Panther Pulse

Kristen Harootunian once believed she wouldn’t live past 18. Today, she is a Penn State graduate, a national mental health speaker, and a powerful advocate for healing and hope.

In this deeply honest conversation, Kristen shares her journey through trauma, mental health challenges, and early substance use, and the long road toward recovery, treatment, and self-belief. We talk about what actually helps: therapy, consistent support, learning healthy coping strategies, and finding the courage to ask for help when it feels hardest.

This episode isn’t about quick fixes or inspirational clichés. It’s about choosing to stay, choosing support, and choosing hope again and again.

In this episode of The Panther Pulse, Tom Horner is joined by Sally Edwards, entrepreneur, author, Hall of Fame endurance athlete, and founder of Fleet Feet and the Heart Zones Training Method.

Sally shares her incredible journey through decades of endurance sport, business innovation, and education, including her role in shaping triathlon, pioneering heart-rate-based training, and bringing wearable technology into schools. Together, Tom and Sally explore how understanding the heart can change the way we train, teach, age, and live, and why movement is one of the most powerful tools we have for both physical and mental health.

In this episode of The Panther Pulse, Tom Horner sits down with Dr. Jessica Werner (educator, consultant, and founder of Northshore Learning) to talk about the everyday challenges teachers face in today’s classrooms. With expertise in classroom management, student self-regulation, and educator wellbeing, Dr. Werner responds directly to questions submitted by teachers. From disengaged students to increasing behavioral needs to navigating burnout and limited staffing, this conversation shines a light on practical tools that help teachers stay regulated, supported, and effective while helping students do the same.

On this episode of The Panther Pulse, Tom sits down with the team from Be Extraordinary, Be You, a nonprofit created in honor of their son, Randy, who died by suicide after cannabis-induced psychosis triggered by high-potency THC products.

This conversation goes far beyond “just say no.” It breaks down what today’s THC really is, why it’s drastically different from the marijuana of the past, how it affects the developing brain, and why teens are uniquely vulnerable.

We talk about:

• The truth behind high-potency THC and youth mental health

• Randy’s story and the mission born from heartbreak

• What kids & parents need to know (but often don’t hear)

• The myth that “everyone is doing it.”

This is an episode every parent, educator, coach, AND teen should listen to, because one honest conversation can save a life.

In this episode, Tom sits down with Dr. Josh Stein: child and adolescent psychiatrist, clinic director, and longtime advocate for youth mental health to unpack a challenge many students, families, and educators are facing: How do we encourage kids to strive for excellence without slipping into perfectionism?

They explore motivation, stress, achievement pressure, and the difference between healthy striving and unhealthy expectations. Whether you’re a student, a parent, a teacher, or a coach, this conversation offers practical, real-life strategies you’ll want to save and come back to.

In this episode of The Panther Pulse, host Tom Horner sits down with Teen & Parent Well-Being Coach Laura Ollinger to discuss one of the biggest challenges families face today: technology, screen time, and teen mental health. With her expertise in emotional regulation, digital well-being, and family connection, Laura shares practical tools and strategies for teens and parents to navigate digital life with confidence and balance.

https://www.positivelyhealthycoaching.com/lauraollinger

In this episode of The Panther Pulse, host Tom Horner sits down with Bethany von Steinbergs, founder of Flourish Consulting LLC and a longtime partner with Pine Island Schools. Together, they explore how Strengths Spotting (seeing and developing what’s best in others) can transform classrooms, relationships, and culture. With over 25 years of experience using CliftonStrengths to unlock human potential, Bethany shares practical insights and stories that inspire us to lead with our unique talents and help others do the same.

Find more information about Bethany here:

https://flourish-consulting.com/

In this episode of The Panther Pulse, host Tom Horner sits down with nationally recognized educator and speaker Deb Tackmann, whose passion for health, wellness, and the human spirit has inspired audiences nationwide. As a two-time National Health Educator of the Year and the first health educator from Wisconsin inducted into the National Teacher Hall of Fame, Deb has spent more than four decades teaching people how to live happier, healthier, and more connected lives. Fresh off her visit to Pine Island, where she spoke to our student body, Deb joins us for a heartfelt conversation about the value of life, the power of connection, and how small choices can lead to big changes in how we care for ourselves and one another.

What if the hardest moments you face are actually your biggest growth opportunities?

In this episode of Panther Pulse, I sit down with writer, entrepreneur, and endurance athlete Teddy Mitrosilis to explore his framework called The Golden Opportunity. Teddy shares how pushing through discomfort can unlock resilience, perspective, and lasting growth.

In this episode of The Panther Pulse, HOPE Squad students, advisors, and a parent share how connection, kindness, and peer support can change lives. From personal stories to powerful reflections, this conversation reminds us that hope starts with each of us.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988 for immediate support.Pine Island Student Support Link Here