EMpowered

In this episode, I’m talking about something I’ve been reflecting on a lot lately.

We can want more clients, more money, more visibility, more impact and bigger opportunities, but wanting it and actually having the capacity to hold it are two very different things.

Over the last 18 months, I’ve felt a real push and pull with my business. Part of me has wanted to go all in again, while another part has remembered exactly what happened when business started taking up too much space.

I was working around naps, mornings and weekends. I loved what I was building, but I was also giving it energy that I didn’t really have.

And after having my second child, my capacity changed.

I kept trying to get back to the version of me who existed before that season, instead of accepting that I was different and needed to build differently too.

Sometimes we keep looking for another business strategy when the real question is whether our life can currently support what we’re trying to create.

What needs to change for you to actually have the space, energy and support to hold the next version of success?

Listen in to find out.

Resources for you
If you’re building a business around motherhood and you know your current way of working isn’t sustainable, I’m currently opening two spaces for six months of one-to-one coaching.

If you've been visualising, journalling, taking action and doing "all the right things," but still feel like your biggest desires aren't happening, this episode is for you.

Because if your body doesn't feel safe receiving the very thing you're asking for, you'll often find yourself pushing it away without even realising it.

It's about understanding the subconscious beliefs, protective parts and nervous system patterns that shape what you create in your life.

I also give you a simple exercise to uncover what might really be blocking your desires

Enjoy!

Resources for you

In this episode, I’m talking about the hidden beliefs that can drive ambition in business.

Many women go into business because they want more freedom, choice, flexibility and purpose. But over time, the business can start to feel heavy, urgent and completely dependent on them.

Sometimes this happens because the business is being built from an old wound rather than a genuine desire.

You might be working hard to prove that you are good enough, smart enough, worthy enough or capable enough. That drive can create results, but it often comes with a cost.

If you started your business for more freedom but now feel like it controls your life, this episode will help you look at what may be happening underneath the surface.

Resources for you

In this episode, I'm sharing one of the biggest mindset shifts I've experienced since becoming a mother.

For a long time, I believed success looked like climbing the ladder, achieving more, earning more, becoming more and constantly proving myself.

Motherhood changed that.

Not overnight, but through matrescence, healing, building a business and learning what truly matters to me, I realised that so much of my ambition wasn't actually coming from my deepest values. It was coming from old wounds that believed achievement would finally make me feel enough.

In this episode, I talk about:

- How my definition of success completely changed after becoming a mother

- The hidden ways achievement can become tied to self-worth

- Why high-achieving women often struggle to slow down

- Why every season of life asks us to redefine success

- How I'm learning to build a business that supports my family instead of competing with it

If you've ever felt torn between building your career, growing your business and being the mother you want to be, I think this episode will remind you that success doesn't have to look the way you've always been taught.

Sometimes the greatest success is building a life you don't need to escape from.

Resources for you

In this episode, I'm talking about fear, because if you have audacious goals, whether that's starting a podcast, showing up on social media, running workshops or taking the stage as a speaker, fear is coming along for the ride. This one is about learning to move with it instead of waiting for it to disappear.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Why fear is a completely normal nervous system response to visibility and vulnerability
• The stories we tell ourselves and where they actually come from
• Where fear shows up in your body and why your nervous system responds the way it does
• The question to ask instead of "how do I stop being scared?"
• How to work with the parts of you that have felt judged in the past, and why this is where the real healing happens
• Moving-toward motivation vs moving-away motivation, and why doing things from pain only gets you so far
• How gradual exposure gives your nervous system evidence that you can do the thing
• Why the fear never fully goes away when you're growing, and why that's not a problem

If there's a bold move you've been circling because fear keeps talking you out of it, this episode is your reminder that the fear isn't a sign to stop. You build the capacity for it, and the feeling on the other side of doing the scary thing is like nothing else.

Resources for you

If fear is sitting between you and a decision you know you need to make, come and join my live workshop, Make Your Next Bold Move in 30 Days, on July 23. In 90 minutes of live coaching and EFT tapping, I'll help you move through the fear so you can go

and make that next move in your business. Early bird is $47.

In this episode, I sit down with former Assistant Principal, Primary Teacher and homeschool advocate, Ally Blanch, for a really honest conversation about homeschooling, self trust and what happens when you stop outsourcing your parenting decisions.

Rather than interviewing each other, we simply explore the questions both of us have been sitting with as former educators who have chosen very different paths from the traditional system.

This isn’t an episode about convincing anyone to homeschool.

We talk about learning to trust yourself enough to make decisions that feels right for your family. We talk openly about our own journeys through teaching, motherhood, business and the inner work that led us here. We explore the fears, the conditioning, the nervous system responses and the courage it takes to choose a path that looks different from everyone around you.

If you’ve been questioning schooling, homeschooling or simply wondering how to make decisions that genuinely align with your family, this conversation will give you plenty to think about.

Resources for you

Why would a former Assistant Principal and Primary Teacher choose to homeschool?

It’s a question I’ve been asked a lot lately, and in this episode, I’m sharing my honest thoughts about why our family is seriously considering homeschooling.

After spending 14 years in the education system as a teacher, leader, consultant and behaviour specialist, I never imagined this would be something I’d consider.

But motherhood has completely changed the way I see children, learning and what young kids actually need to thrive.

This conversation isn’t not about criticising schools or teachers. This is not a conversation about whether homeschooling is better than school. I have so much respect for educators and know first-hand how hard they work within a system that places enormous demands on them every day.

Instead, this episode is about asking a different question: What is the best fit for our family?

I share my experience working in schools, what I’ve learned through studying child development, attachment, nervous system development and emotional intelligence, and why those experiences have led me to rethink what education could look like for my own children.

In this episode, I talk about:

-  What I believe young children need most in the early years

- The gaps I see between child development research and mainstream schooling

- Why emotional intelligence has become one of my biggest priorities for my children

- The myths around homeschooling and socialisation

-  Why I think the future of work and learning is changing rapidly

- The importance of trusting your own family values when making big decisions

It’s a conversation about having the courage to question what’s right for your family, even when it looks different from what everyone else is doing.

