This episode is for anyone who ends the day wondering how they were busy for eight hours yet somehow still have a full to do list.

Our attention is constantly pulled in every direction, and sustaining focus has become one of the most valuable executive functioning skills we have. Today I break down what gets in the way of deep focus and how to make attention feel easier, not heavier.

You will learn how to identify your biggest distractions, why your personal patterns matter, and how to choose one simple habit that can improve your focus within two weeks.

Whether your interruptions come from students, colleagues, devices or your own thoughts, these strategies will help you protect your time, your energy and your sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.

Highlights:

(01:38) The everyday distractions that quietly drain your attention

(03:05) How to spot your own patterns and define your Why

(04:40) Reflecting on strategies you have already tried

(06:12) Choosing one realistic habit to stick with for two weeks

(07:10) The power of boundaries, Do Not Disturb and intentional focus blocks

(07:45) Small physical shifts that boost mental endurance

The information and advice provided are for guidance purposes only, and all listeners are required to follow federal and state law, as well as their school district guidelines and policies.

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This episode is packed with heart, honesty, and the real work happening behind the scenes to grow our field. I sat down with three incredible leaders who are reshaping how we recruit, support, and retain school psychologists, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Their energy is contagious, and their commitment to creating a more welcoming profession shines through in every story they share.

Kristin (president), Anna (past president), and Marissa (president elect) make up the presidential trio of the Washington State Association of School Psychologists (WSASP). Together, they represent school psychologists across Washington through local, state, and federal advocacy, research, and guidance.

These three young leaders work full time in different districts while holding multiple leadership roles across organizations. They are a true dream team, excited about the future of school psychology.

WSASP’s core purpose is to empower school psychologists as school based mental health professionals and change agents who support students, school communities, and colleagues through collaboration and evidence based practices that lead to educational success.

We get into everything from barriers in graduate programs to the power of mentorship, community, and paid internships. You will hear practical ideas you can bring into your own school, along with a few hopeful reminders that change is already underway.

If you care about building a field where everyone feels they belong, this one matters.

Highlights:

(01:45) The internship barrier and the push for state funded stipends

(03:32) What is actually working in recruiting diverse candidates

(06:48) How the role of the school psychologist is expanding beyond testing

(08:55) Post covid mental health needs and new intervention opportunities

(12:40) Balancing evaluation demands with relationship centered practice

(17:45) Signs of hope for representation and accessible graduate pathways

Washington State Association of School Psychologists: https://www.wsasp.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wsasp

LinkedIn: Washington State Association of School Psychologists

Instagram for Major, facility dog: @majortherapylab

Dogs for Better Lives: https://dogsforbetterlives.org/

The information and advice provided are for guidance purposes only, and all listeners are required to follow federal and state law, as well as their school district guidelines and policies.

Connect with Jenny:

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This episode was such an energizing conversation, because it highlights something every school psychologist eventually faces, that moment when a policy shift threatens your work and you have to decide how to respond.

Kim and Mike walked me through a real situation in Indiana where their scope of practice was suddenly on the line, and how fast, coordinated action changed the outcome. It is a reminder that we are not powerless, even when legislation feels intimidating or unclear.

We also talk about the fears many psychs have around contacting legislators, and how personal stories carry more weight than perfectly crafted templates.

If you have ever wondered what advocacy looks like behind the scenes, or whether your voice actually matters, this one will give you a clearer picture and a bit more confidence in your own influence.

Highlights:

(01:45) What House Bill 1002 originally aimed to do

(04:12) The moment school psychs realized the amendment posed a real threat

(06:20) How NASP stepped in and amplified the response

(09:48) Common misconceptions legislators had about school psychology

(14:36) The turning point when the harmful language was removed

(16:55) Lessons for any psych preparing to advocate in their own state

Website: https://iaosp.wildapricot.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IASPonline

Instagram: @inschoolpsych

The information and advice provided are for guidance purposes only, and all listeners are required to follow federal and state law, as well as their school district guidelines and policies.

Connect with Jenny:

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

WEBSITE