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In this episode of Conscious Pathways, I sit down with Bee Alvarado—Child Development Specialist, children’s author, and founder of Mother Earth’s Learning Center. Bee shares her powerful journey from big sister in a Mexican-American family to visionary educator creating nature-based learning experiences for young children.

We talk about:

• How nature and healing shaped Bee’s teaching philosophy
• The role of storytelling and cultural identity in early education
• Her mobile program bringing earth-conscious, sensory-rich learning to communities
• Her upcoming book Miss B and Her Magic Hat
• Breaking cycles of generational trauma through education

If you’re passionate about early childhood education, environmental stewardship, and holistic practices that empower both children and families—this one’s for you.

Don’t forget to rate & review the show—it helps more educators and families find us!

In this inspiring episode of Conscious Pathways, host Brittney Carey is joined by award-winning educator and TEDx speaker Nick Marmolejo to explore how purpose-driven learning can transform education. Nick shares his personal journey into the classroom, the pivotal role mentorship played in shaping his philosophy, and why purpose—not just performance—should be at the center of our schools.

Together, we unpack how cultivating a love for learning, creating emotionally safe environments, and rethinking the school-to-career pipeline can better serve all students, especially those with special needs. Nick also introduces his upcoming children’s book, Where’s My Compass?, a powerful story about a boy with autism finding his purpose.

This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone passionate about reimagining education with equity, intention, and heart.

🎧 Tune in now to rethink how we shape the future of education!

🔗 Links & Resources:

📍 Connect with Nick Marmolejo: TedX: Are Schools Destroying Purpose?, LinkedIn

📍 Follow Conscious Pathways for more episodes & updates: https://linktr.ee/conscious.pathways

📍 Subscribe to the Pathways of Promise Newsletter for deeper insights: https://pathwaysofpromise.beehiiv.com/subscribe

💬 Join the conversation! What resonated most with you? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media using #ConsciousPathwaysPodcast.

🔗 Subscribe & Share:

If this conversation resonated with you, please consider sharing it with a fellow educator or parent. You can also subscribe to Conscious Pathways for more thought-provoking discussions at the intersection of education and social justice.

In Episode 55 of Conscious Pathways, Brittney Carey sits down with Dr. Erika L. McDowell—educator, equity steward, and liberatory leader—to explore how education can be a tool for freedom and transformation.

Dr. McDowell shares her powerful journey as a legacy educator and speaks candidly about the systemic challenges Black educators and communities continue to face. From her experience in district leadership to her work with the Black Wildflowers Fund, she highlights the importance of equitable funding, intentional support, and collective action in dismantling oppression.

This inspiring episode dives deep into what it means to reimagine education through a liberatory lens—where access, equity, and empowerment are not just goals, but guiding principles.

🎧 Tune in to learn:

• The roots of Dr. McDowell’s work in community and legacy
• Why centering Black educators is crucial for system-wide change
• How initiatives like the Black Wildflowers Fund are reshaping possibilities
• Practical steps for building freedom-centered education spaces

Links and Resources Mentioned:

• Black Wildflowers Fund
• Connect with Dr. Erika McDowell on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Follow Conscious Pathways on Instagram: @conscious.pathways
• Subscribe to the Pathways of Promise newsletter for early access and resources: Join Here
• Shop our recommended books on DEI and education through our Bookshop page – support local bookstores and social justice learning!

✨ Don’t forget to subscribe, share this episode, and leave a review!

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Conscious Pathways

01:20 Meet Dr. Erica McDowell

02:08 A Legacy in Education

05:43 Challenges and Systemic Oppression

07:46 The Black Wildflowers Fund

14:51 Community and Advocacy

24:01 Understanding Trauma in Education

25:09 The Origins and Evolution of Education

25:58 The Importance of Diversity in Education

26:41 Personal Stories and Community Impact

28:27 Challenges and Solutions in Modern Education

34:08 Reimagining Education for Freedom

42:25 Connecting and Collaborating for Change

44:35 Final Thoughts and Call to Action