024: (Encore) From Rock Bands to the Principal’s Office with Martina Fazzano
Release Date: 09/09/2025
030: Leadership, Laughter & Crazy Socks with Bryan Burns
The Elite Educator Podcast
What happens when fun, collaboration, and high expectations all thrive in the same classroom? In this inspiring episode, Dr. Lycka sits down with veteran educator and Principal of County Central High School, Philip Knafla, to explore how every child can be seen, supported, and championed. Together, they dive into the power of relationships, resilience, and relevance — the pillars that transform schools into places where students truly want to learn. From launching innovative programs like automotive tech and rock band, to fostering a culture of empathy and transparency, Philip shares...
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029: (Encore): Building School Culture, One Relationship at a Time with Philip Knafla
The Elite Educator Podcast
What happens when fun, collaboration, and high expectations all thrive in the same classroom? In this inspiring episode, Dr. Lycka sits down with veteran educator and Principal of County Central High School, Philip Knafla, to explore how every child can be seen, supported, and championed. Together, they dive into the power of relationships, resilience, and relevance — the pillars that transform schools into places where students truly want to learn. From launching innovative programs like automotive tech and rock band, to fostering a culture of empathy and transparency, Philip shares...
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028: (Encore) Empowering Learners: From Bus Driver to Visionary Educator with Dr. Jamie Valenzuela-Mumau
The Elite Educator Podcast
From middle school bus driver to educational leader, Dr. Jamie Valenzuela-Mumau shares how culturally responsive teaching, student voice, and AI-powered tools can reshape learning. Now leading Coherent Educational Solutions and the My Future Capacity platform, he’s helping students discover careers aligned with their strengths and passions—one empowered learner at a time. Guest Bio - With over 30 years in education, Dr. Jamie Valenzuela-Mumau is a leader in equity-driven practices and innovative solutions. As founder of Coherent Educational Solutions, he partners with schools to empower...
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027: (Encore) Teaching with Heart: Jennifer Turner on Shakespeare, AI, and Empowering Young Minds
The Elite Educator Podcast
Veteran English teacher and Head of Languages at Port Credit Secondary School, Jennifer Turner, joins us to share how she makes Shakespeare come alive, guides students through the challenges of AI in education, and fosters authentic critical thinking. With over 20 years in the classroom, Jennifer offers a passionate, practical perspective on teaching with heart in today’s world. Guest Bio - Jennifer Turner has taught English for more than two decades at her alma mater, Port Credit Secondary School, where she has led the Languages Department for 12 years. Specializing in senior English, she...
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026: Leading with Heart, Listening with Purpose with Stacy Hovey
The Elite Educator Podcast
Stacy Hovey returns with heart, purpose, and a people-first approach to leadership in education. In this encore conversation with Dr. Lycka, she sheds light on the pressing challenges educators continue to face—burnout, rising class sizes, and the urgent need for genuine listening. Filled with wisdom and authenticity, this timeless episode offers both hope and practical strategies for those committed to transforming education from within. Guest Bio: Stacy Hovey is a Vice-Principal at Holy Trinity Catholic High School and a recipient of the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers from the Governor...
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025: (Encore) From Good to Great, Building School Culture with Dr. David Kelly
The Elite Educator Podcast
Join Dr’s Allen Lycka and David Kelly, principal of Nixa High School, for a look at Davids 20-year journey in secondary education, insights on building strong school culture, achieving excellence and preparing students for real-world success. A must-listen for educators and change-makers. Guest Bio: Dr. David Kelly has spent 20 years in secondary education, currently serving as Principal of Nixa High School in Missouri. Under his leadership, the school earned a Missouri Gold Star and National Blue Ribbon distinction. A dedicated mentor to new administrators, he is passionate about developing...
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024: (Encore) From Rock Bands to the Principal’s Office with Martina Fazzano
The Elite Educator Podcast
Tune in to meet Martina Fazzano, principal of , whose journey from the music industry to education leadership bridges real-world learning with student empowerment. In this edition of The Elite Educator, Martina shares how she champions student voice, modernizes curriculum, and brings Indigenous history into the classroom—while keeping learning meaningful, memorable, and fun. Guest Bio: Martina Fasano has been an educator since 2003, serving as a teacher, department head, vice-principal, and now principal of St. Elizabeth. Passionate about student engagement and curriculum development,...
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023: Leading with Heart: Laura Beltran’s Journey in Education
The Elite Educator Podcast
Welcome Laura Beltran! Laura is Principal of St. Joseph's Catholic High School in Windsor, Ontario. With 31 years of experience in education, Laura shares her journey from aspiring pediatrician to passionate educator. She discusses the importance of equity, inclusion, and student well-being, as well as her leadership in unique programs like Hockey for Youth and the Benevolence Café. Laura also reflects on the impact of international service trips, experiential learning, and the power of building meaningful relationships with students. Her commitment to creating a culture of kindness and...
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022: (Encore) Empowering Futures Through Education with Rhae-Ann Holoien
The Elite Educator Podcast
Rhae-Ann Holoien—Superintendent of Battle River School Division—shares powerful insights from her 30+ years in education. From growing up in a family of educators to leading division-wide transformation, Rhae-Ann reveals how she builds inclusive school cultures, prioritizes well-being, and leads with authenticity. Whether you're a teacher, leader, or education advocate, you'll gain practical strategies and renewed inspiration to help students and staff thrive Guest Bio: Rhae-Ann has over 30 years of experience as an educator and is in her second year as superintendent in the Battle...
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021: (Encore) A Journey of Passion and Learning with Paul Turner
The Elite Educator Podcast
Dr. Lycka is joined by Paul Turner, a veteran Language and Literature teacher whose journey into education began with an unexpected pivot from law enforcement. With nearly three decades of classroom experience, Paul shares his love for experiential learning, the value of cultural immersion, and the impact of international student trips. His story is a powerful reminder of how resilience and curiosity shape not just students—but the educators who guide them. Guest Bio: Paul Turner is a seasoned Language and Literature teacher at Upper Canada College with 28 years of experience, focusing...
info_outlineTune in to meet Martina Fazzano, principal of St. Elizabeth Catholic High School, whose journey from the music industry to education leadership bridges real-world learning with student empowerment. In this edition of The Elite Educator, Martina shares how she champions student voice, modernizes curriculum, and brings Indigenous history into the classroom—while keeping learning meaningful, memorable, and fun.
Guest Bio: Martina Fasano has been an educator since 2003, serving as a teacher, department head, vice-principal, and now principal of St. Elizabeth. Passionate about student engagement and curriculum development, she has contributed to various educational committees, including those focused on Indigenous history, student leadership, and digital learning tools. Beyond education, her experience in the music industry has helped her bridge classroom learning with real-world opportunities.IO:
Social Media:
- @msmartinafasano
- @saintelizabethchs
- https://seh.ycdsb.ca/
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