Dr. Summer Rose

SUMMARY

In this episode, we sit down with the radiant and deeply grounded Dr. Summer Rose, a clinical psychologist and leader at Communities In Schools of the Dallas Region. With warmth, clarity, and conviction, she shares her story from aspiring “baby doctor” to becoming a fierce advocate for youth mental health and educator well-being.

Dr. Rose opens up about the systems that shape young people’s lives—from child welfare to education—and the urgent need to support the adults who serve them. She reflects on the emotional toll educators face, the mental health crisis among students, and the power of proximity, presence, and community in healing and transformation.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership rooted in love, listening, and staying close to the work can change lives. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the weight of what students and educators are carrying, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone—and that there’s a lifeboat waiting for you.

💥 Impactful Takeaways:

• Everyone wants to be heard—listening is the first step toward healing and action.
• Educators are carrying more than ever—supporting them is essential to student success.
• Proximity matters—leaders must stay close to the work and the people doing it.
• Students need to see what’s possible—exposure to diverse futures expands hope.
• Community is a lifeline—especially for those leading through crisis.
• Mental health support must be accessible, integrated, and responsive to real needs.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Virtual Hugs and Warmth
01:15 Summer’s Journey from Science to Psychology
04:00 Discovering Her Calling Through CPS and Child Welfare
07:12 Graduate School and the Power of Systems Work
08:20 The Intersection of Mental Health and Education
09:41 A Story That Changed Everything: Catching a Student Mid-Jump
10:28 Equipping Adults to Support Youth Mental Health
11:29 What Communities In Schools Does
13:05 Expanding Mental Health Services Post-COVID
14:28 Family Engagement and Post-Secondary Success
15:41 Helping Students See All Their Options
17:32 What the Public Gets Wrong About Schools
18:18 Educator Burnout and Unrealistic Expectations
19:24 Parenting in a Digital World
20:14 Bridging the Gap Between Parents and Kids
21:40 The Power of Being Heard
22:27 Nervous System to Nervous System: Co-Regulation in Action
23:37 Transition Team: Moving Toward a New Normal
24:43 Finding Strength in Community and Shared Leadership
26:04 Lifeboats and Unexpected Support
28:43 What Keeps Her Up at Night: The Education Funding Crisis
30:02 What Gets Her Out of Bed: Her Team
31:13 How She Supports Her Staff with Presence and Love
32:37 Staying Proximate to the Work
33:03 Olaf, Warm Hugs, and Showing Up in Crisis
34:08 Final Reflections and Gratitude
35:16 A Prayer and a Promise

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Oxygen for Educators is produced by Ripplemaker Project and proudly sponsored by Tacky Box.

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