Find Your Spark The SPARK Initiative

In this episode, Ashley introduces a new team member, Marketing and Events Coordinator, Makayla Wheeldon. Makayla, a former elementary school teacher, is now learning and embracing the beautiful insight that every human has a Spark inside of them that can't be broken.Join Ashley and Makayla as they shine light on Mental Health Awareness Month, specifically teacher mental health. In a profession that burnout is experienced often, and teachers are exiting the classroom in large numbers, Makayla speaks to the factors that contribute to that while reflecting on resources that she wished she had during her time in the classroom. For those struggling, your mental health matters. It's helpful to know that as real as your thoughts may seem, they too shall pass. Click here to learn more about the National Wellbeing & Resilience Alliance Conference: https://www.wellbeingandresiliencealliance.com/

This week on the Find Your Spark podcast, Brooke is joined by colleague turned personal mentor and coach Monica Corota.Monica Carota is a top-tier coach who’s redefining how we understand and embody high-performance. Her work uses precision and depth to polish away any barriers to the remarkable power that already lies at the core of who you are. She believes that peak performance is the result of bringing the fullest expression of your incredible humanity online and making an impact from your inner genius. Listen as Brooke and Monica share a little bit about their recent work together.Monica can be found at: monicacarota.com

Your hosts, Brooke and Ashley, work with youth in rehabilitation centers, jails, trafficking survivor safe houses, and other alternative settings with one objective - to teach an understanding of how the mind works so they can tap into their potential and thrive. This episode will explore how a simple understanding of how the mind works leads to young people becoming more resilient and less reactive - even amid the most trigger-worthy circumstances.

This week on the Find Your SPARK podcast, Brooke shares a story about how she recently navigated an argument between her parents who have been married for over 60 years. To her it was both entertaining and insightful to see two people, who have so much love for each other, get lost in the details of their own crazy state of minds and lose sight of things most obvious to those around them. Listen as Brooke shares how it was both eye opening and relieving to witness that even her parents, who have a love that has stood the test of time, could get lost and find their way back to the heart of the matter within minutes.

The SPARK Initiative recently participated in Week of Caring, a week-long collaboration by United Way Suncoast and partner organizations to enhance our community through volunteer efforts while learning about other like-minded organizations in our area. Nicole, Jena, Chad, and Mari discuss the importance of volunteerism and the amazing opportunities offered at MacDonald Training Center in Tampa

In this episode of #FindYourSpark podcast, Stephanie and Denzel discuss "Learn Fresh" and the active learning Denzel promotes by using sports as a method of teaching math. As a former educator himself, Denzel speaks passionately about a child's innate ability to learn, but believes that learning comes easier when it involves things that they love. Stephanie and Denzel discuss the #SPARK inside of every learner, and the mutual belief that learning comes from within. Please visit https://learnfresh.org/ for more information.