Shows
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 45: Samuel AugusteIn performing arts education, there are some students who love the spotlight, and others who just love to be there, participating, without the pressure and responsibility of being the lead role. Samuel Auguste was one of the latter.
Tune in to learn three of the most important lessons Sam learned during his time in the rehearsal studio and on stage.
Blog at staceytirro.com
Watch on YouTube
Changed for the Better Theme: written and performed by Brianna Knight
Graphic Design: Michael DelPup
© Changed for the Better, 2023
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2023-07-3122 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 44: Matthew HochbergNot all of my guests craved the spotlight. Some were very happy behind-the-scenes, putting their production talents to good use in quieter ways. Matthew Hochberg, class of 1998, spent his senior year assimilating back into public school life through Thespian Troupe 721. There, he leaned on the safe community as he figured out what would inspire his future.
Changed for the Better Blog
Changed for the Better Theme: written and performed by Brianna Knight
Graphic Design: Michael DelPup
© Changed for the Better, 2023
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2023-07-2848 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 43: Esskee Nance-DoucetA running theme on this podcast is the non-linear path to now. Whether for a change of heart or change of circumstance, the road people take often diverge multiple times from the one they set out upon. Sometimes, you have a few guardian angels to help lead the way. From teen mom to LPN to NP, Esskee Nance-Doucet has climbed mountainous terrain in order to smell the sweet, clean air of success. Tune in for her story.
Changed for the Better Blog
Changed for the Better Theme: written and performed by Brianna Knight
Graphic Design: Michael DelPup
© Changed for t...
2023-07-2654 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 42: Tina VasquezTina Vasquez is the owner and CEO of Emerging Equity, a consulting firm that focuses on cultural transformation in institutions and systems. Tune in to hear how this powerhouse entrepreneur, mom, and dancing queen used the lessons from the studio to tap into her creativity, intuition, and find her voice.
Blog: staceytirro.com
Music: written and performed by Brianna Knight
Graphic Design: Michael DelPup
©Changed for the Better, 2023
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2023-07-081h 09
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 41: Ornely AubourgWelcome to season four!
Ornely Aubourg was one of my tried and true students, my tiny dancer, so to speak. In school, the dance studio was her safe space, a leotard and tights was her outfit of choice, and being in the spotlight was her comfort zone. Now, this working mom is a healer and a teacher as a first responder. Tune in to learn how she has connected her performing arts training to her role as an EMT.
Blog: staceytirro.com
Music: written and performed by Brianna Knight
Graphic Design: Michael DelPup
©Changed for the Better, 2023
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2023-07-0636 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 40: Karema BrownWelcome to the final episode of season three of "Changed for the Better!" I can't think of a better person to have join me for this momentous occasion.
Karema Brown has an educator's heart. Her mission is to do all she can to improve the school experience for her kids.
Tune in to hear her story of service, how she processed her complicated roles as a Black woman, educator, and daughter of the badge, and how the dance studio taught her that vulnerability is a strength to be cherished.
Read the blog...
2023-06-141h 02
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 39: Joseph WallaceJoseph "Royalty" Wallace, once a pulsing ball of energy, has focused his creativity and discipline to become a successful man in finance and entrepreneurship. Trustco Bank manager by day, owner of House of Kings, LLC after hours, and always a family man.
Tune in to learn how dance was the catalyst for his leap into leadership.
Read the blog at staceytirro.com
Watch the full episode on YouTube
MUSIC written and performed by: Brianna Knight
GRAPHIC design: Michael DelPup
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2023-06-1254 min
A Moment of Mindful MeditationSolitudeSolitude is not lonely and far from alone. It gives us the time and space to listen to our own wisdom and attend to our intuition. When you connect with your inner voice, you can find your next big idea, make a big decision, or figure out your next steps. Find a pen and paper and be ready to capture the musings of your inner voice.
Music Attributions
“Absent” Emanuele Dentoni storyblocks.com
“Introspection” Chris Collins indiemusicbox.com
2023-06-1109 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 38: Bria ManningBria Manning is someone who sees what she wants and she gets it. Back in high school, she poured her energy into the Spring Valley community as a class officer, cheerleader, and active Thespian and dancer. Now entrenched in her quarter-century status, she is finding ways to balance the requirements of adulting with her need for community, creativity and dancing.
Tune in to hear her story!
