Inspire Shasta

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.

🎙️ Subscribe to Inspire Shasta to stay inspired by the stories shaping our community.

In this inspiring episode, we hit the road to spotlight the incredible educators named Shasta County's 2024–2025 Teachers of the Year. Join us as we sit down inside real classrooms with three passionate teachers—Cory Poole, Rebecca Lahey, and Bill Hutt —to learn about their unique paths, philosophies, and the impact they're making on students every day.

✨ Featured Guests:

• Cory Poole – Math and Science Teacher, University Preparatory School (U-Prep)
  From aspiring aerospace engineer to passionate educator, Cory explains how a standout physics professor inspired his teaching journey. Now in his 20th year at U-Prep, he shares how he keeps calculus and physics engaging, builds meaningful student relationships, and encourages curiosity in a digital world.
• Rebecca Lahey – 2nd and 3rd Grade Teacher, Redding School of the Arts
  With 26 years in education, Rebecca shares how her family legacy and a transformative high school class led her into teaching. She emphasizes the importance of creating a safe, joyful classroom "family," and how RSA’s thematic and creative approach fuels student engagement and learning.
• Bill Hutt – 6th–8th Grade Social Studies & Math Teacher, Millville Elementary
  A former grocery business and Air Force professional turned educator, Bill reflects on 24 years in the classroom. He discusses the power of consistency, fairness, and connection, offering heartfelt insights on teaching in a rural, tight-knit school community where chickens and goats sometimes wander into class!

💡 Key Themes:

• The importance of relationship-building in education
• Creating safe and engaging learning environments
• Reflective practice and lifelong learning as a teacher
• School community culture and collaboration
• Advice for aspiring and new educators
• Hopeful visions for the next generation

🙌 Whether you're an educator, parent, or simply a fan of great storytelling, this episode is a moving tribute to the heart and soul of Shasta County schools—our teachers.

🎧 Tune in now to get inspired by the passion, wisdom, and warmth of these exceptional educators.

In this episode of the Inspire Shasta podcast, we dive into the transformative power of hope with Tara Schwerdt, School Counselor Coordinator for the Shasta County Office of Education, and Stephanie Miller, School Counselor at Igo Ono and Shasta Elementary Schools. Stephanie was recently honored as the Shasta County School Counselor of the Year for her work in supporting students through hope-centered interventions.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Science of Hope: Tara Schwerdt explains how hope can be measured and taught, based on the work of Dr. Chan Hellman.
• Hope in Schools: How Shasta County educators are implementing hope-based interventions to support students, staff, and the broader community.
• Resilience Through Adversity: Stephanie shares her personal experiences working with students affected by major crises, including the Carr and Zogg Fires, and the impact of hope-focused strategies in rebuilding their sense of agency and well-being.
• Hope Small Groups: A deep dive into how small group counseling helps students set and achieve meaningful goals, improve academic performance, and develop resilience.
• Measuring Impact: How hope scores correlate with attendance, academic success, and behavioral improvements.
• Expanding the Work: The growing adoption of hope-based frameworks across Shasta County and nationally, including an upcoming publication in a national school counseling journal.

Notable Quotes:
🗣️ “The opposite of hope is apathy. If we want to support students and educators, we must foster hope.”
🗣️ “Life is a series of goals. The key is knowing how to navigate towards them with hope and resilience.” 

Resources Mentioned:
📚 Hope Rising: How the Science of Hope Can Change Your Life – Dr. Chan Hellman
 

Connect with Us:
💡 Interested in bringing hope-based initiatives to your school or community? Reach out to Tara Schwerdt ([email protected]) and Stephanie Miller ([email protected]).
🎙️ Subscribe to Inspire Shasta for more stories of hope and transformation in our community!

#StayInspired #HopeAndResilience #ScienceOfHope #InspireShasta

In this episode of Inspire Shasta, we sit down with the dynamic and inspiring Dee Hankins, a nationally acclaimed motivational speaker known for his powerful message on resilience. Dee takes us on a journey through his challenging childhood in foster care, sharing how caring adults changed the trajectory of his life. From pivotal moments with a supportive vice principal and a dedicated social worker to finding purpose and becoming a voice of hope for others, Dee’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, connection, and self-discovery.

Dee’s passion for empowering youth and helping them choose resilience over adversity will leave you inspired to rethink how we can all support the next generation.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of One Caring Adult: Dee highlights how small moments of kindness and belief from caring adults changed his life.
• Resilience as a Superpower: Inspired by superheroes, Dee explains how every individual has the power to choose their path—hero or villain—and how that decision shapes their future.
• Owning Your Story: Dee shares how embracing his truth, including abandonment issues and childhood trauma, helped him heal and grow.
• The Importance of Vulnerability: Real connection and growth start with being honest about who we are and what we need.

Memorable Quotes:

• “You have to choose reality and own your story. That’s the first step toward healing and growth.”
• “Our superpower as foster kids is being able to spot fake from a mile away. Be real—because that’s what makes the difference.”
• “There are two paths: You can use your pain to help others or use it to hurt others. I chose to help.”
• “One caring adult can change everything.”

Call to Action:

Let’s continue to inspire and uplift one another! Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

Episode Summary:

In this powerful episode of Inspire Shasta, we dive into the challenges and triumphs of homeless youth in Shasta County. Our guests include Megan Preller, who leads the Ready for Life Host Homes program, and Carla James, an inspiring young advocate with lived experience of homelessness. They share heartfelt stories of resilience, the impact of supportive housing, and the importance of kindness in transforming lives.

Later, we speak with Shelby Price from Enterprise Elementary School District and Joe Maikranz from UPrep, both of whom serve as liaisons for students experiencing homelessness. They discuss the unique challenges youth face, the importance of community partnerships, and their hopes for the next generation.

Key Takeaways:

• Carla’s Journey: Carla shares her experience of homelessness during her senior year of high school, her drive to break generational trauma, and her success in becoming an advocate for change.
• Ready for Life Program: Megan explains the Host Homes and transitional housing models that provide stability and resources for 18- to 24-year-olds navigating housing insecurity.
• Community Impact: Shelby and Joe reflect on their roles as liaisons, the importance of building relationships, and success stories of families finding stability through support.
• Do It Scared: A mantra shared by Carla to encourage young people to push through fear and pursue their goals, no matter the challenges.

Featured Guests:

• Carla James: Advocate and youth with lived experience
• Megan Preller: Program Lead, Ready for Life Host Homes
• Shelby Price: District Liaison, Enterprise Elementary School District
• Joe Maikranz: Counselor and District Liaison, UPrep