CheckBox Pro Series

CheckBox Pro founder, Missy Couch, interviews experts in the field of education to offer tools, tips, and insights to make the life of a charter school leader even more sustainable.

57: Helping Every Student Belong 08/17/2026

56: Lessons from a Lifetime in Education 08/03/2026

55: The Team Teaching Model 07/20/2026

55: The Team Teaching Model In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Mohamad Maarouf, Superintendent of Arcadia Schools, for a conversation about rethinking both student learning and teacher sustainability. Mohamad shares his journey from finance to education, sparked by a desire for more meaningful work and deepened through Teach For America, school leadership, and years spent supporting principals across Texas. Now, as the founder of Arcadia Schools, he is preparing to open a new high school model designed to address two of education’s biggest challenges: student outcomes and teacher retention. Mohamad explains Arcadia’s innovative team teaching model, where students learn in smaller groups with multiple educators, instruction is adjusted in real time using data, and aspiring teachers are developed through a built-in apprenticeship model. He also shares the realities of school founding, from balancing competing priorities to resisting perfectionism and staying grounded in the relationships that make the work possible. Throughout the conversation, Mohamad returns to a central belief: schools are built through trust, collaboration, and community voice. He also shares a practical relationship tracking tool that helps him intentionally steward connections with families, staff, and partners without letting relationships become transactional. This episode is an encouraging listen for school leaders thinking about innovation, sustainability, and what it looks like to build a school with people, not just for them. Connect with Mohamad: LinkedIn Learn more about Arcadia Schools At CheckBox Pro, we help school leaders reclaim time and build sustainable careers through executive assistant support designed specifically for education leaders. Licensed music ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ Music: Energizer by Chris Phaze licensed through Premium Beat by Shutterstock ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ /episode/index/show/8fa4a956-e8e7-4ea5-b2fb-92c6cb1f69a4/id/42155890

54: What's Saving My Life: Spring 2026 07/06/2026

54: What's Saving My Life: Spring 2026 Spring is always a whirlwind. Between school events, travel, sports, and what Missy affectionately calls "May-hem," it can feel like life is moving at full speed. In this quarterly What's Saving My Life episode, Missy reflects on ten things that brought a little more joy, ease, and sustainability to her life between April and June 2026. From practical solutions like grocery pickup and snack prep to meaningful moments with grandparents, coaching youth soccer, and hiking through Zion National Park with friends, this episode is a reminder that the things saving our lives are often smaller and simpler than we expect. If you've never made your own "What's Saving My Life" list, this episode might inspire you to start. Key Takeaways: Small conveniences can make a big difference. Whether it was finally using up accumulated samples, embracing grocery delivery, or keeping healthy snacks ready to go, simple systems helped reduce decision fatigue during a busy season. Being present in your children's world matters. Volunteering at school provided opportunities to see my daughters in a different environment and connect with the people who invest in them every day. Kids are capable of more than we think. One unexpected milestone this spring was watching her youngest daughter decide she was done with nighttime pull-ups and take ownership of the process herself. Shared experiences create lasting memories. Whether it was coaching a youth soccer team, watching sports together, or traveling with close friends, some of the most meaningful moments came from doing life alongside others. Friendship is worth planning for. The Zion National Park trip served as a powerful reminder that investing time with friends can be both restorative and life-giving. What's Saving My Life This Spring: Using up sample products A weekly snackle box filled with fruits and vegetables Volunteering at my girls' school My youngest daughter nighttime potty training herself A new ice cream maker Coaching my daughter's soccer team Grocery delivery and grocery pickup Grandparents Watching the Atlanta Braves and women's soccer A Zion National Park trip with friends Resources Mentioned: Snackle Box Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Ben & Jerry’s Recipe Book Connect with CheckBox Pro: At CheckBox Pro, we help school leaders reclaim time and build sustainable careers through executive assistant support designed specifically for education leaders. Licensed music ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ Music: Energizer by Chris Phaze licensed through Premium Beat by Shutterstock ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ /episode/index/show/8fa4a956-e8e7-4ea5-b2fb-92c6cb1f69a4/id/41985315