Watch the full episode on YouTube
Read the Blog about Bria
MUSIC: Brianna Knight
GRAPHIC: Michael DelPup
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2023-05-2342 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 37: Rushane DunnEpisode 37 features Rushane Dunn, the first alum to be profiled from the class of 2019!
Rushane is a delightful person who always makes me smile. Always ambitious and high-achieving, he is now finishing his senior year at Brown University. We talked about his dual passions for STEM and performing arts, being at the precipice of his adulthood and his impending journey into medicine. Learn how his time in the studio and on the stage in high school propelled him to become a leader in college, and how it helped to shape the outstanding person he is today.
2023-05-231h 01A Moment of Mindful MeditationWhat is Mindfulness?What is mindfulness? How can we use it to reclaim our sense of calm, peace and feeling centered?
Join me to practice a box breathing strategy that may help you get unstuck, regroup and move forward in your life in less than 15 minutes.
I wish you the best of health, a calm heart and peace of mind.
MUSIC:
“Absent” Emanuele Dentoni storyblocks.com
“Introspection” Chris Collins at indiemusicbox.com
“Ambiance Calm Piano” Danail Draganov storyblocks.com
2023-05-1314 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 36: Nathalie Alcime, Part 2In part two of Episode 36, Nathalie Alcime (class of 2007) and I talk about how her time in the dance studio helped to give her more confidence in her own skin when it came to dance performance. As her confidence grew, she learned how to walk proudly in her experience, even when she made mistakes. Learning to fail forward became the key to her standing up to the looming imposter syndrome that often gets in the way of our success.
Read the blog at staceytirro.com ~ Changed for the Better Podcast
https://staceytirro.com/category/changed-for-the-better/
Music: Brianna Knight
2023-05-0245 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 36: Nathalie Alcime, Part 1My guest for episode 36 is Nathalie Alcime, class of 2007. Nathalie's passion for music has taken her on quite a journey, full of twists, turns and lots of unexpected detours. This is the first of a two-part episode.
Part one highlights how my connection with Nathalie led to the creation of a beautiful performance opportunity that examines the slow awakening to the discourse of social justice. Sometimes, terrible events can actually give birth to some beautiful things.
The song she performs for this episode is called "Now?", a collaboration between myself and my episode 6 guest, Hernz Laguerre, Jr.
Read the...
2023-05-0227 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationChanged for the Better: New Theme Song!I am BEYOND THRILLED to announce that Brianna Knight, my esteemed guest from episode 8, has composed and performed the new theme song for this podcast. Take a moment to listen - I think it is brilliant and perfectly encapsulates how we all feel when we think about our time together in the studio.
Music: Brianna Knight
Graphic: Michael DelPup
©Changed for the Better 2023
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2023-05-0200 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 35: Darian GarnerWhat a treat to chat with my episode 35 guest: Darian Garner, the valedictorian of the class of 2013. A perfect blend of brilliance, kindness and humility, Darian graciously shared her stories about navigating the challenges of being Black in an Ivy League school, losing her mom, becoming an actuary, and growing into her independence.
Prepare to be inspired.
Music: Bensound
Read the blog at staceytirro.com
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2023-04-1440 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 34 Melissa IglodyIn this episode, I chat with Melissa Iglody from the class of 2012, the class that included Hernz Laguerre, Jr. (episode 6) and Tendrina Alexandre (episode 10).
Melissa Iglody's bright, bubbly personality infused positivity and a lively spark to our performing arts community. She learned how to bring her best self into everything she does (there are no small parts!) and extended those lessons into college and her adult life.
Music: "Hey" Bensound
Blog at staceytirro.com
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2023-04-1339 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 33: Melissa DenizardSometimes, in your teaching career, you cross paths with a superhero. These are the kids with an activist spirit, aware of the inequities of the world, and somehow possess the energy and drive to try to do something about it.
Tune in to learn about Melissa Denizard, Spring Valley's own superhero, and how she continues the social justice activism she started in her home town as she melds it with her exploding artistic vision through her alter-ego, MELLY.
Music: "Hey" Bensound
Read the blog at staceytirro.com
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2023-04-0854 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 32: Dara Orlando HandelmanDara Orlando is somewhat of a Thespian legend.
