Happy New Year from all of us at Fostering Change! We hope you had a joyful holiday season filled with rest, connection, and moments that centered what matters most. As we step into 2026 together, we’re excited to continue bringing you meaningful conversations that uplift, educate, and inspire. Season 7 is already shaping up to be one of our most impactful yet — and we’re thrilled to kick off the year with today’s guest.

🎙 Introduction

This week, Rob Scheer is joined by Dr. Brandi Kelly, an award-winning educator, licensed clinical social worker, leadership coach, and founder of Spark HOPE Edu. For more than 20 years, Dr. Kelly has served children and families as a school social worker, principal, and superintendent, always guided by her belief in the transformative power of H.O.P.E. — Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, and Excellence.

Her approach blends emotional wellness, compassionate leadership, and practical tools that empower students — especially those experiencing trauma, foster care, or instability — to build resilience and recognize their inherent worth. Through Spark HOPE Edu and her coaching programs, Dr. Kelly now equips caregivers, educators, and community leaders to create environments where every child feels safe, supported, and capable of thriving.

Her message is the perfect way to begin a new year: intentional, uplifting, and rooted in the belief that we can all lead with hope.

Main Topic / Theme

How Dr. Kelly’s H.O.P.E. framework cultivates resilience, emotional wellness, and confidence in children — particularly those who have experienced trauma — by equipping the adults who support them to lead with compassion, clarity, and purpose.

Key Discussion Points

Resilience Through H.O.P.E.

How Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, and Excellence help youth overcome adversity and build self-worth.

Education + Healing

Why collaboration between educators, caregivers, and social workers is essential for children in foster or kinship care.

Leadership for Youth

Helping children see themselves as leaders regardless of their circumstances.

Coaching for Connection

Dr. Kelly’s January 2026 six-week cohort designed to help adults strengthen resilience and relational skills using the H.O.P.E. model.

Guest Bio

Dr. Brandi Kelly is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, award-winning educator, and founder of Spark HOPE Edu. Over her two-decade career, she has served as a school social worker, principal, and superintendent — earning multiple leadership awards. Her H.O.P.E. framework (Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, Excellence) provides a roadmap for helping youth—and the adults who guide them—build resilience and belonging. She is the author of Lead with H.O.P.E. and host of the Lead with HOPE podcast.

Connect with Dr. Kelly

Website: www.sparkhopeedu.com

Facebook: @LTW24

Instagram: @leadwithhope.23

LinkedIn: Dr. Brandi Kelly

✨ A New Year Note from Fostering Change

As we launch into 2026, we want to thank you — our listeners — for being part of this powerful community. We hope your holiday season was restful and meaningful, and that this new year brings purpose, possibility, and renewed hope.

We’re excited to continue this incredible Season 7 journey with you. Fostering Change returns next Tuesday with another inspiring conversation as we work together to support children, families, and caregivers across the country.

Here’s to a year of compassion, courage, and making a difference — one story, one act, and one child at a time.

Happy New Year, and thank you for being GOOD HUMANS. 🎉

🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!

Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:

👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases

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