Coming Full Circle at CASC’s 25-Year Anniversary Conference

The Detour That Defined Me

Have you ever had life hand you a “no” that eventually became the best “yes” you never expected? In 1989, I lived that story. I had applied to a graduate program in School Psychology, confident it was the path I was meant to take. Then came the letter: “Unfortunately, we do not have a spot for you in the School Psychology program, but we would like to offer you a place in our School Counseling program.” My application was good enough—it just wasn’t for what I thought I wanted. After some disappointed pouting (with admittedly low emotional literacy) and a few excuses about their “mistake,” I reluctantly accepted what I believed was a consolation prize. Three months later, I began my master’s program—and unknowingly stepped onto the path that would shape my life’s work.

That detour turned out to be destiny. School counseling fit me in ways I could never have imagined. What began as disappointment became a calling that has defined my purpose for more than three decades. My journey has been filled with both heartbreak and joy—walking beside students through crises, running peer leadership programs that built essential social-emotional skills, leading experiential overnight trips where transformation happened before our eyes, and empowering families to navigate the complexities of growing up in this world. It was never easy, but every moment mattered.

Beyond school walls, advocacy became my second heartbeat. I fought to preserve school counseling programs when budgets threatened to erase them, facilitated workshops to help counselors step into leadership, and used creative avenues—film, curriculum, and professional development—to amplify the impact of our work. Through All It Takes, this mission only deepened, expanding to educators and youth in ways that continue to ripple outward every day.

When I accepted that original offer, I never could have foreseen where it would lead. Today, as the 2026 California School Counselor Advocate of the Year, I look back and see that what once felt like rejection was really realignment—a gentle nudge from the universe toward the work I was born to do.

So yes, the path swerved unexpectedly. But that detour didn’t just change my direction. It defined me.

As the Diamond Sponsor of this year’s conference, All It Takes had the privilege of connecting with so many dedicated leaders, counselors, and educators who are shaping the future for our youth every single day. The energy, commitment, and passion in every conversation reminded me why this work matters so deeply—because relationships and emotional literacy truly are at the heart of education.

This week was personally meaningful for me as well. On Wednesday evening, I was deeply honored to receive CASC’s 2026 Counselor Advocate of the Year Award—a recognition that means the world to me. Advocacy for counselors, educators, and the social-emotional well-being of students has always been core to my mission and to the mission of All It Takes. To be acknowledged by this extraordinary community was both humbling and energizing.

Thursday brought another highlight: taking the stage as All It Takes’ Diamond Sponsor representative to share our ongoing work in social and emotional literacy. The day continued with shared book signings alongside incredible colleagues—Steve Sharp, Dr. Lori Lopez-Perry, and Dr. Erin Mason—each a champion of student wellness and educator empowerment.

And because no great conference is complete without some fun, the evening’s 1920s-themed karaoke under the stars was one for the books—laughter, costumes, and connection all around.

We closed out the conference on a high note with our SEL Muscle

Mastery workshop, where over 90 participants jumped in to learn, collaborate, and grow together. Seeing educators engage so openly and enthusiastically reaffirmed how essential this work is.

As I reflect on this incredible week, I feel immense gratitude. For the award, for the opportunity to represent All It Takes, and for the chance to share space with so many remarkable individuals committed to making schools places of trust, growth, and belonging.

Thank you to the CASC community for celebrating 25 years of leadership, advocacy, and heart. We can’t wait to continue collaborating to strengthen emotional literacy and connection across California schools.

— Lori Woodley-Langendorff

Founder & Chief Visionary Officer, All It Takes

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Coming Full Circle at CASC’s 25-Year Anniversary Conference