Josh Martin — Principal of Mt. Olive High School
The High Performing Educator Podcast
Release Date: 05/06/2025
Dr. Kate Sievers — Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Technology, and Grants at Jersey Community Unit School District 100
The High Performing Educator Podcast
Dr. Kate Sievers is the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Technology, and Grants at Jersey Community Unit School District 100. With 17 years of experience in administration and 12 years as a middle and high school teacher, she has dedicated her career to improving education and supporting students, educators, and families. Dr. Sievers is passionate about building strong relationships within schools because she believes connections between people are essential for a positive learning environment. In today’s world, where social media and societal pressures can create...
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Daniel Klapper — Vice President of Student Services at Western USC
The High Performing Educator Podcast
Daniel Klapper is the USC’s Vice President of Student Services. In this role, he works with all USC-led services to provide the best experience and support to Western Undergraduate Students. He is responsible for the oversight of the PurpleCare Trust, Clubs System, Peer Support Centre, Food Support, the USC's new professional development program, as well as to support the good governance of the University Students’ Council. ---------- Sam Demma is a best-selling author and one of the most in-demand keynote speakers in the Education and Association sectors. He co-founded the...
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Kerri Russell-Channer – Owner & Founder of Russell Aquatics Swim School
The High Performing Educator Podcast
For over 20 years, Kerri Russell-Channer has been at the helm of , providing families with exceptional swim instruction and fostering a love for water safety and skill development. Her passion for teaching and commitment to excellence have made Russell Aquatics a trusted name in the community. Outside of work, Kerri loves spending quality time with her husband, Titus, and their three active children, often shuttling them between various sporting activities. A travel enthusiast, Kerri enjoys exploring new destinations and creating unforgettable family memories. A fun fact: Kerri has had...
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Julie McGillivray — Counsellor at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Secondary School
The High Performing Educator Podcast
Julie McGillivray has been an educator for over a decade, and she shares her passion for learning with her students. She embraces the philosophy that kindness costs nothing but pays huge returns. When she isn't sharing her joy in the classroom, you can find her spending time with her family and dog on beautiful Georgian Bay, dancing like nobody is watching in her kitchen, or perpetually searching for her lost set of keys. ---------- Sam Demma is a best-selling author and one of the most in-demand keynote speakers in the Education and Association sectors. He co-founded the volunteer...
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Marc Iturriaga — Executive Director of the Mohawk Students’ Association and founder of Bonobo Consulting
The High Performing Educator Podcast
Marc Iturriaga is the Executive Director of the Mohawk Students’ Association and founder of Bonobo Consulting, whose mission is highlighting the importance of fostering belonging within our society. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts in Leadership. Marc started his career as a student leader in both Campus Rec and Residence Life, and upon graduation, he worked as a Program Coordinator for national and international youth development programs, an International Program Coordinator for the University of Toronto, a Residence Life Manager for McMaster University, and...
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Meagan Morris — Vice Principal at St. Joseph High School in the Ottawa Catholic School Board
The High Performing Educator Podcast
Meagan Morris is the current Vice Principal at St. Joseph High School in the Ottawa Catholic School Board, where she has served for nearly 25 years. Her career with the OCSB has included roles as a classroom and resource teacher, coach, guidance counsellor, and administrator. She has a particular passion for supporting students in grades 7 and 8. Meagan is a firm believer in servant leadership and is deeply committed to supporting others in achieving their full potential. A strong advocate for extracurricular activities, she has coached the school's Girls on the Run program, among other...
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Benjamin Smith — Cross Curricular Head of Equity and Lead Student Success Teacher at Chinguacousy Secondary School
The High Performing Educator Podcast
Benjamin Smith is the Cross Curricular Head of Equity and Lead Student Success Teacher at Chinguacousy Secondary School in Brampton, Ontario. He is a 2023 national recipient of the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence, the highest national honour for teachers in Canada, is as 2024 recipient of Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Pin, two time recipient of the Peel District School Board's Award of Distinction (2017 & 2019), and an Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation Certificate of Achievement recipient (2017). Ben has had the privilege of learning and working with...
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Tony Bisceglia — Principal of James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School
The High Performing Educator Podcast
Tony Bisceglia combines his roles as an Urban High Priority Educator and coach with entrepreneurship, while being a father of four. His dedication to education in high-priority urban settings, alongside his entrepreneurial spirit, shapes his multi-faceted approach to making an impact - and while he didn't invent Pickleball, he's certainly enthusiastic about it. ---------- Sam Demma is a best-selling author and one of the most in-demand keynote speakers in the Education and Association sectors. He co-founded the volunteer organization PickWaste, delivered two TEDx talks, and—as a result of...
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Kathy Archer — Leadership Development Coach
The High Performing Educator Podcast
Kathy Archer knows what it’s like to constantly put out fires, question every decision, and carry the weight of an entire organization. She was once that overwhelmed nonprofit leader, teetering on the edge of burnout. Now, she helps nonprofit leaders stop drowning in work, doubting themselves, and carrying it all alone, so they can lead with confidence, set boundaries, and finally take control of their leadership and life. ---------- Sam Demma is a best-selling author and one of the most in-demand keynote speakers in the Education and Association sectors. He co-founded the volunteer...
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Ryan Wamser — Director of School Improvement for ROE #40 and Director of the Illinois Area 5 SEL Hub
The High Performing Educator Podcast
Ryan Wamser has taught middle school Physical Education, high school drivers education and health, been a high school Assistant Principal, an elementary principal, assistant Regional Superintendent, and a district Superintendent. He is currently the Director of School Improvement for ROE #40 as well as the Director of the Illinois Area 5 SEL Hub. Ryan is passionate about helping to support teachers and administrators in any way possible. When not working, Ryan loves spending time with his wife Michelle and their four kids. ---------- Sam Demma is a best-selling author and one of the...
info_outlineJosh Martin is in his first year as principal of Mt. Olive High School in Mt. Olive, Illinois. A dedicated educator, he has been part of the rural Mt. Olive School District since 2009, serving in various roles throughout his 20-year career. Mr. Martin has taught Health, Driver’s Education, and Physical Education, in addition to serving as Student Services Coordinator and Dean of Students.
Passionate about physical activity, he has coached football, baseball, and track, and he continues to lead the middle school track team. He enjoys engaging in type two fun such as hiking the Grand Canyon in one day, completing a half Ironman event, and running 5k/s to Marathons. Outside of school, Josh enjoys spending time with family and friends. He views every experience as an opportunity for growth, embracing lifelong learning with gratitude for the journey and the meaningful experiences it brings.
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Sam Demma is a best-selling author and one of the most in-demand keynote speakers in the Education and Association sectors. He co-founded the volunteer organization PickWaste, delivered two TEDx talks, and—as a result of his exceptional contributions to Canada—was awarded the prestigious Queens Platinum Jubilee Award.
His work is often featured on national news shows like Marilyn Dennis, Breakfast Television, and most notably, his mom’s Facebook profile. Sam delivers hundreds of programs across North America annually, and his entertaining presentations address the topics of Mental Health, Leadership and Kindness. www.samdemma.com
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