Counselor's Corner: Leading with Kindness: A Conversation with Teresa Ramirez

About this episode

In this episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams talks with Teresa Ramirez—award-winning author, motivational speaker, and self-described kindness ambassador—about how intentional acts of kindness at home and in the classroom can change the trajectory of children’s lives. Teresa shares the story behind her book Raising Kind Children and the tragic school shooting that compelled her to launch a movement focused on everyday, actionable kindness.​

The conversation explores how parents can step into the role of “CEO of the family,” how educators can embed empathy and connection into daily routines without adding one more initiative, and how restorative, relationship-centered approaches can address bullying and burnout. Together, Teresa and Riley highlight simple practices that help families and schools work in partnership to support students’ social-emotional growth.​

Key takeaways:

• How small, consistent acts of kindness at home and school shape children’s identity, resilience, and sense of safety.​​
• Practical strategies for modeling kindness in everyday moments and designing classroom and school-wide activities that build connection.
• How restorative, empathetic responses can reduce bullying, support teacher well-being, and strengthen school culture.​
• Ways parents and educators can align around shared language and expectations to reinforce social-emotional learning across settings.

Connect with Teresa Ramirez:

• Book – Raising Kind Children: How to Become the CEO of Your Family to Create Lasting Impact and Change: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D32Q8KW6​
• Website: https://www.journeyinkindness.com