EducationKids & FamilySociety & CultureRelationships

MCEC Podcast

Military Child Education Coalition

Every move. Every new school. Every time a military kid starts fresh, there's a story worth hearing and hands-on strategies to help! For educators, family members, and those who work with military families, in this podcast, we listen deeply, learn from experts, and celebrate the lives of military-connected children and young adults. We explore the academic, emotional, and social landscapes they navigate — connecting families and communities to resources, organizations, and schools that help every child show up college-, work-, and life-ready.

Play

Open in

24 episodes
Avg 35 min
English

Episodes 24

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

#383
Monday · 55 min
Advocacy - All the Small, Big Things
Most of us operate in a system of "this is the way it is." But we don't have to! Jennifer Holliday spent two decades volunteering as an Army spouse before becoming Alabama’s Military Family Liaison, one of the first positions of its kind in the country. In this episode, Jen talks about how she connects military families with resources across the state and advocates for policies that make their lives easier. She shares how Alabama brought the Purple Star Schools program to the state and how one conversation with a spouse led to a law that lets military families use their federal shot records at school registration. She calls these changes “small big things,” meaning fixes that sound minor but make a real difference in the lives of military-connected families. Join us and learn how to create positive change using all the small steps to reach new finish lines. Show Notes: Resources-- The Heroes Welcome Initiative of Alabama The Military Child Education Coalition Biography for Jennifer Holliday: Jennifer Holliday serves as the Military Family Liaison for the State of Alabama, a position created in 2020 to give military families a voice at the state level. In this role, she connects military-connected families with resources across Alabama, works with installations, schools, and community organizations, and advocates for state policies that improve quality of life for service members and their families. Before stepping into this role, Jennifer spent more than 20 years as an Army spouse, raising three children through multiple moves and deployments while volunteering with family readiness groups and in her children’s schools. She is based in Huntsville, Alabama. This episode is made possible through generous funding from the USAA Foundation. Mixed & mastered by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, TX, USA. Related MCEC Podcast Episodes: Episode: "What Purple Star Means to Parents" published 12.12.23 Episode: "MIC3: Real World Impact" published 6.11.24 Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram
#382
September 30 · 48 min
Brave Enough to Ask
If you're listening to this and wondering whether what's happening at home is "bad enough" to talk about, this episode is for you. If you're a friend, a teacher, or a neighbor who has noticed something and doesn't know what to say, it's for you too. Dr. Ingrid Herrera-Yee joins us for a conversation about domestic abuse and domestic violence in military families: what it looks like, why reaching out feels so hard, and what happens when you finally do. There is no shame in asking for help. There's only courage, and people ready to meet you there, as many times as it takes. Today's episode goes beyond the psychology and into the practical: how do you speak up? And what will happen next? SHOW NOTES This podcast is made possible through generous funding by the USAA Foundation. Mixed and mastered by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas, USA. Biography for Dr. Ingrid Herrera-Yee: Dr. Herrera-Yee’s background in research is extensive and her knowledge of military-connected communities is even deeper. Her expertise spans from Military Suicide Prevention/Postvention and Policy SME, Researcher, Data Scientist, Speaker, Writer and Founder to a personal lens of being a military spouse. Her approach is refreshing: she speaks without judgment and with genuine empathetic clarity. Her focus on the research and actionable steps enable movement beyond the typical conversation around domestic abuse. It is her passion “to help people” especially after being witness to the needs in her own military-connected life. Her career continues to focus on advocacy and work on suicide prevention, mental health awareness and fighting stigma, and supporting our military families and communities. RESOURCES: National Domestic Violence Hotline 888-779-SAFE (888-799-7233) The Military Family Advocacy Program Department of War Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate Locator [how to find your nearest Family Advocacy Program] The Military Family Advocacy Program, Department of War DODi 6400.06 [Department of Defense Instruction 6400.06] Military OneSource, Department of War, Family Advocacy Program War Department Policies Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Department of War
#381
September 26 · 31 min
Study Buddies on the Move
If your kitchen table has ever turned into a homework war zone at 9 p.m., this episode is for you. We're talking about Tutor.com, the resource that lets military-connected kids get one-on-one help for free, so you can finally retire from pretending you remember how to factor polynomials. Tutor.com covers more than 250 education topics, helps students build study habits that actually stick, and will review essays before they're turned in (no more "I think it's good?" at midnight). Through its connection to The Princeton Review, it also offers test prep that can take some of the dread out of the big exams. And it isn't just for older kids, either, because Tutor.com helps our youngest learners grow into strong, confident readers. Whether your student is sounding out their first chapter book or staring down the SAT or even if they are building a resume, tune in to hear how this resource can bring a little more peace to your evenings and a lot more confidence to your kids. Show Notes: This show is provided through generous funding by the USAA Foundation. Mixed and mastered by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas, USA. RESOURCES: Tutor.com Tutor.com for Military and Military Families Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) Military Child Education Coalition Biography for Guest Maureen Haney: Maureen Haney is a Senior Program Manager for Tutor.com Military and Government Programs. She has been with Tutor.com for over 13 years and is part of the team that focuses on Tutor.com/military outreach and customer service for military-connected families. She is a military brat from birth, born on Guam and attended 9 different schools in many locations before proudly graduating from a DOD high school in the United Kingdom. She is now an Air Force Spouse and she and her husband, Patrick, are currently stationed in San Antonio, TX. Maureen holds degrees in Journalism & Mass Communication as well as Technical & Professional Writing from the University of New Mexico. She started her career in Public Affairs for state government agencies in New Mexico and Virginia but has found her passion lies in working with military families like her own. Sharing the no-cost Tutor.com/military resource with families around the world feels like something she was born to do.
