We all seek to belong. It’s a human need. If you’ve moved schools, you know transitions can be tough. Thankfully, the Safe Passage Across Networks (SPAN) program, created by Dr. Doug Ota, provides a transitions care framework for schools. In this episode, we spoke with Amy Shuflin and Lina Paumgarten, developers of a Student Ambassador Program Guide for SPAN.

Amy worked for 17 years in Venezuela and Malaysia. She is currently the SPAN Resource Lead. She is passionate about schools caring for the needs of the full community and has integrated transitions care into her work in various roles. She has a B.A. in Youth Ministry, an MEd. in Curriculum and Instruction and is a Youth Mental Health First Aider. Amy enjoys meeting people, cooking, and spending time with her husband and two children.

Lina previously served as a Counselor and Wellness Coordinator at Nido de Aguilas in Santiago, Chile. She is now working on her PhD in psychology, focusing on suicide prevention in international education. Lina likes to explore the outdoors, stay active, and spend time with friends, family and her dog. She believes in the power of embracing our full humanity through life’s changes, which are inevitable but also an opportunity for growth.

The guiding question was: “How can schools build or enhance a program rooted in positive transitions-care?”

Topics covered:

• An overview of the SPAN program
• Supporting arrivers, leavers, and stayers
• Reasons why schools need transitions care programs and practical strategies

Recorded: July 13, 2025.

Resources mentioned:
International School Counselor Association - ISCA
Life Without Nico by Andrea Maturana
LINDEN Global Learning & Support
Safe Passage Across Networks

Lina’s LinkedIn, Instagram

Amy’s LinkedIn

Categories: Transitions | School Life | Curriculum

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Music: YouTube. (2022). Acoustic Guitar | Folk | No copyright | 2022❤️. YouTube. Retrieved October 11, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOEmg_6i7jA.