53: Building an AI-Powered School 06/15/2026

53: Building an AI-Powered School In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with China Cardriche, founder of Power Public Schools, for a forward-thinking conversation about reimagining education for the future. China shares her journey from investment banking to the classroom and ultimately to school founding, driven by a belief that zip code should not determine access to quality education. After returning home, she spent a year listening to her community, conducting more than 200 one-on-one conversations to understand what students and families truly need. That work led to Power Public Schools, an AI-empowered model designed to accelerate learning while building real-world, future-ready skills. China explains how she uses AI to reduce operational burdens on educators so they can focus on students, while also preparing young people to think critically, collaborate, and create in a rapidly changing world. She also shares a behind-the-scenes look at founding, including navigating a compressed six-week charter timeline and using AI tools to build systems, recruit board members, and raise funding. Throughout the conversation, China highlights the importance of community, faith, and perseverance when building something new. Key Takeaways: Why listening to the community is essential when designing a school model. How AI can support teachers by reducing operational workload. The growing importance of durable skills like critical thinking and collaboration. What it takes to navigate the pressures and unpredictability of founding a school. How leaders can begin experimenting with AI to increase efficiency and innovation. Connect with China: Connect with China Cardriche on LinkedIn Learn more about Power Public Schools About CheckBox Pro: CheckBox Pro helps school leaders create sustainability through added capacity, taking repetitive tasks off their plates so they can focus on what matters most. Licensed music ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ Music: Energizer by Chris Phaze licensed through Premium Beat by Shutterstock ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ /episode/index/show/8fa4a956-e8e7-4ea5-b2fb-92c6cb1f69a4/id/41657320

52: Running the Founding Marathon 06/01/2026

52: Running the Founding Marathon In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Christine Keck, Founder of The Meliora School, for a candid conversation about the realities of planning year and what it takes to sustain yourself through the work of founding a school. Christine shares her journey into education, from choosing Teach For America over a move to London, to working across high-performing charter networks, and ultimately launching her own school. She also introduces Meliora’s model, a mastery-based 6–12 school focused on entrepreneurship, computer science, and ensuring students are truly seen and known as individuals. The conversation offers an honest look at the demands of the planning year, where founding a school often feels less like leading academics and more like running a multi-million dollar business. Christine compares the experience to running a marathon. It requires endurance, discipline, and intentional moments of rest to make it to the finish line. She reflects on the challenge of balancing deep passion for the work with the need to model sustainability for her team. Christine also shares what she is most proud of. She has a fully enrolled founding class with a growing waitlist and a team that is deeply invested in the mission and willing to build something meaningful together. She names her leadership superpower as persistence and problem-solving, figuring things out when others say no. She also emphasizes the importance of building systems that foster innovation and follow-through. This episode is an energizing and honest look at the founding journey and a reminder that while the work is demanding, it is also deeply purposeful. Key Takeaways: Why founding a school often feels like running a marathon and how to pace yourself. The hidden business demands of planning year leadership. How to build a mission-aligned team in a competitive hiring landscape. The importance of modeling sustainability and setting boundaries early. Why persistence and creative problem-solving are essential leadership skills. Connect with Christine: Connect with Christine Keck on LinkedIn Learn more about The Meliora School About CheckBox Pro: CheckBox Pro helps school leaders create sustainability through added capacity, taking repetitive tasks off their plates so they can focus on what matters most. Licensed music ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ Music: Energizer by Chris Phaze licensed through Premium Beat by Shutterstock ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ /episode/index/show/8fa4a956-e8e7-4ea5-b2fb-92c6cb1f69a4/id/41468420

