Options For Learning
Driving Innovation and Equity in Education
Episode 207
Johanna Atienza and Paul Pulver are the Chief Growth and Innovation Officer and the CEO of Options for Learning respectively.
Johanna brings over 15 years of experience in higher education and community-based programming to her role. Before joining Options for Learning in 2022, she served as the Associate Vice President of Advancement and External Relations at Pacific Oaks College and Children’s School. Johanna oversees strategic initiatives, program innovations, communications, admissions, and project management at Options for Learning, and is deeply passionate about educational equity, early childhood education, mental health, foster youth, and anti-bias education. She’s actively involved in local initiatives like Growing Together Pasadena and All Children Thrive Pasadena, as well as supporting organizations like Leadership Pasadena, Ability First, and the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena. Johanna holds a bachelor’s degree in political science with minors in film and sociology from USC, along with a Juris Doctor from Golden Gate University School of Law.
Paul Pulver, who has been the CEO of Options for Learning since 2019, oversees all the organization’s programs and operations, serving nearly 9,000 children annually across 90 sites and 300 classrooms throughout the greater San Gabriel Valley. With over 35 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Paul is known for facilitating organizational growth and has held leadership roles at various nonprofits, including as Executive Director for Pathways LA, Vice President of Development and Communications for Maryvale, and Executive Director for United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County. Paul currently serves as the Vice President of the Board for the Child Care Alliance of Los Angeles and is a board member of Su Misericordia, a faith-based organization supporting indigenous people in Mexico. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries and a ministry credential from Azusa Pacific University. Outside of his professional life, Paul enjoys sports, gardening, and cherishing time with his wife, three children, daughters-in-law, and three granddaughters.
Together, Johanna and Paul are making significant strides in fostering educational opportunities and supporting families across Los Angeles County. Tune in as we explore their inspiring work, dedication to social impact, and commitment to building communities where children and families can thrive.
Options For Learning Takeaways
Empowering Families Through Education and Resources
The podcast guest emphasizes the importance of providing families with access to resources and education, particularly in underserved communities like the San Gabriel Valley. They reflect on their personal experiences growing up in the area and how they aim to foster engagement among parents and families. By making families aware of available resources, Options for Learning helps empower them to make informed decisions about their children’s education. This mission stems from a genuine desire to create a sense of community and support for families navigating challenges.
Diverse Learning Approaches are Crucial
The guest shares their belief that traditional education methods do not suit every learner. They recount their own struggles with conventional schooling and highlight the importance of recognizing diverse learning styles. Through a child-led approach, they encourage exploration based on children’s interests, allowing for more personalized and engaging learning experiences. This philosophy not only nurtures curiosity but also fosters a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom.
Building Relationships with the Community
A key takeaway from the conversation is the emphasis on building strong relationships within the community. The guest discusses the need for organizations to connect genuinely with families, understanding their unique cultural backgrounds and needs. By creating spaces for dialogue, such as parent groups and community events, Options for Learning aims to bridge gaps and foster trust. This approach not only makes families feel more comfortable seeking help but also ensures that services are culturally relevant and accessible.
Equity in Education is a Priority
The guest highlights the significance of educational equity, particularly for low-income families. They discuss the organization’s efforts to provide childcare services at little to no cost, making education accessible to families who might otherwise face barriers. By focusing on inclusivity and ensuring that resources are available to all, regardless of income or documentation status, Options for Learning strives to create a more equitable educational landscape in the San Gabriel Valley.
Engaging Families Through Innovative Outreach
The podcast emphasizes the importance of outreach and communication in connecting families with available resources. The guest shares various strategies they employ to reach out to families, including community events, health fairs, and partnerships with local organizations. By utilizing creative advertising methods and ensuring that information is presented in culturally appropriate ways, they aim to increase awareness of the services offered and encourage more families to participate.
Creating Safe and Nurturing Environments
The conversation touches on the critical role of safety and nurturing in early childhood education. The guest explains the rigorous vetting processes for staff to ensure that children are cared for in a safe environment. They also emphasize the importance of social and emotional learning in helping children develop essential skills for future success. By fostering a welcoming atmosphere, the organization aims to support children’s growth and development holistically.
Looking Ahead to Future Generations
The guest reflects on their aspirations for the future, both for their organization and the families they serve. They express a commitment to continuing to improve and expand services to meet the evolving needs of the community. The conversation underscores the belief that investing in education and support for families today will lead to positive outcomes for future generations. Their vision of creating a thriving community resonates throughout the discussion, highlighting the long-term impact of their work.
Options For Learning Quotes
“When I think of my career path in coming back to education, I always think of my mom and some of the families here in San Gabriel Valley who really need to know that there’s resources for them.”
“There are so many other ways to approach learning other than just one particular way in school.”
“We take a child-led approach to learning, being constantly aware of what their interests are and helping them facilitate that.”
“Exposing kids and young people to different experiences and different things and finding where their interest is and helping them build upon that is crucial.”
“If we can remove barriers to education, then everyone can thrive in the best way possible.”
“Creating spaces where parents can come together and talk about some of the challenges they are currently going through is essential.”
“Our mission is to make sure that our children and our families thrive and unlock their potential.”
“We want to be able to foster that thriving and healthiness among families.”
“Safety first: all of our staff, especially our classroom staff, have to go through what’s called Live Scan.”
“We want to continue to serve our community, but we need to find ways to make sure they know that we’re here for them.”
“Parents just want to know that their child is safe and cared for, and that they can pursue work.”
“We are a resource to connect every family to the licensed child care available in the community.”
“Our services are available to everyone that lives in our community, regardless of income.”
“Creating a home for our students involves providing safe and welcoming environments where they can thrive.”
“Early years are really just the important years where your brain is building all of these connections.”
“All of us have the ability and responsibility to make a difference in the trajectory of a young person’s life.”
Show Notes
Music Credits Intro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG Stinger Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library Outro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG
Options For Learning
Little Manila:
The guest highlights the vibrant Filipino community at the corner of Amar and Azusa in West Covina, where they enjoy delectable Filipino dishes, especially from Valerio’s bakery known for its empanadas.
Concert in the Park:
The guest fondly recalls a summer concert organized by the Pasadena Symphony, appreciating the enjoyable atmosphere and quality of the event, which showcased the community’s musical talent.
Azusa Pacific University:
The guest reflects on their positive experience at Azusa Pacific University, valuing the institution’s commitment to shaping students who will make a significant impact in their communities.
