Inspire Shasta

Guests: Brian Grigsby Kadence Angel Catherine Thompson In this episode of Inspire Shasta, we explore how STEM and Career Technical Education (CTE) programs are transforming learning for students across Shasta County. From robotics and CAD design to collaborative math classrooms and NASA-inspired projects, this conversation highlights the power of hands-on learning, creativity, critical thinking, a...

In this powerful two-part episode of Inspire Shasta , we explore the challenges, strengths, and future of rural education through the lens of leadership, policy, and student voice. First, Assemblymember Heather Hadwick shares her unique perspective as both a policymaker and lifelong rural resident, offering insight into the realities rural schools face, from funding and staffing shortages to the r...

Episode Summary In this special episode of Inspire Shasta, we pause to listen directly to the voices of students from across Shasta County. This recorded Student Voices panel features middle school and high school students sharing their honest perspectives about school life today—from AI in the classroom and cell phone policies to feeling prepared for life after graduation. Students also reflect o...

In this powerful and timely episode, we explore what safety really means for schools and communities — not just in theory, but in action. Hosts Maggie Joyce and Jenn Cobb sit down with: Ayla Tucker , Safety Director at the Shasta County Office of Education (SCOE) Jennifer James , Region 3 Regional Disaster Medical Health Specialist with the Sierra-Sacramento Valley EMS Agency Together, they discus...

Hosts: Maggie Joyce & Jenn Cobb Guests: Jacob Garcia , Student Board Member, West Valley High School Abby Deng , Student Board Member, Enterprise High School Emily Rogers , Youth Commission Member, Central Valley High School Reese DeCosta , Youth Commission Member, Shasta High School 🎙️ Episode Summary In this powerful and honest episode of Inspire Shasta , we turn the microphone over to stude...

Guests: Nathan Fairchild , Science Director, Shasta County Office of Education; Director of Whiskeytown Environmental School (WES) Dr. Melinda Kashuba , President, WES Community (Nonprofit Partner) Hosts: Maggie Joyce & Jenn Cobb 🌲 Episode Summary For more than 50 years, Whiskeytown Environmental School (WES) has been a beloved rite of passage for Shasta County students—a week of cabins, nigh...

Guests: Jill North , Principal, Tri Mountain Academy Cheyenne Mizenko , Principal, Excel Academy Hosted by Maggie Joyce and Jenn Cobb 🎙️ Episode Summary In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode of Inspire Shasta , hosts Maggie Joyce and Jenn Cobb sit down with two remarkable leaders from Shasta County Office of Education’s Student Programs — Jill North of Tri Mountain Academy and Cheyenne Mizenko...

Episode Summary: In this episode of Inspire Shasta , hosts Maggie Joyce and Jenn Cobb sit down with Nick Lott , incoming Director of Project SHARE, and Joshua Cohen , Project SHARE Area Coordinator, to talk about how afterschool programs are transforming lives in Shasta County. From STEM activities and outdoor adventures to family partnerships and safe spaces, Project SHARE (which stands for Shast...

Episode Summary: In this episode of Inspire Shasta , host Maggie Joyce sits down with Katy Martin and Sam Dodson , Directors of Transportation for the Shasta County Office of Education. Together, they pull back the curtain on what it takes to safely transport hundreds of students across 15 districts and 35 school sites every single day. From 4:45 a.m. starts to 380,000 miles traveled in a year, Ka...

Episode Summary:   In this episode of Inspire Shasta, Shasta County Superintendent of Schools Mike Freeman returns to the show for Episode 12 to look back on 2024–25 and set the tone for 2025–26.  Episode snapshot New year, new theme: Moving from last year’s Anything Is Possible to this year’s call to action: Make It Happen —a focus on doing the few things that matter most, with urgency and intent...

Episode Summary: In this episode of Inspire Shasta , hosts Maggie Joyce and Jenn Cobb explore the vital work happening across Shasta County to combat youth tobacco and vape use. Debbie Burkett , Tobacco Compliance Specialist at Shasta County Public Health, shares what it’s like to visit more than 200 retailers across the county, educate business owners, and work alongside law enforcement to keep i...

Episode Summary: In this enriching episode of Inspire Shasta , hosts Maggie Joyce and Jenn Cobb are joined by two passionate advocates for early childhood development: Rea McFadden , Director of Early Childhood Workforce Development at the Shasta County Office of Education, and Amanda Keefer , Program Director with Shasta Head Start. Together, they explore the transformative power of early childho...

Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of Inspire Shasta , we dive into mental wellness in our schools. Hosts Jenn Cobb and Maggie Joyce sit down with two passionate advocates for student and staff well-being: Kelly Rizzi , Director of School and District Support at the Shasta County Office of Education (SCOE), and Pattie Bay , School Counselor at Sycamore Elementary. Together, they explore t...

In this inspiring episode, we hit the road to spotlight the incredible educators named Shasta County's 2024–2025 Teachers of the Year . Join us as we sit down inside real classrooms with three passionate teachers— Cory Poole, Rebecca Lahey, and Bill Hutt —to learn about their unique paths, philosophies, and the impact they're making on students every day. ✨ Featured Guests: Cory Poole –...

In this episode of the Inspire Shasta podcast, we dive into the transformative power of hope with Tara Schwerdt, School Counselor Coordinator for the Shasta County Office of Education, and Stephanie Miller, School Counselor at Igo Ono and Shasta Elementary Schools. Stephanie was recently honored as the Shasta County School Counselor of the Year for her work in supporting students through hope-cent...

In this episode of Inspire Shasta , we sit down with the dynamic and inspiring Dee Hankins , a nationally acclaimed motivational speaker known for his powerful message on resilience. Dee takes us on a journey through his challenging childhood in foster care, sharing how caring adults changed the trajectory of his life. From pivotal moments with a supportive vice principal and a dedicated social wo...

Episode Summary: In this powerful episode of Inspire Shasta, we dive into the challenges and triumphs of homeless youth in Shasta County. Our guests include Megan Preller , who leads the Ready for Life Host Homes program, and Carla James , an inspiring young advocate with lived experience of homelessness. They share heartfelt stories of resilience, the impact of supportive housing, and the importa...

In this episode of Inspire Shasta , we sit down with Mike Freeman, the 27th Superintendent of Schools for Shasta County, to explore his vision for education, community, and family support in Northern California. Mike shares his commitment to advocating for rural schools, the importance of fostering strong community relationships, and the unique challenges faced by Shasta County. From navigating st...

November is Family Literacy Month, and our guests Stephanie Byars, the Director of District and School Support at the Shasta County Office of Education, and Heather Armelino, Superintendent of the Enterprise Elementary School District and Chair of Reach Higher Shasta Early Literacy Committee, share insights into local reading initiatives, challenges, and successes. They delve into the science of r...

Episode Summary: In this episode of Inspire Shasta, we sit down with Rocky Herron, a former DEA agent with 32 years of experience. Rocky shares his journey, from chasing drug traffickers on the Mexican border to discovering the opioid epidemic and its impact on young people. He discusses the importance of drug prevention education and how he started his own initiative to educate kids in schools. K...

Episode Summary: In the inaugural episode of Inspire Shasta, the hosts introduce themselves and the podcast's mission. They share their backgrounds and experiences working with youth in Shasta County, emphasizing the importance of personal narratives in fostering empathy and understanding. Key Points: Introduction to Inspire Shasta: The podcast aims to inspire change through personal stories...