In this powerful and deeply human episode, Irma shares her extraordinary life journey—from profound loss and fear in Mexico to rebuilding her life in the United States through education, work, and inner strength. Her story reflects the realities many immigrant women face: abandonment, economic hardship, language barriers, trauma, and health crises—yet it is ultimately a story of resilience, dignity, and lifelong learning.
This conversation explores how adult education, community support, and mental‑health care can transform survival into purpose.
Early Life & Family
Born in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico (1963)
Mother of three children (including twin sons); grandmother to three boys
University‑educated accountant in Mexico
The Breaking Point
Tune in to find out
Why She Left Mexico
Irma reached a moment where staying meant emotional collapse. With no safety net and her mental health deteriorating, she chose migration as an act of survival—for herself and her children.
Received unexpected help from strangers and church communities—“angels” who provided shelter, food, clothing, and job connections
Worked exhausting jobs: restaurants, office cleaning (day and night)
Lived in unstable and sometimes hostile housing situations
Entered a shelter program that changed everything
Could not afford ESL at Houston Community College
After moving to Austin, enrolled at Austin Community College (free ESL)
Educational Milestones:
Completed ESL Levels 1–4
Earned her GED (graduated in May)
Currently enrolled in ESOL, Office Clerk/technology classes, and micro‑credentials
High academic performance (90s average)
Sewing began as a hobby in Mexico
Became her primary profession in the U.S.
Worked 16 years in upholstery and interior décor (drapes, cushions, bedding)
Now self‑employed as a seamstress and crochet artist
Memorial Teddy BearsInspired during the COVID pandemic, Irma creates memory bears from loved ones’ clothing—deeply meaningful pieces that help families process grief. Her work is now shared through word of mouth, with plans to expand through digital platforms.
Irma is a multiple‑cancer survivor
Her Wellness Practice:
“For me, going to school is my therapy.”
Dreams of earning a fashion design certificate and growing her business
Proud of supporting herself and paying for school through her own work
Irma’s story highlights the power of:
Adult education access
ESL and GED programs
Mental‑health support
Community and human kindness
Her journey reminds us that learning does not end with age, trauma, or hardship—and that wellness can look different for everyone.
Click here to see Irma's Memorial Teddy Bears: https://tinyurl.com/MimiandCo
In this episode, we sit down with Martha Dorow and Marie Trzeciak—two ACC professionals deeply experienced in student success, disability services, and inclusive program development—to explore executive functioning skills, neurodivergence, and what it really looks like in the classroom for both students and instructors.
Opening Theme – Presence Before Problem-Solving • How slowing down and truly listening creates a deeper connection with students and colleagues.
Student Support & Instructor Insight • Why meeting learners where they are—emotionally, academically, and culturally—matters more than perfect course design.
Energy, Boundaries & Educator Well-Being • The cost of over-functioning, and how staff and instructors can protect mental and emotional bandwidth.
Identity, Belonging & Showing Up Authentically • How visibility, shared humanity, and honoring your story help create safer learning environments.
🥰 Final Takeaway
You’re not alone. Whether you’re a student who can’t get out the door some mornings, or an instructor juggling wave after wave of responsibilities — you can grow these skills, ask for help, and create supportive environments where every learner can thrive.
Click here for a list of recommended books & videos from our guests: https://tinyurl.com/MarieandMarthaFavorites
Remember to please follow/subscribe to this podcast and leave us a review! It really helps! AND feel free to email us if you have suggestions or want to be a guest on our show! Aida.
Watkins @austincc.edu & Stacy.Ramirez@austincc.edu
Hosts: Betina & Stacy– Two Tranquil Teachers
In this heart-warming episode, Stacy and Betina explore how gratitude connects science and spirit — calming the mind, rewiring the brain, and deepening our sense of connection at work, in class, and in life.
1️⃣ Opening Meditation – Guided 5 minute gratitude meditation.
2️⃣ What Is Gratitude? – Research from Robert Emmons & UC Berkeley on how gratitude reshapes the brain.
3️⃣ Historical & Spiritual Roots – From Stoicism to Ho‘oponopono and Indigenous wisdom.