51: Where Education Meets Healthcare 05/18/2026

51: Where Education Meets Healthcare In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Kristy Beam, Founder of the Academy for Innovation in Medicine (AIM), for an honest and energizing conversation about the realities of building a school from the ground up. Kristy shares her unexpected journey into education, from a young mom searching for a stable career to a longtime teacher and district leader who ultimately felt called to build something different. After years of seeing the same challenges persist in traditional systems, she began asking a bold question. What if we designed a new system instead? That question led to AIM, a 6–12 career immersion school focused on healthcare pathways. Kristy explains how the model blends early college, STEM, and real-world work experiences to give students earlier exposure to careers and clearer postsecondary options. With a growing healthcare shortage and increasing expectations for hands-on experience, AIM is designed to help students graduate with both direction and opportunity. The conversation also dives into the realities of planning year. Kristy shares what it feels like to move from instructional leader to “everything else,” navigating facilities, finance, hiring, and recruiting families while selling a vision that, at times, exists only on paper. She speaks candidly about the pressure, the ambiguity, and the challenge of building something new while learning as you go. What sustains her is a clear sense of purpose and a strong community. Kristy reflects on the power of a mission-aligned team, the importance of being unapologetically clear about who the school is for, and the joy of seeing families choose a vision they believe in. She also shares a simple but powerful leadership practice, her “meeting with herself,” which helps her stay grounded, organized, and focused during an intense season. This episode is an honest look at the complexity of founding a school and a reminder that even in the hardest seasons, clarity of purpose and strong systems can carry leaders forward. Key Takeaways: Why some leaders choose to build new systems instead of trying to fix existing ones. How early career exposure can change student outcomes and postsecondary paths. The hidden complexity of planning year, from facilities to finance to enrollment. The importance of being clear about who your school is and is not for. How a simple weekly planning practice can bring clarity and sustainability to leadership. Connect with Kristy: Learn more about AIM: Connect with Kristy Beam on LinkedIn About CheckBox Pro: CheckBox Pro helps school leaders create sustainability through added capacity, taking repetitive tasks off their plates so they can focus on what matters most. Licensed music ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ Music: Energizer by Chris Phaze licensed through Premium Beat by Shutterstock ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ /episode/index/show/8fa4a956-e8e7-4ea5-b2fb-92c6cb1f69a4/id/41334900

50: The Power of Words 05/04/2026

50: The Power of Words In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with James Mosley, Superintendent of Yellowstone Schools, for a thoughtful and practical conversation on leadership, communication, and building systems that sustain both people and results. James shares his unexpected path into education, from initially pursuing law to discovering a deep passion for teaching and leadership. Now serving a unique pre-K through high school model in Houston’s Third Ward community, he reflects on the responsibility and purpose that comes with leading a school designed to serve students and families with both excellence and care. The conversation dives into one of the most overlooked but critical leadership challenges: communication. James explains why clarity across stakeholders, from board members to staff to families, is essential for alignment and execution. He shares how even the most complex problems can be simplified through clear expectations, strong systems, and consistent messaging. James also offers a window into the systems that help him stay grounded in the work. From using OKRs to track priorities, to structuring meetings around real-time challenges, to intentionally separating “office days” and “coaching days,” his approach is rooted in focus, visibility, and follow-through. He emphasizes that leadership is not about doing everything yourself, but about building strong teams and creating systems that allow others to execute well. Throughout the conversation, James returns to a central theme: sustainability. Whether it is being present in classrooms, showing up for his team, or making time for his family, he shares how intentional structure and discipline make it possible to lead well without losing yourself in the process. This episode is a practical and encouraging listen for leaders navigating complexity, offering a clear reminder that when systems, people, and purpose align, meaningful change becomes possible. Key Takeaways: Why communication with clarity is one of the hardest and most important leadership skills. How simplifying complex problems leads to stronger execution. The role of systems like OKRs in keeping teams focused and aligned. Why leaders must build strong teams to get results through others. How structuring your time can support both leadership effectiveness and personal sustainability. Connect with James: Connect with Dr. James Mosley on LinkedIn Learn more about Yellowstone Schools About CheckBox Pro: CheckBox Pro helps school leaders create sustainability through added capacity, taking repetitive tasks off their plates so they can focus on what matters most. Licensed music ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ Music: Energizer by Chris Phaze licensed through Premium Beat by Shutterstock ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ /episode/index/show/8fa4a956-e8e7-4ea5-b2fb-92c6cb1f69a4/id/41150650

