Proud Principals Podcast with Tony Cattani

#61 - Gisela Ciancia (New Jersey) - Wash and Learn - Creating a Cultural Hub

Gisela Ciancia is New Jersey's 2025-2026 Visionary Elementary School Leader of the Year. She is the proud principal of Roosevelt Elementary school in New Brunswick, New Jersey. 
Ciancia is highly regarded for her culture-building and hands-on approach to education. Some of her most notable achievements and initiatives include: 
Visionary Leadership: She earned the prestigious NJPSA Visionary award for her dedication to supporting faculty, engaging parents, and connecting with the local community.
Wash and Learn: She pioneered highly creative community programs like "Wash and Learn," which brings reading and enrichment opportunities directly to students and families in local laundromats after school.
Rock the Block: She also extends school influence and family engagement through community-wide events like "Rock the Block". 
Gisela' s advice to school leaders: 
1. Listen to community voices.
2. Meet Families where they are. 
If you want to learn from a dynamic school leader who brings learning and partnerships with her community, this is the episode for you. Her journey and efforts are making a difference in her school community. 
 
NJPSA Gisela Ciancia Visionary Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn1IbGkpli0
 
Contact Gisela for more information or to donate books to the Roosevelt Elementary Wash and Learn. 
Instagram
@PrincipalCiancia
@nbpschools

#60 - Joe Ballard (Poteau, Oklahoma) - Creating a Legacy

Joe Ballard is the 2024 NASSP Oklahoma High School Principal of the Year
Joe is the principal of Poteau High School in Poteau, OK. He is known for his unwavering dedication to educational excellence and inclusivity. A proud member of the Cherokee Nation, he has been a trailblazer in promoting cultural heritage. He implemented a groundbreaking policy that allows Native American students to wear Native regalia during graduation ceremonies. This policy, endorsed by the Choctaw Nation, reflects his commitment to honoring the diverse backgrounds of his students.
Contact Joe Ballard
X-@jballard710
Instagram - @jballard710
 

#59 - Jeff Linden - Nebraska -From Chaos to Clarity: Building a Strong School Culture Through Collaboration

 Jeff Linden is a dedicated school administrator, former teacher, coach, and military veteran committed to fostering a culture of excellence in public education. Currently serving as the Principal of Hastings High School in Hastings Public Schools, Jeff is a dynamic leader focused on empowering teachers, staff, and students, supporting educators, and building strong school communities.Educational Journey & Leadership ExperienceJeff’s path in education has been defined by a deep commitment to student achievement and teacher development. He holds an Educational Specialist degree in K-12 Organizational Leadership, along with Master’s degrees in Curriculum & Instruction and Educational Administration, all from Grand Canyon University. His academic foundation began at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education with endorsements in Mathematics (7-12) and Physical Education (7-12).As a 9-12 Principal at Hastings High School, Jeff leads a school dedicated to academic success, student engagement, and positive school culture. Before this role, he served as the 7-12 Principal at Southern Valley Public Schools, where he focused on curriculum development, student-centered initiatives, and staff collaboration. His previous experience as a math teacher and coach at multiple school districts, including Ralston, Millard, Hershey, and Twin River, has provided him with a well-rounded perspective on student learning and athletic leadership.A Legacy of Service & LeadershipBeyond the classroom, Jeff has played an active role in curriculum development, assessment writing, and teacher evaluation committees. His leadership extends into athletics, where he has served as a head football and wrestling coach, assisted the athletic director, and event supervisor for state and district-level competitions. His ability to lead both in academics and extracurricular activities speaks to his commitment to holistic student development.Before his career in education, Jeff proudly served as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the United States Army Reserves during Operation Enduring Freedom and the Iraq War. His military background instilled in him the values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance principles he carries into his leadership in education.Commitment to Growth & Community EngagementJeff believes that building strong relationships is the foundation of effective leadership. He actively supports professional development for educators, mentors aspiring leaders, and engages in school improvement initiatives. His work in teacher training, instructional leadership, and educational advocacy ensures that students and staff alike have the resources and support needed to thrive.With a passion for continuous learning and a vision for student success, Jeff Linden remains a driving force in educational leadership, committed to inspiring future generations and strengthening the public school system.Beyond his role as a principal, Jeff Linden has expanded his influence in the field of education by launching the Educational Leadership with Principal JL podcast. This platform allows him to engage with top educational leaders from across the nation and the world, discussing key topics that impact schools today.The podcast serves as a valuable resource for current and aspiring educational leaders, fostering a community that learns and grows together. Through insightful conversations and expert perspectives, Jeff empowers listeners with strategies and inspiration to drive positive change in their schools and districts. His mission is to connect leaders, share best practices, and ultimately strengthen the future of education.
Email - the.principal.jl@gmail.com
X- @principal_jl
Instagram - @principal_jl
Podcast - Educational Leadership with Principal JL

