The Your Story Matters Podcast

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. Each week The Your Story Matters Podcast features a new guest sharing their "why" and stories. On this episode of the Your Story Matters Podcast I had a conversation with Liz Gracian. Liz Gracian is a teacher, community leader, and the owner of the Untold Story Bookstore and Cafe in Anaheim, California.  I am thrilled for you to get to know and learn from Liz Gracian today.Liz GracianThe Untold Story Bookstore and CafeLA Times Article, "Anaheim Finally Has a Bookstore that Feels Like Home" by Gustavo ArellanoIG: @theuntoldstorybookstore_cafeThe Untold Story Tellers Podcast

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. Each week The Your Story Matters Podcast features a new guest sharing their "why" and stories.On this episode of the Your Story Matters Podcast I speak with Dr. Antoinette Gutierrez. Dr. Gutierrez is an experienced high school, district leader, consultant and author, who currently serves as the Program Manager for the Colton, Redlands, Yucaipa Regional Occupational Program. Her new book, Healing for Leadership: How Emotionally Intelligent Leaders Build Safe, Resilient Teams, is out now. I am so excited for you to get to know and learn from Dr. Antoinette Gutierrez today!LinkedIn: Dr. Antoinette GutierrezHealing for Leadership: How Emotionally Intelligent Leaders Build Safe, Resilient Teams

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. Each week The Your Story Matters Podcast features a new guest sharing their "why" and stories. Today I am privileged to have a conversation with Liam Halloran. Liam Halloran is a freshman and honors student majoring in International Global Studies at University of Wisconsin-Madison. As a recent graduate from Minnetonka Public Schools he was a part of a Chinese Dual Language Immersion program. While in high school he had three different internships, including one with the League of Women Voters, which included him speaking at the 2024 Equal Rights Amendment Rally. And if all of that wasn't enough he is also a part time piano teacher. I am so excited for you to get to know and learn from Liam Halloran today!LinkedIn: Liam HalloranAASA Public Education Promise Article Featuring Liam Halloran

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. Today I am privileged to have a conversation with Dr. Bernadine Futrell. Dr. Bernadine Futrell is a senior fellow with the Institute for Educational Leadership, and has had the privilege of serving as the Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Education and Leadership Network Director at AASA, as well as being an associate pastor alongside her husband and an author. I am so excited to speak with Dr. Bernadine Futrell today!LinkedIn: Dr. Bernadine FutrellInstitute for Educational LeadershipNational Community Schools Conference 5/27-5/29 in Long Beach

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. On this episode of the Your Story Matters Podcast I have a conversation with Kim Marable, who serves as an assessment and accountability specialist with more than 20 years of experience strengthening instructional practice, elevating data literacy and driving school improvement across Rutherford County Schools. Drawing on her background as a teacher, instructional coach, principal, and district leaders, she specializes in transforming complex assessment data into clear, actionable insights that empower educators and accelerate student achievement. I am so excited for you to get to know and learn from Kim Marable today!LinkedIn: Kim Marable

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. Today I am privileged to have a conversation with Dr. Dina Hernandez & Dr. Tricia Thompson.  Dr. Dina Hernandez has over 25 years of service in K–12 education. She has dedicated her career to advancing equity, championing historically marginalized youth, and empowering educators to lead with purpose. Today, her work also extends to adjudicated youth in halls and camps, students too often underestimated, mislabeled, or silenced. For her, equity is not an afterthought; it is the foundation.  Dr. Tricia Thompson  started in education in 2001 as a Special Day Class Teacher for the Corona Norco Unified School District. She has held various positions within education. She has been a Special Day Class Teacher, a Resource Teacher, a Title 1 Teacher on Special Assignment, Elementary Assistant Principal, Elementary Principal, Administrative Director of Special Education, Administrative Director of Student Services, and is currently the Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services and will be the assistant superintendent of human resources for the Lake Elsinore Unified School District in the fall. She has passions and skills in curriculum, inclusion, special education, human resources, and leadership development.  As two of five co-authors of Promotion Power: Five Disruptive Career Moves for Modern Women, they share research-driven, actionable strategies that help women disrupt barriers, rise with confidence, and lead unapologetically. This work bridges academic research with real-world practices, giving both women and organizations the tools to thrive.  I am so excited for you to learn about and from Dr. Dina Hernandez & Dr. Tricia Thompson today!Dr. Tricia ThompsonDr. Dina HernandezDelMar Publishing: Promotion Power

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. Each week The Your Story Matters Podcast will feature a new guest sharing their "why" and stories. This week I am privileged to have a conversation with Adam Todd. From his early days working in the Geraldo Rivera mail room, to NY Mets scouting position, to his current work as a media arts and technology educator, author, content creator and "Classroom Dynamics, A Teacher Podcast" host, Adam Todd is always innovating and leveraging his media and sports entertainment background for the benefit of the scholars, staff, families, communities and profession he serves. You can catch his scholars doing the weather report on BeeTV, as well as ABC and CBS. If you are at SXSW on March 12th, visit Adam Todd, see him present and hop on his podcast to discuss #AI in the classroom. I am excited for you to get to know and learn from Adam Todd today! LI: Adam ToddClassroom Dynamics, A Teacher PodcastBeeTV