#380
September 16 · 36 min
Simple Acts of Listening Save Lives
Join us and sit down with the Objective Zero Foundation, a nonprofit built on a simple idea: veteran and military suicide can be prevented through connection and listening. Objective Zero operates a free, anonymous mobile app that connects service members, veterans, and their families to peer support and mental health resources, working from the belief that suicide can be prevented through the simple act of listening. We talk about how the organization trains volunteer peer supporters, called Pathfinders, who provide emotional support and help reduce loneliness and stigma for those struggling, and what military-connected families can do to recognize when someone needs to be heard. It's a conversation about presence, community, and how something as small as a conversation can make a real difference. If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by call or text. Resources: https://www.objectivezero.org/ https://militarychild.org https://afsp.org/ https://www.dspo.mil// https://www.dspo.mil/Home/Tools/Resource-Library/spm/SP-Prevention-Outreach-Toolkit/ https://cssrs.columbia.edu/the-columbia-scale-c-ssrs/about-the-scale/ https://www.war.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4448597/department-of-war-releases-its-annual-report-on-suicide-in-the-military-for-cal/ Glori Fernandez Contact Information: Glori@ObjectiveZero.org Glori Fernandez Biography: Glori is a grown-up military-connected child herself. She now represents the other side of military-connected families as a spouse and mom to four military-connected children and works for our service members as Director of Objective Zero Foundation, providing hands-on support to over 3000 volunteers and representatives -- internationally and 24/7. Her heart is truly in this work because she lives it. When she's not saving lives, running an organization, and building out new communities through technology, you can find her in the garden where she loves working in the yard to protect her peace of mind. Mixed & Mastered by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas, USA. Made possible through generous funding by the USAA Foundation. Related MCEC Podcast Episodes: #GotMySix, published 9.2.25 Mental Health Care and Military Families, published 9.10.24 Not All Heroes Wear Capes, published 12.6.22
#379
September 5 · 34 min
I Am Not Alone - Caregiving Youth
"It is a community to be seen and to be heard." Military-connected children make up a community of friends, advocates, caregivers, and leaders, and today we sit down with Seylah Stephens to hear what that looks like in her own life. Her honest, encouraging words are a reminder that no one has to go it alone, and that being recognized as you are may be one of the greatest gifts there is. Seylah shares her story of finding her place, first within her family, and then alongside other young people who understood her experience, and how that sense of belonging became the foundation for her own leadership. SHOW NOTES Biography for Seylah Stephens: Seylah tells us: "I am currently studying clinical psychology at University of California, San Diego. In my free time, I really enjoy being out in nature and practicing self care! Connecting with others is a huge part of my life, and hanging with my loved ones such as my family and friends keeps me grounded and motivated." Resources: Military Child Education Coalition Website David Nguyễn, Mr. International Student Self-Efficacy of Leadership: A Within-Group Analysis. 2015. Dugan, J. P., Garland, J. L., Jacoby, B., & Gasiorski, A. (2008). Understanding Commuter Student Self-Efficacy for Leadership: A Within-Group Analysis. NASPA Journal, 45(2), 282–310. https://doi.org/10.2202/1949-6605.1951 Oberle E. Social-emotional competence and early adolescents' peer acceptance in school: Examining the role of afternoon cortisol. PLoS One. 2018 Feb 20;13(2):e0192639. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192639. PMID: 29462163; PMCID: PMC5819800. Parkhill, C.L. Deans, L.A. Chapin. Pre-leadership processes in leadership training for adolescents. Children and Youth Services Review, Volume 88, 2018, Pages 375-379. Shah EN, Szwedo DE and Allen JP (2024) Adolescent close friendships, self-perceived social acceptance, and peer-rated likeability as predictors of wellbeing in young adulthood. Front. Dev. Psychol. 2:1435727. doi: 10.3389/fdpys.2024.1435727 This episode is provided by generous funding from the USAA Foundation. Mixed and mastered by Concentus, Media, Inc., Temple, Texas, USA. Related MCEC Podcast Episodes: The Other Kind of Service - Caregiving Youth published 9.2.26 Military Kids as Caregivers published 4.29.25 S2S: Students Supporting Students published 5.25.25
#378
September 2 · 33 min
The Other Kind of Service - Caregiving Youth
Before school. After school. In the middle of the night when something goes wrong. Liz, Kasen, and Audrey have all learned to carry weight most of their peers never have to think about. They show up and care for a family member who needs them, again and again, in ways that rarely get noticed and even more rarely get thanked. They're not alone: an estimated 3.4-5.4 million youth provide essential caregiving in the U.S., and yet there's no national system in place at schools, hospitals, or doctor's offices to even recognize a child as a caregiver. In this episode, these three incredible young people open up about what that invisible work actually looks like day to day: the responsibility that arrives too early, the exhaustion that goes unspoken, and just how rare it was to feel truly understood — until they found other kids living the same reality. They talk about what changed when they found each other at MCEC, and what it means to finally feel seen and heard by people who simply get it. Julie Coffey, who helps lead the Caregiving Youth Student Leadership Program, joins the conversation to share how the program gives these young caregivers something they didn't know they were missing — a peer community built around the kind of service no one sees, but everyone needs. SHOW NOTES Guests: Liz. Kasen. Audrey. Julie Coffey: our beloved Student Well-Being Manager at MCEC. Julie manages the Caregiving Youth Student Leadership Program, as well as many of our other student initiatives, like Student-2-Student (s2s) and the Frances Hesselbein Leadership Program. As a former educator, counselor, and a military-connected Caregiving Youth herself, Julie dedicates herself to helping military-connected students recognize their place of belonging in this world. Resources: https://militarychild.org Information about the Caregiving Youth Student Leadership Program: https://militarychild.org/programs-and-initiatives/caregiving-youth-student-leadership-program/ Citations: Armstrong-Carter E, Siskowski C, Cornish NR, Olson E. Adolescents' caregiving for family: Associations with mental health and academic performance. J Res Adolesc. 