PODCAST · education
CheckBox Pro Series
by Missy Couch
CheckBox Pro founder, Missy Couch, interviews experts in the field of education to offer tools, tips, and insights to make the life of a charter school leader even more sustainable.
Episodes
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61: Building Something That Lasts
In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Karalei Nunn, Founder and CEO of Meridian World School, to talk about what it takes to build and sustain a school over the long haul. Karalei shares how her journey into education began as a parent searching for the right school for...
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60: What's Saving My Life: Summer 2026
In this summer edition of What's Saving My Life, Missy shares 10 things that brought a little more joy, ease, and sanity to life from July through September. The list is a true mix of meaningful and delightfully ordinary, from World Cup soccer, family video compilations, and welcoming a new…
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59: Strategic Sense Making
In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Dr. Remy Washington, CEO of Uplift Education, to talk about stepping into leadership at scale while staying connected to the people doing the work every day. Remy shares her unconventional path into education, from pre-med student…
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58: Seeing What's Possible
In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with David Williams, founder and leader of Village Tech Schools, for a conversation about reimagining what school can look and feel like. David shares how he stumbled into education, fell in love with teaching, and eventually helped…
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57: Helping Every Student Belong
In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Kayleigh Colombero, Founder and Superintendent of Étoile Academy Charter School, for an honest conversation about school founding, leadership, and building opportunities that change students' lives. Kayleigh shares how her own...
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56: Lessons from a Lifetime in Education
In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Dr. Mechiel Rozas, a recently retired superintendent, to reflect on the leadership lessons that sustained her through a decades-long career in education. Dr. Rozas shares her journey from bilingual teacher to superintendent, along...
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55: The Team Teaching Model
In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Mohamad Maarouf, Superintendent of Arcadia Schools, for a conversation about rethinking both student learning and teacher sustainability. Mohamad shares his journey from finance to education, sparked by a desire for more meaningful...
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54: What's Saving My Life: Spring 2026
Spring is always a whirlwind. Between school events, travel, sports, and what Missy affectionately calls "May-hem," it can feel like life is moving at full speed. In this quarterly What's Saving My Life episode, Missy reflects on ten things that brought a little more joy, ease, and sustainability...
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53: Building an AI-Powered School
In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with China Cardriche, founder of Power Public Schools, for a forward-thinking conversation about reimagining education for the future. China shares her journey from investment banking to the classroom and ultimately to school founding,...
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52: Running the Founding Marathon
In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Christine Keck, Founder of The Meliora School, for a candid conversation about the realities of planning year and what it takes to sustain yourself through the work of founding a school. Christine shares her journey into education,...
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51: Where Education Meets Healthcare
In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Kristy Beam, Founder of the Academy for Innovation in Medicine (AIM), for an honest and energizing conversation about the realities of building a school from the ground up. Kristy shares her unexpected journey into education, from a...
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50: The Power of Words
In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with James Mosley, Superintendent of Yellowstone Schools, for a thoughtful and practical conversation on leadership, communication, and building systems that sustain both people and results. James shares his unexpected path into…
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49: Choosing Purpose Over Timeline
In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Tiana Stephenson, Founder and CEO of The Wright Community School, for a powerful conversation about purpose, persistence, and building a school with—and for—community. Tiana shares her journey into education, shaped by personal…
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48: What's Saving My Life: Winter 2026
In this quarterly What's Saving My Life episode, Missy reflects on the small (and surprisingly impactful) things helping her navigate the busy winter season—January through March. From systems that reduce mental load to simple routines that bring joy, this episode is a reminder that what sustains...
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47: CEO: "Chief Everything Officer"
In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Nicholas Ditto, Founder of Fort Worth STEAM Academy, for an honest look at life in the middle of a school's planning season. Nicholas shares his journey from aspiring public defender to educator and now founder, driven by a deep...
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46: From Vision to Reality
In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Shonqualla West, Founder and Superintendent/CEO of Unparalleled Preparatory Academy, for an honest conversation about what it really means to lead during a school's founding year. Shonqualla shares how growing up in a small rural…
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45: The Long Game of Leadership
In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Rosalind DaCruz, Founder and Executive Director of RISE Prep Academies. Rosalind shares her journey from Teach For America corps member and high school history teacher to founding a charter school just three years into her teaching...
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44: Strong Systems, Strong Relationships
In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Luke Savidge, Principal of Compass Midtown High School in Memphis, Tennessee. Luke shares his journey into education—from growing up in a family of educators, to teaching middle school, to stepping into high school leadership for…
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43: Leading Through Growth
In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Rachael Sewards, Founder and Executive Director of Solare Collegiate Charter School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Rachael shares her journey from Teach for America corps member in Memphis to founding one of the city's…
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42: What's Saving My Life: Fall 2025
In this quarterly solo episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy shares her What's Saving My Life list for Fall 2025—a season she defines as October through December, otherwise known as the sprint to the end of the year. This episode is equal parts reflection, survival guide, and joy inventory,...
