Blog

When Speed Hurts: Why We Built Our Behavioral Health Solution the Hard Way

Our booth at the AI Show @ GSV + ASU was tiny—just 3×3. We were flanked by past winners of the Tools Competition, NewSchools Venture Fund, and Fast Forward Accelerator—programs we’re now going through ourselves. It was inspiring to be among them—but I’ll admit, I had a moment of doubt.……
Monumental (but not in the way you think)

This week is monumental for me. Not because of some achievement or award (don’t worry, no humblebrags here 😉), but because—for the first time in 16.5 years—I have five consecutive days to myself. No caregiving. No rushing from one in-person meeting to the next. Just… me. It’s the first time……
The Link Between Mental & Physical Health and Academic Success

Navigating college life can be challenging, with a constant juggling act between exams, study sessions, and various personal obligations. Amidst this hustle, it’s essential to remember that prioritizing your mental and physical health isn’t just about feeling good—it’s crucial for achieving academic success. Research indicates that when we take care……
Understanding Behavioral Health for Learning

Behavioral health encompasses our emotional, social, and psychological well-being, significantly influencing our thoughts, actions, and interactions. For students, good behavioral health is essential—not just for their happiness but for their ability to learn, achieve academically, manage stress, and build positive relationships. Importance of Behavioral Health for Students Supporting Behavioral Health……
curaJOY at The 2025 AI Show

Meet the AI Built by Teens, for Teens Have you ever wished AI could truly understand and respond to your family’s unique needs? Most AI talks at you; curaJOY’s AI listens—and it’s built by the very people it serves. Join us at Booth 30 K12 at The AI Show in……
Loneliness Across Generations

Definition of Loneliness Loneliness is a complex emotional state that many people experience at some point in their lives. Defined as a feeling of sadness or distress about being alone, it can occur even in the presence of others. This emotional experience can impact various aspects of life, including social interactions, mental……
Parenting Is Hard. The Advice Is Confusing. What’s the Real Solution?

Parenting: A Life-Diminishing Factor? I couldn’t believe it when a colleague told me that research suggests parenting is one of the most stressful roles an adult can take on. It made me pause—how could something so deeply meaningful also be so exhausting? But then I looked around: parents today are……
Leaning In on Nonprofits in Uncertain Times

Sometimes, the world just sucks. Jobs disappear overnight, bills skyrocket, and each day seems to usher in a new crisis. I’ve witnessed firsthand how these harsh realities—the uncertainty of 2025—can knock the wind out of families and erode our sense of hope. But I’m not here to wallow. It’s clear……
The Hardest Thing to Build: An Ecosystem Where People Stay

During my interview with Twilio for Transform Together, I was asked “What metrics tell you that you are succeeding at your mission?” I had metrics that should impress: All of that matters. Each of our team operates with quantifiable metrics—OKRs, KPIs, and data-driven goals that ensure we aren’t just doing……
When and Why Are Functional Behavior Assessments Done?

In our last post, we broke down what a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is—a systematic process for identifying the underlying reasons behind challenging behaviors. But when exactly should an FBA be conducted, and why is it so important? When Is an FBA Needed? FBAs are typically conducted when a person’s……
Unlocking Better Behavioral Support: How AI is Transforming Functional Behavior Assessments

Imagine a child struggling with severe emotional outbursts in school, a teen engaging in self-injurious behaviors, or an adult with autism experiencing daily frustration due to communication barriers. Families and educators often feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to help, leading to trial and error approaches that can frequently cause……
Unlocking Functional Behavior Assessments Funding

A mother once told me she felt like she was fighting battles on multiple fronts, barely holding on. Her 11-year-old son, bright and curious, had been labeled ‘disruptive’ at school. He wasn’t misbehaving on purpose—he just couldn’t sit still or follow directions like his classmates. When he pushed or shoved,……