2025 Sep;35(3):e70045. doi: 10.1111/jora.70045. PMID: 40586181; PMCID: PMC12221208. Miller KEM, Hart JL, Useche Rosania M, Coe NB. Youth Caregivers of Adults in the United States: Prevalence and the Association Between Caregiving and Education. Demography. 2024 Jun 1;61(3):829-847. doi: 10.1215/00703370-11383976. PMID: 38785364; PMCID: PMC11539003. Mixed and mastered by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas, USA. This episode is made possible by generous funding from the USAA Foundation. Related MCEC Podcast Episodes: Military Kids as Caregivers published 4.29.25 S2S: Students Supporting Students published 5.25.25 S2S: Helping Students Succeed published 8.20.24
#377
August 21 · 34 min
Protecting Kids' Mental Health, Joyfully
Every child faces some level of stress, and for many, that includes Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs, which can increase the risk of mental health struggles down the road. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Whitney Raglin Bignall, Associate Clinical Director at The Kids Mental Health Foundation, about how protective factors like strong relationships, a sense of belonging, and yes, JOY, can help buffer kids against that risk. We explore what protective factors actually are, how they work alongside joy to build real resilience, and simple ways caregivers, educators, and communities can strengthen them in a child's everyday life. It's a grounded, hopeful conversation about turning joy into more than just a nice moment, but a genuine source of protection for kids facing hard things. Show Notes: Mixed and mastered by Concentus Media, Temple, Texas, USA. This show is provided by generous funding by the USAA Foundation. Biography for Dr. Whitney Raglin Bignall: Dr. Raglin Bignall is the Associate Clinical Director of The Kids Mental Health Foundation and the Director of Community Impact and Evaluation, where she utilizes her expertise in mental health disparities, cultural factors, and community partnerships to drive the foundation's mission to give expert-created resources to all U.S. communities so everyone can understand and promote children's mental health. Her vision is to build a world where mental health is a part of the upbringing of every single child. She enjoys having the opportunity to build relationships that break stigma and provide care that includes the whole child, family and community. She strives to become part of a family's village and network of care because she knows how essential and influential each member of that network can be. Resources: https://www.kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org/ https://militarychild.org https://www.cdc.gov/aces/about/index.html Broaden & Build Theory: Fredrickson BL. What Good Are Positive Emotions? Rev Gen Psychol. 1998 Sep;2(3):300-319. doi: 10.1037/1089-2680.2.3.300. PMID: 21850154; PMCID: PMC3156001. Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. American Psychologist, 56(3), 218–226. Related MCEC Podcasts for Deeper Listening: The Power of Positive Childhood Experiences, published 7.30.2024 Mental Health Care and Military Families, published 9.10.2024 Mental Health Education in Schools, published 9.19.2023
#376
July 31 · 52 min
Community and Commitment, Minute for Minute
Here, at Brooklyn Youth Sports Club, values are built in young people each moment as they enter into a study-to-play contract, minute for minute. Commitment, integrity, service, and dedication are just a few of the life-skills that BKYSC teaches alongside basketball, business, and trust. The students at BKYSC face many challenges, as do military-connected students: transitory lifestyles, instability and the stress-factors associated with it, and all of the typical struggles of adolescence. How do we, as caregivers to young people, best help? Stay present, whether physically or mentally. How do you create a community? Build it. How do you invest in the future? Speak it into existence, and then show up every day, day-after-day, and expect great things from your kids. They will rise. Show Notes: This show is made possible through generous funding from USAA. Mixing and mastering from Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas, USA. Resources: Brooklyn Youth Sports Club https://www.brooklynyouthsportsclub.org/ Military Child Education Coalition: https://militarychild.org Pygmalion Effect: Eden, D., & Shani, A. B. (1982). Pygmalion goes to boot camp: Expectancy, leadership, and trainee performance. Journal of Applied Psychology, 67(2), 194–199. Confirmation Bias: Wason, P. C. (1960). On the failure to eliminate hypotheses in a conceptual task. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 12, 129–140. Biography for Guest Host, Damon Lawrence: Damon Lawrence is formally know as the Director of Programs and Family Engagement for Brooklyn Youth Sports Club. Also know as, "Coach Dame", or "Dad", Damon can ball with the best of them or suit up for corporate work. These days, he focuses on instilling the values that young people will carry with themselves throughout their lives, values that Damon's own community helped pour into him at a young age. With a large family and an even larger community, they helped give him the jumping off point to become the man he is. For the kids at BKYSC, despite the many setbacks they may face due to life circumstance, he has helped them create an vision of growth, expansion, and excellence.
