In this episode, Jennifer Vigne talks with Debra Giacolone, the Executive Director of Student Services for Sarasota County Schools, to explore student resiliency, mental health, and well-being. Deb talks about the power of relationships to change lives and how education and relationships are inextricably linked. She identifies the challenges students face in today’s fast-paced, high-pressure academic environment and offers insights, strategies, and advice to support their mental and emotional health and build resiliency. They both explore the Florida Depart of Education’s Resiliency Toolkit and ways to use it in the classroom.
Abbey Stewart, Leadership Florida’s vice president of programs and planning, talks with Jennifer about her experiences working at the Department of Education, the importance...
Jennifer is joined by State College of Florida’s Director for College Readiness and Early College Programs, Raul Lorenzo. As a first-generation student, he has...
This episode features Representative Fiona McFarland, a champion for education and the Education Foundation. She and Jennifer discuss takeaways from the 2025 Legislative Session,...
