"Whenever we've talked about community of care, it's really been talking about how the systems have been built against us and how we're pushed to be independent, very productive.

And “self-care” is a form of just putting a bandaid on yourself when that's really not a way to have longevity within any sort of field; especially in something where you're caring for other people.”

We have arrived at our final episode of Season 3 and so we made sure to make it extra special! Courtney is joined by student affairs professionals Julie Olson Rand and Alyssa Klenotich to discuss all the ways #selfcare is a less effective strategy than a community of care.

The timing of this feels especially relevant - the hectic pace of the holidays and the imminent arrival of “New Year’s Resolutions” (if you’re into those sorts of things!). As we move forward, Julie and Alyssa offer this perspective that shows us where true wellbeing, healing, and support can take root in our frazzled lives.

About our guests:

Julie Olson Rand (she/they) serves as the Associate Director for Access Programs at the University of Minnesota. Prior to beginning her role at the U of MN, she served as Director for Student Accessibility & Accommodations at St. Catherine University.

Her previous experience includes over ten years as an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter and an educator in the ASL interpreting program at St. Catherine University, overseeing students during their internships.

Julie is an alumni of the University of Minnesota, where she earned a B.A. and M.Ed. She also holds a post-baccalaureate certificate from St. Catherine University in ASL Interpreting. Julie currently serves on the Board of Directors for ThinkSelf, a Deaf-led non-profit serving the Deaf community with advocacy and education programs.

In her free time, Julie enjoys making beaded jewelry and doing hot yoga. Julie lives in Minneapolis with her partner and three children.

Check out her jewelry work at https://www.instagram.com/abel_and_jule/

Alyssa Klenotich (She/Her) serves as the Associate Director of Disability Services at Macalester College. She previously was introduced to Julie at St. Catherine University where she served as the Assistant Director of Student Accessibility and Accommodations.

Prior, she received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Winona State and her masters degree in college counseling and student development from St. Cloud State University, which was rooted in helping skills with a lens of social justice.

During that time she worked with students on academic warning and probation along with completing her thesis exploring students with disabilities experiences with faculty members.

She currently lives in the suburbs of Minnesota with her two dogs.

We will be taking a short break over the next few weeks to rest and finish prepping for Season 4! You can expect new episodes in January. In the meantime watch for some of your favorite and most listened to episodes during our Pragmatic Winter Replay.

Contact the show at courtney@shineandsoar.com with guest suggestions, topic ideas, and other feedback.

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