Leading with Empathy: The Lasting Impact of a Real Life EDMO Journey

At EDMO, we know that the most powerful learning happens when kids are supported by adults who lead with empathy, curiosity, and kindness. One of our amazing team members shared her journey with us — and her story is a true reflection of what makes EDMO special for both kids and staff.

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Gigi’s Story

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“I was given the opportunity to start my journey with EDMO in 2023. I think what makes me a little different from most of my amazing coworkers is that many of them started their journey here through their college credits. Straight out of high school, I had to step into the role of being a provider in my household, so I didn’t exactly get the chance to go straight into college like I had hoped. That meant I didn’t have the credits, but I did have the experience of working with children. I knew that not having a college background didn’t define me or dictate my future, so I took the opportunity—and I’m so glad I did. Later, I even passed the IA exam!

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From the start, I knew the people behind the scenes were great, based on how smooth my hiring process was. But I’ve got to say—the awesome people I actually work with are even better. We’ve built such a supportive environment here, which makes work so much easier because I know we all have each other’s backs. Lately, I’ve even been feeling stable enough to hopefully go back to school if everything works out. I also hope to keep growing here at EDMO!

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Another huge reason I stay is, of course, the students. When I first started our program here at Growth, it was a lot smaller than it is now. I had 3rd through 6th grade under my care. Many of the kiddos I work with today have grown with me throughout my time here, and I’ve even seen some of them graduate from middle school. I’m sure they’ve seen my growth, too. We’ve had tough days and amazing days, but even on the hard ones, my students make it easy to forget the negative.

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When I first started, I told myself I wanted to be the adult I wish I had when I was a little girl. Growing up, I went through a lot without receiving much empathy from the adults in my life. I could never imagine doing the same to a child going through their own rough moments. I think I’ve proven to myself that I am nothing like those adults. At one point, the kiddos even went through a phase where they called me “Miss Mother,” and some have even accidentally called me “Mom.” Even though I’m not trying to take on that role, I find it both silly and heartwarming.

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Working here has also shown me that there really are no “bad” kids. We’re all just going through different things in life. Some students, despite being less fortunate, make the best of it, while others struggle in different ways. I’ll never forget the day I sat crying in my car after work because we were letting students pick songs to listen to. While most chose the latest radio hits, one of our so-called “behavior problem” kids picked Lean On Me by Bill Withers. That touched my heart and helped me understand him on a deeper level.

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If there’s one major lesson I’ve taken away from working at EDMO, it’s that empathy is one of the most important traits you can have when working with children. Of course, skills like classroom management and behavior strategies matter, but learning to truly understand our students and lead with empathy will always take you the farthest.”

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The Broader Impact of Empathy

Gigi’s heartfelt story echoes something we see across all EDMO programs: Empathy is transformative. Research consistently shows that kids who experience empathetic support from adults:

Build resilience in the face of challenges.
Develop stronger emotional regulation skills.
Form deeper, healthier relationships with peers and adults.
Experience greater academic motivation and engagement.

For staff, practicing empathy also creates resilience. It turns tough days into opportunities for growth. It deepens their sense of purpose and strengthens their connection to our mission. And for communities, it builds a culture where kids are not only taught math, science and art, but also compassion, self-awareness, and courage.

The reflections in this story remind us that her journey is not unique; it’s part of a larger pattern we see across EDMO sites every day.

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A Ripple Effect

When Gigi writes about being called “Miss Mother” or even “Mom” by her students, she captures something profound; kids don’t just see EDMO staff as instructors, they see them as role models, trusted adults, and safe harbors. That ripple effect extends far beyond after school. Kids carry those lessons in empathy, kindness, and resilience into their homes, classrooms, and communities.

For families, it means peace of mind, knowing your kiddo is supported by someone who will listen and uplift them, even on hard days. For partners, it means investing in programs that don’t just supervise kids but shape their futures.

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Why This Matters Now

As California and other states expand funding for after-school and summer programs, stories like this one show why that investment matters. It’s not only about keeping kids safe outside of school hours, it’s about giving them access to mentors, relationships, and lessons in empathy that will stay with them for life.

At EDMO, we see staff journeys and student journeys as interconnected. When one of our team members grows, our kids grow. And when our kids thrive, our communities thrive.

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What Families Can Take Away

Gigi’s experience shows us the impact on kids and families most directly. When families entrust their kids to EDMO, they want to know their kids will be safe, engaged, and inspired. But more than that, they want their kids to be seen. Gigi’s story shows that EDMO team members are not only trained in classroom management and teaching strategies, they are also deeply committed to leading with empathy.

Consistency and Care: Like so many of our EDMO staff, Gigi has grown alongside her students, watching them progress from elementary into middle school. That kind of long-term relationship builds stability and trust for kids. For families, it means their kids are cared for by someone who truly knows them.
Empathy as a Foundation: When she says, “I wanted to be the adult I wish I had when I was a little girl,” it’s a reminder that EDMO staff are often motivated by their own lived experiences. They know the importance of compassion, because they’ve felt the lack of it and they’re determined to do better for the kids in their care.
No “Bad” Kids: Gigi’s reflection that there are no “bad” kids, only kids experiencing different challenges, is at the heart of EDMO’s approach. We don’t label; we listen. We don’t punish; we try to understand. Families can feel confident knowing their kids are in an environment where empathy is more than a value, it’s a practice that is woven into everything we do.

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What Partners Can Take Away

Beyond families, Gigi’s story highlights why partners choose EDMO as a trusted collaborator. For school districts, community partners, and funders, this story demonstrates why EDMO is a strong investment:

Staff Development: Gigi began without college credits but with experience, determination, and a passion for kids. At EDMO, she received training, support, and opportunities for advancement, eventually passing her Instructional Aide exam. This shows partners that EDMO goes beyond impacting kids; we build lasting pathways for the workforce too.
Program Growth: Gigi highlights that when she started at Growth, the program was small. Today, it’s larger and even more impactful, further proving that EDMO programs are scalable and responsive to community needs.
Retention and Stability: Gigi stays with EDMO because of the supportive culture and the students. High staff retention means stronger, more consistent programs for partners and families.
Measurable Social-Emotional Outcomes: The story of her student choosing Lean On Me is a powerful moment of social-emotional learning in action. It shows that EDMO programs don’t just fill time after school; they help kids express themselves, build empathy, and connect in meaningful ways that will last a lifetime.

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Closing Reflection

Gig’s words remind us why we do what we do:

“If there’s one major lesson I’ve taken away from working at EDMO, it’s that empathy is one of the most important traits you can have when working with children.”

That lesson is true for every part of EDMO — from kids and staff to families and partners. Empathy shapes how we teach, how we learn, how we support each other, and how we build the future.

Gigi’s journey is just one example, but it’s proof that when empathy leads, extraordinary things follow for a lifetime.

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Leading with Empathy: The Lasting Impact of a Real Life EDMO Journey

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