Fostering Futures℠

CAHELP JPA
  • 5.0 (4)
  • EDUCATION

The California Association of Health and Education Linked Professions is excited to introduce you to Fostering Futures℠ a podcast that brings you high-quality, research-based content designed to inspire and educate. Each episode is crafted with care, drawing on the knowledge of credible experts, parents, and community members to ensure both trustworthiness and depth. Our mission is to engage and expand our audience by delivering thought-provoking material that focuses on key areas crucial to the development and well-being of all youth. Through our discussions, we aim to provide insights that are not only relevant but also transformative. Join us as we explore innovative approaches in special education, Social Emotional Well-Being, and Community. Be ready to be apart of a community committed to making a positive impact. Visit us at www.cahelp.org

  1. TRAILER

    New Foster Youth Series Teaser

    In this powerful new series, we take an honest, unfiltered look into the foster care system and its challenges, its heart, and the people who make a difference every day. Through real conversations with foster youth, foster parents, and the dedicated professionals who support them, this series reveals what life in the system truly looks like. From stories of resilience and healing to the unseen struggles many face, each episode highlights the human side of foster care that often goes untold. You’ll hear firsthand experiences about navigating trauma, finding stability, building trust, and redefining family. The series aims to educate, inspire, and spark meaningful dialogue about the realities of foster care, while uplifting the voices of those who have lived it. This is more than a series. It’s a chance to learn, connect, and understand the ins and outs of a system that impacts thousands of lives every day. Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram | www.cahelp.org | podcast@cahelp.org

    2 min

  2. 2D AGO

    Episode 14 - Quiet Isn’t Always Calm: Misconceptions About Infant Behavior

    In this episode, Athena Cordero sits down with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Behavioral Health Counselor Supervisor, Lina Myrvold, to unpack what infant mental health really means and why it matters far earlier than most people realize. Lina breaks down core misconceptions about babies (“they won’t remember,” “quiet means fine”), explains how attachment forms from birth, and describes how caregivers’ own histories and emotions shape infant development. She then walks listeners through early behavioral cues, co-regulation, and how infants communicate long before words. The episode also spotlights Strong Start, a multidisciplinary early-intervention protocol developed through CAHELP to identify and support infants ages 0–4 months, particularly those who have experienced early adversity. Lina shares how Strong Start was created, how it works, and how early support can change a child’s lifelong developmental trajectory. The conversation closes with practical guidance for caregivers, powerful reflections on early attachment, and a reminder that nurturing mental health truly begins at the very beginning of life. Highlights Lina explains what infant mental health is: supporting healthy development through early relationships, attachment, and caregiver responsiveness.Common misconceptions debunked, including the beliefs that babies “don’t know,” “won’t remember,” or “are fine if they’re quiet.”How early attachment forms through cry-response patterns, caregiver consistency, and co-regulation.The role of caregiver mental health, trauma history, anxiety, and previous loss, and how these shape infant responses.Early cues to watch for: gaze seeking, gaze aversion, flailing or dysregulated movements, ability to bring hands to midline, types of crying, and engagement signals.How adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) impact long-term outcomes and how positive experiences can counteract them.The creation of the Strong Start program and how rapid, multidisciplinary intervention supports infants in foster or kinship care.The importance of clinicians modeling attachment-based interaction for caregivers in real time.Success stories showing improved attachment, regulation, and long-term stability for Strong Start participants.Takeaways Babies communicate from birth — through body language, cry patterns, gaze, and movement — and caregivers must learn to read these cues.A “quiet baby” may be securely attached or may have learned that crying doesn’t lead to their needs being met.Co-regulation matters: calm caregivers calm babies; dysregulated caregivers unintentionally pass along distress.Early intervention (0–4 months) can dramatically shift developmental trajectories, especially for infants with early adversity.Caregivers’ own histories, mental health, and stress influence bonding  awareness and support can break generational patterns.One secure attachment relationship in early childhood can reshape a child’s lifelong capacity to connect and thrive.Strong Start shows how coordinated supports across mental health, OT, speech, and developmental specialists make a measurable difference.Early connections build the foundation for emotional regulation, learning, relationships, and long-term well-being.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram | www.cahelp.org | podcast@cahelp.org

