Right Moves: A LiiNK Center for Healthy Play Podcast

When life gives you lemons… you did notice the lemons, right? Opportunities for connection are right under our noses every day with each stranger we pass in the store or sit next to on a flight. The only way for those opportunities to flourish is for us to be open-minded and seek them out. In this second part of a 2-part series on purpose and productivity, Dr. Rhea explores the concept of synchronicity in our everyday lives and how we must recognize the possibility in every person we meet if we want to reach our full potential and purpose in life. Your life’s path doesn’t have to be a straight line; you just have to know when it’s time to make a turn.

Work, dinner, sleep, repeat… Is it Friday yet? It’s easy to get stuck in a negative mindset when you simply go through the motions of your day, especially if you find yourself in a role that doesn’t highlight your strengths or bring you joy. In this first part of a two-part series on purpose and productivity, Dr. Rhea walks us through a self-reflection exercise to see just how much our thoughts can impact our days, our weeks, and our lives. She discusses the importance of reflecting on each day and utilizing our natural character strengths to create a happier, more successful life. If you are unhappy with certain areas of your life, perhaps the change begins with you!Resources mentioned in this episode:VIA Survey of Character Strengths: Step 1 of 20 | Authentic Happiness (free to register)

In healthcare, there are three levels of prevention in treatment – primary, secondary and tertiary – and the focus primarily leans towards tertiary prevention which involves managing diseases that are already present. While the need for tertiary prevention is certainly high, shouldn’t we also be addressing how these diseases came to be and preventing them at the primary level by addressing how to shift behaviors to include exercise, proper nutrition, taking breaks throughout the day outdoors to reboot the brain, and other lifestyle factors? Dr. Rhea brings back Dr. Hope Shepherd and Theresa Murphy, LCSW, to address this topic and share what they have implemented in their own work with patients and residency physicians to focus on primary prevention. This conversation is a strong reminder that whole health is a community effort. If we want to see a healthy community, we must all work together to provide primary prevention starting with children.Theresa Murphy is a Director of Family Medicine Behavioral Health, working directly with patients and training residency doctors. Receiving her degree from Saint Louis University, Theresa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with interest in Behavioral Health Integration, Measurement-Based Care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Informed care, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and Health and Wellness. Dr. Hope Shepherd is a Student Clerkship Director for a Family Medicine Residency Program. She attended medical school at UT Southwestern Medical School, followed by a residency at Methodist Health System Family Medicine Residency Program, and a Faculty Development Fellowship at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. Dr. Shepherd’s areas of interest include medical education, preventative medicine, community medicine, and HIV health care.

It’s no secret that mental and physical health diseases are on the rise in the U.S., and most healthcare visits seem to focus on diagnoses and quick fixes usually through prescription drugs. Should we be shifting our focus? Dr. Rhea sits down with two practitioners who work primarily with residency programs, Dr. Hope Shepherd and Theresa Murphy, LCSW, to discuss how shifting the focus to primary prevention, such as exercise, spending time outdoors, and learning more about their patient’s lifestyles can help physicians better treat the whole health of their patients. Most importantly, they discuss the need to teach these approaches to their physician residents, barriers they face in making this shift, and remembering that healthcare should be more than just an algorithm. Theresa Murphy is a Director of Family Medicine Behavioral Health, working directly with patients and training residency doctors. Receiving her degree from Saint Louis University, Theresa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with interest in Behavioral Health Integration, Measurement-Based Care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Informed care, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and Health and Wellness. Dr. Hope Shepherd is a Student Clerkship Director for a Family Medicine Residency Program. She attended medical school at UT Southwestern Medical School, followed by a residency at Methodist Health System Family Medicine Residency Program, and a Faculty Development Fellowship at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. Dr. Shepherd’s areas of interest include medical education, preventative medicine, community medicine, and HIV health care.

From trying a new diet to getting a gym membership, every new year brings New Year’s resolutions. You may start them with high hopes and the best of intentions, but are you really putting the right things in place to reach a goal and then stick with it? In this episode, Dr. Rhea flies solo as she discusses why behavior change is often so difficult to maintain, and the simple steps you can take to create healthy habits that actually stick.Resources mentioned in this episode:https://www.myplate.gov/

VLK Architects is a north Texas based architecture firm that specializes in education settings and prioritizes the client’s needs and priorities. When Dr. Jim Chadwell, then superintendent of Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, partnered with VLK to design the new district administration building, he knew exactly what he wanted the building to be – a flexible, open-concept space that utilizes natural elements and the surrounding woods to create an environment people felt good in. The VLK team worked closely with Dr. Chadwell, taking the time to meet all of his goals, for no more cost than a regular education building. Together, they created a legacy of prioritizing whole health and nature within the community through their designs. Dr. Rhea sits down with Dr. Chadwell and Senior Associate at VLK who headed this project, Erjon Troqe, to share the design process and why intentionality and nature-based design is so important.Dr. Jim Chadwell was born in Fort Worth, Texas and earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees all from Texas Christian University. During his 31-year career in public education, he served in various teaching and administrative roles including teacher, coach, high school principal, executive director for elementary and secondary instruction, and superintendent. He served the last 14 years as superintendent of Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, where he had several accomplishments, including overseeing two bond programs bringing in new schools, a career and technology center, a new district administration building with a Discovery Lab Learning Center and renovations to every facility in the district. He also led the implementation of the EMS ISD Police Department district-wide, and the LiiNK Project in all EMS ISD elementary schools.Retiring from the district in January of 2025, Dr. Chadwell began his next chapter as an Educational Planner and Senior Associate for VLK Edge architecture team, bringing to the firm substantial experience as a leader in Texas public school districts.Erjon Troqe was born in Tirana, Albania. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in architecture and a master’s degree in urban planning from the Polytechnic University of Tirana. Erjon has practiced architecture in Texas with a specialization in design for the last 21 years. The first 9 years, he focused primarily in education settings working on mixed use and higher education spaces for TCU and SMU. For the last 13 years, he has dedicated his work to public education architecture around various regions of Texas.

In this concrete-jungle world, we’ve become an increasingly indoor society and it can be easy to forget the importance of immersing ourselves in nature, especially in school settings. The outdoor landscapes can be designed for natural engagement of play or hanging out or being active. Many different ways to think about a landscape to be more nature driven and inviting are available, i.e., use of large granite stones, berms (large mounds of dirt) functioning as paths or conversation areas, trees, and other nature materials. These settings can improve mood and stress levels by creating a sense of calm for everyone. In this episode, Dr. Rhea brings in Dr. Jim Chadwell, former superintendent of EMS ISD and current Senior Associate for VLK Edge architecture team, to share his experience with bringing naturalistic designs to outdoor school spaces. During his 14 years as superintendent, Dr. Chadwell knew the importance of the outdoors and unstructured play, especially as the LiiNK Project was implemented in every elementary school, and pushed hard to bring naturalistic design elements to each new school and district building built during his tenure. Listen as he recounts these builds and the positive impact these designs brought to EMS-ISD.Dr. Jim Chadwell was born in Fort Worth, Texas and earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees all from Texas Christian University. During his 31-year career in public education, he served in various teaching and administrative roles including teacher, coach, high school principal, executive director for elementary and secondary instruction, and superintendent. He served the last 14 years as superintendent of Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, where he had several accomplishments, including overseeing two bond programs bringing in new schools, a career and technology center, a new district administration building with a Discovery Lab Learning Center and renovations to every facility in the district. He also led the implementation of the EMS ISD Police Department district-wide, and the LiiNK Project in all EMS ISD elementary schools. Retiring from the district in January of 2025, Dr. Chadwell began his next chapter as an Educational Planner and Senior Associate for VLK Edge architecture team, bringing to the firm substantial experience as a leader in Texas public school districts.

