Discover Angelica Moncada’s inspiring journey from a first-generation student to a master’s program in counseling. Learn how she overcame cultural, financial, and personal challenges with the support of OneGoal, and find out what advice she offers to students facing similar barriers.
From the Classroom to the Grammys
By OneGoal
December 16, 2025
Casey’s Journey as Program Director and Mentor to Samara Joy
Casey’s classroom fostered belonging, identity exploration, and perseverance, creating a tight-knit community where students supported each other and discovered their strengths. This blog post shows how OneGoal’s model not only prepares students for postsecondary success but builds lifelong relationships and confidence that carry them far beyond the classroom.
At OneGoal, our mission to transform postsecondary advising and support is realized every day through the tireless commitment of OneGoal Program Directors like Casey (Goodson) Stisser. Her journey at Fordham High School for the Arts in the Bronx, where she guided, inspired, and uplifted her students, came full circle in one of her proudest moments as an educator: watching former student Samara Joy soar from the OneGoal classroom to winning a Grammy.
A Class at Fordham High
Casey’s OneGoal classroom was like a lot of OneGoal cohorts of Fellows. It was a supportive community where students and teachers grew together. “Fordham High School for the Arts is a teeny, teeny school, and you got really close to your students, which was such a blessing,” Casey recalls. Among them was Samara Joy, who Casey describes as “brilliant, hardworking, and remarkably kind.” Whether it was quietly sharing a snack before class or leaving a handwritten, heartfelt note on Casey’s desk, Samara displayed a thoughtfulness that made her a memorable presence during her time as Casey’s student.
The OneGoal program, co-taught by Casey and her colleague Jennifer Blalock, focused not only on academic success but on identity, perseverance, and community. Students didn’t just meet GPA benchmarks—they found inspiration and belonging. Together, they created chants and performances that energized the school, fostering deep bonds and pride: “One goal, one dream, one destination. We know what we’re working for—college graduation!” This unity helped students, including Samara, develop a strong sense of self and purpose beyond the classroom.
Even back then, Samara was a standout—not only as the class valedictorian, but as someone who supported and uplifted her peers. The classroom was a place where talents and dreams were nurtured, and Casey fondly remembers moments when Samara’s love for music, community, and learning shone through. “She is just such a kind human… Her success couldn’t be more deserved.” As Samara moved into jazz studies in college, Casey saw the seeds planted during their Fordham days bear fruit.
OneGoal CEO Melissa Connelly attended OneGoal alum Samara Joy's concert
From Mentorship to Success
When Samara Joy took the Grammy stage, the entire Fordham and OneGoal communities celebrated. For Casey, “I cried. I am so proud. She stays so grounded, so thankful, and she’s never forgotten those early days.” Other teachers and students rejoiced as well, their connections still strong years later. Casey credits the OneGoal program for its ability to bring people together, to turn mentorship into lasting friendships, and to help each student, whether a Grammy winner or a college graduate, find their way.
Casey’s experience underscores the reality: teaching comes with challenges, but with dedication, resources, and the right support, every student can shine. As she notes, logistical help and curriculum materials from OneGoal made a difference, freeing up more energy to invest in students. Her story is one of caring, adaptability, and an unbreakable belief in the potential of each student who walks through her door.
Samara Joy greeted members of the OneGoal community
From creating school chants to mentoring a jazz superstar, Casey’s journey with OneGoal serves as a poignant reminder of the powerful bond between teachers and students, as well as the transformative role OneGoal plays in students’ lives. Today, we celebrate not just Samara Joy’s successful music career but the community of educators, peers, and programs that nurtured her brilliance.
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