The holiday season can be joyful for some, but overwhelming, stressful or isolating for others. In this episode, we explore what this time of year really feels like for students, educators and families, and how schools can help create supportive, inclusive environments during this holiday season.

We’re joined by two experts: Kanchi Tate, Mental Health Program Manager with the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health, and Kim Griffin Esperon, Project Director III with LACOE’s Mental Health and School Counseling Unit. Together, they share practical insights, warning signs to look for and simple ways we can foster connection and care across our school communities.

Whether you’re navigating seasonal stress yourself or supporting others through it, this conversation offers grounding, compassion and hope as we move through the holiday season together.

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About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast

Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month.

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More than 61,000 K–12 students in Los Angeles County experience housing instability each year. Behind every number is a young person trying to learn, grow and thrive while facing incredible challenges.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Kottke, Project Director of LACOE’s Homeless Education Programs, and Dr. Denise McCain, President and Founder of Our Community Los Angeles, to discuss how schools, districts and communities can work together to support students experiencing homelessness.

Dr. Kottke shares how LACOE’s initiatives—like the Stuff the Bus drives and Homeless Education Symposiums—help ensure resources reach students in need. Dr. McCain introduces the WIN app, a digital platform connecting youth and families with shelters, food, health care and other critical services across the region. Together, they explore barriers to education, the power of collaboration and practical steps educators and liasons can take to make a difference.

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About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast

Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month.

Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

October is Head Start Awareness Month: a time to celebrate one of the nation’s most impactful programs for children and families. In this episode, we’re joined by Luis Bautista, Executive Director of LACOE’s Head Start program; Dr. Ruth Pérez, LACOE Deputy Superintendent and proud Head Start alum; and Dr. Maribel Garcia, Superintendent of El Monte City School District and also a Head Start alum.

Together, they reflect on how Head Start goes far beyond the classroom—providing health services, social-emotional and mental health support, family resources and strong community connections. They discuss the current political climate and what it means for the program, as well as the long-term impact of Head Start in setting children up for success. Dr. Pérez and Dr. Garcia share their own journeys from Head Start students to becoming two of our County’s top education leaders, proving the program’s power to transform lives and strengthen communities.

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About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast

Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month.

Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.