Dr. Rhea brings back long-time friend and colleague, Cheryl Potemkin, to discuss her expertise and experience with professional development focused on outdoor learning. Cheryl dives into working with the audience’s strengths and needs, changing perspective on the outdoor space and one’s “nature identity”, and how centering the professional development message around the audience is key for a successful learning experience.Cheryl Potemkin is dedicated to designing and implementing nature-based learning and professional development, teaching science thinking concepts through quality children’s literature and hands-on activities through independent consulting and support. Cheryl is one of the North Texas Regional leads for the Texas Children in Nature Network, and a Board Member for the Fort Worth Association for the Education of Young Children. She’s currently earning her master’s degree in early childhood education at the University of North Texas and looking forward to supporting nature-based exploration for all! 

A Storybook Walk is a fun and creative way to engage children of all ages with reading while moving along a pathway, preferably outdoors. Dr. Rhea brings on long-time friend and colleague, Cheryl Potemkin, to share her expertise on Storybook Walks and how they can be effective even on a budget. Listen in as they break down different ways and places that Storybook Walks can be implemented without having to be part of a graded curriculum and still be highly effective. Nature gives us that unique energy! You’ll want to try this out!Cheryl Potemkin is dedicated to designing and implementing nature-based learning and professional development, teaching science thinking concepts through quality children’s literature and hands-on activities through independent consulting and support. Cheryl is one of the North Texas Regional leads for the Texas Children in Nature Network, and a Board Member for the Fort Worth Association for the Education of Young Children. She’s currently earning her master’s degree in early childhood education at the University of North Texas and looking forward to supporting nature-based exploration for all! 

The American Academy of Pediatrics first published a policy statement on recess in 2013, stating that recess plays a crucial role in a child’s development, and is equally as important as academic pursuits. Sadly, standardized testing and academic scores have continued to be prioritized in schools while recess is often removed for tutoring or punishment. After the Covid 19 pandemic, this trend only deepened despite numerous research pointing to recess, physical activity, and the outdoors as key elements to improve whole child health and academic scores. These two areas suffered greatly as schools attempted to get back on track after Covid. Though the AAP reaffirmed their recess policy statement in April of 2023, they knew an official update was needed. The update will be in print this spring 2026! Dr. Rhea sits down with Drs. Robert Murray and Cathy Ramstetter, co-authors of the previous 2013 recess policy statement and the updated 2026 policy statement, to discuss the elements that needed to be updated, a new element that needed more focus (medical field and the education system), and why the update is necessary now.Dr. Cathy Ramstetter is a School Health Consultant with ⁠Successful Healthy Children⁠, assisting schools with wellness initiatives and recess implementation, to protect recess for every child everyday and to foster children’s healthy growth and development. Dr. Ramstetter is the co-author of AAP’s Policy on Recess with Dr. Bob Murray. She serves on the Board of Directors for DePaul Cristo Rey High School in Cincinnati, where she is a member of the Academic Committee. In April, 2020, Dr. Ramstetter was a founding member of the ⁠Global Recess Alliance⁠, academic leaders from the US, Canada, United Kingdom and Australia, which guides schools to rethink policies and practices for recess.  In October of 2022, the ⁠International Play Association-USA⁠ conferred the Doctor of Play to Dr. Ramstetter in recognition of her lifetime achievements in advocating for the child’s right to play.Dr. Robert Murray spent over 20 years in the field of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition in the Ohio State University School of Medicine. For 5 years, he served as the director of the ⁠Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition⁠, offering medical and surgical treatments for child and adolescent obesity. Dr. Murray also was the pediatric medical director for ⁠Abbott Nutrition⁠ from 2003-2006. For over a decade Dr. Murray was an executive committee member of the ⁠American Academy of Pediatrics’ Council on School Health⁠, serving as chair in the final 4 years. He is a Board member of ⁠Action for Healthy Kids⁠, and previously served on the Board of the ⁠Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation⁠ and the ⁠Children’s Hunger Alliance⁠. Dr. Murray is a past President of the Ohio Chapter of the ⁠American Academy of Pediatrics⁠.

The LiiNK Project began as a research intervention to bridge the gap between academics and the whole child. Dr. Rhea has partnered with many school districts over the past 12 years to implement four 15-minute unstructured play breaks (recess) daily and a 15-minute character lesson daily.  The research has shown many positive mental, physical, social, and emotional health results for the children and adults in school settings. Despite having this large library of evidence-based, published research, it can still be difficult to convince schools districts that this is the right direction if they want to improve the whole health of their students and staff. In today’s episode, we’re flipping the script yet again, putting Dr. Rhea back in the hot seat with our good friend and colleague, Dr. Michelle Bauml, as the interviewer! Listen in as Dr. Rhea breaks down the essential policies and procedures that are needed to succeed, why this type of change is so challenging for schools to grasp, and what needs to happen if we are going create a healthy school environment for children to thrive. Dr. Michelle Bauml is a Professor of Early Childhood Education in the Department of Teaching and Learning Sciences at TCU with an emphasis in social studies education. As a former elementary teacher, Dr. Bauml’s research and teaching reflect her beliefs that children need ample opportunities for creative expression, play, and meaningful instruction in today’s schools. She conducts qualitative research aimed at helping teachers navigate professional complexities to make thoughtful, effective curricular and instructional decisions in order to promote student learning.LiiNK Website:https://liinkproject.tcu.edu/

Dr. Rhea brings back outdoor learning leaders, Pete Silvius and Amanda McMickle, to dive deeper into their nature based, public-private partnership between Seguin ISD’s Irma Lewis Outdoor Learning Center and the Will Smith Zoo School of San Antonio. While public-private, prekindergarten partnerships are common, Pete and Amanda are paving the way for outdoor learning programs to pursue such partnerships, benefitting the whole heath of its students, educators, and community members. Listen in as they describe their goals and objectives while planning the collaboration, the importance of both management and curriculum, and the importance of considering such programs for all grades K-12, not just early childhood. Pete Silvius is the Director of Whole Child Initiatives for Seguin ISD in Seguin, Texas. This is Pete’s 28th year working in public education.  He has a background in Physical Education and Special Education but his passion is Outdoor Education.  Pete is honored to work for Seguin ISD going on 23 years and is especially thankful for support of innovative programing including the LiiNK Project, Adventure School, The Irma Lewis Outdoor Learning Center, and Adventure Camp Summer Programs.  Pete is active within the Seguin community serving on the board for the Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center, Parks and Recreation Advisory, Planning and Zoning, and the Guadalupe Appraisal District.  Pete is a founder of the newly formed Community Cycles non-profit organization in Seguin.  Pete is married and has two grown children.  Amanda McMickle is the Vice President of Education at San Antonio Zoo. She has been a leader of nature schools ranging from public to private, early childhood to Kinder-6th grade. Amanda is the founder of ⁠Southwest Early Childhood Outdoors (SECO) which is a regional group that meets monthly to discuss nature-based philosophy, best practices, and advocacy. Amanda currently sits on the leadership board of ⁠Natural Start Alliance⁠ and the governing boards of ⁠Families in Nature⁠ and ⁠International Play Association-USA Chapter⁠. Amanda is a doctoral candidate in a program at the University of the Incarnate Word entitled Adult Education, Social Innovation, and Entrepreneurship.

