Ambitious: the MBIT podcast

In this episode, we’re joined by John Gemmi, owner of Gemmi Construction Inc., a full-service remodeling firm over 27 years in business. John credits MBIT as a key influence in his success. A proud alum, he pays it forward by hiring directly from MBIT’s co-op program and serving on the school’s Advisory Committee for over 20 years. John also discusses the impact of the MBIT Educational Foundation...

In this episode, Dr. Covelle talks with Health and Medical Professions teacher Sherry Appleton.  Ms. Appleton was recently recognized as a 2025 finalist for the National State Teacher of the Year for Pennsylvania (NSTOY-PA), one of only 12 finalists in the state. She reflects not only on the innovative practices that led to her nomination and subsequent recognition but also the process of becoming...

Dr. Darin Van Norman is an educational leader, an adjunct professor, and a huge advocate for career and technical education.  His background in both traditional and career education allow him to provide insights and observations about the ways in which career and technical education can impact the student experience.  He leads a large team of CTE administrators in one of the largest career centers...

Live from the ACTE National Policy Seminar in Washington, D.C., Dr. Covelle and Dr. Rogers sit down to discuss the importance of advocating with state and federal lawmakers.  Dr. Rogers says, “all politics are local” and he explains his roots and interest in politics growing up in Vermont.  Dr. Rogers, as the leader of a comprehensive technical center in central Pennsylvania, shares his insights o...

In this episode Dr. Covelle talks with Dr. Tony Payne, a career and technical center director from Central Pennsylvania who shares his unique pathway to becoming an educator.  With a background as an engineer, Dr. Payne talks about his transition to educator and educational leadership.  He reflects on his time in classic K12 education and the lessons that traditional education spaces could learn f...

Explore the world of Career and Technical Education (CTE) with “Ambitious - the MBIT podcast” In this episode, we’re joined by Carla Zapotek, the vice president of the Home Builders Association of Bucks and Montgomery County. She’s the host of the MBIT/HBA career fair, recognized as a national model for pairing students with potential employers. Carla reflects on the craft of sculpting high-perfor...

Explore the world of Career and Technical Education (CTE) with “Ambitious - the MBIT Podcast!” In this episode, we’re joined by Justin Horwtiz, sales director at “Find Your Grind,” a company looking to modernize the process of matching students with work that supports their passions and goals. Mr. Horwitz discusses how CTE can empower students to forge their own career paths with host Dr. Mark Cov...

Explore the world of Career and Technical Education (CTE) with “Ambitious - the MBIT Podcast!” In this episode, we’re joined by Andrea Gribble, the owner of SocialSchool4EDU and the author of Social Media for Schools . Andrea Gribble draws on years of experience to explore how you can tell your school’s story with host Dr. Mark Covelle. Listen to the podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/sh...

Explore the world of Career and Technical Education (CTE) with “Ambitious - the MBIT Podcast!” In this episode, we’re joined by Gayle Keagy, CPR Trainer, and MBIT Instructional Assistant.  Gayle Keagy is providing CPR training across all MBIT programs. Gayle Keagy discusses the importance of the training with host Dr. Mark Covelle.   Listen to the podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/...

Explore the world of Career and Technical Education (CTE) with “aMBITious - the MBIT podcast” In this episode, we’re joined by Kenneth Midgett, an accomplished educator and industry polymath with over 40 years in the plumbing and heating field. Kenneth Midgett discusses his experience teaching plumbing at LCTI and his aspirations for the next generation of plumbers with host Dr. Mark Covelle. List...

Explore the world of Career and Technical Education (CTE) with “Ambitious - the MBIT Podcast” In this episode, we’re joined by Cynthia Midgett, a dental occupations teacher at MBIT. Mrs. Midgett is the 2023 recipient of the Carl J. Schaefer Memorial Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in CTE education. Mrs. Midgett reflects on the personal impact of CTE on students, college, and beyond...

Explore the world of Career and Technical Education (CTE) with “Ambitious - the MBIT Podcast” In this episode, we’re joined by Jenna Berkun. Jenna is a graduate of the Medical and Health Professions program at the Middle Bucks Institute of Technology and Jenna is the creator of our hashtag a MBIT ion. Join us for a conversation about her pathway here at MBIT   Listen to the podcast on Spotify: htt...

Explore the world of Career and Technical Education (CTE) with “Ambitious - the MBIT Podcast” In this episode, we’re joined by Hannah McGarry, the director of workforce engagement for the Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center. Hannah McGarry discusses the need for a passionate workforce and how MBIT is cultivating deep career engagement with host Dr. Mark Covelle. Listen to the podcast on Spo...

Explore the world of Career and Technical Education (CTE) with “Ambitious - the MBIT Podcast” In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Joe Sanfelippo, a multitalented motivational and educational speaker who recently retired from his position as the superintendent of the Fall Creek School District in Fall Creek, Wisconsin. In our premiere episode, Dr. Sanfelippo reflects on the culture of CTE with hos...