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Conversations about the challenges military-connected kids face as they navigate multiple education systems from birth through high school.
Episodes
Tuesday Jun 04, 2024
Tuesday Jun 04, 2024
Dr. Sharon Hoover discusses the importance of prioritizing the mental health and well-being of students in schools, and how multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) provide a framework that supports the “whole child”.
This podcast is made possible by our partnership with The National Child Traumatic Stress Network and their generous support. To learn more, visit https://www.nctsn.org/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:
Resources:
MCEC Global Training Summit Pre-Summit Professional Development
Don’t miss our four pre-summit sessions focusing on Mental Health and Well-being, Monday, July 29, 2024:
- Promoting Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems for Military-Connected Students
- Mental Health Risk Factors and Suicide Prevention for Military Families
- Improving School Climate to Promote the Mental Health of Military-Connected Youth
- Pioneering Progress: Exploring Promising Practices of the DoDEA Grant Program for Military-Connected School Communities
https://www.militarychild.org/event/gts/gts-register/
National Center for School Mental Health
https://www.schoolmentalhealth.org/
National Center for Safe Supportive Schools
School Health and Performance Evaluation System
Bio:
Sharon A. Hoover, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist and Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Hoover is Co-Director of the National Center for School Mental Health (NCSMH, https://www.schoolmentalhealth.org/) and Director of the National Center for Safe Supportive Schools (NCS, https://www.ncs3.org/). She leads national efforts to support states, districts, and schools in the adoption of national performance standards of comprehensive school mental health systems (see https://theshapesystem.com/).
Dr. Hoover has led and collaborated on multiple federal and state grants, with a commitment to the study and implementation of quality children’s mental health services. Creating safe, supportive, and resilient schools has been a major emphasis of Dr. Hoover’s research, education, and clinical work. She has worked for two decades, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Education, and the World Health Organization to train state and community education and behavioral health leaders and professionals in multi-tiered systems of support for mental health and psychological trauma. Dr. Hoover is a co-developer and international trainer for two widely used, evidence-based school interventions, the Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) and Supporting Transition Resilience of Newcomer Groups (STRONG).
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Tuesday May 28, 2024
“The things that make me different make me, me”. Don’t Hide It, Flaunt It (DHIFI) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to advance acceptance, understanding, tolerance and mutual respect for an individual’s visible or invisible differences. Listen as Meg Zucker shares her story and how she believes we should all embrace what makes us unique.
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Fort Liberty Spouses’ Club. To learn more, visit https://www.fortlibertyspousesclub.org/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:
Resources:
https://donthideitflauntit.org/
https://donthideitflauntit.org/project-flaunt-hub/
Born Extraordinary: Empowering Children with Differences and Disabilities
Author: Meg Zucker
https://news.va.gov/130375/free-resource-for-military-project-flaunt/
Bio:
Meg Zucker is the Founder and President of Don’t Hide It, Flaunt It (DHIFI), a non- profit organization dedicated to advancing acceptance, understanding, tolerance and respect for people’s visible or invisible differences, and the author of Born Extraordinary: Empowering Children with Differences and Disabilities (published by TarcherPerigee/Penguin Random House). Meg was born with Ectrodactyly, a genetic condition which results in her having shortened forearms, one finger on each hand and one toe on each foot and which she passed on to two of her children. A Wall Street lawyer with over twenty years of experience in the field of anti-money laundering, Meg was inspired to start DHIFI when her oldest child was bullied in elementary school because of his physical difference. For the past seven years, DHIFI has partnered with Scholastic Inc. to provide Social Emotional Learning/ empathy programming to students nationwide.
Meg has combined her skills as a prominent anti- money laundering speaker and her personal experience to become an inspirational and impactful speaker to audiences ranging from students and faculty in schools to community groups and Fortune 500 corporations. Her speeches have reached millions of people across the country, and she has empowered attendees to celebrate their visible and invisible differences, create cultures of inclusion and spread empathy.
Sharing her message of empathy and empowerment, Meg has been featured on TODAY (NBC) and My Extraordinary Family (The Learning Channel). Meg is profiled in the 2021 book The Female Lead: We Rise By Lifting Others. Meg’s articles have appeared in primary national print media and magazines such as USA Today, Parents magazine and The Forward.
