Welcome to Open Doors, a podcast from the Allegheny Intermediate Unit that explores the people, programs, and partnerships making a difference in students' lives.
Shawn Sledzianowski of the Highmark Caring Place shares how peer support groups help children and families cope with the death of a loved one. Ahead of Children’s Grief Awareness Day on November 19, we explore how schools can spot the signs of grief and build a culture of compassion.
23 Oct 2026
Built on Belonging
A meaningful connection can change a student's school experience. Kim Yetter of The Mentoring Partnership shares how mentoring can improve attendance and help students feel they belong. As the organization expands statewide to become MENTOR PA, we explore how everyday check-ins and peer mentoring put relationships at the center of student support.
27 May 2026
Community on Wheels
What if a van could change the way schools connect with families? At Highlands School District, the Rams Van is doing just that. Funded by Project SEEKS SES, this mobile resource center brings books, supplies, tech support, and wellness checks directly to families — breaking down transportation barriers, building trust, and strengthening the school–community bond. In this episode, attendance officer Carmen Corner shares how the Rams Van is meeting families where they are and opening doors to ...
5 Feb 2026
Stop the Judgment
After losing their daughter Sienna, Sherry Jo Matt and Tom Bott turned their grief into action, creating the Stop the Judgment Project to help students break stigma, build empathy, and start honest conversations about mental health and substance use. Join us for this powerful conversation about compassion, connection, and creating safer spaces for young people to be supported.
19 Dec 2025
Transforming Teen Mental Health
Teen mental health in the U.S. is in crisis — and the time for change is now. In this episode, Sarah Pesi, a policy specialist at the Jewish Healthcare Foundation, discusses how Pennsylvania is reimagining mental health support by empowering young voices. Sarah is joined by youth advocates Joy and Aanya, who share their own experiences and the hope they’re building for the next generation.
18 Dec 2025
Mindfulness in Motion
What if wellness spaces truly welcomed everyone? For nearly a decade, Marissa Vogel has been helping make that possible in Pittsburgh — teaching mindfulness through movement and art while centering people living with disabilities. Marissa and her team are building spaces where people feel seen, celebrated, and supported. In this episode, she shares why belonging should never be out of reach.
4 Dec 2025
The SEL Movement
Dr. Shannon Wanless from the University of Pittsburgh is helping lead a countywide movement to make social-emotional learning everyone’s responsibility. In this episode, she shares how supporting the adults who care for kids is key to building belonging and creating a system of support for every child.
7 Nov 2025
Beyond Public Health
The Allegheny County Health Department is going beyond traditional public health — helping shape the future of our schools and communities. In the inaugural episode of Open Doors, Kim Joyce shares how a powerful partnership with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit is strengthening mental health supports and changing what's possible for students across the county.
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