Resources for you

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Anthea Todd, chiropractor, women’s health practitioner, bestselling author and founder of Female Fundamentals.

We talk about the gap so many women find themselves in when they know something doesn’t feel right, but keep being told their tests are normal and there’s nothing wrong.

Anthea shares how years of working with women led her to question why so many symptoms were being dismissed and how that journey took her from chiropractic into women’s health, functional medicine, nervous system work and energy healing.

We also talk about:

- Why common doesn’t always mean normal when it comes to women’s health

- How symptoms are often messages from the body, not problems to silence

- What happens when we stay stuck in overthinking and avoid what we’re feeling

- The nervous system impact of rapid business growth and visibility

- Supporting yourself through motherhood, business and the different seasons of life

Anthea also shares the story of how a simple Instagram video unexpectedly changed everything, growing her audience from 2,000 followers to over 100,000 almost overnight and what that experience taught her about nervous system capacity, success and sustainability.

The more connected you are to your body, the easier it becomes to understand what you need, what is driving your behaviour and how to support yourself in a way that actually feels good.

Connect with Dr Anthea Todd:

In this episode, I’m joined by psychologist and mum, Jacquie Ward, for a really honest conversation about attachment, motherhood and the pressure modern mums are carrying right now.

There’s so much noise online about what “good” parenting should look like.

And for a lot of mothers, it’s creating anxiety, guilt and the feeling that no matter what they do, they’re getting it wrong.

So in this episode, we unpack what attachment actually is, what secure attachment really means, and why so many women are feeling torn between wanting to be deeply present mothers while also wanting purpose, ambition and fulfilment outside of parenting too.

We talk about:

- The difference between attachment and temperament

- Why secure attachment does not mean being with your child 24/7 and what research actually says about secure attachment

- How to create strong connection with your children while also honouring yourself

If you’re a mother who constantly feels pulled between wanting to do everything “right” for your children while also wanting something for yourself too, I know this episode will help.

You do not have to lose yourself to be a good mother.

Connect with Jacquie:

Instagram: @jacquieward

In this episode, I'm getting into belief systems, because we don't realise how much they're running the show. They shape how we turn up in our business, how we parent our kids, how we see our partners, how we see ourselves.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Why your beliefs shape everything from your income to how you parent
• How core beliefs form in childhood and why so many of them aren't even yours
• The reticular activating system and how your brain filters reality to match what you believe
• Confirmation bias and why you keep finding evidence for the story you're already telling yourself
• How beliefs become self-fulfilling prophecies in your business and your motherhood
• Why "I am only lovable when I achieve" is running so many high-achieving women
• Why affirmations on their own don't work, and what you actually need to do alongside them
• The belief one of my clients was holding that was quietly sabotaging the exact success she said she wanted

If you've ever wondered why you keep self-sabotaging, or why the thing you say you want never seems to arrive, this one's for you. You can't change what you can't see, and this episode is about learning to see it.

Resources for you

In this episode, I’m talking about performative healing on Instagram and why so many women are feeling more overwhelmed, disconnected and not “good enough” in the online healing space.

Somewhere along the way, healing became another thing women feel pressure to do perfectly.

Between journalling every day, waking up at 5am, cold plunging, meditating, healing your inner child… the list goes on.

And if you’re not doing all of that? It can feel like you’re failing.

I wanted to have a real conversation about what healing actually looks like in real life because so much of what we see online is polished, curated and performative.

In this episode, I talk about:

- Why healing has become another form of pressure for women

- The difference between real healing and performative healing

- Why nervous system work is often misunderstood online

- The problem with trying to “look healed”

- Why being emotionally intelligent doesn’t mean being calm all the time

- My thoughts on social media wellness culture and why I think so many people are disconnected from themselves while trying so hard to “fix” themselves.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing healing “wrong” or like everyone else online has it together except you, this episode is for you.

Resources for you

In this episode, I’m chatting with the beautiful Belinda Bailey from Pinnacle Kinesiology about motherhood, burnout, mental health, healing, and what happens when your body finally says “enough”.

If you’ve ever felt exhausted, numb, disconnected from yourself, or like you’re constantly pushing through, I think this episode will really resonate.

One of the biggest things I took away from this conversation was how many women are functioning while completely disconnected from themselves. So many of us were taught to keep going, push through and hold it all together.

Connect with Belinda:

We talk about the gaps in women’s healthcare, what so many mums carry silently, and why so many women end up running on empty for years before they realise something has to change.

In this episode, I’m joined by Gab, founder of Sis The Label, after watching her business absolutely explode online overnight.

This conversation is about what people don’t see before the “big moment”. It’s about the blend of motherhood, ambition, business and everything that comes with it.

Gab shares the real story behind building Sis The Label while raising two girls, working behind the scenes, wearing every hat in the business and figuring things out as she goes.

We also talk about:

- Why overnight success usually comes after years of groundwork

- The pressure that comes after your business blows up online

- Building a business while raising young children

- Mum guilt, ambition and wanting more for yourself

- Why social media comparison is exhausting for mothers

- The difference between success that looks good and success that actually feels good

Gab also shares the story behind how Adam Sulllivan discovered Gab and Sis The Label on Instagram and how one bold marketing idea changed everything overnight.

This episode is such a good reminder that building something meaningful takes time. Most people only see the moment things take off. They don’t see the years of backing yourself before anyone else does.

You can connect with Gab and Sis The Label here:

In this episode, I’m joined by my incredible mentor and friend, Lael Stone for a conversation about the stories we carry, where they come from, and how they can shape the way we parent, teach, work, love and show up in the world.

We talk about “imprints”. The beliefs and patterns we absorb in childhood become our normal. The stories around success, emotions, money, relationships, achievement, belonging and worthiness.

