Kelly O’Neill, Community Schools Coordinator at Mammoth Unified School District, is a strategic leader in education and public policy with a deep commitment to empowering communities through education and health initiatives. Her passion for building equity-centered supports in schools has helped catalyze innovative, collaborative systems across Mammoth USD.

In this episode, Kelly shares how the Coordination of Services Team (COST) breaks down inter-agency silos, strengthens partnerships with community providers, and creates more efficient, effective ways to meet the needs of students and families.

Michael Garcia, Chief Communication and Community Engagement Officer for Fontana Unified School District, shares how he strengthens partnerships with students and families by prioritizing trust and authentic connection. He reflects on how his journey in education is deeply rooted in his family’s values of servant leadership—a foundation that guides his approach today.

Michael highlights Fontana Unified’s collaborative leadership practices and explains how cross‑sector partnerships are helping expand access to housing support, digital literacy resources, and mental health services. Through this work, he is elevating parent engagement and ensuring families have the tools they need to thrive.

Joanna Marrufo hosts a podcast discussing community schools and their impact on education, featuring Dr. Amanda Wade, a community schools coordinator at the Riverside County Office of Education. Wade, with 17 years in education, emphasizes the importance of community schools in addressing diverse student needs across nine districts in Riverside County. The county has received four cohorts of the California Community Schools Partnership Program Grant, supporting 80 schools. Challenges include tailoring support to diverse districts without overwhelming them and educating stakeholders about community schools. Innovative strategies include embedding youth in school systems and fostering leadership skills to advocate effectively.