In this week’s Chalk and Coffee, I’m joined by Nimisha Kantharia, a surgeon and mindfulness teacher. We dive deep into emotional intelligence, being mindful, mindfulness, and how mindfulness can help parents model emotional regulation for their children, rather than relying on words alone.   Get in touch with a Nimisha Website Instagram   Resources Mentioned in the Episode 10% Happier by Dan Harris   Stay Connected Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community! Visit my ⁠website⁠ Find me on ⁠Instagram⁠ Find me on ⁠Facebook⁠   Feature as a Guest If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.   Until next time, take care.

In this heartfelt episode of Chalk and Coffee, I’m joined by Leisa Fail, author of the beautifully illustrated children’s book Stormy Normy. Leisa shares how her deep love of horses inspired her creative journey and how Stormy Normy was born from a desire to help children understand and express big feelings in safe, supported ways. We chat about the power of storytelling in emotional development, and how characters can help children see their own stormy days reflected with empathy, humour, and heart.   Get in touch with a Leisa Linktree   Stay Connected Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community! Visit my ⁠website⁠ Find me on ⁠Instagram⁠ Find me on ⁠Facebook⁠   Feature as a Guest If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.   Until next time, take care.

On this episode of Chalk and Coffee, I sit down with Atara Parkinson, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional, to explore the deep connections between emotional wellbeing, physical health, and healing.   With over 14 years of experience supporting women through trauma, postpartum recovery, and holistic mental health, Atara shares her journey from traditional therapy to a more integrated approach. We talk about nervous system regulation, the role of minerals in brain and body health, and how simple shifts can transform not only how we feel, but how we relate to ourselves and others.   Atara also brings a whole child perspective, recognising how different elements of a child’s life and environment work together to support their growth. We explore what we can learn when we widen our lens. She also breaks down different types of worries that people experience.   Whether you’re a parent or an educator, this conversation is full of real tools, gentle wisdom, and empowering insight.   Get in touch with a Atara Website Instagram Facebook   Resources Mention in the Episode Dr Gabor Mate The Feeling of What Happens: Body and Emotion in the Making of Consciousness by Antonio Damasio   Stay Connected Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community! Visit my ⁠website⁠ Find me on ⁠Instagram⁠ Find me on ⁠Facebook⁠   Feature as a Guest If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.   Until next time, take care.

This week, I’m joined by Sabrina Trobak, a former teacher turned counsellor and author of NOT GOOD ENOUGH: Understanding Your Core Belief and Anxiety. We dive into how our unspoken inner narratives, especially the belief that we’re not good enough, affect everything from our mental health to our relationships with students, children, and even ourselves.   Purchase a copy of her book on Amazon Australia, Amazon USA or directly from her website. Get in touch with a Sabrina Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Youtube   Stay Connected Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community! Visit my ⁠website⁠ Find me on ⁠Instagram⁠ Find me on ⁠Facebook⁠   Feature as a Guest If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.   Until next time, take care.

This week on Chalk and Coffee, I chat with Irene Becker — founder of 99aupairs, a game-changing platform helping families find flexible in-home care for children. We dive into how 99aupairs started, challenges faced by working parents, and how thoughtful care solutions can bring more balance, confidence, and peace of mind.   Get in touch with a Irene 99aupairs Website Facebook Instagram   Stay Connected Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community! Visit my ⁠website⁠ Find me on ⁠Instagram⁠ Find me on ⁠Facebook⁠   Feature as a Guest If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.   Until next time, take care.

This week on Chalk and Coffee, I chat with Daisy Jo Bear — author of a magical picture book where a scrappy green fairy helps clean up the environment, rescues a dog, and maybe even mend a broken heart. We explore how her story came to life, how books can open conversations about grief, friendship, and care for the planet — and why a little fairy mischief might be just what we all need.   Get in touch with a Daisy Jo Daisy Jo's Linktree Australian Self Published Children's Authors Facebook Group   Stay Connected Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community! Visit my ⁠website⁠ Find me on ⁠Instagram⁠ Find me on ⁠Facebook⁠   Feature as a Guest If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.   Until next time, take care.