So many of the reactions we have as adults make sense when we understand what was modelled to us growing up.

We also talk about why parenting often brings unresolved wounds to the surface and how childhood experiences shape the way we respond to stress and behaviour.

Lael also shares openly about writing her new book Owning Your Story and how it brought up her own imprints and old belief systems.

This episode is such an important reminder that behaviour, stress, reactions and relationship struggles rarely come out of nowhere. There is always a story underneath.

Hey, I’m baaaaaack!!

My second babe is now 12 months old, we’ve launched our company Hooked Up and now that is in full swing, and I finally feel like I have the space and time to give my business again.

In this episode, I’m sharing my vision moving forward in my business and the deeper direction I’m heading in. This season is centred around The Modern Day Mum Movement!

Right now, I feel so aligned with mothers in business and leadership who are holding a lot, building, leading, raising conscious kids and also wanting more from life than just getting through it.

In this episode, I share more of my own journey. Starting my business when my daughter was little, navigating early motherhood, trying to do everything “right”, and realising pretty quickly that a lot of what I was doing didn’t actually feel aligned.

That’s what led me into the deeper work.

The emotional intelligence and nervous system work, because if I wanted something different for my kids, I had to start with myself. And I know I’m not the only making that choice!

This episode is really about what it means to be a modern day mum — not as a label, but as a way of living. One where you get to choose differently, question things, and actually design a life that feels good for you.

In this episode, I cover:

→ What The Modern Day Mum means to me and why it’s become the focus of my work

→ Why motherhood looks different for this generation of women

→ My experience starting a business in early motherhood

→ The pressure to “get it right” and why that doesn’t actually work

→ Why doing your own inner work matters if you want to parent differently

→ How patterns and beliefs get passed down if we don’t look at them

→ Why more women are choosing a different way of living and working

→ How business, motherhood and personal growth are all connected

If this episode resonated and you know you’re ready to actually move on an idea or direction in your business…

I’d love to support you inside my upcoming free workshop From Idea to Execution.

It’s a live workshop where we look at what’s been holding you back, what you actually want, and how to start taking action in a way that works for your life.

In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on what it really looks like to burn down a business and rebuild it from the inside out.

After three years of working with teachers and leaders, running workshops, consulting, memberships, and courses, I realised something big — the life and business I had built no longer aligned with who I was becoming as a woman, a mother, and a leader.

This episode is a raw and honest reflection on alignment, motherhood, identity, and change. I share why I'm shifting direction, what's next for my brand, and how I'm learning to prioritise myself and my family without guilt.

If you've ever felt like you've outgrown what you built, or that your success started to feel misaligned — this one's for you.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

→ Why I decided to pause Lead with EQ and parts of my education work

→ How motherhood changed everything — my priorities, pace, and purpose

→ What alignment actually looks and feels like in real life (not just online)

→ The fears and discomfort that come with burning things down to rebuild

→ How I'm creating space for The Modern Day Mum and what's next

→ Why emotional intelligence and nervous system regulation still sit at the core of my work

→ What it means to choose yourself and how it transforms your family

If you're a mum, educator, or business owner who feels pulled to create a life that actually feels good — this episode will remind you that it's safe to change direction.

Change doesn't mean failure. It means growth, evolution, and choosing to live in alignment with your values and the season you're in.

Work With Me

I currently have two 1:1 coaching spaces open for the rest of the year.
These sessions are for modern-day mums who are ready to regulate, realign, and rebuild their lives and businesses with emotional intelligence and nervous system awareness.

Connect with Em

Are you an educator feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or like you're surviving from one school holiday to the next? Wondering how to stay in this profession you love without sacrificing your wellbeing?

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, I share from the heart, recording with my newborn snuggled up on my chest, about why emotional intelligence and nervous system regulation are not "nice-to-haves"… but essential tools for educators and school leaders today.

We dive into the real root causes of burnout, why so many teachers feel like they're drowning, and how we can begin shifting school culture from the inside out, without adding more to your already overloaded plate. Whether you're a teacher, leader, or support staff, you'll walk away with clarity, validation, and real next steps.

What you'll hear in this episode:

→ Why regulation is the missing link in education reform

→ How stress and unresolved trauma show up in the classroom

→ What happens when your nervous system leads the way

→ Why inner work is non-negotiable for teachers and leaders

→ The real impact of emotionally intelligent educators on students

→ How to shift your classroom and your life—starting with you

If you're ready to create a ripple effect in your classroom, school and home, this episode is your starting point.

In this episode, I'm breaking down how behaviour is actually a nervous system response, not a discipline issue.

You'll learn how to recognise what's going on underneath the behaviour so you can respond in a way that actually helps your students come back to a calm, connected, ready to learn state.

I'll also share the three nervous system states (based on polyvagal theory), what they look like in real classrooms, and why learning to regulate your own nervous system is one of the most powerful things you can do as an educator.

What you'll learn in this episode:

→ Why some kids "flip their lid" over tiny things like a pencil

→ What nervous system dysregulation looks like in your classroom

→ How shutdown, fight, flight and freeze actually show up in real students

→ Why regulation always comes before expectations

→ How your energy shapes the safety and behaviour in your room

→ The difference between being calm vs being regulated

→ How to support kids before they lose control

If you're struggling with constant behaviour issues and it feels like nothing is working, this episode will help you shift your lens and show you what to focus on first.

Free Training for Teachers

Feeling overwhelmed, burnt out or just not enjoying teaching the way you used to?

In this episode, Olivia from Mindful Hearts Wellbeing shares how you can bring mindfulness into your classroom in simple, realistic ways without it feeling like "one more thing" on your to-do list.

She'll walk you through what mindfulness actually is (in teacher language), how it helps both students and teachers, and a four-step method you can use to set the tone for a calm and connected classroom especially in the mornings when things feel rushed or unsettled.

You'll also hear a short guided grounding practice at the end of the episode, so you can experience how calming it feels for yourself.

