Entries by Ronaldo Gomez

Visions’ Main Office & Student Technology Services Closed May 27th For Memorial Day

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Visions’ Main Office & Student Technology Services Closed May 27th for Memorial Day

Visions’ main office and Student Technology Services (STS) will be closed on Monday, May 27th in observance of Memorial Day. We will resume operations during normal business hours on Tuesday, May 28th.

Memorial Day honors those who have given their lives in service of our country. On this day and beyond, we remember all who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live freely. For more information about Memorial Day and why we observe, visit History.com.

Grad Spotlight: Finding the Freedom to Grow

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Grad Spotlight: Finding the Freedom to Grow

Kaylee G. loves learning TikTok dances and making videos with her mom. As a student, she loved to read, write, and express herself through journaling and poetry. Her creativity and self-expression flourished through her passion for mental health and telling stories about the world.

But it wasn’t always like that for Kaylee. At her previous brick and mortar school, she felt stifled and isolated. Academically, she thrived, but mentally, Kaylee struggled. During her sophomore year, Kaylee decided to enroll in our Independent Study Academy after hearing about Visions from her cousin, who was also a Visions student. Along with the freedom to set her own schedule, Kaylee wanted closer relationships with her teachers, access to mental health resources, and a more personalized learning experience.

“I absolutely loved being in the Independent Student Academy. There was a lot of freedom, I loved going at my own pace, [and] it was also better for me mentally,” says Kaylee.

During her time at Visions, Kaylee formed a special bond with her credentialed teacher, Lauryl Kemp, and her tutor, Robert Boswell. In different ways, both Lauryl and Rob have made a profound impact on Kaylee’s life.

“I absolutely adored my teacher. She was the best thing that happened to me in school. She really helped me not only academically, but mentally as well,” shares Kaylee. “I also want to give a shout out to Rob. I want to say thank you so much for being my tutor. You’ve had a really big impact on me and I just want to say thank you.”

Along with tutoring, Kaylee had access to Enrichment Vendors, student clubs, in-person events and more to supplement her education and facilitate socialization with other students. Kaylee got to practice her swing at Top Golf, dance with her friends at prom, and go bowling with her peers and Visions staff, all things that contributed to a well-rounded, positive high school experience.

“I…made friends through the BSU [Black Student Union] club, the dances, my classes, and the school events,” shares Kaylee. “Visions gave me opportunities to do things that I like with others, and for that I am very grateful.”



The Next Chapter

One of Kaylee’s biggest passions is writing. Now that she’s out in the world, she’s excited to begin exploring her love of language, story and creative expression with new people and in new places.

“As of now, I want to write stories as I travel the world. I love helping people, so sharing my stories one day and having the opportunity to possibly have people relate would be heartwarming,” shares Kaylee.

Although Kaylee is now officially an alumnus, she will never forget the impact that Visions had on her academically, socially and mentally. For Kaylee, Visions was a critical turning point in her life, and she continued on to her next chapter feeling included, inspired and empowered.

“I just want to say thank you for accepting me into this community when I needed it the most. I would choose Visions over and over again. To my teacher, Ms. Kemp, tutors, and [Principal] Moses, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Visions is the place to be.”

At Visions, Kaylee’s true self has been allowed to shine. Check out the video below to see for yourself.

Classified School Employee Week is May 19-25

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See Our Classified Staff Kudoboard Here

Classified School Employee Week is May 19-25

May 19-25 is Classified School Employee Week, a time to recognize and celebrate all of the important work that our classified office staff does to serve our students and families. From fulfilling curriculum orders, to setting up events, to sharing all the best things happening here at Visions, our classified staff members are essential to keeping our school running!

To honor our classified staff this year, we sent a message to all staff, managers, and teachers asking them to shout-out members of our classified staff who have truly made an impact here at Visions. Whether it be completing a big project, going the extra mile, or simply showing up every day with a smile, close to 50 of our staff had something to say about a colleague who makes Visions a better place to be!






Thank you again to each and every one of our classified staff members – you are respected partners in our education community, and we couldn’t to do this without you. Happy Classified School Employee Week!

Board of Directors Spotlight: Meet Sandra Morales

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Board of Directors Spotlight: Meet Sandra Morales

Please share why you volunteer on the Board at Visions In Education.

