From Listening to Launch: Collaborative Curriculum Selection - Joanna Frankel
Release Date: 06/27/2025
From Data to Care: Coaching That Strengthens Counselor Connections - Abby Master & Tiffany Brown
The CharacterStrong Podcast
Today our guests are Abby Master, Co-Founder of EmpowerU & Tiffany Brown a Licensed School Counselor and Lead Coach with EmpowerU. We talk to Abby & Tiffany about The Power of 1:1 Coaching to Transform Student Mental Health. They share how one-to-one, asynchronous coaching expands Tier 2 capacity, strengthens counselor-student relationships, and helps subclinical students build real resilience. Abby & Tiffany explain how students take quick lessons, get personalized coach feedback, and set their own goals, while counselors receive targeted updates they can act on. The also talk...
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Simple Systems, Lasting Impact: Character Through Daily Announcements - Meg Boyd
The CharacterStrong Podcast
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...
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Season 8 Kickoff: Three Challenges in Education - Mental Health, Behavior, & Burnout
The CharacterStrong Podcast
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...
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Relational Strategies That Strengthen Academics - Dr. Lori Lynass
The CharacterStrong Podcast
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...
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Systems Over Goals: Building Belonging in Schools - Dr. Darian Jones
The CharacterStrong Podcast
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...
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The Power of Presence in a Rushed World - John Norlin
The CharacterStrong Podcast
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. to subscribe to the CS Weekly Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE ...
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2025 Tier 2 Summit: Problem-Solving Common Barriers to Tier 2 - Dr. Clay Cook
The CharacterStrong Podcast
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 Visit the
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What Happens When Kids Know You Believe In Them - Dr. Andre Stout
The CharacterStrong Podcast
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...
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Every Student, Every Need: Rethinking School Support - Jeff Cohen
The CharacterStrong Podcast
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 Visit the
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Tools, Trust, and Teaching What Matters - Kelli Brabson
The CharacterStrong Podcast
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...
info_outlineToday our guest is Joanna Frankel the Director of Elementary Culture and Climate at Portland Public Schools. We talk to Joanna about how her team led a deeply collaborative curriculum selection process—gathering input from over 300 staff members, conducting a community listening tour with families, and piloting options with 37 educators. She reflects on the power of stakeholder voice, and how this inclusive approach not only informed their final decision but also built trust and ownership across the district.
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Joanna Frankel serves as the Director of Elementary Culture and Climate for Portland Public Schools in Portland, Maine (the "other" Portland!). Her role serves as a bridge between Portland's ten elementary schools and Central Office departments and staff, working in the areas of social, emotional, and behavioral systems of support for students, in addition to helping to ensure positive relationships and experiences for staff and families. Previously Joanna was an Elementary Assistant Principal in Portland, Coordinator of Teaching and Learning in Gray, Maine, and for nearly two decades taught all grades Pre-K through 5th in Maine, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. A native of Philadelphia, Joanna holds a BA from Sarah Lawrence College (NY) and an MEd from Smith College (MA), where she was a Graduate Teaching Fellow. Joanna is a PBIS trainer in the state of Maine and holds a Graduate Certificate in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports from the University of Maine. She is a proud product of public schools and a proud parent of a public school high school junior. In her spare time Joanna goes on frequent "rides to nowhere" in spin class, is a certified yoga instructor and longtime yoga practitioner, loves sitting on Maine beaches with a good book, and is an obsessive fan of the band Wilco. At work she's known as "the feelings lady.”