Tuesday May 21, 2024
Tuesday May 21, 2024
It’s that time of year...PCS season. Military families move on average every 2-3 years, and this constant moving can be very stressful. Listen as Amy Shick, a seasoned military spouse, discusses how her family has navigated multiple moves and gives tips on making them a little easier.
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Mountain Post Spouses’ Club. To learn more, visit https://www.mpsc.us/
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:
Resources:
Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC)
https://www.militarychild.org/
MIC3
Military Student Consultants (MSCs)
https://www.militarychild.org/programs-and-initiatives/military-student-consultants/
Military OneSource
https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/search?program-service=12/view-by=ALL
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/moving-pcs/moving-personal-property/
Bio:
Amy Shick has been a military spouse for 29 years and mother to three children ages 22, 20, and 16. She loves this crazy Army life and has embraced many volunteer roles, PCSs (13) and deployments (6).
Tuesday May 14, 2024
Tuesday May 14, 2024
Join us as we sit down with three school liaison professionals, who share insights into how they serve as a vital bridge between military-connected families, educational institutions, and communities. Discover the comprehensive support offered to ensure the academic, social, and emotional success of students navigating the unique challenges of military life.
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Texas Education Agency. To learn more, visit https://tea.texas.gov/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:
Resources:
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
NavyHQSchoolLiaison@us.navy.mil
Air Force
Space Force
Military OneSource
https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/search?program-service=12/view-by=ALL
Bio:
Dr. Stephanie Borrowman is currently the Army School Liaison/Transition Specialist with the Army Headquarters Installation Management Command (HQ IMCOM) G9, Child and Youth Services (CYS). She also has extensive experience in the public school system as a teacher, coordinator, and most recently as a special education director. She earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2015, and her Master’s degree in Special Education in 2009. She is also an Air Force veteran, a military spouse, and has raised four children in installations all over the world.
Lacey P. Allen is the Department of the Air Force (DAF) Regional School Liaison Specialist for the East Region at the HQ Air Force Services Center (AFSVC), HQ Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center (AFIMSC), Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. She oversees operations in the following states AL, CT, DE, FL, GA, KY, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, and WV. As the headquarters program specialist for the School Liaison Program, she supports personnel at installations within multiple Major Commands which encompasses PreK-12 Education, Public Schools on Military Installations (PSMI), and the Military & Family Life Counseling Program (MFLC). In addition, she serves as the liaison between education community stakeholders, families, state, federal, or host nation education leadership, Installation Commanders, and MAJCOM Commanders to build a platform for enhanced educational opportunities and navigate the direct link between PreK-12 Education and mission readiness. As the subject matter expert, Mrs. Allen serves as the advisor to the Installation Commanders regarding PreK- 12 education to ensure military-connected students are provided opportunities to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally as they face global educational challenges and transitions.
Horace Franklin Jr. is the CNIC Child and Youth Education Services (CYES) School Liaison Program (SLP) Manager. He spent four years in the classroom before returning to school to complete an additional Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Trinity University. Upon completion, he served nine years as an Elementary and Middle School Principal in the San Antonio Independent School District. He relocated to Maryland and spent four years as the School Liaison at Naval Support Activity Bethesda and Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling. He served as the Naval District Washington Regional School Liaison from 2017-2023. Horace is a servant leader committed to fostering collaboration, ensuring program effectiveness, and continuously advancing the mission and goals of Child and Youth Education Services.
He resides in Clinton, Maryland, with his wife Theda (20-year Air Force retiree) and his three children (Devante, Felicia, and Horace III). When he is not at work or spending time with his family, Horace is on his bike. He is an avid cyclist, having logged thousands of miles throughout Texas and the East Coast.
Tuesday May 07, 2024
Tuesday May 07, 2024
In our latest episode, Rachel and McKenna discuss the often-challenging world of mental health within military families. From navigating the complexities of PTSD to fostering open communication and understanding, they share invaluable insights and personal experiences that many can relate to.
