The CharacterStrong Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Today our guest is Michelle DePuy, Secondary Ed. Program Specialist at Redlands Unified School District. We talk to Michelle about how her district is strengthening Tier 2 systems by focusing on both mindset and skill-building with secondary counselors. She shares how creating small-group structures, using consistent data from youth-needs screeners, and providing real coaching on implementation fidelity have helped staff move from uncertainty to confidence. Michelle also discusses early results: students gaining emotional-regulation skills, counselors feeling empowered to lead small groups, and a stronger bridge between Tier 1 and Tier 2.

Learn More About CharacterStrong: 

• Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples
• Request a Quote Today!
• Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support
• Visit the CharacterStrong Website

Today our guests are Amy Fairchild & Crystal Hooper, District SEL Coaches in Tangipahoa Parish, LA. We talk to Amy and Crystal about how their district doubled Tier 1 usage in one year and what that growth has meant for students and staff. Amy and Crystal share practical ways they've woven daily character lessons and relational activities into the fabric of every classroom, how competition between schools sparked momentum, and why teacher wellbeing rose alongside student outcomes. They also highlight data showing improved academics, attendance, and behavior, proving that when adults are supported, students thrive.

Learn More About CharacterStrong: 

• Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples
• Request a Quote Today!
• Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support
• Visit the CharacterStrong Website

Today our guest is Dr. Darian Jones, Program Implementation Specialist at CharacterStrong. We talk to Dr. Jones on why belonging must be built into the systems of a school, not left to chance. He highlights how proactive and responsive practices, like structured greetings, advisory systems, and intentional transitions can help both students and adults reset, connect, and thrive. Through powerful stories, including a pivotal moment where uncovering the root cause of a student's behavior transformed outcomes, Dr. Jones reminds leaders that adult behavior change is the key lever for student success.

Learn More About CharacterStrong: 

• Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples
• Request a Quote Today!
• Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support
• Visit the CharacterStrong Website

Today our guest is Liz Ritz the Director of Teaching and Learning, at Oak Harbor Public Schools. We talk to Liz about her experience infusing CharacterStrong throughout the Oak Harbor district, and she shares difference between implementing with fidelity and integrity. Liz highlights the importance of building relationships in meetings, professional development, and one-on-one sessions with staff.. She also explains how having a Tier 1 program has laid a strong foundation as they proactively support students and how this foundation has helped as they begin to roll out Tier 2 supports.

Learn More About CharacterStrong: 

• Visit the CharacterStrong Website
• Access Curriculum Samples
• Attend a live product preview

Liz Ritz is the Director of Teaching & Learning in Oak Harbor Public Schools located on beautiful Whidbey Island in Washington State.  This is Liz's fifth year in this role and her twenty-fourth year in education.  Prior to working in Oak Harbor, Liz served in the Bellevue School District as a paraeducator, teacher, instructional coach, principal, and Director of Curriculum and Instruction.  Liz recently earned her Superintendent credential and is actively working on completing the last two chapters of her Doctoral Dissertation.  Outside of her educational role, Liz is actively involved in the rugby community and enjoys spending time with her family, specifically watching both daughters, ages 17 and 12, compete on the rugby pitch.

Today our guest is Kiley Luckett the District Mental Health Coordinator with Lawrence Public Schools in Lawrence Kansas. We talk to Kiley about how they have planned, selected, and implemented the CharacterStrong curriculum over this last year. She shares about what they did as a district to make initial & ongoing implementation successful with both staff and students. Kiley also talks about the importance that clarity, competency, and consistency has been in helping the schools across the district collectively serve students better.

Learn More About CharacterStrong: 

• Visit the CharacterStrong Website
• Access Curriculum Samples
• Attend a live product preview

Kiley Luckett is a dedicated social worker and mental health advocate with a proven track record in supporting students' well-being. With more than 10 years experience as a elementary school counselor, Kiley has recently transitioned into the role of District Mental Health Coordinator with Lawrence Public Schools in Lawrence Kansas. Kiley spearheads comprehensive mental health initiatives, acts as a community liaison, and works to enhance Social and Emotional Leaning district wide . She has a passion for fostering positive, inclusive, and connected environments within educational settings. Kiley holds a bachelor's and master's degree of Social Work from The University of Kansas, where she is also an adjunct lecturer. Her collaborative approach, empathy, and strategic mindset make her a valued team member in promoting mental health awareness and resilience throughout the district.