Visions is renowned for its trailblazing approach to education. I am passionate and driven by a desire to push the boundaries of traditional education. I’m eager to contribute my skills and insights, enriching the school’s journey towards achieving its forward-thinking mission and goals.

What is it about Visions that made you want to be part of our school community?

Visions’ mission resonated with my personal interests and professional goals. I wanted to be part of an organization that shares my dedication and commitment to pioneering educational innovation, fostering student success, and championing diversity, inclusion, and community engagement.

How might you describe the difference that our teachers and staff are making by meeting the individual and unique needs of each student?

At Visions, teachers and staff create an environment where students feel seen, heard, and supported as individuals. This fosters a sense of responsibility that lays the foundation for lifelong learning, personal fulfillment, and success in their chosen paths.

What is one way that Visions is making a difference in our community from your perspective?

At Visions, the staff is committed to equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue their passions and overcome challenges. In doing so, they transform students’ educational experiences, empower them to reach their full potential, and make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world.

As a member of the Board, you have an important policy and oversight role to ensure the school is achieving its mission. How would you describe your role in holding Visions accountable for meeting our goals to a variety of stakeholders, including families, staff, and taxpayers?

To families, my role on the Board is to ensure that Visions provides its students with the best possible education and support. I would also like to emphasize the crucial role your feedback plays in our decision-making process. Your insights and concerns are invaluable in helping us better understand your needs and improve our services. We can work together to ensure that Visions remains a place where every student can thrive.

To staff, the Board’s oversight role is essential for maintaining a supportive and conducive work environment for staff members. This includes prioritizing staff well-being and professional development. As board members, we aim to provide policies and direction to create an environment where staff feel valued, empowered, and equipped to fulfill their roles effectively.

To taxpayers, the Board’s commitment is to ensure that the educational needs of Visions students are met with utmost efficiency and effectiveness. To achieve this, we closely monitor Visions’ financial performance, budget allocations, and compliance with regulatory requirements. By holding Visions accountable for meeting its objectives, we fulfill our dedication to providing high-quality education that yields a good return on investment for taxpayers and contributes positively to the community.

Overall, my role on the Board involves balancing the interests of various stakeholders while fostering transparency, collaboration, and a culture of accountability.

What are you most passionate about? How are you able to pursue that passion by serving on our Board?

I’m passionate about advocating for resources to improve education and making a meaningful difference in the lives of students and communities. Serving on the Visions Board provides a platform and opportunities for collaboration to promote, innovate, advocate, support, and champion initiatives that foster inclusivity and advance the quality and accessibility of education for all students.

1% Better Celebration

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1% Better Celebration

As we reflect on the year so far, we’d like to take a moment to celebrate all the great work our school has done to get 1% better each day for the students we serve.

Some of the changes we’ve made, including implementing grade banding, focusing our Home School Academy on TK-8th grades only, and changing our PD schedules to accommodate teachers, have come from feedback and as a response to challenges our staff face. Thanks to all of our staff as always for frankly and courageously sharing their perspectives; their insight into their work and the experiences of our students is vital when it comes to building a better school.

We are excited to share with you some organizational updates and let you know where we are at with important projects.

Movin’ On Up!

One of the highlights this year was the purchase of 11931 Foundation Place, as our new and final headquarters.
Work continues on the building, with the new sign installed and major infrastructure work underway.
We are finalizing construction plans in the next few months and working with contractors to get the new building ready to move in. We have also sold 5030 El Camino for $2.8 million dollars.

Legislative Outreach Efforts

Visions is joining the conversation around charter schools and the role Visions plays in the public school system. This year we continued our legislative outreach efforts, meeting with state leaders and their staff to inform them on the impact our school makes. We’ve also contributed to discussions around charter school best-practices in fruitful meetings with the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) and the California Department of Education (CDE).

New Technology for Staff and Students

Visions is investing nearly $4 million dollars to replace both student Chromebooks and staff MacBooks that are reaching the end of their life cycles. This new technology investment is a response to concerns raised about our current technology and an effort to equip our students and staff with the tools they need to succeed. Our Technology Services team will be completing this work over the spring and summer as we purchase and distribute nearly 10,000 new devices. We’ve also added additional staff in STS to expedite technology ordering and Student ID processing this coming fall.

