Empowering Children with Hope and Opportunity - ECHO

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Empowering Children with Hope and Opportunity - ECHO

ECHO aids teachers and administrators in helping remove non-academic barriers to learning .

04/13/2026

On March 19, ECHO Unites brought 8th grade students together at the University of Dayton’s Kennedy Union Ballroom for a day of connection, growth, and preparation for the transition to high school. The students attend Ascension, Holy Angels (Dayton), St. Helen's, Immaculate Conception, St. Albert the Great, St. Benedict, Chaminade Julienne Middle School and Mother Brunner.

Students learned more about themselves through the MMTIC personality assessment and worked in teams through a series of challenge activities designed to help them recognize their strengths, build confidence, and practice perseverance. Throughout the day, they were encouraged to use a growth mindset, work together, and celebrate the different ways people think, learn, and interact.

One of the most meaningful moments of the day was our closing ceremony, when ECHO therapists presented each student with a worry stone to carry with them into high school as a reminder of support, courage, and the strengths they carry within themselves.

We are especially grateful to Copeland’s Inspiring Horizons Social Impact Program for funding this experience and for the Copeland employees who joined us as volunteers. Their support helped make this day possible for our students.

Thank you as well to our volunteers, principals, and to Michelle Schaffer and Terese Switalski for their hard work in coordinating this special event.
Copeland St Helen Elementary School Immaculate Conception School-Dayton St. Albert the Great School St. Benedict the Moor School -Dayton, Ohio .benedict_peacemakers Julienne Catholic High School

04/07/2026

On March 24th the St. Benedict ECHO and Catapult Learning teams hosted a family night, with music, dinner generously hosted by House of Bread, and a lively BINGO game.

Tutoring families were all given gifts of educational materials by their tutors at the end of the evening.

Many thanks to those who came out to volunteer and support the event! The school cafeteria was filled by the end of the night, with smiles all around. . Benedict the Moor School -Dayton, Ohio

04/05/2026

Happy Easter from ECHO.

As we celebrate Christ’s resurrection, we are reminded that Easter is a season of hope, renewal, and peace. We are grateful for our students, families, school partners, and community, and we pray that this day brings joy, rest, and many blessings to each of you.

He is risen.

04/02/2026

Peacemakers from Mother Brunner and St. Albert the Great Catholic Schools spent a special day with the retired Marianist brothers and priests at St. Leonard, sharing fellowship, faith, and fun.

The group celebrated Mass together, enjoyed donuts, decorated and shared cookies, swapped stories and life experiences, and of course shared even more food with pizza and pudding. It was a beautiful day filled with connection, conversation, and new friendships across generations.

We are grateful for the time together and the joy of building community in such a meaningful way. The Marianist Province of the US - Brothers and Priests .leonardliving

03/20/2026

This week, our ECHO counselors Caren and Hannah led safety sessions with K to 5 students at one of our partner schools. Students learned how to stay safe, when to talk to a trusted adult, and what to do if they see something dangerous. We are grateful to be part of this important work alongside our school communities.

03/18/2026

Honored to celebrate so many incredible leaders and partners at the Center for Catholic Education’s Celebration of Excellence. It was a wonderful evening recognizing those who make a meaningful impact in Catholic schools and the lives of students and families. Congratulations to all of the outstanding award recipients, and a special congratulations to Catholic Social Services for being recognized with the ECHO Community Partner Award. Thank you for your dedication to Catholic education and to the students and families we serve. Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley

03/13/2026

On January 14th the ECHO and Catapult Learning teams at St. Benedict the Moor hosted Doughnuts with Dad, sponsored by the Montgomery County Fatherhood Initiative. Dads were invited to join their students for doughnuts, a poetry reading by Principal Joseph Thompson, a few words by guest speaker Dr. Mike Newsom, Director of the Fatherhood Initiative, and the presentation of certificates of appreciation to Dr. Newsom and a beloved school figure, Mr. Jim "Papa" Lorow. A photographer took portrait photos of guests with their students, to be printed and sent home as momentos. Overall, there were approximately 90 attendees and many smiles.

Thank you again to Dr. Newsom and the Montgomery County Fatherhood Initiative for their support of the event!