Today our guest is Sharon Bradley, School District Administrator who supports Character, Attendance, and Restorative Practices & Founder and Principal Consultant at RestorativeFlo Educational Solutions.

We talk with Sharon about how about 80% Restorative Practices are dedicated to building a strong community and relationships, not just resolving conflicts. She shares that it's not only about addressing issues but creating a supportive atmosphere for everyone. Sharon also emphasizes the crucial role of 'voice' in shaping our school culture, and the importance of ensuring everyone feels heard and valued.

Learn More About CharacterStrong: 

• Visit the CharacterStrong Website
• Access Curriculum Samples
• Attend a live product preview

Sharon Bradley serves as Director of Family and Social Services for a Dallas-area school district where she has helped shape the district's approach to social and emotional development and truancy prevention for all students. Throughout her 23 years in education, she has served as director, alternative high school principal, assistant principal, dropout prevention program coordinator, general education teacher, and special education teacher. In her current role, she supports programs such as: Truancy prevention, Social Emotional Learning, Restorative Practices, Parent Education and Engagement. Sharon Bradley has recently been recognized by Education-First "SEL in Action" and D CEO Magazine for her innovative efforts of leveraging SEL to help decrease chronic absenteeism. Sharon is the author of the reference guide "Chronic Absenteeism: Prevention and Intervention Strategies for Schools, Families and Communities". She is a graduate of Mississippi State University where she earned her bachelor's degree in Special Education; and her master's degree in Educational Administration from Prairie View A & M University.

We're counting down the top 6 podcasts of 2023! 

Today our guests are Amber Benson & Ruby Voss, better know as BensonVoss. We talk to BensonVoss about the role that Positive Relationships & Data-Based Decisions play in Student Growth. They share how they work to build positive relationships from day one of the school year, and the positive impact that this has in their classroom. BensonVoss also talk about how they have intentionally done more with less and how they work for total participation with their students.

Learn More: 

• Visit the CharacterStrong Website

We're counting down the top 6 podcasts of 2023! 

Today our guests are Katrina Hill, Caleb Amstutz, & Melanie Fox. We talk to Katrina, Caleb, and Melanie about the advisory program at Community School. which was recently recognized as an inaugural AMLE School of Distinction in 2022. They share about multiage groupings, multiyear relationships, & the value of traditions and the impact that these have had in the lives of the students at Community School.

Learn More: 

• Visit the CharacterStrong Website

We're counting down the top 6 podcasts of 2023! 

Today our guest is Josh Nelson a School Counselor at Richard Lewis Brown Gifted and Talented Academy. We talk with Josh about creating systems for changing how discipline referrals are handled in schools. Josh suggests that we view behavior as unmet needs rather than just bad behavior, and emphasizes the importance of shifting our thinking about discipline from punishment to correction. Josh also shares how they analyzed behavior referral data and realized that teachers needed more information on behavior and trauma, and students needed more tools and systems to address their needs. By implementing these system changes, they were able to reduce behavior referrals by 74% since 2016, and improve attendance, academic performance, and school culture survey results.

Learn More: 

• Visit the CharacterStrong Website

We're counting down the top 6 podcasts of 2023! 

Today our guest is Ryan Marshall, School Counselor at South Salem High School and the 2023 Oregon School Counselor of the Year.

We talk to Ryan about student driven suicide prevention and how they have worked to add student input and voice in supporting student mental health. He shares how this work started with one student, and how as they gathered information across the district they heard from students that they wanted to help. Ryan discusses how students have played a vital role in creating tools like a needs assessment, how their contributions have helped support students in crisis district-wide, and how this student involvement has helped save the lives of other students.

Learn More: 

• Visit the CharacterStrong Website