Improving Ordering Processes

Over the last year, we have made improvements to the way we handle ordering to make the staff and student experience more seamless. This work includes adding staff to support ordering and enabling early ordering for IS/UP Students for the first time. We also worked with more than 20 teachers to create a custom Amazon interface in LPAD to simplify ordering and approvals for supported materials. This year over 90,000 orders were addressed and over 62,000 orders were processed; an all time record!

Home School Academy Updates

Our Home School Academy continues to refine our TK-8 offerings, including rounding the bend on the curriculum refinement project which will be rolled out over the next few years. We also began implementing our Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) grant by training teachers, creating Pre and TK specific events, and providing students with backpacks and materials.

New! Online Middle School

For years we have heard from both families and teachers that middle school students need a structured option when parents want their children to learn from home and need additional support to meet grade level standards. To respond to this need, we are launching an Online Middle School program this fall for students in Grades 7 and 8 with more structured schedules and direct teacher instruction.

High School Academy Updates

Our high school academies are also changing the way we help our 9-12 students succeed. We changed the way we enroll and onboard students based on teacher feedback, orienting spring semester students in a new way and orienting all new students on Monday to set them up for success in the week. Graduation requirements have also shifted as a result of a collaborative effort between teachers, administrators, and counselors, putting more students on track to graduate with their peers.

NEW! Independent Study Credit Recovery and Early College

We are piloting a Credit Recovery program for Independent Study students who arrive experiencing credit deficiency. This program will provide focused support to students who need a little extra help catching up on lost learning.

Meanwhile, our University Prep Early College academy is offering students enhanced community college opportunities, including the ability to graduate with at least 12 college credits and possibly an AA degree! Students will be supported by both Visions staff and community college counselors with the Los Rios Community College District.

Building Out Counselor Support

This year, our counseling team has responded to 326 intervention requests and built out our team of counselors to allow smaller caseloads and increased 1:1 support from counseling staff.

College and Career Preparation

High school students at Visions now have more opportunities for college and career development than ever! Our CTE Program continues to expand, adding the video game design pathway this year and the cybersecurity pathway to begin in Fall 2024.

Other Organizational Wins

Board Policy & Required Notification Tool in LPAD

After exploring options to house our Board Policies in a third-party board information service, Visions decided to develop and produce our own Board Policy & Required Notification tool housed in LPAD. This tool allows users to search for policies and access the latest version through LPAD.

Professional Development Scheduling 

In response to teacher requests for more uniformity and consistency with our PD scheduling, our team has adjusted our August training schedule for 2024 to be more intentional about Carmichael and Regional in-person days to better respect our teaching staff’s time and commitment to travel.

Supporting All Students

Our efforts to provide wraparound support for all students this year increased, including seeking new funding sources (including Title and Special Education funding to go towards positions to support our students). Our Special Education team made some important strides this year, increasing the number of school psychologists to serve students and working with teachers in our communities to bring support to our students where they are.

Multilingual Students also received an increase in support with the establishment of the English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) to give English learners a voice at Visions.

SchoolsPLP Curriculum

For many years, we’ve heard some concerns from teachers about BrightThinker as a curriculum source. As a result of your feedback and choices made by BrightThinker to end their relationship with SchoolsPLP, we will be moving to Lincoln Learning starting Fall 2024. Our instructional services team will be working hard over the summer to get our school ready for next fall and more details will be shared, including how this will affect our teachers.

Communicating More Effectively

With the number of things happening at Visions, keeping our staff and families connected and informed is critical. Our Communications team has responded to student needs this year, improving our event communications plans by consolidating information in the Events Express.

Superintendent Olmos also consistently reached out to both office staff and teachers with Treats with Steve listening sessions to gather employee feedback and suggestions.

Passing the Test

Visions also made some serious strides in testing, notably achieving 95% Participation in CAASPP as a result of working together to encourage students to test. We also achieved over 90% participation in iReady Middle of the Year (MOY) exams for students two or more grades behind.

Compound Interest Pays Off!

All these little wins have added up to big results for the students we serve. As of LP8 this year, our enrollments are up while our withdrawals are falling! Students want to come to Visions more than ever and are staying with us longer as well.