In this episode, I chat with Cath McPhillips — a brilliant educator who’s experienced it all: classroom teaching, support roles, and working across both public and private sectors.   Cath opens up about the challenges and joys of each teaching environment, how she’s stayed grounded through the shifts, and what matters most when building connection and impact in any role.   Whether you’re teaching in a school, leading a team, or mentoring others — you’ll find inspiration in Cath’s honest and thoughtful reflections.   Resources Mentioned in the Episode Berry Street Education Model iDoceo Seesaw Tom Bennett - Running the Room   Get in touch with a Kylee Elements 4 Success Book: Infinate Leadership Infinate Leadership Resources Facebook Instagram Contact Form   Stay Connected Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community! Visit my ⁠website⁠ Find me on ⁠Instagram⁠ Find me on ⁠Facebook⁠   Feature as a Guest If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.   Until next time, take care

In this episode, I chat with Cath McPhillips — a brilliant educator who’s experienced it all: classroom teaching, support roles, and working across both public and private sectors.   Cath opens up about the challenges and joys of each teaching environment, how she’s stayed grounded through the shifts, and what matters most when building connection and impact in any role.   Whether you’re teaching in a school, leading a team, or mentoring others — you’ll find inspiration in Cath’s honest and thoughtful reflections.   Resources Mentioned in the Episode Berry Street Education Model iDoceo Seesaw Tom Bennett - Running the Room   Get in touch with a Cath Email Nurture Connect Play   Stay Connected Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community! Visit my ⁠website⁠ Find me on ⁠Instagram⁠ Find me on ⁠Facebook⁠   Feature as a Guest If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.   Until next time, take care.

I continue my chat with Charlotte Sharp—a highly qualified counsellor, coach, clinical supervisor, and trainer with a wealth of experience working with adults and teens who have experienced trauma and are neurodivergent. Charlotte is passionate about supporting individuals on their healing journey and equipping caregivers with the skills they need to provide trauma-informed care. She also works closely with residential children's care homes, delivering essential training on trauma care and support. Recently, Charlotte launched a parenting group aimed at empowering parents with practical strategies and a deeper understanding of trauma and neurodiversity. In this episode, we’ll dive into her experiences, insights, and practical tips for parents, educators, and caregivers alike. If you're looking to better support neurodivergent individuals or navigate trauma with greater empathy and knowledge, this episode is a must-listen!   Get in touch with a Charlotte Charlotte's Website Instagram   Stay Connected Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community! Visit my ⁠website⁠ Find me on ⁠Instagram⁠ Find me on ⁠Facebook⁠   Feature as a Guest If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.   Until next time, take care.

In this episode of Chalk and Coffee, I’m joined by Charlotte Sharp—a highly qualified counsellor, coach, clinical supervisor, and trainer with a wealth of experience working with adults and teens who have experienced trauma and are neurodivergent. Charlotte is passionate about supporting individuals on their healing journey and equipping caregivers with the skills they need to provide trauma-informed care. She also works closely with residential children's care homes, delivering essential training on trauma care and support. Recently, Charlotte launched a parenting group aimed at empowering parents with practical strategies and a deeper understanding of trauma and neurodiversity. In this episode, we’ll dive into her experiences, insights, and practical tips for parents, educators, and caregivers alike. If you're looking to better support neurodivergent individuals or navigate trauma with greater empathy and knowledge, this episode is a must-listen!   listen to the test of our discussion in the next episode.   Get in touch with a Charlotte Charlotte's Website Instagram   Stay Connected Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community! Visit my ⁠website⁠ Find me on ⁠Instagram⁠ Find me on ⁠Facebook⁠   Feature as a Guest If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.   Until next time, take care.

