Join Anne Brown, President & CEO of the Cook Center for Human Connection, as she speaks with Dr. Matthew Friedman, Superintendent of Quakertown Community School District in Pennsylvania, about transforming K–12 education. Recognized as the Innovative Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Friedman shares his approach to preparing students for a rapidly changing global marketplace, using the Riasec framework to help students identify their strengths and interests from kindergarten through high school.

In this episode, learn how Quakertown is building a culture of belonging and collaboration, implementing a Portrait of a Graduate, and integrating computational thinking and design thinking across the district. Dr. Friedman also discusses his partnership with the Cook Center’s mental health series platform, helping families access vital resources to support student well-being.

Discover practical strategies for school leaders, educators, and parents to foster student voice, engagement, and career readiness, while also promoting mental health and resilience in their communities. From innovative classroom practices to community partnerships, this episode is a masterclass in forward-thinking educational leadership.

Listen now to learn how Quakertown is shaping the next generation of critical thinkers, collaborators, and leaders.

Keywords: innovative superintendent, K–12 education, career readiness, Riasec framework, student success, mental health resources, educational leadership, Quakertown schools, Anne Brown, Cook Center for Human Connection

How do you lead a district through poverty, natural disasters, and teacher shortages — and still find hope?

In this episode, Dr. Ingrida Barker, Superintendent of McDowell County Schools (WV), joins Anne Brown from the Cook Center for Human Connection to share how her team is transforming rural education through creativity, community, and care.

Dr. Barker opens up about:

• Growing up in Latvia and finding her purpose in the West Virginia

• Leading trauma-informed schools that prioritize mental health

• Launching “Grow Your Own” to solve teacher shortages

• Turning crisis into opportunity during devastating floods

A powerful story of resilience, leadership, and hope for anyone working to build stronger schools and stronger communities.

🔗 Learn more: ParentGuidance.org
🎙️ The Superintendent Effect — Strong Leaders. Strong Communities.

Keywords: education leadership, superintendent, rural schools, West Virginia, mental health, resilience, teacher shortage, Cook Center for Human Connection.

In this episode of The Superintendent Effect, Anne Brown talks with Dr. Tricia Mooney, Superintendent of Hermiston School District, Oregon. Dr. Mooney shares her journey from classroom teacher to superintendent and highlights her district’s innovative approach to mental health support, family engagement, and community connection.

Learn how Hermiston became an AASA Lighthouse District, how parent coaching and student programs are making an impact, and hear leadership lessons from a superintendent dedicated to building strong schools and strong communities.

Listen to learn:

• How to support students, staff, and families

• Strategies for fostering community partnerships

• Leadership insights from an experienced district leader

In this episode of The Superintendent Effect, host Anne Brown sits down with Dr. Julie Vitale, Superintendent of Oceanside Unified School District in California, to explore what it truly means to lead with courage, compassion, and connection.

Dr. Vitale shares how she’s transforming district culture by prioritizing belonging, inclusion, and student voice—and how leadership rooted in authenticity can ripple through an entire community. From navigating challenges to empowering her team, she offers practical wisdom for anyone striving to create schools where every student and educator feels seen and supported.

Tune in to hear stories of resilience, community partnerships, and the impact of being your authentic self in leadership.

🎙️ Hosted by Anne Brown, CEO of the Cook Center for Human Connection.

Keywords: educational leadership, superintendent podcast, belonging in schools, student connection, school culture, courageous leadership, mental health in education

In this episode of The Superintendent Effect, host Anne Brown sits down with Dr. Amy Alzina, Superintendent of Cold Spring School District in California.

Dr. Alzina shares how she’s leading with purpose and heart, helping students develop personal mission statements, and fostering a culture of happiness and resilience. She reflects on her journey from teacher to long-serving superintendent, how her district became one of the top-performing in California, and how longevity in leadership creates lasting impact.

