The CharacterStrong Podcast

Today our guest is Erica Fener-Sitkoff the Chief Clinical Officer at FullBloom. We talk to Erica talk about why student mental health belongs at the center of school success. She shares a practical frame for Tier 1–Tier 3 supports, why universal wellbeing skills (like gratitude, check-ins, and regulation) make Tier 2 and Tier 3 more effective, and how helping teachers, counselors, and staff, protects everyone's capacity. Erica also highlights how Georgia is investing in school safety and mental wellness, with funding that schools can use for culture-building, universal skill instruction, and scalable Tier 2 supports. Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website

Today our guest is Meg Boyd the Principal at Edgewood Elementary. Meg shares how her school uses morning announcements to keep a daily focus on character in every classroom. From "Motivation Monday" to "Fun with Words Friday," each day carries a theme that unites students and staff while strengthening school culture. What began during COVID as simple voice-over slides has grown into a consistent, schoolwide practice that proves connection doesn't have to be polished to be powerful. With student shout-outs, quotes, and simple reminders, these daily announcements have become a daily touchpoint for connection. Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website Meg Boyd is in her 11th year as Principal at Edgewood Elementary in Greenfield, Wisconsin. Under her leadership, Edgewood has twice been recognized as a National School of Character, and has also been acknowledged for students' growth and closing achievement gaps. Meg works to ensure that all children have access to an education that opens doors for their futures. Believing in and nurturing children's character and competence is what makes that possible.

Season 8 kicks off with CharacterStrong co-founders John Norlin and Houston Kraft unpacking three challenges schools face: student mental health, rising behavior, and educator burnout. They explain why culture is "the plate," not another thing on it, and how adult behavior change drives schoolwide improvement. John and Houston also show how a cohesive MTSS ecosystem (Tier 1–3), paired with policy-aligned campaigns, attendance tools, and Future Ready content, reduces fragmentation. Finally, they preview new "assessment to action" work with Intellispark that helps leaders turn data into evidence-based next steps, so schools spend less time reacting and more time proactively supporting students and staff. Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website

Today our guest is Dr. Lori Lynass, Sr. Director of MTSS at CharacterStrong. We talk to Lori about how connection isn't "extra" or "soft"—it's a strategic, academic practice at the heart of effective Tier 1 work. She shares how simple strategies, like quick community-building circles, can be woven into the school day in just a few minutes and still have a lasting impact on belonging and engagement. She also emphasizes that adults need connection, too, and that when schools prioritize role-modeling relational practices with staff, it directly strengthens consistency and impact with students. Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website

Today our guest is Dr. Darian Jones, Program Implementation Specialist at CharacterStrong. We talk to Dr. Jones on why belonging must be built into the systems of a school, not left to chance. He highlights how proactive and responsive practices, like structured greetings, advisory systems, and intentional transitions can help both students and adults reset, connect, and thrive. Through powerful stories, including a pivotal moment where uncovering the root cause of a student's behavior transformed outcomes, Dr. Jones reminds leaders that adult behavior change is the key lever for student success. Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website

On today's episode CharacterStrong Co-Founder John Norlin explores a simple idea with big impact: the pace of our day influences the way we show up for others. When we're constantly rushing, even our best intentions, like showing kindness or practicing empathy, can get lost in the shuffle. John invites educators and leaders to reflect on how we prioritize connection in our daily routines. Sometimes, the most powerful shift we can make is slowing down just enough to see the people right in front of us. Click here to subscribe to the CS Weekly Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website

Today we talk with Dr. Clay Cook, the Chief Development Officer at CharacterStrong. He shares the biggest reasons Tier 2 systems stall—and what to do about it. Dr. Cook unpacks common barriers like unclear roles, limited capacity, and lack of team clarity, offering practical, hopeful solutions every school can apply. Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website

Today our guest is Dr. Andre Stout, principal at Gray Middle School, in Tacoma, WA. We talk to Dr. Stout about how intentional systems—not just goals—drive lasting change. From daily character lessons and biweekly Fireside Chats to celebrating growth and reclaiming the hallways, he breaks down the simple, strategic systems that helped shift school culture. Dr. Stout also shares why capacity-building—not just buy-in—is key to sustainability, and how being present as a leader creates the credibility to raise expectations and drive impact. Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website

Today our guest is Jeff Cohen, CEO of FullBloom. We talk to Jeff about what it really means to support students. He challenges us to rethink the one-size-fits-all models and instead embrace a personalized approach, one where schools are equipped to meet every student where they are. From personalizing learning experiences to strengthening the adult systems that guide them, Jeff lays out a compelling vision for the future of education, and how CharacterStrong and FullBloom are helping to make it possible. Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website

Today our guest is Kelli Brabson the MTSS Coordinator at Mossville Grade School. We talk to Kelli about what it means to invest in students intentionally, proactively, and with heart. Drawing from over two decades of experience as a teacher, principal, and now MTSS leader, Kelli shares practical strategies for building community, fostering accountability, and equipping students with the skills they need to thrive. From postcard welcomes to classroom compacts, picture books to I-statements, Kelli reminds us that consistency, community, and competency go hand in hand. Her powerful message: we're all making an investment—so the question is, where are we putting it? Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website Kelli Brabson grew up in the small town of Chillicothe, Illinois. Although she enjoyed school and generally earned good grades, academic success didn't come easily—she had to work hard to achieve it. Encouraging teachers played a significant role in her journey, and their influence, both positive and challenging, helped shape her decision to pursue a career in education. After briefly considering nursing, Kelli realized it wasn't the right path and found her calling in a Children's Literature class at Illinois Central College. From that moment on, she knew teaching was what she was meant to do. She went on to earn her degree in Elementary Education from Illinois State University in 2003. In 2006, she completed her first master's degree in Teaching and Leadership from Saint Xavier University, followed by a General Administration degree from the American College of Education in 2011. Throughout her career, Kelli has served in a variety of roles, including first grade teacher, third grade teacher, Junior High Principal, and now, MTSS Coordinator. Kelli has been married to her husband, Nick, for nearly 20 years. They have two sons: Dylan, 18, and Cooper, 13. Their family life is filled with sports—baseball, football, basketball, lacrosse, and even a little wrestling. Dylan will be heading to Florida Atlantic University in the fall to study Exercise Science, while Cooper is entering 8th grade and eagerly looking ahead to high school. Go Panthers!