4️⃣ Famous Practitioners – Oprah, the Dalai Lama, Joe Dispenza, and more.
5️⃣ Gratitude & Thanksgiving – Finding light even in hard times. 6️⃣ Everyday Practices – Simple ways to build gratitude at home, school, or work.
7️⃣ Closing Reflection – Mindful breath, affirmations, and local resources.
Click here to see a list of books mentioned in this podcast: https://tinyurl.com/Gratitude-books
Thank you for listening! Please like and share this podcast with someone you think could benefit from it.
Please share your gratitude practices or suggestions with us Aida.Watkins@austincc.edu and/or Stacy.Ramirez@austincc.edu
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Melissa Langley Biegert (Dr. B)—Director of Academic Success for High School Programs at Austin Community College—to explore what soul care really means at work.
Dr. B shares her journey from small-town Arkansas to Harvard and Vanderbilt Divinity School, and her unique role as chaplain and crisis negotiator at UT. Together, we discuss spiritual wellness, belonging, and how educators can nurture compassion and resilience in themselves and their communities.
In this episode we discuss:
🌿 The meaning of soul care and why it’s vital for educators and staff
🧘♀️ Simple practices for restoring balance and spiritual well-being at work
💔 How to support ourselves and each other through student or community crises
🤝 The power of “loving our students—and each other—to success”
💡 What it means to create systems of belonging and purpose in education
⚖️ How Qigong, Tai Chi, and mindfulness support resilience and clarity
❤️ The intersection of faith, service, and educational reform
Click here for Dr. B's favorite books and podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/DrBiegertfavorites
Follow and share the Adult Education Wellness Podcast for more stories that inspire balance, purpose, and well-being in and beyond the classroom and please email us if you have any questions or suggestions:
Aida.watkins@austincc.edu &
Stacy.ramirez@austincc.edu
In this inspiring and practical episode, Stacy and Betina explore Universal Design for Learning (UDL)—a proactive approach to creating classrooms that welcome every learner.
Whether your students are neurodivergent, English language learners, or adults returning to school, UDL helps remove barriers and build confidence through flexibility, accessibility, and empathy.
In this episode you'll learn:
What Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is and why it matters
The three core UDL principles: Engagement, Representation, and Action & Expression
How to proactively design inclusive learning experiences instead of retrofitting accommodations
Ways to make lessons more accessible using visuals, captions, choice boards, and audio support
How to integrate culturally responsive, and neurodiversity-aware practices into your teaching
Simple tips to use UDL in your next lesson, meeting, or presentation
Here are the links to the resources we mentioned in the show:
Don’t miss out on this powerful conversation about designing with empathy and intention.
Follow the Adult Education Wellness Podcast on your favorite platform—Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts.
Share this episode with an educator or colleague who’s passionate about inclusion and accessibility.
And if you loved it, please leave us a rating and review—it helps others discover the show!
And of course if you have any suggestions or would like to be a guest on our show, email us at Stacy.Ramriez@austincc.edu or Aida.Watkins@austincc.edu.
In this episode of the Adult Education Wellness Podcast, Two Tranquil Teachers (Betina & Stacy) explore the science and joy behind sound healing and laughter practices—two powerful, research-backed tools for stress relief and focus in the classroom.
Learn how simple practices like humming, chanting, and vowel sounds can calm the nervous system, boost energy, and create a positive learning environment. Plus, discover the benefits of laughter yoga, playful classroom activities, and even ways to use humor in professional development to foster connection and ease tension.
Whether you’re an adult educator, teacher, or lifelong learner, these quick, practical wellness tips can help you:
Reduce stress and anxiety before tests or meetings
Bring more joy and engagement into your classroom
Cultivate focus, creativity, and compassion through sound and laughter
Stay tuned for easy-to-try exercises and real classroom stories that will inspire you to weave wellness into your daily routine.
✨ Don’t forget to subscribe, share this episode with a colleague, and leave us a review so more educators can discover these tools.
✨If you have any questions or ideas for the show or would like to be a guest on our show please email us at Aida.Watkins@austincc.edu and Stacy.Ramirez@austincc.edu.
Welcome Back!
