Brighter Together

In this episode of Brighter Together, titled From Silent Lunchrooms to Board Games and Belonging, I sit down with Katie Joseph, Assistant Superintendent at Regional School Unit 1 in Bath, Maine. We explore the transformative journey of her district becoming phone and smartwatch-free to enhance student well-being. Katie shares the compelling impacts of this initiative, from fostering genuine connections and reducing anxiety to improving academic performance and overall mental health. Discover how a simple yet bold decision has revitalized school culture, turning silent lunchrooms into vibrant spaces filled with conversation and laughter. Join us as we discuss the challenges, successes, and the broader implications of this innovative approach in education.

In this episode of Brighter Together, Pearl Moses—Director of School Counseling for City of Pembroke Pines Charter School in Florida—shares her journey from school counselor to systems-level leader, and how her lens of care continues to shape every decision.

From the mental health toll of the pandemic to the loneliness of middle leadership, Pearl reflects on what it really takes to build empowered teams and sustain them. Her message is clear: student success and adult wellness are not competing priorities—they’re two sides of the same mission.

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Maria Libby, superintendent of MSAD 28 and Fivetown Community School District, and Michael Felton, superintendent of St. George Municipal School Unit. We explore the transformative approach of integrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) from kindergarten through high school. Maria shares insights on the benefits of outdoor and project-based learning in her districts in Midcoast, Maine, while Mike discusses the innovative pre-K to 12 CTE program in St. George, emphasizing hands-on, minds-on learning. We also delve into the challenges and opportunities posed by technology and AI in education, highlighting the importance of balancing digital tools with real-world experiences to foster student engagement and community connection. Join us as we uncover how these educational leaders are pioneering a revolution in early education.

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Andrew Dolloff, superintendent of Yarmouth Schools and author of The Trust Imperative. We delve into the essence of leading with empathy and integrity, exploring how these principles are vital for effective school leadership. Andrew shares insights from his extensive career in education, emphasizing the importance of building trust with students, staff, and the community. We discuss his upcoming book, Leading with Intent, which draws from experiences of renowned leaders across the country. Andrew underscores the significance of continuous learning and adaptability in education, advocating for decisions that prioritize students’ best interests. Join us as we explore the challenges and triumphs of educational leadership and the enduring impact of empathy and integrity in shaping future generations.

In this episode of Brighter Together, Matthew Gilbert, Assistant Superintendent of RSU 10 in western Maine, shares how his district is rebuilding engagement—starting with something as simple as a free breakfast and a smile.

Matthew discusses how chronic absenteeism and the erosion of classroom routines post-COVID have required not just programs, but belief. His team focuses on building student confidence through high fives, teacher support, and visible trust-building—all while managing special education reform and increased staff needs.

In this episode of Brighter Together, Jeremy Ray, superintendent of the Biddeford, Dayton, and Saco school districts in Maine, shares the multi-layered challenges facing public education today—and the innovative ways his teams are addressing them.

From tackling housing affordability and staffing shortages to launching “resiliency coordinators” and a regional educational service center for speech therapy, Jeremy outlines a deeply human approach to leadership. His focus: build relationships, remove barriers, and meet families where they are.

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Anita Bamford, the lead physical therapist at Northside ISD in San Antonio, Texas. We explore the transformative role of physical therapists in schools, particularly in supporting special education students. Anita shares her 32-year journey at Northside ISD, highlighting the district's pioneering integrative model that empowers therapists as educators. This approach ensures that students with neurological and orthopedic challenges can actively participate in their educational programs. Anita discusses the collaborative efforts among physical, occupational, and speech therapists to optimize student positioning and access to learning. We also delve into the challenges faced by educators, emphasizing the need for more resources and support. Join us to discover how Northside ISD is setting a benchmark for inclusive education and the vital role therapists play in shaping brighter futures for all students.

In this episode of Brighter Together, Brian Myrup, Managing Director at York Preparatory Academy in South Carolina, shares the story of a school once on the verge of closure—now thriving with a waitlist of over 1,000 students.

We explore how strategic board governance, personalized student learning, and a teacher-centered culture transformed York Prep’s trajectory. From the innovative Teacher Fastpass onboarding program to a school-wide wellness approach, Brian’s leadership philosophy is simple but powerful: trust, verify, and support.

Join me on this episode of Brighter Together as I sit down with Kathleen Wolney, the Director of Student Services at Grosse Pointe Academy in Michigan. We delve into the unique educational environment at this preschool through eighth-grade institution, where Kathleen also teaches seventh-grade math. Discover the challenges and rewards of working with middle school students, and explore the impact of technology on education. Kathleen shares insights into how Grosse Pointe Academy balances the benefits and drawbacks of technology, from VR goggles to structured literacy programs like Orton Gillingham. We also discuss the importance of enrollment growth and the creative ways the school is addressing modern educational challenges. Tune in to learn more about fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment.

In this episode of Brighter Together, James Taylor, Dean of Students at Rockwell Charter School, shares what it takes to lead in a rapidly evolving educational environment. From small class sizes to integrating AI tools responsibly, James gives a candid look at what’s working—and what needs to change.

Together, we explore how schools can rise above the noise of technology, standardization, and growing student apathy by focusing on relevance, purpose, and engagement. James's journey from special education teacher to school leader reveals how heart-centered leadership and intentional innovation can reignite passion for learning in today’s students.