In this episode of Chalk and Coffee, I sit down with Kathy Imabayashi, a retired Canadian international educator who has spent decades working as a classroom teacher and school leader in Japan, Lebanon, Thailand, Georgia, and Qatar. Kathy’s passion has always been focused on children, their parents, and educators, and she brings a wealth of experience and insight to our conversation. Now based in Japan, Kathy is the founder of Sonhood Coaching, where she guides parents raising boys to better understand their sons and the world they are growing up in. Through her work, she advocates for protecting boys’ inner emotional worlds while equipping adults with the knowledge and tools needed to help boys thrive during their earliest years. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or advocate for children’s well-being, you won’t want to miss this thoughtful and insightful episode!   Get in touch with a Kathy Kathy's Website Instagram Facebook   Stay Connected Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community! Visit my ⁠website⁠ Find me on ⁠Instagram⁠ Find me on ⁠Facebook⁠   Feature as a Guest If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.   Until next time, take care.

This week, I’m joined by the insightful Edwina Cottino, an Early Childhood educator. Her teaching journey has taken her from Dubai to Perth, blending her background in Applied Psychology and Education with a passion for inquiry-based learning. With over a decade in the Pre-Primary classroom, Edwina has seen firsthand how kids thrive when they explore their interests. Inspired by mentors like Dr. Claire Warden and Kath Murdoch, she champions a balance between structured literacy and numeracy instruction with the magic of project-based learning.   Get in touch with Edwina Edwina's Website Instagram Facebook Linkedin   Stay Connected Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community! Visit my ⁠website⁠ Find me on ⁠Instagram⁠ Find me on ⁠Facebook⁠   Feature as a Guest If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.   Until next time, take care.

In this episode of Chalk and Coffee, I chat with Alpesh Palmar, author of Growing the Money Tree for Kids—an innovative book that introduces children to the value of money and the basics of investing. Aplesh shares his inspiration behind writing the book and how it equips young readers with essential money management skills, from saving and budgeting to simple investments. With interactive stories and fun activities, the book uses age-appropriate language to make financial literacy exciting and accessible for kids. Join us as we discuss the importance of teaching financial skills from a young age and how parents and educators can empower children to build a foundation for financial success. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just curious about building money smarts in kids, you’ll love this insightful episode!   Get in touch with a Alpesh Alpesh's Website Instagram Facebook   Stay Connected Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community! Visit my ⁠website⁠ Find me on ⁠Instagram⁠ Find me on ⁠Facebook⁠   Feature as a Guest If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.   Until next time, take care.

In this episode of Chalk and Coffee, I’m joined by author Amy Harvey, who shares her journey behind the creation of her beautiful book Fishing with Grandad. Amy takes us through her writing journey, the inspiration for this touching story about the bond between grandparents and grandchildren, and how it connects with young readers.   We discuss the power of storytelling, the importance of family connections in children’s literature, and how Fishing with Grandad encourages patience, adventure, and love. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or simply a fan of delightful children’s stories, this episode is full of valuable insights and a wonderful reading recommendation for young families.   Get in touch with Amy Amy's Website Instagram   Stay Connected Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community! Visit my ⁠website⁠ Find me on ⁠Instagram⁠ Find me on ⁠Facebook⁠   Feature as a Guest If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.   Until next time, take care.

In this episode of Chalk and Coffee, I sit down with Sarah Adams, a Montessori teacher and professional organiser, to discuss how families can create calm, functional, and child-friendly spaces using the Montessori approach. Sarah shares her expert tips on fostering independence at home, setting up organised play and learning areas, and simplifying the home environment to support a child’s natural development.   Whether new to Montessori or looking for practical ways to declutter and create a more intentional home, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Tune in as we explore how small changes can impact your child's confidence, curiosity, and love for learning.   Get in touch with Sarah Sarah's Website Instagram   Stay Connected Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community! Visit my ⁠website⁠ Find me on ⁠Instagram⁠ Find me on ⁠Facebook⁠   Feature as a Guest If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.   Until next time, take care.    

