I Hear You Say

Jen Walsh
  • 4.9 (43)
  • COURSES

Hosted by the American School Counselor Association, "I Hear You Say" is a podcast for school counselors and other leaders in education. Tune in for conversations on school counseling hot topics and practical tips, legal and ethical considerations, and other themes relevant to school counselors.

  1. MAR 26

    Episode 57: The Power of School Counseling: 2026 SCOY Finalists Share Their Impact

    In this special episode of I Hear You Say, host Jill Cook, ASCA executive director, and co-host Janae Douglas, ASCA’s education and training coordinator, are joined by the four 2026 School Counselor of the Year finalists –  Leka Anitema (Maui High School, Hawaii), Annie Goldberg, ACSC, (Broadview Middle School, N.C.), Lydia Thu Kim Larimore (Neabsco Elementary School, Va.), and Summer Royale Whittington (Ernest Gallet Elementary School, La.). The conversation explores the most urgent challenges facing school counselors nationwide, including rising student mental health needs, gaps in self-regulation skills, immigration-related fears in school communities and inequitable access to postsecondary pathways. The finalists also share how school counselors can influence systems without formal authority by using data for advocacy; clearly defining their role; and building strong partnerships with school leaders, educators, families and community partners. Each finalist highlights transformational initiatives from their schools: expanding college, career and workforce access across multiple Hawaiian islands; reducing discipline referrals through trauma-informed teacher support; implementing restorative justice to lower suspensions; and cutting chronic absenteeism through student-led mentorship focused on connection and belonging. Together, their stories showcase the scope, strength and systemic impact of the school counseling profession and the ways school counselors across diverse communities are shaping school culture, expanding opportunity and centering equity and care in their work.

  2. FEB 23

    Episode 56: Opening Doors: The 2026 SCOY on Using Data to Help Each and Every Student Succeed

    In this episode of I Hear You Say, host Jill Cook, executive director of the American School Counselor Association, and co-host Janae Douglas, ASCA’s education and training coordinator, welcome Danielle R. Crankfield, school counselor at Crofton High School in Gambrills, Md., and the 2026 ASCA School Counselor of the Year®. Danielle reflects on how her own high school counselor inspired her career and what continues to fuel her passion 15 years later. She shares how, during Crofton’s founding year amid the pandemic, she analyzed course enrollment data to uncover inequities in honors and AP science placement, leading to collaborative changes that expanded access. Danielle discusses Crofton’s open-access model for rigorous coursework and offers practical guidance for school counselors seeking to advance success for each and every student  through data, student voice and persistent advocacy.

  3. JAN 27

    Episode 55: Creating Safety: How School Counselors Support Students Through Trauma

    In this episode of the I Hear You Say  podcast, host Jill Cook, executive director of the American School Counselor Association, and co-host Janae Douglas, ASCA’s education and training coordinator, are joined by Dr. Sylvia Hollins, an experienced school counselor and trauma specialist. Hollins shares her journey into trauma and multicultural counseling and explains how trauma can affect students’ academic performance, behavior and social/emotional development. The conversation explores what it truly means to create trauma-informed school environments – spaces where students feel safe, supported and seen – and why school counselors and educators play a critical role in that work. Hollins offers practical tools, resources and real-world examples of effective crisis response and trauma-informed practices in schools. She also reinforces a powerful takeaway: the presence of caring, regulated adults can significantly reduce the impact of trauma and help students regain a sense of stability and hope. Visit www.schoolcounselor.org to learn more about these offerings, access additional resources and explore professional learning opportunities for school counselors and district leaders. To further your learning, explore the following ASCA professional development opportunities and resources: Trauma and Crisis Management ASCA U Specialist Trauma and Crisis Management On-Site Training ASCA National Model® Two-Year Districtwide Program The School Counselor and Trauma-Informed Practice Help Students Navigate Fears About ICE

  4. 12/22/2025

    Episode 54: Advocacy in Action: State Leaders Strengthening the School Counseling Profession

