Join hosts Jill Cook, ASCA executive director, and Janae Douglas, ASCA education and training coordinator, for conversations with school counselors and education leaders. Whether you’re looking for expert advice, inspiring stories or updates on best practices, I Hear You Say provides a trusted space for learning and connection within the school counseling community.
2025 Episodes
Episode 53: Finding Our People: The Power of Affinity Groups in School Counseling
Host Qisti Gitosuputro brings together leaders from several of ASCA Affinity Groups for a heartfelt conversation about connection, community and representation in the school counseling profession. Guests Angie Pereida; Annie Goldberg; Rebecca Edelman, Ph.D.; and Brandon Gernux share their personal journeys into leadership and the vital role Affinity Groups play in supporting school counselors – especially those working in rural areas or navigating professional isolation. Listen now.
Episode 52: Creating Safe Spaces: The Evolving Role of Counselors in Bullying Prevention
Hosts Jill Cook and Janae Douglas talk with Danna Mirviss from PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center about the evolution of bullying prevention efforts – and why bullying prevention should be a year-round commitment, not just a month-long campaign. Listen now.
Episode 51: Building Bridges: Strengthening School Counselor/Family Connections
Hosts Jill Cook and Janae Douglas sit down with Sarah Ritchie and Carol Clemens to explore how school counselors can strengthen relationships with families. The conversation highlights the power of personal connections and positive communication, while also offering practical strategies for time management, proactive outreach and navigating tough conversations with empathy. Listen now.
Episode 50: Shaping Policy, Building Community: The Work of the ASCA Board
Host Jill Cook chats with ASCA board chair Christy Welch and assistant chair Dr. Ebonee Magee-Dorsey. Together, they offer a behind-the-scenes look at the ASCA board’s role in shaping policy, monitoring progress and connecting with members. Listen now.
Episode 49: Building Community at Navigate and Innovate: School Counselors Share Their Journeys
In this special episode recorded live at the 2025 ASCA Annual Conference, host Janae Douglas captures the voices and experiences of attendees throughout the event. From first-time participants to long-time professionals, guests reflect on mentorship, professional growth and the importance of building meaningful connections. Listen now.
Episode 48: Helping Students Thrive: Meet the 2025 School Counselor of the Year Finalists
Hosts Jill Cook and Janae Douglas sit down with the four exceptional finalists for the 2025 School Counselor of the Year award: Lisa Delgadillo; Stephanie Leibowitz Nelson, Ph.D., ACSC; Hanna Kemble-Mick; and Rosie Rodriguez. Together, they reflect on National School Counseling Week 2025 and share powerful stories of advocacy, innovation and impact. Listen now.
Episode 47: Resilience in Motion: Helping Military-Connected Students
Hosts Jill Cook and Brian Levy chat with Reberkah Cole, Ph.D.; Crystal Hatton, Ph.D.; and Taqueena Quintana, Ed.D., about the unique challenges and strengths of military-connected students. With personal ties to military life, the guests highlight the impact of frequent moves, shifting routines and emotional transitions on these students – and practical ways school counselors can foster resilience, from building strong family partnerships to implementing schoolwide initiatives like Purple Up Day. Listen now.
Episode 46: How to Drive Systemic Impact: Insights from the 2025 School Counselor of the Year
Hosts Jill Cook and Angie Hickman chat with Carmen Larson, Ph.D., the 2025 School Counselor of the Year. Dr. Larson highlights the power of advocacy, the role of professional standards in overcoming challenges and her innovative use of animal-assisted interventions, including how her therapy dog, Winston, supports student well-being. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on strengthening the role of school counselors and driving meaningful change in education. Listen now.
Episode 45: Authenticity, Advocacy and Intentionality: Supporting Black Students in Education
Hosts Jill Cook and Deirdra Williams engage in a powerful discussion with Brandy Richeson, Ph.D.; Crystal Hatton, Ph.D.; and Krystal L. Clemons, Ph.D. Together, they explore the vital role of supporting and advocating for Black students, particularly during Black History Month. The conversation delves into their personal journeys the significance of authenticity, intentionality and advocacy in their work, as well as the broader impact of the 2023 Supreme Court ruling on race in college admissions. Listen now.