Proud Principals Podcast with Tony Cattani

Growth Is Not an Option—It's the Expectation with Dr. Carmen Maring What happens when a school commits to creating systems where every student, every teacher, and every leader is expected to keep growing? In this episode of the Proud Principals Podcast, Tony Cattani welcomes Dr. Carmen Maring, Principal of Gull Lake Middle School in Richland, Michigan. Serving approximately 750 students in grades...

Scott Jung is the Superintendent of New England Public School District in North Dakota.  What does it take to restore the pride of a school district with a rich tradition while building a culture where teachers want to stay and students thrive? In this episode of the Proud Principals Podcast, Tony Cattani sits down with Scott Jung, Superintendent of New England Public Schools in North Dakota. Now...

Chelsea Gallagher is the 2025 Washington Principal of the Year Chelsea has served as the principal of Mt. Spokane High School for five years. She began her career with eight years of teaching high school English, followed by one year as Dean of Students and six years as an Assistant Principal. Gallagher knew in third grade that education was her calling, despite a brief childhood dream of becoming...

David Zatta is the principal South Plainfield Preschool in New Jersey.  He makes sure his Tiny Tigers identity as part of everything they do. Through their words, visuals, celebrations, and family involvement, they help thier youngest students and their families feel like they belong. He is proud of their hands-on, theme-based curriculum and the strong connections we have built with parents throug...

Kim Aman is South Dakota's 2026 Elementary School Principal of the Year. Kim is the proud principal of Simmons Elementary School. Simmons Elementary School has improved support systems for students, especially those with behavioral and social-emotional needs, while creating a positive, inclusive environment based on a “Kids First” philosophy. Kim has been in education for about 34 years. She start...

Gisela Ciancia is New Jersey's 2025-2026 Visionary Elementary School Leader of the Year. She is the proud principal of Roosevelt Elementary school in New Brunswick, New Jersey.  Ciancia is highly regarded for her culture-building and hands-on approach to education. Some of her most notable achievements and initiatives include:  Visionary Leadership: She earned the prestigious NJPSA Visionary award...

Joe Ballard is the 2024 NASSP Oklahoma High School Principal of the Year Joe is the principal of Poteau High School in Poteau, OK. He is known for his unwavering dedication to educational excellence and inclusivity. A proud member of the Cherokee Nation, he has been a trailblazer in promoting cultural heritage. He implemented a groundbreaking policy that allows Native American students to wear Nat...

 Jeff Linden is a dedicated school administrator, former teacher, coach, and military veteran committed to fostering a culture of excellence in public education. Currently serving as the Principal of Hastings High School in Hastings Public Schools, Jeff is a dynamic leader focused on empowering teachers, staff, and students, supporting educators, and building strong school communities. Educational...

Blaine Wise is a passionate and dedicated educational leader with 17 years of experience in Oklahoma public schools. He currently serves as the principal of Glenpool Middle School, where he has led since 2021, cultivating a positive, high-performing school culture that has earned statewide recognition. In 2025, he was honored as the OASSP/OMLEA Middle Level Principal of the Year. This episode with...

Dr. Tracie Anderson Swilley is the 2025 NASSP National secondary Principal of the Year and 2024 South Carolina Principal of the Year. Dr. Tracie Swilley  Assistant Superintendent of Academics in Fairfield County School District in Winnsboro, South Carolina.  Dr. Tracie Anderson Swilley was the principal of Fairfield Central High School in Winnsboro, SC. Tracie’s leadership has shaped Fairfield Cen...

Shawn Ryan is the principal of Medford Memorial Middle School in Medford, New Jersey.  Shawn shares how Medford Memorial Middle School is addressing the needs of mental health with a systematic and sustainable approach. This work began prior to Covid due to the rise of anxiety among his students. They observed the emotional needs of their students and impact on their education. Shawn outlines how...

Jessica Quinter Ed. D is the principal of Park Forest Elementary School in State College, Pennsylvania.  Jessica shares her proudest effort of developing a positive school culture through her daily efforts of: - Being Present - Building Trust - Celebrating her staff and students Jessica is an active member of NAESP. Please see below for her journey.  Professional Preparation: Ed. D, Educational Le...

Patrick McKee is the principal of Valley View High School in Germanton, Ohio.  Valley View has worked hard to improve the school culture of our building for both staff and students. At the end of the day, when staff enjoy coming to work and students have a strong relationship with the teachers, achievement will happen. Patrick shares the impact of: - Fist Bump Fridays - Teacher Retention - Advisor...