What you'll learn in this episode:

→ Why mindfulness helps kids with focus, emotions, learning and behaviour

→ How to use movement, breath and sensory activities to settle your class

→ A simple 4-step method to use during morning transition or after lunch

→ Why mindfulness starts with you and how to fit it into your day too

→ Easy ideas for calming activities, grounding strategies and classroom routines

Connect with Olivia

In this episode, I'm talking about how to support neurodivergent learners in your classroom without having to create a hundred individual plans.

Most classrooms aren't built with neurodivergence in mind.

And when kids can't meet the expectations, we often fall back on the same old behaviour labels of "lazy," "disruptive," "off task."

But what if it's not about the behaviour? What if it's about the environment?

This episode gives you practical, realistic whole class strategies that help students who find things like noise, transitions, verbal instructions or social stuff hard,  especially kids who are autistic, ADHD, or have sensory differences.

What you'll learn in this episode:

→ What's really going on for students who "can't sit still," interrupt, or shut down

→ Simple tweaks that make your classroom feel safer and calmer for every child

→ What to do when kids can't start tasks or forget instructions

→ How visuals, routines and chunking support working memory

→ Why movement, quiet corners and regulation stations are essential

→ What to reflect on if your classroom feels off, and where to begin

It's about small, smart shifts that help all kids, not just neurodivergent ones to feel more calm, capable and connected.

Free Resources for Teachers

Today, we're joined by Dr. Amie Fabry, an early childhood educator, academic, researcher, policy consultant, and Director of Early Childhood at The Learning Future. Amie's work focuses on building the confidence, knowledge, and skills of early childhood educators and leaders to create responsive and trusting cultures where both educators and children can thrive. She is also the author of Lead with Intention, the first leadership framework designed for early years education.

Leadership isn't about titles or power, it's about developing potential in others. In this episode, Amie shares how to cultivate a strong team culture, lead with self-awareness, and build trust so that educators feel confident, valued, and supported.

Here's what you'll learn in this episode:

→ Why leadership isn't just about titles, it's about impact.

→ How to develop self-awareness as a leader.

→ The power of knowing your 'why' and using it to guide decision-making.

→ How to foster collaboration and build shared values within your team.

→ Practical ways to create psychological safety so educators feel valued and empowered.

→ Why real leadership happens in the small, everyday moments not just in formal roles.

Want to go deeper?

If today's conversation resonated with you, Amie offers several ways to support your leadership journey:

Lead with Intention Framework – A practical guide breaking down these ideas with actionable steps.

1:1 Coaching – Work with Amie to build clarity and confidence in your leadership.

Professional Learning Programs – Join a cohort of like-minded leaders for deeper growth.

Some student behaviours feel harder to handle than others. Some classroom management strategies don't sit right with you, even though they're supposed to "work." Ever wondered why?

Your mindset shapes everything about how you teach, how you see behaviour, how you respond to challenges, and even how you feel at the end of the day. But most of us have never stopped to think about where those beliefs come from.

In this episode, I'm talking about
→ Why certain behaviours get under your skin more than others
→ How your own school experience shapes the way you teach
→ How your subconscious beliefs might be keeping you stuck in outdated classroom management approaches
→ Simple shifts that can change the way you respond in the classroom

The way you see behaviour shapes how you deal with it. When you start noticing the beliefs behind your reactions, you can handle things with more confidence and less stress.

Shifting how you see student behaviour changes everything. When you move from control and compliance to curiosity and connection, your whole classroom dynamic shifts.

On the EMpowered Podcast Takeover Series, psychologist Jacquie Ward joins us to talk about something every teacher needs to know. How to support highly sensitive children in the classroom.

Some children feel things more deeply, notice the smallest details, and get overwhelmed more easily.

These students aren't being "too sensitive" or "overdramatic". They're wired this way. Up to 20% of kids are highly sensitive, and when we understand them, we can support them in ways that actually work.

Jacquie Ward is a Psychologist who works with Children, Adolescents & their Families.

It was a deep love of learning, combined with a fascination for developmental psychology and attachment theory that led Jacquie to pursue a career change after the birth of her first child.

She returned to University and almost 10 years, another two babies, and approximately 5,000 textbooks later, found herself immersed in her dream job. For Jacquie, working with children, teens and their families as they navigate challenges with mental health and wellbeing, is the ultimate privilege.

In this episode, Jacquie explains:

→ What high sensitivity really is (and what it's not)

→ How to recognise highly sensitive children in your classroom

→ Why they get overwhelmed and struggle with change or noise

→ The power of connection, safety, and predictable routines

→ Simple ways to help them self-regulate and build confidence

When you support highly sensitive children the right way, they feel safer, happier, and more able to learn. And let's be honest, it makes your job easier too.

Connect with Jacqui Ward

If you've ever felt like something is missing in your school community, whether it's student engagement, teacher retention, or just a general sense of belonging, this episode is for you.

Guest host Matt Pittman is talking about one of the most overlooked solutions in education.

Instead of sticking with bandaid fixes for disengagement, behaviour, or burnout, Matt shares how prioritising connection can shift your entire school culture and actually make teaching feel good again.

Matt is the Head of Senior School at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs, a Catholic secondary school in the western suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, and the author of The Connection Curriculum.

An experienced educational leader and a doctoral student researching connections across school communities, Matt's experience is varied, from the leadership of curriculum teams and programs to student wellbeing, student improvement and community engagement portfolios.

He has led Positive Education and student support programs and has a passion for working with students, parents, and staff to develop new understandings of the needs of young people in the 21st century.

What you'll get from this episode:

→ Why connection is the actual foundation of behaviour, well-being, and engagement.

→ How relationships, belonging, and meaning work together to create a thriving school community.

→ What empathic curiosity looks like in practice (and how to ask better questions).

→ Why emotional intelligence isn't just a buzzword.

→ The difference between inclusivity as a policy vs. inclusivity as a practice (and why most schools get this wrong).

→ How school leaders can create real, lasting culture change (without burning out their staff).