Join your Two Tranquil Teachers, Betina and Stacy, as they explore two ancient frameworks—Dharma (India) and Ikigai (Japan)—to help you live with intention, balance, and joy. In this self-care month episode, discover how to align with your purpose and make meaningful daily choices. 🌟
Grounding Exercise 🧘♀️: Start with a heart-centered meditation, focusing on your feet and body to feel grounded. Ask yourself, “Am I wearing socks?” to spark a smile and presence. 😊
Dharma Explained 🌌: Learn how Dharma, your soul’s “right path,” reflects your unique role—whether nourishing, teaching, or creating—and why living it prevents feeling stuck.
Ikigai Unpacked 🗺️: Explore Ikigai, your “reason for being,” through a four-circle Venn diagram: what you love, are good at, can be paid for, and what the world needs.
Dharma vs. Ikigai 🔄: Dharma is your spiritual essence; Ikigai is its practical expression in daily life (e.g., cooking, teaching, or photography).
Reflection Exercise 📝: Answer:
What activities make you feel energized? (e.g., Stacy’s meal prepping, Betina’s reading)
When do you feel most useful to others? (e.g., listening, sharing knowledge)
What have people always sought you for? (e.g., health advice, book recommendations)
Real-Life Examples 🚀: From ChatGPT:
Culinary Therapist: Combines cooking and healing (Stacy’s vibe).
Storytelling Strategist: Amplifies authentic voices (Betina’s passion).
ESL Student Maria: Teaches tech basics, empowering others digitally.
Self-Care Commitment 💕: Try one act of kindness this week (e.g., a walk, journaling, or Betina’s nightly reflection: “What was joyful today? What am I proud of?”).
Aligning with your Dharma brings purpose; Ikigai turns it into actionable joy.
Small skills matter—the world needs your unique gifts!
Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential for Adult Ed students and teachers.
Reflect: Journal your answers to the Dharma/Ikigai questions. What’s your purpose?
Practice Self-Care: Commit to one kind act this week and share it with us!
Engage: Follow us on LinkedIn for updates and connect with our community.
Subscribe & Review: Rate us on your favorite platform to help us grow! 🌱
Quote of the Episode: “Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s essential.” — Stacy & Betina
Recommended Books: https://tinyurl.com/IkigaiDharmabooks
Picture of the Ikigai diagram: https://tinyurl.com/IKIGAIDIAGRAM
Thank You for Listening!
Be gentle, stay grounded, and join us next time. Sha
Episode HighlightsKey TakeawaysCall to Action
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Maricela Juarez, Career Pathways Enrollment Specialist at Austin Community College, whose journey from teen mom and manual laborer to college graduate and community advocate is a testament to perseverance and purpose.
Maricela opens up about:
Overcoming personal loss and turning pain into purpose
The mindset, time management, and wellness practices that kept her going
How she now pays it forward, inspiring other adult learners to keep going even when life doesn’t slow down
💡 Key Takeaways:
Transformation can begin at any stage of life
Education can be a powerful path to healing and purpose
Small wins fuel momentum—persistence matters
Nature, movement, and spiritual practices can be simple, powerful wellness tools
Support doesn’t have to come from family—it can be built in community
Plus, we guide you through a short breathing exercise and a simple hand reflexology technique to help calm the nervous system anytime, anywhere.
📅 Mark Your Calendar:
Sept 2 – Labor Day (U.S.)
Sept 8 – World Literacy Day
September – Self-Care Awareness Month
🎧 Tune in, take a deep breath, and be inspired to climb your own ladder—one step at a time.
Maricela's Picks: https://tinyurl.com/MaricelaPicks
Welcome to a New Season!
Join hosts Stacy Ramirez and Betina, your Two Tranquil Teachers, as they kick off Season 2 with a fresh look, a new name, and a renewed focus on transformation, clarity, and practical change. This episode is all about embracing change in education and personal growth, inspired by the wisdom of modern Kabbalah. 🌟
Rebranding Journey 📓💖: Discover the revamped Adult Education Wellness Podcast—new logo, new name, and a commitment to wellness and heart-centered teaching. The hosts share how they used the SMARTER framework to align their podcast with their mission.
