In this episode of the Happy HSP Podcast, Dr. Kaaryn Cater, an educator and researcher in the field of high sensitivity, discusses her journey discovering she was a highly sensitive person (HSP) and how it influenced her life and work.

The conversation explores Dr. Kaaryn’s research of HSPs in education, her own experiences as an HSP, and how she manages her sensitivity in both her personal and professional life. Dr. Kaaryn also highlights the importance of understanding and accommodating high sensitivity in educational and work environments.

In this episode, Dr. Kaaryn shares:

• How her exploration of Dr. Elaine Aron’s research affected her life and work.
• Her experience with research and literature on high sensitivity over the past decade.
• What her own research uncovered about the impact of high sensitivity on learning.
• How connecting with nature is a source of energy and grounding for HSPs.
• Sensation seeking HSPs and their desire for new and novel experiences.
• The many challenges of managing sensory and emotional overwhelm.
• Information about her upcoming book, Understanding the Highly Sensitive Learner.

Topics covered:

• Impact of high sensitivity on student learning and classroom dynamics.
• Importance of recognizing and supporting HSP learners in schools.
• Effects of sensory sensitivity in professional and learning environments.
• Need for autonomy and meaningful work settings for HSPs.
• Advocacy for scent-free workplaces due to HSP sensitivities.
• Role of self-awareness in managing high sensitivity.

Dr. Kaaryn's experiences and research highlight the necessity of understanding high sensitivity, not only for HSPs but also in broader educational and work settings.

About Dr. Kaaryn Cater:

Dr. Kaaryn Cater is a Learning Advisor at a tertiary learning institution in New Zealand. Her research interests include sensitivity, environmental impacts on learning, neurodiversity, inclusion, equity, empowering learners through intrinsic motivation, self-efficacy and metacognitive monitoring, and promoting education sector change through sensitivity education.

Follow along with Dr. Kaaryn’s journey:

Instagram: @dr.kaaryncater_sensitivity

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-kaaryn-cater-b373103b

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About Kimberly:

After 20 years in the publishing industry working for companies like Time Inc., Monster.com, and W. W. Norton, Kimberly Marshall left her corporate work to create a more nurturing career that better suited her as an HSP. After repeatedly struggling with burnout and low confidence in the workplace, she now helps HSPs create careers that bring them lots of purpose, meaning, and joy. With the Happy HSP Podcast, Kimberly hopes to shed more light on the reality of living with high sensitivity and inspire more HSPs to embrace their empathetic, generous, and loving natures.

• Hosted/produced by Kimberly Marshall
• Edited by Fonzie Try Media
• Artwork by Tara Corola