We talk to Hillary about blended learning programs and how this hybrid classroom helps to meet the different needs of students. She talks about some of the struggles that students are facing in this season and gives a few ways that they are helping students re-engage in relationships. Hillary also shares how teachers are creatively using CharacterStrong lessons during shorter one-on-one check-ins with students.

Hilary Craw has been a school counselor with Redlands eAcademy in Redlands Unified School District for the past six and a half years. Before that, she worked as a school counselor for Redlands High school in Redlands Unified from 2008-2010, as an Admissions Counselor for University of Redlands from 2011-2013, and as the Hospital Outreach Manager for The Painted Turtle, a camp for kids with serious medical conditions, from 2013-2015. Through her work as a school counselor and also her volunteer work as a camp counselor with The Painted Turtle and Camp Good Grief, Hilary has cemented her belief that each child matters, is important and has the ability to contribute, no matter what challenges, setbacks, diagnoses, or struggles they face. But in order to do this, they need to be seen and heard by their peers and the important adults in their lives. She also believes wholeheartedly in the power of laughter and humor to heal and to connect with others. Hilary’s favorite day is when a student seeks her out to share a pun or a joke with her. In fact, Hilary means cheerful and she always tries to live up to that.