STEPP Forward, LLC

Supporting Today's Education, Parents and Partnerships.

We bridge the gap between home, school, and community by empowering students and families through non-instructional Education Support Services, advocacy, resource connections, personal development, and

meaningful partnerships.

Through our services and initiatives, including LET – Learn, Earn & Thrive, we help create pathways for students and families to access the support, skills, and opportunities needed to build successful futures.

Empowering Families, Building Futures!

About STEPP Forward, LLC

Who We Are

STEPP Forward LLC is a Columbus-based, for-profit Education Support Services business serving students,

families, schools, and community organizations in Columbus and surrounding areas.

We provide non-instructional support through family engagement, student advocacy, resource navigation, life

readiness, community outreach, workshops, and school-community partnerships. Our work focuses on

strengthening the connection between home, school, and community while helping students and families access

resources, support, and opportunities for success.

Our Mission

STEPP Forward LLC empowers students and families through advocacy, education support services, and

meaningful community partnerships that promote academic growth, personal development, and life readiness.

Our Vision

We envision a future where every student and family has the resources, support, and opportunities to thrive

academically, personally, and within their communities—creating stronger, more resilient communities for

generations to come.

Empowering Families, Building Futures!

LET: Learn, Earn & Thrive initiative is for Grades 8-12. Engagement and career readiness.

EXPLORE LET

Our Core Values

The Principles That Move Us Forward

STEPP Forward LLC framework supports parents and children, strengthens communities and foster a culture of proactive and collaborative engagement. Through these core values, we ensure every child and family has access to the resources and connections needed to thrive academically and personally.

Our 5 pillars: Commitment to Education, Community Engagement, Advocacy, Holistic Development and Empowerment.

Commitment to Education

We believe education is a foundation for opportunity and lifelong growth. We are committed to supporting

students and families through resources, advocacy, enrichment opportunities, and partnerships that encourage

academic progress and continued development.

Community Engagement

We believe stronger communities are built when families, schools, businesses, and organizations work together.

We value collaboration, meaningful relationships, and community connections that expand opportunities and

create a supportive environment for students and families.

Advocacy

We believe every student and family deserves to be heard, supported, and connected to appropriate resources.

We encourage informed parent engagement, proactive communication, and collaboration with schools and

community partners to help address needs and create pathways for success.

Holistic Development

We recognize that student success extends beyond academics. We value the development of the whole student

by encouraging confidence, personal growth, healthy habits, practical life skills, positive decision-making, and

preparation for future opportunities.

Empowerment

We believe families and students should have the knowledge, resources, relationships, and confidence to take

an active role in their educational journey and future. We strive to equip and connect individuals with

opportunities that encourage independence, informed choices, and lasting growth.

Empowering Families, Building Futures!

About The Founder

Meet Teresa Hannah

Founder & CEO, STEPP Forward LLC

A Passion for Advocacy. A Commitment to Families. A Mission to Make a Difference.

I believe every child deserves someone in their corner—someone who notices, listens, speaks up, builds relationships,

and helps open doors to opportunities.

My journey into education advocacy began in 2004, when I was working full-time and pursuing my bachelor's degree

while my son was in second grade. I was invited to become a parent consultant at Liberty Elementary School, where I

helped improve parent engagement and strengthen connections among families, teachers, students, and the school

community.

What began as an opportunity to encourage parent involvement became a passion for bringing people together. I

worked with school leadership to connect local businesses with the school, create educational events, and provide

more opportunities for parents to participate. I believed then, and still believe today, that learning does not end at

3:30 p.m.

Building Connections That Make A Difference

One of my most memorable experiences was working with the principal to create the 100 Men STEPP Program at

Liberty Elementary School in 2004.

We wanted students to see fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and other positive male role models showing up for their

education. What started as a conversation became an annual program that continued for approximately three years.

The event included male guest speakers, student and staff participation, and a special keepsake booklet I created

featuring teachers sharing a little about themselves.

It was a powerful example of what can happen when schools and communities work together with a shared purpose.

My commitment to families also extended beyond the school. For at least 10 years, my husband and I participated in

an Adopt-A-Family holiday initiative organized through his workplace. While my husband served on the committee, I

helped identify families and worked with parents to complete applications for holiday assistance. I wanted parents to

be involved in the process so we could work together as a team to support families during the holidays.

These experiences reinforced my belief that meaningful community engagement is about more than providing

assistance. It is about building relationships, including families, recognizing needs, and bringing people together to

make a difference.

The Personal Side Of My Mission

Helping raise two grandsons deepened my understanding of what children need to thrive: stability, love, structure,

encouragement, and people who are willing to show up consistently.

I learned the importance of being proactive—building relationships with educators, engaging parents, finding

resources, and paying attention before a challenge becomes a bigger problem.

I would sometimes visit the classroom simply to check on my grandchildren, even when nothing was wrong. Through

those visits, I began noticing that many students were experiencing similar challenges. I realized how important it was

for someone to recognize those needs, make connections, and help ensure children were not overlooked.

Some of the students began calling me “Nana.” That meant a great deal to me because it reflected the trust and

relationships built by simply being present, listening, and showing that I cared.

Our Kids Need A Gatekeeper. That Is My Mission.

This is the belief at the heart of everything I do: OUR KIDS NEED A GATEKEEPER.

To me, a gatekeeper is someone who looks out for students, speaks up when support is needed, encourages

accountability, helps families navigate systems, builds meaningful relationships, and opens doors to resources and opportunities.

A gatekeeper does not close doors. A gatekeeper helps open them.

I believe we cannot leave the responsibility of helping children succeed to schools alone. Families, educators,

businesses, and community organizations all have a role to play. Sometimes making a difference starts with simply noticing, asking questions, and being willing to step in.

This is more than a phrase to me. It is the mission that inspired me to establish STEPP Forward LLC.

From Experience To STEPP Forward

Along with my experience in education advocacy and family engagement, I bring approximately 20 years of

information technology experience across the public and private sectors, including infrastructure and project

management.

My background includes two bachelor's degrees, a Project Management Certification, and a Paralegal Studies

Certificate. I was also honored with the 2020 Outstanding Woman Leader Award from Columbus State Community

College and have participated in mentoring and education-related initiatives.

I founded STEPP Forward LLC to bring my professional experience, leadership skills, and commitment to students

and families together through non-instructional Education Support Services.

Our work focuses on family engagement, student advocacy, resource navigation, life readiness, community

outreach, workshops, and school-community partnerships.

I am especially passionate about helping teens prepare for life beyond high school. Through LET (Learn, Earn & Thrive), STEPP Forward is developing opportunities focused on career exploration, financial literacy, practical life

skills, and real-world experiences for students in grades 8–12.

My vision extends beyond one program or age group. I want to help strengthen the connections, resources, and partnerships that support students and families throughout their educational journey.

I founded STEPP Forward because our kids need a gatekeeper. I invite families, schools, businesses, and community partners to join me in helping students feel seen, supported, connected, and prepared for their futures.