Brighter Together

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Sharon Castelli, the superintendent of Uwharrie Charter Academy in Asheboro, North Carolina. We discuss the remarkable growth of Uwharrie, which has expanded from a high school into a thriving K-12 institution serving over 2,300 students. Sharon shares her insights on the challenges facing education today, particularly the alarming decline in interest in teaching, especially in special education. We explore innovative initiatives like the Career Academy, which partners students with local businesses for internships, ensuring they gain real-world experience. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the rewarding paths in education and the vital role of community partnerships in shaping future leaders.

In this episode, John Weekley joins us to explore how one leader’s decisions can shape an entire school culture. We dig into the power of intention in leadership—how clarity, consistency, and heart-led actions cause ripples across classrooms, staff, and students.

You’ll learn:

- Why small shifts in how you lead can multiply influence over time

- Specific practices that help your leadership land (not just in vision, but in daily habits)

- How to build trust, ownership, and resilience in your school system

- Real stories John shares of transformation when leadership leans into purpose

If you’ve ever felt the gap between your intentions and your impact, this conversation is for you. Together, we’ll map a path from meaningful ideas to lasting influence.

How do you lead radical change in a district facing generational challenges?

In this episode, Dr. Mit Foley, Assistant Superintendent of Saginaw Public Schools, shares how heart and strategy drive every initiative—from multi-million dollar school builds to international teacher recruitment.

Dr. Foley unpacks what it means to expand opportunity in an urban district where 84% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. Whether it’s turning around graduation rates, launching CTE programs, or building Michigan’s only gifted-and-talented campus, this is a masterclass in equity-centered leadership.

This conversation is a must for any school leader ready to stop managing symptoms—and start transforming systems.

How do we build school systems that serve the whole child—not just their paperwork?

Jill Dunn, Coordinator of Tiered Supports at Rochester Public Schools, brings a social worker’s heart and a behavior analyst’s precision to one of education’s most urgent challenges: equity in literacy.

In this conversation, Jill reveals why she calls literacy a social justice issue, how MTSS can humanize education, and what happens when we finally start aligning systems to student needs. From special ed settings to district-wide reform, you’ll hear why Jill’s story is a masterclass in meaningful, collaborative leadership.

This episode is for school leaders who are done with band-aids—and ready to build structures that last.

In this episode of Brighter Together, Anthony Barnes shares a deeply personal and powerful story: from being a student in special education to leading systems that serve students just like him.

He unpacks the structural biases, labeling issues, and missed opportunities that too many students face—and how school leaders can dismantle those patterns with empathy, equity, and lived experience.

This isn’t just an episode about special education—it’s about what happens when the people making decisions have walked the same path.

In this episode of the Brighter Together podcast, two seasoned principals from Heartland Lakeside reveal what it *really* takes to build a school culture where students—and staff—thrive. Heather Whelan and Michelle Schmidt don’t just talk about trust, inclusion, and coaching—they live it. From transforming special education models to embedding emotional support into everyday routines, this conversation is a blueprint for meaningful collaboration between educators and therapists.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s possible when every teacher, therapist, and administrator pulls in the same direction—this one’s for you.

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Susan Austin, the assistant superintendent of Maine School Administration District Number 60. We delve into how this school district is taking innovative steps to support students facing housing instability. Susan shares her passion for ensuring every child feels seen and valued, particularly those who are homeless or struggling with stable housing. We discuss the importance of community support, the role of local businesses, and how building relationships helps students transition successfully into adulthood. Susan also highlights the need for belief in our school systems and the vital role education plays in fostering good citizenship. Join us as we explore how one district is making a significant impact on its students' lives, proving that together, we can create a brighter future.

What if your school ran without a principal—and still thrived?

In this episode of Brighter Together, Nate Moore shares how Laura Jeffrey Academy's educator-led model is reimagining school leadership. From inclusive education to rapid-response student support, the team at LJA is making bold moves—like opening a new classroom midyear to meet emerging needs.

With a focus on STEM, environmental learning, and life skills like financial literacy, this conversation reveals what’s possible when flexibility and compassion guide school decisions.

In this powerful episode of Brighter Together, Joe Harrington shares the moment that changed everything—when a school lost a student to a preventable cardiac event.

Now, Joe is leading a grassroots movement to equip schools with CPR and AED access through public school advocacy and legislative momentum. He breaks down why cardiac safety belongs in every school’s curriculum, and how educators and families can be the force that saves lives.

If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to lead with love, urgency, and purpose—this is that story.

What if school felt more like sanctuary than survival?

In this episode of Brighter Together, Danielle Scott—principal of a small-town elementary school—opens up about the emotional heartbeat of education. She shares how trauma-informed practices, embedded spiritual strength, and radical love for her community are shaping a campus where students and staff can exhale.

Whether you're leading a building, supporting teachers, or simply wondering how schools can heal, this is a conversation about presence, peace, and practical hope.