Whether you’re already active or just movement-curious, explore the ways physical activity can help release stress, regulate emotions and build resilience. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Cristina Santamaria, DPT, a Rumble Boxing instructor, physical therapist and advocate for movement as a tool for healing, shares practical ways to recharge your mind and body this summer.
Whether you’re looking for a complete reset in your wellness routine or some simple tweaks, join us as we revisit our conversation with Dr. Pina LoGiudice, a naturopathic doctor and co-founder of Inner Source Health, in this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast. Explore how everyday habits shape our physical health and overall energy. Dr. LoGiudice will be hosting two holistic health workshops for the UFT’s Member Assistance Program this summer — stay tuned for details!
Would you like to build greater emotional resilience and improve your communication under pressure? In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Lexi Mulee, a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) specialist and licensed mental health counselor, shares practical skills for managing tough emotions, setting boundaries and strengthening relationships, both in and out of the classroom. Join us for part two of this two-part series.
Work and life can both be stressful, but you can acquire practical tools for staying grounded, managing stress and navigating challenging moments with greater ease. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Lexi Mulee, a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) specialist, licensed mental health counselor and owner of Wise Mind Counseling, shares skills specifically tailored to support school professionals’ mental wellness. Join us for part one of a two-part series.
March can feel like the longest month of the school year for educators. That’s why we’re taking a moment to revisit our August conversation with Carleton Archer, the vice president of operations at Vibrant Emotional Health, to discuss the UFT’s partnership with Vibrant to launch the union’s 24/7, year-round mental health support line for UFT members at 866-UFT-FOR-U. Tune in as we discuss the importance of this initiative and answer frequently asked questions about the helpline. Plus, exciting n...
In this episode, we dive in to the fascinating topics of attachment styles and love languages. Join us as licensed clinical social worker Julia Di Giacomo explains how our early relationships shape the way we connect with people as adults, and how understanding your attachment style can transform your relationships. She also breaks down the five love languages, offering practical tips on how to communicate your needs and strengthen your bonds. Tune in for insightful advice on creating healthier,...
Do the short winter days leave you feeling down? Join Dr. Gail Brightwell, a licensed school psychologist with the Positive Learning Collaborative, to learn about the impact of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and how the changing seasons can affect our mental health. In conversation with the UFT Member Assistance Program staff, Dr. Brightwell shares practical strategies and expert advice for managing SAD, as well as self-care tips to prioritize your mental well-being so you can stay balanced t...
Do you always sweat the small stuff? Hold back until everything is just right? Let small flaws ruin the big picture? Listen in as Debbie Missud, licensed mental health counselor and owner of the Manhattan Psychotherapy Collective, discusses perfectionism with the UFT’s MAP team. Missud explains why people tend to develop perfectionistic tendencies and shares practical strategies and tips to help manage these tendencies and cultivate a more balanced mindset.
Happy National Book Month! Celebrate with the Brewing Wellness Podcast as we discuss the power of literature in healing and personal growth. Sherry Reiter, LCSW, a “poetry therapist” and founder of the Creative Righting Center, talks with Vincent Corletta, an ELA teacher from Queens, about practical strategies to bring reading and writing into your own wellness journey. For more on Sherry’s work, visit thecreativerightingcenter.com .
In the Season 6 premiere of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Jessica Torres, a licensed master social worker with the Victim Support Program, talks with District 11 Representative Dana Falciglia about navigating the transition into a new season. Listen in as they discuss both the highs and the lows in the change of season and ways to manage the emotions that often come along with these shifts.
We chat with Carleton Archer, the vice president of operations at Vibrant Emotional Health, about the UFT’s exciting new partnership with Vibrant. This collaboration has launched a 24/7, year-round mental health support line for UFT members. Listen in as we discuss the importance of this new initiative and answer frequently asked questions about the helpline. If you need mental health assistance, don't hesitate to call 1-866-UFT-FOR-U.
In this episode of the Brewing Wellness Podcast, we’re joined by Workplace Wellness Specialist Mike Veny. Listen as he discusses his journey to becoming a workplace wellness specialist, defines what self-care means to him and shares tips on how to use the summer to rest and recharge.
Our physical and mental health are connected: Research shows that exercise can boost your mood and lead to a more positive outlook on life. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Shanna Honkomp, a social work graduate and yoga instructor, and Stuart Kaplan, UFT Staten Island Safety and Health representative and chair of the UFT Runners Committee, share the benefits of staying active and offer tips for how to find what works best for you.
