PODCAST · education
West Aurora 129 Podcast
by West Aurora District 129
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Michael Smith, is joined by members of the West Aurora 129 community, including students, staff, parents, and other stakeholders, to discuss personal stories and issues relevant to our school district community.
Episodes
-
Episode 57 - In the Classroom on 9/11 with Oswaldo De La Hoya, Courtney Harvey, and Teresa Waldinger
In Episode 57 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Michael Smith marks the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, by looking back at what that day was like inside SD129 schools. Joined by educators Teresa Waldinger and Courtney Harvey and former West Aurora student (and current…
more -
Episode 56 - Mia Gianfrancesco and Heather Van Lear
In Episode 56 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Michael Smith welcomes Jewel Middle School special education teachers Mia Gianfrancesco and Heather Van Lear for a conversation about mentorship, relationships, and supporting students with diverse needs. Mia, a second-year teacher…
more -
Episode 55 - Dexter McWilliams
In Episode 55 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Michael Smith is joined by West Aurora High School senior and student board representative Dexter McWilliams for a student-centered conversation on the district’s “off and away” cell phone policy. Dexter shares his journey through...
-
Episode 54 - Dr. Robert Halverson
In Episode 54 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Michael Smith sits down with Dr. Robert Halverson, Superintendent of East Aurora School District 131, for a crosstown conversation rooted in shared experiences and community. They reflect on their similar paths from classroom…
more -
Episode 53 - Kelly Cook and Carlos Guillen
In Episode 53 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Michael Smith centers the conversation on a core question in the district’s strategic framework: what it really means to support every learner. Joined by Kelly Cook, Assistant Director of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and...
-
Episode 52-Leah Warren and Wendy Andrade
In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Michael Smith sits down with West Aurora alumni Leah Warren (Class of 2016) and Dr. Wendy Andrade (Class of 2013) as they return to campus to connect with current students. The conversation explores how their experiences in SD129 helped prepare them for life...
-
Episode 51 - Katie Johnson and Noe Ruiz
In Episode 51 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Dr. Michael Smith welcomes West Aurora High School senior Noe Ruiz and Career Development Coordinator Katie Johnson for a conversation about the school’s growing internship program. Johnson discusses how state legislation and strong career-pathway...
-
Episode 50 - Ingrid Roney and Scott Voris
In Episode 50 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Michael Smith sits down with A+ Foundation Executive Director Ingrid Roney and Foundation President Scott Voris, both proud West Aurora graduates, to talk about how the organization continues to invest in students and staff. From...
-
Episode 49 - Cynthia Ramos and Heather Turner
In Episode 49 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Michael Smith kicks off the 2025–2026 school year with Cynthia Ramos, Department Administrator for K-5 Literacy and Bilingual Education, and Heather Turner, fifth-grade teacher at Nicholson Elementary. Together, they discuss the...
-
Episode 48 - Jen Bernal and Justin McIntosh
In Episode 48 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Michael Smith wraps up the season with a conversation featuring Jen Bernal, Principal of Nicholson Elementary, and Justin McIntosh, Principal of Schneider Elementary. Together, they reflect on the role of relationships in building...
-
Episode 47 - Jeff Bryant and Cindy Larry
In Episode 47 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Dr. Michael Smith talks with Cindy Larry, Principal of Herget Middle School, and Jeff Bryant, Principal of Jefferson Middle School. They reflect on how their diverse career paths—from special education and the corporate world to student services and...
-
Episode 46 - Liz Linning and Jana Ream
In Episode 46 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Dr. Michael Smith talks with Jana Ream and Liz Linning, principals at Freeman and Hall Elementary. They explore how their backgrounds in psychology and STEM influence their approach to education, focusing on nurturing a learning environment that...
-
Episode 45 - Laurie Klomhaus and Kelly Person
In Episode 45 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Dr. Michael Smith welcomes Dr. Kelly Person and Dr. Laurie Klomhaus, principals of Hope D. Wall School and the Early Learning Academy, respectively. They discuss their past collaboration and its significant impact on their current leadership…
more -
Episode 44 - Dr. Katy Schafermeyer and Daniel Ulrich
In Episode 44 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Michael Smith talks with principals Daniel Ulrich of McCleery Elementary and Dr. Katy Schafermeyer of Fearn Elementary. They delve into their leadership approaches that shape positive and engaging learning environments, emphasizing...
