In this powerful and timely episode, we explore what safety really means for schools and communities — not just in theory, but in action.

Hosts Maggie Joyce and Jenn Cobb sit down with:

• Ayla Tucker, Safety Director at the Shasta County Office of Education (SCOE)
• Jennifer James, Region 3 Regional Disaster Medical Health Specialist with the Sierra-Sacramento Valley EMS Agency

Together, they discuss how collaboration, communication, and proactive planning are strengthening safety and preparedness across Shasta County and beyond.

🔍 In This Episode

🤝 Building Safety Through Partnership

• How SCOE supports districts internally and externally to enhance preparedness
• Why collaboration between schools, law enforcement, EMS, public health, and fire agencies is critical
• The importance of relationship-building before disaster strikes

🚨 What Counts as a “Disaster”?

From wildfires and floods to infectious disease and power outages, disasters look different depending on where you stand. The conversation explores:

• How rural and regional realities shape emergency response
• Why resources and scale matter
• The importance of after-action reviews to improve future responses

🏫 Schools as Community Hubs

Schools are more than places of learning — they often serve as:

• Emergency shelters
• Communication hubs
• Points of medical distribution
• Community gathering centers

This makes integrating schools into regional disaster planning absolutely essential.

📢 The Power of Clear Communication

Jennifer shares what matters most to her as a parent:

• Timely, honest communication
• Clear explanations of what happened and what’s being done
• Sharing the “why” behind safety decisions

The conversation highlights how strong communication builds trust and reduces misinformation.

💻 Navigating the Digital World: Online Safety Initiative

Ayla introduces SCOE’s upcoming three-part online safety series in partnership with Common Sense Media.

The initiative will:

• Provide tools for families, educators, and school leaders
• Focus on empowerment rather than fear
• Address social media, AI, online predators, and digital well-being
• Include a community panel discussion at Mercy Oaks

The goal? To bring the entire community together to better support youth in today’s rapidly evolving digital environment.

🏢 Safer Schools Coalition: Standardizing Campus Safety

One exciting new initiative involves collaborating with law enforcement to implement a standardized campus building numbering system across Shasta County schools — modeled after a battle grid system.

Why it matters:

• First responders may not be familiar with every campus layout
• Seconds matter in emergencies
• Standardization can improve response time and outcomes

💡 Key Takeaways

• Safety is not a single program — it’s a system built on relationships.
• Preparedness requires practice, planning, and honest evaluation.
• Communication is often the most critical (and most challenging) part of any response.
• Everyone plays a role — even small contributions matter.
• Human connection remains one of our strongest protective factors.

🌟 A Hope for the Next Generation

The episode closes with reflections on mentorship, service, and the importance of simplifying life in a fast-paced world. Jennifer shares her hope that future generations prioritize real connection, community involvement, and meaningful contribution — even if it’s just an hour a day.

Hosts:
Maggie Joyce & Jenn Cobb

Guests:

• Jacob Garcia, Student Board Member, West Valley High School
• Abby Deng, Student Board Member, Enterprise High School
• Emily Rogers, Youth Commission Member, Central Valley High School
• Reese DeCosta, Youth Commission Member, Shasta High School

🎙️ Episode Summary

In this powerful and honest episode of Inspire Shasta, we turn the microphone over to students. Maggie Joyce and Jenn Cobb are joined by SCOE Student Board Members and Youth Commission representatives who share what it’s really like to be a student today—and what they wish adults better understood.

From peer pressure and social media to substance use, mental health, and the importance of feeling seen at school, these young leaders speak candidly about the pressures they face and the adults who have made a lasting difference in their lives. Their insights offer a meaningful reminder that student voice isn’t just valuable—it’s essential.

🌟 Topics Covered

• What peer pressure really looks like in 2026—and why it’s often subtle, not explicit
• How social media shapes popularity, identity, and mental health
• Easy access to substances and the role of education and awareness on school campuses
• Why asking for help can be one of the hardest things for students to do
• The hidden pressures students carry outside of school—jobs, family responsibilities, and stress
• What genuine support from teachers looks like (and what feels forced or dismissive)
• How small actions—checking in, listening, noticing—make students feel seen
• Ideas students would implement as “principal for a day” to improve wellbeing
• Advice for middle schoolers who are nervous about starting high school
• Coping strategies that help students stay true to themselves
• Adults—teachers, counselors, principals, parents—who have made a lasting impact

💬 Memorable Quotes

🌱 Key Takeaways for Educators & Leaders

• Relationships matter more than programs
• Students notice authenticity immediately
• Flexibility and understanding go a long way
• Student voice leads to real, positive change
• Small moments of connection create lifelong impact

❤️ Final Thoughts

This episode is a reminder that when we truly listen to students, we gain insight, clarity, and direction. Their voices help shape better schools, stronger communities, and more supportive systems for the next generation.