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. On this episode of the Your Story Matters Podcast I am excited to have a conversation with Dr. Dena Kiouses. Dr. Dena Kiouses is the superintendent of Gorman Learning Charter Network, an innovative, personalized learning based TK-12th grade public charter that spans seven counties. I am so excited for you to learn about and from Dr. Dena Kiouses today!LI: Dr. Dena KiousesGorman Learning Charter Network

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. Each week The Your Story Matters Podcast will feature a new guest sharing their "why" and stories. On this episode of The Your Story Matters Podcast I am privileged to have a conversation with Sri Narayanan. Sri is the founder of Kodely, the co-founder and CEO of Nala AI, the host of the Education Unlocked Podcast, and was one of Forbes 30 under 30.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/snarayanan27/https://www.kodely.io/ 

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. On this episode of The Your Story Matters Podcast I have a conversation with Dr. Shana Matamala and Dr. Martin Yousef. Dr. Shana Matamala serves as the Chair of the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program and Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs at the LaFetra College of Education, University of La Verne. With 30 years of experience spanning P–12 education and higher education leadership, she brings a practitioner-informed perspective to doctoral studies. Her research focuses on inclusive leadership, fieldwork design, women leadership, and program development. Dr. Matamala is committed to preparing future leaders to navigate complex educational systems with innovation and purpose. Dr. Martin Yousef is the Associate Dean at the University of La Verne’s LaFetra College of Education. With more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education, Dr. Yousef brings a unique blend of academic, operational, and human resources expertise to his work. His career spans key roles including professor, academic administrator, chief operating officer, and HR leader, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of how institutions function and thrive. Dr. Yousef has led major initiatives in academic operations, curriculum innovation, and program development, with a focus on designing high-quality, student-centered learning experiences across modalities. He is deeply committed to building and sustaining strategic partnerships, particularly with community colleges, K–12 districts, and regional organizations, to expand pathways, strengthen leadership pipelines, and advance educational equity. His research interests include online learning, generational preferences in education delivery, leadership styles, change management, and the role of HR in talent development and retention. I am so excited for you to get to know and learn from Dr. Shana Matamala and Dr. Martin Yousef today!Dr. Shana MatamalaDr. Martin YousefUniversity of La Verne Ed.D. in Educational Leadership Program 

On this episode of the Your Story Matters Podcast I have a conversation with Superintendent Maria Libby from Maine. Superintendent Libby is the superintendent of not one but two districts: Camden Rockport Schools (PreK-8) and Five Town CSD (9th-12th). She is an author of a non-fiction educational leadership book entitled An Impossible Assignment and a children’s book called Waiting for Walter, as well as the podcast host of Super Story: Inside Education. She has served as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and before her education career was a solo boat driver and served as the Narragansett Baykeeper. I am so excited for you to get to know and learn from Superintendent Maria Libby today! LinkedIn: Superintendent Maria LibbySuper Story: Inside Education PodcastWebsite: Maria Libby

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. Each week The Your Story Matters Podcast will feature a new guest sharing their "why" and stories. On this episode of The Your Story Matters Podcast I am privileged to have a conversation with Dr. David Calvo. Dr. Calvo has served as an educator and leader for 30 years, including as a teacher in Florida and then principal both in Florida and California. He most recently served the Director of Development and before that the Director of Family and Community Engagement with the California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE). He has served as a school board member and in elected positions in both Florida and California. I am so excited for you to get to know and learn from Dr. David Calvo  today!LI: Dr. David Calvo

On this episode of the Your Story Matters Podcast I have a conversation with not one but two incredible leaders, Cheryl Abla and Lisa Maxfield. Long time educators, Cheryl and Lisa co-wrote, Teachables: Bite-Size Strategies that Make Major Impact in the Classroom.Cheryl Abla is a passionate and results-driven consultant dedicated to creating learning environments where both educators and students thrive. With expertise in student engagement, instructional best practices, and leadership support, she helps schools turn research into action.Her work spans from coaching educators on effective teaching strategies to guiding administrators in using classroom walkthrough data to drive meaningful change. She specializes in making complex instructional concepts accessible, ensuring that every learner, especially multilingual students, feels valued, motivated, and successful.Lisa Maxfield helps organizations implement tools and strategies that drive adoption, retention, and measurable success. With over ten years of experience leading complex SaaS rollouts, training initiatives, and cross-functional projects, she partners with leaders to turn challenges into outcomes.Her approach is rooted in authentic relationships. she listens, asks thoughtful questions, and collaborates with clients to build clear success plans, anticipate needs, and provide proactive support. By strengthening trust through consistency and follow-through, she creates partnerships that drive engagement and long-term results.I am excited for you all to get to know and learn from Lisa and Cheryl.LI: Lisa MaxfieldLI: Cheryl Abla

