An Interview with Lori Woodley: Championing School Counseling through “A Trusted Space"

In the world, some are driven to inspire, empower and transform. Lori Woodley (pictured at right) is one of those individuals. With more than two decades of experience as a middle school counselor in Southern California, she is no stranger to the intricate world of adolescence and the pivotal role school counselors play.

Lori's journey took a significant turn when she decided to establish All It Takes and eventually leave public education to work full-time in the organization that has become synonymous with experiential learning. Her mission? To cultivate positive school cultures that nurture emotional resilience and academic success. Her impact is far-reaching: She produced the remarkable “Heartbeat” video for CASC three years ago and the outstanding film series “A Trusted Space” (view trailer). Shown below is a scene from the film.

The award-winning "A Trusted Space" film bridges diverse voices from the education frontlines, including students, teachers, administrators, school counselors and parents, and experts in education, mental health and youth work. Comprised of six films, this docu-training series tackles the social/emotional and mental challenges within school environments.

The impact of the films goes beyond the screen, with carefully crafted complementary curriculum and training guides. Through these films, moments of crisis are transformed into opportunities for growth.


I had the privilege of sitting down with Lori to delve deeper into her work and explore her motivation. We explored her vision for the future of her work and the trajectory of school counseling in California schools.

Q: Can you tell me more about what inspired you to become a school counselor?

I don’t think I have ever shared publicly how I became a school counselor. Truth is, it was happenstance. I originally applied to a school psychologist program and was not accepted – however, I was invited into the school counseling program. At the time I felt slighted, and as time passed, it became my greatest blessing . . . a perfect fit! Being a school counselor became a major part of my identity and a vehicle to live my purpose.

Q: Leaving public education to establish All It Takes was a significant decision point in your life. What motivated you to start this company, and how has it evolved?
  Q: The Trusted Space film series includes diverse voices from various education stakeholders. What is the main objective of the series, and how do you believe it addresses the challenges within school environments effectively?

Film is such a wonderful medium for engaging audiences. At the heart of every impactful film is a compelling story . . . and a thought-provoking narrative that engages the audience because it is relatable at an emotional level. The series aims to inspire viewers to understand and act on issues! Despite widespread trauma-informed education and best practices, we are falling short of addressing critical issues in schools. These films fill that gap.

Q: You mention that the films and the supporting curriculum and training guides are free. Who sponsored this project, and how do envision school counselors using them?

Yes, all of the six films are free, thanks to the sponsorship of the CalHOPE Schools Initiative. The films give school counselors tools to engage staff and students in important topics and delve into practical ways to foster trusted relationships. The beauty is, these films can cultivate change at both the staff and student levels because they are relatable and affirming.

Q: You championed the school counseling profession through the Heartbeat film released in 2021 and seen by thousands across the U.S. Could you share one or two of the most important messages you meant to convey?

In the film, I wanted to convey two main points. First, school counselors are at the center of the school – bringing together resources to address the social/emotional, mental and academic needs of students. The next point is that countless students are better because of what the school counselors did to make positive changes in their lives. I wanted to tell that story because I don’t think others understand this fully. After all, they don’t see the masterful work school counselors do every day.

Q: You have served on several CASC committees including Government Relations and you were a part of the design team for the new California Standards for the School Counseling Profession. You’re a busy person; why get involved?

School counselors are my people. I believe in the work we do and the outcomes we catalyze. I think we have a career that both elevates and saves lives and I hope to always be in a position where I can contribute to the forward momentum of the profession.

Q: Could you share your vision for the future of your work and your thoughts on the trajectory of the profession of school counseling?

My ultimate goal is to inspire action, creating trusted spaces in every school and youth organization nationwide. In the age of technology, creating human connections is crucial to flourishing. In thinking about school counseling, I think we must expand our mindset and skills to meet the evolving needs of students. Humans are not static, and our profession must not be either as we lead the way to the best outcomes for all students.

Contact Loretta Whitson, Ed.D., CASC executive director, at executivedirector@schoolcounselor-ca.org.