Teaching should feel good. Connection is how we get there.

A huge shoutout to Matt for taking over the podcast. If this episode resonated with you, make sure you hit follow or subscribe. We are just getting started.

Connect with Matt Pittman

Behaviour is communication and children act out when their needs aren't met.

But what does that actually mean? And how do we meet their needs in the classroom in a way that helps them feel safe, connected, and engaged?

In this episode, I'm talking about what it really means to meet children's needs (beyond the buzzwords) so you can shift from reacting to behaviour to understanding what's underneath it.

If you've ever wondered why certain students seem to be in constant meltdown mode, why some avoid tasks or disrupt lessons, or why connection is such a big deal, this episode will give you a clear framework to start working with.

Here's what you'll learn:

→ Why children's behaviour is often linked to unmet needs or skill gaps.

→ The five core needs that drive behaviour

→ How to shift from seeing behaviour as "good" or "bad" to recognising what children are trying to communicate.

→ Why focusing on connection and safety first leads to fewer behaviour challenges.

→ Practical ways to create a classroom culture where children feel safe, capable, and seen.

Free Resources for Teachers

Boundaries are often misunderstood, but when done right, they create safety, structure, and predictability. The key ingredients for a classroom where children feel secure and engaged.

If you've ever struggled with feeling like kids are walking all over you or wondered how to hold firm boundaries without resorting to control or punishment, this episode is for you.

This episode is part of the EMpowered Podcast Take Over Series, where incredible educators take the mic to share their expertise on creating conscious and connected classrooms.

Danica is an early childhood educator, university lecturer, practicum supervisor and mama of two. She is also the owner of Little Bloom, a platform that shares a multitude of information about child development, social-emotional learning and, most significantly, supporting children's behaviour and big feelings for early childhood professionals who support young children.

After working in the early childhood space for over 16 years, Danica has recognised a fundamental need for a shift in the way that we support children's behaviour - people are seeking help with how to effectively support young children's behaviour and emotional development but are unsure of where to find this information.

Through Little Bloom, Danica has made it her mission to bridge the divide between theory and practice by bringing evidence-informed information to early childhood educators by sharing personal anecdotes, camaraderie, current research and strategies.

Here's what you'll learn in this episode:

→ The difference between boundaries and limits (and why most people get this wrong).

→ Why firm and fair boundaries create emotional safety for children.

→ How to hold a boundary without yelling, shaming, or threatening.

→ What to do when children push back against a boundary

→ How boundaries actually support self-regulation and emotional growth.

→ A simple framework to help you set boundaries effectively.

Want more support with boundaries? Danica is running a workshop in April on limits, boundaries, and consequences, helping you use each of them as a tool to support behaviour, not control it. You'll walk away with a whole toolkit of practical strategies and a clear plan to make boundaries work in your classroom or home. Find the links on her instagram below!

Trauma affects how children learn in the classroom. When children don't feel safe, they cannot access the part of the brain required for learning. If you've ever wondered why some students seem constantly dysregulated, reactive, or withdrawn, this episode will give you the missing piece.

What you'll learn in this episode:

→ Why trauma leaves a lasting impact on a child's behaviour, emotions, and ability to learn.

→ The difference between simple, complex, and developmental trauma and why it matters.

→ How trauma keeps children stuck in fight, flight, freeze, or fawn states.

→ Why traditional behaviour management strategies (like rewards and punishments) don't work, particularly for children with trauma.

→ How to create a safe, predictable classroom environment that supports regulation.

→ Why your own emotional regulation is key to helping students feel safe.

Free Resources for Teachers

Rewards and punishments might seem like an easy way to manage behaviour, but do they actually work?

In this episode of the Beyond Behaviours series, I'm talking about why extrinsic rewards and punitive consequences don't create long term behaviour change, and what to do instead.

If you've ever relied on sticker charts, prize boxes, or detentions but found they don't really shift behaviour, this episode will give you a new way to think about it.

What you'll learn in this episode:

→ Why rewards and punishments control behaviour in the short term but don't teach long-term skills.

→ How extrinsic rewards undermine intrinsic motivation and create a "what's in it for me" mindset.

→ Why punishments don't address the root cause of behaviour and often leads to shame and disconnection.

→ How understanding stress responses, unmet needs, and skill gaps changes the way we support behaviour.

→ What to do instead—effective feedback, setting boundaries, and holding space for emotions while keeping the classroom safe.

Free Resources for Teachers

In this episode, I'm focusing on how you can set up your classroom and learning environment for 2025. It's not about Pinterest-perfect displays but creating a purposeful, functional space where children feel emotionally, physically, and mentally safe.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to balance aesthetics with practicality or you're unsure how your classroom setup impacts behaviour and learning, this episode is for you.

Here's what you'll learn:

→ How to avoid overstimulating classrooms that overwhelm neurodivergent learners.

→ Why clutter impacts focus and behaviour and how to create a calm, organised space.

→ The importance of co creating your classroom setup with students for connection and ownership.

→ Practical tips for incorporating flexible seating, clear pathways, and sensory tools.

→ Why setting up for safety, functionality, and intention is the key to a successful school year.

Free Resources for Teachers

Welcome to the first episode of the Beyond Behaviours series, where I'm sharing quick and actionable steps to help you create a conscious classroom that feels safe, structured, and supportive from day one.

This episode is all about routines and expectations—the essential building blocks for a classroom where children feel secure and ready to learn.

If you've ever struggled with behaviours spiralling out of control or felt like your classroom just wasn't flowing, this is where you need to start.

Here's what you'll take away from this episode:

→ Why routines and expectations are the backbone of every successful classroom.

→ How to create consistency and predictability to help children feel safe.

→ The difference between routines and expectations—and why you need both.

→ Why co-developing expectations with your class builds connection and engagement.

→ How revisiting and practising routines all term long sets your classroom up for long-term success.

→ Simple ways to get clear on your routines before the school year starts.

