Bite-Sized: Insights from New York State PTA

This episode was recorded live at the NYS PTA Summer Leadership Conference in Albany, NY on July 18, 2026.  Our panel of experts discusses critical issues facing schools and families today, emphasizing prevention, safety, and health education for young people. Learn practical strategies to support adolescent well-being and create safer school environments.

Main Topics Covered:

• The underestimated risks of substance use among adolescents, including nicotine, THC, and emerging products like flavored gummies
  

• The importance of metabolic health awareness and early screening to prevent lifelong conditions
  

• Recognizing the often overlooked mental health and safety challenges in schools, including gun violence and bullying
  

• How parents and educators can foster open conversations and advocate for better safety measures
  

• Practical actions within 30 days: engaging in school safety planning and encouraging anonymous reporting tools
  

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the panel and session overview

00:36 - Expert introductions and their work focus

02:15 - Personal motivations for youth health and safety initiatives

03:35 - How women’s health impacts family and community well-being

05:44 - Military and crisis management experience informing school safety strategies

08:09 - Underestimated health and safety issues in communities: substance use, metabolic health, and mental health

12:09 - What young people are telling us about their needs and concerns

16:23 - Insights into vaping, cannabis, and emerging youth harm products

18:34 - Delayed health screenings and conversations that matter for adolescent girls

20:35 - Building healthy habits and advocacy skills in young women

22:08 - The components of a comprehensive school safety plan

24:31 - Why organizations wait for crises and the importance of proactive prevention

28:14 - The danger of complacency and the importance of vigilance in school safety

30:06 - Practical steps parents and educators can take within 30 days to improve school health and safety

32:30 - Final advice: Living by example and advocating for key safety initiatives

Resources & Links:

• Stanford Reach Lab
  

• American Academy of Pediatrics Screening Guidelines
  

• Fentanyl Overdose Prevention Resources
  

• School Safety Planning Resources
  

• Book: Anxious Generation
  

Connect with the Panelists:

• Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher - LinkedIn
  

• Dr. Samihah Ahmed - LinkedIn
  

• Brian Backus - LinkedIn
  

Are you ready to be inspired? In this episode, Yvonne Johnson shares her journey from local PTA leader to the national stage, highlighting lessons on advocacy, leadership, and resilience that apply to all PTA volunteers and leaders.

Recorded on March 24, 2026.

Main Topics:

• Yvonne Johnson's leadership journey and breakthroughs in advocacy
  

• The importance of building trust and community in PTA
  
• How to effectively lead during challenging times
  
• The value of professional development and continuous learning in PTA
  
• Strategies for fostering family engagement and digital safety
  
• Insights into PTA's programs and resources for local units
  
• The key role of hope and authenticity in leadership
  

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introducing Yvonne Johnson, past PTA President and advocate
00:31 - Yvonne's background and early involvement in PTA and advocacy
01:57 - Her journey from local to national leadership
04:21 - The importance of advocacy and voice in PTA
06:54 - Mentorship, leadership development, and passing the baton
08:40 - Insights into upcoming National PTA convention
09:35 - The significance of resolutions and policy advocacy
11:54 - Building relationships through in-person conferences
12:34 - How PTA is more than just a school organization—it's leadership for families
16:38 - Reflection on major decisions during her tenure, including dues increase
20:28 - The importance of professional development and standards in PTA leadership
23:01 - Resources for local leaders on the PTA Thrive platform
26:10 - What most people don't see about leadership at the national level
27:37 - Personal facets of Yvonne’s leadership style
31:04 - Overcoming challenges and self-doubt in leadership roles
36:34 - The power of trust, perseverance, and empathy
44:59 - Final message: hold onto hope and the importance of showing up authentically

Resources & Links:

• ⁠PTA.org⁠ — official PTA website with resources and programs
• ⁠PTA Thrive Platform⁠ — online training and courses
• ⁠PTA Family Engagement Standards⁠ — guiding principles for PTA engagement
• ⁠PTA Connected Program⁠ — digital safety resources for families
• ⁠Reflections Program⁠ — arts recognition program for students
• ⁠PTA COVID-19 Resources⁠ — support for pandemic-related challenges

Remember, leadership is about who you show up as — your authenticity, passion, and hope can make all the difference. Join us in carrying forward the legacy of PTA by inspiring others and making an impact in your community.

Summary
This episode explores the collaboration between school boards, BOCES, and PTAs, highlighting real stories, challenges, and strategies for effective teamwork in education. Guest Catherine Romano shares insights from decades of experience, emphasizing communication, trust, and community engagement.
Keywords
PTA, school boards, BOCES, education collaboration, community engagement, school leadership, communication, teamwork in education
Key  topics
Communication breakdowns and solutions in education collaboration
Building trust and breaking silos among PTAs, boards, and BOCES
Real-life examples of successful teamwork in schools
Strategies for effective advocacy and community engagement
Guest  name
Catherine Romano
Titles
Bridging the Gap: How PTAs, Boards, and BOCES Can Collaborate Effectively
The Power of Partnership: Building Trust in Education Leadership
Sound bites
"Honesty and trust make the structure work"
"Showcasing programs changes perceptions"
"Share facts, not passion, in advocacy"
Chapters
00:00 Bridging the Gap in Education
03:10 Understanding Collaboration Dynamics
04:50 Navigating the Unique Landscape of NYC Education
05:15 Real-Life Examples of Effective Collaboration
11:47 Connecting Boards, BOCES, and PTAs
18:15 Understanding BOCES Programs and Their Impact
22:49 Bridging Communication Gaps in Education
29:31 Creating Effective Advocacy and Collaboration
36:43 Transforming PTA into a Powerful Advocacy Tool
48:56 Building Connections in PTA Leadership
51:15 Rapid Fire Insights on Collaboration
52:02 Favorite PTA Moments and Teamwork
55:42 Addressing Parental Concerns in Schools
59:41 Navigating Challenges as PTA Leaders
01:02:30 The Impact of Leadership on FamiliesRecorded on 10/29/25