Before she became the working mom/corporate executive for JP Morgan that she is today, she was one of my very first dance students at Spring Valley. She brought her prior training to my classroom, helping me to build the foundation for a long and prosperous career. She also discovered her penchant for comedy in my first Thespians fall drama, “The Worst High School Play in the World” where, as a sophomore, she hilariously played a queen whose crown was a car hubcap. She spent the rest of her time in high...
2023-04-0756 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 31: Marie CasimirWELCOME TO SEASON 3!!
My guest for episode 31 takes us back to the class of 2003. A self-professed “Jane of all trades” and Heartland Emmy nominee, Marie Casimir discovered her passion for everything the arts had to offer during high school, when she immersed herself in dance and Thespians. We talk about overcoming the natural self-doubt that so many adolescents and creators have on their journey, and how she now shares her voice and vision with the world through her own company, Djaspora Productions.
Music: "Hey" Bensound
Blog: staceytirro.com
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2023-04-0641 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 30: Dwayne GentleIs there a gentle doctor in the house? Pretty soon, there will be!
My episode 30 guest will become Dr. Dwayne Gentle in the spring of 2023. What better way to close out season 2 than to talk to a formerly hyper-vigilant adolescent about his path to being more spontaneous, changing his mindset, surviving medical school and living life exactly how he wants to live it.
Music: "Hey" Bensound
Read the blog at staceytirro.com --> Changed for the Better
Watch the full episode on YouTube
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2023-01-1246 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 29: Jessica ButlerLa Presidenta is in the house!
This tiny force of nature was a Thespian staple. She had taken notice of our drama club in middle school when she came to see 42nd Street. In that moment, she made a decision: by the time her senior year rolled around, she would be our troupe leader.
Challenge accepted.
In episode 29, Jessica and I discuss mentorship, embracing your ability (despite a touch of imposter syndrome), and learning how to figure things out.
Music: "Hey" Bensound
Watch episode 29 on YouTube
Read the bl...
2023-01-0546 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 28: Jacqueline Smith-MusselmanAs we go through life, our identity is defined by the things we do and the relationships we hold dear.
In Changed for the Better episode 28, Jacqueline Smith-Musselman reflects on all of her identifiers, including the bliss (and terrors) of motherhood and her dream job as a Kindergarten teacher. We also talk about the benefits of therapy, being joyful, and the struggle to maintain balance.
Music: "Hey" Bensound
Blog: Visit my website staceytirro.com
Video version on YouTube
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2022-12-2949 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 27: Cesia RomanThe theme for episode 27 is centered around social-emotional learning (SEL). So much valuable knowledge was shared in this conversation about how arts education activities support SEL for students. Listen to what Cesia Roman learned through her performing arts activities, and how she is now paying it forward to the adolescents in her home district.
One of the most satisfying things about being in the teaching profession is when you see your students paying it forward. Cesia Roman graduated from Spring Valley High School in 2017, earned her BS in Special Education at SUNY Cortland (in the middle of...
2022-12-2045 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 26: Michaelle VilsaBack in her high school years, Michaelle Vilsa (class of 2014) was charming, quirky and hilariously funny. She had a quick-wit and abundant energy, making her presence well-known as soon as she walked in the room. Versatility became her modus operandi, as she navigated roles as the comic relief in Drowsy Chaperone, the all-powerful title character of The Wiz and showed her soulful strength as Camilla in In the Heights.
Today, she's making great use of her Thespian prowess and taking her early arts education experiences to new heights, making her way in the world of screen and...
2022-11-1547 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 25: Chizi DuruThe indomitable Chizi Duru is a content creator/influencer/entrepreneur/media personality. With over 500,000 followers, her YouTube channel promotes her mission to create a space for women to love themselves authentically so they may step into their power. Listen in to see how her time in the dance studio helped her to overcome her fears and inspire her trajectory towards the creation of her social media empire.
Chizi's Instagram
Music: "Hey" Bensound
Read the blog about Chizi here!
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2022-11-0241 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 24 Elya ShavrovaElya Shavrova (SVHS 2010) talks about learning through disappointment and developing strong roots, despite a tumultuous adolescent experience. Tune in to see how she navigated the chaos through Thespians and dance, which ultimately gave her the self-confidence to determine who she is and what she wants out of life.
Music: "Hey" Bensound
Read the blog here!
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2022-10-2746 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 23: Robyn CorujoPassion, energy, talent - Robyn Corujo embodies all of these things and has since I met her as a 17-year-old at Spring Valley High School. That was my first experience directing Thespian Troupe 721, an important milestone in both of our performing arts careers. Since that show, our paths have crossed over and over again and I couldn't be more grateful for knowing her.