49: Choosing Purpose Over Timeline 04/20/2026

49: Choosing Purpose Over Timeline In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Tiana Stephenson, Founder and CEO of The Wright Community School, for a powerful conversation about purpose, persistence, and building a school with—and for—community. Tiana shares her journey into education, shaped by personal loss, a deep search for purpose, and a commitment to ensuring students feel seen, heard, and valued. That purpose now lives in The Wright Community School, a 6–12 charter school designed to help students explore who they are and what they love through early college access, community partnerships, and a strong focus on restorative culture. The conversation offers an honest look at the challenges of planning and founding a school, especially when navigating setbacks outside of your control—like facilities delays that have pushed back opening timelines. Tiana shares how staying grounded in non-negotiables and community voice has guided every decision, even when it means waiting longer to get it right. She also reflects on what she’s most proud of: a deeply committed community that has stood alongside her through multiple application cycles and continues to believe in the vision. Tiana names her leadership superpower as the ability to figure things out and create solutions when they don’t exist, and she shares a practical planning system she built to help manage the complexity of leadership while giving herself grace along the way. This episode is an encouraging and honest reminder that founding is not a straight path—and that staying rooted in purpose and community can carry you through the hardest seasons. Key Takeaways: Why building a school with community leads to stronger alignment and ownership. The realities of founding, including delays and decisions outside your control. The importance of holding non-negotiables, even when timelines shift. How to create systems that support both productivity and grace. Why community support can make the founder journey feel less lonely. Connect with Tiana: Learn more about The Wright Community School Connect with Tiana Stephenson on LinkedIn About CheckBox Pro: CheckBox Pro helps school leaders create sustainability through added capacity—taking repetitive tasks off their plates so they can focus on what matters most. Licensed music ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ Music: Energizer by Chris Phaze licensed through Premium Beat by Shutterstock ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ /episode/index/show/8fa4a956-e8e7-4ea5-b2fb-92c6cb1f69a4/id/40947815

48: What's Saving My Life: Winter 2026 04/06/2026

48: What's Saving My Life: Winter 2026 In this quarterly What’s Saving My Life episode, Missy reflects on the small (and surprisingly impactful) things helping her navigate the busy winter season—January through March. From systems that reduce mental load to simple routines that bring joy, this episode is a reminder that what sustains us doesn’t have to be big or complicated. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a shared calendar, a family show, or finally getting your kids to do their own chores. If you’re in a full season (and let’s be honest—who isn’t?), this episode offers practical ideas and gentle encouragement to pause and notice what’s working in your life right now. \Key Takeaways: Small systems can create big relief. Tools like a shared digital calendar or a planning spreadsheet can significantly reduce daily friction. Kids can—and want to—contribute. Creating clear expectations around chores builds independence and reduces parental load. Shared experiences matter. Whether it’s a family TV show, the Olympics, or an Oscars watch party, having something to enjoy together builds connection. Look for ways to “stack” your time. Pairing connection with productivity (like folding laundry while catching up with friends) can be both efficient and life-giving. Lower the bar to make things sustainable. Simplifying holiday decor or meal routines makes it easier to maintain traditions without overwhelm. Future planning can be energizing. Booking trips or mapping out summer childcare provides something to look forward to—and reduces future stress. Resources Mentioned: Skylight Digital Frame (for shared calendars, chores, and lists) Kendra Adachi’s (The Lazy Genius) Homemade Granola Recipe Missy’s Summer Camp Planning Spreadsheet Connect with Missy: LinkedIn: About CheckBox Pro: CheckBox Pro helps school leaders create sustainability through added capacity—taking repetitive tasks off their plates so they can focus on what matters most. Licensed music ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ Music: Energizer by Chris Phaze licensed through Premium Beat by Shutterstock ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ /episode/index/show/8fa4a956-e8e7-4ea5-b2fb-92c6cb1f69a4/id/40751415

