Episode Description

In this episode Dr. Spates sits down with Ebony Wilson, MSW, LCSW, PPSC — founder and CEO of Ebony’s Safe Space. Based in Palmdale, California, her organization’s mission is to support and empower groups and communities through relatable mental health and emotional‑wellness services. Ebony and her team provide solution‑focused, strength‑based, anti‑oppressive therapy — including individual and group counseling, workshops and public‑speaking engagements — so that every client feels heard and understood. She brings decades of experience as a licensed clinical social worker and school‑based therapist to help educators build safe, affirming environments where students and staff can process emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, and thrive.

What You’ll Learn

• How to build authentic connections that strengthen trust and belonging in schools

• The role of restorative practices and mental‑health supports in helping students and staff

• Proactive strategies to reduce behavior incidents and create psychologically safe classrooms

• How to coach teachers through conflict, communication and trauma‑informed responses

• Why every school needs a culture plan — not just a discipline plan

• Tools to shift staff mindsets and align campus systems for student success

Key Takeaways for School Leaders

Relationships are the foundation of safe schools; consistency plus care creates culture; student behavior is communication, not defiance; staff need coaching, clarity and community to create belonging; and leaders must model empathy, accountability and presence daily.

About Ebony Wilson

Ebony founded Ebony's Safe Space LLC in 2022. Raised in Southern California’s Antelope Valley, she survived traumatic experiences in adolescence and, with the support of mentors and spiritual leaders, found purpose in serving her community. Her early work as a para‑educator in juvenile lockdown facilities ignited a passion for social justice, and she went on to earn an A.A. in Social and Behavioral Sciences, a B.A. in Sociology and an M.S.W. from California State University, Northridge, along with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential from UCLA. Ebony spent years providing psychotherapy to children, families and adults as a school‑based and wraparound therapist before founding Ebony’s Safe Space to create non‑judgmental spaces where children, adults and groups of all kinds can learn about mental health, process their feelings and develop healthy coping strategies to become the best versions of themselves. Her personal values of spirituality, empowerment, compassion, connection and respect continue to guide the organization.

Chapters

00:00 — Welcome & Episode Overview

02:40 — Ebony’s Journey & Why Safe Spaces Matter

08:15 — Building Trust and Relationships in Schools

15:20 — Restorative Practices & Mental‑Health Supports That Work

22:00 — Coaching Teachers Through Conflict & Communication

29:45 — Designing a School‑Wide Culture Plan

36:10 — Supporting Staff Wellness & Mindset Shifts

42:00 — Final Reflections for School Leaders

Connect with Ebony Wilson

Instagram: @ebonyssafespace

Website: https://www.ebonyssafespace.org

Email: ewilson@ebonyssafespace.org

Phone: 661‑522‑7255

Connect with Dr. Spates

Instagram / TikTok / YouTube: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates

Website: OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com

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