#58 - Blaine Wise (Oklahoma) - The Power of Connections in Your School Culture

Blaine Wise is a passionate and dedicated educational leader with 17 years of experience in Oklahoma public schools. He currently serves as the principal of Glenpool Middle School, where he has led since 2021, cultivating a positive, high-performing school culture that has earned statewide recognition. In 2025, he was honored as the OASSP/OMLEA Middle Level Principal of the Year.
This episode with Blaine shares the following:
1. Fun Staff Introductions  - Celebrate Your Staff (as seen on TikTok blainewiseleadership
2. Motivation Monday and Follow-Up Friday
3. Connection Wall 
X - @blainewiseleadership
 

#57 - National POY - Tracie Anderson Swillie (South Carolina) - Trust the Process

Dr. Tracie Anderson Swilley is the 2025 NASSP National secondary Principal of the Year and 2024 South Carolina Principal of the Year. Dr. Tracie Swilley  Assistant Superintendent of Academics in Fairfield County School District in Winnsboro, South Carolina. 
Dr. Tracie Anderson Swilley was the principal of Fairfield Central High School in Winnsboro, SC.
Tracie’s leadership has shaped Fairfield Central into a model of learning. Her approach to cultivating future leaders and fostering a culture of high expectations.
Under Dr. Swilley’s 12+ year leadership, Fairfield Central High School has seen remarkable improvements in:
math proficiency rates rose from 46% to 74%, and reading proficiency improved from 60% to 76% in the last three years.
The school has achieved the highest graduation rate in school history at 90.1% after two years of her leadership. the graduation rate had been around 70 percent.
Eighty-one percent of graduates in the class of 2024 were accepted to two or four-year higher education institutions.
Last school year, the school received an overall “good” rating Before that,in its first time 37-year history. 
Contact Dr. Tracie Anderson Swilley
Website - https://www.educate-her.com
Email - Tswilley21@gmail.com
X - @PrincipalTSwil
 

#56 - Shawn Ryan (Medford, NJ) - Grace Before Grades

Shawn Ryan is the principal of Medford Memorial Middle School in Medford, New Jersey. 
Shawn shares how Medford Memorial Middle School is addressing the needs of mental health with a systematic and sustainable approach. This work began prior to Covid due to the rise of anxiety among his students. They observed the emotional needs of their students and impact on their education. Shawn outlines how Mental Health First Aid and Rutgers University's Center of Comprehensive Mental Health were significant in the process. He shares the needs assessment, mapping, MTSS, weekly check-ins, data collections led to appropriate interventions. 
The impact on the Medford Memorial Middle School community:
- Students became comfortable sharing 
- Trust
- Supports for students
- Staff Impact
- Cultural Shift
I encourage you to listen and learn to this amazing leader. Feel free to reach out to Shawn for more information. 
sryan@medfordschools.net
 

#55 - Jessica Quinter Ed.D (Park Forest Elementary School, PA) - Positive School Culture

Jessica Quinter Ed.D is the principal of Park Forest Elementary School in State College, Pennsylvania. 
Jessica shares her proudest effort of developing a positive school culture through her daily efforts of:
- Being Present
- Building Trust
- Celebrating her staff and students
Jessica is an active member of NAESP. Please see below for her journey. 
Professional Preparation:
Ed.D, Educational Leadership and Management, Drexel University, 2018
M.Ed., School Principal Specialization, St. Francis University, 2005
B.S., Elementary Education, Juniata College, 2000
Professional Experience:    
Principal, Park Forest Elementary School, State College, PA, 2021-present
Principal, Juniata Valley Elementary School, Alexandria, PA 2009-2021
Federal Programs Coordinator, Juniata Valley School District, Alexandria, PA, 2007-2021
Classroom Teacher, Juniata Valley Elementary School, Alexandria, PA , 2001-2009
Classroom Teacher, Hyndman-Londonderry Elementary School, Hyndman, PA 2000-2001
Professional Affiliations:
NAESP Zone 2 Director, 2023-present
PA Principals Treasurer and Executive Committee Member, 2020-2023
PA Principals Regional Representative on Board of Directors, 2017-2020
PA Principals Conference Committee, 2020-2023
PA Association of Federal Programs Coordinators Vice President, 2021-2023
PA Association of Federal Programs Coordinators Regional Representative on Board of Directors, 2017-2020
Pennsylvania School Study Council, Elementary Principal Representative, 2017-2021
Commonwealth Education Blueprint Steering Committee, 2017-2019
Other Positions:
Class of 2000 Reunion Committee, Juniata College, 2005-present
Alumni Council President, Juniata College, 2009-2010
Alumni Council Board Member, Juniata College, 2002-2009
Member, Friends of Raystown Lake, 2004-present
Member, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, 2019-present

