In this episode of the Active Listener Podcast, host Dominique Johnson-Lindsay speaks with Craig Straw, Director of Safety and Emergency Management at Houston ISD, the eighth-largest school district in the nation. With over 30 years of military and emergency management experience, Craig shares how a “people-first” mindset, mental health awareness, and early intervention form the foundation of effective school safety.

Listen in as Craig discusses why readiness is a daily practice, the importance of building trusted relationships, and how technology can serve as a force multiplier when integrated with strong communication systems. From drills that build muscle memory to balancing safety at large-scale events like Friday night football games, Craig offers a holistic view of what it means to keep campuses safe, secure, and nurturing.

Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or community leader, this conversation underscores that true school safety isn’t about fear - it’s about connection, preparation, and ensuring every student can thrive.

Join host Dominique Johnson-Lindsay as she sits down with school safety expert John McDonald, COO of the Council for School Safety Leadership, to explore how schools can create safer environments through trusted relationships, proactive culture, and effective technology. From his “Stop the Prop” initiative to preparing for emerging AI-driven threats, John offers real-world strategies that help educators, leaders, and communities ensure every student feels secure and ready to learn.

Drawing on decades of experience, including responding to seven school shootings, John shares lessons on engaging students in meaningful drills, strengthening communication during crises, and making smart, ROI-focused decisions on safety tools. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone committed to protecting students while fostering a welcoming, connected learning environment.

In this inspiring episode of The Active Listener Podcast, host Dominique Johnson-Lindsay sits down with Katy Kollasch, Chief Entrepreneur and Change Agent at the Venture Academy of Leadership and Entrepreneurship (VALE) in Parker, Colorado. With over two decades in education and an international teaching background, Katy shares her remarkable journey from the UK to founding a groundbreaking high school model in the U.S.

Katy unpacks the vision behind VALE and its mission to cultivate students with entrepreneurial mindsets, preparing them for both the world that exists today and the one we can’t yet predict. She dives into how the school fosters a culture rooted in curiosity, design thinking, and intentionality - leveraging community partnerships, design sprints, and real-world internships every Friday.

Discover how VALE integrates technology, including Lightspeed classroom audio, to create inclusive, accessible, and engaging learning environments. Learn how they intentionally build soft skills like empathy and communication alongside academic excellence, and hear Katy’s candid reflections on parenting, leadership, and what it takes to disrupt the traditional education model.

Perfect for educators, school leaders, parents, and anyone passionate about the future of K–12 education, this episode offers a visionary look at what’s possible when we rethink how students learn and thrive.

In this episode of the Active Listener Podcast, host Dominique Johnson-Lindsey welcomes a special guest—her mother, Regina Johnson, a first-grade teacher and Navy veteran. Regina shares her journey from military service to teaching and how she balances discipline and fun in her classroom. Drawing connections between parenting and teaching, Regina emphasizes small group learning, active listening, and the significance of technology, including her experience with the Lightspeed Redcat system. This conversation sheds light on the challenges teachers face and the misconceptions about their roles. Tune in for dialogue on education, change, and the importance of supporting both students and teachers alike.

Welcome to another episode of the Active Listener Podcast, where today we dive into a conversation with Amber Reynolds, a dedicated physical education teacher from Summit View Elementary. Learn about her transition from classroom teaching to her passion for PE, and how she nurtures an inclusive environment for all students, especially those with special needs. Amber shares her philosophy on promoting positive sportsmanship and social-emotional learning, and discusses the significance of building strong relationships to enhance classroom management.

In this episode, we also explore Amber's work outside the gym, co-founding "Colorado Mama Tribe," a nonprofit supporting mothers with children with special needs. Her heartfelt dedication to creating community and advocacy is evident as she helps parents navigate challenges in the school system.

Join us for this discussion about fostering an adaptive and supportive learning environment for every student.

Welcome back to Season Two of the Active Listener Podcast! Host Dominique Johnson-Lindsay, welcomes Leo Brehm, an experienced leader from the Massachusetts educational landscape. With over two decades in technology, Leo shares insights into his role as a district business administrator and his journey in balancing IT innovation with savvy investments.

Tune in to explore the role of technology in creating interactive learning environments and how educators can leverage these advancements to benefit students and teachers alike. This episode also navigates the importance of listening to community feedback in education policy-making and managing the complexities of school governance on the local level. An enriching listen for educators, administrators, and anyone invested in the future of K-12 education.

Welcome to Season 2 of the Active Listener Podcast, hosted by Dominique Johnson-Lindsay. In this enlightening session, Dominique welcomes Lisa DeLapo, the Information and Instructional Technology Director at Union School District, San Jose, California. Join us as Lisa shares her journey from the medical field to education, detailing her path to becoming a tech director.

Listen in as Lisa discusses her experiences during the pandemic, how technology reshaped educational practices, and which tools are here to stay. Discover the unique makerspaces at Union School District, designed to inspire creativity and critical thinking in students through hands-on learning. See how the district fosters an environment of innovation through the integration of STEAM projects and interactive spaces. Gain insights into the challenges of adopting new technologies in schools, and learn about strategies to engage educators and students alike. From the benefits of instructional audio technology to new safety integrations, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the intersection of technology and education.

Perfect for educators, administrators, and anyone passionate about the future of learning!