Free Resources for Teachers

In this episode, you will learn how to set up your classroom this year to have a learning environment that's safe and nurturing, where students can thrive both academically and socially.

If you've ever wondered how to move away from punitive measures and into a more responsive, emotionally aware teaching approach, this episode is for you.

Here's what you'll learn:

→ How emotional intelligence, connection, and responsiveness can transform your classroom into a supportive space.

→ Why self-awareness around your teaching beliefs and practices is the foundation for lasting change.

→ How old habits and default reactions can block progress

→ Why your regulation as a teacher directly impacts the emotional climate of your classroom.

→ How co-regulation works and why it's key for students' emotional development.

→ How to address unmet needs or lagging skills instead of resorting to punitive measures.

→ Strategies to support behaviour rather than reacting with discipline.

→ Why continuous growth and reflection are essential for conscious teaching.

→ How focusing on what's within your control allows you to show up as the teacher you want to be.

Resources for you

In this episode, I dive into the self-doubt and comparison trap that many educators, both new and experienced, find themselves stuck in.

If you've ever wondered why your brain zeroes in on what you're lacking and why you keep comparing yourself to other teachers, this episode is here to help.

Here's what you'll learn:

→ Why comparing yourself to others is normal but unhelpful.

→ Practical strategies to shift from 'I can't' to 'I'm learning,' and how to consciously take steps toward confidence and competence.

→ Why focusing on what you're doing well and celebrating your growth can help you rewrite your inner narrative.

→ The importance of bravery in rewriting your story and stepping into your power.

FREE WORKSHOPS IN JANUARY!

I'm hosting two FREE live workshops to help you start 2025 on the right foot

Teaching Without the Overwhelm: How to Reduce Stress and Thrive in 2025

🗓️ January 20th, 2025 at 3 PM AEDT

In this episode, I'm reflecting on a massive 2024, both personally and professionally and sharing my intentions for 2025.

2024 was full of growth, messy moments, and beautiful lessons. I hope my reflections inspire you to take stock of your own year and step into 2025 with intention and purpose.

Here's what you'll hear:

→ Why aligning your work with your passions is key to avoiding burnout

→ How reflecting on what worked and what didn't helps you set meaningful intentions for the year ahead.

→ How educators, parents, and leaders can build sustainable practices for growth and balance

→ What role emotional intelligence and nervous system regulation plays in navigating life's challenges and curveballs.

FREE WORKSHOPS IN JANUARY!

I'm hosting two FREE live workshops to help you start 2025 on the right foot

Teaching Without the Overwhelm: How to Reduce Stress and Thrive in 2025

🗓️ January 20th, 2025 at 3 PM AEDT

Welcome back beautiful human!

In this episode, I'm sharing three simple habits that can truly improve your wellbeing over the holidays and into 2025. These strategies are designed to help you relax, recharge, and step into the new year with clarity, calm, and purpose.

Here's what you'll learn

→ How these three habits can help you process the year, find clarity, and connect with the person you want to become.

→ Simple techniques to regulate your nervous system, reduce stress, and avoid burnout.

→ How shifting your mindset can improve your relationships, reduce stress, and boost your overall happiness.

These habits are more than just 'nice-to-haves.'

They are evidence-based practices that will help you reduce stress, build emotional resilience, and find more dare I say 'balance' in your personal and professional life.

These habits don't take much time but can make a huge difference in how you feel, both now and in the year ahead.

FREE WORKSHOPS IN JANUARY!

Before I head on maternity leave, I'm hosting two FREE live workshops to help you start 2025 on the right foot:

Teaching Without the Overwhelm: How to Reduce Stress and Thrive in 2025

🗓️ January 20th, 2025 at 3 PM AEDT

In this episode, I want to help you wrap up the school year with intention and positivity.

Whether 2024 has been your best year yet or one filled with challenges, this episode will guide you through reflecting, processing, and planning so you can head into the holidays rested and recharged.

Here's what you'll learn

→ Learn how to celebrate your successes, process what didn't go as planned, and uncover lessons to carry forward into 2025.

→ Practical tips for closing the classroom from organising, letting go of emotions that no longer serve you because you deserve to start the new year with a clean slate.

→ How you can truly disconnect, recharge, and make the most of your break.

→ What reflection prompts to work through to set yourself up for an amazing break and new energy in the new year.

The work you do matters deeply.

Taking the time to rest, reflect, and recharge isn't just for you, It's for the students you'll continue to show up for next year.

Give yourself the gift of joy, gratitude, and relaxation over the holidays, because you've earned it.

Resources for you

In this episode, I sit down with Marg Thorsborne and Joe Brummer, two incredible thought leaders in trauma-informed and restorative practices.

Together, they've written two books, Becoming a Trauma-Informed Restorative Educator and Becoming a Trauma-Informed Restorative School - Practical Skills to Change Culture and Behaviour.

It's all about creating safer, more connected classrooms that focus on collaboration and wellbeing rather than compliance and punishment.

We talk about the critical shift from punitive approaches to relational ones, how trauma-informed and restorative practices work together, and why this is essential for creating meaningful change in education.

What you'll learn in the episode:

→ Why trauma-informed and restorative practices must go hand in hand

→ Learn how these approaches are intertwined and why schools can't truly adopt one without the other.

→ The truth about punitive consequences and understanding the long-term costs of punishment on trust, mental health, and behaviour development.

→ How co-regulation and relational neurobiology can transform classroom culture.

→ Strategies and tools for educators for building trust, teaching skills, and holding boundaries without shame or compliance based tactics.

→ How doing the work on ourselves as educators is the foundation for transforming our classrooms and communities.

The Books

In this episode of The EMpowered Podcast, we're diving into a topic every teacher can relate to: stress.

While a little bit of stress can be healthy, chronic stress can leave us feeling overwhelmed, dysregulated, and depleted. I'll share three actionable strategies to help you reduce your stress levels, balance your body, and feel more in control of your wellbeing.

