Shows
Wellness for EducatorsLeap To Switzerland, Teach With Heart: Episode #20Send a textWhat if a single yes could reshape how you work, live, and care for yourself? We sit down with Kelly Donovan—middle school physical and health educator and well-being coordinator at International School Basel—to trace her leap from Pennsylvania to Switzerland and the lessons she carried across oceans. From the first spark in Mexico City’s international classrooms to a serendipitous invite that opened a door in Basel, Kelly shows how courage, clarity, and community can turn a dream into daily life.We explore the emotional arc of moving abroad—the honeymoo...
2026-03-0433 minWellness for EducatorsSmall Habits, Big Energy: Rethinking Fitness For Busy Educators Episode #19Send a textThe school day starts before sunrise and ends long after dismissal, and somewhere between lesson plans and parent emails, your back is tight, your energy is low, and sleep keeps slipping. That grind doesn’t have to be your baseline. We invited Pilates and fitness specialist—and former professional dancer—Lane Groser to help us build a smarter, simpler path to feeling strong, mobile, and rested.Lane traces her journey from the studio to coaching and shares a clear framework any educator can use: train your heart with cardio, protect muscle and bone w...
2026-02-0429 minWellness for EducatorsNew Year, Healthier Habits For Teachers Episode #18Send a textA fresh year doesn’t magically create more time between classes, meetings, and grading—so we built a smarter way to pursue wellness that fits the real school day. With health and wellness consultant Dayna Gowan, we dig into practical strategies teachers can use right now: finding hidden insurance perks, shaping a sustainable self-care routine, and bringing simple, joyful energy back into daily life. Think free mindfulness apps through your insurer, short info sessions that boost benefits awareness, and small habits you can actually keep when afternoons get stacked.We also zoom out...
2026-01-0736 minWellness for EducatorsFinding Silence Amongst the Chaos Episode #17Send a textWhat if five quiet minutes could reset an entire day? We close the year with a focused, practical guide to finding calm in a loud season—especially for teachers who spend every hour juggling decisions, emotions, and endless distractions. Rather than adding another task to your to-do list, we build a small, sustainable habit that creates big returns: a short window of morning silence that lowers stress, resets attention, and restores patience.We unpack why silence is more than peaceful—it’s powerful. Research points to lower cortisol and parasympathetic activation when we pau...
2025-12-0313 minWellness for EducatorsBeyond the Classroom: Balancing Health and Teaching Episode #16Send a textNutrition expert and former college athlete Sam Rodgers joins the Wellness for Educators podcast to share practical strategies for maintaining health amid the demanding responsibilities of teaching. Sam reveals how his nutrition background led him to create "Dear Dad," a blog that frames wellness conversations as heartfelt letters to overcome the defensiveness many people feel when discussing their eating habits.The conversation delves into the powerful 80-20 principle of health—how food choices make up 80% of our wellness outcomes while exercise contributes 20%. Sam explains why this makes intuitive sense: we eat multiple ti...
2025-11-1925 minWellness for EducatorsOvercoming Adversity: One Student's Journey to Breaking the Cycle Episode #15Send a textWhat does true resilience look like in the face of overwhelming obstacles? Meet Anjelica Rodriguez, who journeyed from a childhood marked by family mental health struggles, financial hardship, and adult responsibilities to become a college graduate, homeowner, and devoted mother breaking generational cycles.When we talk about student potential, Anjelica's story stands as a powerful testament to what's possible with determination and support. As a middle schooler, she balanced schoolwork while helping care for younger siblings in a household where resources were scarce and her mother battled bipolar disorder. By sixteen, her...
2025-10-1529 minWellness for EducatorsBalancing Act: Parenting and Teaching in the Digital Age Episode #14Send a textVeteran educator Brittany Snavely opens up about the delicate balancing act of raising four daughters while pursuing a fulfilling 21-year teaching career in this thought-provoking conversation about modern parenting and educator wellness.Drawing from her experience spanning sixth grade classrooms to her current role as an elementary school librarian, Brittany shares candid observations about how technology has fundamentally changed childhood. "Kids now have this constant sense of 'I need to know right now,'" she notes, describing how today's students struggle with patience and problem-solving when answers aren't immediately available. Her solution...
