Two faculty members in the Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD) are bringing their expertise to new audiences through recently launched podcasts. Dr. Maggie Parker and Dr. Elisabeth Rice are using these platforms to translate research and practice into accessible, engaging conversations for professionals, families, and communities.
Playful Beginnings with Dr. Maggie Parker
Dr. Maggie Parker, Associate Professor of Counseling, co-hosts Playful Beginnings: A Podcast About All Things Play Therapy alongside Dr. Kristie Opiola of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Together, they explore the transformative power of play therapy and its role in supporting children’s emotional development, healing, and growth.
Through engaging discussions, the hosts examine both the “why” and the “how” behind play therapy practices, making the podcast a valuable resource for counseling professionals, students, and anyone working with children. Designed for a broad audience—including therapists, educators, parents, and those new to the field—the show helps listeners better understand what play therapy is and how it can benefit children in a variety of contexts.
Dr. Parker’s teaching and research focus on counseling and human development, with particular emphasis on supporting children and families. Through Playful Beginnings, she extends her work beyond the classroom, offering an accessible entry point into a specialized and important area of practice.
Be On Her Side with Dr. Elisabeth Rice
Dr. Elisabeth Rice, Associate Professor of Special Education and Disability Studies, is a co-creator and co-host of Be On Her Side, a podcast that focuses on the complexities of mother-daughter relationships.
Co-hosted with GSEHD alumna Dr. Margaux Hanes Brown (PhD, Counseling) and Dr. Vince Culotta, the podcast brings together expertise from education, counseling, and neuropsychology to explore topics such as anxiety, friendships, social media, and adolescent development.
Drawing on research, professional practice, and personal experience, the hosts provide practical strategies and insights to help parents better understand and support the girls in their lives. The podcast is designed as a supportive, evidence-informed space addressing the challenges facing families today.
Dr. Rice has been on the GSEHD faculty since 2001 and is a former classroom teacher. Her research focuses on students with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges—particularly girls—and on developing effective school-based interventions and partnerships.
Together, these podcasts highlight GSEHD faculty members’ commitment to bridging research and practice, expanding the reach of their expertise, and supporting learners, families, and professionals beyond the university.