#375
July 23 · 42 min
Protecting the Promise - Military Families and the Special Education Experience
Imagine moving every year (or more)! Finding a new dentist, a new doctor, a new playground, the best spot for coffee, a haircut, a new school, a new friend! Now, visualize having all of these tasks and a child with special needs who needs supportive services right away. We sat down with the legal analyst and the director of research from Partners in PROMISE to talk about what the data really says about military-connected special needs families, and why every number in that research represents a family figuring out how to make it work, again and again. Behind every policy gap and every statistic is a parent who's become an expert in something they never signed up for. Come for the research. Stay to witness the incredible lengths these families go to, providing emotional stability and educational continuity for their children. Show Notes: This podcast is made possible through generous funding by the USAA Foundation. This show is mixed by Concentus Media in Temple, Texas, USA. Resources: Partners in PROMISE https://thepromiseact.org/ Partners in PROMISE Data & Reports https://thepromiseact.org/our-data/ Military Child Education Coalition https://militarychild.org Our Guests: Crystal DeVoss Mahany, MA, MPS Crystal has worked as a paralegal, advocate, policy researcher, and legal analyst in Special Education Law, and has taught courses on Special Education as a Civil Right and Disability as a Tenet of Diversity. A founding member of Partners in PROMISE, she serves as Adjunct Faculty at George Washington University. As a military spouse and mother to two military-connected sons with special needs, Crystal is a fierce advocate with a focus on Civil Rights, Disability Rights, and Special Education Law. Dr. Jenna Kremkow Jenna is an associate professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Elmhurst University, where her research focuses on the experiences of military families with children with autism and the use of technology to improve communication outcomes for these families. She holds an MS and PhD from Penn State with an emphasis in autism and augmentative and alternative communication, and has worked clinically as a speech-language pathologist in schools, clinics, and early intervention settings. Her goal is to use data-driven research to support policy changes that improve special education services for military families.
#374
July 7 · 29 min
Stranger No More - Orion Military Scholars
Picture this: the cool kids, the right clothes, the music that impresses, covering that acne, wiping those sweaty palms, and most importantly, getting the kids to include you, even though you’ve moved three times in these four years of high school. High school can be rough, especially if you’re moving every year or more often. With an Orion Scholarship, though, a homebase for your high school years is possible, and affordable. So maybe, you can at least face the challenges of high school with the same familiar faces by your side, because everyone deserves to be known. Join us to learn more about the Orion Military Scholars Program and how you can become a part of it today. Show Notes: Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas, USA. This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the USAA Foundation. Resources: The Orion Military Scholars https://orionmilitary.org Military Child Education Coalition https://militarychild.org Biography for guest host Lisa Smith Molinari: Co-founder of national nonprofit Orion Military Scholars, award-winning author, attorney, military spouse, and mom, our guest Lisa Molinari's talents are far-reaching and have a wide and deep impact. Her focus on helping families stems from her lived experience, and her approach to life is full of humor, practical strategies, compassion, and the wisdom that only comes from weathering storms. The Orion Military Scholars Program provides financial resources to military-connected students so they can have a consistent high school experience, without moves, at boarding schools across the country that provide excellent educational and social opportunities. Lisa is there to walk families through every step of the way as they navigate the application and process to become Orion Military Scholars.