47: CEO: "Chief Everything Officer" 03/16/2026

47: CEO: "Chief Everything Officer" In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Nicholas Ditto, Founder of Fort Worth STEAM Academy, for an honest look at life in the middle of a school’s planning season. Nicholas shares his journey from aspiring public defender to educator and now founder, driven by a deep belief that access to high-quality education shapes opportunity. He explains why middle school is such a critical moment—before students begin disengaging—and why that urgency led him to launch a new charter campus in Fort Worth. The conversation explores the realities of the planning year, where “CEO” quickly becomes “Chief Everything Officer.” From nonprofit paperwork and marketing to facilities and finance, Nicholas reflects on the steep learning curve founders face long before students arrive. He also shares the energizing moments that make it worthwhile—like gathering founding families and staff and watching a community begin to form. Nicholas names his superpower as staying focused on the few priorities that truly drive outcomes. He also shares practical systems for managing time, communication, and task—simple structures that help sustain him during an intense season of leadership. Key Takeaways: Why middle school is a pivotal moment for student trajectory. The hidden business-building side of founding a school. How focusing on “one to three” priorities drives results. Practical systems to streamline time and communication. The importance of building community from day one. Connect with Nicholas: Learn more about Fort Worth STEAM Academy Connect with Nicholas Ditto on LinkedIn About CheckBox Pro: CheckBox Pro helps school leaders create sustainability through added capacity—taking repetitive tasks off their plates so they can focus on what matters most. Licensed music ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ Music: Energizer by Chris Phaze licensed through Premium Beat by Shutterstock ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ /episode/index/show/8fa4a956-e8e7-4ea5-b2fb-92c6cb1f69a4/id/40505165

46: From Vision to Reality 03/02/2026

46: From Vision to Reality In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Shonqualla West, Founder and Superintendent/CEO of Unparalleled Preparatory Academy, for an honest conversation about what it really means to lead during a school’s founding year. Shonqualla shares how growing up in a small rural town with limited school choice shaped her belief that students deserve early opportunities to explore who they are, what they’re good at, and what’s possible for their future. That belief now lives at UPA, a career immersion middle school where students “try on” careers through STEM-focused, hands-on, and interdisciplinary learning. She reflects on the realities no one prepares founders for—the constant zooming in and out, the many hats, and the tension between staying deeply involved while learning when to step back. Shonqualla also talks candidly about building her first leadership team, the importance of strong operations support, and the joy of seeing students and families choose—and take pride in—a school that began as an idea on paper. She closes by naming her leadership superpower—bringing bold visions to life through community buy-in—and offers hard-earned advice for other founders: pace yourself, give yourself grace, and keep going. Key Takeaways: What makes the founding year uniquely challenging—and uniquely formative. Why founders must constantly “zoom in and out” to lead effectively. The importance of hiring strong operations leadership early. How UPA helps students explore identity, strengths, and careers starting in middle school. Why community pride and student joy are powerful indicators of success. A reminder that grace is essential for sustainability in leadership. Connect with Shonqualla: Learn more about Unparalleled Preparatory Academy Connect with Shonqualla on LinkedIn About CheckBox Pro: CheckBox Pro helps school leaders create sustainability through added capacity—taking repetitive tasks off their plates so they can focus on what matters most. Licensed music ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ Music: Energizer by Chris Phaze licensed through Premium Beat by Shutterstock ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ /episode/index/show/8fa4a956-e8e7-4ea5-b2fb-92c6cb1f69a4/id/40283295

