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What does it mean to lead from the heart of a school community? Brenden Cusack, now Assistant Superintendent in Huntington, spent nine years as a high school principal who could be found at games, plays, and concerts—not just in the office. He shares how visible, approachable leadership builds trust, how restorative practices transform school culture, and what it takes to mentor the next generation of administrators. A conversation about leading with presence and purpose.

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What does it take to lead math education across multiple districts? Dr. Teresa Grossane, Director of Mathematics and Computer Science for Huntington Schools, shares her journey from classroom teacher to district leader. She reveals how to build academic courage in students, support teachers through curriculum change, and keep equity at the center of math instruction. A must-listen for anyone leading academic innovation.

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 How does a physics teacher become the operational leader of a $100-million educational system? David Wicks, COO of Eastern Suffolk BOCES, shares his unique journey from the classroom to the executive suite, where he now translates strategy into action for 51 districts and 2,000 staff. He reveals how to operationalize equity, manage colossal risk, and mentor leaders at every level. This is a masterclass in executive leadership you won't hear anywhere else. 

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If this conversation meant something to you, hit follow on Apple Podcasts, Amazon, or Spotify and view on YouTube. It takes five seconds, but it’s how other educators find conversations like this one—and it tells the algorithm that mentorship matters.

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 Back by popular demand — another solo episode! In this second reflection, Rob Wottawa gets honest about what he's learning from the incredible leaders joining him on Mentor Moments. From surprising takeaways and recurring themes to the questions listeners are asking, Rob unpacks it all with the same authenticity he asks of his guests. He also answers a fresh round of RW Rapid Fire questions — because the host should be in the hot seat too. Whether you're a longtime listener or just finding the show, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the journey so far. 

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What does leadership look like when it's built from the art room? In this special episode, Rob sits down with Dan Brazil—his former colleague, a 19-year art teacher, and the 2023 Pillar of Community award winner. Dan shares how he’s led from within for years, from running the most popular club in school to taking 88 students on transformative museum trips. Now, as he looks toward a formal leadership role, they explore the mentor moments that happen when a master teacher decides to redraw his own future. It’s a heartfelt conversation about the quiet leaders already shaping our schools.

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How do you walk away from your dream job at the peak of your success? Todd Bloomer, former "neighborhood principal" and author of The Blueprint, did just that. He reveals why he left a school he loved to coach other principals, sharing how to avoid "administrative quicksand" and lead with joy. Get ready for a powerful conversation about legacy, satisfaction, and knowing when it's time to write your next chapter.

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How do you lead through a crisis you were never trained for? Retired Superintendent Debra Winter—facilitator of Long Island's only special education administrator collegial circle for 21 years—reveals how to turn bureaucratic chaos into clarity. She shares her "sanity check" strategies for IEP meetings, how to advocate without being pigeonholed, and whether she'd rather mentor a paperwork-phobic principal or a data-obsessed director.

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If this conversation meant something to you, hit follow on Apple Podcasts, Amazon, or Spotify and view on YouTube. It takes five seconds, but it’s how other educators find conversations like this one—and it tells the algorithm that mentorship matters.

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 How do you build a school culture where both students and teachers thrive? Dr. Jason Stanton, Director of Careers and Student Services, shares how his research on transformational leadership fuels real-world change. We dive into creating innovative CTE pathways, boosting collective teacher efficacy, and turning big ideas into actionable results. Get ready for a masterclass in leading with purpose 

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 In this special solo episode, host Dr. Rob Wottawa reflects on the powerful themes from his first four guests—Darrin Peppard, Lauren Kaufman, Ellen O'Neill, and Brandon Beck. He unpacks his "buffet" philosophy of lifelong learning, shares how to handle "warning bell" people, and flips the mic to answer his own RW Rapid Fire questions. It’s a personal look at how conversations about mentorship translate into real leadership action. Tune in for actionable insights and a fresh perspective on leading from the heart. 

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If this conversation meant something to you, hit follow on Apple Podcasts, Amazon, or Spotify and view on YouTube. It takes five seconds, but it’s how other educators find conversations like this one—and it tells the algorithm that mentorship matters.

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Dr. Rob Wottawa sits with newly retired elementary principal, literacy monster, and positive culture building friend Ellen O'Neill. We unpacked the transition to mentorship, the real world problems that a principal faces each day and how to address classroom managements as the level of influence. Of course we learn whether Ellen would rather mentor a principal who forgot it was picture day or one who accidentially called a kid "mom"?

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If this conversation meant something to you, hit follow on Apple Podcasts, Amazon, or Spotify and view on YouTube. It takes five seconds, but it’s how other educators find conversations like this one—and it tells the algorithm that mentorship matters.

Also, visit my website so I can feature your questions!

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