Episodes
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Today our guest is Dr. Mark Chapin, Principal at Meyer Middle School. We talk to Dr. Chapin about how his district takes a purposeful approach to character developmentâfrom monthly character kickoff presentations to unifying yearly themes. He explains how each trait is clearly defined and modeled across all grade levels, Kâ12, and how community input plays a key role in shaping the work. Hear how this district-wide effort brings consistency, clarity, and connection to their character education approach.
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Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Visit the CharacterStrong WebsiteMark Chapin is the principal of Meyer Middle School in River Falls, Wisconsin serving approximately 750 students in grades 6 - 8. Meyer Middle School was recognized as a National School of Character in 2016 and again in 2024. Mark has served as a building administrator in the School District of River Falls for 16 years.
Prior to coming to River Falls, Mark taught for 12 years in the Ellsworth Community School District as a high school special education teacher and an 8th grade US History teacher. While in Ellsworth he also coached cross-country, track, tennis and basketball. In 2008 Mark was recognized as the Teacher of the Year in the Ellsworth Community School District.
In 2019 Mark earned his doctorate degree from Bethel University. His dissertation focused on character education, leadership and the change process. Mark currently serves as a character education coach through Alverno College and on the Wisconsin Character Education Partnership Advisory Committee. Mark works closely with the American Legion Post 121 in River Falls serving on their Veterans Memorial Committee. In 2014 he received the Post 121 Community Service Award.
Finally, in 2023 Mark was the recipient of the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Leadership award. His wife Cary proudly served in the Minnesota Air National Guard as a C-130 pilot and retired in 2011 after five deployments and 20 years of service. Mark and his wife Cary have four children together: Matthew, Christopher Erik and Emma. In his spare time Mark enjoys spending time with my family, fly fishing, and mountain biking. -
Today our guest is Mariah Reed-Brown, School Counselor at Paradise Valley High School. We talk to Mariah about how sheâs customized the CharacterStrong curriculum to strengthen her schoolâs PBIS framework. She shares how getting into classrooms and intentionally connecting Tier 1 practices to PBIS has helped foster a stronger sense of belonging for all students. Mariah offers practical examples, including how co-creating community agreements with students has shaped the culture on campus. She also reflects on the impact of giving students voice and choiceâand the remarkable buy-in itâs generated among her school community.
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Today our guest is Jocelyn Pajimula the Social and Emotional Learning Coordinator & Restorative Practices Coach at Ewa Makai Middle School. We talk to Jocelyn about how her school have created a system to give students tools to repair and prevent broken broken relationships. She breaks down their two key strategies when conflict arises and introduces the PEACE strategyâa proactive tool that helps students navigate conflict before it escalates. Jocelyn also offers a powerful example of how they address peer pressure in a meaningful, memorable way. We dive into the importance of making systems easy to access and how that leads to better implementationâand offers an important reminder: donât forget to make it fun.
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Learn More About CharacterStrong:Jocelyn is a proud graduate of the HawaiÊ»i public education system, deeply influenced by its rich culture and vibrant community. With 12 years of dedicated teaching experience at the middle school level, she specializes in Social Studies, AVID Elective, and Health and Wellness classes. For the past three years, Jocelyn has served as her schoolâs Social and Emotional Learning Coordinator; this year, she has taken on the role of Restorative Practices Coach. Jocelyn's commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment reflects her passion for education and the well-being of her students.
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Today our guest is Taryne Dismuke, Culture Catalyst at DO EWE Coaching & Consulting. We talk to Taryne about the concept of living out your pillars of purpose. She unpacks how easy it is to get pulled away from our core purpose in educationâand how that drift can lead to burnout. Taryne offers practical insights on staying grounded in our âwhy,â and how doing so not only sustains us but also creates a ripple effect that benefits students, families, and entire communities. This conversation is a powerful reminder that while purpose-driven work isnât always easy, itâs deeply rewarding.
Access FREE Tier 2 Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Visit the CharacterStrong Website
Learn More About CharacterStrong:Taryne Dismuke, founder of DO EWE Coaching, is passionate about helping individuals, teams and organizations to develop systems, practices, goals, and cultural norms that enhance effectiveness, improve performance and advance equity. She inspires teams to gain traction toward their goals by fostering accountability, strategy, and inclusion.
With over 19 years of experience in teaching, coaching, and leadership development. Taryne has consulted for leaders and organizations across industries, including K-12 and higher education, management consulting, community development, and faith-based groups. She has helped hundreds of campuses strengthen school culture, elevate teacher-leaders, and implement sustainable, equitable practices.
While serving as a regional strategist in education solutions, Taryne led a team of 20 leaders, facilitating professional learning communities, mentoring individuals, and designing and delivering both virtual and in-person training. Her expertise includes strategic planning, leadership development, and cultivating inclusive cultures that embrace equitable practices.
Taryne holds a Bachelorâs degree from Prairie View A&M University, a Masterâs in Organizational Development and Leadership from Regent University with a coaching and mentoring certification, and an Executive Certification in Diversity Coaching from Howard University and CoachDiversity Institute. She is also a credentialed coach with the International Coaching Federation.