This episode was recorded live at the NYS PTA Convention in Niagara Falls, NY on Sunday, November 16, 2025. Includes your podcast hosts Robin Brumfield, Kathleen McEnroe, Mary Sotomayor & Sonya Verrillo as well as panelists Brenda Cardoza and Maria Sanders. Ideas were also shared by PTA leaders who attended the workshop/recording.

Summary: This conversation explores the multifaceted roles and challenges faced by PTA leaders, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, volunteer engagement, financial accountability, and fostering a supportive culture within the organization. The speakers share personal insights and strategies for building effective teams, recruiting and retaining volunteers, and navigating the complexities of budget season, all while highlighting the collaborative nature of PTA work.

Takeaways
PTA leadership is filled with unexpected challenges, and building a strong team often requires reaching beyond traditional members to bring in new voices and perspectives. Micro-volunteering can significantly ease the workload by allowing people to contribute in smaller, more manageable ways, while innovative approaches help PTAs operate more effectively in today’s busy school communities. Volunteers should always feel valued and recognized for their contributions, and maintaining strong financial accountability is essential to the success and credibility of any PTA. Councils should serve as supportive allies rather than overseers, helping local units feel empowered rather than directed. When leaders focus on creating a culture of trust, it encourages open communication and stronger collaboration among schools, which in turn enhances overall community engagement. Through it all, PTA service builds meaningful experience and develops transferable skills that are valuable in many professional settings.  
Sound bites
"Micro volunteering is key."
"PTA is a business."
"We are not the boss of PTA."
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Council Conversations Unfiltered
04:42 Building Effective Teams in PTA
09:23 Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers
14:15 Navigating Budget Season and Financial Accountability
17:24 Understanding the Role of Council
24:34 Creating a Culture of Trust and SupportKeywords
PTA, leadership, teamwork, volunteers, budget, council, support, community, education, collaboration

In this episode of Bite Size Insights, the hosts welcome long-time NYS PTA leader & consultant Jackie Wilson, to discuss the realities of PTA life, sharing personal stories of successes, failures, and the importance of community involvement. They emphasize the need for training, mentorship, and effective communication to navigate the challenges faced by PTAs. The conversation highlights the significance of building relationships among parents and the impact of their efforts on students' education and well-being.

Recorded on May 27, 2025 by Mary Sotomayor, Robin Brumfield, Kathleen McEnroe, Sonya Verrillo and NYS PTA Consultant Jackie Wilson.

Recorded on September 19, 2025 by Mary Sotomayor, Robin Brumfield, Kathleen McEnroe, Sonya Verrillo and NYS PTA President Patty Frazier.

This bonus episode of Bite Size Insights from New York State PTA provides an exclusive preview of the 2025 New York State PTA Convention being held on November 14-16, 2025 in Niagara Falls, NY, featuring discussions on the importance of connection, leadership, and personal experiences from past conventions. The hosts share their favorite memories, the impact of conventions on their PTA journeys, and the significance of networking and training in enhancing their roles as leaders. They emphasize the power of encouragement and the ongoing need for development within the PTA community. In this engaging conversation, the participants discuss the evolving role of leadership within the PTA, emphasizing the importance of workshops, community engagement, and youth advocacy. They share insights on how to make council meetings more meaningful, the significance of transportation in school systems, and the value of networking and collaboration. The discussion also covers practical tips for convention planning, the importance of measuring the PTA's mission, and the excitement surrounding upcoming workshops and events. The conversation concludes with rapid-fire questions that highlight personal experiences and advice for first-time attendees.

In this episode of Bite-Sized Insights from NYS PTA, Brenda Cardoza, New York State PTA Diversity Coordinator, joins the Leadership Development Team to explore the realities of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in today’s school communities. Through personal stories and honest reflections, they discuss the role of empathy, advocacy, and accessibility in creating a welcoming environment for every child and family. Whether you’re a new volunteer or a seasoned leader, this conversation offers practical insights to help you build stronger, more inclusive connections in your PTA.

Recorded on May 26, 2025 by Mary Sotomayor, Robin Brumfield, Kathleen McEnroe, NYS PTA President Patty Frazier, NYS PTA Executive Director Kyle Belokopitsky and NYS PTA Diversity Coordinator Brenda Cardoza.

In our very first episode of Bite-Sized Insights from NYS PTA, meet the Leadership Development Team and hear the stories that brought us to PTA leadership — the wins, the challenges, and the “aha” moments that keep us showing up for our schools and communities. Whether you’re a new PTA leader or a seasoned volunteer, this episode sets the stage for what’s ahead: candid conversations, leadership strategies, and bite-sized tips to help you grow your PTA, engage your school community, and lead with confidence.

Hosted by: Mary Sotomayor, Robin Brumfield, Kathleen McEnroe and Sonya Verrillo.

Find out what Bite-Sized: Insights from New York State PTA is all about! Hosts Mary Sotomayor, Kathleen McEnroe, Sonya Verrillo and Robin Brumfield give listeners a preview of what they can expect when they tune into NYS PTA's new podcast series.