Partnerships between public and private early childhood interventions are common and often encouraged to foster benefits and funding opportunities for both parties. What might this look like for nature-based education programs? In this exciting Season 7 opener, Dr. Rhea sits down with long time colleagues, Pete Silvius and Amanda McMickle, who are paving the way for nature-based, public-private school partnerships right here in Texas with their approved partnership between Seguin ISD’s Irma Lewis Outdoor Learning Center and the Will Smith Zoo School of San Antonio. These two truly passionate leaders and advocates for outdoor learning will discuss how their partnership came to be, challenges they’ve faced along the way, and the recent state bill that helped their vision flourish. Pete Silvius is the Director of Whole Child Initiatives for Seguin ISD in Seguin, Texas. This is Pete’s 28th year working in public education.  He has a background in Physical Education and Special Education but his passion is Outdoor Education.  Pete is honored to work for Seguin ISD going on 23 years and is especially thankful for support of innovative programing including the LiiNK Project, Adventure School, The Irma Lewis Outdoor Learning Center, and Adventure Camp Summer Programs.  Pete is active within the Seguin community serving on the board for the Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center, Parks and Recreation Advisory, Planning and Zoning, and the Guadalupe Appraisal District.  Pete is a founder of the newly formed Community Cycles non-profit organization in Seguin.  Pete is married and has two grown children.  Amanda McMickle is the Vice President of Education at San Antonio Zoo. She has been a leader of nature schools ranging from public to private, early childhood to Kinder-6th grade. Amanda is the founder of ⁠Southwest Early Childhood Outdoors (SECO) which is a regional group that meets monthly to discuss nature-based philosophy, best practices, and advocacy. Amanda currently sits on the leadership board of ⁠Natural Start Alliance⁠ and the governing boards of ⁠Families in Nature⁠ and ⁠International Play Association-USA Chapter⁠. Amanda is a doctoral candidate in a program at the University of the Incarnate Word entitled Adult Education, Social Innovation, and Entrepreneurship

Only about 13 of the 50 U.S states have recess requirements for elementary school students. While a state-required recess policy is a huge first step, is it really enough? Some states only require 20 minutes, other 30 minutes. With the success of California’s “Recess for All” in 2023, former senator, Josh Newman, understands there is still much more work to be done to improve his state’s education system. Dr. Rhea brings Former senator Newman back on for this season finale episode, to share his goals as he runs for California’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction position. Newman understands that whether you have kids in school or not, everybody should have a shared stake in education because the kids are the future of our society. With a career that spans military service, entrepreneurship, teaching, and elected office, Josh Newman brings a uniquely well-rounded perspective to public service. He most recently served as the State Senator for California’s 29th Senate District in Orange County, where he focused on strengthening local communities, supporting economic growth, and championing policies that improve opportunities for veterans and working families. As Chair of the Senate Education Committee, Josh authored SB 291, landmark legislation guaranteeing every California K–6 student at least 30 minutes of protected, unstructured play each school day ensuring recess can’t be withheld for academic or disciplinary reasons. Josh is currently a candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction, running on a vision of healthier students, stronger schools, and a more coherent, equitable public education system.A graduate of Yale University with a degree in History, Josh served in the U.S. Army with a nuclear artillery detachment in Korea and a field artillery battalion in Hawaii. He lives in Fullerton with his wife, Darcy Lewis, their daughter, and their three quirky rescue Chihuahuas.

California passed their “Recess for All” bill in 2023, effectively defining recess as a right that cannot be taken away as punishment, and requiring a minimum of 30 minutes of recess daily for kindergarten through sixth grade. Former senator, Josh Newman, helped sponsor the bill which was an imperative step to help improve the whole health and academic success of students as they navigated school post COVID. In this penultimate season 6 episode, Dr. Rhea sits down with Former Senator Newman to discuss all that went into writing and passing this bill, and how this is just one small cog in the larger wheel that is the education system. Newman ponders what more can and should be done to further improve the system and the whole health of California’s students. With a career that spans military service, entrepreneurship,teaching, and elected office, Josh Newman brings a uniquely well-rounded perspective to public service. He most recently served as the State Senator for California’s 29th Senate District in Orange County, where he focused on strengthening local communities, supporting economic growth, and championing policies that improve opportunities for veterans and working families. As Chair of the Senate Education Committee, Josh authored SB 291, landmark legislation guaranteeing every California K–6 student at least 30 minutes of protected, unstructured play each school day ensuring recess can’t be withheld for academic or disciplinary reasons. Josh is currently a candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction, running on a vision of healthier students, stronger schools, and a more coherent, equitable public education system.A graduate of Yale University with a degree in History, Joshserved in the U.S. Army with a nuclear artillery detachment in Korea and a field artillery battalion in Hawaii. He lives in Fullerton with his wife, Darcy Lewis, their daughter, and their three quirky rescue Chihuahuas.

What should safety look like when children and adolescents play? Parents, educators, and other adults working with outdoor play/recess may have a difficult time sitting back and watching their kids or students climb a tree and tussle with their friends because they fear seeing their child or student get hurt. The safety/risky play topic has come up time and time again, especially after COVID. Dr. Rhea knew she had to bring back Professor in Psychology and Scholar, Dr. Peter Gray, for this important conversation on the natural consequences learned in risky play and how vital it is for our children to push the boundaries, regardless of how nervous it may make the adults watching them. Dr. Peter Gray is a research professor of psychology and neuroscience at Boston College who has conducted and published research in behavioral biology, developmental psychology, anthropology, and education. He is author of an internationally acclaimed introductory psychology textbook (Psychology, Worth Publishers, editions 1-6), which views all of psychology from an evolutionary perspective. Much of his research focuses on the role of play in human evolution and how children educate themselves through play and exploration, when they are free to do so. He has expanded on these ideas in his book,⁠ Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self Reliant, and Better Students for Life⁠ (Basic Books), which has been translated into 18 languages. He also author of a Substack series entitled ⁠Play Makes Us Human⁠.  He is one of the founders of the nonprofit ⁠Let Grow⁠, the mission of which is to renew children’s freedom to play and explore independently of adult control. You can follow him on ⁠Facebook ⁠and find many of his published articles on his ⁠website ⁠.Other resources mentioned in this episode:No Rules School in New ZealandPlaywork/Playworkers

Dr. Rhea brings back Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors at Bethany Children’s Health Center, Albert Gray, to share more on the history of the health center, how its focus and mission have been transformed over the years, and the exciting new expansion project into outpatient services they’re calling “Landmark of Hope”. You can read more about Carol and Albert Gray’s powerful testimony that reveals a journey of faith, miracles, and unwavering hope for every child in their new book, A Legacy of Hope.A native of Lookeba, Oklahoma, Albert Gray currently serves as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors at Bethany Children’s Health Center. Prior to this role, he served as the Chief Executive Officer for forty-two years. Hired originally to close the Center due to its poor financial performance, Gray instead turned the organization around, leading it to become one of Oklahoma's foremost healthcare providers for children with complex care needs. Albert says, “I love Bethany Children’s and expect the best because the children deserve the best. Albert’s sister, Carol, has also played a major role in the transformation of the health center. The siblings have transitioned from decades-long leadership roles as CEO and COO, respectively, but continue to shape the vision and values of the health center.About Bethany Children’s Health CenterBethany Children’s Health Center is an innovative leader in the field of pediatric rehabilitation and 24-hour complex care. The private, non-profit hospital, accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), offers inpatient complex care and outpatient rehabilitation services for children and is the only inpatient pediatric rehabilitation facility in Oklahoma. The hospital is also accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). The multidisciplinary team works with patients and their families to maximize every child’s potential, and ensure the family has the training and resources needed for a smooth transition from hospital to home. Bethany Children’s provides a range of community support services for families nationwide, including the annual Cerebral Palsy Conference and adaptive recreation and sports experiences, and is currently campaigning for the next phase of outpatient services with the Landmark of Hope expansion project.