What You'll Learn:

→ How to notice when your body budget is out of balance and what to do about it.

→ How to regulate quickly using your breath

→ Simple ways to decompress after school and leave work stress behind.

→ How to reframe the connection between 'busy' and 'stress.'

→ A clever tool I use to help me focus on what I can control and where my energy goes

In this episode of The EMpowered Podcast, I'm diving into some of the most common questions I hear from beginning teachers, especially as they prepare for their first year.

This one is for all my new and graduate teachers feeling the overwhelm of getting started, don't worry, I've got you!

We cover everything from setting up your classroom and planning lessons to prioritising your wellbeing and navigating behaviour support. It's a jam-packed episode filled with practical tips and encouragement to help you thrive in your first year of teaching.

Here's what you'll learn:

→ How to approach the school holidays - what you should and shouldn't be doing to prepare, and what should be your top priority.

→ Creating an intentional learning environment - how to design a space that is functional, calming, and welcoming.

→ Planning for success - what to plan over the holidays and how far in advance

→ Navigating behaviour management - how to align with your school's policies while adopting a compassionate, non-punitive approach to behaviour support.

→ Setting boundaries and preventing burnout - how to protect your energy, set non-negotiables, and learn to switch off from work and why it is critical in your first year.

→ The growth mindset you need to succeed - how to reflect on your teaching, embrace imperfection, and focus on resilience and self-compassion as you navigate the challenges of being a new teacher.

I also share exciting updates about TGGM Grow, my Signature Program for Pre Service and Graduate Teachers, which is now available as a self-paced course to support you at any time.

Plus, keep an eye out for our Black Friday offers, and don't forget to grab the New Teacher Toolkit—your free guide to setting yourself up for success in 2025.

Links and Resources:

Consequences in the classroom - where do you even start?

In this episode, I'm diving into one of the biggest questions I get from teachers: "How can I support student behaviour without falling back on punishments?"

I go through what really works (and what really doesn't) when it comes to behaviour, boundaries, and creating a connected classroom.

I know that as educators who are committed to supporting children's wellbeing, there can be a lot of confusion around how to handle consequences, boundaries, and behavioural support without leaning into punitive methods.

Here's what you'll learn:

→ How traditional punitive consequences (think: timeouts, detentions, and taking away recess) affect student teacher relationships

→ Why traditional consequences rarely address the root causes of behaviour.

→ What logical and natural consequences can look like in the classroom, how they differ from punishments, and why understanding a student's unmet needs is key to effective behaviour support.

→ Why boundaries help students feel secure and connected rather than ashamed or anxious.

→ Strategies to set up a classroom that minimises the need for reactive measures by promoting positive behaviour proactively.

→ When and how to use boundaries effectively to create a culture of respect without relying on shame or control.

There are so many proactive behaviour strategies to support students to help make a classroom 'management' feel natural, and not forced

Resources for you

Today, I'm diving into how to find a school that truly matches your philosophy on non-punitive, trauma-informed practices. If you want to work somewhere that values real student and teacher wellbeing, but don't know where to start, this one's for you.

Here's what you'll learn

→ How to use CRT (Casual Relief Teaching) as a way to 'test drive' a school's culture before committing long-term.

→ Why the right leadership and wellbeing focus are essential in creating a school environment that truly supports teachers and students.

→ What key questions to ask and what to look for in a school's values, social media, and programs to ensure they align with a non-punitive, trauma-informed approach.

→ How to leverage word of mouth and intuition to gather insights on a school, while avoiding common biases and misconceptions.

→ Why it's okay to prioritise your own wellbeing over job security when choosing a school environment that aligns with your values.

→ Why its okay to switch schools if it doesn't align with your values.

Resources for you:

In this episode, we welcome Chelsea Luker, an Autistic ADHD psychologist, author, and advocate for neurodiversity-affirming practices. Chelsea dives deep into what it means to adopt a neurodiversity-affirming approach, her journey as a parent to neurodivergent children, and her impactful work at Connect Us Psychology. Chelsea also discusses her book, Square Me Round World, a collection of stories designed to reflect and validate the experiences of neurodivergent children. From addressing the challenges in mainstream education to advocating for more inclusive environments, Chelsea offers invaluable insights for educators, parents, and anyone interested in supporting neurodivergent individuals.

Resources Mentioned:

This episode is a personal one about why we're not meant to do it all, and what happens when we try to keep going without help.

Parenting isn't meant to be a solo act. Especially when life throws in a few curveballs or even just the regular chaos of life.

If you've ever found yourself losing it with the kids or feeling like you're juggling too many balls (and dropping a few), this episode is for you.

Here's what you'll learn:

→ Why knowing all the emotional intelligence tricks is one thing, but actually applying them is a different story.

→ The importance of connection over correction when supporting your child's behaviour (whether at home or in the classroom).

→ How to use self-awareness to catch your own triggers before you react, and why this makes all the difference.

→ Why it's okay to drop some of the balls you're juggling, and how to figure out what's really important.

→ Practical steps for making sure you're filling up your own cup, because you can't pour from an empty one.

Even though it can feel like you're the only one who's overwhelmed and barely holding it together, you're not. We're all in this together, and we need each other's support.

You might know all the techniques, but practicing them in the moment is the real challenge….and that's okay.

Be kind to yourself as you work through it.

Resources Mentioned:

In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Michelle Mitchell, who's spent years working with teens, tweens, and their families.

Supporting kids at this stage can feel overwhelming, especially when it seems like they've got that wall up and are shutting you out. There is so much more going on beneath the surface.

Michelle Mitchell is a former teacher turned tween and teenage expert, with years of experience running youth programs, mentoring young people, and supporting families.

She's all about helping adults to see what's really going on in the hearts and minds of tweens and teens and helping them build the kind of connections that truly make a difference.

We talk about how we can really see and support teens and tweens in this phase of their development. It's not about being cool or getting it right all the time.

What you'll learn from Michelle:

→ Why what you see on the surface isn't the full story when it comes to teenagers.

