Fostering Futures®

In this episode of Fostering Futures with CAHELP, Athena Cordero sits down with Xente Baker, Deputy Fire Marshal with the Corona Fire Department, to explore youth fire setting, prevention, and why fire-related behavior can sometimes signal something deeper.

Drawing from more than two decades in fire prevention and investigation, Xente explains why curiosity about fire is natural, but repeated fire setting deserves closer attention. He shares how youth fire setting interventions focus on understanding the reason behind the behavior, identifying possible stressors, and helping children find safer ways to communicate or cope.

The conversation also explores the real-life consequences of fire setting, from property damage and financial responsibility to potential involvement with the juvenile justice system. Xente explains how families, schools, behavioral health professionals, and fire departments can work together to intervene before a young person makes a decision that could have lasting consequences.

Most importantly, this episode gives parents and educators practical prevention strategies they can use immediately, including securing matches and lighters, teaching children that fire is a tool rather than a toy, maintaining working smoke alarms, and paying attention when destructive behavior may be communicating that something is wrong.

**Important Note** 

All youth fire-setting is serious and any intervention must be handled by a trained professional. Parents and/or care takers who learn that their child or a child under their care or supervision, is involved in this high-risk behavior, should immediately reach out to their local fire department for assistance in finding a Youth Fire-setting intervention program near them. If you can’t find a program or get to a program, Xente can come to you. Please reach out to Xente via email at [email protected]

Highlights

• Xente explains the difference between fire suppression and fire prevention.
• Discussion of curiosity versus repeated or concerning fire-setting behavior.
• A look inside the youth fire setting screening and intervention process.
• Real-life example showing how fire setting can be connected to an underlying stressor.
• Discussion of the legal, financial, family, and safety consequences of setting fires.
• Practical prevention steps for parents, schools, and caregivers.

Key Takeaways

• Curiosity about fire can be natural, but repeated fire setting should not be ignored.
• Fire-setting behavior may be connected to stress, trauma, family changes, or other unmet needs.
• Early intervention can help identify the cause before the behavior becomes more dangerous.
• Parents should secure matches and lighters and have direct conversations about fire safety.
• Schools, fire departments, behavioral health providers, and families can work together to support youth.
• Destructive behavior can be communication, so adults should stay curious about what may be happening underneath it.

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In this episode of Fostering Futures with CAHELP, Athena Cordero sits down with J.C. Hall, a hip-hop artist, therapist, school social worker, and creator of a hip-hop therapy studio program at a Second Chance High School in the South Bronx.

J.C. shares how hip-hop became a lifeline during his own struggles as a teenager and eventually inspired his approach to supporting young people facing trauma, mental health challenges, and difficult life circumstances. He breaks down what hip-hop therapy actually looks like, combining music, writing, storytelling, performance, mindfulness, and established therapeutic approaches to meet young people through a culture they already understand.

The conversation explores how writing and recording music can give students a safer way to express difficult emotions, process their experiences, build relationships, and develop skills they can use beyond the studio. J.C. also shares how the program has helped engage students who previously struggled with attendance, behavior, and school connection.

At its heart, this episode is about meeting young people where they are, listening without immediate judgment, and creating spaces where they feel safe enough to tell their stories. J.C.'s experience demonstrates how culture, creativity, relationships, and mental health support can come together to help students find their voice.

Highlights

• J.C. explains how hip-hop therapy combines culture, creativity, and established therapeutic approaches.
• He shares how hip-hop helped him through his own mental health struggles as a teenager.
• Students use writing, recording, rhythm, and storytelling to process emotions and experiences.
• The studio provides a culturally relevant space where students can build trust and connection.
• J.C. shares improvements he has observed in attendance, behavior, engagement, and graduation.
• The conversation explores how music can create opportunities for difficult conversations without immediately judging or censoring students.

Key Takeaways

• Meeting young people on their cultural turf can help build trust and open communication.
• Behavior and creative expression can reveal emotions that students may struggle to verbalize directly.
• Rhythm, writing, breathing, and performance can support emotional regulation and self-expression.
• Creating psychological safety matters more than creating a perfect artistic product.
• Adults do not always need to be the expert. Allowing students to teach can strengthen connection and empowerment.
• Young people who are struggling need to know they are not alone and that their interests can become a bridge to support.

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In this episode of Fostering Futures with CAHELP, guest hosts Amanda Gingerich and Maurica Manibusan sit down with CAHELP behavioral specialists Miya Narvaiz-Ward and Danielle Côté to explore the growing impact of technology, social media, and digital devices on children’s behavior, mental health, and development.

