About Us
When talking to teens, it becomes evident that most of them desire the same things in life: success, respect, health, wealth and meaningful relationships. However, where many of them differ is in their perception of how to obtain the success they desire. The responsible social values of delayed gratification, mutual respect, integrity, work ethic, perseverance, and self-control that used to be seen as the “common sense” traits necessary to achieve these goals, are no longer portrayed as such by popular culture. While it is great to encourage students to set goals, it is just as important in today’s society to teach them that they can not simply choose their futures- they can only choose the HABITS that form them. This is why character is not merely assumed, but taught and modeled in every Common Sense Culture class.
There are many paths that we can choose on our way to achieving our goals, but research has proven that the students who eventually make it, are the ones who have the best guides (parents, teachers, coaches…). Good guides do not simply tell us our options. The value of a true guide is in their wisdom and ability to help us evaluate the various risk factors, equip us for the journey and direct us to the best route to our destination. Simply put, some paths are just better than others, and the goal of the Common Sense Culture Program is to help students make choices that MAKE SENSE and are in-line with the goals they’ve set for themselves.
What We Do
Meet the Director
Matt Hazelwood, SRAS*
Matt Hazelwood, a son, husband of one and father of three, National speaker and Youth development Consultant. He is the Director of the Common Sense Culture Program, one of the most requested in-school risk avoidance programs in the central Ohio area. Matt is also the Founder and CEO of REACHYouthLLC, an organization that helps connect parents to policy and students to destiny. Along with the in-school program Matt works along side public officials, schools boards and parents as an advocate for policy that impacts students and their families in a positive way. In the past 10 years in youth development, Matt has reached thousands of youth with fundamental principles that encourage soft skills to build healthy and sustainable relationships. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio Matt and his “High School Sweetheart” bride of 11 years, Jasmine, have four children Azalea, Naomi, Levi, and Shailynn. Matt has a heart for the next generation of young people, his fun and energetic personality makes him a magnet for young people and he always leaves a positive and lasting impression on them.
Tammy Margeson
Tammy is the CSC Program Coordinator and the brains of the entire operation. In addition to being a secret agent, she meticulously manages the program schedule and all grant requirements.
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John
McFadden, SRAS*
John is a CSC Educator who has spent over 15 years in youth development speaking wisdom, coaching, mentoring, and encouraging youth to do better and be better to get the results they’ve dreamed of achieving. John is married to his wife, Ty, with whom they have five children.
Karoline
Kress, SRAS*
Karoline is a CSC Educator with a heart for guiding youth to be their best selves. A recent graduate of the Ohio State University, she enjoys spending time with her family and cheering on the buckeyes
Natiya Mcfadden, SRAS*
Ty is a CSC Educator and who enjoys empowering teens and families to love and laugh together while learning to live with one another. From her time of being an unruly teen, she has learned to relate to and share her compassion with young people everywhere. Ty is a wife and mother of five beautiful children.