The Fulcrum Point

What does it take to make sure every child has a place to belong and thrive at a Catholic school? 

In this episode of The Fulcrum Point, we're exploring Side x Side, a new initiative in the Archdiocese of Seattle focused on expanding access and support for diverse learners across Western Washington. From funding and teacher training to classroom practices and partnerships with families, we’re looking at how inclusion and academic excellence are not competing goals, but rather, two critical priorities of Catholic education that enhance each other.

You’ll hear from Susan Ocoma, Senior Programs Director for the Fulcrum Foundation, about Fulcrum’s investment in Side x Side and the grants, professional development, and leadership support needed to launch and sustain the initiative. 

We’re also checking in with Justyna King, Assistant Superintendent of Academic Excellence and Accreditation for the Office for Catholic Schools, about the staffing, systems, and classroom resources needed to put Side x Side into practice. 

Finally, you’ll hear from Jessica Patterson, principal of St. Madeleine Sophie PreK–8 School in Bellevue, where this episode was recorded. We’ll explore the school’s approach to responsive education, the importance of helping families keep their children together in one school, and the possibilities for schools to share their experience and resources with each other to help diverse learning programs succeed. 

Join host Brian Callanan to learn more about the people, partnerships, and priorities behind Side x Side--a vision for Catholic education that welcomes and supports every learner. This podcast is brought to you by the Fulcrum Foundation.

This episode of The Fulcrum Point is all about building faith--putting a spotlight on the effort to open the first Catholic high school serving the Northern Deanery of the Archdiocese of Seattle, covering Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and San Juan Counties. Set to open in fall 2027, the school is a historic expansion of Catholic education in northwestern Washington, and a bold undertaking at a time when many Catholic schools across the country are closing or consolidating.

Host Brian Callanan speaks with Amy Hall of the Fulcrum Foundation and school board chair Bridget Rauvola about how the idea took shape, what a feasibility study revealed, and how pastors, parish leaders, volunteers, and families built momentum behind the project. Their conversations highlight a massive amount of community support, including roughly $2 million in pledges raised before the school had established its own nonprofit status.

Director of implementation Andy Remien looks ahead to the practical work of opening the school, from launching at Sacred Heart Parish Hall in Bellingham to shaping enrollment, curriculum, and a future permanent campus. The episode also examines the school’s proposed four-day week, its potential benefits for regional Catholic elementary schools, and the process of choosing a permanent name (and mascot!) for the high school.

Join host Brian Callanan in this second episode of Season 3, as The Fulcrum Point  brings you a story about faith, innovation, and community commitment. This podcast is brought to you by the Fulcrum Foundation.

Catholic schools across Western Washington are entering the 2026-27 school year with new energy, some meaningful milestones, and the readiness to take on some challenging conversations about how best to serve students and families.

This episode of The Fulcrum Point looks at some of the trends shaping Catholic education today, from enrollment numbers to growing efforts to support diverse learners--including students who are neurodivergent.

We’re checking in with Nicholas Ford, the Superintendent of Catholic Schools, to talk about what he’s excited about at the start of the school year, from shaping a policy on artificial intelligence to finding new ways to help students of all backgrounds and academic needs.

The episode also marks a watershed moment for the Fulcrum Foundation as it celebrates its 25th anniversary and reflects on more than $100 million invested in Catholic schools over the past quarter century. 

You’ll hear from Vivian Shannon, Fulcrum’s executive director, about the foundation’s impact, the programs that may need greater investment, and what changes could shape the next 25 years of Catholic education in Western Washington.

Join host Brian Callanan as The Fulcrum Point kicks off Season 3 with a look at the people, programs, and priorities helping Catholic schools begin the year with purpose. This podcast is brought to you by the Fulcrum Foundation.

Graduation is HERE! And the pressure on high school seniors is more intense than ever. From making choices about secondary education and potential careers to dealing with the challenges of artificial intelligence and expectations of social media, how are today's high schoolers navigating their post-graduation lives?

This episode of "The Fulcrum Point" is focused on how Catholic educators in Western Washington are assisting students with their journey towards graduation and their plans for the future. Beyond strong academics and a diverse array of activities, Catholic schools are building a strong foundation for their graduates, helping them understand that they're loved, they belong, and they have the support to do great things in life.

