We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Monica Cuevas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Monica, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

Let me begin by inviting you to soften your gaze or gently close your eyes. Please rest your hands in a position that feels comfortable and nurturing to you.

Together, we will take a few deep breaths, holding each for a moment before releasing them with a sigh, allowing ourselves to ground in this space. Nervous system regulation allows us to remain in the present moment and activate emotional intelligence so that we can respond with grace.

Please repeat after me:
Transformation
Transformation is my strength.
I embrace the process of metamorphosis.
I am prepared for positive changes.
I adapt to change, even when it is challenging.
I learn from past experiences.
I AM TRANSFORMING!

When individuals commit to their own healing, they contribute to the well-being of the broader community. Real transformation starts within. The field of education faces significant challenges, including a lack of resources, student behavioral issues, and the pressing need for qualified educators. Schools increasingly struggle to attract and retain high-quality teachers, which profoundly affects the educational experience for many students.

Educators encounter various stressors—low salaries, long hours, standardized testing pressures, and the residual effects of learning loss from the pandemic. They often direct their energy toward their students, families, and administrative demands, frequently neglecting their own self-care.

I believe that our education system should offer both professional and PERSONAL development for both current and future educators, so that educators can reignite their passion for the profession and the ability to educate, inspire, and motivate. When teachers are given the space to feel seen, heard, and validated, prioritize their own well-being, and learn to that their personal transformation is an act of community healing, they are more likely to remain committed to their vocation and the vital role they play in shaping the future.

Monica, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a proud Latina, mother, and former educator, now serving as the Academic Success Coordinator at a higher education institution. I graduated from UNLV and I was honored to be named “Teacher of the Year” twice in a row. Recently, I became a certified Women’s Circle Facilitator, driven by the idea that education is not just a pathway to knowledge, but also a source of empowerment, healing, and a catalyst for change.

I believe that when we empower teachers to prioritize their own well-being, they can inspire and uplift their students in profound ways. My vision is to redefine teacher wellness, creating a ripple of positive change in the world of education. I hold a deep conviction that we can heal the world through education and personal development.

Having faced my own struggles, including the shadow of domestic violence, I understand the challenges of pouring from an empty glass. Thankfully, I had an administrator who truly saw me, heard my pain, and encouraged me to seek help -marking the beginning of my healing journey.

From this experience, Baring Petals was born—a space that invites you to embrace your unique beauty, just as flower petals attract the very things needed for growth. Baring Petals curates gatherings where individuals can reconnect with themselves and each other, fostering a profound sense of belonging. While we focus on Women’s Circles, we also feel the call to create spaces for Men and Kids, ensuring everyone has a place to explore their journey together.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

To Have the Audacity

I am learning to have the audacity to be selfish – not in a narcissistic way.

Women are taught to be selfless, giving everything—even at the cost of losing themselves. But not anymore!

As a woman, educator, and coach it is normalized to only focus on community care and not self-care. I am learning to be selective with my energy and love. I am practicing to stop absorbing the opinions and judgments from those who don’t support, see, or hear me. I am now protective of my heart and energy. I now invest my limited resources in my dreams, goals, health, and the incredible person I aspire to be. Real transformation starts within, so setting firm boundaries to keep out those who offer breadcrumbs.

I am learning to stop excusing the bad behavior of others, to be discerning, and to safeguard every part of who I am.

I am learning to shift my focus from doing everything for others to prioritizing myself. When you take care of yourself, you become the best madre, friend, partner, educator, and guiding light for those around you. It’s not our responsibility to fix anyone, make them understand us, or earn their appreciation. Be fiercely selfish in your passions and self-respect.

I try to remember that even when I am quiet or bold, some won’t reciprocate, include, or validate me. So I AM DECIDING to let go of the need for external validation. I am learning to focus on making myself whole by working on ME (personal development). We heal others by healing ourselves and we stop attracting the brokenness that drains our essence too.

I am learning to be the change I want to see, not just praying for for different results without taking the necessary steps. Those who resonate with my journey will rise alongside me and I won’t lose myself in the process.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The law of authenticity. I want to attract clients that resonate with me. I want to attract opportunities that make me happy and fulfilled. If I strive to be who I really am, I can attract what makes my soul happy.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @baringpetalslv

Image Credits

Photos Taken in Malibu, California By: Sasha Cuevas
Other Photos Provided by Author: Monica Cuevas