2025-09-1728 minWellness for EducatorsEmbracing Change and Challenge in the New School Year Episode #13Send a textHave you ever wondered why we can easily recall our favorite teachers decades later, yet struggle to remember last year's award-winning movie or championship teams? The answer lies in the profound, lasting impact educators have on their students' lives—an impact that extends far beyond test scores and classroom walls.Summer break is winding down, and a new school year approaches with its inevitable challenges, choices, and changes. As educators, you face over a thousand decisions daily, from curriculum implementation to addressing individual student needs. Your attitude toward these challenges—choosing optimism over...
2025-08-2014 minWellness for EducatorsBe Well to Teach Well Episode #12 Reflect, Rejuvenate, Return: A Teacher's Guide to Summer Self-CareSend a textThe journey toward wellness is never a straight line, especially for dedicated educators who pour their hearts into their classrooms all year. As we close our first season of Wellness for Educators, this finale brings together the essential wisdom from twelve episodes of teacher-centered self-care strategies.Throughout this season, we've heard from remarkable guests – from former students sharing how compassionate teachers changed their lives, to educators like Nell Herman reminding us to "give ourselves grace," to health experts like Dr. Peter Montminy explaining why filling our own wellness tanks must precede serving ot...
2025-05-2816 minWellness for EducatorsBe Well to Teach Well Episode #11 Friends for Life The Power of Lifelong ConnectionsSend a textFriendship sustains us through life's greatest challenges and sweetest victories. Lori welcomes her childhood friend of over 60 years, Alison Waters Murphy, for a heartfelt conversation about the profound impact of meaningful connections on our wellbeing.What begins as reminiscing about childhood playdates transforms into powerful reflections on how relationships shape our lives and careers. The friends explore the concept of "seasonal friendships" versus lifelong bonds, acknowledging how some connections serve us for specific periods while others withstand decades of change. Their own friendship stands as testament to the latter – picking up effortlessly de...
2025-04-3016 minWellness for EducatorsBe Well to Teach Well: Episode #10 Cherished Memories and Life Lessons Growing Up with a Teacher MomSend a textWhat if the essence of true balance as a working parent doesn't lie in perfection but in prioritizing what truly matters? Join us as we unravel the heartfelt journey of blending careers and family life, crafted over my 37 years in education. Through candid reflections and shared wisdom, I explore the tides of guilt and triumph that come with wearing multiple hats as an educator and parent. My daughters, Bethany and Jenna, step into the conversation, shedding light on their experiences growing up with a working mom, and how it molded their sense of responsibility...
2025-03-1913 minWellness for EducatorsBe Well to Teach Well: Episode #9 Overcoming Adversity and Building ResilienceSend a textDiscover the transformative power of resilience through the inspiring journey of Jamie Barberich-Covill, a dedicated special education teacher who faced the harrowing challenge of a brain tumor diagnosis in 2006. Despite numerous surgeries and treatments, Jamie has not only continued to thrive as an educator and a loving mother but has also become a beacon of hope in her community. I am Lori Maxfield, your host on Wellness for Educators, and I invite you to explore the deep connection between personal well-being and effective teaching with us. From reducing stress to enhancing creativity, understanding how...
2025-02-1914 minWellness for EducatorsBe Well to Teach Well: Episode #8 Embracing MindfulnessSend a textUnlock the secrets to a more mindful and effective teaching practice with insights from Dr. Peter Montminy, a renowned clinical psychologist and mindfulness instructor. Together, we explore the mounting emotional challenges faced by children in today's high-speed, tech-driven world and how this impacts teachers. Dr. Montminy shares practical strategies to cope with the chronic stress plaguing educators and students alike. Through self-regulation techniques and mindful practices, discover how you can create a balanced and nurturing environment that truly supports learning and emotional well-being.In our conversation, we highlight the transformative power of...
2025-01-0818 minWellness for EducatorsBe Well to Teach Well: Episode #7 The Transformative Power of Empathy and Well-Being in EducationSend a textCan a single moment of empathy change a student's life forever? Join me, Lori Maxfield, as I explore this question through the inspiring story of "Mrs. Thompson and Teddy." This tale from my early teaching days highlights the transformative power of understanding and compassion in the classroom. As we navigate the hectic holiday season, I offer heartfelt encouragement to educators everywhere, emphasizing the importance of empathy with our students. A healthy work-life balance not only enhances teaching effectiveness but also inspires future generations.In this episode I encourage teachers to g...
