The Power of the Right Environment
Rethinking Student Behavior: It’s Not the Child, It’s the System
Across the nation, students are struggling—not just academically, but mentally and emotionally. Behavioral challenges in schools are often attributed to students being “too entitled,” “too distracted,” or “unmotivated.” Traditional education assumes the problem lies within the child. But decades of research in supply chain management and education tell a different story.
Pioneering thinker Edward Deming first identified this principle in the automobile industry: people are never the problem—the system they are managed within is. In education, the same truth applies. Students thrive when they are aligned with an environment that understands them. However, with 30-40 students per classroom, traditional schools lack the resources to provide the personalized structure necessary for students to succeed. Many kids fall through the cracks simply because teachers and administrators, acting as the “managers” of the system, do not have the tools or capacity to align students with what best fits their strengths, needs, and aspirations.
This is where LEADAZ Private School and the Valley Guardians Executive Leadership Coaching Program are different. They prioritize personal development first. By working closely with students and families, they design a structure that meets students where they are and helps them grow into who they are meant to be. This is exactly what made the difference for Malachi Rivera.
From Struggles to Strength: Malachi’s Journey
When Malachi first came to LEADAZ, his mother felt he needed something different. In his previous school, the focus was solely on academic performance, and may not have supported him in understanding himself or managing his emotions as well. As a result, Malachi struggled with anger, often having outbursts and feeling like no one was on his side. He constantly felt like he had to fight just to be himself, and any misstep could get him into trouble.
At LEADAZ, there are no punishments—only guidance. Every Valley Guardians scholar is assigned a mentor coach through the Valley Guardians Coaching Program, which provides them with personalized mentoring to help navigate life. This approach was unfamiliar to Malachi at first. After spending years in a rigid system, adjusting to a freedom-within-structure model was difficult. But over time, he developed confidence in it—and himself. With the support of his mother, mentor and a school that truly understood him, he began to find his way.
A New Chapter: Growth Through Alignment
Malachi’s transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. He went from working alone on his art and doing only what was required academically to exploring new interests and expanding his world.
- He joined clubs like Super Smash Bros, choir, and dance.
- He formed a close friendship and is now co-creating a comic with them.
- He became more social, interacting with different groups and earning the respect of his peers.
- He is a leader and uses his deep sense of fairness and integrity to make sure things are done right and that everyone is treated fairly.
- He let go of past interests that no longer resonated with him, like playing an instrument, and embraced self-discovery.
- He began working on his relationship with his mother, trying to recognize the immense effort she makes for him every day, including the long drives to and from school.
- He’s learning to develop discipline and balance—understanding that just because there are no punishments doesn’t mean he should do nothing.
It’s not about perfection. Growth is a journey. But Malachi now experiences less stress, more joy, and a strong sense of belonging. He laughs, builds friendships, and is respected as a leader at school. He is no longer just surviving—he is thriving, thanks to the structured support provided by the new system his mother discovered in LEADAZ and the Valley Guardians Coaching Program.
A Message to Families: The Right Environment Changes Everything
Malachi’s story is proof that students don’t need to be “fixed”—they need to be aligned with the right environment. When kids have a space where they can learn about themselves, try new things, and be nurtured rather than punished, their mental health, behavior, and future completely transform.
This is what LEADAZ and the Valley Guardians Executive Coaching Program provide—a place where students are understood, guided, and empowered to thrive.
Every child deserves that chance.
THE VALLEY GUARDIANS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
The Valley Guardian program is a multiyear coaching program for underserved students in the community. It was created by successful business people in the valley. They got together and formed a non-profit to find ways to fund developmental programs for kids in underserved communities. This program was aimed toward the underserved kids in the valley who have good hearts and have a desire to be successful and be mentored. The kids who are a part of this program have access to all different kinds of services like professional coaches, coaching calls, getaways, leadership education and training workshops, access to professionals in the valley, college and career readiness and more. The Valley Guardian program started with a single school of 6 students, and overtime has grown to 13 schools, 7 districts, and 49 active students. Overall there have been 120 students who have benefited from this program.
The Valley Guardians program offers over thirty online and in person workshops per year. We do many different types of workshops per year including things like arcades, parks, hikes, parties, and online leadership training. Many of the kids who come are not very social and are looking for a place to feel comfortable and be able to meet new people while being themselves. When they come to programs they have a great time. The way we set them up makes kids feel comfortable, whether we ask them what they are interested in doing or set them up to meet new people through social activities at the beginning of each event. The students find they feel connected and accepted through the program.