Chalk and Coffee
Welcome to Chalk and Coffee, the podcast for teachers, early career educators, and parents who are passionate about creating a thriving environment for children. Join host Shana Roberts—an experienced educator, parent, and author—as she explores the vital roles of teachers and parents in shaping young lives. Through insightful interviews with professionals, parents, and authors, you’ll gain valuable perspectives, effective teaching strategies, and innovative approaches to support children through life’s challenges. This podcast also features regular episodes tailored specifically for early career teachers. Shana is deeply passionate about supporting new educators as they navigate the early stages of their teaching journey. These episodes offer practical advice, real-world insights, and encouragement to help you thrive in the classroom. Whether you’re an experienced teacher looking for fresh inspiration, a parent seeking guidance, or an early career educator eager for support, Chalk and Coffee provides the tools and connections to empower you. Join us today—your next cup of inspiration is just a listen away!
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Episodes
5 days ago
5 days ago
This week on Chalk and Coffee, I chat with Irene Becker — founder of 99aupairs, a game-changing platform helping families find flexible in-home care for children.
We dive into how 99aupairs started, challenges faced by working parents, and how thoughtful care solutions can bring more balance, confidence, and peace of mind.
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99aupairs Website
Facebook
Instagram
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Until next time, take care.
Wednesday Jul 09, 2025
Wednesday Jul 09, 2025
This week on Chalk and Coffee, I chat with Daisy Jo Bear — author of a magical picture book where a scrappy green fairy helps clean up the environment, rescues a dog, and maybe even mend a broken heart.
We explore how her story came to life, how books can open conversations about grief, friendship, and care for the planet — and why a little fairy mischief might be just what we all need.
Get in touch with a Daisy Jo
Daisy Jo's Linktree
Australian Self Published Children's Authors Facebook Group
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If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.
Until next time, take care.
Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
This week on Chalk and Coffee, I sit down with the amazing Kylee Leota — educator, facilitator, and founder of Elements 4 Success.
Kylee brings a wealth of knowledge from her time in education leadership and now works across sectors to support sustainable behaviour change, confidence building, and purposeful living.
We talk about what it takes to create change — not just in schools, but in people’s lives — and how the right tools (and mindset) can make all the difference.
Get in touch with a Kylee
Elements 4 Success
Book: Infinate Leadership
Infinate Leadership Resources
Facebook
Instagram
Contact Form
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Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community!
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If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.
Until next time, take care
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Wednesday May 28, 2025
In this episode, I chat with Cath McPhillips — a brilliant educator who’s experienced it all: classroom teaching, support roles, and working across both public and private sectors.
Cath opens up about the challenges and joys of each teaching environment, how she’s stayed grounded through the shifts, and what matters most when building connection and impact in any role.
Whether you’re teaching in a school, leading a team, or mentoring others — you’ll find inspiration in Cath’s honest and thoughtful reflections.
Resources Mentioned in the Episode
Berry Street Education Model
iDoceo
Seesaw
Tom Bennett - Running the Room
Get in touch with a Cath
Email Nurture Connect Play
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Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community!
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Until next time, take care.
Wednesday May 14, 2025
Wednesday May 14, 2025
I continue my chat with Charlotte Sharp—a highly qualified counsellor, coach, clinical supervisor, and trainer with a wealth of experience working with adults and teens who have experienced trauma and are neurodivergent.
Charlotte is passionate about supporting individuals on their healing journey and equipping caregivers with the skills they need to provide trauma-informed care. She also works closely with residential children's care homes, delivering essential training on trauma care and support.
Recently, Charlotte launched a parenting group aimed at empowering parents with practical strategies and a deeper understanding of trauma and neurodiversity. In this episode, we’ll dive into her experiences, insights, and practical tips for parents, educators, and caregivers alike.
If you're looking to better support neurodivergent individuals or navigate trauma with greater empathy and knowledge, this episode is a must-listen!
