Collaborative Conversations

The Collaborative Conversations podcast features the Family Learning Conference, a collaborative effort between schools, the community, and the University to support families through innovative and inclusive learning experiences. Now in its 19th year at the University of La Verne, the LaFetra College of Education’s Family Learning Conference continues to grow in impact and reach.Hosted by Dr. Michael Vallejo, this podcast features conversations with founder Dr. Marga Madhuri and 2026 Program Co-Chair Dr. Esmeralda Rodriguez, who share the story behind the conference’s creation and how it continues to flourish nearly two decades later.At its core, the conference mission is to build lasting partnerships that open doors to higher education and provide clear pathways to success for families and their children. By engaging students, parents, educators, and community partners, the conference celebrates the power of education, creativity, and connection.

Dr. Renae Bryant is an educational leader committed to increasing student access, opportunity, equity, and success. She currently serves as Assistant Superintendent for the Gorman Learning Charter Network, where she supports the vision of the Board of Trustees and Superintendent while working collaboratively with scholars, staff, families, and communities to ensure students are college, career, life, and future ready.

Yoshio Bush is a special education teacher with more than a decade of experience supporting students across elementary, middle, and high school. He currently serves as a junior high Resource Specialist in the Chino Valley Unified School District. After attending school in Pomona Unified, Bush returned to the district as an instructional aide and later became a Special Day Class teacher, where he also served as the special education department lead, guiding teams in inclusive practices, curriculum development, and IEP implementation. While working as an aide, he earned his undergraduate degree from the University of La Verne and later returned to complete his Special Education and Multiple Subject teaching credentials, along with master’s degrees in Special Education and Curriculum & Instruction. Mr. Bush brings expertise in promoting equitable access to education, supporting social-emotional learning, and strengthening collaboration between general and special education. He is trained in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Conscious Discipline and is recognized for his commitment to high expectations paired with caring support to help all students thrive academically and personally.

Marga Madhuri, PhD, has been a literacy educator since 1989, teaching both in K-12 and higher education. Her interest in how children acquire literacy led to her pursuing a Master’s and PhD in Literacy Education, and the Mind, Brain & Teaching certificate at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Madhuri focuses her work on translating research in the neurosciences to classroom practices that support students in socio-emotional and academic success, particularly in regards to literacy.

Dr. Martin Yousef is the Associate Dean of Strategic Initiatives and Community Engagement at the University of La Verne LaFetra College of Education. With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Yousef has served key roles in postsecondary education including professor, academic leadership, COO, and human resources leadership.