In this episode of Building Pathways to Healthy Minds, host Priscilla Bagley sits down with Dr. Natalie Fikac — an educator, counselor, and wellness consultant with more than 30 years of experience in teaching and school mental health. Dr. Fikac shares her inspiring journey from the classroom to her current work with the University of Texas and the Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health.

Together, Priscilla and Dr. Fikac dive into the heart of emotional intelligence—exploring how parents, educators, and caregivers can nurture empathy, self-awareness, and compassion in children. Listeners will learn:

* How to help kids name and manage their emotions in healthy, constructive ways

* Why modeling mindfulness and self-compassion matters

* Simple, creative tools like vision boards and calm-down spaces that promote emotional wellness

* How embracing our own imperfections helps children build resilience and connection

Dr. Fikac reminds us that “we’re all doing the best we can”—and that true emotional growth begins with compassion for ourselves.

Learn more about her work here: https://wellnessfirstconsulting.org/about