.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
The Flourish Lab is dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness of afterschool programs by providing comprehensive onboarding, training and professional development for staff. Our approach combines an engaging e-learning platform with in-person training sessions, focusing on practical strategies and social-emotional learning to foster meaningful connections between educators and students. By equipping afterschool professionals with the tools and knowledge they need, The Flourish Lab aims to create enriching environments where both staff and students can thrive.
St. Vrain School District is situated along the Northern Metro area of Denver, Colorado. The mission of the school is “SVVSD Community Schools will provide opportunities to enrich the lives of children and families in safe and welcoming environments, enabling all to realize their highest potential.”
This case study explores the impact of The Flourish Lab’s training on the afterschool staff at St. Vrain School District. St. Vrain sought a professional development solution that was engaging, practical, and directly relevant to the unique challenges of afterschool programming. Traditional training often felt passive and disconnected from real-world experiences, leaving staff without the tools they needed to build strong relationships with students and effectively manage their programs. By integrating The Flourish Lab’s e-learning platform with in-person workshops, St. Vrain’s staff gained valuable skills in social-emotional learning, intentional planning, and student engagement. This case study highlights the transformative effects of this training, demonstrating how investing in staff development leads to more confident educators, stronger team dynamics, and a better experience for students.
The St. Vrain School District OST program runs across 31 sites in the district serving over 2400 children. Their goal is to see happy children flourish. They have over 200 staff members who help manage their OST programs on a daily basis. Their goal for their staff is for each member to grow and reach their potential, and they work with The Flourish Lab to help that happen.
Before partnering with The Flourish Lab, St. Vrain’s afterschool staff faced several key challenges that hindered their ability to create the best possible learning environment for students. Traditional training programs often felt dull and ineffective, with staff describing them as passive experiences they simply “clicked through” rather than engaged with in a meaningful way. Many struggled to apply what they learned in real-world settings, as previous training failed to address the specific challenges of afterschool programming, such as managing diverse student needs, handling transitions, and fostering strong relationships. Additionally, staff members found it difficult to connect with students, particularly those who were harder to reach, and needed more practical strategies for building trust and communication.
Beyond student interactions, staff also grappled with the emotional toll of their work. The daily pressures of compliance, paperwork, and program logistics left many feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from their core purpose, leading to exhaustion and burnout. At the same time, team dynamics and communication presented challenges, as differences in working styles often led to misunderstandings and a lack of cohesion within staff teams. Without a structured approach to planning, transitions between activities were often chaotic, making it harder to keep students engaged and maintain a positive learning environment.
Perhaps one of the most significant challenges was that afterschool professionals often felt undervalued in their roles. Unlike traditional educators, they received training that was not tailored to their unique needs, leaving them feeling overlooked and unsupported. St. Vrain sought a professional development program that would not only equip their staff with practical skills but also empower them, validate their experiences, and remind them of the critical impact they have on students' lives. The Flourish Lab provided a solution that directly addressed these challenges, offering engaging, practical, and emotionally resonant training that transformed the way staff approached their work.
St. Vrain’s afterschool program identified several critical gaps in their existing training and professional development efforts that they sought to address by partnering with The Flourish Lab:
“It definitely helps to even just take a couple deep breaths before you walk through the door. How you come in really sets the tone for your staff and your kids.” – Trish
St. Vrain School District adopted a blended learning approach by integrating The Flourish Lab’s e-learning platform with targeted in-person training sessions, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging professional development experience for afterschool staff.
The Flourish Lab’s e-learning platform provided St. Vrain staff with a structured, self-paced learning experience that allowed them to engage with training modules independently. Every afterschool employee was given access to the platform, enabling them to complete courses on their own schedule while accommodating different learning styles and work commitments. This flexibility ensured that staff could absorb key concepts at their own pace without feeling overwhelmed by rigid training requirements.
“It wasn’t one of those things where you just kind of sort of fall asleep and hit the next button. It really kept me focused on what they were trying to teach.” – Tarah
To deepen understanding and encourage application of the material, staff members participated in group discussions after completing their online modules. These discussions created opportunities for reflection, collaboration, and critical thinking—allowing employees to share personal insights, explore real-world applications, and learn from one another’s experiences. This combination of independent study and peer interaction reinforced essential concepts and helped staff integrate their learning into their daily work.
To supplement the online learning experience, The Flourish Lab facilitated in-person training sessions tailored to St. Vrain’s unique needs. These sessions were designed to tackle specific challenges faced by the afterschool team, offering hands-on guidance and practical solutions that could be implemented immediately. By focusing on real-world issues, the in-person sessions ensured that staff could take meaningful action based on their training.