Key highlights include:

• How AI is transforming education and empowering personalized, project-based learning

• The importance of leadership, happiness, and building strong school cultures

• Lessons in resilience from Dr. Alzina’s career and personal journey as a runner and leader

• Why supporting parent and student mental health is critical today

Whether you’re a school leader, educator, or parent, this conversation is full of insights on connection, innovation, and the future of education.

In this episode of The Superintendent Effect, host Anne Brown sits down with Dr. Michael Lubelfeld, superintendent of North Shore School District 112 in Illinois. With more than 16 years of leadership experience, Dr. Lubelfeld reflects on his journey from classroom teacher to district leader, sharing lessons in mentorship, resilience, and community building.

We explore:

• How Dr. Lubelfeld is integrating AI and emerging technology into K-8 classrooms.

• What it means to lead through crisis, trauma, and recovery after the Highland Park mass shooting.

• His perspective on mental health, school safety, and student support systems.

• The role of mentorship, humility, and collaboration in shaping lasting leadership.

• A preview of his fifth book on educational leadership and his vision for tomorrow’s schools.

Whether you’re an educator, parent, or leader, this conversation offers powerful insights into how strong leaders can build strong schools and resilient communities.

In this episode of The Superintendent Effect, host Anne Brown sits down with Dr. Patrick Keeley, Superintendent of the Mountain Empire Unified School District in rural San Diego County. Dr. Keeley shares his inspiring journey from history teacher and basketball coach to leading the same district where he once graduated high school.

He opens up about the unique challenges of rural education—from long student bus rides across 660 square miles, to aging facilities without potable water, to building equitable opportunities for every child.

Dr. Keeley also discusses the importance of mentorship, listening to the “shoulder tap” moments that guided his career, and why leaders must be willing to stand firm in their principles—even when it’s difficult.

The conversation also highlights his district’s focus on mental health support, including innovative strategies to provide on-site clinicians for students facing barriers to care.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about educational leadership, rural schools, mental health advocacy, and building strong communities.

In this episode of The Superintendent Effect, host Anne Brown sits down with Dr. Theron Schutte, Superintendent of Marshalltown Community School District in Iowa. With over 40 years in education and 21 years as a superintendent, Dr. Schutte shares how returning to his hometown has shaped his leadership. He discusses leading through natural disasters, supporting one of Iowa’s most diverse districts, and prioritizing student mental health.

👉 Tune in to hear how strong leadership, resilience, and community connection drive student success.

The Superintendent Effect kicks off with Dr. Sarah Calveric, Superintendent of Caroline County Public Schools in Virginia, as she shares her journey from special education teacher to district leader. Hosted by Anne Brown, CEO of the Cook Center for Human Connection, this episode dives into the challenges and rewards of the superintendency, the importance of mentorship, and how strong leaders build strong communities.

From fostering parent engagement and mental health support to implementing the district’s “3-E Ready” motto—enrolled, enlisted, employed—Dr. Calveric highlights practical strategies for student success, staff wellness, and community connection.

If you’re passionate about educational leadership, superintendent insights, or building thriving schools, this is the podcast for you.

In this episode, host Anne Brown, President & CEO of the Cook Center for Human Connection, sits down with Dr. Melissa “Missy” Woodard, Superintendent of Wyomissing Area School District in Pennsylvania. Dr. Woodard shares her journey from classroom teacher to superintendent, her innovative approaches to honoring staff, supporting student mental health, and building whole-child initiatives, and how partnerships with the Cook Center and ParentGuidance.org are transforming resources for families.

Listeners will hear:

• How Wyomissing celebrates educators and builds staff culture

• Strategies for supporting mental health and social-emotional learning

• The importance of community partnerships, from food pantries to affirmation yard signs

• Why leading with compassion and connection makes a difference in schools today

This is a must-listen for superintendents, school leaders, educators, and parents who want to learn how strong leadership creates strong communities.

👉 Subscribe to The Superintendent Effect to hear more inspiring stories from education leaders.