This episode focuses on adapting curriculum tasks and materials for specific learning goals. The conversation breaks down the difference between accommodations, which provide access without lowering expectations, and modifications, which adjust the content itself. Heather and Eryn highlight the common confusion between the two, emphasizing the importance of identifying the “game changer” supports that truly help students succeed rather than overwhelming them with a long checklist. They discuss how assessment, teamwork, and clear communication across educators and specialists ensure that adaptations are both functional and effective. Special attention is given to students with emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges, where effective strategies often include offering real choices, building in breaks, and fostering student agency. Ultimately, the episode underscores the value of student involvement, ongoing data collection, and flexible approaches that balance high expectations with meaningful support.Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.Join Our NewsletterStay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!Follow Us on Social MediaConnect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!Subscribe to Our PodcastEnjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!Support Our MissionLove what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.Send Us Your FeedbackHave questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at podcast@thresholdlearning.org — we’d love to hear from you!
In this episode, the focus is on systematically designing instruction toward a specific learning goal. Ann shares how years in the classroom have taught her that success depends not only on following curriculum and pacing guides but also on recognizing and adapting to the diverse learning needs of students. She emphasizes the importance of identifying prerequisite skills, diagnosing gaps, and using flexible instructional approaches tailored to individual learners.The conversation highlights how teachers can act as “educational detectives,” uncovering what prevents progress and strategically filling in missing foundations. Heather underscores the value of making learning a transparent, student-centered journey where learners understand both the goals and the adjustments along the way. Together, they reflect on how thoughtful, student-driven planning leads to stronger engagement, more meaningful progress, and greater success for all learners.Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.Join Our NewsletterStay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!Follow Us on Social MediaConnect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!Subscribe to Our PodcastEnjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!Support Our MissionLove what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.Send Us Your FeedbackHave questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at podcast@thresholdlearning.org — we’d love to hear from you!
This episode explores the process of identifying and prioritizing long- and short-term learning goals. The conversation emphasizes the importance of backward planning, starting with a student’s vision for life after high school and mapping the steps needed to get there. Mary shares how centering student voice, family input, and community partnerships creates more relevant and sustainable transition plans. The discussion also highlights the reality that school-based supports often drop off dramatically after graduation, making it critical to equip students and families with skills to navigate systems independently. Listeners will hear how shifting from doing things for students to working with them fosters true self-advocacy and long-term success. Ultimately, the episode underscores that meaningful goal-setting is collaborative, flexible, and deeply tied to ensuring students thrive beyond school.Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.Join Our NewsletterStay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!Follow Us on Social MediaConnect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!Subscribe to Our PodcastEnjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!Support Our MissionLove what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.Send Us Your FeedbackHave questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at podcast@thresholdlearning.org — we’d love to hear from you!
This episode focuses on conducting functional behavioral assessments (FBAs) to develop effective student behavior support plans, with a special emphasis on students experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges. The conversation highlights the importance of observing students across different settings, identifying patterns and trends, and considering factors beyond surface-level assumptions. Listeners will hear how effective FBAs require balancing empathy with professional objectivity, recognizing that behavior communicates underlying needs. The discussion emphasizes the shift from compliance-driven plans to student-centered supports that build essential skills such as communication and self-advocacy. Strategies include modeling appropriate behavior, teaching functional communication, and guiding teams to listen deeply to students—even when advocacy is expressed in difficult ways. Ultimately, the episode underscores the need for patience, consistency, and collaboration in creating plans that support both student growth and healthier school communities.Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.Join Our NewsletterStay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!Follow Us on Social MediaConnect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!Subscribe to Our PodcastEnjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!Support Our MissionLove what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.Send Us Your FeedbackHave questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at podcast@thresholdlearning.org — we’d love to hear from you!