#373
June 11 · 28 min
Stars, Stripes, and Sesame Street
As a staple of our childhoods and a safe space for our children, we all know and love Sesame Street. Perhaps we were unaware of the resources available specific to military families. Join us and long-time expert and representative of Sesame Street, Rocio Galarza, as we explore the exciting website for families, educators, and community members who support military-connected children on Sesame Street for Military Families! Wellness, everyday challenges, deployments, grief, healing, military life, routines, and building bonds are just a few of the topics that you can find outstanding resources and activities made for you and your child. In this episode, we highlight the recent updates to the website that make it even more user friendly for educators and families. Show Notes: Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas. This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the USAA Foundation. Resources: Sesame Street for Military Families https://sesamestreetformilitaryfamilies.org/ Military Child Education Coalition https://militarychild.org/ Military OneSource https://militaryonesource.mil Biography for guest host Rocio Galarza: Rocio is the Vice President for Sesame Street's U.S. Educational Programs, targeting social impact and how to connect families with necessary resources. She has been with Sesame Street for over twenty years and has consistently focused on Social Emotional well-being for children and families, as well as how to strategize on a larger national scale to secure resources for programs providing this safety at scale. We are honored to explore the recent updates to the website Sesame Street for Military Families with Rocio!
#372
Dec 23, 2025 · 13 min
Stability in Motion
Stability in Motion Description: Listen as Mary Bier, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC), discusses what military-connected children need most to thrive amid constant change. Drawing on both professional leadership and lived experience as a military parent, she reflects on the importance of stability, belonging, and prepared adults. This conversation offers parents and educators thoughtful insight into how consistent support helps military kids learn, lead, and feel grounded wherever they go. This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the USAA Foundation.    Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.  Bio:  Mary Bier, President & Chief Executive Officer of MCEC  Mary Bier, MBA, is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC). A seasoned leader with more than 20 years of experience in business strategy, organizational leadership, and community engagement, she brings a dynamic vision to MCEC’s mission of ensuring every military-connected child has access to quality educational opportunities.  As a military spouse and parent, Bier has firsthand insight into the unique challenges and strengths of military families. This lived experience fuels her passion for advocating for military-connected students, ensuring they receive the educational support and opportunities they deserve.  Bier’s professional background spans both the corporate and nonprofit sectors, where she has successfully led high-impact initiatives, built collaborative partnerships, and served as a subject matter expert on veteran and military family issues. She has been invited to the White House to share insights on military-connected programs, testified before the New York City Department of Veteran Affairs, and facilitated expert panels on military family well-being.  Prior to joining MCEC, Bier held leadership roles in business strategy, customer success, and military initiatives, where she was instrumental in scaling operations, optimizing talent development, and fostering inclusive organizational cultures. Her ability to translate strategic goals into actionable outcomes has driven mission impact across multiple organizations.  At MCEC, Bier is committed to expanding the organization’s reach, deepening partnerships, and championing the needs of military-connected children. Under her leadership, MCEC will continue to be a trusted resource for families, educators, and policymakers dedicated to supporting military students on their educational journey.  Bier holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Management and Organizational Behavior and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from California Lutheran University.  She resides with her family in Madison, Wisconsin.       
#371
Dec 2, 2025 · 38 min
The Value of Togetherness
Baileigh Levée is a military spouse, mom, and personal blogger. She discusses how her military family has navigated holiday celebrations and traditions over the years, while living all over the world. She shares tips and resources for creating new holiday traditions and making it fun for the whole family. This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Air and Space Forces Spouses’ Club of Washington, D.C. To learn more, visit https://www.afoscdc.com/. Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas. Show Notes: Bio: Baileigh Levée Growing up in small town Louisiana, though we proudly boasted a local Air Force Base, I had little to no knowledge of military service or the military lifestyle. My experience was likely the same as most Americans: It was a story my dad told, an old image of my grandfather in a uniform, it was comforting and the source of pride. But yet, it was distant and irrelevant to me as a kid. In life, expect the unexpected. I met my now Marine as a freshman in college, and together we have been married 15 years with three children. Therefore, the military lifestyle is ALL they know. While their birth certificates are part of their origin story, if you ask them where they are from, they will quickly answer, “everywhere.” East coast to west coast and now with two duty stations in foreign countries, our family motto is “home is where we are together.” Becoming a wife and mother in a lifestyle that was unchartered territory for me has been both thrilling and humbling. There are many days when I cannot believe that this is my life, as it is such a departure from the small town where I grew up. The challenges I’ve faced have challenged everything I know. Through the highs and lows, from every address, my experience as a military spouse and mother has been my greatest adventure and accomplishment. I have found personal joy and a creative outlet in sharing our story and experiences in the hopes that it stands as a way for us to relate to others, as well as an opportunity to virtually take our family and friends along with us. No matter where we go, we have found these principals to be universal: Home is people, not places. Value those things that have no price tag. No grit, no pearl. www.LeveesinLondon.com Resources: Activity Advent Calendar Template https://www.leveesinlondon.com/_files/ugd/71da9b_53714a40cd8d48beafa747d95777399d.pdf
#370
Nov 25, 2025 · 25 min
BigFuture: College and Career Readiness
BigFuture’s mission is to ensure every student has free resources to plan for life after high school. Listen as Greg Rafal, Director of BigFuture Program Implementation at College Board, shares how they are focused on supporting all students plan for their future. He also discusses the importance of consistent college and career guidance for our military-connected students, and how BigFuture is helping do just that. This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Naval Officers’ Spouses’ Club Washington, D.C. To learn more, visit https://www.noscdc.org/. Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas. Show Notes: Resources: The College Board https://www.collegeboard.org/ BigFuture https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/ Student Search Service https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/student-search-service Bio: Greg Rafal is the Director of BigFuture Program Implementation at College Board. In this role, his focus is to increase K-12 and caring adult awareness of BigFuture and to lead the BigFuture Live virtual community event strategy. Prior to his role at College Board, he worked in higher education. Most recently he was at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business where he oversaw global programs for undergraduate and MBA students. He also worked in international student admissions and student affairs at several other institutions. He received his MA in International Education and Training from American University and BA in Spanish/Political Science from Christopher Newport University. Greg is originally from northern Virginia and is based in Washington, DC.
