We feel good taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature, and research shows that exposure to nature can lower stress, boost attention, and improve engagement - especially in children. Jennifer Smith-Simms, Public Programs Manager at the Missouri Botanical Garden, joins us to talk about how any interaction with nature – big or small – can be therapeutic no matter how old we are, and she shares easy ways home visitors can incorporate nature into our work and everyday lives.

Parents as Teachers exists to support parents as they raise children who are healthy, safe, and learning. So, what does that look like when families are involved in the Child Welfare System? Sondra Horowitz, Senior Director of Quality Improvement at Parents as Teachers National Center, joins us to talk about how parent educators should think of their roles in Child Welfare situations, how they can cultivate collaboration with others in the child welfare ecosystem, how to support families as they work toward reunification, and how they can practice self-care throughout the partnership.

Working as a home visitor with families in the Child Welfare System can be uniquely challenging and rewarding. Mia Dadiz-Gaspar, a Lead Parent Educator at Maui Family Support Services, joins us to share her personal experience in Wailuku, Hawaii.