On this episode, we are highlighting a place where purpose meets impact — the Autism Achievers Center in Gastonia. Their mission is clear and simple: to help young people achieve life skills daily. Every day, this center focuses on helping children and young adults with autism develop independence, confidence, and practical skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

The center is owned by serial entrepreneur Sport E. Odie, whose passion is driven by a commitment to improving the lives of children with autism and supporting the families who walk this journey with them.

Joining the conversation as well is Jade Burton, the Lead RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) at Autism Achievers Center, who works hands-on with clients every day to turn goals into progress and progress into possibility.

Today’s conversation is about purpose, progress, and the power of meeting young people where they are — and helping them achieve more than they ever imagined.

Guests -

Sportie Odie, Owner Autism Achievers Center

Jade Burton, Lead RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) at Autism Achievers

---

Information -

Parent & Kid Sensory Dance

Saturday, February 21, 2026

6:00pm - 8:00pm

The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium

1500 E. Garrison Blvd

Gastonia, NC 28054

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today’s conversation is an important one because mental and behavioral health challenges affect far more people than we often realize. Here in Mecklenburg County, roughly one in five adults reports living with a mental health condition, and thousands of residents experience days each month when their mental health isn’t where it needs to be...whether it’s increased stress and anxiety, school performance, job stability, or overall well-being.

And for many, seeking help can feel out of reach — whether due to cost, stigma, or simply not knowing where to turn.

That’s why this moment matters. When people are ready to ask for help, access should not be the barrier.

We are talking about a new partnership between Mecklenburg County and Anuvia Prevention and Recovery Center that’s working to close that gap by bringing free, walk-in counseling services directly into community resource centers. It’s a collaboration built around meeting people where they are — physically, emotionally, and in real time.

Guests -

Shakirah Francis, the Community Services Manager - Mecklenburg County Department of Community Resources

Jeremy Saunders, Licensed Clinician - Anuvia

Justin White, Clinical Manager - Anuvia

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There are moments during interviews when you can feel the work being done is bigger than titles, bigger than programs, and bigger than checklists. My conversation with Tamara Satterfield, Graduation Specialist and Advisor of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools was one of those moments.

At the heart of everything Tam shared was one powerful theme: the Student-Athlete Advisory Council gives our youth a voice and that voice has led to real, measurable change across CMS athletics.

The Student-Athlete Advisory Council was created to ensure student-athletes across the district aren’t just participants in sports, but partners in the process. Through the council, students from different schools, sports, and backgrounds come together to share feedback, raise concerns, and offer solutions rooted in their lived experiences. And according to Tam, those conversations aren’t just happening, they’re being heard.

Student-athlete input has helped shape decisions, improve communication, and strengthen the overall athletic experience throughout CMS. From addressing day-to-day challenges to helping administrators better understand what’s happening on the ground, SAAC has become a vital bridge between students and leadership. It’s proof that when young people are trusted with responsibility, they rise to the occasion.

This conversation was a powerful reminder of why community-centered dialogue matters. When we intentionally uplift student voices, we don’t just improve athletics; we strengthen our schools and, ultimately, our communities.

You can listen to the full interview with Tamara Satterfield, where she dives deeper into the impact of SAAC and explains why empowering student-athletes is truly a game-changer for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.