2024-11-2010 minWellness for EducatorsBe Well to Teach Well Episode #6: Prioritizing Sleep and Positive Communication in the ClassroomSend a textAfter years of sacrificing sleep for the sake of exercise, I've come to realize the profound impact sleep deprivation has had on my well-being and performance as an educator. Join me, Lori Maxfield, on Wellness for Educators as I share personal reflections from my 37-year teaching journey and explore the essential role sleep plays in mental and physical health, brain function, and social interactions. You’ll hear practical tips for overcoming common causes of insomnia, like stress and anxiety, to improve not just your sleep, but your effectiveness in the classroom.Yet, sl...
2024-10-3021 minWellness for EducatorsBe Well to Teach Well Episode #5: Nell Herrmann InterviewSend a textDiscover the transformative power of self-care for educators with insights from Dr. Becky, author of Good Inside. Learn how simple practices like deep breathing, staying hydrated, and meditating can significantly reduce stress and enhance your teaching effectiveness. Prioritize your well-being and gain practical tips on how to create a healthier work-life balance, ensuring you have the energy and calm needed both inside and outside the classroom. Join us for an enriching conversation with Nell Herrmann, a National Board Certified Teacher whose extraordinary career spans from Blue Hill, Maine to the icy terrains o...
2024-09-0423 minWellness for EducatorsBe Well to Teach Well Episode 4 : Embracing Self-Care and Building Positive Student ConnectionsSend a textEmbracing Self-Care and Building Positive Student ConnectionsCan prioritizing self-care truly transform your teaching experience? Discover how simple yet powerful self-care habits can set the stage for a fulfilling and productive school year. I reflect on the significance of setting boundaries and making time for activities that rejuvenate the spirit, such as taking a walk, reading a book, or spending quality time with loved ones. As educators brace themselves for the new academic year, we explore practical strategies to identify and mitigate stressors, creating a more positive and engaging classroom environment...
2024-08-1423 minWellness for EducatorsBe Well to Teach Well : Episode #3 You Can Do Hard Things!Send a textYou can do hard things! Teachers that survived the pandemic have overcome huge obstacles.This was such a challenging time in the world. Lori Maxfield shares a story about the Special Olympics and encourages teachers to finish well. This is an opportunity to finish the school year on a high note. Kindness matters. Find joy in the journey. Thanks for listening!
2024-05-2916 minWellness for EducatorsBe Well to Teach Well: Episode #2 Attitude is KeySend a textThe influence of a good teacher can never be erased. You want to end well. Attitude is key. Lori shares a story regarding a kindergarten teacher and quotes “All I Really Need to Know I learned in Kindergarten written by Robert Fulghum. Thanks for listening!
2024-05-1515 minWellness for EducatorsBe Well to Teach Well: Episode #1 We Need to Take Care of OurselvesSend a textThis is the first episode of the Wellness for Educators Podcast. Encouraging teachers to take care of their own health. What educators do daily is important, but it is necessary for educators to take care of themselves. It has a direct impact on the students they teach. Thanks for listening!
2024-05-0118 min
Going North PodcastEp. 503 – “Domestic Violence & The Church” with Donna Wayles (@DWayles)“Take your time with decisions.” – Donna WaylesToday’s featured author is wife, mom, technology teacher, and domestic abuse survivor, Donna Wayles. Donna and I talk about her book, “I'll Pray for You: A Christian Woman's Guide to Surviving Domestic Violence”, why relationship red flags need to be acknowledged, and more! Key Things You’ll Learn:Why genuine Christianity involves overcoming struggles.Some of the red flags of abuse that Donna missed that you should avoid.How dealing with domestic abuse strengthened her empathy muscle as a teacher....
2022-05-1346 min
Going North PodcastEp. 503 – “Domestic Violence & The Church” with Donna Wayles (@DWayles)“Take your time with decisions.” – Donna WaylesToday’s featured author is wife, mom, technology teacher, and domestic abuse survivor, Donna Wayles. Donna and I talk about her book, “I'll Pray for You: A Christian Woman's Guide to Surviving Domestic Violence”, why relationship red flags need to be acknowledged, and more! Key Things You’ll Learn:Why genuine Christianity involves overcoming struggles.Some of the red flags of abuse that Donna missed that you should avoid.How dealing with domestic abuse strengthened her empathy muscle as a teacher.Some ways to help those dealing or recovering from domestic abuse. Donna’s Site: https://www...