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. On this episode of The Your Story Matters Podcast I am privileged to have a conversation with Dr. Simone Charles. Dr. Simone Charles is a high school principal in Los Angeles and Option Schools Principal of the Year for ACSA Region 16. In 2025 she became the President of the Council of Equity Leaders at state ACSA. The lasting impact of a solid education is paramount to Charles. Continuing her life’s work to support diverse students, Charles focuses on racial and gender inequality within Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Her goal is to expand the trajectory of females of color in STEM and enable them to pursue higher learning opportunities. Charles holds a B.A. in Communications, a M.A. in Bilingual Multicultural Education from California State University Dominguez Hills, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy (ELAP) at Pepperdine University. Charles was honored as one of Councilman Curren Price’s 2017 SHeros for her accomplishments working with minority students and she presided over the Council of Black Administrators (COBA) as president from 2016-2018. A committed educator for over 30 years, Charles’ achievements include serving as a Spanish language bilingual and primary language classroom teacher, mentor teacher, grade-level chair, and demonstration teacher and mentor principal. Now, as Principal of the Year and Administrator of the Year, Charles continues to exhibit her love of education and the endless possibilities it holds for students. I am so excited for you to get to learn about and from Dr. Simone Charles today!LinkedIn: Dr. Simone Charles

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. Each week The Your Story Matters Podcast will feature a new guest sharing their "why" and stories. On this episode of The Your Story Matters Podcast, I have a conversation with Allyson Apsey, who has been an educator for over 20 years; an award-winning school leader for the majority of those years. She is passionate about students and staff and leads others through their strengths. She tries to be transparent, vulnerable and supportive, and she doesn’t ask questions unless she wants the answers. After 19 years as a school, district and state leader, Allyson is the Director of Client Relations with Creative Leadership Solutions, where she works with districts and schools across the nation to improve performance at every level from the classroom to the boardroom with evidence, passion, and results. She also travels to spread her #SerendipityEDU message across the country.Allyson became a Certified Trauma Practitioner in Education.Allyson writes on a blog called Serendipity in Education and has authored several books–The Path to Serendipity, the picture book The Princes of Serendip, and Through the Lens of Serendipity: Helping Others Discover the Best in Themselves, a middle-grades chapter book called The Serendipity Journal, Lead with Collaboration: A Complete Guide for Transforming Staff Meetings with Jessica Gomez, Leading the Whole Teacher, What Makes a Great Principal with George Couros, she is a contributing author to Fearless Instruction, and her latest book is Less Talk, More Action: A Guide to Transforming Schools Through Action Research with Emily Freeland. She also loves speaking to passionate groups of educators as everyone works to be happy and effective people for the benefit of everyone. She is married to Jim and has two amazing sons with him, Laine and Tyson. She is blessed. I am so excited for you to get to know and learn from Allyson Apsey!www.allysonapsey.comLI: Allyson ApseyIG: @allyosonapseyX: @AllysonApsey

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. On this episode I am privileged to have a conversation with THE Dave Burgess. Dave Burgess is the New York Times Best-Selling author of Teach Like a PIRATE, co-author of P is for PIRATE, and the president of Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc. which delivers powerful, inspirational, and innovative books, keynotes, and professional development.He specializes in teaching hard-to-reach, hard-to-motivate students with techniques that incorporate showmanship and creativity.  In a ceremony in Washington, D.C., he was awarded the BAMMY for Secondary School Teacher of the Year by the Academy of Education Arts and Sciences. He was recently inducted into the Pirate Hall of Fame. Dave delivers the ultimate professional development experience for your teachers that is perfect for all circumstances from truly inspirational opening keynotes to full-day hands-on workshops. It is a high-energy, interactive, and entertaining experience that will leave your staff unbelievably inspired, motivated, and with the practical skills to dramatically increase student engagement. He has published close to 200 books by over 80 authors on DBC, inc. I am so excited for you to be inspired and empowered by Dave Burgess today!Website: daveburgess.com Podcast: The Dave Burgess ShowLinkedIn: Dave BurgessIG: @dbc_incX: @burgessdaveFB: Dave BurgessBlueSky: @burgessdave.bsky.social 

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. On this episode I am privileged to have a conversation with Superintendent Diego Ochoa. Superintendent Diego Ochoa leads and serves in the San Mateo-Foster City School District, where, since 2021, he has led the development of a comprehensive 5-year Strategic Plan, engaging more than 70 stakeholders including teachers, staff, administrators, labor partners, parents, and community organizations. This collaborative effort reflects his commitment to inclusive, forward-thinking leadership that prioritizes student success and community input. Under Superintendent Diego Ochoa’s leadership, the San Mateo-Foster City School District has introduced several impactful initiatives to enhance communication, staff support, and student achievement. The district launched the oneSMFC podcast, redesigned its websites, introduced Board/Community Workshops, and created YouTube livestream events to better connect with families and community members. Ochoa has also successfully negotiated collective bargaining agreements that ensure annual pay raises, reinforcing his belief that SMFCSD has some of the most talented and dedicated educators and administrators. Under his leadership the district was granted a five million dollar community schools grant. Superintendent Ochoa has served as CALSA Region 1 Director, State Board Director for ACSA, ACSA Region 5 President and San Mateo Central ACSA Charter President. He is currently running for ACSA State Vice President. I am excited for you to learn about and from Superintendent Diego Ochoa!LI: Superintendent Diego OchoaSan Mateo-Foster City School District

