TLC Connections

SUMMARY: In this episode of TLC Connections, we sit down with Michael Flynn, a school counselor at Penndale Middle School in the North Penn School District, to talk about the power and importance of connection in middle school. With over a decade of experience in school counseling—and a previous career in construction—Michael brings a grounded, relatable perspective to the often-overlooked complex...

SUMMARY: In this episode of TLC Connections, we speak with Dr. Christa Lee-Chuvala, Dean of the College of Business and Leadership at Eastern University, about the evolving mission of business education. Christa shares how Eastern is preparing students to become transformational leaders through programs that integrate ethics, purpose, and relationship-building into every level of the learning expe...

SUMMARY: In this episode of TLC Connections, we’re joined by Tory Bright, Director of the Southeastern Regional Mental Health Services Coordination Office. Representing five Pennsylvania counties, Tory shares her powerful insight into the evolution of the public mental health system—discussing key shifts in crisis response, the impact of closing civil beds at Norristown State Hospital, and the nee...

SUMMARY: In this episode of TLC Connections , Plymouth Township Police Chief John Myrsiades joins us to discuss an important partnership with The Lincoln Center, a collaboration that embeds a licensed social worker into the department to support officers in addressing behavioral health needs in the community. Chief Myrsiades shares the personal story that helped shape his belief in the need for mo...

SUMMARY: In this episode of TLC Connections , Todd Shirley, school counselor and licensed professional counselor, shares how a series of tragedies and professional curiosity led him to discover Attachment-Based Family Therapy. When multiple student suicides rocked his school community, Todd was determined to find tools that could truly support students and their families in crisis. He describes ho...

SUMMARY: This week on TLC Connections , Dr. David Bronkema—professor, international development leader, and former collegiate coach—shares a leadership journey defined by open doors, unexpected detours, and meaningful relationships. From his early years living abroad to decades of academic and nonprofit service, David reflects on the setbacks that became stepping stones and how love and humility g...

SUMMARY: In this episode of TLC Connections , we welcome Kristen Harootunian , national speaker with Minding Your Mind , to share her deeply moving personal story. Kristen reflects on her teenage years struggling with substance abuse, self-harm, and mental health challenges—and how a single moment of vulnerability began her path to recovery. Now more than 10 years sober, Kristen travels the countr...

SUMMARY: In this episode of TLC Connections, we welcome Cara Addis, a licensed professional counselor and board-certified art therapist, to explore how art therapy can help students navigate emotions, build resilience, and develop essential social skills. As a mobile school-based therapist, Cara works with students from ages 4 to 18, integrating creative expression into counseling to support emoti...

SUMMARY: In this episode of TLC Connections , Captain Marc Pasquarella of SEPTA Police joins us to discuss an often-overlooked aspect of law enforcement: officer wellness. With 15 years of experience in policing, Captain Pasquarella shares how SEPTA has embraced mental health support for officers, leading to a stronger, healthier police force. He details the formation of the Crisis Response Team,...

SUMMARY: In this episode of TLC Connections , we welcome Dr. Kalia Reynolds , Deputy Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer of the West Chester Area School District. Dr. Reynolds shares her journey from aspiring chemist to education leader and how Maya Angelou’s words, “When you know better, do better,” shape her leadership philosophy. She discusses the importance of belonging in schools, her a...

SUMMARY: In this episode of TLC Connections, Rev. Jeremy Montgomery , CEO of Philly House , discussed the organization's 146-year history and its current operations. Founded in 1878 as the Sunday Breakfast Association of Philadelphia, Philly House has become the city's oldest and largest homeless shelter, serving 108,000 meals last year and sheltering 2,042 unique men. He discusses the root causes...

SUMMARY: Gun violence is more than just an emergency room crisis—it’s a public health issue. In this episode of TLC Connections , we speak with Dr. Greg Casey, an emergency medicine physician at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, about the innovative Violence Intervention and Prevention Program (VIPP) . This hospital-based program, created in partnership with Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic and The Lincoln Ce...

SUMMARY: In this episode of TLC Connections , Kaitlyn (Kate) Lorenz, Regional Outreach Manager for Monte Nido, delves into the nuanced world of eating disorder care. She discusses how trauma, biology, and societal factors like diet culture and social media contribute to disordered eating behaviors. Kate shares her personal story of recovery, her professional path into mental health, and the transf...

SUMMARY: In this episode of TLC Connections, Chris Dormer, Superintendent of Norristown Area School District shares his inspiring journey of collaboration and leadership. Chris discusses how he led the district through a financial turnaround, the collaborative process to develop a $300 million capital improvement project, and ushering in expanded mental health services and educational programming....

SUMMARY: In this episode, Lieutenant Rodger H. Ollis, Jr. reflects on his journey into law enforcement and the values that shaped his approach to community policing. From his construction roots to his leadership in the City of Coatesville Police Department , Lt. Ollis shares how his parents’ lessons in hard work and relationship-building influenced his philosophy on policing. Lt. Ollis discusses i...

SUMMARY: In this episode, we sit down with Dr. LaTanya White-Springfield, Director of Student Services at Pottstown School District and a proud Pottstown native. LaTanya shares her inspiring journey from psychology student to educational leader, driven by her passion for personalized education and authentic community connection. She reflects on the key mentors who shaped her approach to supporting...

SUMMARY: In this episode, Alyssa Brouse, LCSW, shares her inspiring journey into the world of social work. As a first-generation college student, Alyssa overcame a challenging childhood and began her career working in a hospital kitchen. She reflects on the pivotal role a high school teacher played in sparking her confidence, setting off a ripple effect that led her to discover her passion for psy...

Show Notes SUMMARY: In this premier episode, co-hosts Dr. GT Freeman and Julie Knudsen discuss the mission of TLC Connections and share personal stories that shaped and inspired them to pursue careers in mental health and education. Full video episodes are available on YouTube GT FREEMAN BIO: GT Freeman, PhD is the current President & CEO of The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth. GT has more...

TLC Connections is where educators, counselors, and community leaders come together to inspire change. In each episode, we share real stories, actionable insights, and practical tools to empower you in making a lasting impact on the youth, families, and communities you serve—one connection at a time. Subscribe now and join this thriving community of changemakers.