Our success is the product of all staff providing excellent service and continuing to find new ways to win on behalf of our students. Thank you all for the outstanding work you have done this year and, as we look ahead, here’s to another twenty-five years of getting 1% better daily!

Teacher Appreciation Week Is May 6-10!

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See Our Teacher Appreciation Board Here!

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 6-10!

May 6-10 is National Teacher Appreciation Week, a time to recognize the great educators that have made an impact in the lives of our students!

All month long, we asked students and parents to shout out their favorite teacher and explain how they made an impact on their lives. Nearly 500 families responded with heartfelt messages of thanks and appreciation as well as pictures of your favorite teachers. Our Communications Team took all these shoutouts and compiled them into one board.

See our Gratitude Board Here!

Here you can see all of the lovely messages of gratitude our students and parents have sent in.

*Note: These shout outs are in the students/parents’ own words and represent their own perspectives on their teacher.

Thank You!

A big thank you to the teachers, para-educators, tutors, and other educators in our community that make the work we do possible. Our school has lasted as long as it has on the backs of creative, dedicated teaching professionals who put their hearts into their work and deliver excellent results for the students we serve. We are grateful to serve alongside such talented teachers!









Supporting Our Special Education Students: A Spotlight on Kristin Decker

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Supporting Our Special Education Students: A Spotlight on Kristin Decker

Special education Case Manager Kristin Decker is an Amador County native and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo alumnus. While working towards her master’s in Special Education, she received her Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe credentials from National University, a complement to her Social Sciences major and Law minor. Although she didn’t initially set out to become a special education teacher, Kristin soon found that it was exactly where she was meant to end up.

“I had originally intended on getting my general education credential but was advised that a special education credential would help me get ‘my foot in the door,’” Kristin shares. “After my first week of working with our exceptional students, I knew special education is exactly where I was meant to be for my teaching career. I love serving our students and could not imagine being in education without supporting our students with exceptional and individual needs.”

After completing her education, Kristin initially began her career as a vocational technician. Soon after, she became a Moderate/Severe Special Education teacher for the Calaveras Transition Program, eventually going on to become the Inclusion Specialist for the Calaveras County Office of Education. As someone who puts heavy emphasis on relationship-building, Kristin wanted to continue to expand her work with and impact on the special education community. So, in 2022, she became a Case Manager at Visions and began to find her niche within our unique community.

“Relationships are key in this position and it is one of my favorite pieces of what I do. I have wonderful families that I get to establish relationships with here at Visions,” shares Kristin. “It is unique because in a seat-based setting, you don’t typically get to know a parent to the degree that I do here at Visions. It makes it such a wonderful experience to be able to work so closely with both the student and the parent.”

Kristin hasn’t only become close with her special education families, but with the special education staff as well, including other case managers, Special Education Manager Loretta Holder, and Director of Special Education Jessica Lauder.

“Our SPED community is a great one. The teachers are always collaborating and bouncing ideas and suggestions off one another. I know if I have a question, I can send it out to the chat and so many of my coworkers will reply with suggestions and what has worked best for them in the past,” says Kristin. “Jessica Lauder is a wealth of knowledge and information and has been an incredible support to me with some of the trickier questions and situations. Loretta Holder makes me feel appreciated for my work and support to the department.”

“I want to express my deepest appreciation for the incredible work that Kristin does in her role as a Special Education Case Manager here at Visions,” says Loretta. “Her unwavering dedication and compassionate nature in supporting students, their families, and colleagues is truly commendable. Kristin’s expertise in special education and her passion for making a positive impact in the lives she serves shines through in everything she does. Kristin is a joy to work with and an outstanding asset to our organization and community!”

A Career and a Calling

The work our case managers do with our special education community is truly unique. From supporting and assisting with IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) to providing direct instruction to students to working with numerous service providers, our case managers are equipped with a unique set of skills that helps our special education students find success here at Visions.

“I have gained so much knowledge around different SPED procedures. Working so closely with credentialed teachers and gen ed administrators has given me invaluable insight to general education and what our teachers are doing daily to help enrich the lives of our students, not just academically, but socially and emotionally,” says Kristin.

Although she’s only been at Visions for two years, the knowledge and experience Kristin has gained working with our special education staff and families has been invaluable to her career.

