Utah PTA Pulse Podcast

In this episode of the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast, hosts Corey Fairholm and Angelee Aedo sit down with National PTA President Yvonne Johnson to discuss her historic three-year term, major advocacy wins, and the incredible power of a parent's voice.

Get ready to be inspired! In this special episode of the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast, host Corey Fairholm and co-host Angelee Aedo are joined by a truly phenomenal guest: Yvonne Johnson, the 58th National PTA President. As she nears the end of her historic three-year term, Yvonne reflects on the massive milestones, tough decisions, and heartwarming moments that defined her presidency. 🌟

From successfully securing the first dues increase in 13 years and hiring an amazing new executive director, to navigating the market sale of the Alexandria building, Yvonne’s term has been full of impactful leadership. But what she is most proud of? Building deep, trusting relationships with state branches and remaining "freakishly responsive" to local units everywhere. 🤝📱

Yvonne dives deep into her lifetime passion—advocacy. She shares the story of how a school attendance issue 35 years ago sparked her PTA journey , leading her all the way to representing children's needs at the White House alongside the First Lady! Listen in as the group discusses:

• The critical importance of succession planning and building a leadership pipeline.
• National PTA's recent position statement on the evolving landscape of AI.
• How local members are automatically plugged into national benefits like grants, mental health resources, and food security programs.
• Why every parent's voice matters, whether you are speaking at a school board meeting or helping another parent navigate special education.

As Yvonne prepares to transition into life after the presidency—which includes serving on a state gun violence prevention board, reading by the pool, and finally adopting a new puppy —this episode serves as a powerful reminder that we are an "army of parents" fighting for every child's potential.

Stick around until the very end to hear about the team's viral dancing moments on the Utah PTA social media pages! 🎶💃🕺

Join Corey Fairholm and Angelee Aedo for an inspiring conversation with Howie Berman, who has served as the Executive Director of National PTA for nearly a year. With over 20 years of experience in the association and education space, Howie shares his unique perspective as both a seasoned professional and a dedicated PTA parent. In this episode, we dive deep into the "three buckets" of National PTA’s mission to support local units:

Resources & Ease of Use: Discover how National PTA is making volunteering easier through the Thrive online learning platform, customizable Canva templates, and a forthcoming website redesign designed to meet busy parents where they are.

💻🛠️ Programs & Grants: Learn about the incredible opportunities available to local schools, including over $1 million in grants awarded last year and beloved programs like Reflections, STEM + Families, and Schools of Excellence.

🎨🔬 The Power of Advocacy: Howie explains how PTA’s "Forrest Gump-like" history has placed the organization at the forefront of major policy changes, from food safety to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

🏛️ We also discuss the changing landscape of volunteerism and the importance of intentional engagement—finding "micro-opportunities" for parents to get involved without feeling overwhelmed. From building authentic relationships with diverse school communities to modeling leadership for our children, this episode serves as a powerful reminder that we are a "national army of parents" working together to ensure every child reaches their full potential.

👫🌟 Tune in to hear why the "Why" of PTA always leads back to the kids! 🎒💛

Get ready to rock! 🎙️ In this episode of the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast, host Corey Fairholm and Director of Communications Mike Williams are diving deep into one of the most exciting events of the school year: the Utah PTA Battle of the Bands. 🏆 We are joined by Ashley Rayback, the state chair for the program, and Wes Brehm, a local film and sound professional who helps capture the magic of these student performances. 🎥🎧

From local school gymnasiums to multi-region contests, bands and soloists from across the state have been working tirelessly for their chance to play on a professional stage. 🌟 This year, the stakes are higher than ever as the competition moves to an iconic Utah venue!