Kabbalah & Wellness 🕉️: Explore how Kabbalah’s principles—transforming reactive to proactive behavior, letting go for clarity, and viewing challenges as growth opportunities—apply to teaching and life. Learn from authors like Michael Berg, Yehuda Berg, Karen Berg, and Kathy Heller.
Real Classroom Stories 🎙️: Stacy and Betina get candid about their early teaching struggles with “wild” classes, sharing how setting boundaries and reflecting on their approach transformed their classrooms. 🧑🏫
Guided Reflection Exercise 🧘♀️: Join Betina’s Kabbalah-inspired meditation to release what no longer serves you. Reflect on questions like: What am I procrastinating on? What opportunities could open if I embrace change?Perfect for journaling! 📝
What’s Next? 🚀: Expect more student voices, instructor insights, and wellness tools this season, plus live LinkedIn events with scavenger hunts and resource lists.
Change is messy but necessary—pause, reflect, and set boundaries to grow.
Small shifts (like a glass of water or a quiet morning) are powerful wellness practices.
Ask for help! Whether from a supervisor, friend, or even AI, external perspectives spark growth. 🤝
Fall In-Service for HCC Adult Ed: Join in-person on Tuesday, August 19, at the HBC Boardroom, or online on Wednesday, August 20. Register via email to meet your 15-hour PD requirement!
Follow Us: Stay connected on LinkedIn for updates, tools, and fun challenges. Share this episode with someone navigating change!
Reflect: Try the episode’s meditation and journal your answers to the reflection questions.
Engage: Follow on LinkedIn for live events and share your feedback to shape Season 2.
Subscribe & Review: Rate us on your favorite podcast platform to help us grow! 🌟
Quote of the Episode: “It’s okay to do things differently. It’s okay to be me. I can do it my way.” — Betina
Thank You for Listening!
Whether you’re new or a Season 1 fan, you’re welcome here. Be brave, keep growing, and join us next time! 💪❤️
Click here to see a list of Betina & Stacy's favorite books: https://tinyurl.com/StacyandBetinaBooks
Today’s episode is the closing chapter of our very first season! Since January, we’ve shared 10 powerful episodes full of wellness practices, honest stories, and transformative tools. In this final episode, we hit pause to reflect on where we started, what we’ve learned, and where we’re headed next.
Start listening if you want to discover what we found along the way—and follow along with our special Scavenger Hunt for curious listeners:
🔎 Scavenger Hunt – Can you spot… 📚 How many book recommendations did Stacy and Betina gather? 📖 What trends and themes did they discover in this rich collection of titles? 🧘♀️ How many wellness techniques have been shared so far? 🌿 What practices did our guests bring to the table? 💡 What did we do well this season? 🔧 What can we improve moving forward? ⏭️ And… what’s coming in Season 2?
Betina shares her lifelong connection to Oscar Wilde, and how his work helped her survive and thrive as a young artist.
Stacy reveals four books that helped her align body, mind, and spirit—including Deepak Chopra, Joe Dispenza, and Alisa Vitti. These aren’t just books—they’re blueprints for becoming.
If you’ve been walking with us on this journey, thank you for being part of the ACC Adult Education World community. And if you’re new—this is the perfect time to jump in.
Don’t forget to subscribe or follow this podcast on your favorite platform and leave us a review! It really helps us!
We’ll see you again at the end of July! Until then…
Let’s breathe, reflect, and grow—together. 🌱
You will also find: Betina & Stacy’s Book Reflections:
https://tinyurl.com/StacyandBetinaBooks
🎙️ Welcome Back to episode 9 of the Adult Education World Podcast! Join Bettina Watkins & Stacy Ramirez and as they dive into the world of adult education, exploring the passion and dedication that drives educators and impacts communities.
🌟 Special Guest: Susan Gusler is the Program Director of the Adult Education Department at ACC. Discover her inspiring journey from teaching ESL to leading adult education programs.
📚 Susan's Story: Susan shares her personal connection to adult education, inspired by her father's journey from GED completer to teacher. Learn how her diverse experiences shaped her career.
🔍 Role of a Program Director: Susan describes her dynamic role, from supporting instructional teams to analyzing data and ensuring student success. Every day is an adventure!