Guests:

• Nathan Fairchild, Science Director, Shasta County Office of Education; Director of Whiskeytown Environmental School (WES)
• Dr. Melinda Kashuba, President, WES Community (Nonprofit Partner)

Hosts:
Maggie Joyce & Jenn Cobb

🌲 Episode Summary

For more than 50 years, Whiskeytown Environmental School (WES) has been a beloved rite of passage for Shasta County students—a week of cabins, night hikes, creek explorations, and unforgettable outdoor learning. In this episode, we sit down with two leaders at the heart of its rebirth: Nate Fairchild, SCOE’s Science Director, and Dr. Melinda Kashuba, president of the nonprofit WES Community.

They share the remarkable story of WES—from its origins in the 1970s environmental movement, to the devastation of the 2018 Carr Fire, to today’s extraordinary community-driven rebuild. You’ll hear how thousands of donors, volunteers, and partners have rallied to bring this outdoor school back stronger than ever—fully accessible, environmentally thoughtful, and ready to serve new generations of students.

This episode is filled with history, hope, and heartfelt stories about the power of nature-based learning and the community that refuses to let WES fade away.

🌟 Topics Covered

• Origins of WES: How environmental legislation in the 1970s created a nationwide need for hands-on outdoor education
• The WES experience: Cabins, night hikes, nature immersion, and the magic students remember for a lifetime
• Impact of the Carr Fire: Damage, safety concerns, and the long path toward recovery
• The $7.5M rebuild effort: How five volunteers and a community of supporters raised nearly $6M so far
• Partnership with the National Park Service: Unique land use, shared planning, and the long-term vision
• What’s being rebuilt
• Future programming
• Why it matters: Belonging, curiosity, resilience, and access to nature for every student
• How the community can help: Funding, volunteering, advocacy, and engaging in school district LCAP planning

💬 Memorable Quotes

🏕️ What Makes WES Special?

• It’s one of the last remaining outdoor schools still operating on National Park Service land.
• More than 155,000 students have attended since 1970.
• It offers rare access to creeks, trails, forests, and wildlife—all within minutes of Redding.
• It creates lifelong memories and deep emotional connections to nature.

🌱 Final Thoughts

WES is more than a camp—it’s a transformative experience that shapes how students see themselves, their community, and the natural world. Thanks to relentless volunteers, dedicated educators, and a generous community, Whiskeytown Environmental School is on its way back—stronger, safer, and ready for the next 50 years.

Guests:

• Jill North, Principal, Tri Mountain Academy
• Cheyenne Mizenko, Principal, Excel Academy
  Hosted by Maggie Joyce and Jenn Cobb

🎙️ Episode Summary

In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode of Inspire Shasta, hosts Maggie Joyce and Jenn Cobb sit down with two remarkable leaders from Shasta County Office of Education’s Student Programs—Jill North of Tri Mountain Academy and Cheyenne Mizenko of Excel Academy. Together, they discuss how alternative education is transforming lives, building hope, and redefining success for students who need something different from the traditional classroom.

From juvenile court schools to special education and independent study, Jill and Cheyenne share how their programs focus on relationships, safety, and belonging—and how they’re working to change the stigma around alternative education.

🌟 Topics Covered

• The unique missions of Tri Mountain Academy, Excel Academy, and Independent Study
• How SCOE’s Student Programs serve students with behavioral, academic, or social-emotional needs
• Redefining “alternative education” and dismantling old stereotypes
• Building safe, relationship-centered classrooms where students and families feel seen and supported
• Dual enrollment opportunities that help students earn college credit and envision a brighter future
• Innovative “warm handoffs” that support students as they return to their home districts
• Creative campus design, sensory rooms, and wellness centers that make learning spaces feel like home
• Staff mindfulness and mental wellness as a foundation for student success
• New initiatives in career technical education (CTE) to prepare students for life after school
• Beautification and school pride—how campuses like Tri Mountain and Excel are transforming their environments to reflect care, dignity, and student pride

💬 Memorable Quotes

🌱 Programs Highlighted

• Tri Mountain Academy: SCOE’s juvenile court school serving grades 7–12, where students receive direct instruction, dual enrollment options, and CTE pathways.
• Excel Academy: Serving K–8 students in special education who need intensive behavioral and emotional support in a structured, caring environment.
• Shasta County Independent Study: Offering flexibility and connection for students in grades 6–12, including dual enrollment and mental wellness support.