-
Episode 43 - David Aguilar, Dr. Whitney Martino, and Dave Sally
Episode 43 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Superintendent Smith explores high school educational pathways with Dr. Whitney Martino and Mr. Dave Sally from West Aurora High School, along with Mr. David Aguilar of Blackhawk Academy. They discuss tailored programs meeting diverse student needs,...
-
Episode42-Jeff Hetrick and Kelly Papp
In Episode 42 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Dr. Michael Smith explores the journeys of Jeff Hetrick and Kelly Papp, principals of Goodwin and Greenman Elementary Schools, respectively. They discuss their pathways to leadership, the impact of mentorship on their careers, and the unique aspects…
more -
Episode41 - Tim McKenna and Marchel Rogers
In Episode 41 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Dr. Michael Smith continues hosting building leaders within the school district. This episode features Tim McKenna and Marchel Rogers, first-year principals at Jewel Middle School and Washington Middle School respectively. They share their transitions...
-
Episode 40 - Beth Smith and Dr. Pete Clabough
In Episode 40 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Michael Smith introduces the new season's theme of highlighting building leadership within School District 129 and the school communities they serve. Joined by principals Beth Smith of Nancy Hill Elementary and Dr. Pete Clabough of...
-
Episode 39 - Dr. Jeff Craig
In Episode 39 of the SD129 Podcast, Dr. Jeff Craig steps out of his usual role as host to sit in the guest chair and is interviewed by guest host Neal Ormond. Dr. Craig reflects on his transformative tenure at SD129 and explores the diverse experiences that shaped his leadership and educational...
-
Episode 38 - Mark Gaffino
In Episode 38 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Dr. Jeff Craig talks with North Aurora Mayor, Mark Gaffino, a lifelong North Aurora resident and local business owner. Mayor Gaffino reflects on his roots in the community, his educational journey, and his deep-seated connection to West Aurora…
more -
Episode 37 - Dr. Brian Dr. Brian Knetl & Dr. Susana Rivera-Mills
In Episode 37 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Dr. Jeff Craig speaks with Dr. Brian Knetl, President of Waubonsee Community College, and Dr. Susana Rivera-Mills, President of Aurora University. They delve into their recent role transitions and future visions, discussing the evolving educational...
-
Episode36 - Linnea Windel
In Episode 36 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Dr. Jeff Craig and Linnea Windel, President and CEO of VNA Health Care, discuss the imminent opening of the VNA Health Care School-linked Health Center at the Jeff Craig Family Resource Center, located at the former Todd School. They highlight its...
-
Episode 35 - SD129 Student Board Members
In Episode 35 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Dr. Jeff Craig is joined by three exceptional senior students, Ella Brown, Maya Moneze, and Eleanor Rogowski, who serve as student board of education members. These students share their experiences and insights on balancing their academic,...
-
Episode 34 - Valerie Brown Dykstra
In Episode 34 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Dr. Jeff Craig hosts Valerie Brown Dykstra, an integral member of the Board of Education and an administrative law judge. With a unique perspective as a district graduate and parent, Brown Dykstra shares her educational journey, reflecting on her…
more -
Episode 33 - Mike Lehman
In this episode of the West Aurora 129 podcast, Dr. Jeff Craig interviews Mike Lehman, a veteran educator with over three decades of experience in the district. Lehman, who started as a student teacher in SD129 in 1990, has a remarkable journey from teaching fifth grade and kindergarten to…
more -
Episode 32 - Kelly Person
In this episode, Dr. Jeff Craig, Superintendent of West Aurora Schools, interviews Kelly Person, principal of Hope D. Wall School. With nearly 20 years of experience in early childhood and special education, Ms. Person shares her journey to becoming an educator and emphasizes the impact of early...
-
Episode 31 - Laura Edwards
In this episode, Dr. Jeff Craig, Superintendent of West Aurora Schools, welcomes Ms. Laura Edwards, the new Curriculum Coordinator for West Aurora's Career and Technical Education Department. Ms. Edwards shares her educational journey and insights on the evolving significance of CTE in schools,...
-
Episode 30 - Pete Martino
Jewel Middle School Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning, Mr. Pete Martino sits down for a conversation with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig.
-
Episode 29 - Kevin Briars & Will Marks
In this episode, Dr. Craig is joined by veteran teacher Kevin Briars and first-year teacher Will Marks. The two are paired together as mentor/mentee as a part of the SD129 induction program for new teachers. Together, they discuss the challenges and rewards of being a mentor and mentee in the...