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. On this episode of The Your Story Matters Podcast I had a conversation with Dr. Cindy Petersen & Dr. Marilou Ryder. Dr. Cindy Petersen was 2019 ACSA's Exemplary Woman in Education as well as ACSA Region 3's Outstanding Woman Leader for 2020. Cindy earned the recognition of ACSA Region 3 Superintendent of the Year in 2013 and again in 2020.  In 2023, she was named one of Comstock magazine's Women in Leadership honorees. Dr. Petersen has been a leader in public education for over 35 years, serving for twenty years as a superintendent. She has been an adjunct professor for Brandman University and the UMass Global doctorate programs for over a decade. In her current role as the C.E.O./Senior Leadership Consultant of Courageous Leadership Coaching and Consulting she continues her passionate and intentional work by supporting leaders in their pursuit of excellence. She is especially proud to have been a co-author on two books for women leaders: Bold Brilliance: Personal Power and Possibilities and Leading Legends: Female Superintendents Breaking Barriers with Purpose and Power. Dr. Marilou Ryder is a bestselling author, UMass Global doctoral professor, and women’s leadership expert. With more than a decade as a school superintendent, she brings both research and real-life experience to her mission: empowering women to show up as their best selves. Her latest work, Leading Legends: Female Superintendents Breaking Barriers with Purpose and Power,is a powerful anthology that spotlights ten trailblazing women who became superintendents in a male-dominated field sharing their stories, lessons, and leadership strategies. Over her career, Marilou has written 10 books in the Sister to Sister series, plus her popular 6×6 Instagraphics like Know Your Worth, Girl and Show Your Worth, Girl. Her work tackles confidence, career, ageism, and self-worth through hundreds of interviews and bold storytelling. She’s recognized as a Top Ten Business Woman of the Year, California Administrator of the Year, and multiple-time Faculty of the Year. I am so excited for you to learn from Dr. Cindy Petersen & Dr. Marilou Ryder today!Dr. Marilou Ryderhttps://www.sistertosistersecrets.com/Dr. Cindy Petersenhttps://www.drcindypetersen.com/University of La VerneUniversity of Massachusetts Global

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. Each week The Your Story Matters Podcast will feature a new guest sharing their "why" and stories. On this episode I was privileged to have a conversation with Don Bott. Don Bott is an author and award winning educator. He has been an educator for nearly his entire adult life and just published his first book, Forty Years Forty Stories: Lessons for educators in their first or final year or anytime in between. After teaching one year in Santa Cruz, he returned to Stockton Unified School District, where he had been a student. He took a job as an English and Journalism teacher at Stagg High School. Now after 34 years as a classroom teacher, Bott transitioned to becoming the school's instructional coach. In that capacity he has helped all teachers, new hires in particular. He has taken on several initiatives in his seven years as coach, and he is especially proud of the school's teacher retention numbers in recent years, thanks in part to the culture he is trying to build as a teacher leader. I am so excited for you to get to know and learn from Don Bott!LI: Don Botthttps://www.donbott.com/40 Years, 40 Stories: Lessons for Educators in their First or Final Year of Anytime in Between 

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. Each week The Your Story Matters Podcast will feature a new guest sharing their "why" and stories. On this episode of The Your Story Matters Podcast have a conversation with Dr. Tricia Mooney. Dr. Tricia Mooney exemplifies visionary, community-rooted leadership in public  education. Rising through the ranks from teacher to superintendent, she has led Hermiston School District 8R—Eastern Oregon’s largest school district, since 2017. She also serves as Vice Chair of Oregon’s Quality Education Commission, helping shape how the state defines and funds a “quality education.” Under her leadership, Hermiston was named one of just four AASA “Lighthouse Systems” nationwide through the Learning 2025 initiative, recognizing its whole-child, future-driven approach. I am so excited for you to get to know and learn from Dr. Tricia Mooney today!LI: Dr. Tricia MooneyHermiston School DistrictAASA Women in Leadership ConsortiumAASA Lighthouse Systems

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. Each week The Your Story Matters Podcast will feature a new guest sharing their "why" and stories. On this episode of the Your Story Matters Podcast I have a conversation with Dr. Avis Williams. Dr. Avis Williams is an executive coach with over two decades of leadership experience in both public and private sectors. Known for her engaging presence and values-driven leadership style, Dr. Williams brings deep insight into navigating complex challenges with clarity, compassion, and courage. Her approach emphasizes mental and physical wellness, authentic engagement, and leading with intention. Dr. Williams is also the creator of “A Prescription for Joy,” a popular video series and podcast that highlights the importance of self-care, leadership resilience, and creating space for joy in everyday life. I am so excited for all of you to get to know and learn from Dr. Avis Williams today! 