🧭 Learn More

Discover how SCOE’s Student Programs are helping students and families build resilience, confidence, and connection.
🔗 ShastaCOE.org

❤️ Final Thoughts

Alternative education isn’t a last resort—it’s a launchpad for growth. With compassion, creativity, and high expectations, educators in Shasta County are rewriting the story for students who once felt left behind. Every student deserves a safe space to learn, belong, and believe in what’s possible next.

🎙️ Listen & Subscribe:
Find Inspire Shasta on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Inspire Shasta, hosts Maggie Joyce and Jenn Cobb sit down with Nick Lott, incoming Director of Project SHARE, and Joshua Cohen, Project SHARE Area Coordinator, to talk about how afterschool programs are transforming lives in Shasta County. From STEM activities and outdoor adventures to family partnerships and safe spaces, Project SHARE (which stands for Shasta Health, Academics, Recreation, and Enrichment) is creating learning experiences that last far beyond the school day.

Later in the episode, we welcome Tiffany Dorroh and Tom Vanderpool, Co-Directors of Redding STEM Academy, who share how Project SHARE enhances their school’s culture, academic goals, and family engagement. Together, they paint a vivid picture of what “expanded learning” really means—and why it’s so much more than childcare.

🌟 Topics Covered:

• How Nick and Joshua found their way into education through connection and community
• The meaning and purpose behind Lights On Afterschool, a nationwide celebration of expanded learning programs
• STEM and enrichment activities that make learning fun and disguised—like robotics, Z-Tag games, Piper computer kits, and outdoor adventure programs
• How Project SHARE supports learning recovery through hands-on exploration and play
• The role of liaisons and facilitators as the heart of afterschool connection
• Partnering with schools to integrate academics, social-emotional learning, and family engagement
• Summer programs that bring outdoor learning and field trips to life
• How safe, consistent afterschool spaces support students’ mental health and sense of belonging
• Redding STEM Academy’s creative ELOP clubs—from Lego Masters and Moon Tree Club to Dungeons & Dragons and Kindness Club—and how SHARE bridges the gap between academics and enrichment

💬 Memorable Quotes:

🔦 Program Spotlight: Lights On Afterschool

Each October, Project SHARE joins the national celebration of Lights On Afterschool—a time to showcase the enrichment, creativity, and connection that happen in expanded learning programs. From STEM showcases and family barbecues to community partnerships at the Sundial Bridge, the events shine a light on why afterschool matters.

🧭 Learn More & Get Involved:

• Project SHARE – Expanded learning programs offered through the Shasta County Office of Education at 22 sites across the county.
• Celebrate Lights On Afterschool this October 22–24 and see how afterschool programs are lighting up our communities!
• Visit ShastaCOE.org for more information.

❤️ Final Thoughts:

Expanded learning isn’t just an extension of the school day—it’s where students build relationships, explore interests, and discover what they’re capable of. Whether it’s robotics, reading, outdoor adventure, or just finding a trusted adult, Project SHARE proves that learning happens best when kids feel safe, seen, and connected.

🎙️ Listen & Subscribe:
Find Inspire Shasta on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Inspire Shasta, host Maggie Joyce sits down with Katy Martin and Sam Dodson, Directors of Transportation for the Shasta County Office of Education. Together, they pull back the curtain on what it takes to safely transport hundreds of students across 15 districts and 35 school sites every single day.

From 4:45 a.m. starts to 380,000 miles traveled in a year, Katy and Sam share the challenges, the heart, and the deep commitment that keep the wheels turning. They talk about serving students with special needs, supporting foster and homeless youth, recruiting and training bus drivers, and the incredible role drivers play as trusted adults in students’ lives.

You’ll also hear touching stories about staff dedication, including a pandemic-era bus parade to honor drivers, and what it means to create a culture of hope, laughter, and teamwork even amid daily challenges.

