In Tell Me This: Voices, Stories, and Scholarship of Belonging, a diverse array of voices—including educators, leaders, researchers, and parents—combines to tell a rich and complex story of human connection. This groundbreaking work blends rigorous academic research with deeply personal narratives, offering a unique exploration of belonging in its many forms. Journey with the authors as they unravel the complex, fluid nature of belonging through podcast interviews, intimate personal stories and reflections, and in-depth literature reviews. Leaning into the stories shared over several years of a podcast and evidence from multiple scholarly perspectives, this book is a journey into belonging that challenges our definitions, considers the senses of belonging, and emphasizes belonging to self. Tell Me This both illuminates the concept of belonging and provides practical strategies for educators fostering inclusive learning environments, leaders building cohesive teams and organizations, researchers exploring human connection, and individuals facilitating professional development. Whether you're an academic, practitioner, or simply curious about the human experience, this work will challenge and inspire you. Tell Me This is more than a book—it's an invitation to understand and nurture the fundamental human need for connection. Join us on a transformative journey to understand and cultivate belonging—one story, one voice at a time.

Dr. Carey Borkoski is an Associate Professor in the Department of Education Specialties at Loyola University Maryland, where she teaches, coaches, and advises students in the Master of Education Leadership and Executive Leadership programs. With expertise in belonging, student onboarding, coaching, and identity development,Dr. Borkoski's work aligns closely with Loyola's mission of educating the whole person. Her research, situated at the intersection of belonging, holistic education, leadership, and learning, explores the role of coaching, community, and inquiry in facilitating student development and promoting deeper learning. Dr. Brianne Roos is an Assistant Professor and director of the undergraduate program in the Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences at Loyola University Maryland. Her multifaceted career spans clinical practice in medical speech-language pathology, academia, and research, with a consistent focus on fostering connection and well-being.

Dr. Brianne Roos is an Assistant Professor and director of the undergraduate program in the Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences at Loyola University Maryland. Her multifaceted career spans clinical practice in medical speech-language pathology, academia, and research, with a consistent focus on fostering connection and well-being Dr. Roos's research interests include belonging, stress management, well-being, and fostering connection among students and faculty. Her work explores and addresses the challenges faced by individuals in academic environments, with the goal of creating more supportive and inclusive spaces for learning and growth. Dr. Roos is actively involved in faculty development across disciplines. She facilitates workshops on teaching and learning, sharing her expertise and insights to enhance pedagogical practices university-wide. She strives to bridge the gap between theory and practice by consistently seeking alignment between established high-impact educational practices and innovative, engaged pedagogy. This philosophy is evident in her publications, presentations, podcasts, and classroom practices, which all aim to connect theoretical foundations with practical applications that center the whole person. Dr. Roos's commitment to exploring and promoting belonging extends beyond traditional academic boundaries. She co-hosts a podcast dedicated to belonging, where she engages with a diverse array of guests. These conversations not only provide valuable insights but also contribute data to her ongoing research on belonging in various contexts, including during the pandemic, in leadership roles, in interpersonal relationships, and in grief. Her ongoing efforts continue to shape approaches to teaching, learning, and personal growth in higher education and beyond. Outside of work, Dr. Roos loves to spend time with her husband at track meets and field hockey games, cheering for their two teenage daughters.;