Starting as an orphanage in 1898, Bethany Children’s Health Center in Bethany, Oklahoma is now one of the largest free-standing, inpatient pediatric rehabilitation centers in the country. Dr. Rhea sits down with Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors at Bethany Children’s Health Center, Albert Gray, to hear about the inspiring journey that he and his sister, Carol have been on over the past few years. From a small town in Oklahoma to transforming the Health Center into one of the nation’s premier pediatric hospitals today, Albert and Carol had one mission: “to maximize the potential of every child”. A native of Lookeba, Oklahoma, Albert Gray currently serves as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors at Bethany Children’s Health Center. Prior to this role, he served as the Chief Executive Officer for forty-two years. Hired originally to close the Center due to its poor financial performance, Gray instead turned the organization around, leading it to become one of Oklahoma's foremost healthcare providers for children with complex care needs. Albert says, “I love Bethany Children’s and expect the best because the children deserve the best. Albert’s sister, Carol, has also played a major role in the transformation of the health center. The siblings have transitioned from decades-long leadership roles as CEO and COO, respectively, but continue to shape the vision and values of the health center.About Bethany Children’s Health CenterBethany Children’s Health Center is an innovative leader in the field of pediatric rehabilitation and 24-hour complex care. The private, non-profit hospital, accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), offers inpatient complex care and outpatient rehabilitation services for children and is the only inpatient pediatric rehabilitation facility in Oklahoma. The hospital is also accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). The multidisciplinary team works with patients and their families to maximize every child’s potential, and ensure the family has the training and resources needed for a smooth transition from hospital to home. Bethany Children’s provides a range of community support services for families nationwide, including the annual Cerebral Palsy Conference and adaptive recreation and sports experiences, and is currently campaigning for the next phase of outpatient services with the Landmark of Hope expansion project.

A positive school environment that fosters improved whole health of its teachers and students starts at the top. Dr. Rhea brings back Paul Buckley, Founder and Managing Owner of Ratio Staffing, to continue sharing his experience in education and what led him to start Ratio Staffing to help improve the school environment and connection between schools and teachers. Interested in utilizing Ratio Staffing at your school? Use promo code “LiiNK” for an extended 30-day free trial (60 days total)! Sign up today at https://ratiostaffing.com/ Paul Buckley is the Founder and Managing Owner of Ratio Staffing, a groundbreaking platform reshaping how preschools connect with substitute teachers, enrichment educators, and speech pathologists. A former preschool teacher with nearly 20 years of hands-on experience, Paul’s mission is deeply personal: to help children thrive by supporting the educators who shape their early years.Before founding Ratio Staffing, Paul spent nearly a decade in biotech manufacturing leadership, where he trained global teams, revised over 300 SOPs, and earned a Six Sigma Green Belt. Today, he fuses that systems expertise with his passion for education to create a platform that offers true flexibility, transparency, and community impact. Ratio Staffing removes the predatory norms of traditional staffing agencies, allowing schools to choose their teachers and educators to negotiate fair rates. Paul’s vision is simple yet powerful: better classrooms, better care, and a better future—for everyone involved.

Passion toward education and the whole health of students is a key trait of educators and school administrators. So if the passion is there, why are educator burnout rates so high? Dr. Rhea sits down with Paul Buckley, Founder and Managing Owner of Ratio Staffing, to share his personal experiences shifting from working in an afterschool program focused on the health and wellbeing of the children and families, to a private pre-school setting with maxed out teacher-student ratios. Paul gives us an inside look into why even the most passionate educators may choose to leave the field. This is part one of a two-part discussion with Mr. Buckley.Paul Buckley is the Founder and Managing Owner of Ratio Staffing, a groundbreaking platform reshaping how preschools connect with substitute teachers, enrichment educators, and speech pathologists. A former preschool teacher with nearly 20 years of hands-on experience, Paul’s mission is deeply personal: to help children thrive by supporting the educators who shape their early years. Before founding Ratio Staffing, Paul spent nearly a decade in biotech manufacturing leadership, where he trained global teams, revised over 300 SOPs, and earned a Six Sigma Green Belt. Today, he fuses that systems expertise with his passion for education to create a platform that offers true flexibility, transparency, and community impact.Ratio Staffing removes the predatory norms of traditional staffing agencies, allowing schools to choose their teachers and educators to negotiate fair rates. Paul’s vision is simple yet powerful: better classrooms, better care, and a better future—for everyone involved.Interested in utilizing Ratio Staffing at your school? Usepromo code “LiiNK” for an extended 30-day free trial (60 days total)! Sign up today at https://ratiostaffing.com/

“We have forgotten that children are designed by nature to learn through self-directed play and exploration, and so, more and more, we deprive them of freedom to learn, subjecting them instead to the tedious and painfully slow learning methods devised by those who run the schools.” – Dr. Peter GrayFor decades, the American education system has prioritized standardized test scores by increasing “content” minutes and decreasing recess, physical education, and fine arts programs, despite numerous data showing us the harmful effects of this education structure on our students’ and teachers’ mental and physical health. Not to mention, test scores have only gone down! We can’t keep ignoring this. This week, Dr. Rhea sits down with Professor in Psychology and Scholar, Dr. Peter Gray, for an exciting discussion diving into these serious issues that they both have been fighting against for many years, as well as a common-sense approach to increasing play in schools called Let Grow Play Club, founded by Dr. Gray himself.  Dr. Peter Gray is a research professor of psychology and neuroscience at Boston College who has conducted and published research in behavioral biology, developmental psychology, anthropology, and education. He is author of an internationally acclaimed introductory psychology textbook (Psychology, Worth Publishers, editions 1-6), which views all of psychology from an evolutionary perspective. Much of his research focuses on the role of play in human evolution and how children educate themselves through play and exploration, when they are free to do so. He has expanded on these ideas in his book, Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self Reliant, and Better Students for Life (Basic Books), which has been translated into 18 languages. He also author of a Substack series entitled Play Makes Us Human.  He is one of the founders of the nonprofit Let Grow, the mission of which is to renew children’s freedom to play and explore independently of adult control. You can follow him on Facebook and find many of his published articles on his website .

For 13 years, LiiNK has partnered with school districts toimplement and assess the LiiNK Project, i.e., giving students four 15-minute, unstructured outdoor play breaks (recess) spread throughout each school day and a daily 15-min character lesson. This partnership requires an MOU between LiiNK and the school district, up to three full days of in-person training with all teachers and administrators of the targeted grade levels, and district policy changes to incorporate the outdoor recess additions. While this project has been powerful for the involved districts and brought us endless data showing the vast benefits of increased recess for both students and teachers, the full LiiNK Project implementation can often be difficult for districts with little funding or administrator buy-in. Through a recent BCBS-TX Blue Impact Grant, Dr. Rhea and team were able to launch a new LiiNK model, LiiNK “Lite”, which involves condensed training, loose parts equipment during recess, and two recesses instead of four. LiiNK understands most educators want better for their students, but don’t always have the resources to make it happen. We hope that LiiNK “Lite” will bridge that gap and bring more recess to more schools! If you are interested in implementing LiiNK Lite or the full LiiNK Project at your school or district, please contact us at [email protected].