→ The importance of connection and how teens are wired to crave it, even when they push you away.

→ How play can help upper primary and secondary students regulate their emotions (and why we should never cut it out too soon)

→ The differences between tweens and teens, and why treating them the same is a massive mistake.

→ How to work with social media, not against it, and create a school environment where teens feel safe to unplug and actually be present. There are smart, compassionate ways to help teens balance their online and offline worlds, with boundaries that actually feel good to them.

→ Why the shift from primary to secondary school is huge and why this transition needs more attention.

Michelle's no stranger to the challenges of this developmental phase and she's here to help you navigate them with compassion and clarity.

No matter how tough your teen or tween acts, what they need most is to feel connected to the adults around them.

Resources for you:

In this episode, I'm joined by Jacquie Ward, a psychologist who specialises in child and adolescent mental health.

We talk about the realities of mental health in schools, and this conversation doesn't happen nearly enough.

If you've ever wondered how mental health and anxiety show up in your classroom or why children some children feel things so deeply, then this episode is for you.

Jacquie and I talk about:

→ The real signs of mental health struggles in children often get missed.

→ Why the 'big behaviours' might be masking anxiety and how to shift your lens to catch it early

→ The difference between highly sensitive children and anxiety and how to support these kids without burning yourself out.

→ How to catch the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signals that a child is struggling with anxiety, whether they're acting out or quietly shutting down.

→ What does it mean to be highly sensitive, and how is it different from anxiety

→ How teachers can adjust their classroom environment to cater to anxious or highly sensitive children without adding more work or stress to your day.

→ How to manage anxiety and help children self regulate so the whole classroom can function better.

The way we've been taught to support behaviour isn't working because we are not addressing what's going on underneath for these children. I am hosting a masterclass with two AMAZING guests leading the way in this space next week.

In this episode, I sit down with Marg Thorsborne, an international consultant specialising in the implementation of restorative and trauma-informed practices. Marg shares her journey from a biology teacher and school guidance officer to becoming a leading expert in creating positive cultural change in schools and workplaces. We dive deep into the principles of restorative practice, the importance of psychological safety, and why building a connected culture is crucial for both students and adults.

Connect with Marg:

In this episode, I dive into how both children and adults handle and express uncomfortable feelings and why it's important to understand them, and how to express them in healthy ways.

As an emotional intelligence coach, working with both children and adults, I have seen firsthand the impact of understanding and navigating uncomfortable emotions.

In this episode, you'll learn:

→ Three ways both adults and children deal with uncomfortable behaviours.

→ What behaviours can signal emotion suppression and how to recognise these to help us

→ Why someone might respond to emotion with aggression, and what can be done to mitigate these reactions

→ How expressing your emotions more effectively can improve your mental health and relationships

→ How your upbringing and parental influence shapes your emotional responses.

Connect with Em

In this episode, I talk about the revelation that completely changed my approach to supporting children's behaviour.

In this episode you will learn:

→ What exactly are belief systems, and how they influence your interactions

The impact of understanding and changing belief systems on supporting children's behaviour

→ Why doing the deeper work, beyond surface level strategies is the key factor for lasting change in educators

→ How to change your deep seated beliefs to improve your ability to support children effectively

→ Why is it important to work on yourself for lasting personal and professional growth

Resources Mentioned:

TW: This episode discusses childhood trauma, and abuse.

In this episode, I get the absolute privilege of talking with Beck Thompson. She is absolutely amazing, sharing her journey of resilience, transformation, and empowerment. As a teacher, author, and speaker, she brings a unique perspective shaped by her lived experience of trauma and abuse.

We discuss how transformative compassionate teaching can be and the impact educators can have on their students, often without even realising it.

This episode is not to highlight the difficulties that some of your students will go through, but how impactful you can be as an adult in their life, without even realising it. It's to help you understand what it's like in the classroom for a child with trauma and how important teachers really are.

Here's what you'll learn:

→ How understanding trauma can help you support your students more effectively

→ Why it is absolutely ok to prioritise compassion and safety before the curriculum

→ How recognising and nurturing a child's strengths can make the world of difference and transform their educational experience

→ Why small conversations and interactions can have a lasting impact on students' lives. It's the micro-moments that make all the difference

→ How the brain processes trauma and it affects what you are seeing in a student's behaviour.

→ Why perceived and felt safety is the number one thing that needs to be prioritised for children to learn

→ Why adults are so important in the development of resilience in a person's life.

It's about giving educators permission to focus on creating a safe, supportive environment where every child feels seen, heard and valued.

There is so much more I could add to this list.

This is for you. To recognise and truly understand the impact you, as a teacher, has on a child in your classroom. Make sure you listen in, because this may open up a perspective and change the way you support your students, in the most simple but effective way.

Connect with Beck Thompson:

In this episode, I'm talking about emotional coaching in education and how it can change how children behave and engage in your classroom. 

Here's what you'll learn:

→ How emotion coaching can change your classroom environment

→ What it looks like to be emotionally attuned to your students.

→ How to balance emotional support with setting necessary boundaries.

→ The five steps of emotion coaching and how it can lead to happier, more focused students.

→ Why it's important to validate and role model emotions in the classroom.

If you're looking to improve how you support classroom emotions and behaviours, without rewards and punishments, take a listen! 

Resources Mentioned:

In this episode, I talk about why it's difficult for teachers and parents to sit with children's emotions. I also discuss how self regulation and understanding our beliefs about emotions, influence how we react to children when they express big emotions.  

Here's what you'll learn:

→ Why your own childhood experiences can make it difficult to handle your children's emotions

→ How understanding your reactions can help you co-regulate effectively with children.

→ How to become more comfortable with the full range of emotions

→The benefits of embracing, rather than suppressing difficult emotions, in educational and parenting. 

If you've ever found yourself struggling to maintain composure or felt overwhelmed by a child's emotional expression, this episode is for you.

Resources Mentioned: