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Dr. Jessica Long is a Clinical Psychologist in Kennewick, Washington.  She has been a Psychologist for over 10 years with experience working with youth, adults, and families.  She received a BA in Psychology from Sacred Heart University of Fairfield, CT in 1999. She helps many children, adults, and families deal with self-harm, depression, emotional dysregulation, and relationship difficulties.  She has been a recognized community expert in helping children, adults, and families ever since starting up her own practice in 2012. In this episode, Dr. Long discusses the importance of seeking help from a trusted adult. Later, Ellie joins Taya and Makenzie to discuss the importance of empathy and how you can help your friends if they are struggling. CONNECT WITH ​DR. LONG **Award Winning Culture is Sponsored by: PBIS Rewards Follow Award Winning Culture : Twitter Instagram Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes Apple Podcasts...  

Kristen Nan is an educator, blogger, speaker, and the co-author of the inspiring book: All In: Taking a Gamble in Education.  She is the founder of True Grit, a foundation to create success in learning and life. She has been a 3rd grade teacher at Hopewell Elementary in Aliquippa, PA for the last 22 years. Nan has a passion for building relationships with her students, colleagues, and community.  In this episode, Nan discusses her childhood and how that shaped her life and the person she is today. Also, Taya joins Lilly and Makenzie to talk about what it’s like to learn in an award winning culture. CONNECT WITH ​Kristen Nan: ​FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM **Award Winning Culture is Sponsored by: PBIS Rewards Follow Award Winning Culture : Twitter Instagram Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes Apple Podcasts...

Fabian Ramirez is an anti-bullying speaker and drug prevention specialist based out of Washington DC.  Bully prevention is near to Fabian's heart simply because he was bullied in middle school and he knows the psychological impact that bullying can have on students.  Fabian's personal mission is to get in front of as many students as possible and share his message and ways to prevent and eliminate bullying behavior on campuses across the United States.  In this episode, Ramirez talks about how students can build resilience and stay strong to help others in our school communities. Later, Brielle joins Macie and Hayes to talk about how they can show resilience and stand up for those in our Wildcat Nation family that need us. CONNECT WITH ​Fabian Ramirez: ​FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM **Award Winning Culture is Sponsored by: PBIS Rewards​ Follow Award Winning Culture : Twitter Instagram Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes Apple Podcasts...

Paul Casey is a national keynote speaker, author, trainer, and leadership consultant, who has been serving the corporate world for 24 years.  Casey is the author of Maximizing Every Minute.  He is a recognized expert on time management, and personal growth.  He is an ACC-certified coach with the International Coaching Federation, a Master Trainer, and is a member of the National Speakers Association.  He was awarded Solopreneur of the Year by the West Richland Chamber. In this episode, Casey talks about time management and the best way to work in a TEAM successfully in middle school.  Later Brielle joins Josh and Jordan to discuss being a leader now in middle school. CONNECT WITH ​Paul Casey: ​FACEBOOK TWITTER **Award Winning Culture is Sponsored by: PBIS Rewards Follow Award Winning Culture : Twitter Instagram Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes Apple Podcasts...

Lee Caraher is the founder and CEO of Double Forte, a national public relations and digital media agency, based in San Francisco, that works with beloved consumer and technology brands.  Lee is a highly sought after communications expert known for her business building acumen and insights. She is also the author of the Millenials and Management and The Boomerang Principle.  Lee is recognized for creating high performing, positive, intergenerational workplaces.  She is an expect in the field of leadership within the workplace. In this episode Lee talks about how to be successful as a leader in every situation, not just business.  Later, Qurin joins Lilly and Jordan to discuss how they can start now in middle school learning to be a successful leader in business. CONNECT WITH ​LEE CARAHER: ​FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM **Award Winning Culture is Sponsored by: PBIS Rewards Follow Award Winning Culture : Twitter Instagram Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes Apple Podcasts...

Tara Martin is an enthusiastic educator, national keynote speaker and author of "BE Real: Educate from the Heart" and "Cannonball In."  Tara Martin thrives on change and is an educational disrupter.  She has been a classroom teacher, instructional coach, district administrator, and is the founder of #BookSnaps, and loves making learning fun and meaningful.  Currently, she's the PR and Communication Director at Dave Burgess Consulting.  Tara's ambition is to lead a culture of innovative change and keep social-emotional learning at the heart of education.  In this episode, Tara talks about being REAL and her experiences as a middle schooler. Later, Desi joins Macey and Macie to discuss how you can be your authentic self in every situation. CONNECT WITH ​Tara Martin: ​FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM **Award Winning Culture is Sponsored by: PBIS Rewards Follow Award Winning Culture : Twitter Instagram Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes Apple Podcasts...