Today’s students deal with a myriad of issues includinga rise in anxiety and depression, an ever-growing and often debilitating dependence on technology, and an education system that cares more for increasing standardized test scores than meeting the actual needs of its students. Programs like Young Storytellers are fighting the failing system with a creative approach to boost child interest in school and whole child health. Dr. Rhea brings back President – Head of Growth for Young Storytellers, Bill Thompson, to dive deeper into how the current education system has failed our students, and what his programs have brought to the table to change it. Bill also shares what trends they have seen in the stories his students have told over the years, allowing interesting insight into how today’s youth are really feeling and expressing themselves.Bill began his work with Young Storytellers as a volunteer in 2006. His time as a mentor quickly became the best hour of his week. He served as Executive Director from 2008 through 2023, leading an important period of growth and increased sustainability for Young Storytellers. He is now guiding efforts to scale and maximize impact nationally as the President - Head of Growth. He is a graduate of Yale University (MFA - Drama School) and the University of the Arts (BFA - School of Theatre). Bill has been a Fellow with City Scholars for the past 10 years, is a member of the Policy Council for Create CA, and is the beneficiary of many professional development programs with partners such as Executive Service Corps, the Annenberg Foundation, Hershey Cause Communications, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. He was the winner of the Judge’s Award for Innovation at the Social Venture Partners Fast Pitch and the recipient of the Megan G. Cooper Leadership Award from Executive Service Corps.Resources mentioned in this episode:NRG Report: Growing Pains

Young Storytellers is a Los Angeles-based arts non-profit organization that has provided thousands of students with a unique, creative play opportunity since its inception in 1997. Through Young Storytellers, students are mentored to write a complete script over a 9-week process, then get to see their story come to life with real actors in an exciting showcase! Dr. Rhea sits down with President – Head of Growth for Young Storytellers, Bill Thompson, to discuss the importance of the programs they offer and the impact it has made, including creating a deeper interest in writing and expression of feelings, and an expansion of empathy among the students.Bill began his work with Young Storytellers as a volunteer in 2006. His time as a mentor quickly became the best hour of his week. He served as Executive Director from 2008 through 2023, leading an important period of growth and increased sustainability for Young Storytellers. He is now guiding efforts to scale and maximize impact nationally as the President - Head of Growth. He is a graduate of Yale University (MFA - Drama School) and the University of the Arts (BFA - School of Theatre). Bill has been a Fellow with City Scholars for the past 10 years, is a member of the Policy Council for Create CA, and is the beneficiary of many professional development programs with partners such as Executive Service Corps, the Annenberg Foundation, Hershey Cause Communications, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. He was the winner of the Judge’s Award for Innovation at the Social Venture Partners Fast Pitch and the recipient of the Megan G. Cooper Leadership Award from Executive Service Corps.

Hands-on learning is vital to increase our agility and flexibility in problem-solving, which may be just what students are lacking as technology and standardized testing continue to take precedence in our education system. Dr. Rhea returns with friend and colleague, Pete Silvius, to dive deeper into Seguin’s Irma Lewis Outdoor Learning Center and the ways students can thrive within the center. Pete describes the center’s offerings and opportunities, and the plans for growth in the years to come. Pete Silvius is the Director of Whole Child Initiatives for Seguin ISD in Seguin, Texas. This is Pete’s 28th year working in public education.  He has a background in Physical Education and Special Education but his passion is Outdoor Education.  Pete is honored to work for Seguin ISD going on 23 years and is especially thankful for support of innovative programing including the LiiNK Project, Adventure School, The Irma Lewis-Outdoor Learning Center, and Adventure Camp Summer Programs.  Pete is active within the Seguin community serving on the board for the Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center, Parks and Recreation Advisory, Planning and Zoning, and the Guadalupe Appraisal District.  Pete is a founder of the newly formed Community Cycles non-profit organization in Seguin.  Pete is married and has two grownchildren.  Resources mentioned in this episode:⁠Irma Lewis Outdoor Learning CenterWill Smith Zoo School San Antonio

Are we truly meeting the needs of our students by spending most of our time in the classroom? Dr. Rhea brings in long-time friend and colleague, Pete Silvius, to share how he evolved in his role as Director of Whole Child Initiatives in Seguin ISD. He has advocated for outdoor opportunities throughout his career in Seguin ISD and especially with his newest opportunity to build many different programs at The Irma Lewis-Outdoor Learning Center. He discusses the importance of recognizing opportunities for growth and not waiting for them to just happen. Otherwise, the pressures of standardized test scores will win out over whole health and resilience in children, adolescents, and adults.Pete Silvius is the Director of Whole Child Initiatives for Seguin ISD in Seguin, Texas. This is Pete’s 28th year working in public education.  He has a background in Physical Education and Special Education but his passion is Outdoor Education.  Pete is honored to work for Seguin ISD going on 23 years and is especially thankful for support of innovative programing including the LiiNK Project, Adventure School, The Irma Lewis-Outdoor Learning Center, and Adventure Camp Summer Programs.  Pete is active within the Seguin community serving on the board for the Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center, Parks and Recreation Advisory, Planning and Zoning, and the Guadalupe Appraisal District.  Pete is a founder of the newly formed Community Cycles non-profit organization in Seguin.  Pete is married and has two grownchildren.  Resources mentioned in this episode:Irma Lewis Outdoor Learning Center

We are BACK with another exciting season of the Right Moves podcast! Dr. Rhea shares what you can expect to hear from the show this season as we dive even deeper into our whole health and finding ways to live our best, healthiest lives. She also explores what’s on the horizon for LiiNK this fall, including new workshop opportunities and publications in the works, different ways to connect and advocate for play, and a first look at the topic of her upcoming new book! Visit https://liinkproject.tcu.edu/ for more information.

The GLP-1 market has significantly grown in recent years, with medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro marketed specifically for type II diabetes treatment and weight management. With this growth, researchers are now considering GLP-1s to treat a wide range of conditions including cardiovascular health, kidney disease, inflammatory diseases, and even neurological disorders. Dr. Rhea brings back fellow colleague and researcher, Dr. Ryan Porter, to share details on his upcoming GLP-1 research which looks at natural methods of boosting GLP-1 production in the body, as opposed to current medications using an agonist approach which means the medication binds to and activates the GLP-1. Dr. Porter holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Brigham Young University - Idaho and a master’s in Health and Human Movement from Utah State University. He completed his doctorate in exercise science at the University of South Carolina and post-doctoral training at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville. His research interests are in the areas of adaptation of lipoprotein subfractions in response to exercise and lifestyle behavior change (physical activity and healthy eating) and their effects on community health in terms of biological markers, physiological outcomes and behavior change.

