In this episode, I dive into the importance of departmental leadership in the arts, featuring insights from KT Robinson, Upper School Art teacher and Visual Arts Department Chair at Detroit Country Day. We explore how effective arts leadership involves more than fostering collaboration and a supportive environment among colleagues, it also requires nurturing each individual's creativity . KT emphasizes the significance of setting clear goals, expectations and being consistent in communication, especially when tough decisions need to be made. KT also interviews me about my path to Detroit Country Day and my partnerships with students and teachers at DCDS. We discuss how The Studios allow students and teachers to create, explore, and share their artistic stories, bridging various disciplines and enhancing the overall educational experience. Join us as we chat about the impact we have on our school community.

In this episode, we explore the comprehensive PreK–12 Learning Support program at Detroit Country Day School and how it helps every student understand how they learn best. Director of Learning Support Prathima Mistry, Middle School Consultant Alaina Trivax, and Upper School Consultant Rob Messanger share how a consistent, brain-based approach builds confidence, independence, and strong partnerships across the school community. Together, they show how learning support at DCDS is less about remediation and more about empowering students to thrive in an academically challenging environment.

Play is not just a fun activity for young children, it’s the foundation for their learning and development. In this episode, I dive into how play shapes social, emotional, and academic growth in PreK learners, with insights from some of Detroit Country Day Prek4 teachers who share their unique perspectives and classroom strategies. My guests: Marta Krussman, Jordan Woodley, and Carrie McDonald explore the balance between structured and unstructured play, and how these experiences foster creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration among children. The conversation highlights the importance of creating an environment where children feel safe to express themselves, navigate their emotions, and build relationships with their peers. Join us as we unpack the transformative power of play in early childhood education and why it matters so much for our youngest learners.