Episodes

This episode is a must listen. I was in awe of Julie's story about her student, Zach! Check out Julie's bio below! Dr. Julie Schmidt Hasson is a professor, researcher, and resilience trainer who helps educators keep their batteries charged and recharge when they become depleted. Julie is the author of four books, including Pause, Ponder, and Persist in the Classroom. Julie’s Teacher Recharge Framework helps educators navigate challenges in ways that light them up instead of burn them out. Her ...

Get on the Energy Bus today! In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Jim VanAllen! He is the President of The Energy Bus for Schools program through The Jon Gordon Companies, Jim works with schools and districts across the country providing schools the blueprint and framework to remove negativity, empower students, energize teachers, and ultimately, create a positive campus culture. Website: https://energybusforschools.com/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/energy-bu...

Jessica Cabeen is my guest on the Lead with HOPE Podcast today. She is the Principal of Alternative Educational Programs and Austin Online Academy in Austin, Minnesota. Before that, she was the principal at Ellis Middle School and the “Happiest Place in Southeastern Minnesota”, the Woodson Kindergarten Center. She has been an assistant middle school principal, a special education assistant director, and a special education teacher. Jessica is a NAESP Middle-Level Fellow and a Future Ready Princ...

Today, I’m excited to talk to Dr. Amy Dixon! Currently, Dr. Dixon proudly serves as Harrisburg Unit #3 Superintendent. Prior to becoming an administrator, she served in various districts as a school social worker. This episode is full of real talk about hope and all things education! Our conversation was so much fun. You will not want to miss this episode! #LeadwithHOPE

On today's show, I am honored to welcome Dr. Bryan Pearlman! Dr. Pearlman is a veteran educator/school administrator, a mental health therapist, PD leader, keynote speaker, and adjunct professor. His expertise is helping all children to succeed, challenging behaviors, trauma, school improvement, mental health, and self-care. Our discussion covers a wide range of SEL and mental health topics! This is an amazing episode with an even better educator and therapist. Check it out and don't forget to s...

Dr. Gabrielle (Gabe) Rodriguez is in her 8th year as Superintendent of Schools. She has served in educational leadership for over 20 years as a consultant, mentor, coach, elementary teacher, director, central office administrator, and Superintendent. Dr. Gabe shares her vulnerable story of overcoming trauma and abuse and is now living her best life! You are not going to want to miss this episode!!

Today, I want to welcome Cathleen Beachboard to the pod. Cathleen is an award-winning educator, best-selling author, and leading expert in fostering psychological hope. As a highly sought-after speaker on well-being and retention, she equips parents, educators, and leaders with practical strategies to cultivate hope, ensuring every individual can thrive. Connect with Cathleen @ https://theschoolofhope.org/

Dr. Jason Williamson is the guest on the LWH Podcast today! He is serving in his 20th year in public education. Currently, he serves as an assistant principal at Northside High School in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He exemplifies positive, servant, and professional leadership that makes a difference in the lives of the scholars and staff. Dr. Williamson is always focused on student success. He has led the implementation for new programs and best practices for teaching and learning. Dr. Williamson buil...

Welcome to the Lead with HOPE Podcast. Our guest today is Sam Demma. He is a best-selling author and keynote speaker. He delivered two TEDx talks, co-founded PickWaste—an organization that mobilized volunteers to pick up over 3000 bags of litter—and was awarded the prestigious Queens Platinum Jubilee Award for his exceptional national contributions. During the pandemic, Sam produced two viral graduation videos for students who missed their ceremonies and launched a partnership with Taco Bell to ...

Denis Mathew is a speech language pathologist, author, musician, and all around amazing human being. In today's episode, we talk about the power of relationships. It is service to others that leads to ownership, accountability, and a healthy climate and culture in schools. Dennis Mathew is an elementary school speech-language pathologist located in Oklahoma City. He is currently in his 16th year in public education. In 2019, he began publishing his own children's books and music focused on soci...

Efrain Martinez, EdD is a father, husband, school principal, and educational leadership podcaster. He's the host of Wisdom & Productivity Podcast. Dr. Martinez talks shares his story and talks about the habits that help him be productive as he leads with HOPE! This is an amazing episode! You don't want to miss it!! #LeadWithHOPE --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brandi-kelly6/message

My conversation with Charle Peck was AMAZING! She is doing powerful work empowering educators to lead with hope! This episode is a MUST listen!! Charle Peck is the co-creator of Thriving School Community, a revolutionary program designed for schools to improve the mental health of staff and students. She holds an MS in Education and an MS in Social Work as a 20+ year veteran in education (K-12). As a global keynote speaker, she delivers powerful messages of hope to educators and facilitates mea...

