Usable Knowledge Caring for the Whole Child A middle school drama teacher describes how she makes her classroom a safe harbor Posted March 29, 2017 By Usable Knowledge Counseling and Mental Health Teachers and Teaching Joni Sullivan, drama teacher at The Springfield Renaissance School in Springfield, Massachusetts, has made her classroom a "safe haven" to which her students can come when they are feeling down or need someone to listen without judgment."Sometimes they don't even want me to say anything," Sullivan says, "they just want someone to listen that they know cares about them." Usable Knowledge Connecting education research to practice — with timely insights for educators, families, and communities Explore All Articles Related Articles Usable Knowledge Students Surviving and Thriving How to support LGBTQ and gender non-conforming kids Usable Knowledge Anti-Muslim Bias Usable Knowledge Optimism Stronger than Fear Immigrant and refugee children are resilient and determined to contribute. Will we stop them — or support them?