On this episode of The Mane Event, we sit down with MVC Head of School, Nikki Daniels, and Chief Advancement Officer, Gretchen Cortes, and explore the history and legacy of Monte Vista Christian School.

For more information about MVC's Centennial Celebration, visit mvcs.org.

To explore more topics and conversations, find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or iHeart Radio.

The Mane Event is a production of Monte Vista Christian School.

It's back-to-school season, and that "New Year's energy" is in the air. Host Devin Kleffer sits down with middle school principal Carissa Medina to unpack practical, no-checklist-required ways parents can help their learners thrive — from backpack checks and routines to the emotional prep work that really matters. Carissa shares why grounding kids in who they are, not just what they do, is the real key to a confident, successful year.

What does meaningful mental health support for teenagers actually look like? Licensed MFT Erin Torr joins Devin Kleffer to discuss the emotional realities facing today’s teens and how parents and schools can support them without hovering.

Erin explains how MVC’s care team provides wraparound support, why even seemingly well-adjusted teens may be carrying more than adults realize, and how social media and post-COVID life have intensified concerns around identity, body image, and disordered eating. She also explores the balance between giving teens privacy and staying watchful, what confidentiality means when students seek counseling, and when safety concerns require adults to intervene.

For parents navigating the complicated work of raising teens, the conversation offers a grounded perspective on being present, attentive, and available while giving adolescents room to develop.

To explore more topics and conversations, find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or iHeart Radio.

The Mane Event is a production of Monte Vista Christian School.