Fostering Futures℠

In this candid and uplifting conversation, host Athena Cordero sits down with Manny Marquez , Superintendent of Bear Valley Unified School District , to explore what servant leadership looks like in a close-knit mountain community. From his start as a paraeducator to 25 years of growing alongside the district he loves, Manny shares how sincerity, accessibility, and emotional intelligence shape eve...

In this candid, practical episode, host Athena Cordero sits down with Dr. Kent McIntosh (University of Oregon; Co-Director, National Center on PBIS) and Angie Mgbeke (Project Manager, Prevention & Intervention at CAHELP) to talk about what it really takes to help schools thrive right now. They cut through post-COVID noise, staff turnover, community tensions, initiative overload and focus on a...

In this inspiring, people-first episode, host Athena Cordero welcomes Jesse Nájera , Superintendent of Silver Valley Unified School District , for an open, practical conversation about leading a small, military-connected district with heart. Together they unpack how relationships, recognition, and student wellness —not just programs or test scores—drive real outcomes for kids. Jesse traces his pat...

In this insightful and heartfelt episode, host Athena Cordero is joined by Crystal Kudrle , Occupational Therapist at Desert Mountain SELPA, for an open and practical conversation about a surprisingly overlooked topic in education — bathroom breaks, pelvic health, and student well-being . Together, they shine a light on how something as simple as restroom routines can profoundly impact focus, beha...

In this powerful episode host Athena Cordero is joined by Naomi Hill, Intervention Specialist at Desert Mountain Children’s Center, for an open and moving conversation about the mental health needs of youth athletes. Through humor, heart, and real-life stories, they shine a light on what student athletes are really carrying on and off the field. Naomi shares her journey from group homes to classro...

In this heartfelt episode of Fostering Futures with CAHELP , host Athena Cordero is joined by Scott Heitman, Executive Director of Special Services at Oro Grande School District, for an honest and insightful conversation about Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Together, they work to demystify what SEL really means moving it out of binders and buzzwords and into everyday human connection. Scott shar...

Dr. Maria Jesus Ampuero is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Ph. D. in Psychology. She currently has been providing Mental Health Services for the past 24 years and has been working at the Desert Mountain Children Center (DMCC) for almost 18 years as a Behavioral Health Counselor. She specializes in working with individuals across the lifespan, with a particular focus on trauma, neur...

Anne Smolenski, M.S., CCC-SLP, currently works at CAHELP as a Program Specialist in Communication Disorders. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from California State University, Sacramento, and her Master of Science Degree in Clinical Speech-Language Pathology from Northern Arizona University. Anne has worked as a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP...

Crystal Aden has been an Occupational Therapist for over ten years. She started her education locally at Victor Valley College (VVC) before then transferring to Loma Linda University where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree and Master of Occupational Therapy. She is a Nationally Board-Certified Occupational Therapist and is licensed to practice in multiple states. As an Occupational Therapist, she...

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Fostering Futures ℠ is a podcast that brings you high-quality, research-based content designed to inspire and educate. Each episode is crafted with care, drawing on the knowledge of credible experts, parents, and community members to ensure both trustworthiness and depth. Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram | www.cahelp.org | podcast@cahelp.org