Nurturing the Mind and Heart: Salesian Wisdom for Raising Teen Girls

At Georgetown Visitation’s Salesian Motherhood Workshop, speaker Krista Simpson Anderson speaks about her journey of marriage and motherhood, then being suddenly widowed and how she relearned to embrace joy, to mother her children, and to trust God even in the grief and sorrow of life. Krista co-founded The Unquiet Professional to support military families and survivors and founded Brave Group, LLC to help educate the community on the importance of preparing for the unexpected.

In this engaging conversation, Kati, Ellen, and a guest, longtime Visitation staff member Arjetta Faulkner-Ekandem, explore the multifaceted nature of prayer and its significance in personal and communal life. Arjetta shares her journey of developing a personal prayer life, emphasizing the importance of direct communication with God. The discussion delves into how to listen for God's voice amidst life's busyness, the strength found in prayer during challenging times, and the role of prayer in teaching children about faith. The conversation highlights various forms of prayer, the importance of authenticity, and the impact of mentorship in spiritual growth.

At Georgetown Visitation’s Salesian Motherhood Workshop, speaker Ann O’Neil Gradowski ‘81 spoke about how mothers can “be who we are and be that very well so as to bring honor to the Master Craftsman whose handiwork you are” (St. Francis de Sales). She shared personal stories and insights about the different phases of mothering our children and nurturing other people.

In this conversation, Kati and Ellen discuss the importance of self-care, gratitude, and modeling balance for children as parents. They emphasize the need to fill one's own cup to handle life's demands, and the significance of maintaining perspective during challenging times. The discussion also touches on practical strategies for incorporating gratitude practices and family time into daily life, highlighting the joy that comes from shared experiences and the importance of being present for one another.

In this episode, hosts Kati and Ellen kick off Season 3 by discussing the pressing issue of screen time and its impact on children, particularly teenagers. They reflect on their own experiences as mothers navigating the complexities of technology in their children's lives. The conversation highlights the importance of setting boundaries around screen use, sharing personal anecdotes about their decisions regarding when to give their children phones, and how to manage screen time effectively. They emphasize the need for open communication with children about technology and the benefits of fostering real-life interactions over digital ones. Kati and Ellen also share practical strategies for managing screen time, such as using lock boxes for devices, limiting access to certain apps, and creating device-free zones during family meals. They discuss the positive outcomes of encouraging outdoor play and social interactions among children, which can be hindered by excessive screen use. The episode concludes with both hosts reflecting on the privilege of childhood and the importance of preserving that innocence by managing technology thoughtfully.

This bonus episode is a recording from a Fides Et Scientia - faith and knowledge, Georgetown Visitation’s motto - speaker event on November 6, 2025. The conversation, sponsored by the PeaceWorks Foundation, explores the themes of peace, conflict resolution, and the importance of empathy through the lived experience of two men in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Kobi Skolnick and Jasser Abu Mousa each share their personal stories and reflections, emphasizing the need for dialogue, education, and collective action to foster understanding and healing in communities affected by trauma and violence.

In this conversation, Kati Krueger and Adri Smith Reig explore the multifaceted experience of motherhood, emphasizing the importance of community, faith, and personal growth. They discuss the season of Advent and how this moment of preparing to receive Jesus incarnate into the world – and Mary’s total yes to God’s plan – takes on deeper meaning when you are nurturing your own children. The conversation also highlights the upcoming Salesian Motherhood Workshop, aimed at fostering connections among mothers and sharing experiences across generations and different ways of being life-givers to others. You are welcome to register here.

In this conversation, Kati Krueger interviews Genevieve Kocienda, our school archivist, about the significance of archives, the art of storytelling, and the importance of preserving family history. Genevieve shares her diverse background and how it informs her work in archiving, emphasizing the value of primary sources and the serendipitous discoveries that come with archival research. The discussion also touches on practical tips for preserving family heirlooms and the importance of recognizing the historical significance of personal stories. Salesian Spirituality tells us that little moments matter, and we see that play out in how people’s lives and stories are told and rediscovered through archives and research.

Amelia Blanton-Hibner and Claire Kranz, Kati’s two counterparts in sharing the Salesian charism at Visitation Academy in St. Louis and Visitation School in Mendota Heights, respectively, join Kati to discuss our shared mission as Visitation educators, and how we collaborate across the Visitation Salesian Network. We share the opportunities we provide Visitation students from different campuses get to know one another in service and leadership, growing in holy friendship - like that of Elizabeth and Mary - in spite of our distance. The Visitation Salesian Network supports our schools as we help our students and colleagues in their Salesian formation.

