MCEC Podcast

Bolster Family Readiness with United Through Reading

Chief guardian and spokesperson of United Through Reading, CEO Dr. Sally Ann Zoll shares how the organization is finding ways to support connections during COVID-19.  In this episode hear more about their new initiative Readiness 365 that uses reading to bolster family readiness.

This podcast has been made possible thanks to the generous support provided by Fort Wainwright Community Spouses’ Club.

unitedthroughreading.org

 

Post about incorporating UTR in the school year: https://unitedthroughreading.org/5-techniques-to-incorporate-united-through-reading-in-school-days/

 

UTR articles with book recommendations and reading tips here: https://unitedthroughreading.org/category/reading-recommendations/

 

Information on READiness365 is on our website as well: https://unitedthroughreading.org/r365/

 

To listen to our other MCEC podcast with United Through Reading Molly Haskin from our pilot year check this out. Significance of Literacy for Military Kids with United Through Reading and Renee Bostick

As the multifaceted leader of United Through Reading, Sally serves as the chief guardian and spokesperson for the organization’s vision and mission, builds and sustains relationships with stakeholders and partners, and leads programs, finances, and internal team. In her distinguished career, Sally’s values for education are always evident.

Sally has a doctorate in educational leadership and management, a master’s degree in special education from the University of San Diego, and a BA in elementary education from Purdue University. From her first position as an elementary school teacher to her present leadership role, Sally has integrated her knowledge of education and educational technology with her talents for building and leading organizations of all sizes in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Sally is an Army spouse of more than 30 years and her son, an Army reservist, has served in Iraq and Afghanistan. https://unitedthroughreading.org/staff/sally-ann-zoll-ed-d/

Post Traumatic Growth

Listen with us as Jenny Lynne Stroup shares her family’s experience with mental health and military life. She discusses the importance of changing the narrative when it comes to discussing mental health and how she calls her experience Post Traumatic Growth.

"Sometimes it just takes one friend holding your hand to take the first step to help"

Jenny Lynne is the Outreach Coordinator for the Cohen Clinic at VVSD. She comes to this role as a seasoned military spouse who has spent her time at each duty station fostering community. She is also a freelance writer who uses stories to bridge the gap between the civilian and military communities. She is passionate about being a bridge-builder and sees her role as a military spouse as an opportunity to reach both communities.

This podcast has been made possible thanks to the generous support provided by the Military Spouses' Association 29 Palms.

Website: www.jennylynnestroup.com

Instagram: @jgsalias

Facebook: @jennylynnestroup

Twitter: @Jenny_Lynne_S

 

SD Cohen Clinic

https://vvsd.net/cohenclinicsandiego/

Facebook: @cohenclinicvvsd

Twitter: @cohenclinicVVSD
Headshot.jpeg (3.5 MB)

 

Cohen Veterans Network:

https://www.cohenveteransnetwork.org/

Facebook: @cohenveteransnetwork

Twitter: @CohenVeterans

                                                                   

 

Stressors and Coping Techniques for Remote Learners

Today we discuss some of the stressors our children are experiencing today with remote learning with licensed clinician social worker, Marla Monk. On staff at the Stephen A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Veterans Village of San Diego, Marla works with military families on developing various coping techniques not only for parents but also for military children.  As a military spouse herself, Marla, truly understands the military community and offers practical advice on empowering children during this unique time.

Marla Monk from the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Veterans Village of San Diego. The Cohen Clinic at VVSD is one of 16 mental health clinics nationwide under Stamford-based nonprofit Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) which focuses on providing targeted treatments for a variety of mental health challenges facing post-9/11 veterans and military families, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, transition challenges, and more. 

This podcast has been made possible thanks to the generous support provided by the Naval Officers' Spouses' Club of San Diego.

Last Week to Participate: Blue Star Families 2020 Military Family Lifestyle Survey

Please join us as we chat with Dr. Kim Hunt, Senior Research Manager at Blue Star Families, about their annual military family lifestyle survey. Dr. Hunt shares important topics identified in last year's survey, how they affect our military community and also highlights the focus and importance of completing this year's survey.

 

Show Notes:

The 2020 Military Family Lifestyle Survey is now open until October 16, 2020!

Blue Star Families, in collaboration with Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families, analyzes trends related to major shifts in military life issues and helps local and national government leaders better understand the realities that military, veteran, and National Guard/Reserve families face. 

Participate here: https://bluestarfam.org/survey/

 

Dr. Kim Hunt is the Senior Research Manager at Blue Star Families and has been active in education and the nonprofit sector for more than 30 years. She has completed multiple research and evaluations projects for military and veteran service organizations and has served on the Coordinating Council for the San Diego Military Family Collaborative. Together with her husband, a retired Navy officer, and their two daughters, Dr. Hunt moved 16 times throughout the US and Europe and has taught and run reading programs  for multiple age levels at a variety of public and private schools. These experiences prompted her interest in researching the experiences of highly mobile military children. Dr. Hunt holds a PhD from the University of San Diego in Leadership Studies with a dual focus on Nonprofit Management and Education Leadership.

 

This podcast has been made possible thanks to the generous support provided by Fort Campbell Spouses' Club and Scott Spouses' Club.

Findings of MCEC Military Kids NOW 2020 Education Survey

The President and CEO of MCEC, Dr. Rebecca Porter, and Helen Mowers, Instructional Systems Design Manager, share the impact and key findings from the Military Kids NOW 2020 Education Survey, as well as plans for how MCEC will continue to listen to the voices of the military-connected students, parents, and professionals who serve them.

