From Healthcare to Hallways: Rethinking Mental Health in Schools - Dr. Ryan Sherman
Release Date: 10/17/2025
How Student Voice and Developmental Assets Drive Schoolwide Growth - Pierre Orbe
The CharacterStrong Podcast
Today our guest is Pierre Orbee, Principal at DeWitt Clinton High School in New York. Pierre was named the School Administrators Association of New York State’s 2025 New York State Principal of the Year, the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents’ 2025 National Principal of the Year, and the K-12 Dive 2025 Principal of the Year. We talk with Pierre about how shoring up the underlying developmental assets students need can unlock stronger outcomes and long-term success. Pierre shares how student voice, a clear framework, and consistent follow-through help schools identify...
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Why Names, Presence, and Energy Matter in Leadership - Andrew Marotta
The CharacterStrong Podcast
Today our guest is Andrew Marotta is an author and presenter, and is the Director of Communications & Academic Services at Port Jervis Schools, NY. We talk with Andrew about the power of positive energy and how small, intentional actions shape how people feel in schools. He shares practical reminders like learning names, using names often, and being fully present in brief moments. Andrew also highlights how slowing down, focusing on what matters most, and leading with intention can create stronger connections each and every day. Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE Visit...
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Creating Calmer Classrooms by Supporting Educators - Kait Ahlbrandt
The CharacterStrong Podcast
Today our guest is Kait Ahlbrandt, school psychologist and Director of Customer Success at EmpowerU. We talk about why educator wellbeing is essential to student success and how adult regulation shapes classroom climate. Kate shares why intentional listening and making space for connection matter, especially when educators feel overwhelmed. She highlights the need for practical, realistic supports that help educators show up present, regulated, and ready to teach. Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE Visit the
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Top 6 of 2025: Simple Systems, Lasting Impact: Character Through Daily Announcements - Meg Boyd
The CharacterStrong Podcast
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Top 6 of 2025: Systems Over Goals: Building Belonging in Schools - Dr. Darian Jones
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Top 6 of 2025: Doubling Tier 1 Usage: Building Stronger Classrooms Through Character, Connection, and Data - Amy Fairchild & Crystal Hooper
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Top 6 of 2025: Relational Strategies That Strengthen Academics - Dr. Lori Lynass
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Top 6 of 2025: The Power of Presence in a Rushed World - John Norlin
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Top 6 of 2025: Don’t Forget These Learners: Practical Adaptations That Work - Sara Nussman
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Balancing High Accountability with High Support for Tier 2 & 3 Interventions - Chris Fore
The CharacterStrong Podcast
Today our guest is Chris Fore, Principal at Mojave High School, in Hesperia, CA. We talk with Chris about why it is important and how it is guiding his work everyday. He shares how creating high-accountability meetings with parents and teachers led to a nearly 60% reduction in failure rates. Chris also highlights the impact that “flipping the script” on parent communication has as he has celebrated individual student wins with positive phone calls home. Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE Visit the Chris Fore is the Principal at Mojave High School, a 2025...
info_outlineToday our guest is Dr. Ryan Sherman, Director of Wellness at Medway Public Schools in Medway, Massachusetts. We talk to Dr. Sherman about how his healthcare background is helping schools rethink what student wellness means, and how he is helping to modernize MTSS. He shares how Medway added a fourth tier of support that brings mental health care directly into schools through care coordination, in-school outpatient services, and telehealth partnerships. Dr. Sherman also unpacks the mindset shift from “we don’t do mental health” to shared ownership of student wellbeing, and how this approach is improving access, attendance, and GPA.
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Ryan Sherman, Ph.D., has been Medway School’s Director of Wellness for ten years. Prior to coming to Medway, Ryan was a clinician in cardiology at Boston Medical Center and in internal medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. Ryan is the author of several peer-reviewed behavioral health research studies and the co-author of The Fourth Tier: Modernizing MTSS for Student Mental Health. Ryan is also a senior professor and researcher of social and emotional learning at Bay Path University. Dr. Sherman is the recipient of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Wellness Coordinator of the Year Award and the Massachusetts General Hospital Innovation Award. Ryan resides in Massachusetts with his wife, two children, and boxer.