Episodes

Send us Fan Mail What’s it REALLY like to be a new teacher? Are you on your own? Layla Holiday is an alternatively certified teacher at Workman Middle School and Rachel Rodriguez Schrimsher is a traditionally educated teacher and the Program Specialist for the Professional Learning Certification Program. In this episode, they share their different experiences getting their teacher certification and their experiences in their first year of teaching. Guests: Rachel Rodriguez-Schrimsher & ...

Send us Fan Mail Who doesn’t love the aroma of coffee? How about a local success story brewed in the bitterness of COVID? What about a coffee shop for creatives? In this episode, Summer Sevi, ECPS 5th grade teacher turned coffee roaster and founder of Alla Prima Coffee Roaster, along with Monica Willis, ECPS Grant Management Specialist, talk about how Summer is using this new season in her life to show up for art students and teachers in an even bigger way. Guests: Monica Willis & Summe...

Send us Fan Mail What if your child got a new book in the mail every month? What if they got to pick the books? What if they came with workbooks, too? The University of Florida has a FREE at-home literacy program for VPK - 5th graders. Shelli Payne is the Senior Engagement specialist for New Worlds Reading Initiative. In this episode, she shares how kids are building their confidence and their at-home libraries. Guest: Shelli Payne https://www.newworldsreading.com/en/ | List of books: https...

Send us Fan Mail Is there a NEW & OLD way of approaching etiquette? How does it support academics? Brianna English is the Assistant Principal and Priteyja Olige Brannon is the Curriculum and Expanded Curriculum Coordinator at CA Weiss Elementary School. In this episode, they share how the Elite and Elegant Ambassadors etiquette program is a different way to look at education. Guests: Priteyja Olich Brannon & Brianna English https://www.facebook.com/weiselem Learn more about Escambia County Scho...

Send us Fan Mail According to Albert Einstein "Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." Trinity Barnett is the 2025-2026 teacher of the year, using art to build confidence and create comfort around experimentation. In her life and classroom, she models how mistakes can lead to inspiration. In this episode, you’ll hear her unusual path to education and her imaginative approach to art for all. Guest: Trinity Barnett Learn more about Escambia County School District: http...

Send us Fan Mail Laura Wiggins is a 1st grade teacher at Kingsfield Elementary who completed Pensacola High School’s IB program thanks to School Choice. In this episode, she shares how her path went from rural northwest Florida to Senegal, and from “I’m never becoming a teacher” to it becoming her first choice. You’ll hear how the right people and a yellow school bus gave her the wings she needed to create her own path while also honoring her family’s legacy. Guest: Laura Wiggins https://pensac...

Send us Fan Mail What do you talk about with a 7th grader? Do mentorship programs work? Two organizations in Escambia County are united in providing mentorships and college scholarships to deserving local students. In this episode, Alexandra Bach, Student Services Coordinator for Take Stock in Children in Escambia County and Dayre Lias, retired Air Force Colonel and Big Lagoon Kiwanis Club member, share how this partnership is helping kids succeed in school and life. Guests: Alex Bach & D...

Send us Fan Mail In 2026, one of the largest music education professional learning events in the US awarded Ferry Pass Middle School and Ransom Middle School with Music Enrollment Awards for having over 45% of students enrolled in choir, band, or orchestra. In this episode, Barbie Spears, Fine Arts Specialist for ECPS and a 31-year veteran of the classroom, shares the stories behind this incredible statistic along with answering why it matters. Guest: Barbie Spears https://www.escambiaschoo...

Send us Fan Mail How was your day? What did you learn today? Are you tired of eye rolls from your kids? In this episode, Lynn Knighton, publisher of Greater Pensacola Parents magazine, shares how she has learned to facilitate car conversations with kids and how her magazine has created a virtual village where parents find valuable information and resources. Guest: Lynn Knighton lynn@greaterpensacolaparents.com | https://greaterpensacolaparents.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/greaterpe...

Send us Fan Mail Is your child struggling with mental health issues? How do you know? How can you help them? Shawn Salamida is the President of Lakeview Center and Dustin Perry is the Director of Residential Services and leader of the Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for teens. In this episode, they talk about why this program can work when others have failed and how we’re united in children’s mental health. Guests: Shawn Salamida & Dustin Perry https://elakeviewcenter.org/mental-he...

Send us Fan Mail Why are we turning classrooms into pit lanes? Chad Cherry is West Florida High School Electrathon Racing team coach, helping students work together to build and race lithium battery powered cars. In this episode, he shares how what many would consider a distraction is actually inspiring kids to do more. Guest: Chad Cherry BCherry@ecsdfl.us | https://www.electrathonamerica.org/ | https://www.facebook.com/westflhs Vote for Voices United in Education as "Best Podcast" 2026 in ...

Send us Fan Mail What exactly is a certified babysitter? How do both girls and boy become certified babysitters? Jennifer Smith Richardson is the Patient Education Specialist and Janna Jones is the Health Screening Specialist for Ascension Sacred Heart Community Outreach, helping equip confidence in young babysitters and the parents who hire them. In this episode, they share the details of the Safe Sitter Program and the impact its making, facilitating personalized care and parental peace of ...