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. Each week The Your Story Matters Podcast will feature a new guest sharing their "why" and stories. Today I am privileged to have a conversation with Dr. Tracie Tagamolila-Noriega. She is a second-generation Filipina-American, Wife, Mother of 4, and Educator of almost 30 years, Dr. Tracie Noriega currently serves as the Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Professional Learning for the Association of CA School Administrators (ACSA). Tracie's previous roles included Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for San Lorenzo USD, Director of K-12 Instruction, Director of Assessment and Evaluation; Principal; and Teacher for New Haven Unified School District. Tracie is the Immediate Past President of the Filipino American Educators Association of CA (FAEAC) and faculty with the Liberated Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum Consortium (LESMCC). Dr. Noriega’s dissertation research focused on the support needed for school leaders as they implement Ethnic Studies programs. She created the Ethnic Studies Leadership Praxis framework. Education became her route as she was inspired by her teachers who supported her as a teen mom struggling to balance motherhood and school. She credits her Ethnic Studies professors for helping her to understand and vocalize her experiences as the daughter of Filipino immigrants. It is the Guiding Principles of Ethnic Studies that continue to keep her centered. The Youth continues to inspire her as she works to create lasting change in our educational system. I am so excited for you to get to know and learn from Dr. Tracie Tagamolila-Noriega today!LI: Dr. Tracie Tagamolila-NoriegaThe Critically Conscious Classroom 

Nuestros cerebros están programados para la conexión y las historias. Este podcast se trata de amplificar ambos. Ahora más que nunca nuestras historias importan. Cada semana, The Your Story Matters Podcast (Tu Historia Importa) contará con un nuevo invitado que compartirá su "por qué" y sus historias. Si aún no lo ha hecho, siga The Your Story Matters Podcast en su plataforma de podcast favorita para saber cuándo se lanzan los episodios nuevos. También podemos encontrar el podcast The Your Story Matters en YouTube en el canal de la Dra. Renae Bryant, así que dele me gusta y suscríbase en el canal. En este episodio del podcast Your Story Matters estoy emocionada de ser co-presentadora, soy Elizabeth Maciel, maestra de lenguaje del idioma inglés y de español de Corona High School,  intérprete / traductora y actual miembro de la Junta directiva del Capítulo de CABE en Riverside. Hoy tendremos una conversación con la abogada Lisa Ramírez, co- fundadora de U.S. Immigration Law Group, LLP. La licenciada Ramírez es especialista en leyes de inmigración y ciudadanía del Colegio de Abogados del Estado de California y una de las primeras mujeres y la primera especialista de habla hispana en el condado de Orange. Su práctica se centra en las investigaciones y auditorías I-9 del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional, el establecimiento de programas de cumplimiento para empresas y la obtención de varias visas para atletas profesionales, artistas, científicos y trabajadores religiosos. Además, apoya la inmigración basada en la familia a través de peticiones y extenciones, naturalización y defensa de deportaciones en la Corte Federal de Inmigración. La licenciada Ramirez está, sobre todo, muy orgullosa de su trabajo pro-bono en nombre de los inmigrantes más vulnerables, incluidos los solicitantes de asilo, las víctimas del tráfico humano y las mujeres y niños maltratados. Ha sido presidenta de la Asociación de Abogados Hispanos del Condado de Orange y ha brindado sus servicios en la Comisión Asesora Hispana de la Oficina del Fiscal de Distrito del Condado de Orange durante más de dos décadas. Actualmente es miembro de la Junta de la Asociación de Abogados del Condado de Orange, el Centro de Derecho Público, una organización sin fines de lucro 501 (c) (3) que brinda servicios legales gratuitos a residentes de bajos ingresos y otras organizaciones sin fines de lucro en el Condado de Orange y NETWORK Lobby, una organización de defensa católica nacional inclusiva que trabaja para lograr la equidad y la justicia para todos. ha estado proporcionando las actualizaciones legislativas quincenales para el Grupo de Inmigración de OC compuesto por organizaciones sin fines de lucro que trabajan juntas para ayudar a las familias y los niños. Estamos muy emocionadas de tener ustedes escuchan a esta conversación www.lisaramirez.com U.S. Immigration Law Group, LLPLinkedIn: Lisa D. RamirezLinkedIn: Elizabeth MacielAmerican Association of Interpreters and Translators in Education (AAITE)La traduccion es de Elizabeth Maciel. Elizabeth es una maestra pero es disponible a hacer trabajo consultante de traducción.