    58 min

  3. JAN 22

    Episode 13 - Inside the IEP Process: Through the Eyes of Parents Part 2

    In this episode, Iván Campos and Monica Rodriguez return to Fostering Futures but this time, they lead the conversation. Both longtime parents of children with unique learning needs, they open up about the day‑to‑day realities behind IEPs: watching their kids struggle, discover strengths, hit milestones, and learn coping strategies that ultimately shaped who they are today. Through their personal stories, Iván and Monica highlight the importance of flexibility, focusing on strengths, and embracing the “whole child” instead of just the goals on an IEP. They explore what dyslexia, dyscalculia, auditory processing challenges, and autism looked like in their homes; how teachers and IEP teams supported (and sometimes challenged) their expectations; and how small victories from reading a sight word to cooking a meal can build lifelong confidence. The episode closes with reflections for parents who are just beginning the IEP journey, emphasizing self‑advocacy, balanced expectations, and seeing every child as more than their disability. Highlights Monica and Iván revisit their children’s diagnoses of autism, auditory processing disorder, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and attention challenges, and how signs first appeared at home.They describe early struggles: delayed reading, difficulty with math mastery, writing challenges, sensory sensitivities, and social pressures.Why some goals don’t need to be repeated for years, and when to shift toward assistive technology or alternative skills.How strengths like art, cooking, theater, sports, and memory became powerful confidence builders for their kids.The emotional rollercoaster of watching a child push through frustration, bullying, transitions, and self‑advocacy barriers.How flexible thinking from both parents and IEP teams opened doors to meaningful growth.What accommodations actually look like beyond the IEP: noise‑canceling headphones, visual notes, transition supports, and study skills classes.The importance of helping teens understand their disabilities so they can self‑advocate in high school and beyond.Why parents must take care of themselves, ask questions, request help, and focus on strengths rather than deficits.Takeaways Small wins matter reading one new word, learning a recipe, or handling a transition can change a child’s confidence.Don’t get stuck on rigid goals; shift toward strengths that inspire motivation, pride, and future independence.Accommodations only work if the student understands and uses them teach self‑advocacy early.Inclusion looks different for every child; growth often comes through trying, adjusting, and trying again.Parents should celebrate strengths during IEP meetings it sets the tone and centers the whole child.Asking for support is not a failure. SELPAs, case carriers, and administrators exist to help families navigate the process.Every child’s journey is unique. Progress may be slow, nonlinear, or surprising, and that’s okay.Key Timestamps: 00:03:02 – Iván describes early signs of dyslexia through sight‑word struggles. 00:04:19 – Writing and motor‑skill challenges become more visible. 00:06:07 – Discussion of math goals, dyscalculia, and shifting to assistive technology. 00:10:23 – Monica explains her daughters’ structured routines and sensory needs. 00:13:37 – Success story: Monica’s son advocating for himself through note‑taking. Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram | www.cahelp.org | podcast@cahelp.org

    44 min

  4. JAN 7

    Episode 12 - Inside the IEP Process: Through the Eyes of Parents

    In this episode, Athena Cordero sits down with Monica Rodriguez and Iván Campos to unpack the realities of navigating the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process as parents and professionals. They share candid stories about early signs, assessments, and the emotional journey from suspicion to diagnosis. The conversation explores what an IEP really is, why collaboration matters, and how families can advocate effectively without feeling overwhelmed. From practical strategies to emotional resilience, this episode offers guidance for parents, educators, and anyone supporting a child with unique learning needs. Highlights Monica shares her 20-year journey raising three children with IEPs, including two daughters on the autism spectrum.Iván reflects on his dual perspective as a speech pathologist and parent of a child with dyslexia and dyscalculia.The emotional stages parents experience from denial to acceptance, and how they impact advocacy.Practical tips for handling IEP meetings: asking for breaks, requesting second sessions, and understanding your rights.Why intimidation is common and how to reframe the meeting as a team effort.The role of SELPAs in California and resources available for families.Strategies for helping children understand their diagnosis and advocate for themselves.The importance of planning for the future, not just the present, when setting goals.How respect, communication, and cultural awareness shape successful IEP experiences.Takeaways Pause when needed: Parents can request multiple sessions for an IEP meeting, don’t feel pressured to sign immediately.You are your child’s best advocate: No one knows your child better than you.Plan long-term: Think beyond today’s goals. Consider skills for independence and future success.Normalize emotions: Fear, anger, and overwhelm are part of the process; seek support systems.Empower your child: Involve them when appropriate so they learn to self-advocate.Use available resources: SELPAs, educators, and community networks can provide guidance and technical support.Key Timestamps 00:00:45 – Athena introduces the topic: IEP process and creating a safe space for real conversations. 00:01:35 – Meet the guests: Monica Rodriguez (parent) and Iván Campos (program specialist and parent). 00:03:45 – What is an IEP? Definition, purpose, and IDEA explained. 00:05:27 – Monica shares her children’s learning challenges and strengths. 00:10:12 – Iván describes his son’s struggles with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and attention regulation. 00:14:46 – How parents first realized something was wrong: early signs and teacher observations. 00:23:22 – Emotional impact of diagnosis: grief cycle, denial, and fear for the future. 00:34:11 – Breaking down the IEP meeting: who attends and what happens. 00:41:32 – Strategies for parents feeling overwhelmed during meetings: pause, ask questions, request part two. 00:46:14 – SELPA explained: what it is, what services it offers, and how families can access support. Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram | www.cahelp.org | podcast@cahelp.org