“They really make you feel and think about things. Everyone leading these sessions shares and is vulnerable, and that makes a huge difference.” – Donna
Beyond building technical skills, these sessions played a vital role in fostering camaraderie and strengthening team dynamics. Through interactive activities, open discussions, and collaborative problem-solving exercises, staff had the opportunity to break down barriers, build trust, and improve communication. This strengthened the workplace culture, creating a more cohesive and supportive team environment where staff felt more connected and empowered in their roles.
By combining the flexibility of e-learning with the depth of in-person training, St. Vrain’s professional development approach became far more engaging and impactful than traditional training methods. Staff had the autonomy to engage with material at their own pace while also benefiting from the structured support of peer discussions and in-person guidance.
This blended approach transformed professional development from a routine requirement into a meaningful learning experience, helping staff feel more prepared, confident, and connected in their roles. The result was a team that not only improved their individual skills but also worked more effectively together, ultimately creating a more supportive and enriching environment for the students they serve.
In addition to providing foundational training through our e-learning platform and in-person sessions, The Flourish Lab partnered with St. Vrain to deliver a customized leadership development series for their site leads and program coordinators. This training was designed to strengthen the confidence, self-awareness, and communication skills of those in leadership roles. Key sessions explored what it truly means to be a leader, the power of influence, and how to show up as your best self — even during challenging moments. Staff were introduced to a self-awareness framework and guided through strategies for setting clear expectations, maintaining accountability, and managing their own energy throughout the day. We also dug into the art of “hard” conversations and equipped participants with practical coaching tools, including how to build relationships, deeply listen, validate experiences, ask powerful questions, and create agreement and action steps. The result was a more connected, confident, and empowered leadership team prepared to support their staff and students with empathy and clarity.
“It helped us grow as a team… we’re not fighting against each other anymore. The kids feel more calm and at ease with us.” – Leadership team member
St. Vrain Valley School District first connected with The Flourish Lab in early 2022 when they were looking for a speaker for an upcoming professional development day. That August, our founder Lana was invited to speak at their back-to-school event, setting the stage for what would become a strong and evolving partnership.
In January 2023, St. Vrain officially engaged The Flourish Lab to provide eLearning for their afterschool staff. To support a smooth rollout, we hosted an experiential onboarding session for all Site Leads. This session was designed to introduce them to the platform, give them a hands-on feel for the content, and foster early buy-in for the program. Following this meeting, the district launched the eLearning platform, guiding staff through one module at a time on a structured schedule to ensure consistent learning across all sites.
Later that year, the district invited us to facilitate a professional development day for over 100 staff members. This in-person training added a powerful live element to the learning experience, reinforcing and expanding on the eLearning content and building a deeper sense of connection and application among staff.
In January 2024, St. Vrain renewed their commitment to the eLearning program, continuing to enroll all staff in every module. They also expanded the partnership to include two full professional development days and a dedicated leadership development track for Site Leads.
As we move into year three of our collaboration, we are currently finalizing a plan that will include continued eLearning, three in-person professional development days, and enhanced leadership development with a focus on implementing core Flourish Lab concepts in day-to-day practice.
The partnership between The Flourish Lab and St. Vrain School District has resulted in significant improvements in staff engagement, teamwork, and overall program effectiveness. Here are the most notable successes:
One of the most transformative outcomes of the training was how staff became more engaged in their professional development. Unlike previous professional development opportunities that felt like routine obligations, The Flourish Lab’s approach made learning interactive, relevant, and enjoyable. Staff members actively participated, reflected on their learning, and applied new strategies with confidence.
“One of my team members was very disorganized—it was one of her first classes. Then she did the Flourish Lab on planning. The very next time, she came in totally organized, and ran the entire thing perfectly. Huge difference.” – Leadership team member
The training provided staff with practical tools to build stronger relationships with students, especially those who were more difficult to reach. Many staff members reported a shift in how they interacted with children, leading to more positive, trust-based relationships. Students, in turn, responded with greater engagement and enthusiasm.
Through both the e-learning discussions and in-person sessions, staff members developed stronger working relationships and a more cohesive team culture. They became more open to discussing challenges, sharing ideas, and collaborating on solutions. The training helped break down barriers between colleagues, fostering a sense of community and support among afterschool professionals.