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The Road to the State Battle: How the competition narrows down hundreds of acts into the final 18—featuring nine bands and nine solo/duet performers from the North, Central, and South regions. 🗺️🎶

A Professional Debut: The exciting announcement that this year’s state battle will be hosted at The Depot, giving student musicians the chance to perform with professional sound engineers on a world-class concert stage. 🏟️✨

Fast-Paced Talent: What to expect on the big day, from the two-song sets by full bands to the intimate original performances of soloists and duets. 🎤⚡

Behind the Lens: Wes Brehm shares his perspective on filming these rising stars and the energy that comes with capturing live student music. 📹🔥

Superhero Inspiration: A fun look into the hosts' and guests' "superhero" personas and how "graphic designer powers" might be the most needed skill in the PTA world. 🦸‍♀️💻

Welcome back to the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, host Corey Fairholm and Director of Communications Mike Williams are thrilled to welcome a true Utah PTA legend, Patsy Chandler. Patsy joins us to share the incredible origin story of a program that has spent the last 24 years transforming the lives of students through music: the Utah PTA Battle of the Bands. 🏆🤘

From a "committee" of parents with no musical talent to a statewide tradition celebrating its upcoming 25th anniversary, this episode is a deep dive into how passion and a little bit of "bucking up" can create a lasting legacy for our youth. 🌟🙌

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The "One and a Half Page" Era: How the program started with simple rules—one original song for artistic expression and one cover song to test musical skill. 📝🎤
• Opening Night Chaos: Patsy recounts the hilarious and stressful first show at Cottonwood High School, complete with missing sound equipment and "fabulously amazing" dads stepping in to save the day. 🛠️👨‍👦
• The Power of Student Involvement: Why an original budget of just $500 turned into a mission to "up the commission" and provide a stage for every student to shine. 💰✨
• A Tradition Reborn: How a Monday morning filled with emails from supportive school administrators convinced Patsy that this "disastrous" first night was actually the start of something essential. 📧🏫

Whether you're a fan of local music, a PTA volunteer, or just love a good underdog story, this conversation celebrates the "Leaders of Tomorrow" and the adults who work tirelessly to give them a voice. 🌈🎸

Tune in and feel the pulse of Utah’s musical heritage! 🎧💃

Welcome to the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast, the heartbeat of education and advocacy in Utah! 🌟 In this episode, host Corey Fairholm (Immediate Past President) is joined by Mike Williams (Director of Communications), filling in for Angelee Aedo, to welcome a longtime friend of the Utah PTA, Steve James.

Together, they discuss the importance of Resilient Utah Month, which begins every April 1st, and how community efforts have evolved to meet the changing needs of our students. From historical gatherings at the ballpark to modern digital resources, this episode highlights the tools available to help our children thrive.

In this episode, you’ll explore:

• Beyond Prevention: Discover the critical shift from traditional "prevention" models to a focus on "resilience." Steve explains how moving beyond just avoiding negative behaviors to actively building internal strength helps students navigate the complexities of life with confidence. 🛠️❤️
• Partnering for the Future: A look at the decades-long collaboration between Steve’s initiatives and the Utah PTA. From singing at the 1996 building dedication to today’s statewide programs, this partnership remains dedicated to supporting the "Leaders of Tomorrow." 🤝🏆
• The Virtual Pivot: How the 2020 pandemic transformed massive community events into a digital network that brings resilience resources directly into homes and classrooms. 💻🏫
• April is Resilient Utah Month: Learn about the upcoming initiatives designed to reach every child and educator in the state this spring. 🗓️🌈

Join us for an inspiring conversation about our shared history and our ongoing commitment to the well-being of every child in Utah.

The Utah PTA Pulse Podcast connects parents, teachers, and administrators to discuss the powerful impact of the National PTA School of Excellence program.

Welcome to the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast! 🎙️ In this engaging episode, hosts Corey Fairholm and Angelee Aedo dive deep into the collaborative world of education and advocacy. This week, they are joined by two incredible leaders who are making a difference in the lives of Utah students:

• Melinda Tanner, Utah PTA School of Excellence Committee Chair
• Eric Woodhouse, Executive Director of Operations for Alpine School District

The conversation highlights the National PTA School of Excellence program, a recognition program that supports and celebrates partnerships between PTAs and schools to enrich the educational experience and overall school community. Eric shares his unique perspective as a district administrator who is "pro-PTA," discussing how essential the collaboration between district leadership and parent volunteers is for student success.