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Military and Civilian Spouses’ Club of Fort Irwin. To learn more, visit https://mcscftirwin.org/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:
Resources:
Why is Dad So Mad?
Author: Seth Kastle Illustrator: Karissa Gonzalez-Othon
Why is Mom So Mad? A Book About PTSD and Military Families
Authors: Seth and Julia Kastle Illustrator: Karissa Gonzalez-Othon
Wounded Warrior Project
https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
Elizabeth Dole Foundation
https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/
Military OneSource
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/military-basics/wounded-ill-injured-and-caregivers/
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988
Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741
National Center for PTSD
https://www.samhsa.gov/resource/dbhis/national-center-ptsd
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Mental Health
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ptsd/next-step.asp
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_veterans.asp
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/populations-at-risk/military-and-veteran-families
Bios:
McKenna is an 8th grader born and raised in the beautiful state of Montana. She lives with her mom and dad, an older brother, and a younger sister and brother. McKenna's dad is a retired combat Army and Air Force Veteran. He was deployed to OIF 2005-06 and was injured by multiple IED strikes. McKenna's work of art "The Tale of Two Lives" depicts the transition between combat and the civilian world and how some aspects bleed over from one into the other. McKenna has always loved creating!
McKenna's grandfather is a well-known artist, with works of art in the National Archives and many years of drawing the Airman of the Year portraits for the USAF. Aside from her natural talent, McKenna has been able to sit and learn from her grandfather.
Besides art, McKenna is also musically gifted. She is currently in the honors choir at school. McKenna also enjoys playing cello and is in the 8th grade honors orchestra. McKenna is also currently the point guard for her undefeated basketball team. She plays volleyball, runs hurdles, throws discus, and participates in high jump, and long jump. Her current plans for when she "grows up" is to become a pediatrician and get to build upon her love of taking care of others. Her mom and dad are especially proud of all that she has already accomplished in her young life and look forward to all the amazing things she has yet to create and achieve in the future.
Rachel is the wife of a medically retired Army/USAF Veteran, and mom to four children, ranging in age from 15-5. Rachel was a military child herself, having a father that retired from the USAF after 24 years of active-duty service. Rachel grew up all over the United States and across the world. She has loved the opportunities to learn and experience so many different people and cultures. Rachel is her husband's primary caregiver. Along with all the hats she wears taking care of her family, Rachel is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). She owns a private practice providing mental health counseling to a variety of clients with a wide array of needs. Rachel also works to help parents involved with family services learn skills to improve their lives once their families are reunified. In addition, Rachel works with hospice, providing grief and bereavement services for the local community. She can often be found singing, crafting, camping, and is a true crime junkie! Rachel's favorite thing is to spend time with her family and laugh as often as possible.
Tuesday Apr 30, 2024
Tuesday Apr 30, 2024
Nicholas shares his journey from a military upbringing to pursuing his dreams in aviation. Discover the impactful role of S2S programs, the value of kindness, and the essence of civic service. A story of leadership, ambition, and the skies ahead!
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Davis Monthan Spouses’ Club. To learn more, visit https://davismonthansc.org/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:
Resources:
Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership Program
https://www.militarychild.org/programs-and-initiatives/frances-hesselbein-student-leadership-program/
Student 2 Student
https://www.militarychild.org/programs-and-initiatives/student-2-student/
Bio:
My name is Nicholas, I am 16-year-old Sophomore from San Diego California. Currently, I am stationed overseas at Sigonella in Italy, and I am the President of my high school’s S2S. I am currently working with my S2S program on a project that would better my school’s culture by spreading positivity. In 2023, I attended the Frances Hesselbein Leadership Program where I won the Suzy Carlton Student Leadership and Civic Responsibility Award.
Tuesday Apr 23, 2024
Tuesday Apr 23, 2024
Military kids will experience on average 6-9 school transitions from kindergarten to high school graduation. They live a unique lifestyle filled with many adventures. Listen as Cory, a military child all grown up, shares his story and the impact growing up in a military community has had on his life.
