Stronger Together

Strong Schools Start with Strong Finances – Kyle Kiffer

In this episode of Stronger Together, we sit down with Nordonia Hills City Schools Treasurer Kyle Kiffer. Kyle oversees the financial operations of the district and works closely with district leadership and the Board of Education to ensure responsible planning and use of taxpayer dollars.
The conversation explores how school funding works in Ohio, how district budgets are built, and the work that happens behind the scenes to keep a school district financially stable. Kyle also shares how his experience auditing public entities across Ohio shaped his approach to school finance and what he sees as the biggest financial challenges facing public education today.
It is an honest conversation about transparency, planning for the future, and the role strong financial leadership plays in supporting students, staff, and the community

From Classroom to Principal: Ashley Turner’s Journey

In this episode of Stronger Together, we sit down with Ashley Turner, principal of Rushwood Elementary, for a relaxed conversation about her path in education and the people who shaped her along the way. Ashley shares what she learned starting in the classroom, how those experiences guide her leadership today, and what matters most to her as she works with students, staff, and families.
We talk about the culture at Rushwood, the small moments that make the job meaningful, and the values she hopes students carry with them long after they leave elementary school. It is an honest look at leadership, growth, and the relationships that hold a school community together.
Join us as we get to know Ashley Turner and the heart behind her work at Nordonia.

Rushwood Rising with Ethan Nario-Redmond

In this episode of Stronger Together, we sit down with Rushwood Elementary teacher Ethan Nario-Redmond to talk about his journey into education, his first year in Nordonia, and what it means to build real relationships with students. Ethan shares how a nontraditional path led him to the classroom, the lessons he learned during his rookie year, and the impact of being named Summit County Rookie of the Year.
The conversation explores the power of mentorship, the importance of literacy and confidence in young learners, and the small moments that remind educators why their work matters. Ethan reflects on the support he received from colleagues at Rushwood, the connections he builds with students each day, and his hopes for the future as he continues to grow in the profession.
This episode highlights the energy and purpose new educators bring to our schools and serves as a reminder that strong relationships remain at the heart of meaningful learning.

Making Math Make Sense with Carrie Mitchner

In this episode of Stronger Together, we sit down with Carrie Mitchner, a sixth grade math teacher at Lee Eaton Intermediate School. Carrie talks about what students really need at this stage, how she helps kids move past “I’m not a math person,” and the small classroom moves that build confidence over time. We also talk about why relationships matter in math, what has changed about teaching sixth grade, and what she hopes students carry with them long after they leave her class.

Mitchel Federan: From Broadway to Center Stage

In this episode of the Stronger Together podcast, we sit down with Mitchel Federan, director of Center Stage Dance Studio in Northfield. Mitchel shares his journey from growing up in the studio to performing on Broadway and eventually returning home to lead a place that has shaped generations of students.
The conversation explores how the arts build confidence, discipline, and belonging, and why community connections matter just as much as performance. It’s a thoughtful look at leadership, mentorship, and the role local organizations play in strengthening Nordonia.

Putting the Public Back in Public Schools: A Conversation with Scott Karlo

In this episode of Stronger Together, we sit down with Scott Karlo, Executive Director of the Ohio Public School Advocacy Network, for a conversation about what it truly means to put the public back in public schools.
This discussion moves beyond policy and headlines and focuses on ownership. Public schools exist because communities invest in them, care about them, and take responsibility for them. Scott shares why restoring that sense of ownership matters, how disengagement weakens schools over time, and what happens when communities step back into their role as active partners.
The conversation speaks directly to Nordonia and to any community that believes strong schools depend on trust, involvement, and shared responsibility. It is a reminder that public education works best when the public sees schools not as a system to observe, but as an institution they own together.

Aaron Coleman: Her Path, Her Work, Her Students

In this episode, Casey Wright sits down with Nordonia High School science teacher Aaron Coleman for a conversation about the path that brought her to the classroom and the way she connects students to the world around them. Aaron talks about her early work at SeaWorld, how that experience shaped her approach to teaching, and why helping students understand the story behind the science matters to her. She also shares what drew her to Nordonia, what she values most about the district, and how she builds relationships that help students grow. It’s an easy, honest conversation with a teacher who brings curiosity, purpose, and steady commitment to her work each day.

A Conversation with Brenda Basch

In this episode, we sit down with Brenda Basch from Rushwood. She shares her path from growing up in Nordonia to returning as an educator, and talks about the people and moments that shaped her along the way. The conversation covers her work with students, what she loves about teaching, and why this community continues to matter to her. It’s an easy, thoughtful look at someone who gives a lot to our district.

Angela Wojtecki: Where Libraries and Leadership Meet

In this episode of Stronger Together, Superintendent Casey Wright sits down with Angela Wojtecki, Nordonia’s District Library Media Specialist and 1:1 Integration Specialist. Angela shares how her work connects technology, literacy, and community in ways that inspire both students and staff.
She talks about leading the “Knights of the Tech Table” initiative, helping teachers integrate technology in meaningful ways, and redefining what a school library can be in today’s digital world. The conversation highlights how innovation at Nordonia starts with collaboration—and how empowering students to create, explore, and share ideas strengthens the entire community.
Listeners will hear how Angela’s passion for connection drives her work, from supporting digital literacy to amplifying student voice, and why she believes the heart of every innovation is people working together.

Teaching, Caring, and Connecting with Debbie McNellie

Episode Description:In this episode of Stronger Together, we sit down with Debbie McNellie, a third-grade teacher at Rushwood Elementary and Trustee with the Nordonia Schools Foundation. Debbie shares her journey as an educator, her deep roots in the Nordonia community, and the lessons she’s learned from her students along the way.
Together, they talk about what it means to teach with purpose, build strong relationships, and stay grounded in the values that make Nordonia Hills City Schools a special place to learn and work. Debbie’s story is one of connection, commitment, and heart — a reminder that we’re truly stronger together.