When sheâs not helping teams and organizations grow, Taryne enjoys traveling, reading, exploring new restaurants, and spending quality time with her husband and son. She is also passionate about mentoring youth, helping them develop character and leadership skills to positively impact their communities. -
Today our guest is Cara Newman a 4th grade educator in the Plainedge School District. We talk to Cara about how a simple yet powerful practiceâhaving students set intentions throughout the dayâcan increase focus, presence, and ownership in the classroom. She explains how this strategy fosters student buy-in, supports self-regulation, and ultimately leads to meaningful returns in both behavior and learning.
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Access FREE Tier 2 Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Visit the CharacterStrong WebsiteCara Newman is an educator with over 20 years of teaching experience. Outside of the classroom, she is a life coach and mind-body practitioner. Sheâs passionate about mindful and conscious teaching, empowering educators and students to create meaningful and balanced learning environments while cultivating creativity, connection, and presence.
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On this episode we are featuring content from our 2025 MTSS Summit!
Dr. Tinisha Parker, Executive Director of Student Services for Gwinnett County Public Schools, shares her expertise on integrating mental health within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports. With over two decades of experience as an educator, school counselor, and district leader, Dr. Parker discusses practical strategies for ensuring students receive the mental health supports they need to thrive. This conversation highlights how a well-structured MTSS framework can enhance student well-being, academic success, and long-term outcomes.
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Access FREE Tier 2 Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Visit the CharacterStrong Website -
On this episode we are featuring content from our 2025 MTSS Summit!
Dr. Sharon Hoover discusses the critical intersection of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and mental health. As a leading expert in school mental health, Dr. Hoover shares insights on how schools can effectively integrate mental health prevention and intervention services within an MTSS framework. With schools being the primary access point for student mental health support, this conversation highlights strategies to improve student well-being, academic success, and long-term outcomes.Access all of the MTSS Summit content through Wednesday, March 19th! Visit: https://mtsssummit.com/
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Today our guest is Charles MacGregor, a School Counselor at Penrose Elementary and emerging leader with the Colorado School Counselor Association Board of Directors. We talk to Charles about how his school has embraced community circles as part of their morning meetings, fostering stronger relationships and positively impacting student behavior. He discusses the importance of building time for connection, how even a simple âWould you rather?â question can spark engagement, and why having a structured system is key to long-term success. Plus, he shares some of the data on how community circles have improved student outcomes.
Sign up for our FREE MTSS Summit Access FREE Tier 2 Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Visit the CharacterStrong Website
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Today our guest is Jordan Blevins, School Counselor at Pacific Law Academy & 2025 California School Counselor of the Year
We talk to Jordan about the critical role school counselors play as student mental health professionals, often being the first point of contact for students in need. She discusses the importance of advocating for the counselorâs role on campus, ensuring students receive the support they deserve. We also dive into strategies for advocating for student mental health, the power of active listening, and why mental health and well-being must be prioritized in schools.
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Sign up for our FREE MTSS Summit Access FREE Tier 2 Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Visit the CharacterStrong Website -
Today our guest is Dr. Clay Cook, Chief Development Officer at CharacterStrong. We talk with Clay about the importance of Tier 2 interventions in schools. The discussion highlights key improvements to CharacterStrongâs Tier 2 solution, including reducing prep time for small group skill-building sessions, increasing engagement, and enhancing data tracking for better decision-making. The episode underscores the necessity of early intervention to support students before they require more intensive services and emphasizes the ongoing commitment to improving resources based on educator feedback.
Sign up for our FREE MTSS Summit Access FREE Tier 2 Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Visit the CharacterStrong Website
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Today our guest is Carrie Woodard the Director Student Support Services - School Counselors at Pittsburgh Public Schools. We talk to Carrie about ways that school counselors can create a strong support system for first-generation studentsâoffering personalized guidance on navigating the college application process, exploring financial aid options, and understanding campus resources. She emphasizes the power of regular student check-ins, building relationships with families, and the impact of positive phone calls home. Through active listening, trust-building, and resource-sharing, counselors can help first-generation students feel more prepared, confident, and supported as they embark on their postsecondary journey.
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Sign up for our FREE MTSS Summit Access FREE Tier 2 Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Visit the CharacterStrong WebsiteCarrie Woodard's professional journey encompasses roles as a teacher, school counselor, college and career counselor, mental health project manager, and now an administrator with the Pittsburgh Public Schools. These diverse experiences have provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the unique needs of students and families. In her current role as Director of Student Support Services - School Counselors, she is deeply committed to advocacy and collaboration, working closely with school leadership and central office personnel to empower professional counselors with the resources needed to support the nearly 20,000 students in the district.