🌿 Personal Insights: Get to know Susan personally as she shares her love for gardening, exercise, and her favorite book, "Dare to Lead" by Brené Brown.
🌅 Wellness Practices: Susan's sunset practice and her passion for staying active highlight the importance of self-care and balance.
Susan's Favorite Books: https://teach.link/SusanFBooks
Susan's Favorite Podcasts: https://teach.link/SusanFavPodcasts
General Announcements:
🌸 Celebrating Mother's Day: Acknowledge the incredible mothers and caregivers in our community. Explore diverse cultural celebrations of parental figures in your classroom.
🎉 Upcoming Events in Austin: Check out the Mother's Day Market at Mueller Lake Park, Blues on the Green at Zilker Park, and the End of Term Celebration at ACC Highland.
📆 Looking Ahead: Summer is coming! Explore courses offered at ACC for personal growth and learning opportunities.
Adult Education Programs: https://adulted.austincc.edu/
Career Pathways: https://adulted.austincc.edu/career-pathways/adulted.austincc.edu+2adulted.austincc.edu+2adulted.austincc.edu+2
College Prep Program: https://adulted.austincc.edu/college-prep/adulted.austincc.edu
Community Education: https://continue.austincc.edu/corporate/community-education
Lifelong Learning: https://continue.austincc.edu/lifelong-learningACC Continuing Education
Workshops & Events: https://students.austincc.edu/welcome-center/workshops-events/ACC District
🌟If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe/follow this show, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite platform. Share this episode with friends and colleagues who might appreciate Susan’s episode.
If you have suggestions or want to get in touch with us feel free to email us at stacy.ramirez@austincc.edu and aida.watkins@austincc.edu.
In this episode, Stacy and Betina welcome Jessica Listi, a passionate language arts instructor in the College Prep department. Jessica shares her journey from teaching middle school to adult education, highlighting her innovative approach to incorporating journaling and self-compassion into her teaching practice. The conversation delves into the transformative power of journaling, the importance of self-love, and the unique challenges and rewards of working with adult learners.
🎙️ Jessica's background in education and her transition to adult education.
📚 Journaling in the Classroom: How Jessica uses journaling to help students reconnect with themselves and build self-confidence.
🌟 Student Success Stories: Inspiring anecdotes about students who have thrived through journaling and self-reflection.
🧘♀️ Incorporating Yoga and Self-Compassion:Jessica's journey to becoming a yoga instructor and how she integrates mindfulness practices into her teaching.
🌍 Diverse Student Experiences: The rich diversity of adult learners and the unique perspectives they bring to the classroom.
📖 Podcast Recommendations: Jessica shares her favorite podcasts & Yoga teachers that inspire her teaching and personal growth.
Tara Brach Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tara-brach/id265264862
Cole Chance Yoga: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCao6WJ3ryV6IjLmZa-PCv8w
David O Yoga: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidOYoga
Jessica's Favorite Books: https://tinyurl.com/JessicaFavBooks
Jessica's Favorite Speeches: https://tinyurl.com/SpeechesJessica
Adult Ed Announcements:
Click here to register for Blackboard Ultra Training.
DLTI Conference Registration Link: https://dlti25.vfairs.com/
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe/follow this show, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite platform. Share this episode with friends and colleagues who might benefit from Jessica's insights on journaling and self-compassion in education.
If you have suggestions or want to get in touch with us feel free to email us at stacy.ramirez@austincc.edu and aida.watkins@austincc.edu.
🌸 Welcome to Spring!
- In this episode, Betina and Stacy embrace the fresh start that spring offers. In this episode you’ll learn:
🌱 Reframing Resolutions
- Stacy shares her experience of feeling like her resolutions have been on the back burner, while Betina talks about her goal of financial recovery and the steps she's taking to achieve it.
🌿 Family Constellations Therapy
- Betina introduces Family Constellations Therapy, explaining how it can help release hidden family patterns that might be holding us back. She guides listeners through a powerful letting-go exercise.
https://tinyurl.com/AncestralWisdomintheClassroom
🧘♀️ Letting Go Exercise
- A guided exercise to help listeners release old family beliefs and step into the new season with clarity and support from their ancestors.
