Episode 264

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Published on:

2nd Oct 2025

Transforming Education through Connection and Compassion - Part 1

In this episode of Life Equals Choices, Choices Equal Life, Kim Olver welcomes Dr. Evisha Ford, licensed clinical social worker, TEDx speaker, and founding director of the I Can Dream Center, a therapeutic school serving neurodiverse learners in Illinois. Dr. Ford, author of Benches in the Bathroom: Leading a Physically, Emotionally, and Socially Safe School Culture, shares her insights on compassionate leadership and the importance of creating supportive environments for both educators and students.

Kim and Dr. Ford explore how compassionate leadership is not about lowering expectations, but about pairing high standards with high levels of support. They discuss the evolving needs of special education, the funding challenges that districts face, and the importance of preparing all teachers to support diverse learners. Dr. Ford also explains why professional development and trauma-informed practices are essential to creating school cultures where both educators and students can thrive.

This thought-provoking conversation is a must-listen for educators, leaders, and parents who want to understand how compassionate leadership can transform classrooms, empower teachers, and unlock the potential of every student.

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About the Podcast

Life = Choices; Choices = Life
Making better choices for a better life
Life = Choices; Choices = Life is about learning to replace external control psychology with radical responsibility and appreciation so you can make better choices to create the life you want to have. Kim Olver is a leading expert in Choice Theory™ psychology and will share what she has gleaned from the legendary work of Dr. William Glasser, as well as sharing her unique perspective based on over 30 years of study and research.

About your host

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Kim Olver

Kim Olver's mission is to help people make better choices for a better life. She is a licensed clinical professional counselor, a nationally certified counselor and a board certified coach. She is a world renowned expert in Choice Theory™ , a highly sought after international speaker and an award-winning author. Her books include: Leveraging Diversity at Work with Sylvester Baugh (2006), Secrets of Happy Couples (2010), Choosing Me Now (2019) and A Choice Theory Guide to Relationships (2019). Kim is currently working on the forthcoming books, The Definitive Guide to Coaching and Radical Responsibility and Appreciation. Kim is the author of The Relationship Center blog; creator of Empowerment Parenting, a 25-hour parenting curriculum for court-mandated parents; and owner of Academy of Choice, a BCC (Board Certified Coach) Coaching Program. Kim worked five years as a counselor for schizophrenics in a community-based residential program, 17 years holding various positions with a specialized foster care agency, was Executive Director of Glasser Institute for Choice Theory for nine years and the Executive Director for William Glasser International for eight; and began her own company, Coaching for Excellence, in 2005. She is a model of what she teaches about taking responsibility for the things she can influence and control and finding appreciation for those things she can't. Kim believes radical responsibility and appreciation are the keys to a happy, peaceful, satisfying life.