BreakFree Education

A student's potential cannot be confined

Our mission is to radically improve education in the juvenile and criminal justice systems by investing in the potential and dignity of all its students.

04/13/2026

📢 New Episode Alert! 📢

Learning Lab Episode #18 features Kimberly McKenzie, a teacher in a mid level security facility.

In this episode, Christina and Kaylah sit down with Kimberly to explore her “why not” mentality in education. 💡 She shares how creating experiences, not just lessons, builds engagement, responsibility, and real world skills. From raising classroom animals to integrating AI and student led inquiry, Kimberly shows how curiosity and creativity can transform learning.

It is a powerful reminder that when educators embrace curiosity and care, meaningful learning can happen anywhere. 🌟

🎧 Listen Here
🔗Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/0iDNI5Y9hFb6Nxx8SfMVa3
🔗BreakFree: breakfree-ed.org/podcast/episode/269b5451/
🔗Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/learning-lab-episode-18-the-why-not-mentality/id1569236100?i=1000761175612

03/20/2026

📢 New Episode Alert! 📢

Learning Lab Episode #17 features Rachel Lewis, an educator and leader based in New Orleans with experience in trauma informed care, restorative practices, social emotional learning, and special education.

In this episode, Kaylah sits down with Rachel to explore how social emotional learning builds essential skills for students to regulate emotions, navigate conflict, and advocate for themselves. 💛 Rachel shares practical ways to embed SEL into daily routines, from check ins to creating space for reflection and modeling vulnerability.

It is a powerful reminder that when SEL is practiced consistently, it becomes something students can rely on when they need it most. 🌟

🎧 Listen Here
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/4BvtnHlusl1vrM18awF1nr
BreakFree: breakfree-ed.org/podcast/episode/e14981d4/
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/learning-lab-episode-17-cultivating-social-emotional/id1569236100?i=1000756261403

03/02/2026

📢 New Episode Alert! 📢

Learning Lab Episode #16 features Jackie Alvarado, a special education teacher in juvenile justice education.

In this episode, Christina and Kaylah talk with Jackie about showing up with honesty, consistency, and dignity in the classroom. 💛 She shares the importance of being real with students by naming hard truths, challenging limiting beliefs, and reminding young people that needing help is part of being human.

It is a powerful reminder that when educators reject labels, meet students where they are, and show up every day, real growth becomes possible. 🌟

🎧 Listen Here
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/6fqhLtDrxJED6Oxgv5MA1a
BreakFree: breakfree-ed.org/podcast/episode/2b2b6dd5/
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/learning-lab-episode-16-consistently-being-real-with/id1569236100?i=1000752380459

Honoring Effort, Persistence, and Growth at MacLaren’s Lord High School

02/23/2026

We’re feeling inspired by the work happening at MacLaren’s Lord High School in Oregon. 🌟

Through a shared commitment to recognition and positive culture, students are being honored not just for academic achievement — but for persistence, growth, and engagement.

One student shared, “I’ve never won anything like this before.”
Another reflected, “I’ve come this far and accomplished this much – I can do more.”

This is what happens when educators intentionally cultivate belonging and celebrate effort. 💡

We’re proud to partner with the team at MacLaren and grateful to witness the impact of this work. 🤝

Read the full story here:

Honoring Effort, Persistence, and Growth at MacLaren’s Lord High School At MacLaren’s Lord High School, educators have begun a new practice: recognizing students of the month from among its roughly 90 high school students. Recognition is one of the school’s core values…

02/17/2026

📢 New Episode Alert! 📢

Learning Lab Episode 15 features Chyrl Johnson, a cosmetology teacher at Macon YDC in Georgia Preparatory Academy.

In this episode, Christina and Kaylah talk with Chyrl about family engagement rooted in empathy and respect. 💛 Through monthly phone calls, letters home, and family engagement events, she shares how consistent, caring outreach strengthens trust and increases student engagement.

It is a powerful reminder that when educators treat students as humans and families as partners, everyone benefits. 🌟

🎧 Listen Here:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1oJLMpPMWqka0kwC1Vebz7
BreakFree: www.breakfree-ed.org/podcast/episode/30565cbe/
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/learning-lab-episode-15-cultivating-family-engagement/id1569236100?i=1000750003986

02/03/2026

✨ BreakFree recently led workshops in NYC and Tucson, AZ, bringing educators together to explore what it really looks like to implement technology effectively and design active learning spaces rooted in discussion and collaboration.
So powerful to see teachers learning with and from each other. 💡🤝

01/30/2026

📢 New Episode Alert! 📢

Learning Lab Episode #14 features Kimberly Molidor, an ELA teacher at the Academy for Academic Excellence Henry Wade campus in TX.

In this episode, Christina and Kaylah talk with Kimberly about multi level teaching and the power of thematic units in reaching all students. She shares how flexible design, student choice, and shared themes create one cohesive classroom where students can work at different levels while moving toward common goals. 📚✨

🎧 Listen Here
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/0KU7Dy91QRqq1IhyS7OdOZ
BreakFree: breakfree-ed.org/podcast/episode/280cf5c4/
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/books-over-bars/id1569236100

01/22/2026

⏰ Happening in just a few hours

Join BreakFree Executive Director David Domenici for a conversation with Dee Lanier on AI, equity, and inclusive learning.

They will explore how educators can use emerging tools to support diverse learners while keeping human connection at the center 🤝

💬 Join us soon and bring your questions.
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YPTFsDZrTd-BnapijOF-kQ?mc_cid=3c7d1bb667&mc_eid=9613b2630e&fbclid=IwY2xjawPfhYJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE4ZE9oNjFrZzhCMXBSeFJTc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHijdN655nZSSnohXRCwubn8lfOBoHcVG9QleS3QAfwYPl-REKYxA1qzN-mj1_aem_UixLnzrEuHwToAHxTbC5ew #/registration

01/20/2026

🎙️ Join BreakFree Executive Director David Domenici in conversation with Dee Lanier, Lead Experience Designer at Lanier Learning and author of Demarginalizing Design and The Promises and Perils of AI in Education.

With more than two decades of experience, Dee brings a human centered and equity focused perspective to how educators can thoughtfully use AI and emerging tools. ✨

In this conversation, Dee and David will explore how technology can help educators:

- Support student engagement across different skill levels

- Reduce planning overload in multi level and multi subject classrooms

- Design flexible learning experiences that meet students where they are

- Use technology thoughtfully while maintaining human connection

They will also discuss ethical considerations of AI in education and how educators can approach these tools with curiosity, care, and an equity lens.

💬 There will be time for audience questions and reflection. Join us to explore how emerging tools can help make teaching more sustainable and inclusive.
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YPTFsDZrTd-BnapijOF-kQ?mc_cid=3c7d1bb667&mc_eid=9613b2630e #/registration