Thanks for watching! New season coming in January 2024.

In this special episode, we take a look back at some of the impactful insights from this season’s guests. We’ve covered everything from misconceptions of unhoused people, PNC’s Grow Up Great Program, the need for improving child literacy, helping students get to college, and much more. Listen again or get caught up to help you Navigate STL Schools and make informed choices for your children.

Advocating for Students with Developmental Disabilities with Samantha Montgomery
This episode’s guest was Samantha Montgomery,  Director of Service Coordination for the St. Louis Office for Developmental Disability Resources. Samantha sat down with Staci to discuss how she advocates for children with Developmental Disabilities and important advice for parents navigating the school system. 

The Benefits of Choosing Faith Based Education with Julie Soffner and Emily Roth
This episode’s guests were Julie Soffner, Executive Director of the Today and Tomorrow Educational Foundation and Emily Roth, Principal of St. Cecilia Catholic School. Julie and Emily sat down with Staci to discuss the benefits of a Catholic education, myths about faith based education, and helping families find a sense of belonging in their schooling.

Empowering Unhoused Families and Youth with City Hope
This episode’s guests were City Hope St. Louis’s CEO Pastor Mike Robinson and Director of Operations Mike Willis. Pastor Mike and Mike sat down with Staci to discuss common misconceptions for unhoused individuals, the struggles of acquiring identification, and helping unhoused youth continue their education.

Bringing Black Literature to STL with Ymani Wince
This episode’s guest was Ymani Wince, Owner of The Noir Bookshop. Ymani sat down with Staci to discuss her love for books, the inspiration for opening her bookstore, book vending machines, and tips for encouraging children to get excited about literature. 

How PNC is Investing in Early Childhood Education with Sarah Bowman
This episode’s guest was Sarah Bowman, Vice President & Director of Client and Community Relations at PNC. Sarah sat down with Staci to discuss PNC’s Grow Up Great Program, collaborating with Sesame Street Workshop, and helping build a stronger local economy through investment in early childhood education.

Inspiring Educational Growth at Loyola Academy with Nick McDowell
This episode’s guest was Nick McDowell, the Director of Graduate Support at Loyola Academy. Nick sat down with Staci to discuss the support Loyola Academy offers their students, encouraging parents to be more engaged with their child’s education, and helping students choose the right school for them.

Show Me KC Schools and Navigate STL Unite in Discussion with Leslie Kohlmeyer
This episode’s guest was Leslie Kohlmeyer, Executive Director of Show Me KC Schools. Leslie sat down with Staci to discuss the Common App and its benefits to KC residents, focusing on logistics first when choosing a school, and ways for students to get the most out of their K-12 education before entering the workforce.

Seeking Accountability and Reading Goals in SLPS with Chester Asher
This episode’s guest was Chester Asher, Activist and leader at Coalition STL Kids. Chester sat down with Staci to discuss the dire need of improved reading scores in SLPS, how to create change within a large school system, and the need for accountability and goals in all of St. Louis school systems.

The Power of Simple Positive Play with Jennifer Ilardi
This episode’s guest was Jennifer Ilardi, the founder of Simple Positive Play. Jennifer sat down with Staci to discuss the inspiration behind Simple Positive Play, how the community benefits from a playful space like this, and how play can prepare children for the classroom.

Media Arts as a Catalyst for Learning with STL Voices Academy’s Steward Stiles
This episode’s guest was Steward Stiles, the Associate Director of Student Recruitment and Family Partnership at STL Voices Academy of Media Arts. Steward sat down with Staci to discuss finding the right educational fit, the value our children have in STL’s education system, navigating restrictive legislation on the recruiting of students, and more.

Helping Students Become College Bound with WyKeshia Atkins and Kynidi Miller
This episode’s guests were College Bound’s WyKeshia Atkins, Director of Strategic Partnerships, and Kynidi Miller, Recruitment Coordinator. WyKeshia and Kynidi sat down with Staci to discuss the expansive services offered by College Bound, instilling confidence in students heading into college, and the impact of community throughout the process.

STLDD and Navigate STL Schools Unite for Family Support with Nate Head

This episode’s guest was Nate Head, the Director of Agency and Community Relations for the St. Louis Office of Developmental Disability Resources. Nate sat down with Staci to discuss how Navigate STL Schools received a grant from them to create informational videos, and ways that STLDDR helps support families and individuals with developmental disabilities.