Just in time for Pride Month, this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast features a conversation with UFT educator Rashad Brown, co-chair of the UFT’s Pride Committee. He joins Mindy Rosier of the UFT Teacher Center for a discussion of the committee’s advocacy and goals, which include creating safe spaces within school communities. The committee also hosts the Daniel Dromm Scholarship Brunch and participates in an annual AIDS walk and a Pride March, which this year will be Sunday, June 30....
Grief is a universal experience that can stem from all types of loss. Grief is a response to a death, but it’s also common to feel grief after a breakup, while dealing with infertility or in the aftermath of the pandemic or any other traumatic experience. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Gina Moffa, a licensed clinical social worker and the author of “Moving On Doesn’t Mean Letting Go,” shares what she has learned about navigating and healing from all kinds of loss at any age....
Acupuncture can stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms and promote physical and emotional well-being. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Nicholas Sieben, a licensed acupuncturist and healer based in New York City, shares his personal journey with Chinese medicine and discusses how acupuncture can be used to manage chronic conditions and decrease mental stress.
Caregiving can be both a challenging and rewarding role. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Christopher Chin, a licensed master social worker and the director of the UFT Welfare Fund Retiree Social Services Department, clarifies common misconceptions about caregivers and discusses why it is essential to care for yourself while caring for others. Learn ways to replenish yourself physically and emotionally so you can be present for yourself, as well as for someone else.
New year, new you! In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Dr. Pina LoGiudice, a naturopathic doctor and co-founder of the Inner Source Health clinic, discusses the connection between our physical health and lifestyle habits. Learn how you can feel better and have more energy in 2024.
Thankfulness is a feeling, and like all emotions, it is fleeting. Gratitude, however, is a state of being — an attitude of appreciation — under any circumstance. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, we welcome Francine Steadman, the owner of BuddhaBooth, which has brought portable meditation spaces to schools and workplaces and is a longtime partner of the UFT Member Assistance Program. She joins Raul Garcia, the UFT Social Workers and Psychologists’ chapter leader, for a discussion ...
We have all experienced the downside of not setting and maintaining healthy boundaries in our lives. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Alexa Leigh Mulee, a licensed mental health counselor and owner of Wise Mind Counseling, and Christine Hanley, field liaison with the UFT Teacher Center, share their strategies for creating and managing mindful boundaries. Learn skills to help manage your emotions in effective and healthy ways.
Are you preparing to welcome a new child into your life? If you are a UFT member employed by the Department of Education, you are eligible for paid parental leave. In this special episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Tanisha Franks, member representative, and Emily James, special projects coordinator, discuss the details. Birth parents, partners of birth parents, and foster and adoptive parents are all entitled to paid parental leave. To register for a workshop or to learn more about the pai...
Choosing the right therapist can be challenging! In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Mike Veny, a professional drummer and podcaster and the best-selling author of "Transforming Stigma: How to Become a Mental Wellness Superhero," shares his own mental health journey and his experience finding a therapist suited to his needs. Join us for a discussion of the different types of therapists and modalities of treatment.
New beginnings can trigger fears. In this first episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Dr. Jarell Myers, a clinical psychologist, will discuss ways to work with our thoughts and feelings so we are not held captive by unhealthy fears. He will share an approach to building up tolerance through exposure and other strategies to help manage our anxieties.
Nourishing UFT members, one conversation at a time. Brewing Wellness is a podcast created by the UFT Member Assistance Program to support the mental health and well-being of our members. In order to do the work you do every day and be present for your loved ones, students, patients and colleagues, your cup has to be full. Brewing Wellness focuses on mental health and wellness topics that can help us all thrive in our professional and personal lives. Selma Williams is the host. A new episode is r...
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 su...
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 ba...
"I’m not crazy," is sometimes the response to the idea of getting help. But everyone has moments of anxiety, stress and depression. It's important to recognize when those feelings require you to seek more support. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by social workers Selma Williams, LMSW; Kathleen Regalado, LMSW; and Steven Sulzer, LCSW, all from the union’s Member Assistance Program. They will provide strategies that support better mental health so no one — not you or y...
Learn ways to lower the stress and increase the learning and joy in your classroom by using mindfulness techniques and movement, theater and the visual arts. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by Julie Flynn Badal, a longtime public school teacher and artist, who offers workshops on contemplative practices, movement and the arts at The Meadow. She will explore a variety of ways to engage students and incorporate mindfulness practices and the arts in the classroom, a ben...
How do you help a student who is being bullied find their voice and power? In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by author and attorney S.P. Brown, who will share stories from her book, "Kyrie’s School Blues," about a home-schooled 4th-grader’s rocky transition to the classroom. Jamie Lepow, a licensed social worker and senior administrator in the city Department of Education’s Office of Safety and Youth Development, joins the conversation to discuss ways to help students ...