Getting in shape fast sounds too good to be true, because it is. Rapid weight-loss endeavors such as fad or exclusionary diets, GLP-1 medication, or most trends seen on social media may give you results for now, but you will most likely gain that weight right back as soon as you stop the medication, diet, or trend. If you truly want to lead a healthy, happy, physically-functional life, you need to create behavior changes that will actually last a lifetime. Dr. Rhea sits down with fellow colleague and researcher, Dr. Ryan Porter, to discuss the importance of behavior change prior to any long-term health success can happen.Dr. Porter holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Brigham Young University - Idaho and a master’s in Health and Human Movement from Utah State University. He completed his doctorate in exercise science at the University of South Carolina and post-doctoral training at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville. His research interests are in the areas of adaptation of lipoprotein subfractions in response to exercise and lifestyle behavior change (physical activity and healthy eating) and their effects on community health in terms of biological markers, physiological outcomes and behavior change.Resources mentioned in this episode:Exercise is Medicine Greenville

For the 2024-2025 school year, Dr. Debbie Rhea received a BCBS-TX Blue Impact Grant to fund a lite version of LiiNK in 10 South Texas schools from one school district. The purpose of this project was to train teachers and administrators on recess, defined as unstructured outdoor play, and why having this type of recess more often in the day is important for adults and children, then introduce loose-parts play equipment to the children for one of their recesses daily, followed by collecting some data about how well this model works. All 10 schools have been allowing the children to play with the loose parts since launching a 2nd recess in February. This week, Dr. Rhea and LiiNK’s Program Manager, Connor Lazenby, travelled to these 10 schools to observe the grant in action and talk with the teachers, principals, and administrators of these schools. The positive feedback we received and the incredibly valuable play we observed was too good not to share! Listen as Dr. Rhea and Connor share stories from this impactful trip, and discuss just how simple and gratifying it can be for other schools to make these changes too.

The LiiNK intervention is about more than just giving kids extra recess. While multiple unstructured play breaks throughout the school day is vital for students and teachers to thrive, it’s the daily character curriculum that truly provides the foundation for success in the LiiNK intervention. Dr. Rhea discusses the importance of empathy, intrinsic motivation, and character building for our youth to grow into resilient, independent, and empathetic adults.

Human trafficking is a significant problem in the U.S. and can happen to anyone, anywhere. While women and girls are more frequently trafficked, men and boys account for about 40% of human trafficking victims and are unfortunately often overlooked and underserved. Bob’s House of Hope, established in 2021, became the first safe house for male sex trafficking survivors in the country, providing therapy, medical care, mentorship, case management, and life skills training to young men ages 18 and up. They are also the only residential facility to include Equine and Animal Assisted Counseling Intervention through a partnership with Ranch Hands Rescue. Dr. Rhea brings back Founder and CEO of Bob’s House of Hope and Ranch Hands Rescue, Bob Williams, to follow up on his incredible story of resilience through his own trauma, and to highlight the amazing work his facilities do to provide trauma resolution and sex trafficking awareness for young men.Trigger warning: This episode contains themes of sexual violence and coercion, human trafficking, and drug addiction.Bob Williams is the Founder and CEO of ⁠Ranch Hands Rescue and Bob’s House of Hope⁠, a non-profit human and animal sanctuary. Being a survivor of rape himself, Bob knew firsthand that there weren’t any programs for male sexual abuse survivors, and he endeavored to create a place for others like him.After suffering a brutal beating and rape as a young man, Bob struggled to process his trauma and turned to drugs and alcohol to mask his pain. He was homeless at 20 and active in his addiction for 12 years. After years of treatment and counseling, Bob had a very successful career at Motorola where he went from an entry level salesperson to part of the management team. Today Bob has been clean and sober for 33 years. When Bob suffered a stroke in 2007, he decided to retire from Motorola. After a year of rehabilitation, Bob felt called to start a not-for-profit organization that would rescue and rehabilitate animals and help people. In 2008 Bob founded Ranch Hands Rescue, a non-profit farm animal sanctuary for animals with special needs.After discovering the healing power, the animals had on him, Bob and a team of clinicians founded the Ranch Hands Rescue Counseling Program, and the Equine and Animal Assisted Counseling was born. Bob's vision was to partner abused and neglected animals with individuals who do not respond to traditional therapy. His counseling program is the only program in the country that partners abused and neglected animals in mental health therapy. Bob's passion is helping innocent victims, especially children, who require a non-traditional approach to uncovering severe trauma. He assembled a team of counseling experts who are highly trained and certified in trauma and PTSD to be another resource in our community to help individuals who are suffering and see no hope. RHR fills a special niche in mental health counseling services in that they specialize in treating the more complex trauma cases, such as victims of sexual abuse, human trafficking, and Veterans with severe PTSD who are not making progress in their current treatment programs. Bob serves on several State and local task forces, and it was on these taskforces that Bob learned that there was not a single treatment facility in the world for male victims of sex trafficking even though they make up nearly half of the victims. This galvanized Bob to remedy that issue and Bob’s House of Hope, the first safe house in the country for male victims of sex trafficking 18 years old and up, was opened in June of 2021, with an expansion in 2024, the new facility housed on 40 acres includes additional housing, offices recreation center, soccer field and house over 50 special needs animals. This innovative, wrap-around care program is unlike any other program that exists.

Children learn how to learn on the playground – it’s really that simple! Dr. Rhea brings back long-time friend and colleague, Dr. Jim Chadwell, to share how he fought to get the LiiNK Project in his district. Dr. Chadwell witnessed firsthand the positive changes the LiiNK intervention of multiple outdoor play breaks and character lessons daily brought to EMS-ISD. Dr. Jim Chadwell was born in Fort Worth, Texas and earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees all from Texas Christian University. During his 31-year career in public education, he served in various teaching and administrative roles including teacher, coach, high school principal, executive director for elementary and secondary instruction, and superintendent. He served the last 14 years as superintendent of Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, where he had several accomplishments, including overseeing two bond programs bringing in new schools, a career and technology center, a new district administration building with a Discovery Lab Learning Center and renovations to every facility in the district. He also led the implementation of the EMS ISD Police Department district-wide, and the LiiNK Project in all EMS ISD elementary schools. Retiring from the district in January of this year, Dr. Chadwell will begin his next chapter as an Educational Planner and Senior Associate for VLK Edge architecture team, bringing to the firm substantial experience as a leader in Texas public school districts.

S.B. 2, also known as the School Choice or School Voucher bill, has passed the Texas Senate and was referred to the House Public Education Committee. In the last two years, twelve U.S. states have enacted or expanded school voucher programs in their state. So what exactly does this mean for students and parents? Dr. Rhea sits down with long-time friend and colleague, Dr. Jim Chadwell, to discuss different types of schools, how school vouchers only benefit certain groups of children/adolescents and most importantly the dangers of turning our backs on public education.Dr. Jim Chadwell was born in Fort Worth, Texas and earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees all from Texas Christian University. During his 31-year career in public education, he served in various teaching and administrative roles including teacher, coach, high school principal, executive director for elementary and secondary instruction, and superintendent. He served the last 14 years as superintendent of Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, where he had several accomplishments, including overseeing two bond programs bringing in new schools, a career and technology center, a new district administration building with a Discovery Lab Learning Center and renovations to every facility in the district. He also led the implementation of the EMS ISD Police Department district-wide, and the LiiNK Project in all EMS ISD elementary schools. Retiring from the district in January of this year, Dr. Chadwell will begin his next chapter as an Educational Planner and Senior Associate for VLK Edge architecture team, bringing to the firm substantial experience as a leader in Texas public school districts.Resources mentioned in this episode:"Vouchers: A 21st Century Titanic" Essay by Dr. Jim Chadwell

Do you struggle to maintain healthy and active lifestyle routines? Behavior modification programs, particularly employee wellness programs such as Wondr Health, may be the answer. Dr. Rhea brings back Dr. Tim Church, preventative health researcher and Chief Medical Officer of Wondr Health, to share the impact of Wondr Health's programs, the importance of leadership buy-in behavior modification for program success, and the powerhouse combination of exercise and the GLP-1 medication.Dr. Church, M.D., M.P.H, P.h.D, is one of the country’s leading clinical thought leaders in exercise and obesity research. As the author of more than 300 published clinical articles, Dr. Church has received numerous awards for his research in preventive health. He helps lead the development of the ⁠Wondr Health⁠ curriculum, which is inspired by his medical expertise. Specializing in business-to-business strategies, Dr. Church is an advocate for the employer and has a proven track record of empowering organizations through disease prevention to decrease health-care costs and inspire employees to be their best selves.  

