Skip to main content
SMART Connections

SMART Connections

By Dr. Susan Elswick and SMART Center Staff

The SMART Connections podcast was developed to support teachers, mental health clinicians, and caregivers in supporting the Social Emotional and Mental Health needs of children ages PreK-12th grade. This is hosted in partnership with Dr. Elswick the Director of the University of Memphis School Mental Health Access to Resources through Telehealth (SMART) Research, Training, and Treatment Center. Topics include tips and techniques on best practices in serving the mental health and social emotional needs of children in schools. Practical and applicable tools are shared each week.
Currently playing episode

SMART Connections: Episode 6- Positive Psychology

SMART ConnectionsFeb 23, 2022

00:00
04:23
SMART Connections: Episode 16 - Anxiety Disorders

SMART Connections: Episode 16 - Anxiety Disorders

In this episode, Kyle talks about four different anxiety disorders, the risk factors that can amplify the chances of developing an anxiety disorder, and the common treatments for anxiety disorder. 

Dec 06, 202206:29
SMART Connections: Episode 15 - Seasonal Depression

SMART Connections: Episode 15 - Seasonal Depression

Warm Line Facilitators Madison Brimhall and Madison Anderson come to you to talk about Seasonal Depression and its many challenges. The two discuss different ways to get through the season and treat yourself kinder. Give this a listen if you or someone you know is struggling with seasonal depression this year.

Nov 15, 202204:23
Intervenciones Tempranas (Early Interventions Spanish)

Intervenciones Tempranas (Early Interventions Spanish)

Interventiones Tempranas 

Nov 03, 202206:18
Horarios Visuales ( Visual Schedules )

Horarios Visuales ( Visual Schedules )

Horarios Visuales como se hacen y los beneficios.

Nov 03, 202205:37
SMART Connections: Episode 14 - Parent/Child Relationships

SMART Connections: Episode 14 - Parent/Child Relationships

In this episode, Warm Line Facilitator Anna Sanderlin discusses the four different parent and child relationships and their attachments types. This podcast plays on one of our previous episodes about parenting styles, but it allows a closer look into the individual relationships between the parent and the child. Coming soon, we will have an episode about activities that can grow healthy attachments with your kids. 

Oct 27, 202206:13
SMART Connections: Episode 13 - Verbal De-Escalation

SMART Connections: Episode 13 - Verbal De-Escalation

In this episode, Kyle goes over the definition and the utilization of verbal de-escalation.

Oct 21, 202204:55
SMART Connections: Episode 12 - Parenting Styles

SMART Connections: Episode 12 - Parenting Styles

In this episode, Warm Line Facilitator Anna Sanderlin breaks down the different parenting styles and explains how each style affects the children in the home. She then goes on to explain which parenting style researchers suggest works best for parents. 

Jul 06, 202206:43
SMART Connections: Episode 11 - Mental Health Awareness Month

SMART Connections: Episode 11 - Mental Health Awareness Month

In this episode, Warm Line Facilitators Anna Sanderlin and Julia McManus, discuss Mental Health Awareness Month. They discuss ways to promote positive mental health, as well as signs to look out for in the event that you or someone you know is dealing with a mental illness or mental health disorder.

May 03, 202204:10
SMART Connections: Episode 10 - Dr. Pirkey HERO Program

SMART Connections: Episode 10 - Dr. Pirkey HERO Program

In this episode, Julia McManus and Anna Sanderlin sat down and interviewed Dr. Paige Pirkey about her work with the HERO Program. They asked about how it came to be, what inspired the program, and what some plans for the future look like. 

For more information on the HERO Program, go to www.memphis.edu/hero

Apr 12, 202225:38
SMART Connections: Episode 9 - DSEP Cadre Podcast

SMART Connections: Episode 9 - DSEP Cadre Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Susan Elswick and Lisa Wall, both are national Cadre members for the Dove Self-Esteem Project (DSEP), discuss the DSEP curriculum and how they utilize the content, easy to use curriculum, and information within children they serve in public schools across the country. Podcast listeners will hear about this much needed curriculum and content, and will be able to access the free curriculum by completing a survey found in the QR code attached. 

Mar 31, 202214:18
SMART Connections: Episode 8 - Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

SMART Connections: Episode 8 - Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

In this episode, our Warm Line facilitators, Julia McManus and Anna Sanderlin, discuss developmental disabilities: what they are, how to recognize them, reasons for early intervention, and way to celebrate and be supportive during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. 