Enjoy a look back to that important musical experience and how we were both "Changed for the Better" because of it.
Music: "Hey" Bensound
Read the blog at staceytirro.com ->...
2022-10-1232 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 22: Brittany GischnerBrittany Gischner is straight out of Central Casting - literally. This successful casting director looks back to her roots as Thespian President, and how she applies our motto, "Act well your part; there all the honor lies" every single day.
Music: "Hey" Bensound
Read the blog
Watch the episode on the Changed for the Better YouTube channel
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2022-10-0342 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 21: Bianca PierreBack in high school, Bianca Pierre was a bright, personable, happy young woman with a smile as wide as Texas, full of positivity and light. Despite some significant, unresolved childhood traumas, Bianca found a home with Thespians, where she was surrounded by a community who embraced her energy and helped her channel the difficult emotions she was experiencing behind that smile. Find out how she developed the mental flexibility and resilience to achieve success out of failure.
Music: "Hey" Bensound
Read the blog post about Bianca here!
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2022-09-2736 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 20: Alex DominiIT’S EPISODE 20!!
I can’t believe how this seedling of an idea back in February has blossomed into such a satisfying creative outlet. Reconnecting with these wonderful humans, with whom I shared time and space in such an important way, is nothing less than sublime. This week’s guest is one that is particularly close to my heart and has been since he crossed the threshold of the dance studio.
Alex Domini's story is another example of how you make plans, God laughs, and you make new plans. Life is a journey, and it's best to...
2022-09-2339 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 19: Robert LeeThis episode of Changed for the Better focuses heavily on mental health, specifically the experiences of someone with the diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder. I want to be clear that this is one person’s story, and is meant to be shared as an example of his personal journey. If you or a loved one are experiencing emotional trauma or issues that you don’t understand or cannot process on your own, please ask for help from a trusted person in your life.
For links to mental health resources, click here to read the blog about Robert’s story...
2022-09-1840 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 18: Kinsley AlexandreThe third of the Alexandre legacy at Spring Valley, Kinsley talks about learning to enjoy the journey every day, and how maturing has taught him to work smarter, not harder. Don't let his status as the third kid in the family fool you - he figured out early on how to forge his own path and enjoy the journey every step of the way.
Music: "Hey" Bensound
Read the blog and watch the full interview on YouTube
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2022-09-1340 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 17: Sofia PoeWe have a tendency to stay comfortable. Part of growing up is learning to sit in a space where you don't have control, that pushes your buttons and still tolerating feelings of awkwardness and instability. Sofia Poe tells us how she did just that by learning to fail, losing her ego and honoring what she can do.
Music: "Hey" Bensound
Read the blog and watch the episode on YouTube
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2022-09-1152 minA Moment of Mindful MeditationImposter SyndromeWhy do some people think they don’t deserve what they have?
What makes them think they don’t have the right to do what their hearts are begging them to do?
Why are they constantly worried that someone will find out that they are not really deserving of what they have or actually capable of what they’ve already done?
What makes people pause or stop themselves from moving forward?
This meditation focuses on the success-dampening effects of imposter syndrome and how we can start to interrupt the cycle of self-doub...
2022-08-3113 minA Moment of Mindful MeditationDealing With Pain, Part 2Hi. I’m Stacey Tirro and welcome to A Moment of Mindful Meditation. Today’s session focuses on separating ourselves from the conscious sensation of pain.
I got a message from a friend who recently had surgery. She had heard that meditation can help the recovery process and decided to listen to my last episode (Episode 10) about dealing with pain. Feeling that it was indeed helpful, she asked if I could make another one to continue to help her with her recovery. Of course, I’m always up for helping a friend, so this episode is inspired by her...
2022-08-2913 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 16: Kenney AlexandreIn this episode, I’m chatting with Kenney Alexandre, the second eldest of my favorite Alexandre clan. Though known as the quiet observer of the family, Kenney had lots to say about his high school Thespian experience. Following closely behind his dynamic powerhouse of a sister, Tendrina (from episode TEN!!), he learned how to make his own impression and became his own person in the process.