“Working at Visions has allowed me to grow professionally in my career. The knowledge I have gained from the different experiences I have had has been so wonderful,” Kristin shares. “I have been exposed to a vast amount of cases allowing me to learn and grow in each situation. I am truly grateful for so many people when it comes to their support, ideas, collaboration and commitment to our students.”

Family-Focused

Outside of work, Kristin likes traveling, playing games, and spending time with her five year old daughter, Rylee. Whether it’s adventuring to the local park, the nearest Starbucks, or Disneyland, Kristin loves hanging out with her family outside of the time she gets to spend with her Visions families.

“I love my students, the families and my coworkers. I have learned so much from each one of these people,” Kristin shares. “I am able to meet with students and families in person on a regular basis which continues to fill my cup and teacher’s heart. Coming to Visions has truly been one of the biggest career blessings of my life and I am thankful for my job everyday.”

May Is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

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May Is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is observed each May. This month honors the history, culture, and influence of individuals and groups from the entire Asian continent, including East, Southeast, and South Asia and the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.

AAPI is celebrated in many ways for many things, and we love seeing how members of these rich communities honor this heritage. Here at Visions, we encourage this recognition year round, and invite you to find ways to honor and celebrate these diverse cultures.

Information & Resources

For more information about AAPI Heritage Month, visit History.com. Parents and teachers, check out this reading list to help your students continue expanding their knowledge on Asian American history, culture and stories.

Congratulations to Visions’ 2023-24 State Seal of Biliteracy Honorees!

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Congratulations to Visions’ 2023-24 State Seal of Biliteracy Honorees!

Tuesday, April 30th, marked the annual Sacramento County Office of Education State Seal of Biliteracy (SSB) Recognition Ceremony. The ceremony was hosted at Center High School’s Auditorium where over 200 students from schools and districts participating in SCOE’s Language Exam Program were honored for their multi-linguistic ability and contribution to a more inclusive and globally competitive postsecondary education system and workforce.

Nine of Visions’ 45 students who earned the Seal this year attended the event with a member of their family. Students in attendance included Camila R. (IS, Spanish), Olivia M. (UP, French), Madelyne O. (IS, Spanish), Malakai P. (UP, Spanish), Julie S. (UP, Russian & Ukrainian), Emily V. (IS, Spanish), Mark Y. (UP, Russian), Guillermo Z. (HS, Spanish), and Karina Z. (UP, Ukrainian).






Visions is extremely proud of these students and the 36 additional Seal honorees who were not present at the recognition ceremony. All students will receive official certificates by mail acknowledging them for this accomplishment and the official Seal decal (to be affixed to their High School Diploma) and medal at Grad Checkout. The number of Seals awarded to Visions’ students increased by 48% from the prior year, with students passing Oral and Written SSB Exams in Armenian, French, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, and Ukrainian. Four students earned the Seal for proficiency in two non-English languages.

Congratulations again to all Visions’ SSB honorees! And thank you to the many families, teachers, counselors, and administrators who supported these students in their multilingual education and development.

State Seal of Biliteracy efforts were coordinated internally by Silvia Covarrubias of Assessment Services. Staff who supported Oral and Written Exam efforts included Yelena Dmitriyeva, Edith Diaz, and Esmeralda Rodriguez of Enrollment Services, Lyubov Rusu-Carp of Special Education, Melinda Lewis of University Prep, and Home School Principal Julie Cole.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month

If you or a loved one needs assistance, please see these resources.

Mental Health Awareness Month is observed every May and is a time to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and wellness. It’s also an opportunity to share our stories, connect with others, and address mental health challenges in an effort to destigmatize and prioritize the well-being of all individuals. Join us this month as we share different resources to help create space for open and honest conversations about mental health awareness.

The Mental Health Month Calendar below illustrates different activities that you can do throughout May to put your mental health first. Thank you to our our Empowering Voices club for brainstorming all of these amazing ideas!

Special thanks to Empowering Voices club members Nikkiah, Gianna, Madeline, Logan and Archie for their calendar tips and insight into the many aspects of mental health awareness. Stay tuned for more Mental Health Awareness content and resources throughout the month!

