Q&A With Program Director Lauren Wolters | High Road School of Cole County

Q&A With Program Director Lauren Wolters

At the High Road School of Cole County, supporting students goes beyond academics. It requires understanding behavior, honoring emotional needs, and helping each student recognize their strengths.

Lauren Wolters, school program director, brings a background in social work and a deep commitment to trauma-informed care to her leadership. In this Q&A, she shares how that perspective shapes her approach, what excites her most about her work, and what she hopes students carry with them long after they leave High Road.

With a background in social work, how does that training shape the way you approach supporting students?

I approach every student through a trauma-informed lens and work to understand what may be driving their behavior. Behavior is communication. While we may not always know why a student engages in a particular behavior, we can always respond with respect, empathy, and kindness.

I work hard to create an inviting atmosphere where students want to be and where they feel welcomed. Being at school can have its own set of challenges, and I want our students to know that they are valued for their differences and that we recognize their strengths. Any challenge can be worked through, and we are here to support them through those challenging moments.

Your bio notes that helping students see themselves positively is a personal passion. What does that look like in action at a High Road school?

When students first arrive at High Road, many speak about themselves negatively based on past experiences. I want them to understand that they are more than one difficult moment. At High Road, we do not define students by their behavior. We focus on who they are and what they have the potential to accomplish.

Staff support students through challenging behaviors without judgment and work alongside them to identify solutions for the future. We consistently encourage students to try hard things and recognize effort, not just outcomes. Over time, that reinforcement helps students begin to see themselves differently.

During your time supporting students across High Road Schools, what have you learned about identifying and building on students’ strengths?

Many students do not realize how capable they are. I have seen incredible growth in students who once resisted coming to school and now show up every day ready to learn.

Every student has strengths, but those strengths often need to be named and reinforced. For example, a student who struggles with reading may say, “I’m not smart.” In response, I might point out how they helped a peer tie their shoe, learned a new game, or practiced multiplication facts. Those moments show perseverance, kindness, and intelligence. When students begin to recognize these qualities in themselves, real growth follows. Every student can learn and grow!

What are you most excited to focus on for students and staff at the High Road School of Cole County?

I am most excited about the daily impact our staff can have on students and their families. We will teach a wide range of skills, including academics, emotional regulation, behavior support, communication, and life skills. These are lifelong skills that support success both in and out of school.

I want students and staff to celebrate growth every day and help students learn how to advocate for themselves. By consistently teaching coping strategies, we prepare students to use them during moments of escalation. Over time, students begin choosing and applying these strategies independently, allowing them to remain calm, focused, and ready to engage in learning.

What keeps you motivated in this work, especially on challenging days?

Every day in this field brings something new. Some challenges are brief, others take more time, but all of them offer opportunities to learn. I care deeply about students’ progress and how they see themselves.

I approach each day as a fresh start. We address concerns as they arise, plan for future situations, and work proactively to prevent challenges. Each situation calls for a new strategy and a clear plan. Our team meets regularly, supports one another, and stays focused on solutions. I am surrounded by people who genuinely care about student growth, and that shared commitment keeps me motivated.

What do you hope students take with them long after they leave High Road?

I hope students leave with a strong sense of their strengths, the ability to advocate for their needs, and the confidence to work through difficult moments safely. I want them to communicate their wants and needs independently and feel proud of the skills they have gained.

Whether students transition back to their home school or graduate, they should recognize their accomplishments and feel confident in their growth. I also hope they know the impact they had on us. Our students are the reason we do this work. We value their presence, celebrate their successes, and support their goals.

What would you like the community to know about the High Road School of Cole County?

The High Road School of Cole County exists to support students who need individualized academic, behavioral, and emotional support. We meet students where they are and help them build new skills step by step.

There are so many things our future students can learn and do. I can’t wait to see all of their progress and strengths shine!