Music: "Hey" Bensound
Read the blog
Watch the full interview on YouTube
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2022-08-2938 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 15: Victorious Collymore-BeyOne of the goals that most teachers have in their career is to offer valuable lessons to kids that are lasting and will inform the rest of their lives. One of the goals of this podcast is to see what those foundational experiences are and how they have impacted my students as they transitioned into their adulthood.
Victorious Collymore-Bey (class of 2015) went from the "new kid in town" to the shining star who found his home in the studio. In episode 15, we talk about learning to live your authentic self, in all of its incarnations, despite the...
2022-08-2758 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 14: Jean-Guerdy Saint-LouisIn today’s episode, we travel back to the class of 2003 and get an inside look at the life of a first responder/law enforcement professional. The epitome of “protect and serve,” Jean-Guerdy Saint-Louis has had a long and varied career. He has worked in a multitude of areas: EMS, fire, law enforcement, emergency dispatch. Even back in high school, he started his commitment to serving his community, volunteering for the Spring Valley fire department.
Though technically, Jean-Guerdy is Quebecois, he spent many years in Spring Valley, New York, which is where we crossed paths. We talked about...
2022-08-2559 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 13: Graig KreindlerGraig Kriendler is all about nostalgia. It seems to be the driving force behind his life’s work, which is why this interview feels so special.
If you've never heard of him, let me introduce you. A Google search of his name will come up with the title of “American painter.” Simply put, he is a baseball painter, but there's so much more to it. From his website, "His goal is to portray the national pastime in an era when players were accessibly human, and the atmosphere of a welcoming ballpark was just as important as what happene...
2022-08-221h 11
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 12: Tom DheereSpecial college edition! For this episode, I reconnected with Tom Dheere, a fellow Montclair State alum (class of 1993!).
We chatted about our college experience as acting majors, his prolific career as a voiceover professional (aka The VO Strategist), and how taking care of your mental health is paramount to any measure of success. For Tom, it was a bumpy road, but he candidly shares his story with me on Changed for the Better.
Read the blog about Tom on my website!
Music: "Hey" Bensound
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2022-08-0559 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 11: Hilary Becker-JarusinskyGrowing a leader requires an infusion of trust in a young person and giving them the support it takes to help them trust themselves. Becoming a leader requires taking that trust and further developing it yourself.
This week's discussion with Hilary Becker-Jarusinsky shows how leadership is fostered in a vibrant arts-in-education community. We talk about being an introverted extrovert, rising to the occasion, and recognizing that the plans you make can (and do) change.
Music: "Hey" Bensound
Read the blog at staceytirro.com
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2022-07-2937 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode TEN: Tendrina AlexandreEpisode TEN of Changed for the Better features budding fashionista and influencer Tendrina Alexandre, a superstar person from a superstar family. The eldest sister of the bunch, she broke ground for her younger brothers to join the Thespian family at Spring Valley High School. Once an over-eager people pleaser, she talks about how she developed her self-confidence in the safe space of the studio and learned how to be less reliant on other people's perceptions. Now more comfortable with saying "no," she makes choices based on her own needs and wants.
She also knows that part of...
2022-07-2546 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 9: Kayla TavaresHopefully, there are people in your life who, when you think about them, spark a sensation of pure joy, love, and light. While I have many people who fit in that category, Kayla Tavares is at the top of the list.
Once upon a time, Kayla has aspirations to become a speech pathologist. However, after finishing her college degree, she realized that she had other passions that better fit her needs.
In this episode, we talk about how she has learned to manage the anxiety that became a thorn in her side in college, and ho...
2022-07-2351 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 8: Brianna KnightThere's a lot to say about this budding superstar. I knew her as a teenager - smart, observant, swimming in talent. She melted the paint off of the auditorium walls and now she is releasing simmering Neo-Soul singles to the world. Someday soon, everybody will have the name Brianna Knight on their lips.
In Episode 8, Brianna talks about her decision to dedicate herself to her artistry, how she brings her world into focus, and having the courage to take up her space in the music industry. She is using her platform both to entertain and educate, sharing...
2022-07-2159 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 7: Kristen Santos-LatrentaFrom dance diva to marketing tech maven, Kristen Santos-Latrenta's confidence, talent and eternal optimism has always served her well; success has been par for the course from an early age.
In episode 7 of Changed for the Better, Kristen talks to me about how she learned in the high school dance studio to check her ego at the door and allow herself to be more vulnerable in order to understand more about herself and the world around her. Part of that lesson in vulnerability has been to acknowledge her more uncomfortable feelings so she can have a more a...