Jewell Parker Rhodes is an award winning author of six adult novels, and numerous young adult novels.  Her fearless and authentic literature includes: Ghost Boys, Towers Falling, and Black Brother, Black Brother.  She’s won the Coretta Scott King honor, the Jane Adams Children’s book award, and many others.  She grew up in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania where she earned her BA in drama criticism, she also earned a Doctorate of Arts in English.  Rhodes is the Founding Artistic Director and Piper Endowed Chair at the Virginia G Piper Center for Creative Writing at Arizona State university.  Her main goal is to inspire to live and make the world a better place. We have read and enjoyed her books. In this episode, Rhodes discusses her childhood and how that impacts her writing.  She also discusses the importance of teaching young people about the world. Later, Hayes joins Qurin and Kian to discuss her influence on them and the lasting effect she will have on a new generation of readers. CONNECT WITH ​JEWELL: ​FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM **Award Winning Culture is Sponsored by: PBIS Rewards​ Follow Award Winning Culture : Twitter Instagram Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes Apple Podcasts...

Sheldon Weddle is an amazing vice principal for Enterprise Middle School. As a graduate and former kicker from Eastern Washington University, Weddle's is now in his 9th year in education. Weddle is a passionate educational leader who models excellence everyday.  In this episode, Weddle shares his template for being a leader of character. Later, Lilly joins Brayden and Desi to breakdown Weddle’s poignant words. CONNECT WITH ​Sheldon: TWITTER Follow Award Winning Culture : Twitter Instagram Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes Apple Podcasts...

Jimmy Casas is CEO and President of J Casas and Associates, and a recognized expert in school culture.  Casas is an award-winning educator, speaker, and author, who served 14 years as principal at Bettendorf High School which was known for its positive school culture for students and staff.  BHS won numerous awards for all of the positive results from Casas leadership. He won Iowa principal of the year, a finalist for National Principal of the Year, the Bammy award for national principal, and was invited to the White House to speak about the Future Ready Pledge.  Casas is also the author of “What Connected Educators Do Differently,” “Start.Right.Now,” “Stop.Right.Now,” and the best-selling book “Culturize.”  In this episode, Casas shares wisdom of how to Live Your Excellence, while inspiring others through passionate leadership.  Later, Ayla joins Nicole and Macey to reflect on modeling your desired influence. CONNECT WITH ​Jimmy: ​LINKEDIN TWITTER INSTAGRAM Follow Award Winning Culture : Twitter Instagram Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes Apple Podcasts...

Evan Robb and 8th grade student Davis are from Johnson-Williams Middle School in Berryville, Virginia.  Robb is the recipient of the Horace Mann Educator of the Year Award, a TEDx Speaker, a progressive speaker, and a fitness enthusiast.  Robb is the author of The Principal's Leadership Sourcebook, The Ten-Minute Principal, Team Makers, and Schools Full of Readers.  He believes that all learning begins with a question.  Davis is a 7th grade passionate leader, who's helping elevate Johnson-Williams to the next level.  He's an accomplished musician who plays the piano, saxophone, and guitar. Davis is a talented, driven, and intelligent young man with a huge heart and love for his friends and family.  In this episode, Robb and Davis discuss the great ways that Johnson-Williams middle school is rocking it and doing amazing things for students. Later, Qurin joins Hayes and Brielle to discuss what they learned from a fellow middle schooler and what they want to bring to Wildcat Nation. CONNECT WITH ​EVAN: ​FACEBOOK TWITTER   CONNECT WITH JOHNSON-WILLIAMS MIDDLE SCHOOL FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM TWITTER Follow Award Winning Culture : Twitter Instagram **Award Winning Culture is Sponsored by: CharacterStrong Use the Code AWC and get $200 off the Advisory Curriculum or $100 off the Leadership Curriculum

Dr. Amy Fast is the author of an outstanding book called, "It's the Mission, Not the Mandates."  This book is about how real change occurs and how we never have had a clear purpose for our schools.  Additionally, she argues that now more than ever educators need this book in their lives. Fast is a former teacher, instructional coach, professional developer, and now current educational lead principal at McMinnville High School in Oregon.  Fast's main goal in life is to inspire students, teachers, and educational leaders to be able to find their passion and pursue their purpose. In this episode, Fast talks about having your 3 word why and letting that carry you through every decision you make.  Later, Taya joins Nicole and Jordan to discuss their why and how teachers can be more effective knowing their students’ stories. CONNECT WITH ​AMY: ​INSTAGRAM TWITTER **Award Winning Culture is Sponsored by: CharacterStrong Use the Code AWC and get $200 off the Advisory Curriculum or $100 off the Leadership Curriculum Follow Award Winning Culture : Twitter Instagram

