Let’s Talk: Community Connections by MACC
Connecting People. Resources. Communities.
Let’s Talk: Community Connections by MACC is a recurring podcast and community engagement series bringing together behavioral health professionals, educators, community leaders, advocates, and individuals with lived experience to discuss timely issues affecting the health and well-being of Ohio’s communities.
Through authentic conversations, the series connects people with trusted information, culturally responsive services, community resources, and meaningful pathways to support.
AUGUST 2026
Back to School: Supporting Student Success Through Mental & Behavioral Health
Building a Circle of Support: How Schools, Families & Communities Work Together
FEATURING: Phadra McCray, M.Ed., MSW, LISW
Family Clinician II, The Center for Family Safety & Healing
In this conversation, Director Erica C. Crawley and Phadra McCray discuss how families, educators, coaches, mentors, and community partners can build a strong circle of support for young people as they begin a new school year.
Phadra shares practical guidance for recognizing changes in sleep, eating, mood, communication, friendships, and screen use; creating safe spaces for honest conversations; and responding thoughtfully when a child may be experiencing stress or trauma.
They also explore caregiver self-awareness, healthy routines, mentorship, and the importance of looking beneath a young person’s behavior. The discussion emphasizes how anxiety, embarrassment, loneliness, or fear may appear as anger or withdrawal—and why adults should avoid labels that can shape how children are viewed and how they see themselves.
