Brighter Together

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Adam Zingsheim, the Director of Pupil Services at Verona Area Schools in Wisconsin. We discuss the critical balance between academic excellence and emotional growth in education. Adam shares insights on how their district is addressing the ongoing challenges of supporting students' social-emotional learning alongside their academic needs. He emphasizes the importance of fostering a positive learning climate where students feel seen and heard. We explore innovative strategies that have been implemented to enhance communication skills and problem-solving abilities among students, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Join us for an enlightening conversation about nurturing the whole child and creating a supportive environment for both educators and students.

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Megan Myers, the superintendent of Parkers Prairie Public Schools in Minnesota. We explore the delicate balance between vulnerability and leadership, especially in her role where tough decisions often come with mixed reactions. Megan shares her journey from a passionate teacher to a dedicated leader, emphasizing the importance of building relationships within the school community. We discuss the power of knowing students' names and the impact of personal connections on fostering a positive school culture. Join us as we reflect on the essence of education, the value of empathy, and the profound effects of genuine relationships in shaping the future of our youth. Don't miss this insightful conversation about leadership, community, and the heart of education.

In this episode, Dr. Brandon Lunak, Superintendent of Moorhead Area Public Schools, shares how intentional leadership and community partnership are shaping one of Minnesota’s fastest-growing school districts. From the construction of a new high school and Career Academy to the launch of district-wide showcase events, Dr. Lunak explains how Moorhead is keeping connection at the heart of its growth.

You’ll discover:

- How Moorhead’s 'district showcase' event brings families, schools, and community organizations together

- The story behind the new Career Academy and its impact on post-secondary opportunities

- Why local partnerships and trust make large districts feel personal and inclusive

- How financial challenges become opportunities when leaders prioritize transparency and gratitude

Dr. Lunak reminds us that when schools build with purpose and lead with connection, size never overshadows community.

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Jason Gribble, the Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Curriculum and Operations at Taylor School District in Michigan. We delve into the critical intersection of technology and education, particularly focusing on the challenges posed by communication devices and social media in schools. Jason shares insights on how the district is implementing a new policy to restrict cell phone use in classrooms, emphasizing the need to foster meaningful interactions among students and reduce anxiety linked to social media. With over 3,800 students under his care, Jason's experiences and strategies can offer valuable lessons for educators navigating similar issues nationwide. Join us as we explore innovative leadership in education and the vital role culture plays in shaping young minds.

In this episode, Kimberli Halliday—Director of Exceptional Student Education at Flagler County Public Schools—shares how consistency, clarity, and community have reshaped services for students with disabilities. From scattered paper trails to systematic documentation, Kimberli explains how her district is ensuring that every student receives the support promised in their IEP.

You’ll hear:

- How “getting to yes” became the guiding principle for serving all students

- Why building transparent systems restores trust with families and staff

- The impact of the Transformer Summer Conference on professional learning and teacher readiness

- How community partnerships strengthen outcomes for exceptional students

- Why investing in consistency leads to equity and growth across schools

Kimberli’s leadership reminds us that inclusion and equity don’t happen by accident—they’re built through systems that care.

In this episode, Kelly LaBelle Lewis, Assistant Director of Special Services at Red Lake ISD 38, shares how equity and cultural responsiveness shape her work with Native American students and families. Drawing from her own heritage and experience, Kelly explains why resilience is only part of the story — and how hope and joy must lead the way.

You’ll learn:

- Why resilience is a muscle, not a permanent state — and why educators need rest and hope to sustain change

- How cultural pedagogy shifts from 'teaching culture' to 'using culture to teach'

- Why over-identification in special education matters, and how projects like Dreamcatcher bring equity to the referral process

- What belonging means when all students are recognized as general education students first

- How hope, joy, and trust create stronger relationships with students, staff, and families

Kelly’s insights remind us that equity isn’t just policy — it’s practice, presence, and purpose.

In this episode, Jon Arens takes us inside the realities of school leadership and the hidden assumptions that shape how students learn—or don’t. From his journey into special education leadership to the fight for stronger reading interventions under Wisconsin’s Act 20, Jon challenges the myths that hold schools back.

You’ll discover:

- Why dyslexia is misunderstood in special education—and what parents and leaders should know

- How reading intervention must evolve for middle and high school students

- Why collaboration across teams changes everything for student outcomes

- What leaders can do to dismantle the stigma families often face when seeking support

This candid conversation reminds us: leadership isn’t about managing programs, it’s about removing barriers.

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Dr. Christine Powell, founder of Learning By Connecting Education Therapy. We explore the transformative power of understanding ADHD, not just as a challenge but as a potential strength. With over 20 years in special education, Christine shares her insights on executive functioning and how it impacts students with unique learning profiles. We discuss the shift from negative labels to recognizing the capabilities of neurodiverse individuals, emphasizing the importance of confidence and self-awareness. Christine also offers practical strategies for parents and educators to support students in organizing their thoughts and managing their time effectively. Join us for a conversation that inspires a new perspective on learning and empowerment for all students.

In this episode, Ryan Rehnstrand shares his journey from student services director to interim executive director at Lionsgate Academy—and why he’s committed to staying until retirement.

Ryan opens up about what makes Lionsgate unique: a charter school where nearly every student has an IEP, where general and special education teachers collaborate without silos, and where trust with families is the foundation of every decision.

You’ll hear about:

- How Lionsgate built the nation’s only setting four behavioral program in a charter school

- Why smaller class sizes and constant accommodations create belonging for students on the spectrum

- The reality of funding challenges in charter schools—and why Ryan refuses to cut corners for kids

- How COVID reshaped student mental health and what schools can do about it

- The graduation tradition that turns staff-student relationships into unforgettable moments

Ryan’s passion is contagious, reminding us that dignity isn’t a bonus in education—it’s the design.

What does it really mean to lead with eyes open?

In this powerful episode, Joe Pendleton— SEL-Behavior Specialist at Wildwood Elementary School in Mahtomedi, Minnesota—opens up about the challenges and convictions that shape his work. From navigating funding gaps to advocating for systems-level change, Joe models a kind of leadership that blends realism with hope.

Whether he’s discussing transportation equity, trauma-informed practice, or what it takes to challenge the status quo, Joe brings the kind of clarity that only comes from lived experience.

This conversation is for school leaders who know that courage isn’t loud—it’s consistent.