Beyond Academics: Connecting Classroom & Community

🌟 How do we help children thrive after experiencing adversity? 

Join us on Beyond Academics: Connecting Classroom and Community as we welcome Dr. Amy Young, Founder of the Resiliency Institute for Childhood Adversity (RICA) at Loma Linda University. 

Through a powerful conversation, Dr. Young discusses how RICA is transforming lives by promoting healing, resilience, and hope through a whole-child approach that combines healthcare, behavioral health support, and educational advocacy. 

To learn more about RICA: https://lluch.org/services/resiliency-institute-childhood-adversity-rica

In this episode of Beyond Academics: Connecting Classroom and Community, we sit down with Terrance Stone, CEO and founder of Young Visionaries Leadership Academy.

With over 20 years of service and more than 200,000 youth reached, Terrence shares how his lived experience shaped his mission to support young people and families across San Bernardino County. From gang intervention and violence prevention to workforce development and mental health services, his organization is redefining what holistic, community-based support looks like.

We explore the power of mentorship, breaking cycles, building trust in underserved communities, and the importance of meeting people where they are—without judgment.

This conversation highlights the impact of collaboration across schools, community organizations, and local systems, and how creating safe, dignified spaces can truly change lives.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

• How lived experience can become purpose-driven leadership 
• What it takes to build trust in hard-to-reach communities 
• The importance of wraparound services for youth and families 
• Why collaboration is key to lasting community change

We’re excited to highlight our latest episode, “Nurturing Wonder and Curiosity in Rialto Unified School District,” featuring Juanita Chan-Roden, Rialto Unified School District Agent: Science and Career Programs. 

In this episode, Juanita shares how Rialto is centering community-based learning with local partnerships to enhance career exploration and create opportunities for youth to connect with nature and the world around them. Listen to hear how Rialto Unified is cultivating scientific curiosity among youth and creating memories at school that will last for generations to come. 

Listen now to explore these innovative practices and the future of community schools. 

Kelly O’Neill, Community Schools Coordinator at Mammoth Unified School District, is a strategic leader in education and public policy with a deep commitment to empowering communities through education and health initiatives. Her passion for building equity-centered supports in schools has helped catalyze innovative, collaborative systems across Mammoth USD. 

In this episode, Kelly shares how the Coordination of Services Team (COST) breaks down inter-agency silos, strengthens partnerships with community providers, and creates more efficient, effective ways to meet the needs of students and families. 

Michael Garcia, Chief Communication and Community Engagement Officer for Fontana Unified School District, shares how he strengthens partnerships with students and families by prioritizing trust and authentic connection. He reflects on how his journey in education is deeply rooted in his family’s values of servant leadership—a foundation that guides his approach today. 

Michael highlights Fontana Unified’s collaborative leadership practices and explains how cross‑sector partnerships are helping expand access to housing support, digital literacy resources, and mental health services. Through this work, he is elevating parent engagement and ensuring families have the tools they need to thrive. 

Joanna Marrufo hosts a podcast discussing community schools and their impact on education, featuring Dr. Amanda Wade, a community schools coordinator at the Riverside County Office of Education. Wade, with 17 years in education, emphasizes the importance of community schools in addressing diverse student needs across nine districts in Riverside County. The county has received four cohorts of the California Community Schools Partnership Program Grant, supporting 80 schools. Challenges include tailoring support to diverse districts without overwhelming them and educating stakeholders about community schools. Innovative strategies include embedding youth in school systems and fostering leadership skills to advocate effectively.

Serena Johnson has been a Community School Coordinator at the Inyo County Office of Education, since October 2023. While new to the education field, she brings extensive experience in early childhood education as the First 5 Director of Inyo County, along with a strong background in public health and community organizing through her roles with the Toiyabe Indian Health Project and Inyo County Public Health. Serena is passionate about the mission of community schools—to connect the education system with community resources, ensuring all children have the support they need to thrive. 

Serena Johnson discusses her work in rural California, specifically in Inyo County.   Inyo County, with its diverse geography and 19,000 residents, faces challenges in community school outreach. Johnson's initiatives include a consortium approach with five school districts and creative solutions like a 60% response rate for a parent survey using a Scholastic Book Fair incentive. She also emphasizes the importance of consistent communication through a monthly newsletter, translated into Spanish. A successful partnership with the county library in Independence enhances reading scores and community engagement.

Melissa Estrada, Community Schools Coordinator at Hesperia High School, shared her journey from being the first in her family to attend college to becoming a counselor. She highlighted the importance of community partnerships, mentioning key partners like IHP, Desert Mountain Children's Center, and Providence St. Mary's Hospital. Estrada emphasized the need for intentional collaboration, removing barriers, and meeting families where they are. She discussed the impact of their services, including peer tutoring, physical health support, and mental health counseling, which have reduced absenteeism and improved student well-being. Estrada also stressed the importance of networking and continuous learning in community school initiatives.

Victor Gutierrez, a 23-year veteran at Val Verde School District, discusses his role in integrating community support within the school system. He emphasizes the importance of building trust and relationships with students, families, and community partners. The district offers various resources, including a laundromat, community store, on-site clinic, and adult ESL classes. Gutierrez highlights the impact of these services, such as providing clean clothes and healthcare, and the support from partners like Bordando Nuestras Raices and Neighborhood Healthcare. He stresses the significance of authenticity, patience, and humility in community engagement and advocates for a service-oriented mindset in education.

Arnie Ayala, principal of Mariposa Elementary, discussed his journey in education, emphasizing family and community engagement. He highlighted his role in implementing the Family Leadership Institute (FLI), which transformed 122 parents in his former district and continues in his current role. Ayala shared personal stories, including his own transformation and the impact of FLI on parents' lives, such as improved communication and emotional healing. He also described initiatives like college trips and workshops to empower parents and foster a culture of higher education. Ayala stressed the importance of ongoing parent engagement and personal growth for educators.