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Episode 265

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Published on:

9th Oct 2025

Education, Empowerment, and the Power of Choice with Dr. Avisha Ford- part 2

Description: In this episode of Life Equals Choices, Choices Equal Life, Kim Olver continues her inspiring conversation with Dr. Evisha Ford, licensed clinical social worker, TEDx speaker, and founding executive director of I Can Dream Center, a therapeutic school for neurodiverse learners and their families.

Dr. Ford shares how she balances compassion with high expectations in education and leadership—creating environments where both students and staff can thrive. She and Kim discuss the difference between self-care as an occasional treat and self-care as a daily practice, exploring how routines, health maintenance, and mindfulness keep leaders grounded and resilient.

They also examine how empowered choices—both large and small—shape our professional and personal lives. From trauma-compassionate leadership to sustainable self-care systems, Dr. Ford offers practical wisdom for educators, leaders, and anyone striving to make meaningful impact without burning out.

For more information or to connect with Dr. Ford, visit DrEvisha.com.

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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.

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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.