🌼 Embrace Growth
- Betina and Stacy remind listeners that growth happens in seasons, just like nature, and encourage them to be kind to themselves as they adjust their goals.
📅 Exciting Announcements
🎓 Applications for the CPW Summer Program are now open! A great opportunity for students to improve language skills and earn valuable certifications.
🎉 A big thank you to everyone who participated in the successful ITP end-of-term celebration.
👗 Spring cleaning? Donate gently used items to the Student Advocacy Center pop-up thrift stores in April. Thrifting at ACC
🌍 Celebrate Earth Day at Huston Tillotson University on April 12th. EarthDay
🐣 Easter is coming on April 20th! Consider creating a class to explore the traditions and history of the holiday.
💬 Join the Conversation
Please remember to follow this podcast and if you know someone who could benefit from listening, please share it with them!
If you have any questions, comments or would like to be a guest on this show please email us at stacy.ramirez@austincc.edu or aida.watkins@austincc.edu.
🎙️ Meet Amber Miller, the Staff Development Supervisor at ACC Adult Education. Amber is a state and national presenter with expertise in ESL, reading, writing, pronunciation, and technology. Her diverse teaching experiences span Venezuela, South Korea, Japan, and the U.S.
💡 Challenges and Innovations: Discussion on the challenges in adult education and the integration of technology in teaching.
📖 Personal Insights: Amber's favorite teaching moments and the influence of mentors on her career.
🗣️ Advice for Educators: Tips for educators interested in presenting at conferences and developing training programs.
📚 Personal Touch:Get to know Amber's personal interests, including her love for reading, cooking, and yoga.
Additionally Stacy & Betina dive into…
🧠 Understanding Imposter Syndrome: a common feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy despite evident success. It's a challenge faced by many, including experienced professionals like Amber.
📝 Practical exercises are shared to help break through barriers, such as keeping an evidence journal.
🗣️ Finding Your Voice: The importance of expressing your unique voice, whether through speaking or writing, is emphasized. Techniques like stream of consciousness journaling and recording voice memos are suggested to strengthen self-expression.
💪 Building Confidence: The episode highlights the significance of practice in building confidence. The more you engage in activities like public speaking or writing, the more natural and confident you become.
Link to Amber's favorite books: https://tinyurl.com/AmbersFavBooks
Follow us to stay updated on new episodes! If you enjoyed this one, please rate us and share it with a friend or colleague who might find it helpful.
Also, feel free to email us with questions, suggestions or if you'd like to be a guest on the ACC Adult Education World Podcast. Stacy.Ramirez@austincc.edu & Aida.Watkins@austincc.edu
The Adult Education World – Featuring Jean Friedman
🎙 Episode Title: Where Are You Wasting Your Energy? Decluttering with Jean Friedman
🔹 Guest: Jean Friedman – Coordinator of AE Assessment
🔹 Hosts: Stacy & Betina
🔹Theme: Energy management, decluttering (physical, mental, and emotional), and setting boundaries
🔹 Jean’s Advice: Educators often waste the most energy on "what-ifs"—focus on the present.
🔹 The Evolution of AE Assessment: How ACC became a model for the state in testing innovation.
🔹 Jean’s Passion for Service: Adult Ed is about lifting others—every role contributes to student success.
🔹 Overcommitting? Discover why teachers struggle to say no and how to set healthier boundaries.
🔹 Practical strategies for decluttering your space, mind, and workload without guilt.
🔹 A simple exercise to help you release what no longer serves you and reclaim your focus.
❓ What’s one boundary you can set this week to protect your time and energy?
🔹Jean's Favorite Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/JeanFavPodcasts
🔹Jean's Favorite Books:
https://tinyurl.com/Jeansfavbooks
📌 TAKE A LOOK AT THIS ONLINE STORE:
🛍️ Jean Friedman runs an Etsy shop specializing in vintage treasures. She loves researching and curating unique finds.
🛒 Explore JD Finds Treasures: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JDFindsTreasures.
💬 See something you like? Reach out to Jean directly for discounts and personal delivery.
