Aug 8, 2026
Connection Comes Before Guidance
What does it actually take to reach a student who refuses to open up?
Nancy Regas spent 22 years as a school counselor, working with teenagers who were struggling, shut down, or invisible to everyone around them. She learned that connection comes before guidance — and that without trust, nothing else works.
In this conversation, Nancy shares what she learned across two decades in public education: how she protected her time without losing her students, why every counselor needs to hear the phrase "a career is an expression of who you are," and the story of a girl who never spoke — until she sang Taylor Swift in Nancy's office.
She's also the author of The Art of Being a School Counselor: Leading with Confidence, Compassion, and Authenticity — a book for counselors, teachers, administrators, parents, and anyone who guides other people.
In this episode:
• Why building the relationship always comes before the work
• How Nancy juggled administrators, teachers, parents, and students — without losing anyone
• Her practical system for protecting face-to-face time with students
• The single piece of advice she gives every overwhelmed new counselor
• What 22 years of student stories taught her about passion, purpose, and showing up.
Get Nancy's book: The Art of Being a School Counselor
www.amazon.com/dp/B08YFJPR5M
Connect with Ann:
Email: ann@annmracek.com
Website: https://annmracek.com
Ann's books are available on Amazon
"Symphony of Self" - www.amazon.com/dp/B0H2H8Y99C
"Unpacking the Attic" - www.amazon.com/dp/0976648873
Disclaimer: This video is intended solely for entertainment and educational purposes, opinions shared by the guest are their personal views. We do not intent to defame or harm any person/ brand/ product/ country/ profession mentioned in the video. Our goal is to provide information to help audience make informed choices.
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