In this powerful continuation of the Unlearned & Unlimited Podcast (The Unlearned Truth of Self-Sabotage: "They Don’t Want You to Know"), guest Dr. Courtney Wright goes deeper on mental health in education—how depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and self-sabotage quietly derail students, educators, and families. Hosted by Dr. Sito Narcisse and Tatiana Echevarria, this episode offers practical language, tools, and mindset shifts to recognize the spiral and reclaim control.

Mental health is not a weakness—it’s part of the learning journey.

“Life sucks sometimes. And that’s okay.”

What you’ll learn in Part 2:

How self-sabotage shows up in classrooms, staff rooms, and at home—and what it’s really trying to protect

Intrusive thoughts vs. identity: separating the thought from the thinker

Micro-habits that interrupt the spiral (breath work, naming emotions, journaling prompts)

Language that helps students and colleagues feel seen without pathologizing them

Boundaries and routines that reduce anxiety and decision fatigue

When to seek additional support—and how to advocate for it in schools

Featured Book

Spiraling in Control by Dr. Courtney Wright: A reflective guide to healing, growth, and reclaiming your power. Buy now on Amazon.

Connect with Dr. Courtney Wright

Speaking & inquiries: https://spiralingincontrol.org/

TikTok & Instagram: @doccourtneywright

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In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re honored to feature Dr. Mónica Lee Miranda, recipient of the Education Leadership Award by Tampa Hispanic Heritage, Inc. Mónica’s story reflects the power of culture, community, and leadership in shaping the future of education.

Recently featured by Spectrum News Tampa Bay: https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2025/09/12/tampa-hispanic-heritage-inc--leadership-awards

How do we break barriers in higher education and create real student success?

In this inspiring episode of the Unlearned & Unlimited Podcast, host Dr. Sito Narcisse sits down with Dr. Mónica Lee Miranda, a proud Puerto Rican Latina and Assistant Vice President for University Community Partnerships at the University of South Florida.

From her roots in New York City to her role as a national higher education leader, Dr. Miranda shares how authentic partnerships, mentorship, and community engagement empower students and foster equity. She also reflects on her groundbreaking role as a Latina woman of color in higher education leadership, the importance of representation, and the power of mentorship for the next generation.

She also explores the role of AI in communication and why integrity and authenticity remain at the heart of leadership.

Key Takeaways:

Education is the foundation of opportunity

Mentorship builds confidence and access

Community partnerships must be reciprocal

Representation matters: Latina leadership in higher ed inspires students

AI can enhance engagement when used wisely

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What does it look like to center healing, equity, and culturally responsive care in schools?

In this powerful episode of Unlearned & Unlimited, hosts Dr. Sito Narcisse and Tatiana Echevarria sit down with Sarah Lauture Pullen—a Professional School Counselor, equity advocate, and systems thinker—whose work is disrupting the status quo in public education.

As the Founding School Counselor at KIPP Antioch College Prep Middle in Nashville, TN, Sarah brings nearly a decade of experience grounded in student-centered practices, trauma-informed care, and outcome-driven counseling strategies. She shares how her role goes beyond traditional support—into systems leadership, advocacy, and professional development for counselors across the region.

Named the 2024 Early Career Educator of Excellence by the Tennessee Educators of Color Alliance, Sarah shares her journey, her philosophy, and how she’s leading efforts to break cycles of harm, build trust, and elevate the voices of students and families too often left out of educational decisions.

In This Episode:

Culturally responsive school counseling in action

Disrupting cycles of harm in K–12 schools

Building student-centered support systems

Equity-driven leadership in education

Healing justice and access for underserved communities

Featuring:

Sarah Lauture Pullen, M.S., Counseling | Johns Hopkins University

B.S., Communication | Southern Connecticut State University

Board Member, SCSU Alumni Association

Nashville, Tennessee | KIPP Public Schools

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