/message/RIJD7DKDBU2CD1⁠🌱 Join My Free Community: Connect with like-minded parents and educators in our Self Directed Life community at ⁠nas.io/SDL⁠.📲 Follow Us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/selfdirectedlearners.co⁠/Let’s keep raising and rising together!

In this episode of Raising and Rising, host Sheryl from Self Directed Life talks with Elle, a former teacher with 30 years of experience who founded a wellbeing support business. They discuss the stress faced by educators, the importance of mental health support for children, and holistic approaches to education. Elle shares insights from her career and the impact of standardized testing on teachers' and students' wellbeing. They also explore effective strategies for creating a safer, nurturing learning environment, emphasizing the importance of listening to children and the benefits of having classroom assistants. The episode provides valuable tips on conscious parenting and the necessity of co-regulation and mindfulness in both children and educators.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:17 Elle's Teaching Journey01:40 Challenges in the Education System02:47 Transition to Counseling03:24 Structure of Elle's Counseling Business04:26 Preventative Measures for Children's Wellbeing05:55 Supporting Teachers and Classrooms07:00 Polyvagal Theory and Personal Healing07:42 Key Messages for Parents and Educators11:57 Global Education and Wellbeing14:28 Montessori School Success21:49 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsReach out to Elle Hayes:calmkidswellbeing.com.au⁠https://www.instagram.com/calmkidswellbeing⁠Want More Support and Connection? If you're looking for guidance on raising resilient, curious, and empowered children, I'm here to help!💡 Coaching & Resources: Chat with me for coaching sessions and resources designed to empower you and your family. ⁠https://wa.me/message/RIJD7DKDBU2CD1⁠🌱 Join My Free Community: Connect with like-minded parents and educators in our Self Directed Life community at nas.io/SDL.📲 Follow Us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/selfdirectedlearners.co⁠/Let’s keep raising and rising together!

In this episode of Raising and Rising, host Sheryl from Self Directed Life talks with Elle, a former teacher with 30 years of experience who founded a wellbeing support business. They discuss the stress faced by educators, the importance of mental health support for children, and holistic approaches to education. Elle shares insights from her career and the impact of standardized testing on teachers' and students' wellbeing. They also explore effective strategies for creating a safer, nurturing learning environment, emphasizing the importance of listening to children and the benefits of having classroom assistants. The episode provides valuable tips on conscious parenting and the necessity of co-regulation and mindfulness in both children and educators.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:17 Elle's Teaching Journey01:40 Challenges in the Education System02:47 Transition to Counseling03:24 Structure of Elle's Counseling Business04:26 Preventative Measures for Children's Wellbeing05:55 Supporting Teachers and Classrooms07:00 Polyvagal Theory and Personal Healing07:42 Key Messages for Parents and Educators11:57 Global Education and Wellbeing14:28 Montessori School Success21:49 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsReach out to Elle Hayes:calmkidswellbeing.com.auhttps://www.instagram.com/calmkidswellbeingWant More Support and Connection? If you're looking for guidance on raising resilient, curious, and empowered children, I'm here to help!💡 Coaching & Resources: Chat with me for coaching sessions and resources designed to empower you and your family. https://wa.me/message/RIJD7DKDBU2CD1🌱 Join My Free Community: Connect with like-minded parents and educators in our Self Directed Life community at nas.io/SDL.📲 Follow Us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selfdirectedlearners.co/Let’s keep raising and rising together!