    1h 2m

  5. 12/10/2025

    Episode 11 - Helping Every Child Read: Early Signs, Support, and the Science Behind Dyslexia

    In this episode, Iván sits down with Dr. Karina Quezada to unpack what dyslexia is and what it isn’t. They walk through how the brain learns to read, the early signs families and educators can watch for, and why early, explicit instruction matters so much. Dr. Quezada explains California’s new dyslexia-related laws, the difference between screening and full evaluation, and how the “science of reading” is reshaping classroom practice. The conversation closes with concrete guidance for parents, educators, and a powerful reminder that literacy is a civil right, not just a school task. Highlights Dr. Quezada shares her journey from bilingual paraprofessional and interpreter to licensed educational psychologist, sparked by early exposure to school psychology work.Dyslexia is defined as a neurological reading disorder present from birth, characterized by difficulties in decoding, fluency, and phonological processing—not laziness or lack of effort.The episode explains how reading recruits multiple interconnected brain regions and why humans are not naturally hard-wired for reading the way we are for oral language.Listeners learn about the three main profiles of dyslexia: dysphonetic (phonics/decoding), orthographic (rate & automaticity), and mixed dyslexia.Dr. Quezada addresses common co-occurring conditions and “look-alikes,” including inattentive ADHD, trauma, health issues, interrupted schooling, and second-language acquisition.California policy shifts are highlighted, including teacher-prep and in-service training on the science of reading, and new K–2 dyslexia risk screeners required in elementary schools.The role of technology (text-to-speech, speech-to-text) is framed as supportive access tools, not replacements for teaching children to read.Takeaways Early matters. When children receive ~80 hours of targeted, evidence-based reading instruction, brain imaging shows that reading pathways can be rewired and strengthened.Not every struggling reader has dyslexia. Systematic screening and diagnostic teaching help identify whether the issue is phonics, fluency, comprehension, language, attention, or something else.Core instruction is key. We can’t “intervention our way out” of weak Tier 1. Instruction must be explicit, systematic, and cumulative, covering phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.Dyslexia belongs in schools. It is explicitly named under “Specific Learning Disability” in IDEA; school psychologists and teams can assess and talk about dyslexia.Families have power. Reading, talking, and singing with children in any language, limiting screen time, and building strong communication with teachers all significantly support reading development.Multilingual homes are an asset. Parents should feel encouraged to read and converse in their home language—those vocabulary and concept foundations transfer to English.Literacy is a civil right. Being able to read opens access to civic participation, employment, and community life, making effective reading instruction a justice issue, not just an academic one.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram | www.cahelp.org | podcast@cahelp.org