Mar 23, 202203:56
SMART Connections: Episode 7 - SMART Center Introduction

SMART Connections: Episode 7 - SMART Center Introduction

In this episode, warm line facilitators, Anna Sanderlin and Julia McManus, go into detail about what the SMART Center is and how it functions. The two interview Dr. Susan Elswick, the director of the SMART Center, about how and why she created the SMART Center. They go over some of the future plans for the SMART Center and some of the biggest improvements that have been seen in the SMART Center since its beginning. 

Mar 02, 202210:11
SMART Connections: Episode 6- Positive Psychology

SMART Connections: Episode 6- Positive Psychology

In this episode the SMART Center staff will discuss positive psychology. Positive Psychology is the scientific study of the strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive. The positive psychology philosophy is founded on the belief that people want to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, to cultivate what is best within themselves, and to enhance their experiences of love, work, and play. This podcast is a great introduction to positive psychology. 

Feb 23, 202204:23
SMART Connections: Episode 5- Part 3-interview with Dr. Theresa Okwumabua

SMART Connections: Episode 5- Part 3-interview with Dr. Theresa Okwumabua

The University of Memphis SMART Center staff supported the Center for Advancement of Youth Development (CAYD) director, Dr. Gregory Washington, with an interview with Dr. Theresa Okwumabua. The SMART Center and SMART Connections podcast  is excited to highlight her legacy as a clinician, teacher, scholar, mentor and elder in the Memphis community.  This is a 3 part interview.

Feb 17, 202200:17
SMART Connections: Episode 5 Part 2-interview with Dr. Theresa Okwumabua

SMART Connections: Episode 5 Part 2-interview with Dr. Theresa Okwumabua

The University of Memphis SMART Center staff supported the Center for Advancement of Youth Development (CAYD) director, Dr. Gregory Washington, with an interview with Dr. Theresa Okwumabua. The SMART Center and SMART Connections podcast  is excited to highlight her legacy as a clinician, teacher, scholar, mentor and elder in the Memphis community.  This is a 3 part interview.

Feb 17, 202218:49
SMART Connections: Episode 5- Part 1- Interview with Dr. Theresa Okwumabua

SMART Connections: Episode 5- Part 1- Interview with Dr. Theresa Okwumabua

The University of Memphis SMART Center staff supported the Center for Advancement of Youth Development (CAYD) director, Dr. Gregory Washington, with an interview with Dr. Theresa Okwumabua. The SMART Center and SMART Connections podcast  is excited to highlight her legacy as a clinician, teacher, scholar, mentor and elder in the Memphis community.  This is a 3 part interview. 

Feb 17, 202208:45
SMART Connections: Episode 4- ACEs

SMART Connections: Episode 4- ACEs

In SMART Connections Episode 4, the University of Memphis Warm Line clinicians discuss Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the impact on life long health. Listeners will learn information about how adverse experiences in early childhood can impact lifelong health, and some tips and techniques to decrease that impact overtime. 

Feb 03, 202205:04
SMART Connections: Episode 3- Calming Corners

SMART Connections: Episode 3- Calming Corners

In this episode, the SMART Center Warm Line clinicians will talk about Calming Corners as a possible social-emotional supportive intervention for school and home environments. A calming corner is a small, designated space located within a classroom or home. The purpose of a calming corner is to help support student or child self-regulation while keeping them in or near the adult if they need a break from instruction time or a group/ family activity.

Jan 26, 202204:39
SMART Connections Episode 2: Visual Schedules

SMART Connections Episode 2: Visual Schedules

In this episode, listeners will learn more about the use of visual schedules for supporting the needs of their children. Visual scheduling is a systematic technique that enhances learning and communication for individuals who are neurodiverse, such as children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and even Anxiety. 

A visual schedule is a graphic representation of scheduled tasks and activities. They are very useful for breaking down tasks that have multiple steps and ensuring that children follow rules and deadlines. Visual schedules reduce anxiety by providing consistency while also reducing resistance that comes with certain activities.

Caregivers will learn more about the use of visual schedules, the positive impact it can have on behavioral outcomes, and how to develop and implement a visual schedule in their own homes.


Nov 23, 202104:00
SMART Connections Episode 1: Early Intervention Services

SMART Connections Episode 1: Early Intervention Services

In this episode, listeners will learn about the University of Memphis SMART Center and will gain information about Early Intervention Services (EIS). EIS are important in ensuring that children and families get supportive services necessary to assist with healthy childhood development. EIS is the term used to describe the services and supports that are available to babies and young children with developmental delays and disabilities and their families. These services may include speech therapy, physical therapy, and other types of services based on the needs of the child and family. EIS can have a significant impact on a child’s ability to learn new skills and overcome challenges and can increase success in school and life.

Many caregivers may not know, there are EIS programs available in every state and territory.

Nov 23, 202105:18