Stronger Together

After 35 years in the classroom, Josh Davis is closing one chapter and beginning another. In this episode of Stronger Together, we sit down with longtime Nordonia High School teacher Josh Davis to reflect on a career spent serving students, teaching Social Studies and AP Psychology, coaching athletics, developing new courses, and helping generations of students think critically about the world aro...

In this episode of Stronger Together, we sit down with Nordonia music teacher Angie Perrine to talk about the impact teachers have on students both inside and outside the classroom. The conversation focuses on music education, student connection, relationships, school culture, and the challenges facing kids today. Angie also shares stories from her years in education, what she has learned from stu...

Most people in Nordonia know Dr. Szentkirályi as a teacher at the high school. What many may not know is the work he was doing beyond the classroom. As he prepares to retire, we take time to reflect on his career and the experiences that shaped his perspective. This conversation offers a deeper look at the impact he made both in Nordonia and beyond.

In this episode of Stronger Together, we sit down with Nordonia Hills City Schools Treasurer Kyle Kiffer. Kyle oversees the financial operations of the district and works closely with district leadership and the Board of Education to ensure responsible planning and use of taxpayer dollars. The conversation explores how school funding works in Ohio, how district budgets are built, and the work that...

In this episode of Stronger Together, we sit down with Ashley Turner, principal of Rushwood Elementary, for a relaxed conversation about her path in education and the people who shaped her along the way. Ashley shares what she learned starting in the classroom, how those experiences guide her leadership today, and what matters most to her as she works with students, staff, and families. We talk ab...

In this episode of Stronger Together, we sit down with Rushwood Elementary teacher Ethan Nario-Redmond to talk about his journey into education, his first year in Nordonia, and what it means to build real relationships with students. Ethan shares how a nontraditional path led him to the classroom, the lessons he learned during his rookie year, and the impact of being named Summit County Rookie of...

In this episode of Stronger Together, we sit down with Carrie Mitchner, a sixth grade math teacher at Lee Eaton Intermediate School. Carrie talks about what students really need at this stage, how she helps kids move past “I’m not a math person,” and the small classroom moves that build confidence over time. We also talk about why relationships matter in math, what has changed about teaching sixth...

In this episode of the Stronger Together podcast, we sit down with Mitchel Federan, director of Center Stage Dance Studio in Northfield. Mitchel shares his journey from growing up in the studio to performing on Broadway and eventually returning home to lead a place that has shaped generations of students. The conversation explores how the arts build confidence, discipline, and belonging, and why c...

In this episode of Stronger Together, we sit down with Scott Karlo, Executive Director of the Ohio Public School Advocacy Network, for a conversation about what it truly means to put the public back in public schools. This discussion moves beyond policy and headlines and focuses on ownership. Public schools exist because communities invest in them, care about them, and take responsibility for them...

In this episode, Casey Wright sits down with Nordonia High School science teacher Aaron Coleman for a conversation about the path that brought her to the classroom and the way she connects students to the world around them. Aaron talks about her early work at SeaWorld, how that experience shaped her approach to teaching, and why helping students understand the story behind the science matters to h...

In this episode, we sit down with Brenda Basch from Rushwood. She shares her path from growing up in Nordonia to returning as an educator, and talks about the people and moments that shaped her along the way. The conversation covers her work with students, what she loves about teaching, and why this community continues to matter to her. It’s an easy, thoughtful look at someone who gives a lot to o...

In this episode of Stronger Together, Superintendent Casey Wright sits down with Angela Wojtecki, Nordonia’s District Library Media Specialist and 1:1 Integration Specialist. Angela shares how her work connects technology, literacy, and community in ways that inspire both students and staff. She talks about leading the “Knights of the Tech Table” initiative, helping teachers integrate technology i...

Episode Description: In this episode of Stronger Together, we sit down with Debbie McNellie, a third-grade teacher at Rushwood Elementary and Trustee with the Nordonia Schools Foundation. Debbie shares her journey as an educator, her deep roots in the Nordonia community, and the lessons she’s learned from her students along the way. Together, they talk about what it means to teach with purpose, bu...