In this episode, Heather and Jon dive into teaching social behaviors. They explore how social, emotional, and behavioral skills are deeply tied to awareness—both of ourselves and the dynamics within a group. The conversation highlights how presence, body language, and even unspoken cues can shape classroom interactions and students’ sense of safety. They also examine how students often pick up on subtle inconsistencies in adults, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and naming emotions rather than hiding them. Heather and Jon caution against reducing social skills instruction to simple behavioral rewards, stressing the need to teach the “why” behind interactions and how skills apply differently across contexts. Through personal experiences and practical examples, they underscore that teaching social behaviors is not a one-size-fits-all curriculum but an ongoing, relational process that equips students with meaningful skills for both the classroom and beyond.Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.Join Our NewsletterStay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!Follow Us on Social MediaConnect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!Subscribe to Our PodcastEnjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!Support Our MissionLove what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.Send Us Your FeedbackHave questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at podcast@thresholdlearning.org — we’d love to hear from you!
This episode focuses on providing positive and constructive feedback to guide student behavior. Manny shares how behavior-specific praise goes beyond simple affirmations by naming exactly what students are doing well and why it matters, helping them understand expectations and build lasting skills. The conversation highlights the importance of giving both the "what" and the "why," ensuring students aren’t left guessing about unclear or inconsistent standards.Heather and Manny discuss how staff can identify and clarify expectations, using feedback to create a roadmap for students and ensure consistency across different learning environments. They also emphasize the power of feedback to build rapport, support skill generalization from resource rooms to general education settings, and set both students and staff up for success. Ultimately, the episode underscores how intentional, specific feedback fosters growth, strengthens relationships, and helps students internalize positive behaviors.Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.Join Our NewsletterStay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!Follow Us on Social MediaConnect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!Subscribe to Our PodcastEnjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!Support Our MissionLove what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.Send Us Your FeedbackHave questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at podcast@thresholdlearning.org — we’d love to hear from you!
In this episode, Heather is joined by Candace to explore how to build a consistent, organized, and respectful learning environment that helps students thrive. Together, they discuss how classroom climate directly influences behavior, engagement, and academic growth, and why setting clear, positively stated expectations is essential. Candace shares insights from her work with teachers and paraprofessionals, highlighting the need to model, reinforce, and revisit expectations throughout the school year. They also dive into the power of honest conversations, specific feedback, and relational trust in creating safe and supportive spaces for students. The conversation shows how small shifts in language, intentional practices, and cultural awareness can transform classroom dynamics and make students feel respected and ready to learn.Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.Join Our NewsletterStay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!Follow Us on Social MediaConnect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!Subscribe to Our PodcastEnjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!Support Our MissionLove what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.Send Us Your FeedbackHave questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at podcast@thresholdlearning.org — we’d love to hear from you!
This episode focuses on how schools can use student assessment data to guide instruction and drive meaningful improvements in student outcomes. Mary and Heather discuss the challenges educators face in moving from collecting data to actually analyzing it in ways that inform decision-making. They highlight the importance of setting small, actionable goals, adjusting strategies when needed, and involving school leaders in helping teachers make sense of complex information. The conversation also emphasizes the role of changing adult practices, building consistent systems of support, and leveraging existing resources more effectively. Using examples like addressing attendance, they show how even seemingly simple data points require deeper analysis to uncover root causes. The episode underscores patience, collaboration, and intentional action as key ingredients for long-term student success.Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.Join Our NewsletterStay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!Follow Us on Social MediaConnect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!Subscribe to Our PodcastEnjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!Support Our MissionLove what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.Send Us Your FeedbackHave questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at podcast@thresholdlearning.org — we’d love to hear from you!
Heather Volchko and Lathyrelle Isler explore High-Leverage Practice #5: interpreting and communicating assessment information to collaboratively design and implement educational programs. The conversation centers on making technical data accessible by breaking down jargon, reading the room to gauge understanding, and adapting communication for diverse audiences, including educators, parents, and students. Lathyrelle shares how humility, curiosity, and a willingness to ask questions strengthen collaboration and build trust among team members. They highlight the importance of realistic planning that accounts for classroom dynamics, home life, and available resources, rather than relying solely on raw data. The discussion also addresses challenges like ego-driven communication and the need for follow-up to ensure clarity. Throughout the episode underscores that successful programming requires both accurate data interpretation and a deep understanding of each student’s real-world context. It offers practical insights for educators committed to fostering collaborative, student-centered decision-making.Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.Join Our NewsletterStay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!Follow Us on Social MediaConnect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!Subscribe to Our PodcastEnjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!Support Our MissionLove what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.Send Us Your FeedbackHave questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at podcast@thresholdlearning.org — we’d love to hear from you!
