Social media gets blamed for a lot—but is it really the bad guy? In this episode, we’re talking honestly about how social media shows up in students’ lives and why it’s not as simple as labeling it “good” or “bad.” While it can spark creativity, connection and self-expression, it can also bring pressure, comparison and the feeling of always needing to be scrolling.

To help us unpack all of this, we’re joined by Dr. Anna Heinbuch from LACOE’s Mental Health and School Counseling Unit and Melissa Gillespie, a school counselor from Las Virgenes Unified School District and the 2025 L.A. County School Counselor of the Year. Together, they share what they’re seeing on school campuses, how they’re using social media in positive ways with students and what actually helps when kids start feeling overwhelmed or stuck in comparison mode.

We talk about recognizing the signs of social media stress, having real conversations with students about boundaries and balance, and how educators and families can guide young people toward healthier digital habits without fear, shame or doom scrolling.

---
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.

Welcome to Season Four of the Let Me Add to That podcast — and for the first time ever, we’re on camera! This episode looks a little different because you can now watch the conversation on YouTube, or continue listening wherever you stream your podcasts.

In this episode, we dive inside the world of charter schools and the important role they play in expanding educational opportunities across Los Angeles County. We’re joined by two of LACOE’s charter school experts: Indra Ciccarelli, Director II of LACOE’s Charter School Office, and Darryl Brown, Coordinator III in the Charter School Office.

Together, we break down what charter schools are, how they differ from traditional public schools and how LACOE supports them through oversight, accountability and equity-focused practices. The conversation explores what makes a strong charter school and the role county offices of education play behind the scenes. We also discuss common questions around parent involvement, how charter schools and traditional districts can learn from one another and what the future may hold for collaboration across public education systems.

---
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.

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.

---
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.