This episode features Keyshaun Smith, who recently joined Nordonia Hills City Schools as high school principal. He reflects on his journey in education, what brought him back to the community, and how he plans to lead with purpose. Listeners will hear about the lessons that shaped his career, his vision for Nordonia High School, and his commitment to creating opportunities for students to grow and...

In this episode of Stronger Together, Superintendent Casey Wright talks with Nordonia Hills City Schools Business Manager Steve Marlow. From managing operations and facilities to ensuring that every decision supports student learning, Steve offers a grounded look at the work that often goes unseen but is essential to keeping the district running. Their conversation touches on the importance of col...

In this episode, we’re joined by Todd Stuart, Nordonia’s Director of Curriculum, for an honest and thoughtful conversation about the heart of teaching and learning. Todd reflects on his career path, shares his beliefs about curriculum, and explains how professional learning communities (PLCs) shape the work in our schools. We talk about what makes teaching complex, how our district supports collab...

In this episode of Stronger Together, we sit down with Chris Simmons, Nordonia High School’s Drama Director and proud alumnus. Chris shares his journey from student actor to director, reflecting on what it means to come full circle in the very program that shaped him. We explore the behind-the-scenes work that brings each production to life, the role of the arts in building confidence and communit...

In this episode of Stronger Together, Dave and I sit down with Mayor Nick Molnar—a proud Nordonia graduate, current parent, president of the Nordonia Hills Rotary Club, and mayor of Macedonia. We talk about what it means to lead in the same community where you grew up, the importance of strong city–school partnerships, and how service, family, and public leadership all intersect. From his days as...

In this episode, we sit down with Mr. Al Huge — longtime history teacher, coach, and proud Nordonia graduate. From his early days walking the halls as a student to decades spent shaping young minds in the classroom and on the field, Al shares stories, insights, and reflections on what it means to grow up in a community and then give back to it. We talk teaching, coaching, and the power of consiste...

In this episode of Nordonia Together, co-host Dave Sterling joins the conversation to share his journey as an involved parent, PTA member, and member of the Men of Rushwood. We talk about the importance of what makes Rushwood Elementary such a strong community, and how families across Nordonia are helping shape the student experience. Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or just thinking about gett...

In this episode of Nordonia Together, we sit down with Nordonia High School Principal Louise Teringo to talk about her journey through education—from teaching Spanish to leading schools in Twinsburg, Euclid, and now Nordonia. Louise shares what keeps her grounded, how she builds strong relationships with students and staff, and why school culture matters now more than ever. Whether you're a parent...

In this episode, we sit down with longtime Nordonia High School associate principal Dave Broman—an educator whose name now graces the school cafeteria as The Broman Commons. Known for his unwavering positivity, quiet leadership, and deep commitment to students and staff, Dave reflects on his 23 years at Nordonia, the lessons that guided him, and the legacy he leaves behind. We talk about the impor...

In this episode of Strong Together at Nordonia, we sit down with Nordonia alumni Catherine and Michaela Bruno—sisters, leaders, and the original founders of Knights Caring for Knights, one of our district’s most impactful student support programs. Over a decade ago, as high school students, Catherine and Michaela saw a need and decided to do something about it. What began as a simple idea to help...

In this episode, Casey shares insight on the current state of the schools, what makes Nordonia a special place, and offers messages for both longtime and new residents. Dave joins the conversation to discuss the importance of community, the “Stronger Together” vision, and why some tough decisions had to be made. We’ll also look ahead to what’s next—and how you can help shape future episodes.

Episode 1: Getting to Know Superintendent Casey Wright Welcome to the debut episode of Stronger Together, hosted by community member Dave Sterling! This new podcast is designed to keep the Nordonia community informed about what’s happening in our schools while breaking down some of the misconceptions about how the district operates. Each episode will feature conversations with key figures in our s...