    In this special live episode of I Hear You Say, recorded at the 2025 ASCA Annual Conference in Long Beach, Calif., host Leisl Moriarty, CMP, CAE, ASCA’s director of affiliate relations, brings together advocacy leaders from four state school counseling associations. Joining her are Amy Baltimore, Ed.D., board chair of the Tennessee School Counselor Association; Lauren Mendez, CEO of the Washington School Counselor Association; Ashley Seeklander, government relations chair for the South Dakota School Counselor Association; and Becky Lins of the Iowa School Counselor Association. Each leader shares how they first became involved in advocacy, the legislative challenges they’re navigating and the proactive initiatives shaping their states. They also highlight successful campaigns that have advanced and protected the school counseling profession. Throughout the conversation, the guests emphasize the importance of relationship-building with legislators, staying proactive rather than reactive and the vital role state associations play in creating community and providing resources for school counselors nationwide. To view a full list of the school counselor associations (SCAs) please visit the following link. At the state level, ASCA supports state school counselor associations in developing effective and sustainable advocacy programs to advance state-specific issues affecting school counseling and K-12 education. School counselors are encouraged to actively participate with their state association as one way to increase their civic engagement. For more information on local advocacy efforts in your district and state, please contact your state association and get involved. https://schoolcounselor.org/About-ASCA/Legislative-Issues

  5. 11/29/2025

    Episode 53: Finding Our People: The Power of Affinity Groups in School Counseling

    In this special live episode of I Hear You Say, recorded at the 2025 Navigate and Innovate ASCA Annual Conference in Long Beach, host Qisti Gitosuputro, ASCA’s member engagement coordinator, brings together leaders from several of ASCA’s affinity groups for a heartfelt conversation about connection, community, and representation in the school counseling profession. Guests Angie Pereida, Annie Goldberg, Rebecca Edelman, Ph.D., and Brandon Gernux share their personal journeys into leadership and the vital role affinity groups play in supporting school counselors—especially those working in rural areas or navigating professional isolation. They reflect on meaningful moments within their groups, the power of finding people with shared identities and experiences, and how affinity spaces help counselors better serve their students. This inspiring discussion highlights how ASCA’s affinity groups foster belonging, cultivate leadership, and provide an essential network of encouragement and resources for counselors across the country. For more information about ASCA's affinity groups please visit the following links: ASCA Affinity Groups

  6. 10/29/2025

    Episode 52: Creating Safe Spaces: The Evolving Role of Counselors in Bullying Prevention

    In this episode of the I Hear You Say podcast, host Jill Cook, executive director of the American School Counselor Association, and co-host Janae Douglas, ASCA’s education and training coordinator, talk with Danna Mirviss from PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center about the evolution of bullying prevention efforts. Danna shares how initiatives like National Bullying Prevention Month and Unity Day inspire awareness, kindness, and inclusion in schools. The discussion highlights the vital role of school counselors, educators, families, and peers in creating safe learning environments—and why bullying prevention should be a year-round commitment, not just a month-long campaign. The School Counselor and Bullying/Harassment Prevention and the Promotion of Safe Schools PACER Center-Bullying prevention resources for K-12 youth, families, and educators PACER National Bullying Prevention Center resources for educators

  7. 09/30/2025

    Episode 51: Building Bridges: Strengthening School Counselor–Family Connections

    In this episode of the I Hear You Say podcast, host Jill Cook, executive director of the American School Counselor Association, and co-host Janae Douglas, ASCA’s education and training coordinator, sit down with Sarah Ritchie and Carol Clemens to explore how school counselors can strengthen relationships with families. The conversation highlights the power of personal connections and positive communication, while also offering practical strategies for time management, proactive outreach, and navigating tough conversations with empathy. Together, they share insights designed to help counselors create supportive, trusting partnerships with families that ultimately enhance student success throughout the school year.

  8. 09/11/2025

    Bonus Episode 50: Shaping Policy, Building Community: The Work of the ASCA Board

    In this episode of the I Hear You Say podcast, recorded live at the 2025 Navigate and Innovate ASCA Annual Conference in Long Beach, host Jill Cook, Executive Director of the American School Counselor Association sits down with ASCA board Chair Christy Welch and Assistant Chair Dr. Ebonee Magee-Dorsey. Welch reflects on her journey from emerging leader to ASCA board chair, while Dr. Magee-Dorsey shares her advocacy work in Mississippi to ensure every school has access to a counselor and her own path to national leadership. Together, they offer a behind-the-scenes look at the ASCA board’s role in shaping policy, monitoring progress, and connecting with members. The conversation also features practical advice for aspiring leaders and emphasizes the power of collaboration in advancing the association’s mission. ASCA Board Board of Directors Candidate Information

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4.9
out of 5
43 Ratings

About

Hosted by the American School Counselor Association, "I Hear You Say" is a podcast for school counselors and other leaders in education. Tune in for conversations on school counseling hot topics and practical tips, legal and ethical considerations, and other themes relevant to school counselors.

Information

  • Creator
    Jen Walsh
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    64
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © ASCA On Air
  • Show Website
    I Hear You Say

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