In this conversation, Kati Krueger and Visi mom Leana Katz discuss the principles of effective dialogue, particularly in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. They emphasize the importance of vulnerability, empathy, and finding common ground in conversations, especially when dealing with disagreements. The discussion also highlights the Visitation Salesian Network’s mnemonic GRACE to help us remember the various dimensions of engaging with others in Christ-like conversations. Salesian Spirituality is attentive to the small, everyday actions that foster deeper relationships and build a sense of community. Ultimately, they express hope for the future, encouraging individuals to engage with those who are different from them and to approach conflicts with understanding and compassion.

In this conversation during a Mary and Moms event, Father Danny Morrison shares his insights on motherhood, emphasizing its authority, vocation, and the spiritual battles mothers face. He reflects on the role of Our Lady and the importance of prayer, particularly the rosary, as tools for spiritual warfare. The talk highlights the profound impact of motherhood in guiding families towards heaven and the necessity of recognizing the spiritual challenges that come with this sacred role.

In this podcast episode, Kati Krueger interviews Marlayna Soenneker, a marriage and family therapist at Catholic Community Services of Western Washington Archdiocese, about her work in family behavioral health. Marlayna shares insights on supporting teenagers in crisis, the impact of social media on mental health, and the lasting effects of the pandemic on youth. The conversation emphasizes the importance of love and support in parenting, especially during challenging times.

In this conversation, Dr. Nancy Cowden-Hennessy, a neuroscientist and educator, discusses the intersection of neuroscience and teaching, particularly focusing on student stress, neuroplasticity, and the importance of a growth mindset. She emphasizes the need for balance in students' lives, the role of mindfulness and prayer, and the impact of social media on attention and dopamine levels. The conversation highlights the significance of celebrating individual differences and understanding the nuances of stress in academic settings.

Listen in as AP Environmental Science Teacher Rick Thomas joins Kati & Caroline to talk about his journey into education and his commitment to engaging students in environmental issues. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the intersection of climate change and social justice, particularly how environmental problems disproportionately affect marginalized communities. The discussion also covers data-supported practical steps families can take to reduce their environmental impact, the dangers of fast fashion, and the importance of fostering a culture of repair and reuse. Rick shares insights on how to empower students and families to make meaningful changes in their daily lives to care for the planet.

Kati and Caroline are joined this week by Visitation’s Head Librarian Liz Burke to discuss the importance of information literacy in today's digital age. They explore the challenges students face in evaluating sources, the distinction between misinformation and disinformation, and the role of parents in guiding their children through the complexities of information consumption. The discussion emphasizes the need for critical thinking, the evaluation of sources, and the importance of understanding different perspectives in news reporting.

Joining Kati & Caroline this week are the mother-daughter alumnae duo of Carola Rubio Williamson ‘92 and Caroline Williamson ‘24. Carola is Visitation’s Assistant Director of Admissions. During their chat, the four discuss the dynamics of friendship among high school students, including the importance of being open-minded, navigating new school environments, the impact of social media, and the role of parents in guiding their children through friendship challenges. The dialogue emphasizes empathy, active listening, and the significance of modeling positive behavior in relationships.

This week, Kati & Caroline are joined by Mary Vieth, and alumnae and the Athletic Director at Visitation. They discuss how to nurture Salesian Spirituality in the realm of sports, helping athletes cultivate virtues like humility, patience, and resilience. Delivering deeper, they explore the significance of building holy friendships through sports, how parents can support their daughters as they navigate tryouts and cuts, and the life lessons that sports impart, preparing young athletes for future challenges.

Tune in as Kati and Caroline explore the significance of gratitude in daily life, particularly in the context of parenting teenage daughters. They discuss personal practices of gratitude, the importance of modeling these behaviors for their children, and the challenges posed by social media. The conversation emphasizes the need for open communication about emotions and the value of celebrating others to foster a sense of community and joy.

This week, Kati & Caroline talk about the importance of navigating conversations in a divided culture through a Salesian lens. They explore the value of understanding different perspectives, the impact of perfectionism on communication, the role of values in dialogue, and the significance of fostering curiosity and openness in relationships, They delve into the need for respectful communication among teens and how parents can model healthy communication and embrace the journey of growth and understanding.

In this episode, Kati and Caroline discuss the importance of cultivating simplicity in a fast-paced world. They explore the challenges of managing expectations, especially for parents during the summer, and the need for intentionality in creating space for what truly matters. Together, they reflect on the internal work required to simplify life and the flexibility needed to navigate different seasons of life.