The arrival of July brings a distinct rhythm—a welcome invitation to step out of the daily momentum of lesson plans and into a space of intentional restoration. Teaching is an act of profound emotional and intellectual output. To show up for our students each fall with an open heart, a regulated nervous system, and a commitment to equity, we must first allow ourselves the grace to pour back into our own reserves.

L to R:  Facing History staff Lorrie Gallant and Jasmine Wong snap a quick selfie with our newest staff member Amanda Baric, and Elder Sherlene Bomberry, during a summer workshop

Hello, my name is Amanda (she/her). I am an educator, a certified yoga therapist, and a graduate student in the department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), U of T, where I am completing my Masters thesis in wellbeing in education and holistic pedagogy. During my graduate studies, I have also developed and delivered trauma-sensitive group wellness workshops and communities of practice for pre-service teachers at OISE.