03/09/2026

On February 17th St. Helen's ECHO and Catapult Learning Teams hosted a Valentine's Day Sight Word BINGO and Family Dinner, complete with BINGO prizes and a meal prepared by House of Bread. There were crafts, music, BINGO (MCd by the ECHO Therapist at St. Helen) and plenty of smiles and laughs among the 40 participants. Thank you to all who attended and supported the event! St Helen Elementary School Catapult Learning

03/05/2026

One of our favorite parts of the Peacemaker program is watching students put their ideas for service into action. These students spent their lunch creating handmade cards for residents at St. Leonard’s Assisted Living. Thank you to our ECHO counselors Caren Brockman and Hannah Michael for supporting students as they spread kindness in their community.

02/20/2026

🌟 ECHO Team Member Spotlight: Emily Ryan 🌟

We are excited to highlight one of our dedicated team members, Emily Ryan!

School(s) served:
St. Vincent Ferrer School on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
St. Gabriel Consolidated School on Tuesdays and Thursdays

Time with ECHO:
Almost 2 years

Favorite part of working with students:
Emily feels blessed to positively influence the growth and development of the students she works with. She believes every person deserves access to mental health support and a safe space to work through life’s stressors while caring for their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

Inspiration to work in a school based program:
Having been directly impacted by mental health crises in her own life, Emily is committed to providing advocacy, education, and support. She strives to create a caring space where others feel comfortable sharing and growing into healthier versions of themselves.

Fun fact:
Emily served as a Youth Pastor at her church for two years when she was 18 to 19 years old.

Outside of work:
Emily enjoys spending time with her husband of 17 years and their two children, a son in ninth grade and a daughter in fifth grade. Her son plays club and high school JV soccer, and her daughter participates in competitive cheer and musical theater. She also loves time with her dogs, Teddy the Poodle and Toby the Goldendoodle, being outdoors, reading, camping, fishing, and taking naps.

Favorite quote:
“May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you use the gifts you have received and pass on the love that has been given to you.”
Saint Therese of Lisieux

02/19/2026

Today was our quarterly ECHO gathering.

We step away from our school sites to come together, reflect on what is happening in our communities, support one another, and grow as a team.

We shared ideas, learned from each other, connected with community partners, and enjoyed some great conversation over a taco bar.

When we invest in each other, we strengthen the care we provide to every student and school we serve.

02/12/2026

🌟 ECHO Team Member Spotlight: Michelle Schaffer, MA, LPCC S 🌟

We are excited to highlight one of our dedicated ECHO leaders, Michelle Schaffer!

Role and schools served:
Michelle is one of two Assistant Directors of the ECHO program. Prior to this role, she served as a therapist at Immaculate Conception Catholic School for nine and a half school years.

Time with ECHO:
10 years

Favorite part of working with students:
Michelle loves working with students, inspiring them, and helping them learn and grow. One of the most rewarding moments for her is when former students return and share the wonderful things they are doing in their lives.

Favorite part of her leadership role:
As an Assistant Director, Michelle most enjoys helping ECHO continue to provide the best services possible to support the children and families served by the program.

Inspiration to work as a school based therapist:
Michelle became a school based therapist because she believed she could build relationships with students on a deeper and more meaningful level and make a more impactful difference in their lives.

Fun fact:
Michelle is a member of the 1991 Heidelberg College Hall of Fame soccer team.

Outside of work:
With her two sons now grown, Michelle has been reinventing herself and has discovered a few new passions. She has developed a love for dogs and now has three. She has also found two new favorite hobbies, pickleball and jigsaw puzzles.

Guiding philosophy:
“Do ordinary things with extraordinary love.”
Mother Teresa

Favorite mantra:
“Jesus is in the boat.”
This mantra reminds Michelle of the Gospel story in Matthew when Jesus calmed the storm while the disciples were afraid. It serves as a reminder to trust in Him, even during life’s storms.

We are deeply grateful for Michelle’s leadership, faith, and commitment to ensuring ECHO continues to serve students with excellence and compassion 💙

Address

300 College Park
Dayton, OH
45469

Website

https://udayton.edu/education/offices_and_centers/cce/programs/echo/index.php

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