Welcome back to the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast! Join your hosts Corey Fairholm, Immediate Past President, and Angelee Aedo, VP of Advocacy, for an insightful and lively conversation with our special guest, Cammy Whitchurch, the Utah PTA President-elect and Convention Chair.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

• The Utah PTA Convention: Kami shares an inside look at the planning process and the excitement surrounding this year's event.
• The Importance of Community: We talk about the supportive culture of the PTA, where seasoned members welcome newcomers and make them feel like part of the family—especially at the convention.

Welcome to the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast, your go-to source for everything happening in the world of the Utah PTA! 🏔️ Hosted by Corey Fairholm, the immediate past president of Utah PTA, and Angelee Aedo, the Vice President of Advocacy, this podcast is designed to keep you informed, inspired, and connected.

In this episode, our hosts sit down with Karen Beebe, the Utah PTA Treasurer and a renowned trainer in her field. While the role of a treasurer can often feel daunting, Karen brings her signature energy and expertise to simplify the "scary" parts of the job. Whether you are a seasoned PTA leader or a new volunteer, Karen’s ability to explain complex financial topics will leave you feeling confident and ready to tackle your duties with ease.

Tune in for a mix of professional guidance and personal stories that highlight the passionate individuals working behind the scenes for Utah's children.

Key Highlights:

• Expert Training: Tips for PTA Treasurers to manage their roles without stress.
• Advocacy & Leadership: Insights from Utah PTA's top executive leadership.
• Community Connection: Relatable stories about family.

In this episode of the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast, hosts Corey Fairholm and Angelee Aedo are joined by Carol Rednour, the current Utah PTA Secretary. After a lighthearted icebreaker about video game nostalgia and the struggles of mastering Mario Kart, the conversation dives into the heart of PTA leadership.

Carol, now in her third year of service, shares her passion for volunteering and explains why the Secretary is a cornerstone of any board. From the legal necessity of taking accurate minutes to the old adage that "if it wasn't recorded, it didn't happen," Carol highlights how this role protects the integrity of a board’s votes and actions.

The episode takes a personal turn as Carol shares her unique "Why PTA" story, offering a glimpse into the motivations that lead parents to step up and serve their school communities. Whether you are a local leader looking for tips on minute-taking or a parent curious about getting involved, this episode offers both practical advice and heartfelt inspiration. 🌟🤝

Highlights include:

The "Invisible" Essential: Why the Secretary is the backbone of every good President. ✍️

The Power of Documentation: How minutes serve as the official record for every vote and decision. 📋

Personal Journeys: Carol’s path to the state board and her commitment to the Utah PTA. ❤️

Tune in to learn more about the people behind the "Pulse" of Utah’s schools! 🎧🍎

Welcome back to the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast, where we bridge the gap between policy and the people it affects! 📢 Hosted by "Corey Fairholm" and "Angelee Aedo", this episode continues our deep dive into the world of education leadership and advocacy.

In this installment, our hosts are joined once again by Amber Bonner, the Utah PTA Education Commissioner, to untangle the "hierarchy of decision-making" in Utah's schools. If you’ve ever wondered who actually has the power to change things in your child's classroom, this conversation is for you. 🍎👪

Amber explains the critical relationship between the state legislature—which passes the laws—and the Utah State Board of Education (USBE), which has jurisdiction over every school receiving public dollars, including district and charter schools. With 15 elected members serving the entire state, understanding how this board operates is key to effective advocacy.

This episode covers:

• The difference between state law and board rules. ⚖️
• How to navigate the USBE hierarchy and identify which of the 15 board members represents you.
• Why the state board is unique as the "school board" for the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind.
• Insights into the upcoming election cycles and how leadership shifts impact our schools. 🗳️

Amber also shares a powerful reminder for every listener: you don't need to be a policy expert to make a difference. Whether you are speaking to a local principal or a state official, you are the ultimate expert on your own experience and your child’s needs. 🌟

We wrap up the show with our usual fun—discussing the behind-the-scenes magic provided by our director of communications, Mike Williams, and ending with our signature celebratory dance! 💃✨

Tune in to empower yourself with the knowledge to be a better advocate for Utah’s students! 🎧🏔️