    1h 9m

  6. 11/05/2025

    Episode 10 - From Red to Green: How Emotional Intelligence Shapes How We Show Up

    In this insightful and practical episode, host Athena Cordero welcomes Tarron Riley, longtime supervisor and clinician at Desert Mountain Children’s Center (DMCC), for a deep dive into emotional intelligence (EI). What it is, why it matters, and how to use it in real life. Drawing on two decades of clinical work with adolescents, anger management, and family systems, Tarron demystifies EI as a set of learnable abilities: recognizing emotions (in ourselves and others), understanding their causes and consequences, using emotions to meet the moment, and regulating them effectively. Together, Athena and Tarron unpack accessible tools like the Mood Meter (red/blue/yellow/green quadrants) and Tarron’s Anger Meter (1–10 scale) to help listeners identify their current state and intentionally “shift zones” for the task at hand. Whether that’s delivering tough news as a leader, preparing for a presentation, or coming home to family after a hard day. Through real examples from on-the-job calls to a father–son round of golf, Tarron shows how self-awareness, social awareness, and co-regulation transform conflict into connection, and reaction into choice. The result is a compelling invitation to practice EI daily so teams communicate better, classrooms run calmer, and relationships grow stronger. Mood Meter Zones Chart Mood Meter Chart 🔑 Highlights & TakeawaysEI, defined (the ability model): Identify emotions, understand their drivers, use emotions to support goals, and regulate/co-regulate effectively. These are skills, not fixed traits—meaning they can be taught and improved over time.The Mood Meter (quick map):Red: High energy, unpleasant (e.g., anger, panic). Useful for urgency/advocacy—when channeled.Blue: Low energy, unpleasant (e.g., sad, discouraged). Surprisingly great for detail work (auditing, proofreading).Yellow: High energy, pleasant (e.g., excited, inspired). Broadens focus—great for brainstorming and engagement.Green: Low energy, pleasant (e.g., calm, content). Best for reflection, consensus-building, and presenting with poise.Name it to tame it: Self-awareness comes first. Label what you’re feeling before choosing strategies. The Anger Meter (1–10) and an emotion vocabulary list make this easier.Leader playbook (before the meeting): Read the room → anticipate how news may shift emotions → decide the target zone you want the group in → tailor your delivery and pace to guide them there. Follow with support and clarity.Create space between trigger and tongue: When you feel the red zone rising, pause, breathe, step back if needed. Respond deliberately instead of reacting impulsively.Co-regulation in action: Use tone, pacing, and empathy to help others shift—without invalidating their feelings. Check assumptions with gentle questions.Everyday practice beats one-time insight: Consistent, small reps (micro-check-ins, mood labeling, reframing self-talk) lead to long-term change in teams, classrooms, and families.Practical starter tools:How We Feel app (EI check-ins, prompts, strategies)Mood Meter (print or keep handy)Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram | www.cahelp.org | podcast@cahelp.org

    50 min

  7. 10/15/2025

    Episode 9 - From Paraeducator to Superintendent: Leading a School District in the Mountains

    In this candid and uplifting conversation, host Athena Cordero sits down with Manny Marquez, Superintendent of Bear Valley Unified School District, to explore what servant leadership looks like in a close-knit mountain community. From his start as a paraeducator to 25 years of growing alongside the district he loves, Manny shares how sincerity, accessibility, and emotional intelligence shape every decision he makes. He pulls back the curtain on a superintendent’s day-to-day—being on campuses, taking parent calls on the spot, and navigating “surprise” responsibilities like facilities, contracts, and construction. Manny also recounts the district’s coordinated response during wildfires—daily cross-department briefings, rapid family outreach (especially for EL families), and turning school nutrition into a community lifeline. Looking forward, he highlights Bear Valley’s pride points and priorities: a long-awaited stadium, expanding CTE and arts, and ambitious dual-enrollment cohorts helping students earn real college credit early. Woven through it all are stories of alumni returning to serve, the district motto—Educate, Inspire, Prepare—and why “inspire” is the word that matters most. 🔑 Highlights & TakeawaysFrom Paraeducator to Superintendent: Manny’s 25-year journey in Bear Valley—and why he’d still “teach in a heartbeat.”Leadership Philosophy: Be sincere, be honest, be yourself. People (and kids) can spot a performance.Small-District Reality: A superintendent who’s hands-on, highly visible, and reachable—even nights and weekends.Emotional Intelligence Matters: Reading the room, listening first, and keeping people at the center of every decision.A Day in the Life: Greeting every staff member, taking real-time calls, solving problems as they arise, and staying present on school sites.The “Unplanned” Parts of the Job: Facilities, construction, contracts, and other non-instructional curveballs.Crisis as Community Work: During wildfires, daily leadership “war room” meetings with transportation, M&O, nutrition, principals, and unions to keep everyone aligned.Serving Families Quickly: EL parent liaison outreach uncovered immediate needs; child nutrition mobilized to fill meal gaps when school closed.People First: “Students first” means people first—seeing the teacher–student partnership and the human context behind every classroom.Educate, Inspire, Prepare: Why inspire fuels everything—motivation precedes achievement.Growing Our Own: Pride in alumni returning as educators and counselors; hiring “from within” strengthens culture.College Starts Here: Dual-enrollment cohorts (some freshmen with 9–18 units) widen access for a rural community and build momentum toward AA/transfer.Balanced Ambition: Push opportunity while protecting the joy of high school—clubs, arts, athletics, and belonging.Advice to Aspiring Admins: Love the work, be a servant leader, and measure success by how well others thrive.Fuel & Family: A 4 a.m. routine, close bonds with staff, and time with his grandson keep Manny grounded.What Worked for Him as a Kid: Adults who saw potential he couldn’t see yet—and told him so.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram | www.cahelp.org | podcast@cahelp.org

