Get Inspired with Dr. Barb

Barbara Vokatis, PhD
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Welcome to my weekly podcast, the kingdom of world-wide innovation in education that connects education and well being of children. Hear stories about educational innovation from educators who are innovating in their teaching to make a difference for children and from experts in other fields whose work substantially contributes to this innovation. In addition, every episode includes a tip/strategy/activity you will be able to implement immediately in your own classroom or in your parenting ! You will also hear about innovative educational initiatives.

  1. Superintendent for the Future of Learning

    2D AGO

    Superintendent for the Future of Learning

    Grab my latest book Unshakable ⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/Unshakable-Parenting-through-Courage-Purpose/dp/B0FWB72V93⁠⁠ and connect with me through ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ! In this episode of 'Getting Inspired with Dr. Barb', Dr. Daniel Dooley, a superintendent and innovator in education, discusses the transformative impact of therapy dogs in schools. He shares his journey of creating and implementing a therapy dog program to address the changing needs of students, particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. The conversation highlights the importance of social-emotional learning, the legislative support for therapy programs, and the future of animal-assisted interventions in education. Dr. Dooley emphasizes the need for innovative practices to enhance student well-being and academic success, showcasing the profound bond between children and therapy animals. Please connect with Amazing Dr. Dooley by following Absecon Public Schools Therapy Dog Program and Absecon Public Schools District: School district website: www.abseconschools.org  Absecon Public Schools Therapy Dog Program Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abseconschoolstherapydogs?igsh=MXRnOW9pb2xsc2FrZg== School district facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AbseconPublicSchools⁠ School district Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abseconpublicschools/?hl=en School district LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/absecon-public-schools/posts/?feedView=all School district Twitter: https://x.com/AbseconSchools?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Note: B-roll showing dogs and children are not from therapy dog visits. B-roll was used only to show interactions between children and dogs in any settings.

    47 min
  2. Learning Begins with a Question

    FEB 11

    Learning Begins with a Question

    Dear Valued listener/Viewer, In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I speak with Veronika Darwell, an educator from Slovakia, about the importance of mentorship in teaching, the need for authentic learning experiences, and the role of curiosity in education. We discuss how education should focus on developing soft skills and compassion in students, and how teachers can create a more engaging and supportive learning environment. Veronika also shares insights from her book, 'When You Are Curious', emphasizing the significance of caring for oneself and others in the educational journey. Connect with amazing Veronika: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookswithmeaning?igsh=MWhzZ2xlczUzMzRk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/177QdS42LE/?mibextid=wwXIfr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronika-darwell-260099332?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app Veronika's book: https://a.co/d/00dytoFx Grab my latest book Unshakable ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Unshakable-Parenting-through-Courage-Purpose/dp/B0FWB72V93/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8#⁠ ⁠and connect with me through ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ !

    50 min
  3. Why Kindness Really Matters

    FEB 4

    Why Kindness Really Matters

    Dear Valued Listener/Viewer, In this episode, I reflect on what recently happened to one nonverbal autistic child in the New York State and why teaching teachers that kindness is critical in this profession matters more than ever before. Grab my latest book Unshakable ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Unshakable-Parenting-through-Courage-Purpose/dp/B0FWB72V93/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8#⁠ ⁠and connect with me through ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ !

    9 min
  4. Empowering Children through Resilience

    JAN 28

    Empowering Children through Resilience

    Dear Valued Listener/Viewer, In this conversation, Jennifer K. Hill discusses the importance of resilience in children, emphasizing that teaching coping skills can empower them and enhance their self-worth, independent of external circumstances. Jennifer is co-founded OptiMatch (Om.app), an algorithm revolutionizing human connections in business by matching people using motivating factors. She has been diagnosed with autism later in her life. Connect with amazing Jennifer: Website: https://jenhilltribe.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferkhill/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenhillspeaker Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenhillspeaker/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/JenHillSpeaker Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/regarding-consciousness/id1642479840 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferkhill Grab my latest book Unshakable ⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/Unshakable-Parenting-through-Courage-Purpose/dp/B0FWB72V93/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8# and connect with me through ⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠ !

