Brighter Together

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Adam Zingsheim, the Director of Pupil Services at Verona Area Schools in Wisconsin. We discuss the critical balance between academic excellence and emotional growth in education. Adam shares insights on how their district is addressing the ongoing challenges of supporting students' social-emotional learning alongside their academic needs. He em...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Jason Gribble, the Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Curriculum and Operations at Taylor School District in Michigan. We delve into the critical intersection of technology and education, particularly focusing on the challenges posed by communication devices and social media in schools. Jason shares insights on how the district is implement...

In this episode, Dr. Brandon Lunak, Superintendent of Moorhead Area Public Schools, shares how intentional leadership and community partnership are shaping one of Minnesota’s fastest-growing school districts. From the construction of a new high school and Career Academy to the launch of district-wide showcase events, Dr. Lunak explains how Moorhead is keeping connection at the heart of its growth....

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Megan Myers, the superintendent of Parkers Prairie Public Schools in Minnesota. We explore the delicate balance between vulnerability and leadership, especially in her role where tough decisions often come with mixed reactions. Megan shares her journey from a passionate teacher to a dedicated leader, emphasizing the importance of building relat...

In this episode, Kimberli Halliday—Director of Exceptional Student Education at Flagler County Public Schools—shares how consistency, clarity, and community have reshaped services for students with disabilities. From scattered paper trails to systematic documentation, Kimberli explains how her district is ensuring that every student receives the support promised in their IEP. You’ll hear: - How “g...

In this episode, Kelly LaBelle Lewis, Assistant Director of Special Services at Red Lake ISD 38, shares how equity and cultural responsiveness shape her work with Native American students and families. Drawing from her own heritage and experience, Kelly explains why resilience is only part of the story — and how hope and joy must lead the way. You’ll learn: - Why resilience is a muscle, not a perm...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Dr. Christine Powell, founder of Learning By Connecting Education Therapy. We explore the transformative power of understanding ADHD, not just as a challenge but as a potential strength. With over 20 years in special education, Christine shares her insights on executive functioning and how it impacts students with unique learning profiles. We d...

In this episode, Jon Arens takes us inside the realities of school leadership and the hidden assumptions that shape how students learn—or don’t. From his journey into special education leadership to the fight for stronger reading interventions under Wisconsin’s Act 20, Jon challenges the myths that hold schools back. You’ll discover: - Why dyslexia is misunderstood in special education—and what pa...

In this episode, Ryan Rehnstrand shares his journey from student services director to interim executive director at Lionsgate Academy—and why he’s committed to staying until retirement. Ryan opens up about what makes Lionsgate unique: a charter school where nearly every student has an IEP, where general and special education teachers collaborate without silos, and where trust with families is the...

In this episode, John Weekley joins us to explore how one leader’s decisions can shape an entire school culture. We dig into the power of intention in leadership—how clarity, consistency, and heart-led actions cause ripples across classrooms, staff, and students. You’ll learn: - Why small shifts in how you lead can multiply influence over time - Specific practices that help your leadership land (n...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Sharon Castelli, the superintendent of Uwharrie Charter Academy in Asheboro, North Carolina. We discuss the remarkable growth of Uwharrie, which has expanded from a high school into a thriving K-12 institution serving over 2,300 students. Sharon shares her insights on the challenges facing education today, particularly the alarming decline in i...

What does it really mean to lead with eyes open? In this powerful episode, Joe Pendleton— SEL-Behavior Specialist at Wildwood Elementary School in Mahtomedi, Minnesota—opens up about the challenges and convictions that shape his work. From navigating funding gaps to advocating for systems-level change, Joe models a kind of leadership that blends realism with hope. Whether he’s discussing transport...

How do we build school systems that serve the whole child—not just their paperwork? Jill Dunn, Coordinator of Tiered Supports at Rochester Public Schools, brings a social worker’s heart and a behavior analyst’s precision to one of education’s most urgent challenges: equity in literacy. In this conversation, Jill reveals why she calls literacy a social justice issue, how MTSS can humanize education...

How do you lead radical change in a district facing generational challenges? In this episode, Dr. Mit Foley, Assistant Superintendent of Saginaw Public Schools, shares how heart and strategy drive every initiative—from multi-million dollar school builds to international teacher recruitment. Dr. Foley unpacks what it means to expand opportunity in an urban district where 84% of students qualify for...

In this episode of Brighter Together, Anthony Barnes shares a deeply personal and powerful story: from being a student in special education to leading systems that serve students just like him. He unpacks the structural biases, labeling issues, and missed opportunities that too many students face—and how school leaders can dismantle those patterns with empathy, equity, and lived experience. This i...

In this episode of the Brighter Together podcast, two seasoned principals from Heartland Lakeside reveal what it *really* takes to build a school culture where students—and staff—thrive. Heather Whelan and Michelle Schmidt don’t just talk about trust, inclusion, and coaching—they live it. From transforming special education models to embedding emotional support into everyday routines, this convers...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Susan Austin, the assistant superintendent of Maine School Administration District Number 60. We delve into how this school district is taking innovative steps to support students facing housing instability. Susan shares her passion for ensuring every child feels seen and valued, particularly those who are homeless or struggling with stable hou...

What if your school ran without a principal—and still thrived? In this episode of Brighter Together, Nate Moore shares how Laura Jeffrey Academy's educator-led model is reimagining school leadership. From inclusive education to rapid-response student support, the team at LJA is making bold moves—like opening a new classroom midyear to meet emerging needs. With a focus on STEM, environmental learni...

In this powerful episode of Brighter Together, Joe Harrington shares the moment that changed everything—when a school lost a student to a preventable cardiac event. Now, Joe is leading a grassroots movement to equip schools with CPR and AED access through public school advocacy and legislative momentum. He breaks down why cardiac safety belongs in every school’s curriculum, and how educators and f...

What if school felt more like sanctuary than survival? In this episode of Brighter Together, Danielle Scott—principal of a small-town elementary school—opens up about the emotional heartbeat of education. She shares how trauma-informed practices, embedded spiritual strength, and radical love for her community are shaping a campus where students and staff can exhale. Whether you're leading a buildi...

When stress runs high in schools, real support can feel out of reach. But what if therapy wasn’t a reactive solution—but a proactive strategy for every student? In this episode of Brighter Together, we explore the groundbreaking 'Green Room' initiative that’s redefining behavioral support across Stillwater Public Schools. From movement breaks and calming strategies to restorative practices and pro...

In this enlightening episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Dr. Rose Ann Bomentre, the superintendent of Real Journey Academies in California. We delve into the transformative journey of education, exploring how they are redefining student engagement by fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. Dr. Bomentre shares insights on their innovative e-mindset framework, which emphasizes e-balance, e-k...

What happens when you stop collecting data for reports, and start listening to what it tells you? In this episode of *Brighter Together*, we go inside Central Queens Academy where data isn’t just compliance—it’s collaboration. Assistant Principal Bianca Baquerizo shares how a shift to oral data tracking and a Sounds First literacy approach sparked a measurable leap in student independence and inst...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Gina Guarino Buli, CEO of Renaissance Academy Charter School, to explore the profound insights gleaned from 78 recent graduates about the essence of community. Gina shares her experiences leading a school dedicated to fostering a supportive environment for both students and teachers. We discuss the importance of teacher well-being, innovative e...

What does true inclusion look like for students with IEPs in a large public school district? In this episode of *Brighter Together*, we unpack the real-world strategies behind Madison Metro’s bold push for more inclusive, data-informed, and culturally responsive special education services. From navigating disproportionality to designing co-teaching models that actually work, this conversation expl...