In this powerful and deeply human conversation, I sit down with Jacqueline A. Diaz-Fontana, founder of the Erick A. Garcia You Are Enough Foundation, to explore how personal tragedy can transform into purpose that impacts entire communities and save lives.

After losing her son Eric to suicide, Jacqueline made the courageous decision to share her story—not only to heal, but to help other families recognize the importance of mental health, connection, and conversation.

Together, we discuss what young people are silently carrying, what parents and educators often miss, and how we can create environments where students feel safe enough to say, “I’m not okay.” This episode is both a wake-up call and a guide—filled with practical advice, hope, and a reminder that every child needs to know: they are enough.

Episode Takeaways

• Jacqueline shares how the loss of her son led her to create the You Are Enough Foundation to save lives
• Parents must look beyond behavior and start deeper conversations with their children
• Listening without judgment is one of the most powerful tools adults have
• Mental health support should be viewed as prevention, not just crisis response
• Students today are carrying anxiety, pressure, and uncertainty about their future
• Educators must lead with empathy and avoid labeling students
• Community partnerships with nonprofits can provide critical support for schools
• Starting a nonprofit requires heart, consistency, and the courage to “do it afraid”
• One conversation can change—and even save—a life
• 
  

If you are a school leader, educator, or community partner looking to bring this work to your students—this is an organization to connect with.

🚨 Resources Mentioned

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Call or text 988)
• Local Department of Mental Health services

🚌 About the Podcast

So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.

As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.

📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates

Website: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.com

Website: KrishnaSpates.com

Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com

Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates

LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.

📬 Connect with Jacqueline Diaz-Fontana & The Foundation

Website: https://youareenoughfoundation.org

Email: info@youareenoughfoundation.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youareenoughfoundation

📸 Production Studio

Recorded at 661 Creators Space

Website: 661CreatorsSpace.com

Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace

Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com

🎼 Music

Theme Song: “Call of Duty” — Mutanix

Instagram: @mutanixs

Email: mutanixmedia@gmail.com

Used with permission.

💛 Support the Work

If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.