My online podcast interviews will consist of me having conversations with experts in various roles and aspects of the educational system. Each podcast episode will feature an individual who will speak in reference to the importance of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), and its impact with students during the early and post-pandemic era. Each interviewee will provide information from their perspective; and share their expertise on how and what approaches they believe educators can consider, when it comes to improving students’ academic achievement and overall well-being, in an ever-changing society.

Episode 5: SEL From A Guidance Counselor's Perspective/Featured Podcast Guest Speaker - Sonya Sutton, a Guidance Counselor and the Department Chair at Wilde Lake High School, located in Columbia, Maryland. Mrs. Sutton is a former Chapel Hill High School colleague of mine, where she served in the role of a Guidance Counselor, Instructional Counselor Lead for the AVID Program & a Certified SPARCS (Trainer). Due to her commitment, dedication, hard work ethic, and her great repoire with students and faculty, she went on to win both CHHS and the CHCCS School Support and Wellness District Employee of the Year awards in 2019. Ms. Sonya Sutton has been in the field of education for nearly 20 years, where she has been a mathematics instructor in addition to a host of other roles. I am also proud to call her one of my great friends as she has been a positive force in the lives of so many. She has since moved on to another state and school, where she continues to work tirelessly on the frontlines to rally and meet the needs for all of the students on her caseload. She certainly speaks truth to power when it comes to meeting her students where they are, and works hard to provide the appropriate support scaffolding, to assist students in gradually learning to experience success at its greatest levels. Mrs. Sutton certainly lives by her famous motto, which is: "To whom much is given, much will be required," (Luke 12:48 KJV) which is behind her purpose and her reason for being the person she is today.