#369
Nov 18, 2025 · 35 min
Purple Star Schools: The Gold Standard
The Purple Star School program is designed to help schools respond to the educational and social-emotional challenges military-connected children face during their transition to a new school. Listen as Pete LuPiba, “Founder of Purple Star Schools” discusses how the Purple Star Program is supporting military-connected students and families thrive. This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Mountain Home Spouses’ Club. To learn more, visit https://www.mountainhomeosc.org/ Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas. Show Notes: Resources: Ohio Department of Education https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Military-Resources/Schools/Purple-Star-Award Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3)-Ohio https://mic3.net/state/ohio/ National Advocate for Purple Star Schools https://militarychild.org/programs-and-initiatives/purple-star-schools/ Bio: Pete LuPiba is Ohio’s (MIC3) Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commissioner. Initially appointed in 2012 and duly reappointed by the Honorable Mike DeWine, Governor of Ohio in 2019. LuPiba serves as Deputy Director for the Office of Budget and Management in the State of Ohio. LuPiba formerly served as Public Affairs Officer at the Department of Education, 2007-2019. LuPiba founded the Purple Star School Award for Military family-friendly schools in 2015-2017. Purple Star is in 40+ States (*with 4,100+ Schools), including Virginia, Alaska, South Carolina, Florida, California, Texas, Idaho, Washington State, and New Hampshire – with 600 Purple Star Schools across Ohio. LuPiba was honored to serve as a key advisor and the Master of Ceremonies as Ohio formally launched the Collegiate Purple Star initiative as led by Governor Mike DeWine, and Chancellor Randy Gardner, and the Department of Higher Education. In November of 2022, fellow Ohioans, state MIC3 leaders around the country, and Governor Mike DeWine nominated LuPiba to be honored in the 30th Anniversary Class of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame. This Hall of Fame includes Ulysses S. Grant, Neil A. Armstrong, and John H. Glenn. In February of 2023, Adjutant General of the Ohio Army and Air National Guard; Major General John C. Harris, Jr. commissioned LuPiba as an Honorary Buckeye Colonel. LuPiba coordinated the effort to eliminate the professional educator licensure fee for teachers and coaches and administrators who have served or are serving in the Armed Forces’ Uniform – including the spouses of active-duty personnel. As of 2023, Military families in Ohio have saved more than $365,000. In 2017-2018, LuPiba developed a state-wide Military Signing Day ceremony for those young men and women choosing to join the Armed Forces to begin their career, including through the Branch Service Academies and ROTC Scholarships at Universities and Colleges. At the 2023 Ceremony, Ohio hosted more than 300 attendees in the State’s capital of Columbus at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. LuPiba served active-duty, enlisted United States Navy – deploying with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11 to Iraq in 2006. LuPiba completed his duty in the Armed Forces while attached to the Reserves – serving with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 26. LuPiba is an Alumnus of The Ohio State University and the University of Southern California. LuPiba is married to technology evangelist and cybersecurity expert, Jennifer. The LuPibas reside in greater Columbus with their five children; Sally, Corazon, Lincoln, Grant, and Washington.
#368
Nov 11, 2025 · 28 min
Special Education Advocacy for Military Families
Partners in PROMISE is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to Protect the Rights of Military children in Special Education and disability communities to ensure they receive equal access to an education. Listen as Dr. Jenna Kremkow and Carla Wyrsch discuss how the PROMISE advocates for military children with special and exceptional needs. This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Luke Spouses’ Club. To learn more, visit https://www.lukespousesclub.org/. Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas. Show Notes: Resources: Partners in PROMISE https://thepromiseact.org/ Partners in PROMISE Special Education & EFMP Binder https://thepromiseact.org/binder/ Educator Report https://thepromiseact.org/educators-report-partners-in-promise-2022-research-findings/ Bio: Jenna Kremkow is an associate professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Elmhurst University. She completed her MS and PhD at The Pennsylvania State University with an emphasis in autism, augmentative and alternative communication, child language disorders, and stakeholder training and perspectives. Clinically, Jenna has worked as a speech-language pathologist in elementary schools, outpatient clinics, and early intervention settings. Jenna teaches courses in augmentative and alternative communication, autism, language disorders in children, and research methods. One of her research areas focuses on the experiences of military families with children with autism and the use of technology to improve communication outcomes and quality of life for children with autism and their families. Her goal is to use research to support data-driven recommendations and policy changes to improve special education services for military families. Carla Wyrsch is the spouse of a retired United States Marine and mother of two. She has devoted her career to educating and advocating for children with disABILITIES. Her experience spans a variety of settings, including residential treatment facilities, military bases, public schools, and the Lerner School for Autism at the Cleveland Clinic. Currently, she is a School Operations Director with MIYO Health. In addition to her work with MIYO Health, Carla enjoys volunteering with Best Buddies of Greater Memphis, the Organization for Autism Research, and Partners in PROMISE as a content creator and advisory board member.