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Mildenhall Spouses’ Association. To learn more, visit https://www.mildenhallspousesassociation.com/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:
Bio:
Cory Petko is a 24-year-old Senior Security Analyst with a dedication to keeping systems safe and promoting security awareness. As the son of a retired Navy Senior Chief, he deeply understands the unique challenges of a military child and has a strong appreciation for our service members. He currently works at a defense contractor, working to protect their systems and digital assets, and plays a vital part in supporting the company's mission to supply critical equipment to our men and women in uniform.
Tuesday Apr 16, 2024
Tuesday Apr 16, 2024
We are excited to share this episode on the extraordinary lives of military children who have been recognized as the 2024 Military Child of the Year recipients from the Air Force, Army, National Guard, and Space Force families. Join us as Noelani, Allison, Caleb and Taylor share their incredible stories of resilience and appreciation growing up in military families.
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Edwards Spouses’ Club. To learn more, visit https://www.edwardsspouses.com/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:
Resources:
Operation Homefront
https://operationhomefront.org/
Military Child of the Year Award Recipients
https://operationhomefront.org/2024-military-child-of-the-year-award-recipients/
Bio:
Noelani is Operation Homefront’s 2024 Military Child of the Year® for the Air Force.
The 16-year-old aspiring composer and performer is a junior at Brennan High School in San Antonio, Texas. Noelani is the daughter of Gail and Air Force Col. Melchizedek “Kato” Martinez, a Purple Heart recipient who served for 29 years and retired in July 2021. Gail died in 2016 in a terrorist attack at the Brussels airport, which left Noelani, then 9, her dad, and three siblings seriously injured. As a military child who experienced six permanent changes of station, Noelani’s world was broadened. “It’s amazing to be able to make friends from various places in the world and share our experiences,” she said.
Allison is Operation Homefront’s 2024 Military Child of the Year® for the Army.
She learned the value of empathy and began envisioning her future as a pediatric surgeon when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 13. Allison, 18, is a senior at Grafton High School in Yorktown, Virginia. She is the daughter of Maria and Sgt. Maj. Daniel Candelario, whose military service spans 26 years across the Army, Marines, and Air Force Reserves. Currently serving in Kuwait, Sgt. Maj. Candelario has been deployed for a total of seven years of Allison’s life. Her brother also serves in the Army, highlighting a strong family tradition of military service. Allison was a freshman when her journey from breast cancer patient to survivor began. The experience, she said, became the foundation of her commitment to shaping a kind, compassionate future.
Caleb is Operation Homefront’s 2024 Military Child of the Year® for the National Guard.
He is 19 years old and holds a love of science that has propelled him to already complete three years of college, first at community college then at University of Colorado Boulder (CU), as well as conduct a humanitarian project in Nepal. He is the son of National Guard Col. Shawn Hatch and Army veteran Marie Hatch. His mother served five years before honorably discharging in 2005 as a captain from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. His father has served since 1999. Caleb has an older sister and a younger brother and sister. Caleb’s resiliency has shown through the difficulties of 38 months of parent deployments along with his handling of medical issues – being diagnosed with diabetes and celiac disease. His interest in science has helped him cope with his health hardships.
Taylor is Operation Homefront’s 2024 Military Child of the Year® for the Space Force.
Taylor, 18, is the daughter of Space Force Col. Mia Walsh and Air Force veteran Mark Walsh. Mark retired as a lieutenant colonel in 2014 from the Air Force after 18 years of service, choosing family stability over continued deployments and separations. The Walsh family has experienced six permanent changes of station throughout their military journey. Currently, Taylor’s mother is serving in Los Angeles, California, while her father stayed in Arlington, Virginia, so Taylor could finish school. She is a senior at Washington-Liberty High School. Taylor has enjoyed growing roots in Arlington, a city that is home to many service members and their families.
Full biographies can be found at https://operationhomefront.org/2024-military-child-of-the-year-award-recipients/.
Tuesday Apr 09, 2024
Tuesday Apr 09, 2024
Delaney, a remarkable military child, shares her experiences attending 8 schools, including 3 middle schools in 3 years. Adapting to constant change shaped her perspective, while realizing everyone faces challenges during transitions. She also shares insights from the Student 2 Student (S2S) program, highlighting its impact in supporting new students.