To see the full report visit our website at: militarychild.org/mcecsurvey

To learn more about Purple Star School Programs visit https://www.militarychild.org/purplestarschools

The Jason Foundation: Help Prevent Youth Suicide

Brett Marciel Chief Communications Officer at The Jason Foundation shares startling statistics, strategies and resources on suicide prevention that every adult with a child in their life will want to hear. 

Show Notes:

https://jasonfoundation.com/

The Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI) is an educational organization dedicated to the awareness and prevention of youth suicide. JFI believes that awareness and education are the first steps to prevention. We want to establish a Triangle of Prevention by providing students, parents and teachers/youth workers the tools and resources to possibly identify and help at-risk youth.

A Friend Asks App https://jasonfoundation.com/get-involved/student/a-friend-asks-app/

The “A Friend Asks” App contains the following information:

• warning signs of suicidal ideation
• how to help a friend
• how to get help now
• what to do and what not to do
• the B1 Program

If in an immediate crisis, call 911.  If you, or a friend, need to talk with a counselor for help or need resources available in your area, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (anytime 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255) or use the Get Help Now button on the app.

B1 Program https://jasonfoundation.com/get-involved/student/b1-program/

Parent Program https://jasonfoundation.com/get-involved/parent/

Professional Development Series https://jasonfoundation.com/get-involved/educator-youth-worker-coach/professional-development-series/

Awareness #IWONTBESILENT https://jasonfoundation.com/get-involved/suicide-prevention-month/

CRISIS TEXT LINE Text Jason to 741741 The Jason Foundation has proudly partnered with Crisis Text Line© to deliver their amazing service to the families and communities that we serve.  The Crisis Text Line is a free 24/7 text line where trained crisis counselors support individuals in crisis.

Text “Jason” to 741741 to speak with a compassionate, trained Crisis Counselor.  Confidential support 24/7, for free.  The Crisis Counselor “helps you move from a hot moment to a cool calm to stay safe and healthy using effective active listening and suggested referrals - all through text message, using Crisis Text Line’s secure platform.”

Visit Crisis Text Line’s website for additional information.  www.crisistextline.org

This podcast is brought to you thanks to the generous support from HEB.

Past Student 2 Student® (S2S™) Deonte shares his journey from S2S to Now

Deonte Mayfield shares his journey from Student 2 Student® to college leading to his own military career. “Leadership is service” is a guiding force for Deonte as he explains how he learned discipline and focus through challenges and missteps.

Frances Hesslebein Student Leadership Program (FHSLP) is a highly selective leader development workshop for exemplary S2S students. This week-long experience is conducted in partnership with the US Military Academy in West Point, New York and US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. https://www.militarychild.org/programs/frances-hesselbein-student-leadership-program

Check out the video that Debra and Tracy reference in the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQonVwTLOzc

Then: “My teachers say I am a great public speaker and I represent my peers well.  I have some good grades, they may not be the best but they will be one day - I declare it.”

Now: “Hold onto that hope that you have…Finish the race that you set before yourself.”

This podcast as made possible thanks to the generous support from HEB.

Value of Service: Major General (Ret) Robert Ivany, Ph.D.

With four children who all chose to serve in some capacity, Major General (Ret) Robert Ivany, Ph.D. discusses the value of service by sharing about his own live experiences with his family during his 34-year Army career. 

This podcast has been made possible thanks to the generous support provided by Mountain Post Spouses Club.

BLOOM: Empowering the Military Teen

Co-founder of BLOOM, Elena, joins MCEC Student Programs Tracy Brown for a conversation about an online space she created with her best friend Matthew where military kids can connect and feel empowered.  BLOOM is a website designed for teens by teens highlighting military life, moving, people and experiences, offering different perspectives with articles, media and art.

BLOOM Empowering the Military Teen website: https://www.bloommilitaryteens.org/

Elena’s poem on Pride: https://www.bloommilitaryteens.org/poems/Pride

Bloom Creator Spotlight: https://www.bloommilitaryteens.org/creatorspotlight

If you want to hear more from Elena check out her podcast.

This podcast was made possible thanks to the generous support from HEB.

Past Student 2 Student® (S2S™) Juilan shares his journey from S2S to now

Julian Guerrero Jr. shares the impact of MCEC S2S, lessons learned along the way, and a message to educators on the impact they have in a student’s life. 

In 2009, Julian was an S2S student.  He attended MCEC® Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership Program™ and the National Training Seminar.  He attended the University of Oklahoma.  Now Julian is serving as the Executive Director of American Indian Education, Oklahoma State Department of Education.  From 2009 to now, he still serves students by working to ensure they have quality inclusive educational opportunities.... 

video interview at MCEC National Training Seminar 2009: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEADezY6rPU  

Learn more about NTS here: https://www.militarychild.org/programs/2021-national-training-seminar-nts

Frances Hesslebein Student Leadership Program (FHSLP) is a highly selective leader development workshop for exemplary S2S students. This week-long experience is conducted in partnership with the US Military Academy in West Point, New York and US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. https://www.militarychild.org/programs/frances-hesselbein-student-leadership-program

“One thing that surprised me the most was seeing my top 5 “character strengths,” simple, because I never took the time to research my own “top” trait strength.  Seeing that the strength was “fairness, equity, and justice,” I can better understand how much natural emphasis I actually commit to it.” Julian, 2009

“This training will affect my leadership skills by enhancing the way I evoke leadership and how to better or further develop the energy, attitude, responsibility, capacity, and behaviors that lead to the “long-term” success of the total program and the dedication it requires.” Julian 2009

This podcast as made possible thanks to the generous support from HEB.