We're visiting one of the newest schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle, Pope John Paul II High School in Lacey. You'll hear from Principal and Head of School Braeden Neal, whose staff is helping students find their own voice in their writing--without the use of AI. 

We're also talking with college counselor and academic advisor Laura Dietz, who's talking with every student, from freshmen to seniors, about their post-high school plans. While 99% of Pope John Paul II's students go on to college, she's working with students to consider careers in the trades, military service, and other options, too.

Plus, you'll hear from a graduating senior who was homeschooled before he arrived at John Paul II, but with an assist from the "JP2" family, grew into a well-connected, respected student leader and peer counselor. 

Join host Brian Callanan to learn more about how Catholic schools in Western Washington are giving high school graduates a lot more than a diploma on this episode of the Fulcrum Point. This podcast is brought to you by the Fulcrum Foundation.

With reports of rising anxiety and depression symptoms in students ages 3-17, it’s clear that the crisis of student mental health has shifted from a passing post-pandemic phenomenon to a sustained, systemic challenge. So how are Catholic schools in Western Washington responding?

This episode of “The Fulcrum Point” focuses on the increased efforts among schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle to bring social and emotional health into the curriculum at the PreK-8th grade levels. High schools in the Archdiocese are taking this work a step further—training students to serve as mental health facilitators for their peers.

You’ll hear from long-time school counselor Denise Mullins, who’s built a social and emotional learning program at Holy Rosary Edmonds and St. Thomas More preK-8 schools. Her work is helping students take charge of their own mental health and also assisting kids and their families grapple with modern challenges like cyberbullying.

 You’ll also hear from Joe Cotton, Executive Director of the Office of the Vicar General for the Archdiocese of Seattle, who’s built a program called the “Catholic Lifesaver Corps.” This peer-to-peer mental health program is literally saving lives and drawing international attention due to its success.

Join host Brian Callanan to learn more about how Catholic schools in Western Washington are dealing with the many challenges of student mental health on this episode of the Fulcrum Point.

Find out more about Fulcrum’s work to support Catholic education at this link.

Connect with the 988 Lifeline for mental health challenges at this link.

Learn more about Living Works suicide prevention training at this link.

Catholic Schools Week is a vibrant celebration that brings together all 74 Catholic schools across Western Washington. Comprising the 10th-largest school district in the state, Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle bring together their 21,000 students every year for a week of building community and amplifying the uplifting message of Catholic education. 

This episode of "The Fulcrum Point" takes a look at what makes Catholic Schools Week a success each year, and there's plenty to learn!

You'll hear from Alison Seaton, Fine Arts Director for Forest Ridge of the Sacred Heart in Bellevue, who organizes the annual Festival of Catholic High School Choirs at Seattle's Benaroya Hall. The festival serves as a capstone to Catholic Schools Week, and brings hundreds of high school students together for a joyful vocal performance focused not on competition, but on uplifting one another.

You'll also get some insights from Kristin Moore, Director of Marketing for the Office for Catholic Schools, who helps educators find a spark of innovation each year to make Catholic Schools Week an inspiring showcase of their communities. The work of the Office for Catholic Schools in Seattle has been a model for schools across the country! 

Finally, you'll hear from the Fulcrum Foundation's Stewardship Manager, Alexandra Claeys, about the Celebration of Light gala, which absolutely rocked! The Celebration of Light serves as Fulcrum's annual fundraiser and highlights the amazing talents of Catholic school students across Western Washington. Fulcrum's already getting warmed up for a 25th anniversary bash at the Celebration of Light next year!

Join host Brian Callanan to learn more about the excitement of Catholic Schools Week on this episode of the Fulcrum Point.

Find out more about Fulcrum’s work to support Catholic education at this link.

Teaching students about the importance of serving people in need is a core part of Catholic education. Across Western Washington, thousands of Catholic school students are learning this lesson with projects that are making an impact far beyond the confines of the classroom.

This episode of "The Fulcrum Point" focuses on how Catholic schools are inviting students to live out their Catholic identity and faith through a variety of service projects. Just last year, during the 175th anniversary of the Seattle Archdiocese, Catholic school students contributed 138,000 service hours to help their communities!