“I feel like my staff is more present with the kids during program, because they’ve planned everything ahead of time. When they go into program, it’s like — game on. They’re 100% with the kids.” – Leadership team member
Staff felt better prepared to handle the challenges of working in afterschool programs. The training helped them develop emotional resilience, refine their approach to student behavior, and improve their planning skills. Many reported feeling more confident in their ability to create structured, engaging, and supportive environments for students.
The Flourish Lab training emphasized the importance of intentional planning, leading to smoother program transitions and better-structured activities. Staff learned how to create predictable routines, which helped students feel more secure and engaged. The impact of this planning was especially noticeable in afterschool programs where organization had previously been a challenge.
One of the biggest successes of the partnership was changing the perception of professional development among St. Vrain staff. Many employees had previously experienced training as a passive, compliance-driven process. The Flourish Lab’s model was different—it made them feel valued, heard, and empowered in their roles. The combination of self-paced learning, peer discussions, and hands-on workshops created a training experience that felt relevant, impactful, and worth their time.
“They are sessions that actually add value—not just checking a box. They’re engaging, realistic, and things I will actually use in my program.” – Donna
Ultimately, the training didn’t just change how staff approached their work—it also improved student experiences. Staff became more present, more thoughtful in their interactions, and more proactive in supporting youth development. The ripple effect of these improvements is evident in the stronger relationships, better-structured programs, and a more engaged and motivated team at St. Vrain.
“Think of yourself as someone coming in and making a difference for all of these students. Be prepared. Be ready. Be engaged. Have fun.” – David
The success of The Flourish Lab’s training with St. Vrain offers several key insights for other afterschool programs seeking to invest in their staff and strengthen their overall impact:
These insights can guide afterschool programs of any size in reimagining how they support staff, build culture, and strengthen outcomes for students.
The partnership between The Flourish Lab and St. Vrain School District demonstrates the profound impact of investing in professional development that is thoughtful, relevant, and rooted in relationships. By equipping afterschool staff with tools for self-awareness, communication, and emotional resilience, St. Vrain created a ripple effect—transforming not only the way staff approach their work, but the environments they create for students.
At The Flourish Lab, we believe that when adults grow, young people flourish. If you're looking to revitalize your training model, empower your staff, and foster stronger outcomes in your program, we’d love to help.
The Flourish Lab is dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness of afterschool programs by providing comprehensive onboarding, training and professional development for staff. Our approach combines an engaging e-learning platform with in-person training sessions, focusing on practical strategies and social-emotional learning to foster meaningful connections between educators and students. By equipping afterschool professionals with the tools and knowledge they need, The Flourish Lab aims to create enriching environments where both staff and students can thrive.
St. Vrain School District is situated along the Northern Metro area of Denver, Colorado. The mission of the school is “SVVSD Community Schools will provide opportunities to enrich the lives of children and families in safe and welcoming environments, enabling all to realize their highest potential.”
This case study explores the impact of The Flourish Lab’s training on the afterschool staff at St. Vrain School District. St. Vrain sought a professional development solution that was engaging, practical, and directly relevant to the unique challenges of afterschool programming. Traditional training often felt passive and disconnected from real-world experiences, leaving staff without the tools they needed to build strong relationships with students and effectively manage their programs. By integrating The Flourish Lab’s e-learning platform with in-person workshops, St. Vrain’s staff gained valuable skills in social-emotional learning, intentional planning, and student engagement. This case study highlights the transformative effects of this training, demonstrating how investing in staff development leads to more confident educators, stronger team dynamics, and a better experience for students.
The St. Vrain School District OST program runs across 31 sites in the district serving over 2400 children. Their goal is to see happy children flourish. They have over 200 staff members who help manage their OST programs on a daily basis. Their goal for their staff is for each member to grow and reach their potential, and they work with The Flourish Lab to help that happen.
Before partnering with The Flourish Lab, St. Vrain’s afterschool staff faced several key challenges that hindered their ability to create the best possible learning environment for students. Traditional training programs often felt dull and ineffective, with staff describing them as passive experiences they simply “clicked through” rather than engaged with in a meaningful way. Many struggled to apply what they learned in real-world settings, as previous training failed to address the specific challenges of afterschool programming, such as managing diverse student needs, handling transitions, and fostering strong relationships. Additionally, staff members found it difficult to connect with students, particularly those who were harder to reach, and needed more practical strategies for building trust and communication.
