Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Winston.
Hi Melissa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
“What A Day Kids” podcast comes from my love of teaching and getting to know students with varying exceptionalities. I began teaching in 2014 when I moved back to Florida and moved my focus to the Special Education world in 2016. I have learned so much about my students, their lives, and their families. I truly enjoy spending my time with them and am so excited that my experience has allowed me the opportunity for others to get to know them and their worlds as well.
I would have never even dreamed of creating a podcast if it weren’t for the connections I’ve cultivated at Mills Gallery. I started working as an intern at Mills for a chance to spend some time in a different world after school. I have since become the administrative director and have met so many wonderful artists and influential people. The artist Marla E of BORMA productions, and Steve Etchie, founder & co-owner of PFT Media, have been so supportive throughout this whole process. There really wouldn’t be a show without them.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
There are always challenges. Being a teacher this year has been challenging because of COVID-19 and learning to teach both virtually and in-person simultaneously. I’ve had students experience their first major health issues while in class and accompanied them to the hospital until their families arrived, helping communicate for and with the students. I’ve had frustrating moments where students are having trouble listening or are so upset that their emotions and behaviors explode. All of those things can be difficult and stressful and honestly scary, but none of it is impossible to work through.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
“What A Day, Kids!” is a podcast that opens the door into the special education world. However, this podcast is not just for teachers, parents, and students already in that world. It’s for everyone. Everyone who wants to learn more information about different exceptionalities: Autism, Down Syndrome, Intellectual Disabilities, and others. Everyone who wants to learn skills and strategies to help any students, and even adults, understand and work through emotions. Most importantly, everyone who wants the chance to get to know and hear from those people with Autism, Down syndrome, etc. themselves. I am so honored and think it is so important to include those who know themselves best instead of just talking about them.
How do you think about happiness?
Getting to know my students and their families really brings me joy. I have cultivated such wonderful, lifelong friendships with these families. They send me videos of their kids singing me ‘Happy Birthday’, they ask my opinion on parenting decisions, it’s just a special bond not just with the students but with their parents as well. I really just couldn’t be more excited to share all the joy and love and passion of these students.
Contact Info:
- Email: Whatadaykids@gmail.com
- Instagram: whatadaykids
- Facebook: whatadaykids
- Twitter: whatadaykids
- Other: https://wadk.creator-spring.com/
Image Credits
Marvin Welch KyNo Films