Get in touch with a Charlotte
Charlotte's Website
Instagram
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Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community!
Visit my website
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Feature as a Guest
If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.
Until next time, take care.
Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
In this episode of Chalk and Coffee, I’m joined by Charlotte Sharp—a highly qualified counsellor, coach, clinical supervisor, and trainer with a wealth of experience working with adults and teens who have experienced trauma and are neurodivergent.
Charlotte is passionate about supporting individuals on their healing journey and equipping caregivers with the skills they need to provide trauma-informed care. She also works closely with residential children's care homes, delivering essential training on trauma care and support.
Recently, Charlotte launched a parenting group aimed at empowering parents with practical strategies and a deeper understanding of trauma and neurodiversity. In this episode, we’ll dive into her experiences, insights, and practical tips for parents, educators, and caregivers alike.
If you're looking to better support neurodivergent individuals or navigate trauma with greater empathy and knowledge, this episode is a must-listen!
Listen to the rest of our discussion in the next episode.
Get in touch with a Charlotte
Charlotte's Website
Instagram
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If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.
Until next time, take care.
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
In this episode of Chalk and Coffee, I sit down with Kathy Imabayashi, a retired Canadian international educator who has spent decades working as a classroom teacher and school leader in Japan, Lebanon, Thailand, Georgia, and Qatar. Kathy’s passion has always been focused on children, their parents, and educators, and she brings a wealth of experience and insight to our conversation.
Now based in Japan, Kathy is the founder of Sonhood Coaching, where she guides parents raising boys to better understand their sons and the world they are growing up in. Through her work, she advocates for protecting boys’ inner emotional worlds while equipping adults with the knowledge and tools needed to help boys thrive during their earliest years.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or advocate for children’s well-being, you won’t want to miss this thoughtful and insightful episode!
Get in touch with a Kathy
Kathy's Website
Instagram
Facebook
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Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community!
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If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.
Until next time, take care.
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
This week, I’m joined by the insightful Edwina Cottino, an Early Childhood educator. Her teaching journey has taken her from Dubai to Perth, blending her background in Applied Psychology and Education with a passion for inquiry-based learning.
With over a decade in the Pre-Primary classroom, Edwina has seen firsthand how kids thrive when they explore their interests. Inspired by mentors like Dr. Claire Warden and Kath Murdoch, she champions a balance between structured literacy and numeracy instruction with the magic of project-based learning.
Get in touch with Edwina
Edwina's Website
Instagram
Facebook
Linkedin
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Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community!
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If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.
Until next time, take care.
Monday Mar 17, 2025
Monday Mar 17, 2025
In this episode of Chalk and Coffee, I chat with Alpesh Palmar, author of Growing the Money Tree for Kids—an innovative book that introduces children to the value of money and the basics of investing.
Aplesh shares his inspiration behind writing the book and how it equips young readers with essential money management skills, from saving and budgeting to simple investments. With interactive stories and fun activities, the book uses age-appropriate language to make financial literacy exciting and accessible for kids.
Join us as we discuss the importance of teaching financial skills from a young age and how parents and educators can empower children to build a foundation for financial success. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just curious about building money smarts in kids, you’ll love this insightful episode!
Get in touch with a Alpesh
Alpesh's Website
Instagram
Facebook
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Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community!
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If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.
Until next time, take care.
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
In this episode of Chalk and Coffee, I’m joined by author Amy Harvey, who shares her journey behind the creation of her beautiful book Fishing with Grandad. Amy takes us through her writing journey, the inspiration for this touching story about the bond between grandparents and grandchildren, and how it connects with young readers.
We discuss the power of storytelling, the importance of family connections in children’s literature, and how Fishing with Grandad encourages patience, adventure, and love. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or simply a fan of delightful children’s stories, this episode is full of valuable insights and a wonderful reading recommendation for young families.
Get in touch with Amy
Amy's Website
Instagram
Stay Connected
Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community!
Visit my website
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Feature as a Guest
If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.
Until next time, take care.