#367
Nov 4, 2025 · 38 min
How Policy Can Impact Military Families
Dr. Daniel Perkins and Dr. Jennifer Karre discuss the importance of policy in supporting military-connected students and families. Listen as they examine the implementation of four policy initiatives: Advance Enrollment (AE), the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), the Military Student Identifier (MSI), and the Purple Star School program. This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the West Point Spouses’ Club. To learn more, visit https://westpointspousesclub.org/. Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas. Show Notes: Resources: Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness https://militaryfamilies.psu.edu/ Evaluation of State Implementation of Supportive Policies to Improve Educational Experiences and Achievement for K-12 Military Children https://militaryfamilies.psu.edu/projects/view/speak-military-children/ Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission https://mic3.net Military Student Identifier https://militarychild.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-104-MSI-Position-Statement_20250103-1.pdf Military Child Education Coalition https://www.militarychild.org Bio: Daniel F. Perkins, Ph.D., is a Professor of Family and Youth Resiliency and Policy at Penn State University and also the Director and Principal Scientist of the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State, a university-wide applied research center. Dr. Perkins has been designing and evaluating strengths-based family and youth development programs in 4-H and Cooperative Extension and leading complex projects for over 25 years. His work involves teaching, research, and outreach through the Penn State Cooperative Extension Service. One of his primary areas of focus is in fostering the well-being of military service members, veterans, and their families through the Clearinghouse. In his role as Principal Scientist, he is able to facilitate the translation of science into action by providing comprehensive, science-based programs and technical assistance to professionals working with military service members, veterans and their families. Jennifer Karre, Ph.D. is a Research & Evaluation Scientist at the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State. Her Ph.D. is in Developmental Psychology. For over a decade, her role at the Clearinghouse has centered around program and policy evaluation. She has worked on evaluations of programs and policies for Service Members and their families related to fathering, parenting, child and youth development, child and youth educational support, couple relationships, reintegration after deployment, financial readiness, and emergency preparedness.
#366
Oct 28, 2025 · 35 min
The Power of Positive Childhood Experiences
Positive childhood experiences (PCEs) are foundational to a child’s healthy development and well-being. Listen as Dr. Elizabeth Hisle-Gorman and Dr. Binny Chokshi discuss promoting PCEs and how the Healthy Outcomes From Positive Experiences (HOPE) model supports strengthening families. This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Team Seymour Spouses’ Club. To learn more, visit https://www.teamseymourspouses.com/. Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas. Show Notes: Resources: Healthy Outcomes From Positive Experiences (HOPE) https://positiveexperience.org/ Hidden Heroes- Elizabeth Dole Foundation https://hiddenheroes.org/ Operation Purple Camp- National Military Family Association https://www.militaryfamily.org/programs/operation-purple/operation-purple-camp/ The Military Child Well-being Toolkit https://www.militarychild.org/resource/wellbeing-toolkit/ Military OneSource https://www.militaryonesource.mil/non-medical-counseling/ Bio: Dr. Hisle-Gorman is Director of the Military Family Research Division and Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics. She began her career as a social worker working in neighborhood development efforts in Washington, DC to support and strengthen families to prevent family violence and overcome hardship. However, a move to a military town with her active-duty military spouse, re-focused her on work with military families. She served as a Child Protective Services officer in Onslow County, North Carolina and worked extensively with military families. After completing her Ph.D. in Social Work at the University of Maryland, Dr. Hisle-Gorman taught and worked in community development and was the senior author on one of the first articles to document the clinical effects of military deployment on children. She subsequently moved to USUHS to expand its research portfolio exploring the effects of military life on children. Her research interests are focused the impact of past military deployment on military children, effects of parental injury and family violence on pediatric health and mental health, and healthcare usage trends in military pediatrics. However, she has also worked on projects examining autism in children, indicators of immunization completion, neonatal health, care for transgender individuals, healthcare disparities, and the effects of medications on children. Dr. Hisle-Gorman has significant experience working with the Military Health System Data Repository and conducting retrospective research studies about military-connected children using the MDR. Dr. Hisle-Gorman most enjoys mentoring medical students, residents, and junior faculty on research projects, and teaching them the research process on an individual basis. Dr. Binny Chokshi is a general pediatrician, with a focus on adolescents and young adults. Dr. Chokshi's research and education interests are focused on understanding the impact of early life stressors on health across the life course. To mitigate the effects of trauma and stress on children, Dr. Chokshi advocates for a trauma-informed approach to healthcare. She has developed web-based e-modules to train outpatient pediatricians in responding to childhood adversity with a trauma-informed care approach and has also trained medical students and residents at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. In a prior role at Children's National Hospital, she also worked with hospital leadership to develop hospital wide trauma-informed practices. In her current role at USUHS, Dr. Chokshi examines how military specific factors may impact child and and family health, with a current focus on how social determinants of health such as food security impact military child health. Dr. Chokshi is also passionate on promoting positive childhood experiences, to foster healthy development in children and counter the impacts of stressful experiences. Dr. Chokshi has a vested interest in medical education and completed Masters in Education at the George Washington University School of Education and Human Development. On a national level, Dr. Chokshi serves on the Expert Leadership Team for the American Academy of Pediatrics project “Building Capacity for Trauma-Informed Pediatric Care”.
