This episode was recorded live at the NYS PTA Summer Leadership Conference in Albany, NY on July 18, 2026. Our panel of experts discusses critical issues facing schools and families today, emphasizing prevention, safety, and health education for young people. Learn practical strategies to support adolescent well-being and create safer school environments.

Main Topics Covered:

• The underestimated risks of substance use among adolescents, including nicotine, THC, and emerging products like flavored gummies
  

• The importance of metabolic health awareness and early screening to prevent lifelong conditions
  

• Recognizing the often overlooked mental health and safety challenges in schools, including gun violence and bullying
  

• How parents and educators can foster open conversations and advocate for better safety measures
  

• Practical actions within 30 days: engaging in school safety planning and encouraging anonymous reporting tools
  

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the panel and session overview

00:36 - Expert introductions and their work focus

02:15 - Personal motivations for youth health and safety initiatives

03:35 - How women’s health impacts family and community well-being

05:44 - Military and crisis management experience informing school safety strategies

08:09 - Underestimated health and safety issues in communities: substance use, metabolic health, and mental health

12:09 - What young people are telling us about their needs and concerns

16:23 - Insights into vaping, cannabis, and emerging youth harm products

18:34 - Delayed health screenings and conversations that matter for adolescent girls

20:35 - Building healthy habits and advocacy skills in young women

22:08 - The components of a comprehensive school safety plan

24:31 - Why organizations wait for crises and the importance of proactive prevention

28:14 - The danger of complacency and the importance of vigilance in school safety

30:06 - Practical steps parents and educators can take within 30 days to improve school health and safety

32:30 - Final advice: Living by example and advocating for key safety initiatives

Resources & Links:

• Stanford Reach Lab
  

• American Academy of Pediatrics Screening Guidelines
  

• Fentanyl Overdose Prevention Resources
  

• School Safety Planning Resources
  

• Book: Anxious Generation
  

Connect with the Panelists:

• Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher - LinkedIn
  

• Dr. Samihah Ahmed - LinkedIn
  

• Brian Backus - LinkedIn
  

Are you ready to be inspired? In this episode, Yvonne Johnson shares her journey from local PTA leader to the national stage, highlighting lessons on advocacy, leadership, and resilience that apply to all PTA volunteers and leaders.

Recorded on March 24, 2026.

Main Topics:

• Yvonne Johnson's leadership journey and breakthroughs in advocacy
  

• The importance of building trust and community in PTA
  
• How to effectively lead during challenging times
  
• The value of professional development and continuous learning in PTA
  
• Strategies for fostering family engagement and digital safety
  
• Insights into PTA's programs and resources for local units
  
• The key role of hope and authenticity in leadership
  

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introducing Yvonne Johnson, past PTA President and advocate
00:31 - Yvonne's background and early involvement in PTA and advocacy
01:57 - Her journey from local to national leadership
04:21 - The importance of advocacy and voice in PTA
06:54 - Mentorship, leadership development, and passing the baton
08:40 - Insights into upcoming National PTA convention
09:35 - The significance of resolutions and policy advocacy
11:54 - Building relationships through in-person conferences
12:34 - How PTA is more than just a school organization—it's leadership for families
16:38 - Reflection on major decisions during her tenure, including dues increase
20:28 - The importance of professional development and standards in PTA leadership
23:01 - Resources for local leaders on the PTA Thrive platform
26:10 - What most people don't see about leadership at the national level
27:37 - Personal facets of Yvonne’s leadership style
31:04 - Overcoming challenges and self-doubt in leadership roles
36:34 - The power of trust, perseverance, and empathy
44:59 - Final message: hold onto hope and the importance of showing up authentically

Resources & Links:

• ⁠PTA.org⁠ — official PTA website with resources and programs
• ⁠PTA Thrive Platform⁠ — online training and courses
• ⁠PTA Family Engagement Standards⁠ — guiding principles for PTA engagement
• ⁠PTA Connected Program⁠ — digital safety resources for families
• ⁠Reflections Program⁠ — arts recognition program for students
• ⁠PTA COVID-19 Resources⁠ — support for pandemic-related challenges

Remember, leadership is about who you show up as — your authenticity, passion, and hope can make all the difference. Join us in carrying forward the legacy of PTA by inspiring others and making an impact in your community.

Summary
This episode explores the collaboration between school boards, BOCES, and PTAs, highlighting real stories, challenges, and strategies for effective teamwork in education. Guest Catherine Romano shares insights from decades of experience, emphasizing communication, trust, and community engagement.
Keywords
PTA, school boards, BOCES, education collaboration, community engagement, school leadership, communication, teamwork in education
Key topics
Communication breakdowns and solutions in education collaboration
Building trust and breaking silos among PTAs, boards, and BOCES
Real-life examples of successful teamwork in schools
Strategies for effective advocacy and community engagement
Guest name
Catherine Romano
Titles
Bridging the Gap: How PTAs, Boards, and BOCES Can Collaborate Effectively
The Power of Partnership: Building Trust in Education Leadership
Sound bites
"Honesty and trust make the structure work"
"Showcasing programs changes perceptions"
"Share facts, not passion, in advocacy"
Chapters
00:00 Bridging the Gap in Education
03:10 Understanding Collaboration Dynamics
04:50 Navigating the Unique Landscape of NYC Education
05:15 Real-Life Examples of Effective Collaboration
11:47 Connecting Boards, BOCES, and PTAs
18:15 Understanding BOCES Programs and Their Impact
22:49 Bridging Communication Gaps in Education
29:31 Creating Effective Advocacy and Collaboration
36:43 Transforming PTA into a Powerful Advocacy Tool
48:56 Building Connections in PTA Leadership
51:15 Rapid Fire Insights on Collaboration
52:02 Favorite PTA Moments and Teamwork
55:42 Addressing Parental Concerns in Schools
59:41 Navigating Challenges as PTA Leaders
01:02:30 The Impact of Leadership on FamiliesRecorded on 10/29/25