In this powerful episode of The Elevated Hope Project, we sit down with Olivia, a graduating senior from Accelerated Learning Center in Phoenix, Arizona. After losing nearly everything to the ripple effects of the pandemic—including her health, her education, and her confidence—Olivia made the bold decision to take back control. With the support of her family, her teachers, and her own unshakable willpower, she completed 26 classes in a single year, rebuilt her life, and found her voice.

This is more than a comeback story—it’s a testament to what’s possible when students are met with opportunity, empathy, and belief. Sponsored by Elevated Education, this episode reminds us all that with the right support system, healing and hope are not only possible—they’re within reach.

🎓 Brought to you by Elevated Education—reimagining schools for students who need a second chance.

⏱️ Chapters: 00:10 - Olivia's Introduction and Background   02:19 - Olivia's Struggles During COVID-19   04:45 - Support Systems and Transition to ALC   09:00 - Olivia's Future Plans and Aspirations   14:51 - Lessons Learned and Gratitude   20:33 - Impact of Community and Family   23:53 - Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

In this heartfelt episode of The Elevated Hope Project, we sit down with Sean "Tarzan" Strickland—not the UFC fighter, but the equally tough and inspiring special education teacher at Elevated Education. From childhood surgeries and leg braces to bench pressing 400 pounds and mentoring students who’ve survived unimaginable hardship, Sean shares his journey of resilience, perspective, and unwavering commitment to the power of community.

We dive deep into how his own challenges shaped his mindset, his passion for working with at-risk youth, and why he made the bold leap from IT director to special ed teacher. Sean opens up about the strategies he uses to build trust, keep students on track, and help them believe in their potential—even when the world tells them they can’t.

This episode is packed with powerful moments, heartfelt stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly means to lead with hope, empathy, and relentless support. Whether you're an educator, parent, or student, Sean’s story will leave you inspired to show up, do the work, and be the person who says, “Yes, you can.”

0:00 – Introduction and Welcome 4:05 – Sean's Background and Early Life 20:54 – Impact of Community and Support 21:10 – Sean's Teaching Philosophy and Strategies 29:46 – Challenges and Resilience 30:04 – Sean's Journey into Special Education 34:41 – AI in Education 41:58 – Inspirational Student Stories 45:18 – Final Reflections and Gratitude

In this moving episode of the Elevated Hope Project, we sit down with Leilani Billy, a senior at the Accelerated Learning Center, whose story embodies resilience, cultural pride, and unshakable perseverance. From growing up on the Navajo Nation to navigating academic struggles, profound personal loss, and the challenges of urban life in Phoenix, Leilani opens up about her journey toward graduation — and the determination it took to overcome every obstacle in her path.

As she prepares to graduate and pursue a career in the trades, Leilani reflects on reconnecting with her Navajo heritage, the vital support of her school community, and the importance of using her story to inspire others. Her message to students facing grief, hardship, or feeling behind: you are not alone, and you are not done yet.

This episode is a tribute to the mission of Elevated Education — to provide second chances and spark transformation through schools like East Pointe High School, Elevated Academy, and the Accelerated Learning Center.

0:00 Leilani's Introduction and Background  

2:18 Navajo Culture and Traditions  

5:09 Challenges in School and Personal Losses  

10:20 Transition to Accelerated Learning Center (ALC)

  15:10 Positive Experiences and Teacher Connections  

19:48 Future Plans and Community Support

In this episode, KarIn, a staff member at Elevated Education, shares her powerful story of resilience. Growing up in poverty and homelessness with an unstable father, KarIn's life began with immense hardship. Her mother instilled hope by exposing her to a better world through church, and a caring third-grade teacher changed her life by investing in her personally. Despite starting school late and unprepared, KarIn developed a deep love for learning and, alongside her sisters, broke the cycle of poverty through education. Now working in student enrollment, KarIn connects with struggling students and families, offering hope, guidance, and a reminder that your past doesn’t define your future.

