Safety isn’t just a protocol—it’s a culture. In this episode of Saint B’s Podcast, host Paul Garcia sits down with emergency management specialist, military veteran, and SBES parent Andrew Jenkins to discuss how Saint Barnabas Episcopal School creates a safe, secure, and prepared environment for every student, teacher, and family.

From layered security measures and emergency planning to communication strategies and faith-centered guidance, Andrew offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to protect a school community. Parents will gain practical tips for disaster preparedness at home, learn how to talk with children about safety, and discover why collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies makes Saint Barnabas uniquely equipped for today’s challenges.

If you care about student safety, emergency readiness, or building a resilient school community rooted in love and responsibility, this episode is essential listening.

⏱️ Time Stamps

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction

00:13 – Today’s Topic: Safety & Security at SBES

00:38 – Guest Introduction: Andrew Jenkins

01:08 – National Preparedness: Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, Recovery

02:03 – Safety Culture at a Smaller School

03:06 – Layers of Security: Access Control, Cameras, Training

04:08 – Emergency Preparedness & Communication Protocols

05:17 – Why SBES Location & Partnerships Strengthen Safety

06:21 – What a Safety Expert Looks for as a Parent

07:26 – Continuous Improvement & Realistic Expectations

08:20 – Local, State & Federal Collaboration

11:18 – How Parents Can Prepare: Communication, Planning & Calm Leadership

Pastoral care is more than a program — it's a lifeline of faith, presence, and compassion woven into the culture of Saint Barnabas Episcopal School. In this episode of Saint B’s Podcast, host Paul Garcia sits down with Mother Audrey Sutton and Reverend Stephanie Whitman to explore how pastoral care supports students, families, faculty, and staff through life’s challenges, celebrations, and spiritual questions.

Together, they discuss what pastoral care really means, how spiritual guidance intersects with education, the ways students are stepping into leadership and faith formation, and how parents and teachers are finding their own safe spaces for care. You’ll also hear touching stories, practical examples, and a look at how chaplains themselves find the support they need to care for others.

Whether you're part of the Saint Barnabas community or simply interested in how faith-based schools nurture whole-person well-being, this episode offers warmth, insight, and inspiration.

⏱️ Time Stamps

- 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction Saint B’s Podcast opens with a conversation on faith, family, and pastoral care.

- 00:47 – Meet Today’s Guests Introductions of Mother Audrey Sutton and Reverend Stephanie Whitman.

- 02:04 – What Pastoral Care Is (and Isn’t) A clear explanation of pastoral care as spiritual guidance rather than counseling.

- 03:12 – Ministry of Presence in the Classroom Rev. Whitman shares how faith naturally integrates into teaching.

- 05:12 – Supporting Students Through Identity & Emotions Helping young people make sense of spiritual and emotional experiences.

- 06:18 – A Student’s Story About Loss & Hope Mother Audrey recounts a meaningful pastoral moment with a grieving student.

- 07:38 – Students Stepping into Leadership & Faith Formation Increased chapel participation, Scripture reading, and interest in baptism.

- 09:28 – Creating Safe Spaces for Student Questions How pastoral care invites honesty, doubt, curiosity, and spiritual growth.

- 12:13 – Caring for Parents & Families Moms groups, conversations, and organic opportunities to support families.

- 15:27 – Confidentiality, Trust & the Heart of Pastoral Care How chaplains create a judgment-free, confidential support system.

- 21:36 – Supporting Faculty & Staff Prayer teams, emotional support, and a safe place for teachers and administrators.

- 25:09 – How Chaplains Care for ThemselvesSabbath, mentorship, prayer practices, and finding support as caregivers.

What happens when faith meets real life inside a school community?

In our very first episode, Head of School Paul Garcia sits down with Mother Audrey Sutton and Reverend Stephanie Whitman for a conversation about pastoral care at Saint Barnabas. Together, they explore the power of presence, the role of faith in moments of joy and loss, and the quiet ways students, families, and faculty are supported every day.

This episode offers stories, insight, and heart… and a glimpse into what it means to care for the whole person.

Join us for the premiere of Saint B’s Podcast, and listen in on a conversation that sets the tone for what’s to come.