Welcome to the HumanizEDU Podcast, where we collaborate with trusted educators and mental health professionals from around the world to ignite and empower a passionate community committed to revolutionizing education and amplifying resiliency from the inside out.
After over a decade of transforming school cultures and youth mental health across the US and around the world we wanted to highlight amazing educators and thought leaders to share their stories, strategies and hacks as we navigate this ever changing world.
Ep. 9: From Burnout to Belonging: Redesigning School Culture with iWellness
What happens when we stop managing crisis and start designing for healing?
In this powerful episode of the HumanizeEDU podcast, host Sandi sits down with the inspiring founders of iWellness—Nicole, AJ, and Adam—for a conversation that goes straight to the heart of what schools could be.
Together, they explore how we can move from fear-based systems to thriving school cultures rooted in proactive care, emotional safety, and sustainable wellbeing—for educators, students, and leaders alike.
You’ll hear real stories, visionary insights, and actionable strategies for flipping the script from burnout to belonging—because when we put the human back at the center of education, transformation begins.
🎧 Tune in if you’re ready to:
Shift from reactive to proactive culture-building
Design schools where wellness is foundational
Lead with empathy and strategy—not survival
Let’s humanize education, together.
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www.humanizedu.com (www.humanizedu.com)
www.iwellness.com (https://iwellness.com/)
4 Sept 2025
Ep. 8: What Happens When Educators Lead with Humanity
70% of educators report feeling undervalued. Over half are considering leaving the profession altogether.
But beneath the headlines, a quieter revolution is happening.
In this episode, we follow the story of school leaders who stopped chasing quick fixes—and started redesigning systems that center care, culture, and community.
You’ll hear:
What actually drives burnout (hint: it’s not just workload)
The leadership shifts that lead to real psychological safety
How one school used the Me. We. School. Model to transform culture from the inside out
Why data alone won’t move hearts—but stories will
If you’ve ever felt like you’re holding an entire school together with sheer willpower… this conversation is your reminder: you’re not alone, and there’s a better way.
Let’s rebuild schools where people belong—not just survive.
www.humanizedu.com (https://humanizedu.com/)
17 Apr 2025
Ep. 7: Teaching Through the Heart: Chali Davis on Healing, Reading, and the Mental Health Crisis in Education
In this soul-stirring episode of the HumanizEDU Podcast, Sandi sits down with longtime educator and literacy advocate Chali Davis—a woman whose love of learning began in first grade and never let go.
Together, they unpack the emotional weight educators carry today and the deeper systemic roots of the mental health crisis unfolding across schools. From personal burnout and rediscovering purpose, to the power of reading as liberation, Shay shares her truth with vulnerability and clarity.
Whether you're a teacher, leader, or simply someone who believes in the healing power of human connection—this conversation will meet you where you are and invite you to imagine what’s possible when we center care in education.
In this episode:
The origin story of a teacher’s calling
Why literacy is emotional, not just academic
What the system misses in supporting educators’ mental wellbeing
Radical honesty about burnout and boundaries
Shay’s vision for a more human-centered education future
Real talk. Deep insight. And a reminder that healing isn’t extra—it’s essential.
🎧 Listen in, reflect deeply, and keep showing up for the future of education—on purpose. Become a Culture & Wellbeing Coach Today!
More details here: https://humanizedu.com/cwcc
4 Apr 2025
Ep. 6: From Safe Classrooms to Whole-System Healing - A Principal’s View on the Real Mental Health Crisis
In this powerful episode of the HumanizEDU Podcast, we sit down with longtime educator and assistant principal Anna Slidhing for a no-holds-barred conversation about the emotional weight educators carry—and the systemic shifts needed to truly support them.From the frontline realities of trauma-informed care to the silent stressors educators face daily, Anna shares what it really takes to create psychologically safe schools—not just for students, but for the adults too. You’ll hear about the deep trust her school community has cultivated, the ripple effects of restorative justice done right, and the raw truth behind why some classrooms still aren’t safe spaces for emotional growth.If you’ve ever wondered what’s really fueling the mental health crisis in schools—or how to start healing it—this episode brings clarity, compassion, and a few truth bombs you won’t forget.🧠 Topics We Cover:
How school culture shapes mental health—for everyone
Why empathy and policy don’t always align
What self-care really means in EDU
How leaders can model psychological safety
A bold vision for restorative, emotionally fluent schools
🎧 Listen in, reflect deeply, and keep showing up for the future of education—on purpose.--Become a Culture & Wellbeing Coach Today! More details here:https://humanizedu.com/cwcc
7 Feb 2025
Ep. 5: Reimagining School Mental Health With Barry Wissman: A Teacher's Perspective on Healing and Hope
In this powerful conversation, 3rd-grade teacher Barry Wissman opens up about the critical mental health challenges facing our schools today.
Discussing the current state of education, Barry shares candid insights into the overwhelming needs of students and educators, the limitations of existing support systems, and the urgent need for a proactive, holistic approach to mental wellness.
With passion and hope, he explores why putting teachers' well-being first is key to creating healthier learning environments and ultimately supporting students more effectively.
18 Dec 2023
Ep. 4: A Conversation with Dr. April Bruce & Her Passion for Education
Welcome to this captivating episode!
We had the pleasure of sitting down with the esteemed Dr. April Bruce, a true luminary in the field of education. Join us in this illuminating Q&A session as Dr. Bruce delves into her profound passion for education, sharing insights that resonate with educators and enthusiasts alike.
18 Dec 2023
Ep. 3: Catching up with Megan Silvestri
In this episode, you'll arrive at one conclusion: Megan amazingly fits the HumanizEDU culture!
Tune in and find out why!
18 Dec 2023
Ep. 2: Chatting with Dr. Stacie Herrera
You do not want to miss this episode: Dr. Stacie Herrera on the hot seat!
Who is Dr. Stacie Herrera? Dr. Herrera has worked with school administrators, counselors, and students in Sarasota County since 2013 to provide evaluations, assessments, and interventions for school-aged children struggling academically and socially.
Today, her passion for providing mental health support to all students is evident in everything she does.
18 Dec 2023
Ep. 1: Chatting with Sandi Herrera
Who is Sandi Herrera? What better way to get to know her aside from hearing it from Sandi herself!
Sandi is on a mission. Her passion is to improve children’s education by fostering strong school cultures and igniting the genius in educators and students across the world.
She is an entrepreneur, inspiring thought leader and school-culture and leadership coach transforming the culture of education across America.
14 Nov 2023
Ep 0. Pilot Episode: HumanizEDU Mission
We are proud to finally introduce HumanizEDU Podcast, the podcast that's redefining education by putting humanity at its core.
Join us as we explore the vital elements that make education a deeply human experience. From heartfelt teacher-student connections to fostering empathy in learning, we delve into the stories, strategies, and insights that reignite the human spirit in education. Each episode features passionate educators, students, and experts sharing their journeys and innovative approaches to bring empathy, connection, and a sense of community back into the classroom. Tune in and join the movement to reshape education for a more empathetic and connected world.
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Podcast Authority Score: 22 / 100
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