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Randolph Spouses’ Club. To learn more, visit https://www.randolphspousesclub.com/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:
Resources:
Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership Program
Bio:
Delaney is an 11th grader at Burkburnett High School in Burkburnett, Texas. She is active in her Student to Student (S2S) organization, is a softball player, has participated in UIL Academics, and a member of the National Honor Society. Delaney was selected as a winner of the 2024 Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership Program at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.
Tuesday Apr 02, 2024
Tuesday Apr 02, 2024
In our latest episode, we shine a light on the exceptional lives of military children who have been recognized as the 2024 Military Child of the Year recipients from the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard families. Join us as Charlotte, Isabella, and Lindsay share their heartfelt stories of resilience, adventure, and gratitude that come with growing up in military families.
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Hurlburt Spouses’ Club. To learn more, visit http://www.hurlburtspousesclub.com/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:
Resources:
Operation Homefront
https://operationhomefront.org/
Military Child of the Year Award Recipients
https://operationhomefront.org/2024-military-child-of-the-year-award-recipients/
Bio:
Charlotte is Operation Homefront’s 2024 Military Child of the Year for the Coast Guard.
Charlotte, 18, is a high school senior in Washington, D.C., where she resides with her parents, Sarah and U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Jason Tama, and her 16-year-old sister.
Charlotte views military life as a series of adventures, having participated in unique experiences such as marching with Coasties in the New York City Veterans Day parade and viewing Fourth of July fireworks from the deck of a Coast Guard ship in New York Harbor. During her father’s career, Charlotte has experienced six permanent change of station moves, which have taught her the importance of diving into new situations with confidence.
Charlotte believes that engaging in school, sports, extracurricular activities, community service, and faith-based groups is crucial for making connections and feeling at home in new places. “Getting involved…will help you form connections in your new community and make a new place feel more like home,” she said.
Isabella is Operation Homefront’s 2024 Military Child of the Year® for the Marine Corps.
The 17-year-old senior resides in Temecula, California, volunteers with a local peer court program that offers juveniles a hands-on understanding of the judicial system, including roles from juror to attorney. She also cultivates her knowledge of the law through her school's Mock Trial team and an internship at a local law firm.
Isabella is the daughter of Gunnery Sgt. Carlos Arrieta, an aircraft mechanic instructor with the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit North Island, and Denise Arrieta, who works as an alternative education clerk. Isabella has a 12-year-old sister.
One of her most cherished memories is of pinning her father’s uniform during his last promotion ceremony, a moment that underscored the pride she feels for her family’s military service and the sacrifices that come with it.
“I was so proud to be his daughter,” Isabella recalled. She equally admires her mother for her role in supporting the family through financial challenges and periods of separation due to her father’s deployments. Isabella credits her mother’s strength and resilience for forming the foundation of her own character and achievements.
Lindsay is Operation Homefront’s 2024 Military Child of the Year® for the Navy.
Lindsay, 18, is the daughter of Navy veterans Shaun and Keri Carstairs. Shaun retired as a captain after a distinguished career of 25 years, and Keri served for 13 years, achieving the rank of commander before her honorable discharge in 2011. Both parents have medical backgrounds, with Shaun working as an emergency physician, and Keri as a pediatric emergency physician and healthcare executive. Lindsay has an older brother, Ian.
Despite her parents’ medical expertise, the diagnosis of Jeavons Syndrome when Lindsay was 8 years old presented significant challenges. The disease was difficult to control. Epilepsy was not just a physical hardship for Lindsay but also a mental and emotional challenge. She worried about what her classmates would think of her each time an ambulance came to the school because of her seizures.
Lindsay’s early adversities inspired her to co-found a local International Children's Advisory Network (iCAN) chapter at Rady Children’s Hospital, where she was a patient. “I am proud to have started (a chapter) for my community,” Lindsay said. “I dedicated many hours to establishing our chapter. I learned to stay organized and improved my public speaking skills while talking to peers about iCAN and at advocacy events.”
Full biographies can be found at https://operationhomefront.org/2024-military-child-of-the-year-award-recipients/.