Guiding Students with Authenticity and Care

Staff Spotlight: TC Turner

“The next generations need you. If you want to join a team where you can be who you are and have the platform to really be instrumental in these young people’s lives, then come show them the way with Lead The Way.”

For TC Turner, serving as a Post-Secondary Advisor at Lead The Way is a mission rooted in lived experience, resilience, and a desire to show up authentically for students. With a professional background in social services and the legal system, TC’s journey has given him a deep understanding of both the challenges young people face and the opportunities that can change their lives.

 

Path to Lead The Way

Before joining Lead The Way, TC’s career included roles as a Franklin County Children Services caseworker, a mental health specialist, and a juvenile probation officer. While meaningful, those positions often placed him in reactive roles surrounded by negativity. Meeting Anthony Murphy and learning the vision for Lead The Way sparked a shift in his career.

“It was a no-brainer that this is where I needed to be,” TC says. “To be able to be proactive with the youth and help them create a plan of action to succeed now and post high school.”

Pain into Purpose

Growing up without a father left TC with a sense of navigating the world while trying to fill a void. That experience planted a desire to step into social services and eventually youth development. “I know what it feels like,” he shares, “and it led me to want to give back and show up for those in need.”At Lead The Way, he sees his role as an opportunity to transform that empathy into action.

A Day in TC’s Life

Each day – TC begins with intentional outreach. “I start my day by sending everyone on my caseload good morning affirmations and letting them know if they need me, I’m in the building,” he explains. He carefully selects a handful of students to check in with, ensuring that every conversation is thorough and meaningful.

“I choose to wear multiple hats when dealing with my students—from advisor, mentor, or even the feel of a stern parent when needed. I genuinely believe that it positively impacts the youth in a way where they feel seen and loved.”

That care, TC believes, not only transforms students but strengthens the broader Central Ohio community.

Building Trust with Students

Earning trust is not always immediate. TC recalls joining Lead The Way at the end of a school year, inheriting a caseload already attached to another coach. Many students hesitated to connect. Two twins in particular refused to meet with him for five months.

But TC remained consistent—checking in and sending messages. Eventually, one of them opened up and expressed gratitude that TC hadn’t given up—something she wasn’t used to experiencing. That breakthrough built trust, and today she meets with him regularly.

Leadership and Authenticity

At Lead The Way, TC has found a culture where he can be his authentic self. “[Lead The Way] met with me to understand my strengths and then placed me where I could connect and make a difference,” he reflects. What makes the culture so strong, he says, is leadership. “I personally know that the leader of this organization leads from the front and wants to see people succeed. When you have a leader like that, it excites you to be able to say, ‘I work with him.’”

TC’s Message to Future Teammates

For those considering joining or supporting Lead The Way, TC’s message is simple yet powerful: “The next generations need you. If you want to join a team where you can be who you are and have the platform to really be instrumental in these young people’s lives, then come show them the way with Lead The Way.”

Through his persistence and dedication, TC reflects the heart of Lead The Way’s mission—empowering students to thrive. His commitment creates a ripple effect, strengthening not only individuals but the community as a whole.