#365
Oct 21, 2025 · 35 min
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
Dr. Emily Goodman-Scott discusses Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and the importance of the school counselors’ role in meeting the needs of all students. She highlights the benefits of universal mental health screenings in educational settings and how buy-in and support is critical to successful implementation. This podcast is made possible by generous funding from Hanscom Spouses Club. To learn more, visit https://hanscomsc.org/index.html. Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas. Show Notes: Resources: School Counselors for MTSS: https://www.schoolcounselors4mtss.com/ Anti-Racism Counseling in Schools and Communities by Cheryl Holcomb McCoy https://imis.counseling.org/store/detail.aspx?id=78181 Supporting All Students: Multitiered Systems of Support from an Antiracist and Critical Race Theory Lens https://www.schoolcounselors4mtss.com/_files/ugd/7ddd06_87e7df0c2f1649649b039fb7277fa320.pdf Bio: Dr. Emily Goodman-Scott is an Associate Professor, Graduate Program Director, and School Counseling Coordinator at Old Dominion University, in VA, where she teaches the next generation of school counselors. Before that, she spent several years working as an elementary school counselor, a special education teacher, and in multiple mental health settings counseling youth. Dr. Goodman-Scott is passionate about researching, writing, and presenting on school counseling topics, including MTSS. She’s presented across the U.S., offering trainings, keynotes, pre-conferences, and district-partnerships. She is the lead editor of the book, A School Counselor’s Guide to MTSS (2019, Routledge), and with colleagues authored Making MTSS Work, published by ASCA (2020). After nearly 10 years as a board member for the Virginia School Counselor Association, Dr. Goodman-Scott served as Chair of the VSCA Board (2019-2020) and is presently the co-chair of the Research Committee. She co-coordinates a national network of school counseling faculty, was president of the Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling (2020-2021), and represented Virginia at several White House School Counseling Convenings under First Lady Michelle Obama. She recently was elected to the American Counseling Association governing council (2022-2025). She is on the editorial review board for multiple journals related to school counseling, including ASCA’s Professional School Counseling journal. Finally, she is proud to be a recipient of the 2020 American Counseling Association Research Award, and the 2018 Insiders Business: “Top 40 Under 40” recognition. She lives in Virginia with her spouse and three spunky young children. On the weekends you can find her at a nearby park, leading Girl Scouts, or making brunch with her family. You can follow her on Twitter: e_goodmanscott.
#364
Oct 14, 2025 · 40 min
Mental Health Education In Schools
“Are the kids okay?” Mental health in children and teens has been at the forefront of topics for concern, especially since the pandemic. Ross Szabo discusses the importance of mental health education in schools, and how we can normalize talking about it in our everyday conversations. This podcast is made possible by generous funding from Academy Spouses' Club https://www.usafaasc.org/ and Randolph Spouses’ Club https://randolphspousesclub.membershiptoolkit.com/home. Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas. Show Notes: Resources: https://humanpowerproject.com/ Bio: Ross Szabo Talking about emotions can be a challenge, but Ross’s brutally honest, relatable and humorous approach puts audiences at ease as they confront a difficult topic. When Ross was a freshman in college, everything on the surface seemed to be fine. He was making friends, getting good grades and had a fun social life. However, no one could have imagined how many emotions he was suppressing. Ross was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 16, was hospitalized for attempting to take his own life during his senior year of high school, and like so many other freshman, just wanted to fit in. He tried to hide what he was feeling to convince everyone that everything was ok, but that can only last for so long. Ross’s story resonates with the millions of college students who are putting on a happy face to hide their true emotions. Ross uses tasteful humor and insights to help participants understand common mental health conditions and individual differences. He also covers warning signs that students can look for in their friends and peers, as well as resources that can provide guidance in these sensitive situations. Ross is NOW the CEO of the Human Power Project. He is an award-winning mental health speaker, writer, trainer and Returned Peace Corps Volunteer. Ross has spoken to more than 1 million students about the importance of mental health and provided a positive example to empower them to seek help. He received the 2010 Didi Hirsch Removing the Stigma Leadership Award, 2012 Changing Minds Award and had his advocacy work entered into the Congressional Record. He is the co-author of Behind Happy Faces; Taking Charge of Your Mental Health and a blogger for The Huffington Post.

Showing 1–20 of 24 episodes