Beyond student interactions, staff also grappled with the emotional toll of their work. The daily pressures of compliance, paperwork, and program logistics left many feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from their core purpose, leading to exhaustion and burnout. At the same time, team dynamics and communication presented challenges, as differences in working styles often led to misunderstandings and a lack of cohesion within staff teams. Without a structured approach to planning, transitions between activities were often chaotic, making it harder to keep students engaged and maintain a positive learning environment.
Perhaps one of the most significant challenges was that afterschool professionals often felt undervalued in their roles. Unlike traditional educators, they received training that was not tailored to their unique needs, leaving them feeling overlooked and unsupported. St. Vrain sought a professional development program that would not only equip their staff with practical skills but also empower them, validate their experiences, and remind them of the critical impact they have on students' lives. The Flourish Lab provided a solution that directly addressed these challenges, offering engaging, practical, and emotionally resonant training that transformed the way staff approached their work.
St. Vrain’s afterschool program identified several critical gaps in their existing training and professional development efforts that they sought to address by partnering with The Flourish Lab:
“It definitely helps to even just take a couple deep breaths before you walk through the door. How you come in really sets the tone for your staff and your kids.” – Trish
St. Vrain School District adopted a blended learning approach by integrating The Flourish Lab’s e-learning platform with targeted in-person training sessions, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging professional development experience for afterschool staff.
The Flourish Lab’s e-learning platform provided St. Vrain staff with a structured, self-paced learning experience that allowed them to engage with training modules independently. Every afterschool employee was given access to the platform, enabling them to complete courses on their own schedule while accommodating different learning styles and work commitments. This flexibility ensured that staff could absorb key concepts at their own pace without feeling overwhelmed by rigid training requirements.
“It wasn’t one of those things where you just kind of sort of fall asleep and hit the next button. It really kept me focused on what they were trying to teach.” – Tarah
To deepen understanding and encourage application of the material, staff members participated in group discussions after completing their online modules. These discussions created opportunities for reflection, collaboration, and critical thinking—allowing employees to share personal insights, explore real-world applications, and learn from one another’s experiences. This combination of independent study and peer interaction reinforced essential concepts and helped staff integrate their learning into their daily work.
To supplement the online learning experience, The Flourish Lab facilitated in-person training sessions tailored to St. Vrain’s unique needs. These sessions were designed to tackle specific challenges faced by the afterschool team, offering hands-on guidance and practical solutions that could be implemented immediately. By focusing on real-world issues, the in-person sessions ensured that staff could take meaningful action based on their training.
“They really make you feel and think about things. Everyone leading these sessions shares and is vulnerable, and that makes a huge difference.” – Donna
Beyond building technical skills, these sessions played a vital role in fostering camaraderie and strengthening team dynamics. Through interactive activities, open discussions, and collaborative problem-solving exercises, staff had the opportunity to break down barriers, build trust, and improve communication. This strengthened the workplace culture, creating a more cohesive and supportive team environment where staff felt more connected and empowered in their roles.
By combining the flexibility of e-learning with the depth of in-person training, St. Vrain’s professional development approach became far more engaging and impactful than traditional training methods. Staff had the autonomy to engage with material at their own pace while also benefiting from the structured support of peer discussions and in-person guidance.
This blended approach transformed professional development from a routine requirement into a meaningful learning experience, helping staff feel more prepared, confident, and connected in their roles. The result was a team that not only improved their individual skills but also worked more effectively together, ultimately creating a more supportive and enriching environment for the students they serve.
In addition to providing foundational training through our e-learning platform and in-person sessions, The Flourish Lab partnered with St. Vrain to deliver a customized leadership development series for their site leads and program coordinators. This training was designed to strengthen the confidence, self-awareness, and communication skills of those in leadership roles. Key sessions explored what it truly means to be a leader, the power of influence, and how to show up as your best self — even during challenging moments. Staff were introduced to a self-awareness framework and guided through strategies for setting clear expectations, maintaining accountability, and managing their own energy throughout the day. We also dug into the art of “hard” conversations and equipped participants with practical coaching tools, including how to build relationships, deeply listen, validate experiences, ask powerful questions, and create agreement and action steps. The result was a more connected, confident, and empowered leadership team prepared to support their staff and students with empathy and clarity.
“It helped us grow as a team… we’re not fighting against each other anymore. The kids feel more calm and at ease with us.” – Leadership team member
St. Vrain Valley School District first connected with The Flourish Lab in early 2022 when they were looking for a speaker for an upcoming professional development day. That August, our founder Lana was invited to speak at their back-to-school event, setting the stage for what would become a strong and evolving partnership.