2022-05-1346 min
Podcast for Leaderful SchoolsChalkbeat: Local and State Coverage of Educational NewsBob Maxfield and Suzanne Klein continue their conversation on the impact of the pandemic, what has happened to schools, and how schools could improve going forward with their guest Lori Higgins, the bureau chief for Chalkbeat Detroit. Prior to joining Chalkbeat, she was an education writer for the Detroit Free Press from 2000 to 2018. She also served as an education writer and the assistant metro editor for the Green Bay Press-Gazette, in Wisconsin. What is Chalkbeat? https://www.chalkbeat.org/Chalkbeat is a national nonprofit news organization with bureaus in eight cities, including Detroit, committed to cov...
2022-04-2530 min
Highway 89 Classical EpisodesMusic from the British IslesTonight we've left our usual home at Studio 6 for a field trip to Brigham Young University's Museum of Art! The Island homes of Ireland, Scotland and England have given us music both sublime and silly, enthralling and thoroughly entertaining. In an intimate concert setting with an audience made up of sustaining members of Classical 89, we showcase this music performed by musicians of all kinds.
From Celtic cello to four-hand piano to opera to "Danny Boy," enjoy this musical journey to the British Isles, courtesy of Classical 89's Sustaining Members.
Liz Davis Maxfield (cello), Lori Weiss & Jayne Galloway...
2018-01-1000 min
Alzheimer's SpeaksYoung Onset DementiaYoung Onset Dementia with Dr. Dan Nightingale and Tracey Maxfield Today we are going to discuss a topic which raises a lot of fear and also takes people by surprise - Young Onset Dementia. We are feeling grateful to have with us Dr. Dan Nightingale, a world leading clinical dementia specialist in the US and U.K. and Tracey Maxfield who is an RN, Dementia Consultant, Educator and Advocate. Let us know your thoughts on the topic. Dr. Dan's Website Dr Dan's Email Tracey's Phone: 250-826-3535 Tracey's Email Deme...
2017-09-281h 09Alzheimer's SpeaksYoung Onset DementiaYoung Onset Dementia with Dr. Dan Nightingale and Tracey Maxfield
Today we are going to discuss a topic which raises a lot of fear and also takes people by surprise - Young Onset Dementia. We are feeling grateful to have with us Dr. Dan Nightingale, a world leading clinical dementia specialist in the US and U.K. and Tracey Maxfield who is an RN, Dementia Consultant, Educator and Advocate. Let us know your thoughts on the topic.
Dr. Dan's Website
Dr Dan's Email
Tracey's Phone: 250-826-3535
Tracey's Email
Deme...
2017-09-281h 09
Highway 89Music of the British Isles: BYU's Museum of ArtTonight we've left our usual home at Studio 6 for a field trip to Brigham Young University's Museum of Art! The Island homes of Ireland, Scotland and England have given us music both sublime and silly, enthralling and thoroughly entertaining. In an intimate concert setting with an audience made up of sustaining members of Classical 89, we showcase this music performed by musicians of all kinds.
From Celtic cello to four-hand piano to opera to "Danny Boy," enjoy this musical journey to the British Isles, courtesy of Classical 89's Sustaining Members.
Host: Steven Kapp Perry
Performers: Liz Maxfield Davis, celtic cello; Jane...
2015-06-2455 min
Going North PodcastEp. 503 – “Domestic Violence & The Church” with Donna Wayles (@DWayles)“Take your time with decisions.” – Donna WaylesToday’s featured author is wife, mom, technology teacher, and domestic abuse survivor, Donna Wayles. Donna and I talk about her book, “I'll Pray for You: A Christian Woman's Guide to Surviving Domestic Violence”, why relationship red flags need to be acknowledged, and more! Key Things You’ll Learn:Why genuine Christianity involves overcoming struggles.Some of the red flags of abuse that Donna missed that you should avoid.How dealing with domestic abuse strengthened her empathy muscle as a teacher.Some ways to help those dealing or recovering from domestic abuse. Donna’s Site: https://ww...
2014-12-2446 min