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41: Learning Beyond the Classroom
In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Dr. Josh Pinto Taylor, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Anchor School in Atlanta, Georgia. Josh shares his journey from studying architecture to founding a charter school that blends academic excellence, student voice, and...
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40: From Mom to Movement: The Story Behind Celebrate Dyslexia
In this powerful episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Jasmin Dean, Founder and Executive Director of Celebrate Dyslexia and Celebrate Dyslexia Schools in San Antonio, Texas. What began as a mom's determination to help her son learn to read has grown into a movement reshaping…
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39: Leading Like a Solid Object
In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Aaron Wallace, Associate Education Director at Dynamic Minds Academy in Indiana—a public charter school serving students across the autism spectrum. Aaron shares how his untraditional path from college hockey player to educator led...
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38: Removing Barriers, Building Futures
In this inspiring episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy talks with Dr. Leticia Archuleta, Executive Director of Health Leadership High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. With a background that bridges social work, education, and leadership, Dr. Archuleta shares how her school is redefining...
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37: Building Joyful Communities
In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Danielle Mack, Chief Executive Officer of Ethos Classical in Atlanta. Danielle shares her journey from teaching seventh grade math to founding and leading a thriving K–8 school community, one she trusted enough to enroll her own...
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36: What's Saving My Life: Summer 2025
In this lighthearted solo episode, Missy shares her seasonal reflection on the small (and not-so-small) things that made her summer more joyful, manageable, and sustainable. From rediscovering lightning bugs to painting late-night walls, this list is equal parts nostalgic, practical, and honest....
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35: Clarity, Alignment, and Adaptability
In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Matt Cowan, Executive Director of Believe Memphis Academy, to talk about his journey from classroom teacher to school leader and the lessons he's learned along the way. Matt shares how adaptability has been his superpower—helping…
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34: Realigning to Vision Every Day
In this episode, I sit down with Dana Stuart Browning, founder of The Texas Girls School, just five days after she opened the doors to her brand-new campus. Inspired by her daughter's experience in STEM, Dana shares her journey from classroom teacher to charter school founder and the vision…
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33: Shifting the Mic to School Leaders
In this special solo episode, host Missy Couch shares an exciting shift in the CheckBox Pro Series focus. While past episodes have featured subject-matter experts in education, Missy is pivoting to spotlight the real pros—school leaders who are in the trenches every day. She reflects on trends...
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32: School Nutrition
Elizabeth Garcia is the Associate Director of Operations in the Development Office at Massachusetts General Hospital. However, in her former life she was the Director of School Operations at KIPP Academy Lynn Middle School, where she led an operations team supporting over 1,000 students and 200...
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31: Lean Management for Dismissal
In this episode, I sit down with Tyler Heath, Chief Operations Officer at Austin Achieve Public Schools, to discuss the importance of strong school operations and how he built an effective elementary school car rider dismissal process. Tyler shares insights into the operational challenges schools...
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30: School Psychology, Simplified
In this episode, I sit down with ShaVanety Jones, an early career school psychologist, executive functioning coach, and founder of Fleuravida™. With a unique background in psychology and theater, ShaVanety shares how she helps students—especially gifted learners—build confidence, develop…
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29: What's Saving My Life?
In this episode, Missy Couch shares her personal reflections on the things that are saving her life, a concept inspired by Emily P. Freeman of The Next Right Thing and Kendra Adachi from The Lazy Genius. She discusses ten key elements that bring joy and connection to her life, including coffee,...
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28: Simplifying School Procurement
In this episode, I sit down with Daniel Casselli, President of BuyQ, to discuss how group purchasing can help schools—especially smaller charter and private schools—stretch their dollars, streamline operations, and build stronger procurement systems. Drawing from his background in education,...
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27: Coaching K-2 Teachers: How School Leaders Can Support Foundational Literacy
In this episode, Markesha Tisby, M.Ed., returns to the Pro Series to dive deeper into how school and instructional leaders can support K-2 teachers in delivering high-quality foundational literacy instruction. Building on her first episode on phonics and early literacy, Markesha now shifts the...
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26: Building Foundational Readers: Phonics, Confidence & K-2 Instruction
In this episode, I sit down with Markesha Tisby, M.Ed., founder and CEO of Tisby Educational Consulting, to explore the critical importance of K-2 instruction and how foundational literacy sets the stage for long-term academic success. A former early childhood teacher and coach, Markesha shares...