Send us Fan Mail Where are individuals with mental, physical and cognitive challenges building confidence and self-esteem? Kristina Guadagnoli is the owner of Special Strong, an adaptive fitness company removing barriers to healthy living. In this episode, she shares how the program works and who it’s helping. Guest: Kristina Guadagnoli 850-920-2180 specialstrongemeraldcoast@specialstrong.com | https://specialstrongemeraldcoast.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/specialstrongpensacola |https:/...

Send us Fan Mail Does the principal of a school make a difference in the quality of your child’s education? Is new leadership that important? Hear what the 2025-2026 Principal of the Year has to say about it. In this episode, Tara Palasciano, principal of Bailey Middle School, shares what’s working for her, her students and staff, and what’s next. Guest: Tara Palasciano https://baileyms.escambiaschools.org/ | https://www.facebook.com/baileybulldogband Vote for Voices United in Educat...

Send us Fan Mail In Pensacola, where can K-8th graders learn to swim without soaking your wallet? Megan Oberholzer is the Aquatics Director for Escambia County Public Schools and she shares a summer program that’s affordable and competitive to help kids keep swimming. Guest: Megan Oberholtzer | For more information, please contact Megan Oberholtzer at Booker T. Washington High School, 850-494-5681, moberholtzer@ecsdfl.us Vote for Voices United in Education as "Best Podcast" 2026 in InWe...

Send us Fan Mail According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 5 young people ages 12 to 17 experienced a mental health disorder in 2024. Melissa Williams is the Coordinator of Mental Health Services and Dr. Lisa Joyner is the Student Services Director. In this episode, they share what the school district is doing to support teachers and your child’s health. Guest: Melissa Williams & Lisa Joyner, Ed.D https://www.escambiaschools.org/departments/mental-health-services/parent-guardian-resources | https...

Send us Fan Mail What are the options for your academically talented 7th or 8th grader? Amy Gordon is the Principal of Pensacola High School, where they are launching an on-campus 7th and 8th grade enrollment for bright students. In this episode, hear what she has to say about student benefits, parent concerns, advanced classes, and campus culture. Guest: Amy Gordon https://pensacolahs.escambiaschools.org/middle-school Vote for Voices United in Education as "Best Podcast" 2026 in InWeekly's B...

Send us Fan Mail Did you know that, on average, one child in every Escambia County classroom is experiencing homelessness? What defines homelessness might surprise you! Casandra Manis is one of the Homeless Liaisons for Escambia County Public Schools. In this episode, she helps us get clear on the reality for these families and how our schools are helping these students succeed academically. Guest: Casandra Manis https://schoolhouseconnection.org/article/mckinney-vento-act-quick-reference | w...

Send us Fan Mail Not all students are ready for middle school. Christine Baker is the Principal of West Pensacola Elementary School, which is trying something different by adding classes for 6th graders. In this episode, she shares how it’s going and brags on her amazing school. Guest: Christine Baker https://westpensacolaes.escambiaschools.org/ Vote for Voices United in Education as "Best Podcast" 2026 in InWeekly's Best on the Coast! https://form.jotform.com/261185754425158 This helps...

Send us Fan Mail What kinds of services are offered through Healthy Kids Escambia? Even the most basic needs can be critical for growing students, but for many parents in the county, there is neither time nor money. Jessica Johnson is the Healthy Schools Program Director at United Way, helping bring free health care resources to four elementary schools in the county. In this episode, she shares how the program came about, what it includes and how it’s setting kids up for success. Guest: Jessi...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a student falls behind? Dawn Gibbs is the principal at Success Academy, where her and her team are helping students catch up and get ahead. In this episode, she shares who makes up their student population and just how they are ensuring kids aren’t left behind. Guest: Dawn Gibbs https://successsc.escambiaschools.org/ Vote for Voices United in Education as "Best Podcast" 2026 in InWeekly's Best on the Coast! https://form.jotform.com/261185754425158 This helps...

Send us Fan Mail Is your child using a companion bot? How can you help your child navigate the promise and risks of technology? Curiosity is a good place to start. Jamie Nuñez is the Senior Manager of Outreach and Training at Common Sense Media, a nonprofit that supports parents, school districts and state education agencies in integrating digital literacy skills into real life. In this episode, he shares how parents can stay connected to their kids and keep them safe, while setting them up f...

Send us Fan Mail Do you ever wish your kid would put their phone down? How do you get them to improve their reading stamina & comprehension? Anne MacDonald is a mom, author, podcaster, teacher at Scenic Heights Elementary School, and board member at Books by the Bay and Emerald Coast Writers Association. In this episode, she shares proven strategies to develop a generation of readers and how Books by the Bay is not just a book fair, but a literary extravaganza inspiring the next generatio...

Send us Fan Mail Do you have a child or grandchild in our public schools? Are you a member of the PTA? Hear what the President and Vice President of the Escambia County Council PTA have to say. Melanie Gambill and Samantha Strickland share what the PTA is and isn’t, how it benefits parents and students, and what’s next for the 100-year-old organization. Vote for Voices United in Education as "Best Podcast" 2026 in InWeekly's Best on the Coast! https://form.jotform.com/261185754425158 This hel...