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. On this episode of the Your Story Matters Podcast I am excited to have a co-host, Elizabeth Maciel, Corona High School English Language Development award-winning educator, teacher, past interpreter/translator and current CABE Riverside Chapter Board member. Elizabeth and I are going to have a conversation with Attorney Lisa Ramirez, Founding Partner, U.S. Immigration Law Group, LLP. Lisa is a California State Bar Immigration and Nationality Law Specialist and notably one of the first women and the first Spanish speaking specialist in Orange County. Lisa has been volunteering her expertise with the OC Immigration Coalition for close to a decade. Her practice focuses on Department of Homeland Security I-9 investigations and audits, establishing compliance programs for companies, and obtaining various visas for professional athletes, artists, scientists, and religious workers. Additionally, she supports family-based immigration through petitions and waivers, naturalization, and removal (deportation) defense in Federal Immigration Court. Lisa is most proud of her pro bono work on behalf of the most vulnerable immigrants, including asylum seekers, trafficking victims, and battered women and children. She is a past president of the Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County and has served on the Hispanic Advisory Commission for the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for over two decades.  She is a current Board member of the Orange County Bar Association, the Public Law Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing free legal services to low-income residents and other nonprofits in Orange County and NETWORK Lobby, an inclusive, national, Catholic advocacy organization working to achieve equity and justice for everyone. has been providing the biweekly legislative updates for the OC Immigration Group made up of non-profits working together to help families and children. She has recently announced her candidacy for Congress and she still made time to share her knowledge to help anyone listening to this podcast. We are so excited for you to listen to this conversation today.The information presented in this podcast is for informational purposes only. Please seek legal consultation for if you need specific guidance for your own situation.This podcast was recorded before the recent Supreme Court decision regarding ICE.www.lisaramirez.com U.S. Immigration Law Group, LLPLinkedIn: Lisa D. RamirezLinkedIn: Elizabeth MacielAmerican Association of Interpreters and Translators in Education (AAITE)Beyond being a teacher, Elizabeth Maciel is professional available for interpreting and translating consulting work. Reach out to her via LinkedIn. Much gratitude for her jumping in as co-host and doing the Spanish version of this episode.

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. Each week The Your Story Matters Podcast will feature a new guest sharing their "why" and stories. On this episode of the Your Story Matters Podcast I have two leaders and multilingual/plurilingual advocates join me: Martha Hernandez and David Nungaray. Martha Hernandez currently serves as the executive director at Californians Together, where she leads a coalition of 38 statewide professional, parent, student, advocacy and civil rights organizations that advocates for the educational success of California's 1.1 million English learners. Her 42 years of California public school experience includes roles as the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, County Director of Curriculum and Instruction, district and site administrator, and bilingual and special education teacher. David Nungaray is a bilingual consulting partner for TNTP who has led impactful projects across states like California, Texas, Alaska, Massachusetts, and Nevada. Both TNTP and Californians Together are hosting the California Multilingual Literacy and Language Convening on Saturday, September 20th in Anaheim. In a time where English has been declared the national language of the United States, I am excited for all of you to listen to learn about and from Martha and David.Links:LI: Martha HernandezCalifornia Multilingual Literacy and Language Convening https://californiasmultiliteracya.rsvpify.com/ Dual Language Learner Literacy Development in Early Childhood Education and the Science of Reading Webinar http://caltog.co/4fEtQFI Call to Action: Recruit Reviewers for ELA/ELD Follow-up Adoption of Instructional Materials https://caltog.co/4mj864K  SBE and IQC Openings (Due Sep. 29)https://www.cde.ca.gov/be/cc/ab/index.asp ELR CoP Application Formhttps://qr.fm/yhbgQs Subscribe to the Federal Pulse:https://caltog.co/4mmmjxPLinks:LI: David NungarayThe Opportunity MythPaths of OpportunityOpportunity MakersUnlocking Learning Acceleration for Multilingual LearnersFresno Case StudyEdnovate Blog 

Now more than ever our stories matter. Each week The Your Story Matters Podcast will feature a new guest sharing their "why" and stories. On this episode of The Your Story Matters Podcast I have a conversation with Dr. Jamie Burkhart. Dr. Burkhart serves as the Director of Women in Leadership at the Missouri Association of School Administrators, where she designs meaningful professional development experiences that inspire, connect, and empower female school leaders across the state. Dr. Burkhart also serves Missouri’s schools through her work as a Superintendent Search Consultant with the Missouri Association of Rural Education (MARE), helping rural districts find strong, mission-driven leadership. As MARE New School Board Member Training, she also supports new board members through MARE training programs, believing that great governance is foundational to great schools. Jamie walks that talk as a public school board member, herself. When the Missouri legislature is in session, Jamie proudly assists MASA as a lobby assistant, advocating for public education with passion and purpose. Before this she served as a Superintendent at Green Ridge R-VIII School District, Assistant superintendent at Clinton Schools, and principal and teacher at Knob Noster R-VIII Schools. Most recently she can become a certified Jon Gordon MLT (Mindset, Leadership and Teamwork) Trainer with the Jon Gordon Companies, Inc. I am so excited for all of you to get to know and learn from Dr. Jamie Burkhart!LinkedIn-Dr. Jamie Burkhart (Message to Receive the Weekly Quote Newsletter)The Jon Gordon Companies, Inc.Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA)AASA National Women In Leadership Consortium (NWLC)Missouri Association of Rural Education

It was a privilege to have a conversation with Dr. Daryl F. Camp. Dr. Daryl Camp began serving as the superintendent of the San Lorenzo Unified School District in 2019. Previously, he served for seven years as the superintendent of the Riverbank Unified School District. Dr. Camp has been a public-school educator in California for over 30 years, beginning in 1991 as a substitute teacher and coach in the Oakland Unified School District. Dr. Camp is currently the president for the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA). From 2015 to 2019, Dr. Camp served on the Board of Directors for the state’s Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT). He is  a Masters in Governance faculty member and governance consultant for the California School Boards Association (CSBA). He recently completed a two-year term, from 2020-2022, as president of the California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA). I am so excited for you to learn from and more about Dr. Daryl Camp!