Everyday in high school was survival mode. The fights, the drama, the bullying at school that followed you home through a screen. You knew exactly who you were and what you wanted, but the world around you didn’t get it. In this episode of The Elevated Hope Project, you’ll meet Jazmine, a resilient young woman who went from feeling hopeless and overlooked to building a life of purpose and success. Through her raw and honest story, you’ll hear how one conversation at a nail salon, one teacher who saw her potential, and one choice to never quit changed everything. If you’ve ever felt like giving up, Jazmine’s journey will remind you that there’s always another chapter waiting to be written.

In this episode of The Elevated Hope Project, we share the inspiring journey of Gabby, a graduate of one of our Phoenix schools, who overcame adversity, dropping out, and uncertainty to find hope, return to education, and thrive at Scottsdale Community College. Sponsored by Elevated Education, this podcast celebrates stories of resilience and transformation, highlighting the impact of schools like East Pointe High School, Elevated Academy, and Accelerated Learning Center. Gabby’s story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of a supportive community. From struggling with self-doubt and difficult life circumstances to earning a scholarship and excelling in college, her journey proves that with determination, the right support, and a mindset shift, anything is possible. Tune in to hear how Gabby turned challenges into opportunities and built a brighter future.

Gabby's Introduction and Background (0:00)

Gabby's Early Life and Family Dynamics (3:20)

Challenges at Desert Mountain and Saguaro High Schools (6:00)

Discovery of Accelerated Learning Center (ALC) (9:09)

Turnaround and Academic Success (12:55)

Current Academic and Career Aspirations (21:11)

Advice for Others and Final Thoughts (28:55)

This podcast celebrates stories of resilience, transformation, and second chances. In this episode, I’m honored to share the incredible journey of Ariel Harlow, our first staff interview and someone whose life was changed by one of our schools. Ariel opens up about her challenging upbringing, the struggles she faced in school, and how finding the right support system helped her turn things around. She shares how a strong community, dedicated mentors, and her own determination led her from nearly dropping out to graduating high school, earning a college degree, and now working to support students who are walking a similar path. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact of perseverance, mentorship, and second chances. Let’s dive in!

(0:00) - Ariel's Struggles and Early Life

(1:38) - Gift and Introduction of Ariel

(3:50) - Ariel's Early Life and Family Dynamics

(6:04) - Adoption and High School Struggles

(10:31) - Transition to Elevated Education School

(22:21) - Graduation and College Aspirations

(23:21) - Balancing College and Motherhood

(32:42) - Returning to Education and Career

(37:25) - Reflecting on the Journey

(41:12) - Future Hope and Impact

Ty’s journey is one of struggle, transformation, and the power of unwavering support. From battling addiction and homelessness to finding mentorship, education, and a path forward, his story is a testament to the impact of second chances. In this episode of The Elevated Hope Project, we explore how a community of mentors, a school that believed in him, and his own resilience helped Ty overcome adversity and build a future he never thought possible. Tune in to hear his powerful story of redemption and hope.

Welcome to our first podcast! In this podcast, we're sharing incredible stories of resilience and transformation from current and former students who have faced and overcome tremendous obstacles. A year ago, I got excited about starting this and even bought all the equipment, only to let it sit collecting dust—typical me! But here we are, with the goal of inspiring teenagers, parents, and educators through stories of perseverance, hope, and personal growth. These stories highlight not just academic struggles, but the journey of overcoming challenges and finding success through hard work, patience, and dedication. We'll also dive into the significance of alternative education programs and dropout recovery efforts, showing the powerful impact they have not only on individuals but on society and the economy as well. It's about creating communities of support and connection, where students learn life-changing skills beyond academics. If you’re a current or former student with a story to share, we’d love to hear from you.

(0:00) - Intro 

(1:03) - Gratitude

(6:54) - Introductions

(13:35) - Why???

(18:33) - Why stories matter

(25:16) - How we help - mentors/teachers/faculty

(29:04) - Transformation

(32:50) - Conclusion

Elevated Education is committed to providing disengaged teens with hope, opportunity, and support to re-engage in their education and pursue their dreams.

Connect with us on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/elevatedteens/

https://www.instagram.com/eastpointehs.az/

https://www.instagram.com/acceleratedlearningcenter/