In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Melody Maitland, Director of Student Services at Capital City Public Charter School in Washington, DC. We delve into the essential role of trust in education, emphasizing that mistakes are part of the growth process. Melody shares her journey from special education teacher to her current role and discusses the challenges of staffing post-pandemic. We explore the importance of building a supportive community for educators, focusing on capacity building and retention. Melody highlights the significance of creating a culture where teachers feel safe to make mistakes and learn from them. We also touch on the importance of work-life balance and mental health for staff. Join us as we discuss how fostering trust and collaboration can lead to a brighter future for both educators and students.