Insights from Our Empowering Voices Club

Visions’ Empowering Voices club is a space for students to come together to share their voices and raise awareness of mental health and wellness. For Mental Health Awareness Month, we asked the club a series of questions about mental health stereotypes, how to support a friend, and more. Read some of their responses below.

How do you think societal expectations or stereotypes about mental health impacts teenagers, and what can be done to challenge and change these perceptions?

“I think societal expectations or stereotypes about mental health impact teenagers negatively in that some teens fear speaking about their mental health as a fear of being seen as abnormal or weird. I believe that having more open and honest conversations about certain perceptions can help to make some changes.”

“I don’t believe that anyone who has not gone through a mental health crisis will have much of a stance on mental health awareness. Veterans may come home from a deployment traumatized, they could feel isolated because their friends would not be able to relate to civilians who were not in combat. Similarly people who have gone through physical, psychological, sexual, and or emotional trauma may also feel isolated because general people may not have gone through similar trauma, and not be able to relate to the traumatized person.”

“I think mental health is a topic that people are just beginning to speak about, so it is not yet regarded as something everyone can struggle with. Teenagers may compare their experiences to others, and feel guilty for seeking out support because other people ‘have it worse’. However, when people speak about physical health, they do not compare their own experiences and challenges in this way. If someone were to break their leg and seek out help at a hospital, they would not feel guilty because there are other people there who are more badly hurt. A broken leg requires care. However, when it comes to mental health, the standard for when help is necessary has not yet been fully formed. Many people may remain in denial about whether or not they deserve to seek out support, and even if they know they need help, they might be confused on who to turn to or what to do.”

How do you support your friends or peers who may be struggling with their mental health? What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a supportive friend?

“I support my friends and peers who may be struggling with their mental health by trying to get them to laugh or play games with me. I’d advise someone who wants to be a supportive friend to be a listening ear. People don’t realize how having one person who listens to them helps.”

“As a person who struggles with mental illness and knowing friends who harbor similar hardships, offering support is a delicate balancing act when you need to prioritize your own well-being, too. The support might not be equal 100% of the time, but it should be mutual. Check-in with one another, encourage and celebrate every victory, and make time for face-to-face connection. Be open to vulnerable conversations without dismissing the other’s feelings. Make your presence known, but remember you cannot solve someone else’s problems. Don’t overstep boundaries by demanding a response or a reaction; you’re not entitled to full access to people’s inner world. And at the end of the day, you’re not at fault or to blame for the ultimate decisions of others. So long as you try your best to be a good human, that counts for something.”

“When someone I care about is struggling with their mental health, I first have to check in with myself. If I feel like I have the emotional capacity to listen, I make it known that I am available if they need to talk about it. I also tell them that I am available if they need a distraction. Usually, a gentle reminder that I am here for my friends if they need me is enough to make them feel a little better, and more supported. I want to make it known that they are not as isolated as they may feel, since mental health struggles can feel very lonely. If someone I know is struggling with an issue that feels extremely worrying, and I feel constantly nervous that they may be in danger, this is a sign that it’s time to reach out to an adult or a professional. I have learned that, as a friend, there is a limit to the amount of support I can offer, and it is always best to speak to someone trustworthy if I feel worried about someone. To anyone looking to become a supportive friend, I would give you this advice: lead with kindness and empathy, keep firm boundaries, and remember that you deserve to be cared for, too. It is easy to get wrapped up in the struggles of others, and make them ‘your responsibility’. However, at the end of the day, you cannot control how your friends feel, and you cannot solve their problems. If you have been a supportive friend, and they are still struggling, it is not your fault. You must look inward and make sure you have given yourself the same care that you extend to others. You deserve to feel loved, too.”

“Whenever there is someone who is having a difficulty, I offer a shoulder to cry on. I generally do very well with knowing what to say to make people feel better. If I feel like I don’t have advice for the person I offer to listen to what is going on in their life so that they at least feel like they are being heard.”

“I make an effort to meet my friends or peers where they are in their journey. This means I offer them a safe, non-judgmental space to openly express themselves. I engage in active listening, paying close attention to what they are sharing. Additionally, I seek permission before offering feedback, as they may simply want a space to share their thoughts without receiving advice. My advice: Allow your friends the time and space they need, keep their disclosures confidential, and be accessible for support when they need it.”