Rosanna Herrera-Brown is Program Director of Crisis and Prevention at the Support, Advocacy, Resource Center (SARC) in Kennewick Washington.  Herrera has been working with SARC since 2008 after obtaining her Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice from Heritage University.  Herrera believes her involvement with SARC has been an opportunity for her to live out her life’s purpose. She is absolutely driven by an inner passion and purpose to advocate for those who face social injustices, promote social change & eliminate sexual violence.  She loves that every day she is part of the solution for positive change. In this episode, Herrera-Brown shares how the power of information can prevent violence, bullying, and harassment. Later, Makenzie joins Taya and Elli to discuss the need for societal change. CONNECT WITH ​SARC:  24 Hour PHONE LINE: (509) 374-5391 ​FACEBOOK  RAINN: 1-800-656-HOPE National Organization for Victim Assistance: 1-800-TRY-NOVA Follow Award Winning Culture : Twitter Instagram **Award Winning Culture is Sponsored by: CharacterStrong Use the Code AWC and get $200 off the Advisory Curriculum or $100 off the Leadership Curriculum

Jason Treu is a chief people officer, employee engagement and leadership development expert, author, and Keynote Speaker.  Treu has had the opportunity to share his message with all of the following: Microsoft, Southwest, Public Relations Society of America, Phillips May Corporation, and TEDx.  Treu is the best selling author of "Social Wealth:  A How To Guide on Building Extraordinary Business Relationships by Transforming the Way We Live, Love, Lead, and Network."  His incredible book sold more than 60,000 copies.  He has his law degree and masters in communication from Syracuse University.  He spent 15+ years working in marketing leadership positions in Silicon Valley working with influential leaders such as Steve Jobs, Mark Cuban, Reed Hastings, Mark Hurd, Paul Wahl, and many others.  His main goal is to help people with teamwork and communication skills. In this episode, Treu shares his keys to a successful culture.  Later, Brielle joins Hayes and Macie to break down trusting teams. CONNECT WITH ​JASON: ​INSTAGRAM TWITTER FACEBOOK **Award Winning Culture is Sponsored by: CharacterStrong Use the Code AWC and get $200 off the Advisory Curriculum or $100 off the Leadership Curriculum Follow Award Winning Culture : Twitter Instagram

Kyle Willkom is a leadership speaker and trainer who lives an action filled life.  He has written 2 books, Wake Up Call and The Thinking Dilemma, and created a dynamic leadership course called Action Packed Life.  Willkom loves to share his adventures with his beautiful wife Danielle.  He loves to travel and share his knowledge of leadership wherever he goes too many young listeners.  Willkom travels the country with his guitar in hand delivering inspirational speeches that are funny, interactive, and life changing.  His main goal is to change lives with his wisdom of impactful leadership words. In this episode, Willkom relates events in his life to leadership.  Later, Josh joins Macie and Jack to talk about choosing to have fun and make good choices at the same time. CONNECT WITH ​KYLE: ​INSTAGRAM TWITTER FACEBOOK Follow Award Winning Culture : Twitter Instagram **Award Winning Culture is Sponsored by: CharacterStrong Use the Code AWC and get $200 off the Advisory Curriculum or $100 off the Leadership Curriculum

Rachael Mann is the founder of #TeachlikeTED, and organization that provides teachers, students, and leaders with tools for presentation literacy.  Additionally, she is the co-author of the book “Martians in Your Classroom.”  Mann is a highly sought out National Keynote and TEDx Speaker on the future of education who loves to help educators rethink some of their learning spaces.  Mann was a former high school career and technical educator. She is a Google Certified educator with a master's degree in educational leadership.  Furthermore, she's a founding member of the Council on the Future of Education and serves on the National Synergy of Career and Technical Administrators (NCLA) executive board.  Rachael's main goal in life is to encourage students to use their voice and inspire their confidence and help people realize their dreams.  In this episode, Mann discusses the necessary shift that is happening. Later, Nicole and Macie are joined by Macey as they discuss the impact this new way of thinking has on the current classroom. CONNECT WITH ​Rachael: ​INSTAGRAM TWITTER FACEBOOK Follow Award Winning Culture : Twitter Instagram **Award Winning Culture is Sponsored by: CharacterStrong Use the Code AWC and get $200 off the Advisory Curriculum or $100 off the Leadership Curriculum

