Category: Podcast

Leading Without Fear: Dr. Daniel Castagna on AI, School Safety, and Bold Leadership

Dr. Daniel Castagna, Superintendent of Chartiers Valley School District in Pennsylvania, believes that exceptional leadership requires authenticity, decisive action, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Guided by a mission to create better opportunities for students, he has led a rapid transformation focused on AI integration, school safety, and student-centered innovation while empowering educators…
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Pioneering Progress: Aaron Moran on Collaborative Culture and Designing Spaces for Inclusive Education

Aaron Moran, Superintendent of Tipp City Exempt Village Schools in Ohio, leads with a clear belief that every student can succeed when given the right opportunities and support. Drawing on more than two decades in education leadership, he is transforming district culture through intentional collaboration between teachers and a relentless focus on continuous improvement. This…
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The Military & Main Street: Dr. Kellen Adams on Community-Centered Education

Dr. Kellen Adams, Superintendent of Leavenworth USD 453 in Kansas, brings a grounded and people-first approach to district leadership, shaped by his belief that public education can serve as a powerful equalizer for students. Leading a military-adjacent community through declining enrollment, rising student needs, and budget pressures, he focuses on protecting classroom impact while strengthening…
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AI Visionaries: Richmond High School’s Tech Team Students on AI Shaping EdTech and Responsible Tech Use

What happens when schools stop banning AI and hand the keys to students? Join us for an exceptional episode featuring Jeremy Hill, an e-learning specialist at Richmond High School, and his remarkable tech team: high school students Sophie, JJ, Annabella, and Matt. This dynamic group leverages technology to support their school community and lead the…
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Disrupting Disability Norms: Cait Russell on Empowering Autism-Focused Tech Startups & Inclusive Work Opportunities

In this episode, Cait Russell, COO of Multiple, shares her journey from occupational therapy to leading a nonprofit accelerator for autism-focused technology. She explores how innovation can scale impact beyond individual support, helping better serve neurodivergent individuals across education and employment. The conversation highlights the need for more meaningful career pathways, inclusive hiring practices, and…
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Efficiency Meets Impact: Benjamin Franquiz and Kathleen Petrenko on Smarter Systems & Partnerships in Special Education

Benjamin Franquiz, Assistant Superintendent for Special Education and Student Support Services, and Kathleen Petrenko, Director of Special Education, at Eastport-South Manor Central School District, are leading with a clear focus: every student matters. Through systems thinking and collaborative leadership, they align instruction, intervention, and student well-being to build a strong, inclusive special education program. In…
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Beyond the Mandate: Annie Payne on Building a Culture of Care in Special Ed

Annie Payne, Director of Special Education at Enterprise Elementary School District, brings a deeply personal and purpose-driven approach to inclusive education, rooted in her passion for serving students with diverse needs. With a strong commitment to equity and growth, she leads district-wide efforts that empower both educators and learners to thrive. This episode delves into…
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From Vendors to Partners: Evan Abramson on Rewriting the EdTech Partnership Playbook and Reimagining Inclusion Innovation

Evan Abramson, Director of Innovation and Technology at the Morris Union Jointure Commission, is a dynamic leader dedicated to redefining what’s possible for students with special needs. A champion of innovation and inclusion, Evan believes in leveraging technology to empower all learners while fostering meaningful relationships that drive real impact. Known for his energetic leadership…
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MTSS-tering the System: Rebecca Burton on Creating Agile Support Structures That Serve All Learners

Rebecca Burton, Deputy Superintendent for Special Education and Student Services at Lemon Grove School District, joins us to discuss her deeply personal ‘why’ for education and how it fuels her passion for creating inclusive and equitable learning systems. This episode explores the critical role of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in supporting diverse student populations,…
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Pioneering Pathways: Jeff Hadley on Innovative Inclusion Programs & Career Readiness for Students of All Abilities

Dr. Jeff Hadley is the Superintendent of Avonworth School District in PA, a district nationally recognized for its innovative and inclusive approach to education. Dr. Hadley shares how Avonworth champions every student’s growth through unique programs like unified sports, the JAMbethekindkid movement, and a student-run coffee shop. This episode explores Avonworth’s groundbreaking World of Work…
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