Brighter Together

In this enlightening episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Dr. Toni Shaw, the Director of Student Services at St. Augustine Preparatory Academy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Together, we delve into the transformative power of faith in education, particularly for scholars with disabilities. Dr. Shaw shares her insights on addressing the achievement gap faced by these students and highlights the innovative strategies her school employs, including intense interventions and tailored support systems. With over 24 years of experience in special education, she emphasizes the importance of understanding each scholar's unique needs, fostering a supportive environment, and leveraging data to drive meaningful progress. Join us as we explore how faith and education can come together to create brighter futures for all students.

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Denise Geiger, the Senior Transition Coordinator for special education at Leander ISD in Texas. Denise shares her profound journey in transitioning students from school to adulthood, emphasizing the importance of early transition planning. She reflects on moving beyond compliance to empower students with a strong voice in their own lives. Denise shares inspiring success stories, including students who have overcome challenges to lead fulfilling lives. We discuss the need for community partnerships and innovative approaches like reverse job fairs that connect students with real-world opportunities. Join us as we explore how every life deserves an investment in their future and the transformative power of believing in oneself.

In this conversation, Janet Courtney sits down with Steve Rosa — superintendent and principal of Pine Ridge Elementary School — to explore how a school truly becomes the heart of a community. From the devastation of the 2020 Creek Fire to the ongoing challenges of COVID‑19, Steve shares how Pine Ridge’s resilience was tested — and strengthened — through the power of relationships, service, and unwavering community support.

Steve recounts how more than half of his staff and many families lost their homes, yet the school building stayed intact. It’s a story of loss, yes — but also of collective courage, mutual care, and the belief that taking care of people is the first step toward renewal. Together with students, staff, and local partners, Pine Ridge expanded mental health supports, built stronger communication systems, and learned to educate the whole child — not just the mind.

This episode is a testament to what happens when leaders choose to do right by people, when communities rally around one another, and when hope is renewed through service. Listeners will find practical insight and emotional grounding in Steve’s reflections on trauma, empathy, and servant leadership.

What happens when students lead the charge toward inclusion?

In this inspiring episode of Brighter Together, Megan Hsu—Special Education Program Manager at Sunnyvale Elementary School District—shares how her district is turning traditional inclusion on its head. With a powerful 'reverse inclusion' model, general education students are stepping into special education classrooms—and becoming advocates, leaders, and changemakers in the process.

From Down syndrome awareness weeks to student-run coffee carts, this conversation is a masterclass in what can happen when educators build programs that celebrate every student's voice. Megan reveals how strong teams, intentional design, and student ownership are transforming the culture of special education at Sunnyvale—and what your school can learn from it.

In this episode of Brighter Together, join me, Janet Courtney, as I sit down with Jan Masterson, a specialist in induction and mentoring for new teachers at Leander ISD in Texas. Jan shares her passion for supporting new educators and emphasizes the importance of building confidence and community in the teaching profession. We discuss the challenges faced by new teachers, including the struggle with imposter syndrome and the need for mentorship. Jan highlights the power of celebrating student growth and fostering a positive, strengths-based narrative in education. Discover how collaboration and ongoing support can transform teaching experiences and ultimately benefit students. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that reinforces the belief that we are indeed better together.

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Taylor Stanton, the superintendent of the Museum School District in San Diego, to explore the transformative power of individualized learning. Taylor shares insights on how their small charter school fosters a growth mindset among educators while prioritizing hands-on, project-based learning that integrates the arts. We discuss the challenges teachers face in adapting to modern educational demands and the importance of community involvement in schools. Taylor emphasizes the unique bond formed between students and staff as they navigate the journey of education together. Join us to discover how innovative approaches are reshaping the educational landscape and what it truly means to meet every child's individual needs.

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Marty Remmers, the Director of San Joaquin County SELPA, to explore the crucial role of Special Education Local Plan Areas in supporting students, schools, and educational systems. We delve into what SELPAs do, the resources they provide, and how they navigate the diverse needs of different districts. Marty shares insights on the importance of inclusion, staff recruitment, and retention in special education. He emphasizes the supportive network that SELPAs offer to families and educators, encouraging listeners to reach out for assistance. Whether you're a parent, a teacher, or part of a community organization, this episode sheds light on how SELPAs can be a lifeline in the complex world of special education. Tune in to learn more about the impactful work being done to uplift our students and communities.

In this enlightening episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Gina Lynch, the superintendent of Palmdale Aerospace Academy, to explore innovative approaches in education that prepare students for the future. Gina shares her journey to leadership and the unique challenges of managing a charter school deeply rooted in the aerospace industry. We discuss the impact of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) education on student engagement and the importance of creating learning environments that foster creativity and critical thinking. Gina highlights how hands-on learning and modern classroom designs are vital to inspiring students, particularly those from diverse and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Join us as we delve into practical strategies that empower educators to challenge the status quo and make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.

How do you prepare students for life after high school when the world wasn’t built with them in mind?

In this episode, Kari Radzik, Transition Coordinator at Mattawan Consolidated Schools, shares how her 18–21-year-old students are thriving through vocational training, community partnerships, and fiercely personalized support. From making hotel beds to handling customer service, these students are learning how to live and work with confidence.

Kari also opens up about the challenge of helping students advocate for themselves in a system that often underestimates them—and why success isn’t just about employment, but about having choices.

If you believe every student deserves a future they can be proud of, this episode is for you.

What if school looked nothing like what we’re used to?

In this inspiring episode, Superintendent Mark Odsather shares how Pleasant View Elementary School District has fully transformed traditional education into a vibrant, project-based learning environment. With open classrooms, integrated special education, and students as young as TK designing financial literacy projects, Pleasant View is proving that public schools can be places of innovation, equity, and joy.

Mark walks us through why soft skills matter more than test scores, how students are using AI to co-create their learning, and why social capital might be the most important thing we can teach.

Whether you’re a school leader, teacher, or parent, this conversation will challenge everything you thought education had to be—and offer a glimpse of what it could become.