On this episode of the Your Story Matters Podcast I have a conversation with Dr. Laura Hebert. Dr. Laura Hebert is the Director of Leadership Services for the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio. Prior to joining the ESC, Dr. Hebert served as Superintendent of the Ravenna City School District. Dr. Hebert has been an educator for 38 years, serving the last three as superintendent. Prior to becoming a superintendent, she served as a high school principal in Virginia and Ohio. During her tenure as a teacher, she was named Teacher of the Year for Manchester HS (VA), a finalist for the R.E.B. Award for Distinguished Educational Leadership (VA), and was named an Outstanding Alumnus of W.E. Stebbins HS (OH), her alma mater. Dr. Hebert also served as an adjunct professor at Longwood University (VA), where she prepared future principals and superintendents through their Educational Leadership Program. I am so excited for you to get to know Dr. Laura Hebert!

On this episode of The Your Story Matters Podcast I have a conversation with Dr. Edison Kelly. Dr. Edison Kelly serves as the director of student services for the Vallejo City Unified School District. He is the director of the Willie B. Adkins College Preparatory Program, teaches at Touro University and is the Association of California Administrators (ACSA) Student Services Administrator of the Year. He also serves as a group leader and mentor for the ACSA Summer Institute. And if all that wasn’t enough, he is also the author of the book, Crack Slippers: Does all mean all.Connect with Dr. Edison Kelly on FBConnect with Dr. Edison Kelly on LIBuy Dr. Edison Kelly's Book: Crack Slipper: Does All Mean AllLearn more about the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA)

On this episode of the Your Story Matters Podcast I have a conversation with the future Dr. Cari Buehler. Cari is a proud mom, superintendent of Danbury Local School District in Ohio, and co-lead of the AASA National Women’s Leadership Consortium. She is also a keynote speaker on her non-duty days and a mentor. I am so excited for you to get to know this talented leader!Connect with Cari on LinkedIn.Join the AASA National Women's Leadership Consortium.

On this episode of the Your Story Matters Podcast I have a conversation with not one but two incredible leaders Dr. Daisy Morales and Superintendent Roxanna B. Villaseñor. As a part of the Universal Leadership & Associates, they are hosting a series of free webinar discussions entitled, “Peer Power.” The first one is focused on women in leadership and will take place on July 30th from 4:00-4:45 PM. I am so absolutely thrilled for you to enjoy this conversation with these two accomplished leaders!Link to Register for the Universal Leadership & Associates Webinar Discussion Peer Power: Women In Leadership

On this episode of the Your Story Matters Podcast I have a conversation with Dr. Leena Bakshi McLean. Dr. Leena Bakshi McLean is a wife, mom of two, former administrator, professor and teacher. She is the founder of STEM4Real, a nonprofit professional learning organization committed to combining STEM and NGSS with justice centered teaching methods and leadership. She is author of STEM for ALL: How to connect, create, and cultivate stem education for all learners, as well as the podcast host of Teaching STEM, #4Real Podcast. 

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. On this episode of the Your Story Matters Podcast I have a conversation with Rachel Logan an Educational Consultant with Sourcewell and a multi-licensed educator with over 20 years of experience as a classroom teacher in multiple states and internationally. Rachel is a Literacy coach and consultant, and most recently a trainer, writer, and advocate for ensuring culturally responsive experiences for every student regardless of their zip code. Rachel is the host of the Sourcewell Ed Soul Podcast and has trained and spoken at multiple conferences throughout the state of Minnesota and nationally including AASA as both an educator and school board member. SourcewellEd Soul PodcastRachel Logan

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. On this episode of the Your Story Matters Podcast I have a conversation with Dr. Gabrielle Rodriguez. Dr. Gabrielle Rodriguez is a wife, mom of four, former board member, author of Becoming Me:The Life Experiences of a Dysfunctional Soul and 15 Lessons Learned in Helping You Find Yourself, speaker, and current superintendent of Central District #104 in O’Fallon, Illinois. 

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. On this episode of the Your Story Matters Podcast I am excited to have a conversation with Dr. LeAnne Salazar Montoya. Dr. Salazar Montoya is an author, professor, and former superintendent whose work focuses on strengthening the educational leadership pipeline and preparing the next generation of school leaders. A first-generation scholar from rural New Mexico, she brings personal and professional insight to her writing and teaching, drawing from more than two decades in K–12 and higher education. She is the creator of The Radiance Project, a national anthology series that shares the personal narratives of underrepresented leaders, and the author of Dandelion Diaries, a practical guide for educators pursuing roles in school leadership and reflective narratives. As a professor of Educational Leadership and Policy, Dr. Montoya teaches effective practices for aspiring principals and superintendents, helping educators build confidence, competence, and the capacity to lead with purpose. 

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. On this episode of the Your Story Matters Podcast I have a conversation with Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya Goffney. Dr. Goffney is also AASA President Elect. She is the current president of the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE), Past President of the Texas Association of School Administrators, was the 2018 Texas Superintendent of the Year, she is a pastor’s wife and is a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. So absolutely thrilled for you to hear this episode and be inspired by Dr. LaTonya Goffney.

