Throwback episode while we recoup from the Summit 💛 “Breaking the Thought Chain in Caesars Palace,” recorded at Caesars Palace, is one of our most listened to episodes for a reason. If you need a reminder about thought, this one’s for you. Listen here: rebrand.ly/q7dy8kq

Celebrating 12 years of Brooke Wheeldon-Reece at The SPARK Initiative! 🎉 Our fearless President & CEO does it all — from programming and curriculum to grants, trainings, and national stages. We wouldn’t be where we are without her leadership and heart!

The momentum didn’t stop at the summit! Ashley & Makayla led our SPARK Foundations & Implementation trainings, equipping counselors, educators, social workers & mentors with the core principles of SPARK Mentoring Programs and best practices for impactful engagement.

In this episode of the #FindYourSPARK Podcast, our team reflects on what it felt like to host this year’s National Wellbeing & Resilience Summit — and how the experience unfolded in a way none of us could have fully anticipated. Listen to the episode here! rebrand.ly/uw3vim1

Nicole & Chad wrapped Week 3 teaching the Thought Chain! 💭 Students explored the thought–feeling connection and learned their behavior doesn’t have to mirror a temporary feeling. #SPARKMentoringPrograms

Conference weekends = a little bit of chaos and a lot of impact ✨ We love keeping you all along for the ride and giving you a glimpse into our adventures as we share the impact of SPARK Mentoring Programs at national conferences across the country! 💛

In this episode of the #FindYourSPARK Podcast, best friends and coworkers Brooke Wheeldon-Reece and Ashley Hunt sit down to reflect on Brooke’s 12-year journey with The SPARK Initiative. Listen here: rebrand.ly/p6346qx

Another impactful week in our middle school classes! 💭🕯️ Students explored the thought chain and discovered the spark that’s always inside them. ✨ #SPARKMentoringPrograms

Happy Birthday to our incredible COO, Jena! 🎉 Nearly 10 years at SPARK and her impact is immeasurable. We’re so proud of her growth and grateful for everything she brings to this team. Wishing you the happiest birthday yet! 💙

What an incredible way to wrap up the week in Washington, DC! This past Saturday, Ashley and Stephanie presented “Finding the SPARK Beyond Trauma” at the National Afterschool Association’s 2026 conference and the room was completely full. #NAA26 #SPARKMentoringPrograms

In this episode of the #FindYourSPARK Podcast, Chad recognizes National Red Cross Month, a time dedicated to honoring the millions of volunteers, donors, and everyday people who step up to help others in moments of need. Listen here: rebrand.ly/guwb2s5

🍀 Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 🍀

March is Social Work Month. Social workers carry stories most couldn’t sleep through and show up every day in schools, courts, child welfare, and mental health with compassion and care. Take a moment to thank a social worker today!

Another incredible year at the National Afterschool Association Convention! 🤍 We can’t wait to see the partnerships that grow from this year! #SPARKMentoringPrograms

Last week, Makayla led one of our favorite lessons where students get to see their SPARK in action! In this lesson, students also get to perform a skit that illustrates, in the silliest way, how our SPARK can show up for us, both in the big moments and the small everyday ones.

Happy Assistant Principals Week to the incredible APs we have the privilege of working alongside!

In this episode of the #FindYourSPARK Podcast, Brooke is joined by SPARK team member Ashley Hunt for an honest and heartfelt conversation about what it really means to prioritize your state of mind. Listen here: rebrand.ly/cklkahq

Two years of Makayla at The SPARK Initiative means two years of showing up, showing out, and showing the world what this organization is all about. We're so grateful you're on this team! 🎂✨

Nicole and Chad hit Polk County Middle Schools this week with a lesson on Separate Realities — the idea that each of us sees the world differently based on our own unique thinking and experiences. #SPARKMentoring #ResiliencyEducation #PolkCountyMiddleSchools

In this third installment of the State of Mind series, Chad sits down with Nicole Wilson to explore one of the most foundational truths we can embrace: that state of mind is everything. Listen to the full episode here: rebrand.ly/nlb8ju1 #FindYourSPARKPodcast