❤️ Favorite the shop (follow) and visit often—new items are added almost daily!
📢 Keep in mind that the National Adult Education Honor Society will take place on Thursday, April 24th, go and support your students.
🎧 Listen now and take the first step toward a clutter-free life! #EnergyManagement #Decluttering #HealthyBoundaries
📢 Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend or colleague! And if you have any questions or ideas for the show or would like to be a guest on our show please email us at Aida.Watkins@austincc.edu and Stacy.Ramirez@austincc.edu.
🎙 Episode Highlights:
Special guest: Mieca Johnson Peralta, HSE Supervisor at ACC Adult Education
Insights on supporting HSE/GED students and instructors
The importance of Black History Month in education and leadership
Challenges and experiences as a Black woman in leadership
Hypnosis & self-improvement: myths, benefits, and a guided exercise
🎯 Key Takeaways:
A day in the life of an HSE/GED Program Supervisor
Inspirational Black historical figures and their impact
Books, self-care, and personal insights
🌀 Hypnosis Segment:
What hypnosis really is (and isn’t!)
How it helps with stress, confidence, and habit change
Stacy’s experience using hypnosis to overcome fear of flying
A simple self-hypnosis exercise for relaxation and focus
📅 Upcoming Event:
Black History Month Closing Celebration – Feb 28, 2025, at ACC Eastview
🎧 Listen Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!
💙 Huge thanks to Mieca Johnson Peralta! Wishing her all the best as she prepares to welcome her baby!
Mieca's Favorite Songs link https://tinyurl.com/MiecaFavSongs
Mieca's Favorite Books link https://tinyurl.com/MiecaFavBooks
📢 Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend or colleague! And if you have any questions or ideas for the show or would like to be a guest on our show please email us at Aida.Watkins@austincc.edu and Stacy.Ramirez@austincc.edu.
In this Valentine’s season, love isn’t just about others—it’s about you, too! In today’s episode, Stacy and Betina explore the practice of self-love, emotional well-being, and feeling ‘enough’ even in challenging environments. They share personal stories, insights, and practical strategies—including breathing exercises, replace and reframe, and EFT tapping techniques—that you can use in your daily life and with your students.
What you'll learn from this episode:
✅ Why self-love is essential for emotional and mental health
✅ The power of allowing and accepting all emotions
✅ Identifying and dealing with your inner critic
✅ A simple EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) tapping exercise to process emotions
✅ Practical tips to bring emotional well-being into your classroom
Key Takeaways:
📖Betina’s Personal Story: From Suppressed to ExpressedBetina shares her journey of overcoming suppressed anger and finding self-love through awareness, emotional validation, and safe expression.
🧠 The Inner Critic: Identifying & Reframing Negative Self-TalkRecognizing the different forms of self-doubt—the Perfectionist, the People-Pleaser, the Imposter, and more. Learn how to ‘Name It & Reframe It’ to build self-compassion.
https://tinyurl.com/TesttakingStudentsTapping
February Events in ATX
💘Valentine’s Day Concert & Picnic in Austin📅 February 14, 2025 | 12:00 PM & 1:30 PM📍 209 East Monroe Street, Austin🎻 Live music, nature, and community!
https://tinyurl.com/Violinconcertpicnic
😂Kydd Jones Comedy Jam – Family-Friendly Stand-Up Show📅 February 23, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM📍 Austin Public Library – Central Branch🎟 Free event with live music & comedy!
https://tinyurl.com/KyddJonesComedyAPL
🖤Celebrate Black History Month at ACC!🏛 A month of engaging events honoring African American contributions to culture and society. 📌 Check out the full event list on the ACC website!
https://tinyurl.com/ACCBlackHistoryMonth
💡Remember: Self-love starts with small daily choices. Give yourself the same kindness you give to others!
🎙Follow us on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to stay updated on future episodes!
📢 Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend or colleague! And if you have any questions or ideas for the show or would like to be a guest on our show please email us at Aida.Watkins@austincc.edu and Stacy.Ramirez@austincc.edu.
🎧See you next time!
Welcome to Episode 2 of the Adult Education World Podcast!
