In this episode, we sit down with Anne Lansing, CEO of Safe Schools Mohawk Valley — an organization changing lives every day across Central New York. From advocating for students dealing with trauma, to building bridges between youth and first responders, Anne’s passion for creating a safer, more supportive school experience is palpable. Her journey has taken her from Lake Tahoe and San Francisco back home to Utica, where she now leads a team making a real difference in the lives of local youth.
We dive into everything from cow tipping and commuting in Oakland to trauma-informed care, restorative justice, leadership camps, and the daily emotional battles students (and teachers) face. Anne’s belief that every kid deserves a chance — and the support to make it happen — will leave you feeling hopeful, inspired, and maybe even ready to start pulling weeds as therapy.
In this episode:
• Why Anne came back to Utica after life on the West Coast
• How Safe Schools MV helps students cope, connect, and succeed
• Real stories about kids overcoming trauma and turning things around
• A behind-the-scenes look at the Urban Leadership Institute
• Why MV Gives is such a vital day for local nonprofits like Safe Schools
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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Show Intro & MVSS Mission
(1:30) - What Brought Anne Back?
(3:40) - Confronting Perceptions of Small Mindedness
(6:30) - What Safe Schools Actually Does (It’s More Than You Think)
(10:00) - What Inspired This?
(14:15) - Arrest Diversion Program
(15:15) - Individual Student Attention
(18:20) - Identifying Situations
(21:00) - Accommodating Different Needs
(24:15) - Working For Safe Schools MV
(26:50) - Mohawk Valley Gives Incentives
(28:40) - Urban Leadership Institute
(32:30) - Connecting with Safe Schools
(35:30) - Rapid Fire Questions
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Anne Lansing's Links
Safe Schools MV Website - https://safeschoolsmohawkvalley.org
Safe Schools MV FB - https://www.facebook.com/SafeSchoolsMohawkValley
Safe Schools MV Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/safe-schools-mohawk-valley
