Exceptional Educators Podcast by FrenalyticsEDU

Steve Iglesias is the Chief Innovation Officer at Mater Brickell Academy in Miami, Florida. A former baseball coach turned educational innovator, Steve builds tech- and entrepreneurship-focused programs that expose every student to real-world tools and emerging fields. Grounded in his belief in “failing forward,” he designs learning experiences that prioritize resilience, problem-solving, and purp...

Jeffrey D. Hartmann, superintendent of Galion City Schools in Ohio, draws on his international experience to highlight the importance of establishing common direction among teachers and administrators as the foundation for effective learning. He prioritizes student-centered decision-making to ensure every child’s education is meaningfully impacted. Listen to our podcast with Jeffrey to learn more...

Bryan Ballenger serves as the Superintendent of the Gustine Unified School District. Through his focus on innovative instructional practices, Bryan ensures that all students have access to equitable learning opportunities. By emphasizing teacher voice, emotional growth, and progress monitoring, he’s helping redefine how success is measured in schools.  Listen to our podcast with Bryan to learn mor...

Superintendent Marie Hanna and Co-Directors of Special Education, Erin Fatafehi and Rekha Manakkal, serve on the administration board at Ohio Connections Academy. Together as a team, they cultivate a flexible virtual learning environment for all needs in a student’s education goals across all disabilities. They are challenging the standard brick and mortar school setting, demonstrating that effect...

Meagan Drapkin serves as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Dunellen Public Schools. She leads her district with compassion by advocating for an effective prevention program through the implementation of MTSS structures. Through leveraging data collection, building interventionist support systems and integrating community-based resources, she ensures that every child receives the indivi...

Dr. Malasia Walker is the Director of Special Education for the William Floyd School District. Drawing on her own school experience and the mentorship that changed her path, she leads with relationships—pairing students with trusted adults, starting early-credit pathways, and meeting learners where they are. Listen to our episode with Dr. Walker to discover how meeting students where they are, cre...

Tiffany Law is the Chief Operating Officer of the Institute for Education Innovation. Inspired by her father, a principal who championed diversity and women’s leadership, she continues his mission of ​​empowering emerging leaders, amplifying their successes, and fostering authentic relationships within and between EdTech organizations and the school systems they serve. Listen to our episode with T...

Kelly Carpenter is the Chief Academic Officer Emeritus of Gananda Central School District in Rochester County, NY. She has dedicated her career to personalized learning, implementing equity and inclusion in every child’s education. Inspired by her brother and father, who struggled in traditional school systems, she shifted classrooms from rote memorization toward problem-solving and critical think...

Anthony Lue is a motivational speaker, accessibility consultant, and Paralympic hand-cycling athlete. Drawing from his journey—from standout high-school athlete to paraplegic survivor—he brings expertise in resilience, disability inclusion, and adaptive sport, dedicated to inspiring authentic growth and barrier-free communities. Listen to our episode with Anthony to hear how he turns adversity int...

Maggie Broderick is an associate professor at National University and the faculty lead for social-emotional learning. With expertise in online graduate education, curriculum design, and trauma-sensitive teaching, she is dedicated to fostering inclusive learning environments that support both academic growth and emotional well-being. Listen to our episode with Maggie to hear how she integrates SEL...

Candice Sears is a forward-thinking educational leader with a passion for personalized learning and inclusive curriculum. With expertise in homeschooling, gifted education, and instructional leadership, she is committed to equity and innovation that meets the needs of all learners. Listen to our episode with Candice to hear how she supports homeschooling families, designs inclusive curriculum for...

Wanda Lopez Ramirez is a Bronx-born educator and principal who leads with heart, equity, and deep community ties. With decades of experience, she champions culturally responsive teaching, inclusive leadership, and creating meaningful opportunities for all students. At PS1, she fosters a school culture where every child feels known, seen, and empowered. Listen to our episode with Wanda to hear how...

As COO/CAO of Fullmind, Hayley Spira-Bauer is a visionary leader and lifelong advocate for education. Passionate about driving transformative change, she has dedicated her career to building–whether it’s fostering the potential of students and teachers, founding innovative schools, or leading businesses to scale with impact. A working mom, disability advocate, and lupus warrior, she brings a uniqu...

Dr. George Philhower is the superintendent of Eastern Hancock Schools, where his intentional leadership and commitment to inclusion helped earn the district recognition as one of Indiana’s best places to work. In this episode, he shares key strategies such as the Joy Jam Conference, and his CAFE (Community and Family Engagement) initiative to strengthen the districts’ education quality and school...

As an EdTech academic advisor and former educator, Jerri Kemble is a passionate leader in the education space. She is the National Academic Advisor at ClassLink, podcaster of the LinkedUp podcast, and she’s a former superintendent and principal of multiple school districts. Jerri's motivation to enter education stems from her desire to make a difference for students who struggle in traditional sch...

Luke St. Amand is the co-founder and CTO of Lectec, an EdTech company aiming to inspire young minds through hands-on STEM learning experiences. Luke and his co-founder, Jared, were inspired to build Lectec after Jared’s nephew was intrigued by the mechanics of a newly gifted electric skateboard, leading them to develop build-it-yourself kits designed for students. Lectec recently aired on Shark Ta...

Dr. Dan Cox is a veteran superintendent and founder of Endurance Edge. Dan's commitment to wellness, balance, and resilience impacts his perspective of leadership within the education world. With his background in education leadership, Dan is passionate in ensuring success for all students, and he firmly believes in the effectiveness of meaningful discourse in the education space. Beyond his role...

Jennifer Womble proudly serves as the Conference Chair of the Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC), the premier EdTech event bringing together passionate educators and innovators. At FETC, she oversees all content and development of events, plans executive summits, and collaborates with various sponsors and associations. She is also the Board of Directors at iTeach Innovations, a servi...

Arden Phillips is a recent high school graduate and current consultant for educational technology companies, relentlessly advocating for students with disabilities and their inclusion within product design. As Arden himself has Autism, Dyslexia, and ADHD, he understands firsthand the challenges these students face. His work in consulting EdTech companies helps them ensure that their products are a...