45: The Long Game of Leadership 02/16/2026

45: The Long Game of Leadership In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Rosalind DaCruz, Founder and Executive Director of RISE Prep Academies. Rosalind shares her journey from Teach For America corps member and high school history teacher to founding a charter school just three years into her teaching career—and what it’s been like to lead and grow that organization for nearly a decade. Rosalind reflects on the evolution of her role from Founding Head of School to Executive Director, naming the often-unspoken challenges of scaling a school network: letting go of daily classroom life, resisting the urge to solve every problem personally, and learning to trust others with work she once owned. She speaks candidly about the emotional weight of this transition, especially as RISE Prep expands from a single kindergarten class into a K–12 network serving up to 1,400 students, with multiple campuses and major facilities projects underway. The conversation also explores how Rosalind sustains herself through this demanding season of leadership. As a working parent and long-time school founder, she shares the practical systems that help her stay grounded—including a weekly closeout and look-ahead routine that brings clarity, accountability, and grace to both her professional and personal life. This episode is an honest, encouraging listen for school leaders navigating growth, transition, and longevity in the work. Key Takeaways: What it really feels like to transition from founder to Executive Director as schools scale. Why stepping back from day-to-day school life can be both painful and necessary. How executive coaching and time audits supported Rosalind’s leadership shift. The role of grit, strategic pivots, and persistence in sustaining a growing charter network. A simple weekly planning practice that supports leadership, parenting, and well-being. Connect with Roz: Learn more about RISE Prep Academies: Connect with Rosalind DaCruz on LinkedIn About CheckBox Pro: CheckBox Pro helps school leaders create sustainability through added capacity—taking repetitive tasks off their plates so they can focus on what matters most. Licensed music ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ Music: Energizer by Chris Phaze licensed through Premium Beat by Shutterstock ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ /episode/index/show/8fa4a956-e8e7-4ea5-b2fb-92c6cb1f69a4/id/40129430

44: Strong Systems, Strong Relationships 02/03/2026

44: Strong Systems, Strong Relationships In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Luke Savidge, Principal of Compass Midtown High School in Memphis, Tennessee. Luke shares his journey into education—from growing up in a family of educators, to teaching middle school, to stepping into high school leadership for the first time in his 15-year career. Luke offers a candid look at the realities of leading a high school, including the steep learning curve of credits, scheduling, and compliance, as well as the ongoing work of building relational trust with staff, students, and families. He explains why strong relationships are the foundation that make everything else possible—and how investing in people ultimately creates better outcomes for students. The conversation also dives into Luke’s leadership superpower: organization. He walks Missy through the system he’s built to keep himself grounded and focused—a single, living document that tracks priorities, data, staff celebrations, walkthroughs, and even self-care. Luke shares how becoming “Type A by necessity” helped him protect his time, lead more sustainably, and show up better for his school community. This episode is a practical and human look at what it takes to lead well in a complex environment—and a reminder that systems and relationships aren’t opposites, but partners. Key Takeaways: Why high school leadership feels like a different ballgame than middle school—and what makes it uniquely challenging. How Luke prioritizes attendance and discipline data with a clear weekly rhythm. The importance of building relational capacity quickly when stepping into a new leadership role. How one well-designed system can reduce overwhelm and increase follow-through. Why small, consistent acts of care matter more than grand gestures for staff morale. Connect with Luke: LinkedIn: Learn more about Compass Midtown High School: About CheckBox Pro: CheckBox Pro helps school leaders create sustainability through added capacity—taking repetitive tasks off their plates so they can focus on what matters most. Licensed music ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ Music: Energizer by Chris Phaze licensed through Premium Beat by Shutterstock ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ /episode/index/show/8fa4a956-e8e7-4ea5-b2fb-92c6cb1f69a4/id/39972540

43: Leading Through Growth 01/19/2026

42: What's Saving My Life: Fall 2025 01/12/2026

42: What's Saving My Life: Fall 2025 In this quarterly solo episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy shares her What’s Saving My Life list for Fall 2025—a season she defines as October through December, otherwise known as the sprint to the end of the year. This episode is equal parts reflection, survival guide, and joy inventory, capturing the small habits, simple tools, and intentional choices that helped her stay grounded during one of the busiest seasons of the year. From tiny logistics like a USB port adapter and Aquaphor, to bigger mindset shifts like not overplanning a family trip abroad, Missy walks through ten very real things that made life feel more manageable and more joyful. Along the way, she reflects on slowing down enough to notice what’s working, creating margin where possible, and giving herself permission to lean into ease—even when the calendar is full. If you’ve ever felt like fall moved faster than you did, this episode is an invitation to pause, take stock, and name the things—big or small—that are helping you show up well for your people and yourself. In this episode, Missy shares: The tiny tools that removed daily friction (and why they mattered more than expected). How Halloween became a joyful on-ramp to a hectic season. A mindset shift that made international travel with young kids actually enjoyable. Why rewatching familiar shows can be the perfect form of rest. Simple systems that reduced decision fatigue at home. How naming what’s working can bring more calm, clarity, and gratitude. Listener Invitation: If you’ve never made your own What’s Saving My Life list, this episode is your sign. Write it down, voice note it, or just name it quietly to yourself. And if something from Missy’s list resonated with you, she’d love to hear about it—because noticing what’s working is always better together. About CheckBox Pro: CheckBox Pro helps school leaders create sustainability through added capacity—taking repetitive tasks off their plates so they can focus on what matters most. Licensed music ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ Music: Energizer by Chris Phaze licensed through Premium Beat by Shutterstock ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ /episode/index/show/8fa4a956-e8e7-4ea5-b2fb-92c6cb1f69a4/id/39708030

