On Whole Child: Personalized Tiered Supports, host Naren Balasubramaniam welcomes two leaders from Santa Barbara Unified School District: ShaKenya Edison, Assistant Superintendent of Student & Family Services, and Christina Fernandez, Executive Director of Student & Family Services.

Together, they share how Santa Barbara Unified is building a unified, justice-centered MTSS approach that goes far beyond “interventions” and instead strengthens the full ecosystem around students—physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. ShaKenya and Christina unpack the cultural shifts required to reduce siloed work, move from “buy-in” to true commitment, and redesign systems so staff capacity and student wellbeing are treated as inseparable from academic success.

You’ll also hear how the district uses targeted universalism to set universal goals while designing supports that most benefit the most burdened student groups, how Tier 1 quality is the real leverage point, and why the biggest challenge today isn’t internal resistance, it’s the national climate and the impact it has on students’ sense of safety, belonging, and stability.

Key Moments

03:09 "Committed to Fair Leadership"

09:43 "Whole Child Development Insights"

10:50 "Comprehensive Student Wellness System"

16:33 Equity-Focused Leadership Transformation

20:21 Focus on Adults for Student Success

23:05 "Multi-Tiered Support for Learning"

27:46 "Time-Saving Social-Emotional Learning"

30:47 "Addressing Harm with Intentionality"

34:11 "Supporting Students Amid National Challenges"

37:37 Year-Round Youth Support Strategy

39:06 "Supporting Newcomer Students' Wellness"

Why You’ll Love This Episode

This episode is a masterclass in systems leadership. ShaKenya and Christina bring clarity to the hard parts of MTSS: changing adult mental models, aligning resources with values, and building a culture where wellness and academics are treated as one integrated responsibility. If you’re trying to reduce silos, strengthen Tier 1, implement equity-based MTSS, or create supports that extend beyond the school day, this conversation offers both a framework and real examples.

Connect with Our Guests

ShaKenya Edison Assistant Superintendent, Santa Barbara Unified School District LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shakenya-edison-432b7636 District Website: https://www.sbunified.org/

Christina Fernandez, Executive Director of Student & Family Services, Santa Barbara Unified School District LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-christina-fernandez-b54087351/ District Website: https://www.sbunified.org/