    28 min
  5. Play, Curiosity, Relationships, and Laughter are the Curriculum

    JAN 21

    Play, Curiosity, Relationships, and Laughter are the Curriculum

    Dera Valued Listener/Viewer, In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I speak with Michael Burns, an innovative school leader and author, about the importance of play in early childhood education, the role of principals in fostering a positive learning environment, and the impact of technology on young learners. Michael shares his journey from aspiring screenwriter to educational leader, emphasizing the need for meaningful learning experiences and the importance of social emotional learning in schools. The conversation highlights the collaborative nature of education and the necessity of communication among parents, teachers, and school leaders. Please connect with incredible Michael Burns: LikedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-burns-416a07233?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael.w.burns?igsh=MXJvMWFqenVmYTRiNg== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16dJfW8HZb/?mibextid=wwXIfr Grab my latest book Unshakable ⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Unshakable-Parenting-through-Courage-Purpose/dp/B0FWB72V93/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8#⁠ and connect with me through ⁠⁠⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠⁠⁠ !

    36 min
  6. I Don’t Teach Despite Autism—I Teach Because of It

    JAN 14

    I Don’t Teach Despite Autism—I Teach Because of It

    Dear Valued Listener/Viewer, In this conversation, I talk with Matthew Kenslow. He is a teacher who grew up as an autistic individual. This conversation explores the significance of understanding students in the educational process, emphasizing the need for teachers to get to know their students' interests and strengths. It discusses how this knowledge can inform differentiated instruction, ultimately leading to better student engagement and success. Please connect with amazing Matthew: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthew_kenslow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JugglingTheIssues/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@matthewkenslow722 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@matthewkenslow X: https://x.com/kenslowmatthew Matthew's book: https://www.amazon.com/Unstoppable-Matthew-Kenslow/dp/1956365583 Grab my latest book Unshakable ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Unshakable-Parenting-through-Courage-Purpose-ebook/dp/B0FVTJBQQ6/ref=monarch_sidesheet_title and connect with me through ⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠ !

    28 min
  7. You Can Teach Anything with Dogs

    JAN 7

    You Can Teach Anything with Dogs

    Dear Valued Listener/Viewer, In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I interview Gal Erez, a literacy teacher and therapy dog partner. We discuss the innovative inclusion of therapy dogs in educational settings, exploring how these animals can enhance learning, emotional well-being, and social skills among students. Gal shares her journey of integrating therapy dogs into her teaching, the positive impacts observed in children, and practical activities that educators can implement to foster a more engaging and supportive learning environment. Connect with incredible Gal: https://www.instagram.com/gal.dogtherapy?igsh=aGhqMGt1bzg4NzFt Grab my latest book Unshakable ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Unshakable-Parenting-through-Courage-Purpose/dp/B0FWB72V93 and connect with me through ⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠ !

    27 min
  8. Empowering Autistic Children through Dance

    12/31/2025

    Empowering Autistic Children through Dance

    Dear Valued Listener/Viewer, In this episode of 'Get Inspired with Dr. Barb', I interviews Gayle Knowles and Amanda Trisdale, who are leading an initiative to support autistic children through dance. We discuss their personal experiences with autism, the importance of understanding and patience in teaching, and how their collaboration aims to create an inclusive environment for neurodivergent children. The conversation highlights the transformative power of dance as a tool for communication and expression, and the need for personalized attention in teaching. We also share insights on the challenges faced by autistic children in traditional educational settings and the importance of adapting to their unique needs. The episode concludes with advice for parents and educators on fostering growth and understanding in autistic children. Connect with amazing Amanda and Gayle: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amanda.n.trisdale Leta Tap Styles Podcast: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562557047377 Grab my latest book Unshakable https://www.amazon.com/Unshakable-Parenting-through-Courage-Purpose/dp/B0FWB72V93 and connect with me through https://barbaravokatis.com !

    43 min
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About

Welcome to my weekly podcast, the kingdom of world-wide innovation in education that connects education and well being of children. Hear stories about educational innovation from educators who are innovating in their teaching to make a difference for children and from experts in other fields whose work substantially contributes to this innovation. In addition, every episode includes a tip/strategy/activity you will be able to implement immediately in your own classroom or in your parenting ! You will also hear about innovative educational initiatives.

Information

  • Creator
    Barbara Vokatis, PhD
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Barbara Vokatis, PhD
  • Show Website
    Get Inspired with Dr. Barb