🚌 Topics Covered:

• How SCOE Transportation supports 15 districts, 35 schools, and 262 students daily
• The extensive training and certification process for California bus drivers
• Daily operations: 31 buses, 22 routes, field trips, and dispatch “real-life Tetris”
• Recruiting and retaining drivers amid ongoing shortages
• How bus drivers build bonds with students and families as safe, consistent adults
• Partnerships with districts that don’t have their own transportation departments
• The pride and responsibility of maintaining one of the safest fleets in the state
• Stories of teamwork, resilience, and creativity (including a surprise bus parade during COVID-19)

💡 Memorable Quotes:

🧭 Resources & How to Get Involved:

• Interested in becoming a school bus driver? Call SCOE Transportation at (530) 225-0340 and ask for Sam or Larissa.
• Learn more about SCOE programs: ShastaCOE.org

🌟 Final Thoughts:

Behind every school day in Shasta County is a transportation team that makes sure students arrive safely, supported, and ready to learn. Episode 13 is a heartfelt reminder that sometimes the most important classrooms have wheels—and the lessons are about reliability, care, and connection.

🎙️ Listen & Subscribe:
Find Inspire Shasta on your favorite podcast platform.

Episode Summary: 

In this episode of Inspire Shasta, Shasta County Superintendent of Schools Mike Freeman returns to the show for Episode 12 to look back on 2024–25 and set the tone for 2025–26. 

Episode snapshot

• New year, new theme: Moving from last year’s Anything Is Possible to this year’s call to action: Make It Happen—a focus on doing the few things that matter most, with urgency and intention. (Shoutout to past guest Carla James’s “do it scared” inspiration.) 
  
  
• Activation moments: Team “All Call” banner where staff wrote what they’ll make happen—and a new “Made It Happen” sticker tradition to celebrate real wins across SCOE. 
  
  
• Four pillars for 2025–26:
  1. Organization-wide culture of excellence
  2. Safe, effective learning environments
  3. Successful programs grounded in data & accountability
  4. Strong partnerships that help people succeed
     These also serve as a filter for priorities: anything is possible, but we can’t do everything. 
• Scoreboard & accountability: Build a scoreboard so teams know when we’re winning—and when to pivot. “Mike Freeman 2.0” asks to be held accountable. 
  
  
• Celebrating partners: Starting board meetings by honoring a community partner—simple, sincere recognition that strengthens collaboration. 
  
  
• Leadership & mentorship: Double-down on developing leaders and normalizing a “winning or learning” mindset. 
  
  

Memorable quotes

• “Give me a scoreboard so we know when we’re winning—and when to improve.” 
  
  
• “We want to be part of people’s success stories.” 
  
  

Listen & share: Subscribe to Inspire Shasta, leave a review, and pass this episode along to a colleague or community partner who’s ready to make it happen.

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Inspire Shasta, hosts Maggie Joyce and Jenn Cobb explore the vital work happening across Shasta County to combat youth tobacco and vape use. Debbie Burkett, Tobacco Compliance Specialist at Shasta County Public Health, shares what it’s like to visit more than 200 retailers across the county, educate business owners, and work alongside law enforcement to keep illegal tobacco products out of kids’ hands. Debbie breaks down new laws, compliance checks, and a proposed new local tobacco retail license in the city of Redding. Then we hear from youth advocates Audrey Bull and Kaitlyn Wendland, two inspiring young leaders who’ve grown up in Shasta County and stepped up as powerful voices for prevention. They share their lived experiences, what they’ve seen in local schools, how peer pressure impacts youth, and the power of youth-led education and policy change—including speaking at Redding City Council meetings.

💬 Topics Covered:

• Tobacco and vape product laws in California, including flavored product bans
• What it’s like doing tobacco compliance checks with local retailers and law enforcement
• Why a local tobacco retail license could change the game for prevention
• Firsthand stories from students about vaping in school bathrooms, peer pressure, and intervention
• The role of personal growth classes and early education in prevention
• Youth advocacy and how it influenced city policy
• Shifting the norm: making it “cool” to care about your health
• Moving from punishment to education-based responses for youth who vape
• Advice from young people on what messages and methods actually reach their peers

🔥 Memorable Quotes:

🧰 Resources & Get Involved:

• Tobacco Education Coalition (TEC) – Join a passionate group of community partners working to keep youth tobacco-free (https://www.shastacounty.gov/health-human-services/page/tobacco-education-coalition)
• Contact: Debbie Burkett, Tobacco Compliance Specialist, (530) 225-3745

🙌 Final Thoughts:

Youth voice is more than valuable—it’s essential. This episode shows how education, support, and action—especially from young leaders—can shift norms, shape policy, and protect the next generation. Whether you're a parent, teacher, student, or community member, there’s a role for you in prevention.