41: Learning Beyond the Classroom 12/15/2025

40: From Mom to Movement: The Story Behind Celebrate Dyslexia 12/02/2025

39: Leading Like a Solid Object 11/17/2025

38: Removing Barriers, Building Futures 11/03/2025

37: Building Joyful Communities 10/28/2025

36: What's Saving My Life: Summer 2025 10/28/2025

35: Clarity, Alignment, and Adaptability 09/17/2025

34: Realigning to Vision Every Day 09/17/2025

34: Realigning to Vision Every Day 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 systems help her lead with balance and clarity. Key Takeaways: Founding a school requires nimbleness—hiring a mission-aligned team with a “founder’s mindset” is critical. Research shows that girls in single-gender schools are more likely to pursue STEM fields, perform higher in math and science, and build stronger peer relationships. Texas Girls School emphasizes project-based learning, including weekly “Flex Fridays” for design challenges and field explorations. School leaders can sustain themselves by setting boundaries around technology—no email alerts, no late-night emails, and prioritizing in-person connection over constant digital communication. Dana’s superpower as a leader is her ability to cast and realign with vision, helping her and her team stay grounded even when challenges arise. Connect with Dana Stuart Browning: Follow Dana on LinkedIn Follow The Texas Girls School on LinkedIn Learn more or schedule a tour: Nominate a Guest: If you or someone you know is leading with sustainability in mind and has tips, tools, or stories worth sharing, fill out this nomination form: About CheckBox Pro: CheckBox Pro helps school leaders create sustainability through added capacity—taking repetitive tasks off their plates so they can focus on what matters most. Licensed music ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ Music: Energizer by Chris Phaze licensed through Premium Beat by Shutterstock ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ /episode/index/show/8fa4a956-e8e7-4ea5-b2fb-92c6cb1f69a4/id/38064345

33: Shifting the Mic to School Leaders 08/18/2025

32: School Nutrition 08/04/2025

31: Lean Management for Dismissal 07/14/2025

30: School Psychology, Simplified 07/08/2025

30: School Psychology, Simplified 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 powerful life lessons. Key takeaways: School psychologists are trained across 10 domains, serving as both evaluators and advocates for students’ academic and mental health needs. ShaVanety’s work focuses on executive functioning, social-emotional growth, and early intervention—especially for gifted students who may struggle with organization and behavior. Academic Fusion, her after-school program, blends theater and skill-building to make learning about time management, communication, and peer interaction fun. Simple strategies like preference assessments and handwritten thank-you notes can make a big difference in student engagement and confidence. Third and fourth grade are often inflection points when students begin to disengage from school—early support and skill-building can help prevent long-term academic and behavioral challenges. The job of a school psychologist extends far beyond counseling—it involves legal timelines, coordination, testing, and deep family communication. Academic Fusion LLC currently operates as a B2B (Business to Business), so she is hired by school districts and organizations. However, keep an eye on things because her goal is to work as a B2C (Business to Customers, ie. parents). Connect with ShaVanety Jones: : : Complete her : UCLA PEERS: 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 /episode/index/show/8fa4a956-e8e7-4ea5-b2fb-92c6cb1f69a4/id/37229065

29: What's Saving My Life? 06/16/2025

28: Simplifying School Procurement 06/03/2025

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