18 - Walking With Families – with Theresa Flynn Houghton Building Community Through Long-Term Support

18 - Walking With Families – with Theresa Flynn Houghton Building Community Through Long-Term SupportIn this episode, Thomas sits down with De Marillac Academy President Theresa Flynn Houghton to explore how one school in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood has built a deeply relational model of Catholic education centered on accompaniment, trust, and long-term support.De Marillac Academy’s unique approach includes a tuition-free middle school experience, extensive family partnerships, graduate support programs, and a commitment to helping students thrive well beyond graduation. But this conversation is about more than a specialized model — it is about what happens when schools intentionally create communities where students and families feel truly known.Theresa shares:How De Marillac builds strong family partnerships from the very beginningWhy long-term relationships matter in student successThe importance of neighborhood and nonprofit partnershipsHow schools can support the whole child academically, socially, and emotionallyWays alumni remain connected and continue shaping the school communityPractical lessons any principal can apply to strengthen belonging and trustWhether your school serves 40 students or 400, this episode offers a powerful reminder that education is not just about programs or academics — it is about walking with families, building authentic community, and helping students discover their purpose and dignity along the way.About De Marillac Academy:Inspired by the inherent and unique gifts of our students and graduates, De Marillac Academy, located in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco, ignites academic, spiritual, and social emotional growth through a Lasallian Vincentian Catholic educational experience.In partnership with families and community, through an all-scholarship 4th-8th grade Academy and Graduate Support Program, we accompany our students through middle school, high school and into early adulthood, as they develop a strong sense of self, purpose, and service to others.To get your Walking With Families Reflection Guide please visit us here.If you want to build better support for your current and past families, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-TogetherThe In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team. When technology doesn’t work, Catholic school leaders lose time, trust, and momentum. We partner with schools to restore reliable systems, empower teachers, and create the foundation for innovative learning centered on students.Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team.Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible.Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.com