Episode Summary:
In this enriching episode of Inspire Shasta, hosts Maggie Joyce and Jenn Cobb are joined by two passionate advocates for early childhood development: Rea McFadden, Director of Early Childhood Workforce Development at the Shasta County Office of Education, and Amanda Keefer, Program Director with Shasta Head Start.

Together, they explore the transformative power of early childhood education—what programs exist in Shasta County, how parents can choose the right fit for their family, and the long-term impact of quality preschool experiences. From school readiness and family empowerment to health screenings and access to supportive services, this episode is packed with wisdom for anyone raising, teaching, or supporting young children.

🌱 Topics Covered:

• Options for early learning in Shasta County: preschool, transitional kindergarten, private and community-based care
• Choosing the right environment based on child needs, family values, and readiness
• The wide-reaching benefits of quality early education: academic, social-emotional, and lifelong
• Financial support through subsidies and eligibility beyond income thresholds
• The role of Help Me Grow Shasta in connecting families to resources
• Navigating the first days of preschool and helping children transition with confidence
• Importance of play-based learning and language-rich environments
• Screen time challenges and shifting post-pandemic developmental needs
• Collaborations that connect families to dental, vision, hearing, and developmental support

💡 Key Quotes:

🧰 Resources & Tools Mentioned:

• Shasta Head Start and California State Preschool Programs
• SCOE Early Childhood Services
• Help Me Grow Shasta
• Quality Counts North State
• Local Child Care Planning Council
• Vision and hearing screenings via Lions Club and UCSF
• Developmental support through Far Northern Regional Center and First 5 Shasta

🗣️ Final Thoughts:

Early childhood education is more than ABCs—it’s where children begin to build social skills, emotional regulation, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. With a wide range of choices and a strong network of community support, Shasta County families have powerful tools at their fingertips. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, this conversation offers the guidance and inspiration to give every child a strong start.

🔗 Learn more:

• Shasta Head Start
• SCOE Early Childhood Services
• Help Me Grow Shasta

🎙️ Subscribe to Inspire Shasta on your favorite podcast platform and follow along as we highlight the people and programs uplifting our community’s next generation.

Episode Summary:
In this insightful episode of Inspire Shasta, we dive into mental wellness in our schools. Hosts Jenn Cobb and Maggie Joyce sit down with two passionate advocates for student and staff well-being: Kelly Rizzi, Director of School and District Support at the Shasta County Office of Education (SCOE), and Pattie Bay, School Counselor at Sycamore Elementary.

Together, they explore the science behind mental health, trauma-informed practices, the Neurosequential Model of Education, restorative practices, and tangible ways to support both students and educators in navigating mental and emotional challenges.

You’ll hear inspiring stories, science-backed strategies, and practical tools that are transforming school culture across Shasta County—plus, thoughtful advice for parents, caregivers, and anyone who supports young people.

🧠 Topics Covered:

• The importance of grounding school wellness initiatives in brain science and empathy
• How SCOE supports districts through customized, responsive professional development
• The science of flipped lids, self-regulation, and classroom mini-lessons
• How schools like Cypress and Turtle Bay are implementing the Neurosequential Model of Education
• Common mental wellness challenges in students (e.g., anxiety, trauma, dysregulation)
• Tools and techniques for emotional regulation (5-4-3-2-1, safe place visualization, deep breathing)
• The power of restorative practices for both students and adults
• Advice for parents to support mental health at home, including car conversations and modeling vulnerability
• Misconceptions around youth behavior and mental health
• The value of relationships, safe adults, and helping kids build emotional vocabulary and agency

💡 Key Quotes:

🧰 Resources & Tools Mentioned:

• Neurosequential Model of Education (Dr. Bruce Perry)
• TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention)
• ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Training
• Restorative Chats & Accountability Projects
• Mini-lessons on brain science and regulation
• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

🗣️ Final Thoughts:

Mental wellness is not a one-time lesson—it’s a daily practice embedded into school culture, family dynamics, and community support. From understanding how trauma affects brain development to empowering students with regulation tools, this episode highlights how we can all play a role in creating emotionally safe and supportive environments for youth.

🔗 Learn more: Visit ShastaCOE.org.

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