Have you ever been asked, "Why are you so sensitive?" or questioned about why you feel overwhelmed and withdraw from noisy or busy environments? In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, school social worker and MAP clinician Dr. Julie Beidl highlights the characteristics of the highly sensitive person. She shares her experiences helping people with highly sensitive traits — a group she has seen increase in numbers since the pandemic — navigate the world and turn their sensitivity into a superpower.

Self-care is important for physical and mental health. As you prepare for a summer recharge, take some time to prioritize your own well-being. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, Tina Puccio, director of the union's Member Assistance Program, is joined by clinicians Kathleen Regalado, Steven Sulzer and Alain Metellus for a wide-ranging discussion of health and wellness, including strategies for setting boundaries, managing stress and prioritizing self-care.

Multiple perspectives can be deserving of respect. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, Sonya Brown, a retired teacher development specialist for the city Department of Education, explains the importance of balancing self-care with community care to experience the power of compassionate detachment. Now a transformational coach, restorative yoga teacher and interfaith chaplin, Sonya encourages leaders to bring their “entire selves” to their roles and to strive to achieve that crucial balance.