Neil Burti, Director of Secondary Schools in the Cherry Hill Public Schools District in New Jersey.  2024 New Jersey Visionary Secondary School Leader of the Year Dr. Neil Burti Jr. was the principal of John A. Carusi Middle School, in Cherry Hill, NJ. Previously, he served as a principal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels and taught college courses at the undergraduate, graduate, a...

Miles Shea is the Principal of Quantico Middle School in Virginia for the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) and was recognized as the DoDEA Principal of the Year. Miles is known for transforming student success and supporting military families through initiatives like advanced AP courses and robust STEM programs. He has extensive experience within the DoDEA, previously serving at We...

Heather Pino-Beattie is the principal of Montgomery High School in New Jersey.  Heather proudest work as a principal has been creating and growing the Montgomery STARR Program ((Shifting Through Awareness, Regulation, and Relationships), a mental health program that now touches every secondary school in her district. From the start, it was clear that you cannot be trauma-informed without being cul...

Shauna Haney Principal of Ogden High School is the 2025 Utah State Principal of the Year and a 2025 NASSP National Principal of the Year Finalist.  Shauna Haney is the principal of Ogden High School in Ogden, UT. Previously, She was an assistant principal and exercise science, health, special education, and physical education teacher. A two-time Teacher of the Year (2008, 2013), she also received...

Dr. Cody Killen - Principal of Brandon High School in Rankin County, Mississippi Dr. KIllen is a fixture in professional organizations. He has served on the board of MPE, served as board president of MASSP, presented at MASA, MPE, and NCEE, and even taught leadership development sessions for aspiring principals. For him, professional organizations are lifelines for school administrators. Board Pre...

Dr. Todd Dain Overland Park, KS Shawnee Mission South High School 2023 Kansas State Principal of the Year NASSP Board of Directors Todd shares is proudest effort of cultivating a culture for all students to be successful. Listen and learn about his "Culture Keepers" student led team which embodies their core values.  Also to listen for: - Hard Hat Hero recognition - Champion of Culture recognition...

Jason Hayes - 2025 NASSP Oklahoma Principal of the Year Jason Hayes is the principal of Edmond Santa Fe High School in Edmond, Ok. Previously, he was an assistant high school principal, a middle school principal, and English teacher, and a coach. Under his leadership, Edmond Santa Fe is one of only three Class 6A High Schools (Oklahoma’s large enrollment category) to receive an A on its state repo...

Lewis Bradford is the 2025 Mississippi Secondary Principal of the Year. Assistant Principal of the Year 2024.    Lewis Bradford – Northwest Rankin High School, MIssissippi.  Mr. Bradford’s leadership, vision, and commitment to student success have made a lasting impact at Northwest Rankin and across our district.  Lewis shares shares how he grows Family Bond and Pride in their school, focusing on...

Dr. Austin is the 2025 Louisiana Secondary Principal of the Year.   Amanda Austin, EdD, is the director of the Math, Science, and Arts (MSA) Academy East in St. Gabriel, LA. MSA Academy East is the magnet program of East Iberville High School. Previously, she was the principal of North Iberville High School, which had been shuttered for more than a decade. With community support, input from distri...

Lindsey Allen is the NASSP 2025 Georgia Principal of the Year   Lindsey Allen has served as principal of Walnut Grove High School in Walnut Grove, GA, since 2020. Previously, he was the principal of multiple schools and executive officer of secondary schools in Bibb County. Since taking the helm at Walnut Grove, he has led the school to a five-star rating from the Georgia Department of Education o...

Dr. Flynn has dedicated over 21 years to the City of Burlington Public School District, beginning his career as a special education teacher.   His move into administration began as a Vice-Principal at Burlington City High School (2006–2010), followed by a tenure as Principal at Wilbur Watts Intermediate School (2010–2013). Dr. Flynn then returned to Burlington City High School, serving as Principa...

Dr. Mindy Milavsky, principal of Lawrence Middle School in Mercer County, NJ, has dedicated her career to fostering a school environment that promotes compassion, empathy, and kindness. As an educator for over 31 years, Dr. Milavsky has made great strides in providing students with an educational experience that complements high standards in all academic disciplines with a focus on developing stud...