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25: Understanding School Data for Stronger Boards
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Henrietta Muñoz, CEO of the Texas A&M University-San Antonio Institute for School and Community Partnerships. With over 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and school-community partnerships, Dr. Muñoz shares why data is essential for school boards…
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24: Turning Data into Action
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Alicia Martin, CEO and founder of DWG Educate & Serve LLC, to discuss how school and district leaders can effectively use data to drive student success. Known as the "Data Diva Doc," Dr. Martin shares her expertise in data-driven instruction, assessment...
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23: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly of Testing
James Aycock has supported students with disabilities in schools for close to two decades. It truly is his calling and boy am I thankful he is in that space. He shares with listeners the hard truth about tests but doesn't leave us discouraged. He teaches us about the different types of…
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22: Leveraging AI in Schools
In this episode, I sit down with Roger Campbell, award-winning speaker, AI strategist, and founder of Gemstack. Roger shares insights into how AI is transforming education, from streamlining administrative tasks to enhancing classroom learning. We discuss practical ways school leaders can…
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21: Test Prep: Through Mindfulness
** Trigger warning: This episode includes brief mentions of addiction, alcoholism, and suicide. If these topics are difficult for you, please take care while listening or skip this episode if needed (skip to 11:17 to avoid mentions). Your well-being is important to us.** Athea Davis is the SEL...
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20: Meet the CheckBox Pro Team
Missy Couch introduces each member of the CheckBox Pro team! With their combined efforts, this team provided 10,392 hours of support to school leaders across the country in 2024. Each team member shares: the city and state they live in, their total years in education, when they joined CBP, why…
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19: 2024 Year in Review
Missy Couch shares highlights from 2024! LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Episode 1: The Power of a Great Coach w/ Kela Small (https://open.spotify.com/episode/4u1uSeTXFIpIAJga2ggwi4?si=b6f6c6ef9ed64c41) Episode 4: ESSER Funds are Over, What's Next w/ Sam Brobeck...
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18: Securing a Facility: Building a Team 101
Paul Morrissey is a school leader who understands the woes and joys of securing a facility. With seven campuses, he can attest that no two facility projects are the same. Which is why his advice to any leader looking to secure a facility is: Build a mission aligned team, trust the team to do…
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17: Securing a Facility: Project Management 101
Andrew Stanton is a Principal and Project Manager at Project Management Services, Inc. or more commonly known as PMSI. He talks through the key responsibilities of a project manager for a facility project. But the thing I honed in on was the importance of having one person on the team who has the...
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16: Securing a Facility: Design and Build 101
Eric Cohen has been in the business of designing and building charter schools for the last decade! Whether you need a designer, general contractor, or construction manager, Butler-Cohen Design+Build does it all and they are another important member of the facility team. They bring functionality…
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15: Securing a Facility: Legal Counsel 101
Tom Sage is a passionate and mission aligned lawyer who any school leader would be lucky to have on their team! After talking to him, I can't believe I ever thought a lawyer wasn't essential to a facility deal for schools. Tom discusses how he got into this business, the role the lawyer plays on...
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14: Securing a Facility: Real Estate 101
Amy Martorano is a real estate broker and has closed numerous deals for charter schools! She has helped leaders find a building that will allow students to learn and grow. She gives listeners a broad overview of the facility search process and emphasizes that it is never too early for leaders to...
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13: Securing a Facility: Funding 101
Drew Masterson founded Masterson Advisors LLC to provide financial advice to founding and growing organizations who need someone they can trust. With 40 years of experience in general public finance and 23 years focused on advising charter school leaders, he was able to share a wealth of…
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12: Students & Social Media
Laura Tierney is the Founder and CEO of The Social Institute. At TSI, their goal is to help students navigate the social media world in positive and productive ways. Laura believes, "if students aren't healthy, they can't learn." Through collaboration with students and schools, they have…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
CheckBox Pro founder, Missy Couch, interviews experts in the field of education to offer tools, tips, and insights to make the life of a charter school leader even more sustainable.
HOSTED BY
Missy Couch
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does CheckBox Pro Series have?
CheckBox Pro Series currently has 60 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is CheckBox Pro Series about?
CheckBox Pro founder, Missy Couch, interviews experts in the field of education to offer tools, tips, and insights to make the life of a charter school leader even more sustainable.
How often does CheckBox Pro Series release new episodes?
CheckBox Pro Series has 60 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to CheckBox Pro Series?
You can listen to CheckBox Pro Series on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts CheckBox Pro Series?
CheckBox Pro Series is created and hosted by Missy Couch.
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