You'll hear from Connor Geraghty, an assistant superintendent for the Office for Catholic Schools for Mission and Catholic Identity, who's connecting middle school students with a service program called the Missionary Discipleship Institute. 

You'll also get insights from Elianna Lucas, Director of Campus Ministry and Theology at Archbishop Murphy High School in Everett. The SPIN (Serving People in Need) program she oversees not only encourages students to volunteer with service providers in their communities, it also builds leadership skills for soon-to-be-graduating seniors as they organize service projects of their own. And there's an inspiring story from Aida, an Archbishop Murphy student whose service project may lead to a full-time career of serving others in the future. 

Join host Brian Callanan to learn more about how Catholic school students are serving others on this episode of the Fulcrum Point.

Find out more about Fulcrum’s work to support Catholic education at this link.

Teachers play a critical role in Catholic schools by shaping our kids' lives as well as the communities they serve. That's why the Fulcrum Foundation honors a select number of educators from across Western Washington each year with a special recognition: the St. John Baptist de la Salle Educator Excellence Award.

On this episode of "The Fulcrum Point," we're learning how the Fulcrum Foundation is presenting this award to not only recognize top educators, but also to help build up and encourage the vice principals, principals, and leaders of tomorrow. 

You'll hear from the chair of Fulcrum's Board of Trustees, Tony Audino, about how this award has become such an important part of Fulcrum's professional development programs for the 1,300+ teachers in the Seattle Archdiocese. 

You'll also hear the inspiring stories of two of this year's Educator Excellence Award winners: Angela Greenfield, a kindergarten teacher at St. Anthony School in Renton going into her 20th year of teaching, and Erica Billard, Director of Early Childhood Education and Vice Principal at Christ the King School in North Seattle. 

Join host Brian Callanan to learn more about what makes these award-winning teachers and their Catholic school communities so special on this episode of the Fulcrum Point.

Find out more about Fulcrum’s work to support Catholic education at this link.

On this episode of the Fulcrum Point, we're having some fun with one of the oldest Catholic schools in Seattle--but one that's coming up with some the newest and most innovative ways to connect with and educate students!

We're learning all about St. Alphonsus Parish School, a pre-K through 8th school which has been operating since 1907 in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood. Speaking with principal Nick Padrnos, we're learning more about a program to organize middle schoolers that's literally working like magic, a breakthrough in the battle over when kids should get a mobile phone, a project that helps provide affordable teacher housing, and more!

You'll also hear from lead pre-K teacher Carissa Person about how support from the Fulcrum Foundation has helped classes for 3, 4, and 5 year-olds grow to unprecedented levels. Plus, math teacher Emma Min, a former college hockey captain, explains how she's helping students reach their "goals" with single-gender middle-school classrooms and some inspiring lessons in all aspects of STEM learning. 

Take a listen to a day in the life of a typical Catholic school in Western Washington that's anything but!  Host Brian Callanan gives you plenty to think about, and smile about, with an insider's tour of St. Alphonsus Parish School on this episode of the Fulcrum Point.

Learn more about Fulcrum’s work to support Catholic education at this link.

On this episode of the Fulcrum Point: Two national stories with significant local impacts. 

After a tragic school shooting during an all-school Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minnesota, how are Catholic schools in western Washington responding--and how are they changing their safety policies? Plus, how could a controversial new federal school choice tax credit program impact our state? Nicholas Ford, superintendent of the Office for Catholic Schools, is answering these questions and more in this edition of "The Fulcrum Point."

The Fulcrum Point is a podcast focused on the impact of Catholic education on western Washington brought to you by the Fulcrum Foundation. In this episode, the superintendent (who oversees the 74 schools in the Seattle Archdiocese) also breaks down how Catholic schools in our region have grown for the sixth consecutive year this fall, with a focus on professional development for staff and teachers, and an inclusive environment for students with different learning and behavioral needs. 

Host Brian Callanan is putting Superintendent Ford to the test on these challenging issues in this action-packed episode!  

Learn more about Fulcrum’s work to support Catholic education at this link.