Alex T. Valencic is a fellow Teach Better Colleague! Tune in to hear our conversation about shared vision, systems, and the power of mentoring and professional learning! Alex will inspire you to invest in yourself through professional learning as you lead with hope! Alex T. Valencic is an educator, former small business owner, Boy Scout, volunteer drug prevention specialist, unrepentant bibliophile, and geek of all things. He worked as a substitute teacher for three years in Champaign, Mahomet,...

Today, on the Lead with HOPE Podcast, it is my honor to introduce Katie Kinder. She is fun, engaging, and this episode is a must listen! I hope you enjoy it! Katie Kinder, author of Untold Teaching Truths and Hallway Leadership, is a professional learning facilitator, and she has been an educator since 2006. She brings her message of hope, fun, and real strategies to educators all over the nation. She believes that life is fun, and learning should most definitely be fun. A teacher of the year, ...

Jill Siler is the guest on the Lead with HOPE Podcast this morning! We talk about being a female in the superintendency and leading with faith, hope, and love. Jill is an inspirational leader who is truly leading with hope! Dr. Jill Siler is a leader, author, and speaker. She has been serving as an educator for 25 years, beginning her career as a high school social studies teacher and coach before she became a campus and district leader. Jill has a passion for impacting others and has been a fr...

Zac Bauermaster is an educational leader and author passionate about people. Zac’s mission field is public education. One of his main tag lines is, “It’s all about people.” His leadership style exemplifies a people-first approach as he seeks to glorify God in all he does. Zac currently serves as an elementary school principal in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Zac has the tremendous opportunity to lead teachers, support staff, families, and, most importantly, the next generation daily. His grea...

This episode was a fun conversation between mother and daughter! Morgan Kelly Roberts is my daughter, but she is also a wife and mother. On this episode, Morgan and I talk about faith, family, and (of course) hope! We hope you find value in this episode of Lead with HOPE! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brandi-kelly6/message

Jill is a redesigned educator who has been in the elementary classroom for over 20 years. She is currently a Professional Learning Specialist with Forward Edge/Edge•U. Jill is passionate about infusing joy in educational leadership by focusing on service and using her voice to foster hope by celebrating diversity. Jill is a published author and illustrator of several children's books with social-emotional learning messages. She is also the Chief Optimistic Originator of Imparted Joy LLC, in Cle...

Dr. Joe Sanfelippo is an educator, author and speaker. He inspires others to build intention, connection and direction in our schools. Joe is an inspiration, and you will not want to miss this episode! Dr. Joe Sanfelippo an educator, author and speaker. Joe has taught Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, and 5th Grade. He was also a school counselor and high school coach prior to taking on an elementary principal position in 2005. Joe started the #1minwalk2work Leadership Challenge and co-authored The Powe...

Dr. Joe Sanfelippo is an educator, author and speaker. He inspires others to build intention, connection and direction in our schools. Joe is an inspiration, and you will not want to miss this episode! Dr. Joe Sanfelippo an educator, author and speaker. Joe has taught Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, and 5th Grade. He was also a school counselor and high school coach prior to taking on an elementary principal position in 2005. Joe started the #1minwalk2work Leadership Challenge and co-authored The Powe...

Welcome to the Lead with HOPE Podcast. I’m Brandi Kelly, a superintendent on a mission to lead with hope and to help my fellow educators do the same!! The Lead with HOPE podcast is a bi weekly podcast that will inspire and empower you to Lead with HOPE! Check out my website at leadwithhope.net Dr. Tron Young has almost two decades of combined experience as a middle school teacher, elementary principal, and middle school principal. He is the building principal at Joseph Arthur Middle School in t...

Dan Wolfe is our guest on today's episode of Lead with HOPE. Dan has served in a variety of educational roles in Florida for more than 25 years. He is currently an Assistant Principal at Sunray Elementary and was selected as Pasco County’s District Teacher of the Year in 2011-2012 school year. For the past three years Dan has written a blog called Becoming The Change, and his first book recently came out in June 2022 called Becoming the Change. Social Media Links: Facebook - https://www.faceboo...

Kip Shubert is a seasoned speaker, educator, school counselor, and coach with over three decades of experience. With his empowering style, Kip helps people with their struggles and turns them into strengths, their very own "Secret Sauce", which becomes their superpower in achieving success for students and staff. Kip's powerful story is inspiring and full of hope! Tune in as Kip shares about his journey through addition. He shares his story and how he uses his Secret Sauce to Lead with HOPE!! Yo...

Welcome to the Lead with Hope Podcast. This podcast is dedicated to educators who need a little hope and inspiration! Dr. Darrin Peppard is the guest on the Lead with HOPE podcast today. Darrin is a leadership coach, consultant, and speaker focused on organizational culture and climate, and coaching emerging leaders. Darrin is the best-selling author of the book Road to Awesome, and is the host of the Leaning into Leadership podcast. As a ‘recovering high school principal’, Darrin shares strateg...