    41 min

  8. 10/01/2025

    Episode 8 - Beyond the Numbers: How PBIS & MTSS Help Schools Thrive

    In this candid, practical episode, host Athena Cordero sits down with Dr. Kent McIntosh (University of Oregon; Co-Director, National Center on PBIS) and Angie Mgbeke (Project Manager, Prevention & Intervention at CAHELP) to talk about what it really takes to help schools thrive right now. They cut through post-COVID noise, staff turnover, community tensions, initiative overload and focus on a simple formula: relationships first, data always, teams over heroes. Kent shares how to look at discipline and equity data before making assumptions, while Angie explains how coaching-plus-follow-up (not one-and-done PD) turns plans into practice. Together, they model tactful, honest leadership: celebrate wins publicly, deliver corrective feedback clearly, repair harm restoratively, and keep adults, and students focused on what we can do next. 🔑 Highlights & Takeaways Back to basics after disruption: Reduce the noise; return to practices that build safety, belonging, and consistency for students and staff.Data before conclusions: Check for disproportionality and fairness locally instead of assuming national patterns; let the numbers guide the conversation (not accusations).Relationships > programs: Frequent, genuine recognition and visible leadership set the tone; trust makes tough feedback doable.From “initiative fatigue” to integration: Use MTSS/PBIS as the umbrella—attendance, SEL, mental health, and prevention work fit into tiers (All / Some / Few).Make PD stick: Pair training with coaching, action plans, and walkthroughs; share data ahead of time so teams can process before meeting.Practical facilitation moves:Look for the “arms-crossed” temperature check and aim to reduce resistance by the end.Use after-action reviews (“What worked? What didn’t? What next?”).Favor steady positive interactions over the old “compliment sandwich.”Invite thoughtful skeptics into planning—they often foresee real barriers.Restorative leadership: Own missteps without burdening others to forgive on the spot; repair relationships and outline concrete next steps.Family partnership is essential: Schools function as resource hubs; align supports for working families and changing home dynamics.What kids remember: Adults who believed in them and told the truth—firmly, kindly, and consistently.This episode is a must-listen for principals, district leaders, coaches, and teacher teams who want an actionable playbook for leading with empathy, using data well, and integrating supports so every student and educator can succeed. Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram | www.cahelp.org | podcast@cahelp.org

    1h 3m
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5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The California Association of Health and Education Linked Professions is excited to introduce you to Fostering Futures℠ a podcast that brings you high-quality, research-based content designed to inspire and educate. Each episode is crafted with care, drawing on the knowledge of credible experts, parents, and community members to ensure both trustworthiness and depth. Our mission is to engage and expand our audience by delivering thought-provoking material that focuses on key areas crucial to the development and well-being of all youth. Through our discussions, we aim to provide insights that are not only relevant but also transformative. Join us as we explore innovative approaches in special education, Social Emotional Well-Being, and Community. Be ready to be apart of a community committed to making a positive impact. Visit us at www.cahelp.org

Information

  • Creator
    CAHELP JPA
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Fostering Futures℠
  • Show Website
    Fostering Futures℠