Episode Details

📄 Episodic Synopsis

In this powerful episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education, Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with Dr. Andrea Mata (aka Dr. Dre), a clinical child psychologist and founder of Bright Spot Families. From her transition out of academia to launching a high-impact private practice, Dr. Dre shares how presence, consistency, and adaptability are foundational for both parenting and teaching. Whether you're managing a classroom or raising kids, this episode is packed with straight talk and actionable advice to help you connect, guide, and grow with young minds. Plus, hear about the poop-inspired parenting book that’s making waves in family psychology.

📝 Show Notes

Guest: Dr. Andrea Mata, Clinical Child Psychologist & Founder of Bright Spot Families

Topic: Parenting tips, trauma-informed education, emotional regulation, and the psychology of consistency in schools and homes.

Key Highlights:

• Dr. Dre’s journey from tenured professor to full-time psychologist.
• The inspiration behind The No. 2 Parenting Book: Practical Tips for the Pooped-Out Parent—readable in the time it takes to poop!
• Why presence and consistency are the top strategies for parenting and classroom management.
• How trauma-informed education sometimes misinterprets emotional needs.
• The importance of teaching kids emotional regulation using the psychology triangle (thoughts, behaviors, feelings).
• Classroom techniques that foster belonging, safety, and engagement (e.g., relationship banking model inspired by Goffman).
• Why adaptability is the “secret sauce” for thriving in education.
• Practical classroom examples, like icebreakers and student-led discussions, that help educators build trust and community.

Resources Mentioned:

• Bright Spot Families – Book a Session
• Connect with Dr. Dre on LinkedIn
• Follow her on Instagram @drdremata
• Phil Januszewski’s Positive Growth Lounge (PGL) – Where this conversation first took root