In January 2023, St. Vrain officially engaged The Flourish Lab to provide eLearning for their afterschool staff. To support a smooth rollout, we hosted an experiential onboarding session for all Site Leads. This session was designed to introduce them to the platform, give them a hands-on feel for the content, and foster early buy-in for the program. Following this meeting, the district launched the eLearning platform, guiding staff through one module at a time on a structured schedule to ensure consistent learning across all sites.
Later that year, the district invited us to facilitate a professional development day for over 100 staff members. This in-person training added a powerful live element to the learning experience, reinforcing and expanding on the eLearning content and building a deeper sense of connection and application among staff.
In January 2024, St. Vrain renewed their commitment to the eLearning program, continuing to enroll all staff in every module. They also expanded the partnership to include two full professional development days and a dedicated leadership development track for Site Leads.
As we move into year three of our collaboration, we are currently finalizing a plan that will include continued eLearning, three in-person professional development days, and enhanced leadership development with a focus on implementing core Flourish Lab concepts in day-to-day practice.
The partnership between The Flourish Lab and St. Vrain School District has resulted in significant improvements in staff engagement, teamwork, and overall program effectiveness. Here are the most notable successes:
One of the most transformative outcomes of the training was how staff became more engaged in their professional development. Unlike previous professional development opportunities that felt like routine obligations, The Flourish Lab’s approach made learning interactive, relevant, and enjoyable. Staff members actively participated, reflected on their learning, and applied new strategies with confidence.
“One of my team members was very disorganized—it was one of her first classes. Then she did the Flourish Lab on planning. The very next time, she came in totally organized, and ran the entire thing perfectly. Huge difference.” – Leadership team member
The training provided staff with practical tools to build stronger relationships with students, especially those who were more difficult to reach. Many staff members reported a shift in how they interacted with children, leading to more positive, trust-based relationships. Students, in turn, responded with greater engagement and enthusiasm.
Through both the e-learning discussions and in-person sessions, staff members developed stronger working relationships and a more cohesive team culture. They became more open to discussing challenges, sharing ideas, and collaborating on solutions. The training helped break down barriers between colleagues, fostering a sense of community and support among afterschool professionals.
“I feel like my staff is more present with the kids during program, because they’ve planned everything ahead of time. When they go into program, it’s like — game on. They’re 100% with the kids.” – Leadership team member
Staff felt better prepared to handle the challenges of working in afterschool programs. The training helped them develop emotional resilience, refine their approach to student behavior, and improve their planning skills. Many reported feeling more confident in their ability to create structured, engaging, and supportive environments for students.
The Flourish Lab training emphasized the importance of intentional planning, leading to smoother program transitions and better-structured activities. Staff learned how to create predictable routines, which helped students feel more secure and engaged. The impact of this planning was especially noticeable in afterschool programs where organization had previously been a challenge.
One of the biggest successes of the partnership was changing the perception of professional development among St. Vrain staff. Many employees had previously experienced training as a passive, compliance-driven process. The Flourish Lab’s model was different—it made them feel valued, heard, and empowered in their roles. The combination of self-paced learning, peer discussions, and hands-on workshops created a training experience that felt relevant, impactful, and worth their time.
“They are sessions that actually add value—not just checking a box. They’re engaging, realistic, and things I will actually use in my program.” – Donna
Ultimately, the training didn’t just change how staff approached their work—it also improved student experiences. Staff became more present, more thoughtful in their interactions, and more proactive in supporting youth development. The ripple effect of these improvements is evident in the stronger relationships, better-structured programs, and a more engaged and motivated team at St. Vrain.
“Think of yourself as someone coming in and making a difference for all of these students. Be prepared. Be ready. Be engaged. Have fun.” – David
The success of The Flourish Lab’s training with St. Vrain offers several key insights for other afterschool programs seeking to invest in their staff and strengthen their overall impact:
These insights can guide afterschool programs of any size in reimagining how they support staff, build culture, and strengthen outcomes for students.
The partnership between The Flourish Lab and St. Vrain School District demonstrates the profound impact of investing in professional development that is thoughtful, relevant, and rooted in relationships. By equipping afterschool staff with tools for self-awareness, communication, and emotional resilience, St. Vrain created a ripple effect—transforming not only the way staff approach their work, but the environments they create for students.
At The Flourish Lab, we believe that when adults grow, young people flourish. If you're looking to revitalize your training model, empower your staff, and foster stronger outcomes in your program, we’d love to help.
.svg)
