Oxygen Replay - Dr. Maricela Helm

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SUMMARY

What if the secret to transforming a school isn't a new program, but a new perspective?
In this re-released conversation, Dr. Maricela Helm—now Executive Director of Student Services at Whitehouse ISD—shares how shifting from discipline to relationship, and from pressure to presence, changes everything.

She and host Michelle Kinder explore how mindset becomes freedom, joy becomes evidence of system health, and the most powerful learning happens when kids see the adults around them as fellow learners.

Revisit this episode for the reminder we all need midyear: the connection you build today is shaping the world your students will lead tomorrow.

💌 Don't forget to claim your free subscription to the new Oxygen for Educators magazine, packed with interviews and reflections to keep you grounded all year long. Opt in here.

CHAPTERS

00:00 — Welcome + Magazine Announcement
02:17 — Why We're Re-Releasing This Episode
04:49 — Introducing Dr. Maricela Helm
06:50 — Early Career & Finding Purpose
10:37 — The Heart of Principalship
12:26 — Mindset as Freedom
16:17 — Let Kids See Your Hard
19:54 — Redefining the Discipline Department
22:11 — Systems, Predictability & Belonging
24:31 — Restorative Circles That Actually Work
28:47 — Building Community Agreements
33:50 — Responding to Crisis with Humanity
35:14 — How Education Has Evolved
39:48 — Kids Today: Capable and Emotional
41:15 — "Right Now, You're Great"
43:10 — Leading Leaders with Empathy
45:07 — Joy as a Leadership Indicator
47:53 — The Truth About Bullying Work
49:54 — Self-Care as a Mindset
53:39 — Closing with Gratitude
58:38 — Reflection with Michelle & Chris
01:01:57 — Perspective and Freedom
01:04:01 — Silver Lining Exercise
01:05:25 — Play, Perspective, and Purpose
01:06:16 — Letting Students See Imperfection
01:07:58 — Final Reflections and Takeaways

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