Brighter Together

In this insightful episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Bethany Smedley, Director of Talent Operations for Lighthouse Therapy, to explore the unique approach to recruiting therapists in the education sector. Bethany shares essential strategies for school leaders, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, patience, and clear communication in the hiring process. We discuss the challenges of licensing, the importance of finding the right fit, and how Lighthouse Therapy prioritizes transparency to support both schools and therapists. With a commitment to serving students first, this conversation highlights how a well-executed recruiting strategy can foster lasting relationships between educators and providers. Tune in to gain valuable insights that could transform your hiring process.

When Autumn Mattson stepped into leadership, she brought more than strategy—she brought herself. As superintendent of Creative Technologies Academy, Autumn shares what it means to lead with transparency, courage, and community-first values.

From her now-famous 'Pause. Listen. Lead.' bracelet mantra, to redefine leadership through servant-hearted presence, Autumn offers a refreshing vision of what school leadership can be—especially when data doesn't tell the whole story. This episode is for every administrator who's ever wondered if showing up as their full self could actually be the answer.

Real talk. Real transformation. Real leadership.

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Shanina Draughn, head of Macomb Montessori Academy, to explore a revolutionary perspective in education: prioritizing the human experience over mere academic performance. Shanina shares her journey from traditional teaching methods to embracing the Montessori philosophy, emphasizing the importance of allowing children to guide their own learning. We discuss the critical role of social-emotional learning and how fostering empathy and self-regulation can transform educational environments. Discover how Shanina's bold approach not only supports students’ academic growth but also nurtures their emotional well-being, ultimately creating a more compassionate community. Join us as we challenge the status quo and advocate for a more holistic approach to education.

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Ana Andrade, the Family Engagement and Community Outreach Manager at the United Community Center in Milwaukee. Ana shares her inspiring journey in family engagement, emphasizing the power of believing in parents to create lasting generational change. We explore the vital role parents play as a child's first teacher and how community programs bridge the gap between home and school. Ana discusses innovative family engagement events and practical strategies that empower parents, making education accessible and collaborative. Join us as we uncover how fostering belief in families can transform lives and impact entire communities for the better.

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Dr. Robert Sormani, superintendent of Manor ISD in Texas, to explore the district's ambitious vision for ensuring every student is college, career, and military ready by 2029. We delve into innovative programs like Project SEARCH, which empowers students with disabilities to gain job skills and independence. Dr. Sormani shares the impressive achievements of Manor ISD, including producing more students with associate's degrees than any other high school in Central Texas and fostering a thriving arts and athletics program. Join us as we discuss the importance of varied educational pathways and the collective efforts required to inspire hope and success in every student.

What does it take to expand a charter school—and actually make it work for multilingual students and special education?

Dr. Leslie Sparacello, Superintendent of Cedars International Academy, breaks down her bold leadership playbook for inclusive, high-impact education. From co-teaching to language supports to mentoring the next generation of principals, she’s building a system that works on purpose.

This episode is a roadmap for any school leader looking to do more than just grow. It’s for those ready to grow well—and with everyone in mind.

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Dr. Teddy Clevenger, the superintendent of Bartlett ISD in Texas, to discuss his innovative approach to overcoming challenges faced by rural schools. Dr. Clevenger shares insights on the importance of building strong relationships, fostering a supportive community, and prioritizing servant leadership. He introduces the "Grow Your Own" program, which empowers local students to become educators while alleviating teacher shortages. We also dive into the significance of advocacy in education and the ongoing efforts to enhance student success through tailored support and emotional well-being initiatives. Join us as we explore how faith and community can drive positive change in the educational landscape.

How do you lead when your district covers 100 miles and your staff drives 40 minutes just to get to school?

In this grounded and energizing episode, Nathan Wescott, Director of Special Services at Lincoln County School District #2, shares how he builds trust, retains staff, and builds systems that support both the brain and the heart.

From early childhood to SEL, from mentorship to bus routes, Nathan offers a deeply rural yet widely applicable blueprint for servant leadership that puts people first—every time.

Whether you’re leading a large district or a one-school town, Nathan’s reflections will remind you why culture, consistency, and community matter more than ever.

What if your morning drop-off didn’t feel like a panic attack in slow motion?

In this hope-filled episode, Shayna Stuempfig, LCSW and Berkeley-based therapist, walks us through the SPACE model—a parent-led approach to reducing childhood anxiety without forcing kids into therapy.

She shares how schools and caregivers can work together to reduce accommodations that feed anxiety, and instead use love, boundaries, and structure to build resilience.

Shayna doesn’t just offer therapy—she offers tools. And for every parent navigating tough goodbyes, she reminds us: you don’t have to wait for your child to be ready to get help.

What happens when we stop blaming families and start transforming systems?

Patty Garcia, Assistant Director at ESC Region 14 and host of the Sped Talk podcast, brings a refreshing, no-excuses voice to this episode of Brighter Together. Drawing from her background as a teacher, coach, and SPED administrator, Patty breaks down how Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) must be rooted in compassion—not compliance.

She shares how silos between general and special education get in the way of real student growth and how service centers can lead the way in bridging those gaps.

This episode is a bold call to every educator who believes empathy belongs in every IEP meeting, hallway conversation, and data review.