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In this episode of A Work of Heart, Dr. Ilana Nankin sits down with Dr. Salina Gray, a veteran educator whose career spans over three decades across middle, high, and elementary school settings, and now, special education. Salina’s story is a profound example of the “Transformation of Self.” She shares her vulnerable journey from an unconsciously dysregulated teacher—who unintentionally caused harm while trying to “fix” her students—to becoming a trauma-informed educator who leads with presence, compassion, and mindful listening. If you have ever felt like you are carrying too much or wondered how your own state of being impacts your classroom, this conversation offers a powerful roadmap for healing and sustainable, heart-centered teaching.
Dr. Salina Gray is a veteran educator with over 30 years of experience, having taught in middle, high, and elementary school settings. She holds a PhD in Education from Stanford University and currently works with neurodiverse students in a Special Day Class (SDC). A dedicated member of the Breathe For Change community, Dr. Gray is a passionate mentor, faculty member, and advocate for trauma-informed, somatic-based education that honors the wisdom of the body.
Here are some of the best moments from the episode:
- A 30-Year Career: From Middle School to Special Education
- Healing the Self: “What Happened to Me” vs. “What is Wrong With Me”
- The Mirror of the Past: Realizing Unintended Harm
- The Breathe For Change Transformation
- Mindful Listening: The Ultimate Game Changer
- Inside Dr. Gray’s Classroom: Rituals, Play, and Regulation
- How to Enable Academic Stamina Through Connection
Follow “A Work of Heart” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Subscribe so you never miss an episode. And if it resonated, take 30 seconds to rate and review. It helps more educators find these conversations and reminds the algorithm that teachers matter.