Heather is joined by Ann to explore what it really means to use multiple sources of information to understand a student’s strengths and needs. Drawing from years of experience, Ann shares how combining data, context, and human insight creates a clearer and more accurate picture than any single measure could.They discuss how to balance hard metrics with lived experiences, interpret results in light of timing and relationships, and adapt plans as circumstances shift. From embracing failure as a learning tool to connecting academic skills with real-life applications, the conversation offers practical, flexible strategies for supporting student growth. If you’ve ever wondered how to move beyond checklists toward truly individualized support, this episode will show you how.Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.Join Our NewsletterStay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!Follow Us on Social MediaConnect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!Subscribe to Our PodcastEnjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!Support Our MissionLove what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.Send Us Your FeedbackHave questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at podcast@thresholdlearning.org — we’d love to hear from you!
Join Heather Volchko and guest Jon Barberio as they dive into the real work of collaborating with families to support student learning and secure needed services. They unpack how to start conversations in a way that invites parents in as partners, even when school and home expectations don’t quite match. You’ll hear stories of navigating misunderstandings, aligning on shared goals, and bringing students into the process to boost ownership and motivation. From building trust through genuine care to celebrating successes—not just addressing challenges—Heather and Jon share practical strategies that strengthen school–family partnerships. It’s a conversation about empathy, openness, and keeping students at the center of every decision.Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.Join Our NewsletterStay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!Follow Us on Social MediaConnect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!Subscribe to Our PodcastEnjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!Support Our MissionLove what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.Send Us Your FeedbackHave questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at podcast@thresholdlearning.org — we’d love to hear from you!
Heather and Ashley share what it takes to organize and lead meetings that bring families and professionals together—without the tension taking over. From setting a clear agenda to making sure every voice at the table feels valued, Ashley offers practical strategies she’s used to turn even the most contentious conversations into collaborative problem-solving.The discussion highlights how relationship-building before, during, and after meetings can shift the tone, ways to keep large groups focused on priorities, and the impact of giving parents space to speak first. This conversation blends preparation tips, facilitation skills, and real-world examples—so meetings don’t just meet, they move things forward for students.Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.Join Our NewsletterStay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!Follow Us on Social MediaConnect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!Subscribe to Our PodcastEnjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!Support Our MissionLove what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.Send Us Your FeedbackHave questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at podcast@thresholdlearning.org — we’d love to hear from you!
Join Heather, Cass O’Hara, Flora, and Matthew Hayes as they talk through the real-world challenges educators face today—from shifting state and federal policies to the everyday work of staying flexible in uncertain times. Heather opens up about what it takes to keep operations creative, the importance of knowing when to pivot, and the deep commitment to students that drives every decision. You’ll hear how TLC is adapting with a mix of hands-on support, online tools, and meaningful partnerships to meet the changing needs of schools and communities.Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.Join Our NewsletterStay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!Follow Us on Social MediaConnect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!Subscribe to Our PodcastEnjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!Support Our MissionLove what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.Send Us Your FeedbackHave questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at podcast@thresholdlearning.org — we’d love to hear from you!
Join Flora, Heather, and Cass O’Hara as they talk about what it really takes to care for yourself while running a business in this episode of their summer series, Ask Me Anything. Heather shares how she balances personal well-being with day-to-day responsibilities, touching on team care, burnout, and setting boundaries. Cass adds perspective on building a work environment that supports resilience. Together, they unpack what it looks like to lead with both structure and compassion—and why flexibility and understanding matter more than ever.Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.Join Our NewsletterStay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!Follow Us on Social MediaConnect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!Subscribe to Our PodcastEnjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!Support Our MissionLove what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.Send Us Your FeedbackHave questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at podcast@thresholdlearning.org — we’d love to hear from you!