#53 - Patrick McKee (Valley View HS, Ohio) - School Culture Unlocks Achievement

Patrick McKee is the principal of Valley View High School in Germanton, Ohio. 
Valley View has worked hard to improve the school culture of our building for both staff and students. At the end of the day, when staff enjoy coming to work and students have a strong relationship with the teachers, achievement will happen.
Patrick shares the impact of:
- Fist Bump Fridays
- Teacher Retention
- Advisory Time
- Spartan Time - Student Leadership program
 
X-@ValleyViewHS
Instagram - @valleyviewspartans

#54 - Neil Burti (Cherry Hill, New Jersey) - CARUSI CARES about Student Voice

Neil Burti, Director of Secondary Schools in the Cherry Hill Public Schools District in New Jersey. 
2024 New Jersey Visionary Secondary School Leader of the Year
Dr. Neil Burti Jr. was the principal of John A. Carusi Middle School, in Cherry Hill, NJ. Previously, he served as a principal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels and taught college courses at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. For the past decade, he has supervised clinical internships for pre-service administrators, mentored novice administrators seeking licensure, and chaired dissertation committees. During that time, his schools have received both state and national recognition, and he has presented his work around the country.
Neil shares how Carusi Middle School created an opportunity for his students to amplify their voice in identifying expectations to making school decisions. 
 
Contact Dr. Neil Burti to better understand the approach.
nburti@chclc.org
 

#52 - State POY Series - Miles Shea (DoDEA) - Built for This

Miles Shea is the Principal of Quantico Middle School in Virginia for the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) and was recognized as the DoDEA Principal of the Year. Miles is known for transforming student success and supporting military families through initiatives like advanced AP courses and robust STEM programs. He has extensive experience within the DoDEA, previously serving at West Point Middle School and in multiple international locations. He fosters a positive, high-achieving environment for military-connected students. 
Mr. Miles J. Shea arrived at Quantico Middle High School on November 16, 2020, after serving as Principal of West Point Middle School on United States Army Garrison West Point in New York.
A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Shea earned his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and his master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Mr. Shea has served successfully as a classroom teacher, coach, committee chair, school improvement chair, assistant principal and principal and he has been nominated as Principal of the Year multiple times. As a parent he has also served as President of Project Graduation. He and his wife, a teacher at Crossroads Elementary School, have had the good fortune to serve DoDEA schools in Japan, Germany, Ft. Stewart, GA, Belgium, England, West Point and now Quantico.
Among his accomplishments he conceived, designed, and implemented a full-time Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program at Feltwell ES. It was named a powerful practice during accreditation and has been profiled on the Armed Forces Network. In addition, he led his basketball team to a league championship while stationed in Germany. At West Point Middle School, he developed several innovative programs including Bulldog Bistro, Bulldog Learning Academy, EXL Mentoring, and the school was awarded a Blue Ribbon for school year 2019-2020. Under Mr. Shea’s leadership, QMHS has transitioned to the Greater Piedmont Athletic Conference (GPAC) and continues to have highly successful internal reviews in the Mid-Atlantic District. Mr. Shea believes strongly in a positive school climate with high expectations for all, shared leadership and developing vibrant partnerships throughout the community to deliver a world class education to our DoDEA students.
Mr. Shea grew up in a family of eleven children and is an avid golfer, boater, cyclist, and lifelong learner. Mr. and Mrs. Shea’s daughter is a DoDEA graduate, and they are Lolli and Pops to their three wonderful grandchildren!
Email:
miles.shea@dodea.edu
Address:
3307 Purvis RoadQuantico, VA 22134-2198United States
Phone: 
571-660-9555