In this Season 2 episode of The ParentCamp Podcast, host April F. Draine is joined by Julie Pile, President of ParentCamp, and ParentCamp coach Maz Ashraf for an inspiring conversation about what happens when parents move beyond their comfort zones and step into their power. Maz shares her personal journey as a stay-at-home parent, immigrant, and mother navigating a new education system—first feeling like she was “just a parent,” and later realizing she is the parent. Together, the group explores how ParentCamp creates inclusive spaces where families feel safe, valued,…
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Working Beyond the Barriers: Family Engagement, Curiosity, and Advocacy with YF Lou
In this Season 2 episode of The ParentCamp Podcast, hosts April F. Draine and Julie Pile sit down with parent advocate, school board member, and community leader YF Lou for an honest conversation about removing barriers to family engagement in education. Drawing from his lived experience as a single parent, a father of two children with one being on the autism spectrum, and a healthcare quality professional, YF shares how well-intentioned systems can unintentionally exclude families—and what schools and communities can do differently. Together, the group unpacks “education-ese,” explores the…
Read MoreParentCamp Dec. 11 at POCS—come belong, connect, grow, and help shape future events!
You’re invited to join us for ParentCamp at Positive Outcomes Charter School (Camden, DE) on Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 5:15–7:15 pm (doors open at 5:00 pm) at 3337 S. DuPont Highway, Camden, DE 19934. ParentCamp is a national model that brings families, schools, and community members together in open, energizing dialogue circles—no presentations, no pressure, just meaningful conversation where every voice matters. Learn more at www.parentcamp.org and explore all that POCS offers at https://www.positiveoutcomescs.org/. Register at: https://bit.ly/PositiveOutcomes-PC Before attending, enjoy our ParentCamp Podcast episode featuring Principal & Director Ed…
Read MoreFunding with Purpose: Aligning Budgets to Student Needs with Nathan Williamson of Mazi Education
Summary In this episode of The ParentCamp Podcast, host April F. Draine sits down with Nathan Williamson, founder of Mazi Education, and Julie Pile, President of ParentCamp. Nathan shares how his team helps schools flip the script on budgeting—ensuring dollars fund meaningful plans rather than simply filling budget lines. Together, they discuss the challenges schools face with family engagement, how COVID shifted the landscape, and why it’s critical to see “children behind the numbers.” Listeners will walk away with actionable insights on aligning funding with strategic goals, partnering across schools…
Read MoreFresh Conversations Begin—Season 2, Episode 1 of ParentCamp Podcast Releases Wednesday, September 17th
Small School, Big Dreams: Building Trust and Hope at Positive Outcomes Charter School 🎙️Summary & Show Notes: In the kickoff to Season 2 of The ParentCamp Podcast, host April Draine welcomes back beloved ParentCamp coach Jay Posick and introduces Ed Emmett, Executive Director of Positive Outcomes Charter School in Delaware—the state’s very first charter school. Together, they share how Positive Outcomes serves students who weren’t finding success in traditional settings by creating a safe, family-like environment rooted in big dreams, trust, and relationships. From advisory systems that ensure no child…
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