The NorthStar Narrative

We are thankful to have Dr. Bryan McGraw on the show today. Bryan is Dean of Social Sciences and Education and Director of the Aequitas Fellows Program, as well as an Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations at Wheaton College. Bryan is passionate about helping students become more thoughtful and serious about how they relate their Christian faith to the world of politics. Listen as Bryan discusses his thoughts around tough questions related to faith and politics that many people wrestle with each day. Be challenged today as you listen!

We are so excited to have NSA Alumni Marie Suazo on today's episode! Marie graduated from NorthStar in 2010! Listen as she reminisces on her memories of NSA and why online school worked for her as a diplomat's daughter. As a third culture kid, Marie found that she couldn't quite describe what it was like to grow up in her shoes, but since high school, Marie has found the outlets to share her story through authoring and podcasting. Enjoy this story of hope and healing!

We are thrilled to have Courtney Janney on today's episode! Courtney is the Chief Zoological Officer at Memphis Zoo in Memphis, TN. She recently had the privilege of flying to China with YaYa, the giant panda that lived at the Memphis Zoo for over 20 years.  Courtney is passionate about the role zoos play in connecting people with wildlife and raising awareness in conservation. Memphis Zoo is well known for it's work in conservation and animal care. Don't miss this fun and educational episode! 

These are questions we've asked many times before:  What is rest, and what does it look like to rest in God? Join us for this second episode with Danny Coyle as we dive even deeper into the topic of rest! Hear what Danny's journey looked like as he navigated what rest was going to look like for his family in the midst of all the things they have going on in life. Gain invaluable wisdom and practical steps that you can take to find genuine rest. 

We sat down with one of our very own NSA supervisors during graduation weekend and we are so excited to share this first episode of two with you today! Danny Coyle is the dad of two NSA students, one being a graduate we were able to celebrate over the summer! He has a background in leadership and brings lots of wisdom around living overseas, international business and ministry, and rest. Listen as he shares his experience at NSA and his background overseas, and don't miss next week's episode when we dive deeper into a topic that many of us need to hear: REST! 

We are so excited to have Robby Angle on the show today! Robby is the President and CEO of Trueface, a non-profit ministry that creates grace based, relational discipleship resources to help stuck Christians go the 18 inches from their head to their heart. Today's episode is packed full of nuggets for small groups. Listen as Robby walks through five practical principles that you can apply today to transform your small group into real authentic community. 

Living overseas for over 15 years, Amy Shuflin has the experience and wisdom to help families in transition. Amy has worked as an English Language teacher, Bible teacher, guidance counselor, member care associate, Journalism teacher, chaplain, social-emotional counselor, and she's authored many courses! Listen as Amy shares how she served students who were experiencing language barriers, transitioning, and more. She is passionate about students and their needs and that shines through in this fun episode!

"Information can be gained in solitude, but affirmation needs community." 

We are so excited to have Elizabeth Vahey Smith on today's episode! Elizabeth is the COO of TCK Training and the author of The Practice of Processing: Exploring Your Emotions to Chart an Intentional Course. Chuck Deitch joins the conversation today as Elizabeth discusses ways that parents can be an emotionally safe space for their children. Hear how acknowledging, affirming, and comforting your child can help them process their emotions, and learn practical steps you can take to help your child have an emotionally positive childhood experience. You don't want to miss this wisdom-packed episode! 

Welcome to the last episode of a quick series with our IT team! Patty Farrer, Jason Harvel, and Jeff Walters join us to discuss technology in an online school and the top tips for success! What information should you include when you email IT? What type of computer should you use? What are the team's biggest tips? Hear the answers to these questions and more on this episode! 

We are thrilled to spotlight another NSA department on the podcast! Listen today as our IT department joins us to introduce themselves! This week, Patty Farrer, Jason Harvel, and Jeff Walters share a little about themselves and their role at NorthStar Academy. Be sure to listen in next week as they share their biggest tech tips!