S.I.A.: The Podcast

What will school look like in the year 2095?In this episode of the SIA Podcast, Head of School Heather Moore invites SIA fourth and fifth graders to imagine the future of education—70 years from now. Inspired by Futurist Fridays and futurist thinkers like Jane McGonigal, students share creative, hopeful ideas about how we might learn, connect, and solve problems in the future.From technology and new ways of learning to creativity, play, and global challenges, this conversation reminds us that imagining the future isn’t about prediction—it’s about preparation.🎧 Thank you to our students for sharing their voices and visions, and thank you for listening.

As Strelitz International Academy celebrates 70 years, this episode shares a remarkable three-generation family story. From a former librarian and teacher, to alumni parents, to a daughter who has come full circle as a preschool teacher, their journey reflects the enduring heart of SIA.Host Heather Moore explores how traditions, values, and community have connected one family to the school across decades—and why SIA continues to feel like home, generation after generation.

In this 70th Anniversary season of SIA: The Podcast, we look back at the origins and evolution of Strelitz International Academy’s Early Years program. Heather Moore is joined by former Early Years Directors Alene Kaufman and Lorna Orleans, along with longtime teacher Rona Proser, to reflect on the program’s philosophy, growth, and the meaningful moments that shaped generations of young learners. Together, they share stories from the classroom, the values that guided their work, and the legacy they hope will continue to inspire future teachers, families, and children.

In this special 70th Anniversary season of The SIA Podcast, Heather Moore sits down with Burle Stromberg, son of founder Dr. Hyman Stromberg, to explore the origins of Strelitz International Academy. From the school’s early days in a Norfolk home to the creation of the first permanent campus on Indian River Road, they reflect on the vision, values, and Jewish traditions that shaped the school. Listen as Burle shares stories, memories, and the legacy that continues to inspire SIA today.

Join us for a heartwarming and inspiring conversation with beloved children’s author Carrie Finison. In this episode, we explore the art of writing playful, relatable stories that spark joy and imagination. Carrie shares her creative process, the inspiration behind her delightful books, and her thoughts on crafting characters kids truly connect with. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or aspiring writer, this episode is full of insight and warmth you won’t want to miss!

This week, we’re diving into the transformative power of play! Discover how multiple recess periods, multi-age play, and fostering independence can enhance children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. Learn why less teacher intervention, more creative play, and opportunities for conflict resolution are essential for helping kids thrive both on the playground and in the classroom.

In this episode of SIA: The Podcast, we reflect on the milestones, successes, and key moments of the first half of the school year at the Strelitz International Academy while looking ahead to 2025. Join us as we celebrate our journey, share lessons learned, and explore what’s next for our community. Whether you're a parent, educator, or student advocate, this conversation offers inspiration and insight as we continue to grow and evolve together.

In episode 4 of SIA The Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Jerome Rand, author, seasoned sailor, and environmental advocate. Jerome’s journey began in Michigan, where he first took to the water at age 18. In 2017, he set off on an extraordinary solo, nonstop voyage around the world from Gloucester, Massachusetts, aboard his trusty vessel, Mighty Sparrow. Tune in to hear Jerome share stories from his global adventure, insights into the resilience it takes to sail solo, and his passion for spreading environmental awareness.

Episode 3 features guest Dr. Sharon Blumenthal-Cohen. For 30 years Dr. Blumenthal-Cohen has helped students from grammar school through graduate school appreciate literature, develop their rhetorical and creative writing skills, and better organize and complete tasks. A central goal of her work is empowering clients with strategies they can make use of on their own. In addition to teaching & coaching, she has spent more than 15 years offering professional development to schools & supporting and mentoring teachers in a variety of educational settings.

Episode 2 features guest Antonio Viva, Partner at Leadership + Design. Antonio served as the Executive Director of Artisans Asylum, one of the oldest and largest makerspaces in the United States. Prior to his role at Artisans, Antonio spent 12 years as the Head of School at Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick, MA. He is a sought-after speaker addressing topics such as understanding global risks, fostering creativity, design, and effective leadership. Antonio has been featured by numerous regional independent school associations across the United States and works as an executive coach and advisor.

Season 2: Episode 1 features guest Rashi Brashevitzky, Director of Judaic Studies at Strelitz International Academy, to introduce the new Let Grow Experience that SIA will roll out in the next two weeks.

