New Episodes Coming May 2022

Episodes

Aug. 18, 2022

50: School Turnaround with Ana Aguilar

Today my guest is Principal Ana Aguilar and we’re talking about one of my favorite topics, school turnaround. Principal Aguilar is going to share the systems put in place to create a thriving school. Support the show
Aug. 11, 2022

49: Engaging Professional Development with Dana Perez

Today I am joined by Connecticut’s Assistant Principal of the year, Dana Perez and we are chatting about creating quality and engaging professional development. As you head into the new school year, Dana will share some great ideas and structures for creating highly effective PD opportunities for your campus. This chat is just in time for the start of school. Speaking of which, I want to share a tool I’ve been using to help get me organized with social media for our school. Support the show
Aug. 4, 2022

48: The Integrated Experience with Kylene Vasquez

Today I am joined by Principal Kylene Vasquez and we are talking about shifting your school’s culture through truly understanding the impact adult behaviors have on our campus. Principal Vasquez is going to share how behavior influences behavior and the strategies she’s implemented to positively change the climate. Support the show
July 21, 2022

47: Leading Learning Walks with Ida Carter

For many of you, you are starting to think about next year and some of the schoolwide practices you want to implement to level up your schools. Today we are talking to Principal Ida Carter all about learning walks and how she has brought this practice to her site to raise the level of learning for students and staff. Principal Carter is the proud principal and lead learner of J. Ruth Smith Elementary in Aldine ISD and here is our conversation. Support the show
July 14, 2022

46: Instructional Leadership with Erica Gil

Today I am joined by Principal Erica Gil, principal of Pugh Elementary School in Houston, Texas and we are talking about instructional leadership. With a background of coaching and supporting teachers, Erica will share how she’s bringing and instructional focus to her site and will provide ideas you can implement in your school. Support the show
July 7, 2022

45: Building a Parent Community with Christy Flores

Today I am joined by Principal Christy Flores, an award winning principal from Southern California. She is one of 8, yes eight, principals across the entire country to receive the prestigious Terrell Bell Award for exceptional leadership. In our conversation, you will get to hear about her leadership journey and how she’s building community in her school. Support the show
June 30, 2022

44: Difficult Conversations with Felicia Thomas

Today I am joined by Principal Felicia Thomas, the fearless leader of Tipps Elementary School in Houston, Texas. In this episode we explore the topic of difficult conversations, why they are essential in leadership work and the reasons people shy away from them. Principal Thomas will also share three frameworks you can use when preparing for a difficult conversation. Support the show
June 23, 2022

43: Shared Leadership with Ruth Riha

Today I am joined by Principal Ruth Riha, an elementary school principal in Sugar Land, Texas and we are digging into why shared leadership is value-added on a school campus. Ruth shares why this was a valuable lesson for her in nearly 20 years of leadership and some examples of how this plays out on her site. Support the show
June 16, 2022

42: Leveling Up PBIS at the Secondary Level with Dr. Taiisha Swinton-Buck

Today we are chatting with Principal Dr. Taiisha Swinton-Buck, Principal of Digital Harbor High School in Baltimore, Maryland. Today we are chatting about PBIS at the secondary level. Now before you say you already know all there is about PBIS, trust me when I say you will want to hear how Dr. Swinton Buck is raising the game. I promise you..this is going to be a good one. Support the show
June 9, 2022

40: Promoting the Success of Hispanic Students with Dr. Danielle Jackson

Danielle Jackson, a high school principal at Fort Bend, Texas. After meeting Dr. Jackson for the first time, I knew she was the real. I was lucky to spend time with her hearing about her personal journey that led her to education and how she is improving cultural responsiveness specifically for her Hispanic students. I can't wait for you to hear how her leadership is making things happen. Support the show
Aug. 5, 2021

40: Opal Harrison: Valuing People in the Organization

Today I am chatting with Opal Harrison, a middle school principal in Houston, Texas and we are chatting about the art of valuing people in your organization. And when I say all, she means all. From the students, to the teachers, to your office staff to your custodian. Everyone. In our chat, she shares what this looks like when it’s part of the system and how she measures success. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drshanahenry)
Guest: Opal Harrison
July 22, 2021

39: Kayla Tucker: A Stress Management Framework for School Leaders

I want to start today’s episode with a question for you, do you have a stress management plan? And if so, is it sustainable? As school leaders, I am confident in saying our work is like no other. A recent study from NASSP said 42% of principals are considering leaving the profession and other studies show principals have more stress than other professions. Today’s guest is Kayla Tucker and she’s a school psychologist that also helps women in the principalship manage stress. She’s going to share ...
July 15, 2021

38: Amber Andrade: Creating Safe Spaces for LGBTQ Students

In case you haven't heard, our Leading With Impact Online Conference happening at the end of this month is open for registration right now! This is a two-day conference featuring amazing female leaders ready to share their strategies with you. Head over to principalsofsuccess.com/onlineconference for registration details. A few months ago, I learned about an amazing principal in Northern California that was creating authentically safe spaces for LGBTQ students and staff. Today, we get to chat w...
July 8, 2021