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. Each week The Your Story Matters Podcast will feature a new guest sharing their "why" and stories. On this episode of the Your Story Matters Podcast I have a conversation with Montserrat Garibay, former Assistant Deputy Secretary and Director at the U.S.Department of Education and Office of English Language Acquisition. Who, before she worked in Washington D.C., was a National Board Certified Bilingual Pre-K teacher, Vice President for Certified Employees for Austin Independent School District, Secretary-Treasurer for the Texas AFL-CIO, and Senior Advisor for Labor Relations, Office of the Secretary. So absolutely thrilled for you to hear this episode and be inspired by Montserrat Garibay.

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. Each week The Your Story Matters Podcast will feature a new guest sharing their "why" and stories. On this episode of the Your Story Matters Podcast I speak with Dr. Kip Glazer.  Dr. Glazer is the proud principal of Mountain View High School, a comprehensive high school with over 2,000 scholars and 200 faculty and staff. She is a Google Certified Innovator, holds a doctorate from Pepperdine in Learning Technology, is a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator and technology consultant. Dr. Kip Glazer

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. Each week The Your Story Matters Podcast will feature a new guest sharing their "why" and stories. On this episode of the Your Story Matters Podcast I speak with Madisson Romero Alarcón. Madisson is a recent graduate of Anaheim High School in Anaheim Union High School District, past District ambassador, and Dual Language Academy alumna. As a result of taking Dual Enrollment in high school, she currently is a sophomore at California State University Fullerton and is double majoring in public policy and psychology with the goal of becoming a district attorney.

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. Each week The Your Story Matters Podcast will feature a new guest sharing their "why" and stories. On this episode of the Your Story Matters Podcast I speak with Debra Russell. Debra leads strategic staffing at the Thompson Policy Institute at Chapman University. She is also a California Education Policy Fellow with the Education Insights Center, as well as the Arts and Culture Commissioner for the City of Santa Ana.

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. Each week The Your Story Matters Podcast will feature a new guest sharing their "why" and stories.  On this episode of the Your Story Matters Podcast I speak with Dr. Benita Scheckel. Dr. Scheckel is an educational leader, fierce arts advocate, singer, playwright, voice over actress, lover of humans and Coordinator of Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) at Hacienda La Puente Unified School District. 

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. On this episode of the Your Story Matters Podcast I have a conversation with Dr. Adela Cruz. Dr. Cruz serves as the Director of Mental Health & Wellness, McKinney-Vento and Foster Youth Programs at Anaheim Union HSD. She is also the She-E-O/CEO and founder for the Center for Youth Mental Illness in Schools and is a highly sought out consultant and speaker in their field.

Spanish Language VersionOn this episode of the Your Story Matters Podcast I am excited to have a co-host, Araceli Chavez, Manager of the Family and Community Engagement Specialists at Anaheim Union HSD and heavily involved with our community schools approach and our involvement in the Community Engagement Initiative (CEI). Araceli and I are going to have a conversation with Julio Perez, with the OC Immigration Coalition. Julio facilitated a Know Your Rights presentation at our January District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) meeting and we knew we needed to amplify his voice as far and wide as possible.  We are so excited to have this conversation today.Julio Moises [email protected] [email protected] Consulate - Santa AnaKorean Consulate - Los AngelesImmigration Legal Resource Center - www.ilrc.orgCatholic Charities of Orange County - www.ccoc.orgThe Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights - www.chirla.orgWorld Relief - https://worldrelief.orgOC Justice Fund - https://www.ocjusticefund.orgAUHSD Immigration ResourcesThe information presented in this podcast is for informational purposes only, it is not presented by attorneys and should not be a substitute for formal legal consultation.

On this episode of The Your Story Matters Podcast I am excited to have a co-host, Araceli Chavez, Manager of the Family and Community Engagement Specialists at Anaheim Union HSD. She is heavily involved with our community schools approach and the Community Engagement Initiative (CEI). Araceli and I are going to have a conversation with Julio Perez, from the OC Immigration Coalition. Julio facilitated a Know Your Rights presentation at our January District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) meeting and we knew we needed to amplify his voice as far and wide as possible.  We are so excited to have this conversation today.Julio Moises [email protected] [email protected] Consulate - Santa AnaKorean Consulate - Los AngelesImmigration Legal Resource Center - www.ilrc.orgCatholic Charities of Orange County - www.ccoc.orgThe Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights - www.chirla.orgWorld Relief - https://worldrelief.orgOC Justice Fund - https://www.ocjusticefund.orgAUHSD Immigration ResourcesThe information presented in this podcast is for informational purposes only, it is not presented by attorneys and should not be a substitute for formal legal consultation.

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories and this podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. Each week The Your Story Matters Podcast will feature a new guest sharing their "why" and their stories. On this very first episode of the Your Story Matters Podcast I speak with Dr. Antoinette Gutierrez. Dr. Gutierrez is an experienced high school principal, district leader, consultant, speaker and author. Her first published book was her dissertation and she recently finished writing her second book. She often presents on the importance of sharing our stories and is a leader within both the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) and the California Association for Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA).