In this episode, Heather sits down with Waddell, a school social worker, to talk honestly about what real family collaboration looks like in practice—especially when things aren’t neat or easy. They explore how meaningful change rarely comes from working with students in isolation, and why building relationships with entire families—including siblings and caregivers—is essential to long-term success. Waddell shares how programs like Wraparound, family therapy, and community supports can help address basic needs like housing and food, which often stand in the way of academic and behavioral progress. Together, they reflect on the importance of patience, grace, and seeing families as the experts on their own lives—even when trust is low or hope is fading. This is a grounded, real-world conversation about what it takes to partner with families in ways that matter.

Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!

Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.

Join Our Newsletter

Stay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!

Follow Us on Social Media

Connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!

Subscribe to Our Podcast

Enjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!

Support Our Mission

Love what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.

Send Us Your Feedback

Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at [email protected] — we’d love to hear from you!