2022-07-171h 01
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 6: Hernz Laguerre, JrThis episode of Changed for the Better features one of my all-time favorite people: Hernz Laguerre, Jr.
This Syracuse grad has worn many hats: linebacker, dancing cowboy, storyteller and multimedia journalist to name a few. In our chat, we talk about how he has taken the lessons learned from his Spring Valley dance and Thespian days and infused them in his transition to become the best version of himself. Stepping out of his comfort zone and into the dance studio was one of the best things this 6'2" linebacker ever did. Since those transformative experiences, he has g...
2022-07-1344 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 5: Stephanie Lauredent-DiasioStephanie Lauredent-Diasio, owner of SLD Wellness is building her personal healing empire in Denver, CO. In coming to terms with her own mental health struggles due to toxic work environments, she was able to elucidate a new path for herself and a new set of clientele. Today, Stephanie is a doula who incorporates her passion for practicing Reiki, yoga and meditation into her services, putting her clients’ well-being into focus as they bring new life into this world.
In episode 5, Stephanie and I talk about creating boundaries, finding your voice, and leaning into your passions and strengths so...
2022-07-1240 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 4: Denishah DesrochesTeachers have the special task of getting kids to try new things, hopefully inspiring them to develop interests and talents that they might otherwise never be exposed to. Sometimes, you get a student who walks into your classroom and immediately feels at home, taking her space in the atmosphere and making her impression for everyone in the room to witness. My guest on episode 4 is Denishah Desroches (aka Stormy D) whose made the dance studio her home away from home.
Follow Denishah on her IG pages @stormyd_ and @stretchwithstormy
Read my blog post about my c...
2022-07-0848 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 3: Elijah FremontHumble yourself and listen to your mother. Sage advice from my guest from episode 3, Elijah Fremont. This class of 2015 graduate talks about the character we present to the world when we interact with others, mindfully receiving criticism and of course, honoring the woman who raised him.
Tune in to be inspired and benefit from some of the lessons Elijah learned in this performing arts teacher's studio.
Music: "Hey" Bensound
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2022-07-0536 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 2: Emily DowdOnce upon a time, Emily Dowd didn't say very much, but she really knew how to express herself - on the dance floor. Tune in to hear how this dance diva/anxious people pleaser leaned into her strengths and set her boundaries to help her grow into the confident, chatty adult she is today.
Music: "Hey" Bensound
Read the blog/watch our chat at staceytirro.com --> Changed for the Better Podcast
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2022-07-0343 min
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in educationEpisode 1: Manuel Piedra, Jr.Today’s guest is from Spring Valley High School’s class of 2015, Manuel Piedra, Jr., now an up-and-coming urban artist in NYC. He’s part of the SYNCHRONOUS creative collective that exploded on the urban art scene in early 2020, providing immersive art experiences to his viewers.
We talked about how he learned to blend his rebellious, artist’s heart with a focused determination to take ownership of his creative path. He shared how he’s changed since high school, lessons that he’s carried with him, and sage advice for today's adolescents.
Check him out on Instagram...
2022-07-0143 minChanged for the Better: the power of arts in educationChanged for the Better: IntroductionWelcome to Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education
Here's a little background: I'm a high school performing arts educator. In my 25+ years of teaching adolescents, I've shared creative space with a LOT of people. This podcast features interviews with my marvelous alumni, who have made their transition to adulthood. We chat about what they learned in my classroom, how their performing arts experiences have impacted them, and what lessons the have carried with them to become the amazing adults they are today.
Their experiences speak for themselves. With maturity, comes wisdom; h...
2022-07-0104 minA Moment of Mindful MeditationDealing With PainWelcome to Episode #10!
Every day, people have the burden of managing aging, achy joints, acute injuries, or chronic conditions that leave them desperate for relief. While I always advocate for appropriate medical interventions, there are also more and more studies now being done on the benefits of using meditation as part of your pain-management plan.
Today's episode, Dealing With Pain, I will take you through a meditation that acknowledges the pain you may be feeling, and try to divert your attention in a way that may help you to better tolerate and cope with the...
2021-07-1613 minA Moment of Mindful MeditationHurry Up and WaitIn today's episode, I’m going to talk about that uncomfortable feeling we get when we want to act, but doing so might not be the prudent thing. It’s the moment we have all experienced of “hurry up and wait.”