Join hosts Betina and Stacy as they welcome special guest Rajani Ramachandran, a dedicated ESL instructor with a rich cultural background and a passion for wellness and stress management.
Rajani shares her journey from New Delhi, India, to the U.S., her love for teaching, and her commitment to helping students advocate for themselves in English.
In this episode, you'll also experience a calming 4-7-8 breathing exercise led by Rajani-this is how she starts each class in case you didn’t know. 🙂
A highlight of the episode is the vision board lesson that Rajani and Betina teamed up to present to Level 4 ESL students last year.
This engaging activity encouraged students to reflect on their English language learning journey and envision their future goals. The lesson was a great success, helping students articulate their aspirations and build confidence in their language skills.
Stay tuned for inspiring stories, insightful discussions, and exciting announcements from the ACC Adult Education World!
Don't forget to follow us and leave a review!
Thank you! Until next time, stay warm and cozy!
Special bonuses from this episode:
Rajani’s favorite books: https://tinyurl.com/Rajanisfavoritebooks
Vision Board Template: https://tinyurl.com/AEPodcastVisionBoardGuide
Loving Kindness Meditations: https://www.youtubeeducation.com/watch?v=v1HdSkAJsRc
https://youtu.be/e-TeW9CI0bc?si=7Yd3V0-IQQLIR2y2
📢 Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend or colleague! And if you have any questions or ideas for the show or would like to be a guest on our show please email us at Aida.Watkins@austincc.edu and Stacy.Ramirez@austincc.edu.
Episode 1: Kathy's Insights & Three Steps to Overcoming Blocks to Your Goals
Welcome to the very first episode of our podcast! We’re kicking things off with an inspiring and motivational interview that’s both illustrative and fun. Memoirs happen to be one of my favorite genres, and while we didn’t quite get a full biography, we dug into some key moments that shaped the life and career of our guest, Kathy Dowdy, the Dean of Adult Education.
Scavenger Hunt: During Kathy’s interview, we uncovered fascinating connections between her life and these topics. Can you spot them all?
A theater
A record store
Counseling
Dyslexic people
Quantum
Gemini
The first declaration of independence
Freakonomics
Abraham Lincoln
The 4th of July
Visualization
Kathy's Favorite Books:
https://tinyurl.com/FavoriteBooksKathy
Kathy's Favorite Songs:
https://tinyurl.com/SongsKathyFavsKathy's Spotify Playlist:
https://tinyurl.com/KathyaPlaylistforAE
AE Updates:
Term 3: A Fresh Start As we explore overcoming challenges, we’re also gearing up for the start of Term 3—a time full of excitement and preparation." Let’s welcome our students by helping them with ACC eIDs, ACC email accounts, and more.
Winter is in full swing, so remember to take care of the Four Ps: People, Pets, Plants, and Pipes.
And don’t forget—this year we have Inauguration Day on January 20th, adding a little extra excitement to the season.
In This Episode: Here’s what you can look forward to:
Overcoming Blocks to Our Goals: Actionable insights to help you push past challenges.
Three Practical Steps: Simple strategies you can implement right away.
Getting Back on Track: An additional step to refocus and achieve your goals.
A Personal Story: Betina shares how she became aware of an obstacle in her life.
Visualization Practice: Stacy guides us through an exercise to help you stay focused and motivated.
📢 Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend or colleague! And if you have any questions or ideas for the show or would like to be a guest on our show please email us at Aida.Watkins@austincc.edu and Stacy.Ramirez@austincc.edu.
Join hosts Betina & Stacy on "The ACC Adult Education World" podcast, where dedicated instructors and staff in Adult Education find support and inspiration.
Each episode is packed with updates, insights, and strategies—from stress management to innovative workplace ideas—designed to simplify your job and enrich your life.
As experienced teachers and wellness practitioners, Betina & Stacy are here to energize the Adult Education community, fostering health, joy, courage, and compassion.
Tune in biweekly starting January 13th, 2025, on Apple Podcast and Spotify, and be part of a healthier, happier Adult Ed journey.
📢 Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend or colleague! And if you have any questions or ideas for the show or would like to be a guest on our show please email us at Aida.Watkins@austincc.edu and Stacy.Ramirez@austincc.edu.