The conversation examines concerns surrounding what some researchers call the "Anxious Generation," including rising rates of anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, emotional dysregulation, and the effects of constant digital connectivity. Miya and Danielle share insights from behavioral science and education while discussing how smartphones, social media platforms, artificial intelligence, and screen exposure can influence developing brains and social relationships.

Together, they discuss the importance of face-to-face interaction, play, empathy, problem-solving skills, sleep, and healthy boundaries around technology use. The conversation emphasizes that technology itself is not the problem, but rather the intensity, frequency, and duration of its use, especially during critical stages of child development.

This episode offers practical strategies for families and educators seeking balance in today’s digital world, while providing hope that increased awareness, education, and intentional habits can help children build healthier relationships with technology and with each other.

Highlights

• Behavioral experts discuss the relationship between social media use and student mental health.
• Exploration of how smartphones and technology affect developing brains.
• Discussion of cyberbullying, anxiety, depression, and digital dependency.
• Insight into the importance of play, empathy, communication, and social interaction.
• Practical guidance for creating healthy technology boundaries at home.
• Hopeful conversation about growing awareness and positive change.

Key Takeaways

• Technology is a powerful tool, but excessive use can negatively impact mental health and development.
• Children’s brains are still developing and are more vulnerable to addictive digital patterns.
• Real-world play and social interaction help build communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills.
• Sleep quality is heavily impacted by nighttime screen exposure.
• Healthy technology habits start with modeling positive behavior as adults.
• Small changes, implemented consistently, can have a meaningful impact on children and families.

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In this episode of Fostering Futures with CAHELP, Athena Cordero sits down with Jeff Youskievicz, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for Silver Valley Unified School District, to discuss how one district is thoughtfully navigating the evolving world of artificial intelligence in education.

Jeff shares Silver Valley’s journey from early conversations about AI to building district-wide systems that support innovation, responsible implementation, and student success. The discussion explores how AI can be used as a tool to support educators, personalize learning, and help teachers regain valuable time while maintaining the critical human relationships that drive student growth.

The conversation also highlights Silver Valley’s work developing its learner profile and six core competencies: creativity, communication, critical thinking, collaboration, character, and continuous learning. Jeff explains how these skills connect directly to preparing students for the future workforce and why educators must help students become thoughtful, responsible users of emerging technologies.

Whether you're an educator, administrator, parent, or simply curious about the future of learning, this episode offers practical insight into balancing innovation with responsibility while keeping student learning at the center of every decision.

Highlights

• Jeff shares how Silver Valley Unified became an early adopter of AI exploration in education.
• Discussion of the district’s learner profile and Six Cs framework.
• Practical examples of how AI can support differentiated instruction and lesson planning.
• Honest conversation about educator concerns and overcoming resistance to change.
• Insight into building AI literacy for students, staff, and families.
• Emphasis on maintaining the human relationships that remain central to education.

Key Takeaways

• AI should be viewed as a tool that supports teachers, not replaces them.
• Successful implementation starts with small steps and intentional learning.
• Preparing students for the future requires skills beyond academic content alone.
• AI literacy is becoming an important part of responsible digital citizenship.
• Professional development and ongoing support help educators build confidence with new technologies.
• Human connection, relationships, and quality teaching remain irreplaceable.

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In this episode of Fostering Futures with CAHELP, Athena Cordero sits down with Vianca Padilla, Outreach Specialist at CAHELP, to discuss mindfulness, mental wellness, and simple strategies that families can use to build stronger connections and healthier habits.

Vianca shares her personal journey with mental health and how mindfulness became an important tool for self-awareness, self-connection, and emotional well-being. Together, Athena and Vianca explore common misconceptions about mindfulness, breaking down the idea that it requires complicated routines or significant amounts of time. Instead, they highlight how mindfulness can be found in everyday moments and simple acts of intentional connection.

The conversation also focuses on practical tools for parents, caregivers, educators, and families, including free resources that support emotional regulation, stress management, and social-emotional learning. Vianca introduces the "9-Minute Challenge," an approachable strategy that uses small moments throughout the day to strengthen relationships and build meaningful connections with children.

This episode offers encouragement and practical guidance for anyone looking to improve their relationship with themselves and others through mindfulness, self-compassion, and intentional connection.