The less we move and exercise our bodies, the less we will be able to move and exercise them as we age. It's that simple! Dr. Rhea sits down with preventative health researcher, Dr. Tim Church, to share his incredible research findings and exercise tips. Dr. Church reminds us that our bodies are meant to move and that exercise is truly the key to unlocking optimal health and aging. Dr. Church, M.D., M.P.H, P.h.D, is one of the country’s leading clinical thought leaders in exercise and obesity research. As the author of more than 300 published clinical articles, Dr. Church has received numerous awards for his research in preventive health. He helps lead the development of the Wondr Health curriculum, which is inspired by his medical expertise. Specializing in business-to-business strategies, Dr. Church is an advocate for the employer and has a proven track record of empowering organizations through disease prevention to decrease health-care costs and inspire employees to be their best selves.  

“Keep showing up in your pink shirts until they’re tired of seeing pink shirts” - this is the advice Rachel, Morgan, and Kathryn, a.k.a the Recess Moms, live by while advocating for increased recess for children in schools. Seeing the negative effects of decreased recess minutes on their children’s mental and physical health, the Recess Moms banded together and decided to fight. They donned pink shirts and marched the Tennessee Capitol to fight for a recess bill promising increased recess in schools, and they didn’t stop there. Dr. Rhea brings back the Recess Moms to share their inspirational fight at the state level toward increased recess for all Tennessee children. What began as three moms advocating for change at their children’s school grew into a county-wide grassroots movement and, by May 2024, evolved into the statewide initiative for recess reform: Say Yes to Recess. Known as the “Recess Moms,” founders Rachel Bush, Morgan Garner, and Kathryn Truman lead the charge for change. With ten children between them—six of whom attend the same elementary school—they have seen firsthand the impact of recess on kids’ well-being. Say Yes to Recess is a passionate group of parents, grandparents, teachers, and community members committed to restoring and protecting recess. Together, we work to ensure every child has access to the physical, social, and cognitive benefits of play while also supporting and empowering educators.

How much recess is your child getting in school? Chances are, it’s not enough! Dr. Rhea brings on Rachel Bush, Morgan Garner, and Kathryn Truman, a.k.a. the Recess Moms from Tennessee, to share how they’ve banded together for a cause. With 10 children between them, they realized that their children were suffering in school because of very little recess. This session discusses how they began the journey and the struggles they have had to realize their goal – more recess in schools! What began as three moms advocating for change at their children’s school grew into a county-wide grassroots movement and, by May 2024, evolved into the statewide initiative for recess reform: Say Yes to Recess.Known as the “Recess Moms,” founders Rachel Bush, Morgan Garner, and Kathryn Truman lead the charge for change. With ten children between the —six of whom attend the same elementary school—they have seen firsthand the impact of recess on kids’ well-being.Say Yes to Recess is a passionate group of parents, grandparents, teachers, and community members committed to restoring and protecting recess. Together, we work to ensure every child has access to the physical, social, and cognitive benefits of play while also supporting and empowering educators.

Dr. Rhea brings back Matt Sandoval to discuss his role as Executive Director ofFree Arts for Abused Children of Arizona, and share the history of the organization. Free Arts is a nonprofit which provides trauma-informed art activities through trained adult mentors for children and teens who have experienced the trauma of abuse, neglect, and homelessness.Matt Sandoval is an Arizona native who has served as an executive leader in human services and non-profit organizations for over 15 years. He is the Executive Director at Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona, which provides trauma informed art activities through trained adult mentors for children and teens who have experienced the trauma of abuse, neglect, and homelessness. Matt is a public speaker and trainer on mental health and youth-related topics. He is also the host ofCanvas of the Heart, the Free Arts podcast.  Matt leads the Free Arts' strategic vision to offer programs in Arizona and the effort to establish Free Arts as a sector thought leader in child well-being and mentoring through expressive art programming. Formerly, Matt served as the VP of Community Initiatives at the YMCA, focusing on workforce development, alternative education, juvenile justice, and mentoring for teens and young adults. Additionally, Matt has served as the Executive Director of an independent living community for adults with developmental disabilities and as a Clinical Therapist.  Matt has served on several non-profit and charter school boards for groups that support youth and community development in the greater Phoenix area. Matt holds a Master of Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University and a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University. He is a Licensed Master Social Worker with the Arizona Behavioral Health Board of Examiners.  Resources mentioned in this episode:Canvas of the Heart Podcast by Free Arts

Dr. Rhea sits down with Matt Sandoval, Executive Director ofFree Arts for Abused Children of Arizona which provides trauma-informed art activities through trained adult mentors for children and teens who have experienced the trauma of abuse, neglect, and homelessness. Matt shares his personal and professional journey that led him to social work, and discusses the therapeutic nature of expressive arts and the importance of meeting individual needs creatively.Matt Sandoval is an Arizona native who has served as an executive leader in human services and non-profit organizations for over 15 years. In addition to being the Executive Director at Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona, Matt is a public speaker and trainer on mental health and youth-related topics. He is also the host ofCanvas of the Heart, the Free Arts podcast.  Matt leads the Free Arts' strategic vision to offer programs in Arizona and the effort to establish Free Arts as a sector thought leader in child well-being and mentoring through expressive art programming. Formerly, Matt served as the VP of Community Initiatives at the YMCA, focusing on workforce development, alternative education, juvenile justice, and mentoring for teens and young adults. Additionally, Matt has served as the Executive Director of an independent living community for adults with developmental disabilities and as a Clinical Therapist.   Matt has served on several non-profit and charter school boards for groups that support youth and community development in the greater Phoenix area. Matt holds a Master of Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University and a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University. He is a Licensed Master Social Worker with Arizona Behavioral Health Board of Examiners.  

In light of Human Trafficking Awareness month, Dr. Rhea sits down with Bob Williams, founder and CEO of Ranch Hands Rescue and Bob’s House of Hope. Bob shares his incredible and profound personal journey of trauma, resilience, and hope which led to the founding of his non-profit programs. He discusses the problem with human trafficking and sexual violence of boys and men. Many programs focus on women, but there were no programs that knew what to do with a male who experienced these same types of trauma. You don’t want to miss this episode. Trigger warning: This episode contains themes of sexual violence and coercion, drug addiction, and homelessness. Bob Williams is the Founder and CEO of Ranch Hands Rescue and Bob’s House of Hope, a non-profit human and animal sanctuary. Being a survivor of rape himself, Bob knew firsthand that there weren’t any programs for male sexual abuse survivors, and he endeavored to create a place for others like him. After suffering a brutal beating and rape as a young man, Bob struggled to process his trauma and turned to drugs and alcohol to mask his pain. He was homeless at 20 and active in his addiction for 12 years. After years of treatment and counseling, Bob had a very successful career at Motorola where he went from an entry-level salesperson to part of the management team. Today Bob has been clean and sober for 33 years. When Bob suffered a stroke in 2007, he decided to retire from Motorola. After a year of rehabilitation, Bob felt called to start a not-for-profit organization that would rescue and rehabilitate animals and help people. In 2008 Bob founded Ranch Hands Rescue, a non-profit farm animal sanctuary for animals with special needs. After discovering the healing power, the animals had on him, Bob and a team of clinicians founded the Ranch Hands Rescue Counseling Program, and the Equine and Animal Assisted Counseling was born. Bob's vision was to partner abused and neglected animals with individuals who do not respond to traditional therapy. His counseling program is the only program in the country that partners abused and neglected animals in mental health therapy. Bob's passion is helping innocent victims, especially children, who require a non-traditional approach to uncovering severe trauma. He assembled a team of counseling experts who are highly trained and certified in trauma and PTSD to be another resource in our community to help individuals who are suffering and see no hope. RHR fills a special niche in mental health counseling services in that they specialize in treating the more complex trauma cases, such as victims of sexual abuse, human trafficking, and Veterans with severe PTSD who are not making progress in their current treatment programs. Bob serves on several State and local task forces, and it was on these taskforces that Bob learned that there was not a single treatment facility in the world for male victims of sex trafficking even though they make up nearly half of the victims. This galvanized Bob to remedy that issue and Bob’s House of Hope, the first safe house in the country for male victims of sex trafficking 18 years old and up, was opened in June of 2021, with an expansion in 2024, the new facility housed on 40 acres includes additional housing, offices recreation center, soccer field and house over 50 special needs animals. This innovative, wrap-around care program is unlike any other program that exists.