-
2023 State of the District Message
As a valued stakeholder of School District 129, we want to share with you our annual State of the District Message. In an effort to reach a larger audience, the message has taken the form of a podcast, featuring district leaders who reflect upon the accomplishments of the past year and share key...
-
Episode 28 - Marti Neahring
West Aurora School District Executive Director of Student and Family Services, Marti Neahring sits down with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig.
-
Episode 27 - Jason Buckley
SD129 District Athletic Director, Jason Buckley, sits down with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig.
-
Episode 26 - Dr. Michael P. Smith
Get to know the next SD129 Superintendent of Schools and current Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, Dr. Michael P. Smith. He joins Superintendent Dr. Jeff Craig for a conversation that spans growing up in Aurora, what inspired him to become an educator, and his 23-year career in School...
-
Episode 25 - Tom Davidson
Principal of Washington Middle School, Tom Davidson, sits down with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig.
-
Episode 24- Pat Callahan & Pay Dacy
StudioGC co-founder and Architect Pat Callahan, and West Aurora School District Captial Projects Manager, Pat Dacy, sit down with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig.
-
Episode 23 - Lynn Head
West Aurora School District Director of Transportation, Lynn Head, sits down with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig.
-
Episode 22 - Dr. Chuck Hiscock
West Aurora High School Principal Dr. Chuck Hiscock sits down with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig.
-
Episode 21 - Laura Beatus
West Aurora School District Professional Development Coordinator, Laura Beatus, sits down with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig.
-
Episode 20 - Neal Ormond
Neal Ormond, a lifelong Aurora resident, former school board president, current volunteer coach, and the "Voice of the Blackhawks" sits down with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig.
-
Episode 19-Dr. Whitney Martino
West Aurora High School Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning, Dr. Whitney Martino sits down with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig.
-
Pod129 - Ep18 - Marchel Rogers
Washington Middle School Dean of Students, Marchel Rogers, sits down with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig.
-
Episode 17- Brian Veit and Mark Williams
West Aurora High School CTE Pathway Program Coordinator Brian Veit and CTE Instructor Mark Williams talk with Superintendent of Schools, Jeff Craig.
-
Episode 16-Nate Eimer
West Aurora High School Head Football Coach and Learning Specialist Nate Eimer talks with Superintendent of Schools, Jeff Craig.
-
Episode 15- Hayley Darukhanavala
Superintendent of Schools, Jeff Craig sits down with West Aurora alumni, Hayley Skye Darukhanavala, to talk about her unique experiences as a West Aurora student, recording artist, producer, songwriter, pianist, professional model, and soon to be NYU Graduate.
-
Episode 14- Chris Weaver
Aurora Police Officer and West Aurora alumnus, Chris Weaver, talks with Superintendent of Schools, Jeff Craig.
-
Episode 13-Pete Baker
West Aurora High School Dean, Pete Baker, talks with Superintendent of Schools, Jeff Craig.
-
Episode 12 - Dr. Laurie Klomhaus
Early Learning Academy Principal, Dr. Laurie Klomhaus and 3 of the Early Childhood Academy students talk with Superintendent of Schools, Jeff Craig.
-
Episode 11-Dr. Terry Collette
The Principal of Hope D. Wall School, Dr. Terry Collette, talks with Superintendent of Schools, Jeff Craig.
-
Episode 9- Victor Perez
Episode 9- Victor Perez by West Aurora District 129
-
Episode 8- Chief of Police Kristen Ziman
Episode 8- Chief of Police Kristen Ziman by West Aurora District 129
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Michael Smith, is joined by members of the West Aurora 129 community, including students, staff, parents, and other stakeholders, to discuss personal stories and issues relevant to our school district community.
HOSTED BY
West Aurora District 129
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does West Aurora 129 Podcast have?
West Aurora 129 Podcast currently has 56 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is West Aurora 129 Podcast about?
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Michael Smith, is joined by members of the West Aurora 129 community, including students, staff, parents, and other stakeholders, to discuss personal stories and issues relevant to our school district community.
How often does West Aurora 129 Podcast release new episodes?
West Aurora 129 Podcast has 56 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to West Aurora 129 Podcast?
You can listen to West Aurora 129 Podcast 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 West Aurora 129 Podcast?
West Aurora 129 Podcast is created and hosted by West Aurora District 129.
URL copied to clipboard!