Highlights

• Vianca explains mindfulness in simple, practical terms.
• Discussion of common myths that prevent people from practicing mindfulness.
• Personal story about seeking mental health support and self-discovery.
• Exploration of healthy coping skills and emotional regulation.
• Free family-friendly mindfulness resources for all ages.
• Introduction to the "9-Minute Challenge" as an easy way to strengthen family relationships.

Key Takeaways

• Mindfulness is simply the practice of being present in the moment.
• Many people already use mindfulness strategies without realizing it.
• Self-care and mindfulness are not selfish; they support healthier relationships.
• Healthy coping skills can look different for every person.
• Small daily moments of connection can have a lasting impact on children and families.
• The relationship you have with yourself influences every other relationship in your life.

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In this episode of Fostering Futures with CAHELP, Athena Cordero sits down with Molly Grisham, leadership development expert, author, and founder of a leadership and team development company focused on helping organizations build healthier, more connected cultures.

Drawing from her experience as a college soccer coach, educator, and facilitator, Molly shares how leadership is less about titles and authority and more about understanding people, navigating conflict, and creating environments where individuals can thrive together. The conversation explores communication, team culture, accountability, and the role leaders play in shaping healthy workplace dynamics.

Molly discusses the concept of co-creation, encouraging leaders to reflect on how they contribute to both challenges and successes within their teams. She also shares a powerful story about trust, empathy, and the importance of recognizing that every behavior has a story behind it.

Whether you're a formal leader, aspiring leader, educator, or team member, this episode offers practical insight into building stronger relationships, fostering trust, and leading with intention. It serves as a reminder that leadership begins with self-awareness and a commitment to helping others succeed.

Highlights

• Molly shares her journey from coaching and education into leadership development.
• Discussion on why healthy teams outperform teams driven solely by results.
• Exploration of co-creation, accountability, and leadership mindset.
• Powerful story illustrating empathy and understanding in team dynamics.
• Insight into reframing imposter syndrome as a sign of care and responsibility.
• Practical leadership advice that applies across education, business, and nonprofit settings.

Key Takeaways

• Healthy teams create the foundation for high performance.
• Leadership is not about blame; it is about understanding your role in co-creating outcomes.
• Behind every behavior is a story that may not be visible to others.
• Empathy and curiosity are powerful leadership tools.
• Imposter syndrome often reflects care and commitment rather than inadequacy.
• Everyone leads something, even if it is only their own life.

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In this closing episode of the Fostering Futures Foster Youth series, Athena Cordero sits down with Dr. Amy Young, Chief of Forensic Pediatrics at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, to bring deeper understanding to the realities of childhood trauma, abuse, and healing.

Dr. Young explains the role of forensic pediatrics and how medical professionals evaluate, diagnose, and support children who may have experienced abuse or significant adversity. She offers insight into how cases are handled with a focus on protecting children, supporting families, and working collaboratively with community systems to ensure safety and long-term well-being.

The conversation highlights the importance of trauma-informed care and early intervention, while also shedding light on the emotional toll this work can have on professionals. Dr. Young shares how that experience led her to create the Resiliency Institute for Childhood Adversity, expanding support for youth beyond crisis response and into long-term healing, education, and opportunity.

This episode brings our Foster Youth series full circle. Reinforcing that while trauma can have lasting impacts, consistent support, advocacy, and access to resources can change the trajectory of a child’s life. It is a powerful reminder of the role each individual plays in protecting and supporting children in their communities.

Highlights

• Dr. Young explains the role of forensic pediatrics in identifying and addressing child abuse.
• Insight into how medical conditions can sometimes mimic signs of abuse.
• Overview of multidisciplinary collaboration through Child Advocacy Centers.
• Discussion of the emotional impact and burnout associated with this work.
• Introduction to the Resiliency Institute and its long-term support model.
• Emphasis on advocacy, early intervention, and community responsibility.

Key Takeaways

• Child abuse evaluation requires specialized training and careful investigation.
• Not all concerning signs are abuse, accurate diagnosis is critical.
• Collaboration across agencies improves outcomes for children.
• Trauma impacts children long beyond the initial incident.
• Long-term support systems are essential for healing and success.
• Community awareness and reporting are critical to protecting children.

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In this episode, Athena Cordero sits down with Aubrey Carballo, Service Specialist at Desert Mountain Children’s Center and a former foster youth, to share her powerful and deeply personal story.

Aubrey reflects on entering the foster care system at a young age, navigating multiple placements, and adapting to constantly changing environments, beliefs, and family dynamics. She shares what it was like to experience separation from her siblings, reunification with her mother, and the realities that followed challenging the expectations she once held onto as a child in the system.