In this second installment of our exciting two-part season finale special, we bring back Dr. Michelle Bauml as our moderator and put Dr. Rhea back in the hot seat! This time, Dr. Rhea answers your burning questions about bringing the LiiNK Project to your school. How do we incorporate four recess breaks into the school day without compromising content time? Why do we suggest 15-minute breaks instead of 30 minutes? These are just a couple of our many frequently asked questions, and Dr. Rhea answers them ALL! Dr. Michelle Bauml is a Professor of Early Childhood Education in the Department of Teaching and Learning Sciences at TCU with an emphasis in social studies education. As a former elementary teacher, Dr. Bauml’s research and teaching reflect her beliefs that children need ample opportunities for creative expression, play, and meaningful instruction in today’s schools. She conducts qualitative research aimed at helping teachers navigate professional complexities to make thoughtful, effective curricular and instructional decisions in order to promote student learning.

Kicking off our two-part season finale special, we bring on friend and colleague, Dr. Michelle Bauml, as our moderator to flip the script and ask Dr. Rhea about how LiiNK has evolved and burning questions you have asked over the years. That’s right – Dr. Rhea is in the hot seat! Hear the story of how and why LiiNK began, and why LiiNK continues to work in U.S. schools despite rampant teacher burnout and the setbacks of the global pandemic that continue to affect many today. Dr. Michelle Bauml is a Professor of Early Childhood Education in the Department of Teaching and Learning Sciences at TCU with an emphasis in social studies education. As a former elementary teacher, Dr. Bauml’s research and teaching reflect her beliefs that children need ample opportunities for creative expression, play, and meaningful instruction in today’s schools. She conducts qualitative research aimed at helping teachers navigate professional complexities to make thoughtful, effective curricular and instructional decisions in order to promote student learning.

Close your eyes and go to your happy place… Can you hear the birds chirping? Feel the breeze against your face? Taste the salt in the air from the ocean ahead? Imagination is a powerful gift which can be used to manage anxiety and stress or improve performance, but how often are you utilizing it to its full potential? In this last of four installments in our Stress Relief Strategies series, Dr. Rhea discusses the practice of imagery to improve illness, performance, and promote relaxation and focus.

Oftentimes, words cannot accurately depict what we are feeling. Maybe there’s not an exact word for it, or maybe we just don’t know how to express our emotions. When words don’t work, art therapy may be the answer. In this episode, Dr. Rhea dives into the power of art therapy and some of the various ways you can utilize art as a tactile means to release and interpret your emotions in a healthy and introspective way. This is the third installment of our 4-part Stress Relief Strategies series.

Each of us has our own special connection to music, whether it’s the memory of seeing a favorite artist in concert, jamming out to the radio on the drive home every day, or maybe how it helped you through the stress of the pandemic. How do those experiences make you feel? Many studies have shown the vast benefits of music including stress reduction, improved brain and cardiovascular health, memory recall, and pain relief. In this part 2 of our Stress-Relief series, Dr. Rhea discusses these benefits and the various ways you can incorporate music and sound into your stress-relief journey.

If you could give yourself a score between 1-100 for how well you handle stress, what would your score be? This episode starts a 4-part series focused on stress relief strategies to improve your stress score. In part one, Dr. Rhea discusses journaling and expressing yourself through creative strategies such as dream states, realizing positivity, and finding your "tribe with a vibe".

Dr. Rhea brings back playworker and risky-play advocate, Jill Wood, to share how she brought adventure play into The Parish School in Houston, Texas, and just how beneficial it has been for her students and community. More than that, risky play is key to building resilience, joy, trust, and healthy relationships. The language and insight that playworkers bring to recess or play environments helps determine when play that is observed is risky in a healthy way or in a hazardous way. This session highlights different playworker approaches that are beneficial to the rights of a child to play in risky ways. Jill Wood is founding director of⁠ Adventure Play at The Parish School⁠, an outdoor, child-directed after school program in Houston Texas. It is one of only a handful of adventure playgrounds in the United States and the only one based at a school for children with speech and language delays. Jill is founder of ⁠Bayou City Play⁠, a group of educators and therapists, who partner with organizations to improve play opportunities in the Houston metro area, and she provides training as a regional consultant for UK-based Pop-Up Adventure Play. She is mom to an amazing 10-year-old, who is the real expert on play in our household. Resoures mentioned in this episode: Play Wales - ⁠https://play.wales/playwork/⁠ Pop-up Adventure Play - ⁠https://www.popupadventureplay.org/⁠ Bayou City Play - ⁠https://www.bayoucityplay.com/⁠ The Playwork Principles - ⁠https://playwork.foundation/the-playwork-principles/⁠ The Playwork Primer: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/⁠https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED511455.pdf⁠ Play Street Initiative - ⁠https://londonplaystreets.org.uk/

Playwork is a unique approach, developed alongside adventure playgrounds in the U.K., to create and maintain spaces for unstructured, child-directed play. It has now become popular across the U.K., the U.S. and Canada. Dr. Rhea brings on playworker and risky-play advocate, Jill Wood, to share the principles of Playwork and what drew her to this approach in schools and after school programs. Jill Wood is founding director of Adventure Play at The Parish School, an outdoor, child-directed after school program in Houston Texas. It is one of only a handful of adventure playgrounds in the United States and the only one based at a school for children with speech and language delays. Jill is founder of Bayou City Play, a group of educators and therapists, who partner with organizations to improve play opportunities in the Houston metro area, and she provides training as a regional consultant for UK-based Pop-Up Adventure Play. She is mom to an amazing 10-year-old, who is the real expert on play in our household. Resoures mentioned in this episode: Play Wales - https://play.wales/playwork/ Pop-up Adventure Play - https://www.popupadventureplay.org/ Bayou City Play - https://www.bayoucityplay.com/ The Playwork Principles - https://playwork.foundation/the-playwork-principles/ The Playwork Primer: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED511455.pdf Play Street Initiative - https://londonplaystreets.org.uk/

Did you know, the average 4-year-old laughs 40 times a day, while the average 40-year-old laughs only 4 times a day? Why and when did we let go of our laughter? Dr. Rhea discusses positive emotions such as laughter, joy and happiness – the healing power of experiencing these emotions daily, the detriment of living without them, and how to laugh more in our search for the proverbial funny bone.