In this episode, I'm thrilled to share the audio from a special interview with award-winning Australian author Michelle Worthington, who turns the spotlight on me! In our conversation, Michelle explores my creative journey as an author, educator, and parent, delving into the inspiration behind my books and how storytelling connects with my passion for supporting children and families.   The episode also includes an audiobook reading of my book, Don't Go. This heartfelt tale follows a young koala called Joey, who navigates separation anxiety, offering a relatable and comforting story for children facing similar challenges. It's the perfect resource for families and educators supporting children through moments of transition and change.   For more support, my website offers an Educator's Guide and a Parent Guide, which provide practical strategies for extending the story's impact. Explore Don't Go and additional resources on my website.   Want to hear more from Michelle? Check out her Youtube Channel, where she shares valuable insights and interviews with writers, illustrators, and professionals.   Listen to the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8R3BTYcPok   Get in touch with Michelle Michelle's Website Instagram Facebook   Stay Connected Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community! Visit my ⁠website⁠ Find me on ⁠Instagram⁠ Find me on ⁠Facebook⁠   Feature as a Guest If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.   Until next time, take care.

In this episode, I'm joined by Reesa Morala, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience supporting parents and families. Reesa's journey began by working with adolescents and their families, as well as educating school staff on how to create environments where children can thrive. Her passion lies in equipping parents with the tools they need to nurture their relationships, foster emotional well-being, and inspire positive change within their families. Together, we explore:💡 The importance of prioritising mental wellness in parenting and family dynamics.💡 Strategies for breaking free from power struggles and implementing mindful, supportive practices that build emotional intelligence.💡 The beauty of embracing real-life parenting struggles and finding connection through shared experiences (no more Insta-perfect!). Reesa also gives us a sneak peek into her podcast, where parents share their raw, unfiltered stories—and their favourite recipes for busy family life! Whether you're a parent or educator, this conversation will leave you inspired to focus on what truly matters: fostering stronger, healthier connections.   All listeners can use the code CANDC15 to get 15% off! Head to her website for further information.   Get in touch with Reese Reesa's Website Instagram TikTok   Stay Connected Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community! Visit my ⁠website⁠ Find me on ⁠Instagram⁠ Find me on ⁠Facebook⁠   Feature as a Guest If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.   Until next time, take care.

🎙️ Welcome to Chalk and Coffee, the podcast for educators, parents and anyone passionate about creating a thriving environment for children. Join me, Shana Roberts—an experienced educator, parent, and author—as I explore the vital roles of teachers and parents in shaping young lives. Through insightful interviews with professionals, parents, and authors, you’ll gain valuable perspectives, effective teaching strategies, and innovative approaches to support children through life’s challenges. This podcast also features regular episodes explicitly tailored for early career teachers. Shana is deeply passionate about supporting new educators as they navigate the early stages of their teaching journey. These episodes offer practical advice, real-world insights, and encouragement to help you thrive in the classroom. Whether you’re an experienced teacher looking for fresh inspiration, a parent seeking guidance, or an early career educator eager for support, Chalk and Coffee provides the tools and connections to empower you. Join us today—your next cup of inspiration is just a listen away! ☕✨

I’m starting the new season with an inspiring conversation featuring author Melissa Gijsbers. In this episode, Melissa shares her journey as a writer, her love for storytelling, and the profound impact her stories have on readers of all ages. As a neurodivergent author, her stories spotlight neurodivergence, fostering understanding and connection through her unique perspective. Join us as we dive into her creative process, explore the power of storytelling, and celebrate the magic of connection through books. It’s the perfect way to start a new season of thought-provoking conversations!

In this episode, I sit down with author Teena Raffa-Mulligan to explore her inspiring writing journey. Teena shares how her stories spark imagination, foster connection, and resonate with parents, children, and educators. Don’t miss the audiobook section of the episode that follows Teena’s interview.