Through her journey, Aubrey opens up about early motherhood, loss, resilience, and the strength it took to keep moving forward. She speaks candidly about identity, belonging, and what it means to rebuild yourself after years of instability and change.

Now a mother, professional, and advocate for children and families, Aubrey highlights the importance of breaking generational cycles and creating a different path forward. This episode offers an authentic, hopeful perspective on growth, healing, and the lasting impact of every experience along the way.

Highlights

• Aubrey shares her lived experience growing up in the foster care system.
• Insight into constant transitions between placements, beliefs, and environments.
• Honest reflection on reunification and unmet expectations.
• Discussion of early motherhood and generational patterns.
• The impact of both positive and negative foster care experiences.
• How her journey shaped her role working with children today.

Key Takeaways

• Foster youth often adapt to survive, which can impact identity and belonging.
• Every placement, positive or negative, leaves a lasting impact.
• Reunification can be complex and may not match expectations.
• Generational cycles can be broken with awareness and intentional choices.
• Resilience is built through experience, support, and perspective.
• It is possible to rebuild, grow, and create a different future.

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In this episode of Fostering Futures with CAHELP, Athena Cordero sits down with Mark Todhunter, Behavioral Health Counselor Supervisor at Desert Mountain Children’s Center, to explore the mental health realities of foster youth.

Mark shares his decades of experience working with children in foster care, offering powerful insight into how removal, placement changes, and ongoing uncertainty deeply impact a child’s identity, sense of safety, and ability to form connections. He explains how foster youth often experience both trauma and ongoing grief and loss losing not only their families, but also their homes, schools, routines, and sense of belonging.

The conversation dives into how these experiences show up as behavioral and emotional challenges, and why those behaviors are often forms of communication rather than defiance. Mark also emphasizes the critical role of consistent, caring adults in helping foster youth begin to rebuild trust, develop coping skills, and form healthy attachments over time.

This episode highlights the importance of patience, consistency, and understanding for foster parents and caregivers, while offering a new perspective on what it truly takes to support the mental health and long-term success of children in foster care.

Highlights

• Mark explains how removal from home impacts identity, stability, and belonging.
• Insight into grief and loss as ongoing experiences for foster youth.
• How trauma shows up as behavioral and emotional responses.
• Overview of mental health supports, including counseling and behavioral services.
• The importance of consistent, caring adults in a child’s life.
• Real perspective on what foster parenting requires beyond good intentions.

Key Takeaways

• Foster youth experience trauma, grief, and loss simultaneously and continuously.
• Behaviors are often communication, not defiance.
• Identity and belonging are major challenges for children in foster care.
• Consistency from adults is critical to developing trust and attachment.
• Foster parenting requires new skills, patience, and emotional regulation.
• Even short-term placements can create lasting, positive impact.

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In this episode of Fostering Futures with CAHELP, Athena Cordero sits down with Renee Castillo, Director of Child Welfare and Attendance at Apple Valley Unified School District, to explore how attendance, stability, and student well‑being are deeply connected.

Renee shares her experience across nearly three decades in education, including lessons learned from her time in Vermont and how those insights shaped her work supporting students today. The conversation breaks down the true role of child welfare and attendance moving beyond compliance to focus on connection, trust, and removing barriers that prevent students from accessing school.

Athena and Renee discuss the unique challenges foster youth face, including placement changes, mandated appointments, and trauma that impacts both physical and emotional attendance. They also explore how schools and districts support families through interventions, home visits, and collaborative efforts with community partners before ever reaching formal processes like School Attendance Review Boards (SARB).

This episode highlights the importance of relationships, communication, and empathy in supporting students and families, while offering real examples of how schools can create stability, build trust, and ensure every child has access to learning.

Highlights

• Renee explains the full scope of Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) beyond compliance.
• Insight into how trauma impacts both physical and emotional attendance.
• Real examples of supporting families through homelessness and crisis.
• Breakdown of interventions used before formal processes like SARB.
• Emphasis on building trust with families through communication and relationships.
• Discussion of challenges schools face in supporting attendance today.

Key Takeaways

• Attendance challenges are often driven by barriers, not neglect.
• Emotional disengagement can impact learning just as much as physical absence.
• Building trust with families is essential for long-term success.
• Early intervention and communication prevent escalation to punitive actions.
• Foster youth need consistency, stability, and strong relationships to succeed.
• Schools, families, and agencies must work together to support student outcomes.

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