Seen Heard Valued

One Child’s Journey From Overlooked to Outstanding - A Story of Hope, Resilience, and the Power of Leadership

by Jayme Braida

Jayme Braida’s journey from a challenging childhood marked by undiagnosed ADHD, family trauma, and feelings of invisibility to becoming an award-winning school principal is nothing short of remarkable. In Seen. Heard. Valued., Jayme blends heartfelt memoir with actionable leadership insights to illuminate the ways trauma shapes students—and educators alike—and how authentic connection can transform classrooms and schools.

This compelling story takes readers inside the emotional highs and lows of Jayme’s life: the pain of feeling unseen, the breakthroughs that made her a trauma-informed educator, and the leadership choices that earned her recognition as Iowa’s Elementary Principal of the Year and a National Distinguished Principal.

Written for educators, school leaders, and anyone passionate about equity and empathy in education, Seen. Heard. Valued. offers:

• An unvarnished look at the impact of trauma on learning and leadership

• Lessons on building trusting relationships with students and staff

• Practical strategies for leading with compassion and high expectations

• A message of hope and resilience for anyone navigating adversity

Whether you’re an aspiring principal, teacher, or advocate for kids, Jayme’s story will inspire you to see the potential in every child—and yourself.