Together, we can consider some thoughts that might be help you quell some of the anxiety of feeling stuck in that awkward moment.
Give yourself the gift of slow, quiet time, as you enjoy A Moment of Mindful Meditation.
Music attributions:
“Absent" Emanuele Dentroni, www.storyblocks.com
“Rivi...
2021-07-1310 minA Moment of Mindful Meditation3-Minute MeditationWhen you’re really busy, and you don’t think you have any time to slow down, today’s 3-minute meditation is the perfect opportunity for you to hit the pause button and check in with yourself.
Give yourself the gift of slow, quiet time. Take a few breaths and enjoy A Moment of Mindful Meditation.
Music attributions:
"Absent" Emanuele Dentroni www.storyblocks.com
"Meditation Music for Relaxation and Yoga" Jeff Hanley www.storyblocks.com
"Ambiance Calm Piano" www.storyblocks.com
2021-07-0904 minA Moment of Mindful MeditationGratitudeGratitude is the quality of being thankful; the readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
In a world where we face such adversity and distraction, it is easy for our minds to get stuck on feelings of disappointment and anger. One thing that can help ease the burden of those ill-feelings is by shifting our attention to what and who we are thankful for.
In this episode, I share my thoughts on simple ways to make that shift happen.
Find a comfy place to sit, so you can enjoy A Moment...
2021-07-0608 minA Moment of Mindful MeditationMental DeclutteringEveryone deals with clutter. Whether it is things that pile up on your kitchen table, or the swirl of thoughts that invade your brain, we spend so much of our waking moments trying to manage the clutter in our lives. Since it is unlikely that we will get rid of all of our possessions and responsibilities we have amassed in our lives, we need to find ways to take breaks from the incessant nature of our clutter.
Today's episode is an exercise in giving ourselves permission to make some space to step away from the clutter for...
2021-07-0211 minA Moment of Mindful MeditationNature WalkThere is something soothing about sitting in the middle of nature. As we go about our busy, distracted lives, we tend to become more and more disconnected from the calming force of what the universe has provided for us.
Today's meditation takes us through a nature walk I recently took where I was able to experience the wonderful transition from monkey mind to tranquility. This episode is an example of the benefits we can gain, just from spending a little quiet time outdoors.
Join me today for A Moment of Mindful Meditation.
...
2021-06-2912 minA Moment of Mindful MeditationWhen Sleep Won't ComeWhen you lie awake at night, struggling to settle your busy brain, sometimes you need a little help to slow things down.
In this special night time episode of When Sleep Won't Come, we'll take a few minutes to help you relax, settle in, and give you some quiet space to fall asleep.
Get yourself all ready for slumber, turn off the lights, and enjoy A Moment of Mindful Meditation. Good night!
Music attributions:
“Absent" Emanuele Dentroni www.storyblocks.com
"Dreams" Lance Conrad www.storyblocks.com...
2021-06-2507 minA Moment of Mindful MeditationSetting BoundariesWhat happens when what you are giving and others are taking seems off-balance?
What if it feels like you are always offering something of yourself and you are not able to replenish and restore your own sense of well-being?
When you start to feel drained and overwhelmed by your role in the relationships you have, it may be time to start setting some boundaries.
In this episode, we will explore a few things to keep in mind when it comes to maintaining equilibrium between caring for others and caring for yourself.
2021-06-2210 minA Moment of Mindful MeditationA Moment of Mindful Meditation - I am...Have you ever thought about how you define yourself? How do you measure how "successful" you are within that characterization? In today's episode, we are going to explore how we look at our identity and how our barometer of success can limit or expand our perception of who we are.
Music attributions:
“Absent" Emanuele Dentroni www.storyblocks.com
“Ambiance Calm Piano" www.storyblocks.com
2021-06-1809 minA Moment of Mindful MeditationA Moment of Mindful Meditation - At The BeachConnecting my creative spirit, my focus on mindfulness and my years of teaching adolescents, I am introducing my new podcast, A Moment of Mindful Meditation.
This episode, At The Beach, is an homage to my students. Together, we enjoyed our occasional yoga practice with a special ending where we would "go to the beach" to close out our practice. My overwhelmed, stressed-out teens emerged from the meditation calmer, quieter, more centered, and smiling.
Enjoy this re-creation of our post-yoga Savasana.
I wish you the best of health, a calm heart, and peace of m...
2021-06-1210 min