EduVoices: Championing Foster Futures is a podcast amplifying the voices and stories at the intersection of foster care and education. Through in-depth conversations with educators, CASA volunteers, social workers, legal advocates, and policymakers, this series explores the challenges and solutions shaping the educational outcomes of foster youth. Produced in collaboration with Texas Tech University and key community partners, EduVoices blends research, advocacy, and storytelling to inform, inspire, and drive systemic change.
Finding Home: Building Brighter Futures for Children and Families
How can communities better support children and families before they enter foster care—and how do schools, child welfare agencies, and community organizations work together once children become involved in the system?
In this episode of EduVoices: Championing Foster Futures, Dr. Rudy Reyes, Ed.D., CEO of Children's Home of Lubbock, shares his perspective on the partnerships that help children and families thrive. The conversation explores prevention efforts through the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA), educational stability, trauma-informed care, and the critical roles of schools, Foster Care Liaisons, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Single Source Continuum Contractors (SSCCs), and community organizations.
Drawing on his leadership in child welfare, Dr. Reyes discusses what schools are doing well, where collaboration can be strengthened, and how communities can better support children both inside and outside the classroom. The discussion also examines policy opportunities, emerging research needs, and the data that could help improve educational and life outcomes for children and families across Texas.
19 Jun 2026
IEPs, Advocacy, and Hope: Protecting Educational Rights for Foster Youth
Students in foster care often face school instability, interrupted educational services, and the lasting effects of trauma. When special education enters the picture, navigating the educational system can become even more challenging for foster parents, caregivers, CASA volunteers, educators, and school leaders.
In this episode of EduVoices: Championing Foster Futures, Dr. Dusty Palmer and Dr. Stephanie Barbre welcome Dr. Bridgett Dolan, founder of Spero Advocacy & Consulting, for an in-depth conversation about protecting the educational rights of foster-connected students.
Together, they explore the complex intersection of foster care, special education, trauma, and educational advocacy, discussing practical strategies to ensure students receive the services and supports they deserve.
20 May 2026
Building Lifelong Connections: Collaborative Family Engagement in Action
In this episode of EduVoices, we explore the transformative framework of Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) with Frances Lofley, a Texas CASA CFE Coach.CFE represents a significant shift in how systems approach foster care—moving beyond case management toward intentionally identifying, strengthening, and sustaining lifelong relationships for children. At its core, this model is grounded in the belief that every child has a network of connections that can be discovered and cultivated to support long-term belonging and stability.We unpack how CFE works in practice, including its emphasis on collaboration across CASA programs, Child Protective Services, and community partners. The conversation highlights the “4 Cs” framework—Collaborate, Cultivate, Convene, and Connect—and how these principles guide efforts to build meaningful, enduring support systems for youth.This episode also explores how CFE redefines the role of CASA volunteers, shifting from traditional advocacy toward relationship-centered engagement that prioritizes family voice, youth input, and long-term permanency.
Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of how connection—not just compliance—can drive better outcomes for foster-connected youth.
6 May 2026
Leading a Statewide Movement: Strengthening Advocacy for Foster Youth in Texas
In this episode of EduVoices, we sit down with Vicki Spriggs, CEO of Texas CASA, to explore the evolving landscape of foster care advocacy across Texas.This conversation takes a systems-level view of how children in foster care are supported—and where critical gaps still exist. Vicki Spriggs shares insight into the role Texas CASA plays in aligning efforts across local programs, courts, child welfare agencies, and schools to improve outcomes for foster-connected youth.We examine the challenges of scaling impact across a large and diverse state, the importance of cross-sector collaboration, and the leadership decisions required to balance statewide strategy with local program autonomy. The discussion also highlights emerging innovations in advocacy and what meaningful systems change looks like in practice.Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how leadership, policy, and practice intersect to shape the experiences of children in foster care—and what it will take to build stronger, more responsive systems moving forward.
6 May 2026
From Volunteer to Statewide Impact: Strengthening CASA Programs Through Grants and Experience
In this episode of EduVoices, we are joined by Brandi Goen, Grants Management Director at Texas CASA and former CASA volunteer, to explore how lived experience and strategic funding come together to strengthen advocacy for children in foster care.