Join Heather, Flora, and Matthew as they unpack the real story behind launching and growing a business. From navigating the shift out of education to building trust, finding the right support, and facing imposter syndrome head-on, they explore what it really takes to keep going when things get tough. This episode is full of honest reflections, lessons from failure, and the mindset shifts needed to stay grounded and keep moving forward. Perfect for new or aspiring entrepreneurs.Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.Join Our NewsletterStay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!Follow Us on Social MediaConnect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!Subscribe to Our PodcastEnjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!Support Our MissionLove what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.Send Us Your FeedbackHave questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at podcast@thresholdlearning.org — we’d love to hear from you!
In this episode of Ask Me Anything, Heather, Cass, and Flora get honest about what it really means to reshape education from the inside out. They talk about what it takes to stay mission-driven while navigating complex systems that don’t always work for every student. Heather shares how her passion for meeting individual needs drives her work, and Cass brings insight into why flexible thinking matters more than rigid models. From challenging assumptions to honoring the strengths of outliers, this conversation invites listeners to imagine a more responsive, and more human, approach to education.Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.Join Our NewsletterStay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!Follow Us on Social MediaConnect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!Subscribe to Our PodcastEnjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!Support Our MissionLove what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.Send Us Your FeedbackHave questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at podcast@thresholdlearning.org — we’d love to hear from you!
Go behind the scenes with Flora, Matthew, and Heather in this episode of the Ask Me Anything series, where the team pulls back the curtain on what really makes TLC tick. From juggling big-picture goals to responding in real-time to school needs, the trio shares how they keep things moving when the weeks get messy. Heather walks through how she balances leadership and direct service, and how TLC stays grounded in community while pushing ideas forward. It’s an honest look at what it takes to lead an educational organization with purpose—and keep showing up for the people who count on you.Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.Join Our NewsletterStay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!Follow Us on Social MediaConnect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!Subscribe to Our PodcastEnjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!Support Our MissionLove what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.Send Us Your FeedbackHave questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at podcast@thresholdlearning.org — we’d love to hear from you!
In this episode of the summer “Ask Me Anything” series, Flora sits down with Matthew and Heather to dig deeper into the vision, core values, and practical philosophy behind TLC’s work. Heather shares personal reflections on the importance of culture, boundaries, care, and humility when supporting both students and staff. Through stories and candid conversation, the episode explores how TLC evolved beyond behavior consulting into a values-driven community that supports districts, educators, and students in deeply human ways.Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.Join Our NewsletterStay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!Follow Us on Social MediaConnect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!Subscribe to Our PodcastEnjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!Support Our MissionLove what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.Send Us Your FeedbackHave questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at podcast@thresholdlearning.org — we’d love to hear from you!
In this episode of Little Bits of TLC’s Ask Me Anything series, Flora Yao and Cass O’Hara sit down with Heather Volchko to unpack who TLC really serves—from the complex, high-incidence students who don’t fit into typical boxes to the school staff who show up for them every day. Heather shares how TLC’s flexible support model evolved by listening deeply to the real needs of districts and creatively adapting rather than sticking to a rigid formula. They also explore how the team grew by recognizing when Heather had reached her limit and bringing in others with lived experience to continue the work. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how values like humility, responsiveness, and partnership drive every layer of TLC’s mission.Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.Join Our NewsletterStay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!Follow Us on Social MediaConnect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!Subscribe to Our PodcastEnjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!Support Our MissionLove what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.Send Us Your FeedbackHave questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at podcast@thresholdlearning.org — we’d love to hear from you!
In this second episode of Little Bits of TLC’s Ask Me Anything series, host Flora Yao and co-host Cass O’Hara dig deep into the early experiences and defining moments that shaped Heather's career. From skipping AP classes to spend time in a special ed classroom, to discovering her passion for emotional and behavioral work in a juvenile hall, Heather traces her path through layered educational experiences, multiple advanced degrees, and a non-linear trajectory that led her to build TLC. With stories of misfit teams, green-yellow-red calendars, and failed doors that led to better ones, this episode is a raw and honest reflection on how staying human-centered and forward-moving can shape an entire career.Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.Join Our NewsletterStay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!Follow Us on Social MediaConnect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!Subscribe to Our PodcastEnjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!Support Our MissionLove what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.Send Us Your FeedbackHave questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at podcast@thresholdlearning.org — we’d love to hear from you!