37: Brandy Gratten: Preparing for the Principalship as an Assistant Principal

On today’s episode, I am chatting with powerhouse principal Brandy Gratten. You’ll know why I say powerhouse by the end of this episode. Brandy was recently appointed principal in April and is leading with focus and determination to make her school and staff the talk of the town. We chat about life as an Assistant Principal, moves that led her to the principalship and how she is leading her APs now. If you are an aspiring or current Assistant Principal of leading one, this episode is for you. h...
June 3, 2021

36: Catherine Pichon: Transitioning In & Out of a School

Today I am chatting with Catherine Pichon, a middle school principal in Suffolk, Virginia and we’re talking all about transitions. She made the move from elementary to middle school last year, so I ask her about the move from one segment to another and her top three priorities when starting new. During our discussion, Catherine revealed a hot off the press surprise and it fit perfectly in our conversation. Let’s get started.
May 27, 2021

35: Allyson Apsey: Serendipity in Education

Today I am talking with Principal and author Allysen Apsey and trust me when I say this episode is going to give you pause and opportunity for reflection. Allyson and I chat about taking care of the whole teacher, creating a need-satisfying environment and the life-changing research that set the groundwork for these areas. After you listen, make sure to share this episode. https://allysonapsey.com/ Twitter: @AllysonApsey
May 20, 2021

34: Laurie Namey: Do's and Don'ts of Leadership

I’m so excited for today’s episode because we’re talking to Laurie Namey, principal at Magnoia Middle School in Maryland and her leadership journey includes being asked twice to lead turnaround schools because she gets the job done. Through her experience, she’s seen the dos and don’ts of site leadership and today she’s sharing those with us. I would love for you to reach out on instagram at @principalsofsuccess or twitter @drshanahenry with your takeaways from today’s episode.
May 6, 2021

33: Karina Lopez: It's All About Culture

Who is ready to take some notes? Today I am talking with Karina Lopez, a middle school principal in Houston, Texas and we are chatting about school culture. She’s created a thriving culture for staff and students and today she’s sharing some of her favorite ideas to let her school family know they are valued and appreciated and sneak peek, some are absolutely free. We are also going to share all the ideas and resources mentioned in the show notes at principalsofsuccess.com/33.
April 29, 2021

32: April Williams: Educating Our Girls

I’m really excited for you to get to know our guest today, Dr. April Williams. Dr. Williams is a principal in Houston Texas and she leads an all girl public school named Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy. I was fascinated by this concept, so I ask her the why behind this vision and she will also share three priorities on her site that is helping her girls create a strong future.
April 22, 2021

31: Katie Knifton: Creating Systems of Supports

I am truly excited for today’s conversation because our guest, Katie Knifton, is not only someone who you will learn a lot from, but she’s also a fellow administrator I get to work with in my district. Katie is a Vice Principal at Sylvan Middle School in Sacramento, California and I consider her to be my go to person for creating systems of supports in schools. Her background as a school psychologist as well as her personal journey that she will share, gives her a unique perspective when it come...
April 15, 2021

30: Elizabeth Castillo-Guajardo: Literacy Leader

Today I am chatting with Principal Elizabeth Castillo-Guajardo, an elementary school principal in Houston, Texas. She’s extremely passionate about literacy and today she is going to share how she makes this a school wide focus. Make sure to take notes because Elizabeth shares A LOT of great ideas that you will want to try at your school.
April 8, 2021

29: Dr. Kip Glazer: Lifting A Community

Today, I am chatting with Dr. Kip Glazer, a high school principal in Santa Barbara, California. We chat about her inspiring personal story, her full circle moment to her current position, and the three ways her leadership is lifting up an entire school community. I love this conversation with Dr. Glazer and I'm confident you will too.
April 1, 2021

28: Amy Gonzales: Creating a SEL Culture

Today I am talking to Amy Gonzales. She’s the amazing principal of Clayton Elementary School in Austin, Texas. Not only do I love her determined spirit, which includes knowing she wanted to be a principal at 5, yes 5 but I appreciate how intentional she is about wellness for her school community and herself. In our conversation, she will describe how this looks on her campus. After you listen, please share this episode for others to enjoy.
March 25, 2021

27: Katrina Collins: Knowing Your Big 3

Here’s a question for you, who are you? As a leader, who are you? As principals, we are spinning many plates and sometimes it can feel like everything is a priority. Today’s guest, Principal Katrina Collins, is going to share how she identified her Big 3 after being asked that same question. Katrina is a powerhouse elementary school principal in Dallas, Texas. Our conversation explores the why behind her Big 3, examples of how they live on her campus and how she’s defining a clear identity for t...