Why 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: [email protected] 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.