39: Leading Like a Solid Object
CheckBox Pro Series
In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Aaron Wallace, Associate Education Director at Dynamic Minds Academy in Indiana—a public charter school serving students across the autism spectrum. Aaron shares how his untraditional path from college hockey player to educator led him to a school that blends academics and therapy in powerful ways. He talks about the importance of “being the solid object”—a grounding presence for students and staff alike—and how that mindset shapes his leadership, especially in challenging moments. From advocating fiercely for his...
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38: Removing Barriers, Building Futures
CheckBox Pro Series
In this inspiring episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy talks with Dr. Leticia Archuleta, Executive Director of Health Leadership High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. With a background that bridges social work, education, and leadership, Dr. Archuleta shares how her school is redefining access and equity for students through a powerful blend of health education, community partnerships, and social-emotional learning. From paying students for internships to providing free healthcare and mental health services on campus, Health Leadership High School is a model for what it looks like to...
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37: Building Joyful Communities
CheckBox Pro Series
In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Danielle Mack, Chief Executive Officer of Ethos Classical in Atlanta. Danielle shares her journey from teaching seventh grade math to founding and leading a thriving K–8 school community, one she trusted enough to enroll her own children in. She opens up about the challenges of leading through growth and transition, the importance of balancing motherhood with leadership, and how she sustains herself in a demanding role. At the heart of her leadership is a superpower: creating joyful, connected communities where families,...
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36: What's Saving My Life: Summer 2025
CheckBox Pro Series
In this lighthearted solo episode, Missy shares her seasonal reflection on the small (and not-so-small) things that made her summer more joyful, manageable, and sustainable. From rediscovering lightning bugs to painting late-night walls, this list is equal parts nostalgic, practical, and honest. Think of it as her online diary—a moment to pause and name what’s helping her show up well in work, life, and everything in between. Bonus: her mother-in-law (the #1 fan of these episodes) will be listening—and texting her approval. Key Takeaways: A reminder that simple joys—like lightning...
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35: Clarity, Alignment, and Adaptability
CheckBox Pro Series
In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Matt Cowan, Executive Director of Believe Memphis Academy, to talk about his journey from classroom teacher to school leader and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Matt shares how adaptability has been his superpower—helping him thrive in chaotic seasons, lead through challenges like founding a school during COVID, and now navigate the shift from principal to executive director. He opens up about the joys of watching students grow, the struggles of balancing leadership with family life, and the practical habits that keep...
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34: Realigning to Vision Every Day
CheckBox Pro Series
In this episode, I sit down with Dana Stuart Browning, founder of The Texas Girls School, just five days after she opened the doors to her brand-new campus. Inspired by her daughter’s experience in STEM, Dana shares her journey from classroom teacher to charter school founder and the vision behind creating a single-gender, STEM-focused, project-based learning environment for middle school girls in Austin. We talk about the challenges of launching a school, the importance of keeping both students and teachers in love with learning, and how strong boundaries and intentional communication...
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33: Shifting the Mic to School Leaders
CheckBox Pro Series
In this special solo episode, host Missy Couch shares an exciting shift in the CheckBox Pro Series focus. While past episodes have featured subject-matter experts in education, Missy is pivoting to spotlight the real pros—school leaders who are in the trenches every day. She reflects on trends she’s seeing in the field, from the loneliness many leaders feel to the hunger for connection and sustainability, and explains why creating a space for leaders to share their stories, strategies, and “why” matters now more than ever. This is the beginning of a new season of conversations designed...
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32: School Nutrition
CheckBox Pro Series
Elizabeth Garcia is the Associate Director of Operations in the Development Office at Massachusetts General Hospital. However, in her former life she was the Director of School Operations at KIPP Academy Lynn Middle School, where she led an operations team supporting over 1,000 students and 200 staff members. She also managed the district’s nutrition program, overseeing meal service for 2,200 students daily. She geeked out with me today about why a strong nutrition program is important and how to build and assess it. Most Important Question to Ask: Are the students eating the food?! Ops...
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31: Lean Management for Dismissal
CheckBox Pro Series
In this episode, I sit down with Tyler Heath, Chief Operations Officer at Austin Achieve Public Schools, to discuss the importance of strong school operations and how he built an effective elementary school car rider dismissal process. Tyler shares insights into the operational challenges schools face, strategies for ensuring efficiency and safety, and key lessons for school leaders looking to refine their own dismissal systems. Key takeaways: A well-structured dismissal process enhances safety, efficiency, and overall school experience. Thoughtful planning and data-driven adjustments are...
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30: School Psychology, Simplified
CheckBox Pro Series
In this episode, I sit down with ShaVanety Jones, an early career school psychologist, executive functioning coach, and founder of Academic Fusion LLC. With a unique background in psychology and theater, ShaVanety shares how she helps students—especially gifted learners—build confidence, develop essential life skills, and stay engaged through creative tools like improv and social-emotional storytelling. We unpack the multifaceted role of a school psychologist, why third and fourth grade are pivotal years for student development, and how simple acts like writing thank-you notes can teach...
info_outlineAndrew Stanton is a Principal and Project Manager at Project Management Services, Inc. or more commonly known as PMSI. He talks through the key responsibilities of a project manager for a facility project. But the thing I honed in on was the importance of having one person on the team who has the big, start to end picture that the leader can lean on. Rather than coordinating with a dozen contractors, developers, architects, etc., the leader is able to communicate and rely on their project manager to keep things moving. Talk about a time and sanity saver!
Tune in to learn more about Andrew and why being a project manager for charter schools has been a meaningful career.
LINKS:
- Andrew Stanton (https://www.linkedin.com/in/astantonpmsi/)
- Project Management Services, Inc. (PMSI) (https://www.pmsitx.com/)
- CheckBox Pro (https://www.checkboxpro.com/) - learn more about the services CheckBox Pro offers to make the work of school leaders more sustainable
Licensed music ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ Music: Energizer by Chris Phaze licensed through Premium Beat by Shutterstock ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