Episode 18 features guest Lenore Skenazy, President and Co-founder of Let Grow. After her newspaper column “Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone” landed her on NPR, Fox News and everywhere in between, Lenore went on to write Free-Range Kids, the book-turned-movement. She has been profiled in The New Yorker, hosted the reality show, “World’s Worst Mom,” and has lectured everywhere from Disney to Microsoft to schools across the country — and the Bulgarian Happiness Festival. Lenore predicts that one day every school will be doing The Let Grow Experience, which she describes as the fastest – and most fun – way to keep childhood anxiety at bay.

Episode 17 features guest Naomi Limor Sedek, President and CEO of the Tidewater Jewish Foundation. Naomi will share her expertise on the power and impact of philanthropy, not only for SIA but the greater community.

Episode 16 features guest Lelia Grinnan, Director of Accreditation, for the Virginia Association of Independent Schools. Ms. Grinnan will share her expertise on private school accreditation, the purpose, process and protocol.

Episode 15 features guest Erica Perl, award winning author of more than forty popular and critically-acclaimedbooks for children and teens. Ms. Perl has received fellowships from the Virginia Center on the Creative Arts, the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, the Yiddish Book Center, and PJ Library.

Episode 14 features guest Burt Segal, licensed Clinical Social Worker, with Fairfield Psychological Associates. Burt shares his expertise related to Co-Parenting Dynamics and strategies to support families through challenging transitions.

Episode 13 features guest Wendy Goldberg, Founder and President of the Benjamin Goldberg Foundation and the current SIA Board President to discuss the work of the foundation and how it is transforming healthcare through the arts.

Episode 12 features guest Jody Balaban, Investment Advisor of Frieden Wealth Management to share his expertise related to Family Financial Planning and tips for all stages of Life.* *Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Frieden Wealth Management and Cambridge are not affiliated. Cambridge does not offer tax or legal advice. Discussions in this show should not be construed as specific recommendations or investment advice. Always consult with your investment professional before making important investment decisions.

Episode 11 features guest Dr. Helen Crompton. Dr. Crompton is the Executive Director of the Research Institute for Digital Innovation in Learning at ODU Global and, Professor of Instructional Technology at Old Dominion University. Join us as we discuss AI and ChatGPT in the world of education!

Episode 10 features guest Tom Purcell, Wellness Director at the Simon Family JCC. Join us to hear Tom share his wealth of knowledge related to health, fitness and New Years Resolutions.

Joining us in episode 9 is Steve Metzger, award winning children's author with over 80 books, and a retired teacher. His latest series -The Bumble Brothers: Crazy for Comics! is a middle-grade graphic novel chosen by the Junior Library Guild as a Gold Standard Selection.   SIA students were fortunate to have Steve visit us on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 and  share his wealth of literary knowledge.

Episode 8 features guest Jody Laibstain, volunteer coordinator at Jewish Family Service. Jody runs the food assistance program, home delivery meals and transportation services. Stay tuned to the end of the episode for our special guests from Early Years 4 who will express what their classes are doing to help.

Episode 6 features guest Sandra Porter Leon, MS, RDN, and The Neighborhood Harvest’s Director of Nutrition and Wellness. She is a registered dietitian, nutritionist, local educator, and expert foodie. Be sure to check out The Neighborhood Harvest’s website and use promocode SIA30 for an exclusive discount.

In this episode of S.I.A.: The Podcast, we will discuss the Suzuki Method and why Strelitz International Academy follows this approach to learning music. Joining us today is Alexandra Marlins, SIA Strings Teacher.

Episode 4 features guests Alicia Pahl- Cornelius, IB® Coordinator at Strelitz International Academy. This episode will include information about the International Baccalaureate® education and why it is important for children developing to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Episode 3 features guests Michelle Galvin, Speech Language Pathologist for Virginia Beach Public schools and Maureen Sullivan, Student Support Coordinator at Strelitz International Academy. This episode will include advice about reading readiness, phonological awareness and student services for private school students that is available through public schools.

In this episode we will discuss Managing Family Stress as we settle into a new school year. Joining us is Debbie Mayer, LCSW and Strelitz International Academy school counselor and Michelle Fenley, who is also an LCSW and Strelitz International Academy school counselor.

Episode 1 features guests Elyssa Brinn, our Director of Early Years and Janet Jenkins, Director of Primary Years at Strelitz International Academy. We will be delving into some helpful topics to get the year started and establish effective routines to help our young learners thrive. For more resources, please click here.