Inside School Psychology: Mental Health, Brain Mapping & Education Politics with Nicole

What happens when brain science, student mental health, and education policy collide—especially in a post-COVID world?

In this episode of The Voyage Cast, we sit down with Nicole, a dedicated school psychologist, to explore the real-world challenges facing students, parents, and educators today. Nicole opens up about her personal journey into the world of school psychology, and how her work bridges the gap between mental health, neurological tools like brain mapping, and the evolving politics of education.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just someone trying to understand what kids are up against in today’s classrooms, this conversation offers insight, hope, and a fresh look at what students truly need.

We discuss:

• The rising mental health needs of students post-pandemic
• How brain mapping is being used to understand behavior and improve learning
• The emotional toll educators carry—and what’s being done (or not done) about it
• The tension between policy and psychology in school systems
• What parents can do to advocate for their kids without burning out

If you’ve got kids in school—or care about the future of education—you’ll want to hear this.

Transcript

Episode Title:
Navigating School Psychology: Mental Health, Brain Mapping, and Education Politics in the COVID-19 Era

Episode Summary:
In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Nicole Turner, a school psychologist in Arizona, who shared her inspiring personal journey and insights into the world of school psychology. We discussed the importance of mental health in schools, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on students and families. We also explored the fascinating world of brain mapping and how it can help identify strengths and weaknesses in children with special needs. Additionally, we dove into the politics affecting education and the decisions made surrounding school funding, curriculum, and resources. This episode is perfect for parents and anyone interested in the world of school psychology, as we delve into the challenges faced within the school system and the importance of collaboration between school psychologists, teachers, and external therapists in supporting students' mental health.

Chapters:

(0:00:01) - Finding Strength
(0:12:38) - Mental Health in Schools
(0:18:33) - COVID-19 on School Mental Health
(0:31:22) - Assisting Special Needs Students
(0:42:04) - Navigating Politics in Education

Chapter Summaries:

(0:00:01) - Finding Strength (13 Minutes)
In this episode, we have the pleasure of interviewing Nicole Turner, a school psychologist in Arizona, who shares her personal journey into the field and discusses the importance of school psychology. Nicole talks about her early exposure to the profession through working with special needs children and interacting with school psychologists while babysitting. Despite her mother's initial disappointment, Nicole pursued her passion and became a school psychologist, eventually working alongside those who inspired her in the first place. She emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and recognizing that everyone's path to success is different. This episode is perfect for parents and anyone interested in the world of school psychology.

(0:12:38) - Mental Health in Schools (6 Minutes)
Reflecting on personal experiences in competitive dance and the support from family, particularly from a father who was a strong advocate and leader, we delve into how loss and challenges can shape one's career path. The conversation highlights the importance of taking care of family in difficult times, such as when a young sibling and mother are left behind after a father's passing. We also explore how working with children with special needs can provide inspiration and drive, leading to a fulfilling career as a school psychologist. Within this role, we discuss the challenges faced within the school system, particularly in regard to mental health and the impact of COVID on students and families.

(0:18:33) - COVID-19 on School Mental Health (13 Minutes)
As we continue our conversation, we delve into how the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for schools to adapt and evolve to better serve students' needs. We discuss the impact of online learning on mental health and explore the role of crisis management teams, such as the "flight team," in handling tragedies within the school system. Additionally, we talk about the importance of collaboration between school psychologists, teachers, and external therapists in supporting students' mental health, while acknowledging the limitations of providing therapy in a school setting.

(0:31:22) - Assisting Special Needs Students (11 Minutes)
Exploring the fascinating world of brain mapping, we discuss how this technology can help identify strengths, weaknesses, and potential challenges in children with special needs, such as attention disorders or auditory processing disorders. We touch on the importance of viewing each child as an individual and meeting them where they are, rather than expecting them to fit into an outdated system. Furthermore, we delve into the perspective of a school psychologist and parent navigating these challenges, emphasizing that even professionals don't always have all the answers. Finally, we consider the potential benefits of incorporating brain mapping technology into schools and the need for a more compassionate and adaptive approach to education.

(0:42:04) - Navigating Politics in Education (8 Minutes)
We dive into the politics affecting education and the decisions made surrounding school funding, curriculum, and resources. We discuss the importance of considering the background of the individuals we vote into roles that shape our education systems and the impact of these decisions on our children. Additionally, we touch on the debate between having school counselors or police officers in schools and the necessity of understanding the differences in their skill sets. Finally, we talk about the role of parents in the school system as customers, and the love and care that schools provide for the children who attend them.

Episode Keywords:
School Psychology, Mental Health, COVID-19, Special Needs Students, Brain Mapping, Education Politics, School Funding, Curriculum, School Resources, Collaboration, Online Learning, Crisis Management, Attention Disorders, Auditory Processing Disorders, School Counselors, Police Officers in Schools, Arizona, School System, External Therapists

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