Drawing from her multicultural background and training, Carrie approaches her work with a focus on identifying and addressing barriers to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive. Her passion lies in advancing social justice within school counseling, fostering equitable experiences for all students, and nurturing a positive school culture and climate through district-wide initiatives that emphasize inclusivity. -
Dr. Damien Sweeney shares his expertise on supporting students through strong relationships, collaboration, and culturally sustaining practices. Drawing from his diverse career in education, counseling, and leadership, Dr. Sweeney discusses the importance of student trust, multi-tiered systems of support, and integrating student voices into decision-making. His insights challenge school counselors to see themselves as leaders who can drive systemic change for the benefit of all students.
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Today our guests are Principal Rebecca Thompson & Associate Principal Charlee Breeden at Tomahawk Creek Middle School in Midlothian, VA
We talk to Rebecca & Charlee about how they create a safe, supportive environment in an overcrowded middle school. They highlight the power of knowing names, servant leadership, and safety. Rebecca emphasizes the importance of visibility in hallways, while both discuss how staff feedback has shaped Tomahawk Creek into a place where students and educators thrive. They also share practical strategies for improving the lunchroom, electronics policies, dismissal, and spirit weeks to build a stronger school culture.
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Register for the FREE 2025 School Counseling Summit Access FREE Tier 2 Curriculum Samples Attend our next live product preview Visit the CharacterStrong Website -
Today our guest is Josh Holbrook, SEL Specialist at Rowan County Middle School in Kentucky . Josh dives into the impact of a simple warm welcome and shares about the fun way they partnered with student-athletes to build relationships by greeting students at the door for Fist Bump Friday. Josh also breaks down the four essential components of the warm welcome, the intention behind each step, and the profound impact itâs had on students, staff, and the school community.
Register for the FREE 2025 School Counseling Summit Access FREE Tier 2 Curriculum Samples Attend our next live product preview Visit the CharacterStrong Website
Learn More About CharacterStrong:Josh Holbrook is a Social-Emotional Learning Coach at Rowan County Middle School in Morehead, Kentucky. Josh has worked with students for the past 11 years and held many different positions in the educational realm including residential youth worker, instructional assistant, special education teacher, district behavior support, and SEL coach.
When students returned in person Spring 2021, Josh noted that internalizing and externalizing behaviors had seemingly spiked across settings. Increasingly he heard, âstudents donât know how to behaveâ and saw this as an opportunity. He thought to himself, âif they donât know math or reading, we teach math or reading,â and sought a way to intentionally teach behavior at a tier 1 level via implementation of social-emotional learning (SEL). Rowan County Schools accepted this proposal, and he became SEL Coach for the district in 2021. With the support of the districtâs Project AWARE Program Director, Tara Cornett, this structure has grown to dedicated SEL Coaches (shoutout Megan, Sarah, Emma, and Cody) in each school in Rowan County, and the team looks forward to seeing where they can positively impact school climate and culture from here.When he isnât working, Josh loves exercising, hiking, seeing live music, cooking, and relaxing at home with his wife, Lindsey, their daughter, Camryn, dog, Sugaree, and cat, Phyllis.
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Today our guest is Andrea Freile the Family Engagement and Communications Coordinator at Wayne County Public Schools. We talk to Andrea about Cultural Intelligence and she highlights the critical work around helping teachers and staff to engage with families empathetically. She emphasizes the importance of striving for greater understanding to better serve the diverse students in our classrooms. Andrea also reminds us that while educators may work locally, they are, in fact, global educators, shaping students for a connected world.
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Register for the FREE 2025 School Counseling Summit Access FREE Tier 2 Curriculum Samples Attend our next live product preview Visit the CharacterStrong WebsiteAndrea Freile is the Family Engagement and Communications Coordinator for Wayne County Public Schools and the founder of VivaCultura Consulting, a strategic communications and cultural intelligence firm. With years of experience in community engagement and strategic communications, she has cultivated a passion for helping organizations foster belonging and validate human worth. Her unique approach equips teams with the tools needed to bridge cultural gaps, drive engagement, and enhance communication, all while leveraging the dynamics of todayâs ever-evolving demographic landscape.
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Today our guest is Jorge Torres the lead school counselor, at Foster High School in Tukwila, WA. Jorge shares heartfelt reflections on his own upbringing and the profound impact that a strong community of support can have on studentsâ lives. He challenges us to ask, âWho else can I invite to the table?â when fostering relationships and creating meaningful connections with students. Jorge also provides practical strategies for intentionally involving studentsâ families and communities to better serve and support their needs and reminds us of the difference we can make when we build a network of care around every student.
Learn More About CharacterStrong:
Register for the FREE 2025 School Counseling Summit Access FREE Tier 2 Curriculum Samples Attend our next live product preview Visit the CharacterStrong Website
Jorge Torres is the lead school counselor, at Foster High School in Tukwila, WA. Jorge was a finalist for the 2024 School Counselor of the Year awards program (#SCOY24) and has been a school counselor since 2000. Foster High School serves 865 students, grades 9â12. Jorge received his bachelorâs degree from Eastern Washington University and a masterâs degree from Heritage University. -
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Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Attend our next live product preview Visit the CharacterStrong Website - Show more
