Jessica Whitehead
A neuro-affirming, school-based BCBA and co-host of the Strong Starts Podcast, Jessica Whitehead draws on her prior teaching experience to build inclusive, trauma-informed systems. Jessica is dedicated to relationship-centered practices that prioritize student dignity, reduce the need for exclusionary practices, and eliminate restraint and isolation. Outside of her professional work, she is a mother of two, a dog mom of three, and a “plant mom” of many who enjoys baking, reading, and the outdoors.
Sarah Gerber-Kai
Sarah Gerber-Kai is a clinical social worker, school counselor, and co-host of the Strong Starts Podcast who brings lived experience to the forefront of her work in order to reimagine systems that center people first and uplift the strengths of the communities she serves. Sarah is dedicated to neuro-affirming, trauma-informed, liberation practices, and the decolonization of educational and therapeutic spaces. Outside of her professional life, Sarah enjoys dancing hula, running, playing with her cats, and swimming in the ocean.