Dr. Joe Martin is an award-winning international speaker, author, educator, and certified "man builder".  Dr. Martin teachers young people to become leaders in their community based on his life experience.  He is the product of a single, teenage-mother and survived abject poverty, sexual and physical abuse, abandonment, anger, depression, rejection, and addiction.  He now focus on helping people become the best versions of themselves through connection, community, and coaching. In this episode, Dr. Martin shares about his childhood and how important it is to reach out to a trusted adult.  Later, Ayla and Hayes discuss the importance of having in their relationships. CONNECT WITH ​Dr. Martin: ​INSTAGRAM TWITTER FACEBOOK Follow Award Winning Culture : Twitter Instagram **Award Winning Culture is Sponsored by: CharacterStrong Use the Code AWC and get $200 off the Advisory Curriculum or $100 off the Leadership Curriculum

Dan Tricarico is the author of The Zen Teacher:  Creating Focus, Simplicity, and Tranquility in the Classroom and Sanctuaries:  Self-Care Secrets for Stressed Out Teachers.  He’s a talented speaker and trainer on self care for educators and students.  Tricarico has been an English teacher for over 25 years, a passionate writer of fiction and poetry and an avid tutor.  In this episode, Tricarico shares the impact of wellness on education and beyond. Later, Qurin joins Marla and Jordan to discuss how they can find their inner zen through mindfulness and self care. CONNECT WITH ​Dan: ​INSTAGRAM TWITTER FACEBOOK Follow Award Winning Culture : Twitter Instagram **Award Winning Culture is Sponsored by: CharacterStrong Use the Code AWC and get $200 off the Advisory Curriculum or $100 off the Leadership Curriculum

Brooks Gibbs is the author of “Love is Greater than Hate,” an award winning speaker and social educator to students, teachers, and parents. He’s been spreading the word of how to build emotional resilience and live by the Golden Rule, all around the world. His book explains his 7 steps to start a movement of kindness and compassion on campus. Gibbs has been able to reach 2 million students through speaking at schools, and 250 million people through views on his viral videos.  He’s simply making the world a better place!  In this episode, Gibbs tells funny stories of how we need to learn to be resilient and patient with everyone in our life.  Later, Elli joins Josh and Hayes to talk about how resilience and having a team to keep you accountable is important in middle school. CONNECT WITH ​BROOKS: ​INSTAGRAM TWITTER FACEBOOK YOUTUBE Follow Award Winning Culture : Twitter Instagram **Award Winning Culture is Sponsored by: CharacterStrong Use the Code AWC and get $200 off the Advisory Curriculum or $100 off the Leadership Curriculum

Don Smith is a former Lieutenant commander in the Navy for 20 years, a Certified Public Accountant, and was a teacher at Washington State University for another 20 years. He is now a retired veteran of Vietnam and has two kids, twelve grandkids, and two great-grandkids.  Smith was a proud graduate of Richland High School and Washington State University. In this episode, Smith shares with his incredible resilience and leadership skills he has accumulated over 77 years. Later, Kian joins Josh and Taya to reflect on the lessons from a life of servant leadership. [Editors Note: Lieutenant Don Smith passed away from lung cancer shortly after recording this episode with us.  He died on Oct 30, 2019] Follow Award Winning Culture : Twitter Instagram **Award Winning Culture is Sponsored by: CharacterStrong Use the Code AWC and get $200 off the Advisory Curriculum or $100 off the Leadership Curriculum

Allyson Apsey is the principal at Quincy Elementary School in Zeeland, Michigan.  She's a national speaker including a TEDx talk.  Furthermore, she's the author of three amazing books, The Path to Serendipity, Through the Lens of Serendipity, and The Princes of Serendip.  Apsey has been in education for over 20 years and 15 of those years as a school leader.  Apsey recognizes the impact that trauma has on students, staff, and the community. She is dedicated to creating a foundation for strong, positive relationships that are based on trust.  Apsey loves learning, laughter, and family. In this episode, Apsey talks about her passion for serendipity and how that has guided her life. Later, Macie joins Qurin and Jordan to discuss the importance of gratitude in your life and how to show empathy towards each other. CONNECT WITH ​Allyson: ​INSTAGRAM TWITTER FACEBOOK Follow Award Winning Culture : Twitter Instagram **Award Winning Culture is Sponsored by: CharacterStrong Use the Code AWC and get $200 off the Advisory Curriculum or $100 off the Leadership Curriculum