Brandi shares her personal journey from serving as a CASA volunteer to supporting programs across Texas at the state level—offering a unique perspective on how direct advocacy shapes broader systems work. This conversation highlights the critical role CASA volunteers play in the lives of children, while also examining how grant funding supports local programs in building capacity, maintaining quality, and expanding impact.
We explore how funding decisions align with organizational priorities, how Texas CASA supports local programs through grant management, and how insights from the field inform statewide strategy. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of sustainability, accountability, and ensuring that resources ultimately translate into meaningful outcomes for children and families.
Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how individual advocacy experiences connect to larger systems of support—and how strategic investment strengthens the overall impact of CASA programs across Texas.
6 May 2026
Policy in Action: Shaping the Future of Foster Care in Texas
In this episode of EduVoices, we take a closer look at the policy landscape shaping foster care in Texas with Stephanie Battaglia and Ana O’Quin. Policy decisions have a direct impact on the daily experiences of children in foster care, yet the process behind those decisions is often complex and misunderstood. This conversation breaks down how legislation is developed, how advocacy organizations contribute to policy conversations, and what current priorities mean for youth, families, and educators.We explore the intersection of education and child welfare policy, highlighting areas where alignment is strong—and where gaps continue to create challenges for foster-connected students. Stephanie also shares insight into how data informs decision-making and how individuals can engage in advocacy efforts at the local and state levels.Listeners will leave with a clearer understanding of how policy shapes practice—and how informed engagement can lead to more equitable and effective systems of support.
12 Mar 2026
Fostering the Future: Building Campus Support Systems for Foster-Connected Students
The transition from foster care into higher education is a critical — and often overlooked — stage in a student’s journey. In this episode of EduVoices: Championing Foster Futures, hosts Dr. Dusty Palmer and Dr. Stephanie Barbre explore how colleges and universities can play a vital role in helping foster-connected students access, persist in, and complete their degrees.
Joining the conversation is Ariana Hernandez, M.Ed., Director of the Raider Relief & Advocacy Center at Texas Tech University, along with Cindy Garza, M.S., Program Coordinator and Foster Care Liaison for the Fostering the Future initiative. Together, they share how coordinated campus supports — including tuition waiver guidance, emergency financial assistance, food and housing resources, mentorship, and community-building — help reduce barriers and promote student success.
Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges foster-connected students face in higher education, the importance of cross-campus collaboration, and the innovative strategies institutions can use to create pathways to belonging, stability, and long-term achievement.
This episode highlights how intentional support systems can transform college access into meaningful opportunity — helping foster-connected students not only enroll, but thrive.
10 Mar 2026
From Foster Care to Adulthood: Resilience, Education, and Advocacy
This episode explores the lived experience of transitioning from foster care into adulthood through the story of a former foster youth who is now a working professional and graduate student. The conversation highlights the realities of aging out of care, the importance of supportive relationships, and the role of education in shaping long-term opportunities.
Listeners will gain insight into how system experiences influence identity, how policies like the Texas foster care tuition waiver can support higher education access, and what improvements are still needed to better prepare youth for adulthood. The episode centers on resilience, advocacy, and practical ways professionals and communities can support foster-connected youth.
5 Feb 2026
Inside the Foster Parent Journey — Daily Realities, Challenges, and Successes
In this episode of EduVoices: Championing Foster Futures, we welcome Dr. Selenda Cumby, Assistant Professor in Educational Leadership and former foster caregiver, for an in-depth conversation on the realities of foster parenting.
This episode explores the lived experiences of foster parents, including what motivates individuals to foster, what daily life in a foster home looks like, and how foster families navigate relationships, trauma-informed care, and collaboration with schools and support systems. Dr. Cumby shares honest reflections on the challenges and rewards of foster care, along with real success stories that highlight the impact stable, caring adults can have in a child’s life.
Listeners will gain insight into foster parent sustainability, child well-being, and the importance of strong educational and community support for children in care. This episode is valuable for foster parents, educators, CASA volunteers, child welfare professionals, and anyone passionate about supporting youth in foster care.
If you care about foster care, child advocacy, education for foster youth, or strengthening outcomes for vulnerable children, this conversation offers both practical insight and inspiration.
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