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Currey Ingram Podcast

Currey Ingram Conversations is a bi-monthly podcast that seeks to discuss all things education from best practices to evidence-and-research-based approaches, as well as explore ways to nurture the community beyond the walls of the classroom. Find new episodes here or on Apple Podcasts.

Episode 21

Episode 21 - Reflecting on the 2020-21 School Year
No one could predict what the 2020-21 school year would hold. In this episode, podcast co-hosts Dr. Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher reflect on the past school year and discuss the impact the pandemic had on independent schools nationally, and within the walls of Currey Ingram. Listen as they share the challenges, pleasant surprises and silver linings of the year. You also will hear how continuity was sustained at Currey Ingram as staff and students navigated this challenging year and why Dr. Mitchell calls it a “buggy” year.

Episode 20

Episode 20 - Understanding Teens
The teen years are complex. They present challenges that can be difficult to understand. Cohosts, Dr. Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher, are joined by Levi Hamilton, Upper School Dean of Students, in a conversation about teens. They dive into topics about the value of being bored, the need to understand perspective taking, and the purpose of allowing teens the time to rebound, rest, and recover.

Episode 19

Episode 19 - Summer programs: Meet new friends, try new things, and prevent summer learning loss
Summer is a great time for students to play outside, have fun, and in some cases, get needed intervention through programs like our ADHD and ASD Summer Treatment Programs. Listen as camp program directors Regan Humphrey and Nick Quijano join podcast co-hosts Dr. Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher to discuss Currey Ingram's many different summer programs. Listeners also will hear an unexpected new fact about Dr. Mitchell as he shares a favorite summer camp memory.

Episode 18

Episode 18 - Even You Have the Power to be a Superhero!
In this week's episode, three Upper School students join our co-hosts as they spend some time reflecting on the deeper meanings of superheroes. In March, the Upper School students had the privilege of hearing from Bill Rosemann, Vice President and Creative Director for Marvel Games, as he provided an inspiring webinar about how he turned his love of comics into a meaningful career, the value of pursuing your passions, and the meaningful messages within superhero characters. Marvel superheroes entertain us, but they also celebrate diversity, promote inclusion, and inspire connection. Our Upper School students resonated with Rosemann’s message, and reflect on the messages they walked away with, including the belief that anyone has the power to be a superhero.

episode 17

Episode 17 - Alumni: How was Currey Ingram influential in your journey?
Co-hosts Dr. Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher welcome Currey Ingram alumni, Ben Davis and Jackson Short to reflect about their time at Currey Ingram Academy. They share the importance of small classroom environments and not being afraid to ask for help. In this episode, we also introduce a new and recurring topic that covers what students and parents around Currey Ingram are saying, such as a Lower School student's favorite things about the school and an impactful story from a Middle School family.

episode 16

Episode 16 - The Importance of Executive Function Skills
It is said that executive function (EF) skills -- the basic skills used to complete everyday tasks -- are more predictive of success in school and life than an IQ score. In this episode, Dr. Jane Hannah, Upper School Division Head, and Dr. Danielle Barton, Lower School Division Head, discuss the importance of explicit EF instruction within the school setting, key components that support EF development, and real life stories of how EF challenges can present in the day to day, with co-hosts Dr. Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher.

Episode 15

Episode 15 - Have you had the "Tech Talk?"
Trying to control screen time for children in the age of COVID-19 has become a nightmare for many parents. This episode is a discussion with our resident technology experts that explores current research, as well as practical tips, on how to develop healthy digital habits for the entire family. Additionally, Dr. Mitchell and Mr. Vinson are joined by a new co-host, Courtney Gallaher, Director of Community Outreach.

Episode 14

Episode 14 - Resolutions
In this first episode of the new year, Dr. Mitchell and Mr. V talk about resolutions for the school, as well as hear from others in the CIA community with regards to what they resolve to do in 2021. Dr. Mitchell strategically addresses school initiatives and forecasts even better days ahead for the Mustangs as we continually adhere to our mission - empowering students with learning differences to achieve their fullest potential.

Episode 13

Episode 13 - Understanding and Supporting Adopted Students
Every person’s birth, family of origin and early experiences shape the person they grow into. Understanding the unique neurochemical, psychological and holistic developmental considerations that frequently accompany adoption is crucial for those who love, teach and care for adopted students. Miranda Pool, M.Ed., NCC, Frist Chair of Social-Emotional Learning at Currey Ingram Academy, lends her expert advice and provides a glimpse into her current work in this area.

Episode 12

Episode 12 - 2020: It Wasn't All Bad
Head of School Dr. Jeff Mitchell and Director of Residential Life, Eric Vinson, take some time to reflect on the first half of the school year. Though 2020 brought unexpected challenges, the hosts delightfully point out 20 noteworthy items and moments from the past semester. Shout-outs, stories, secrets ... This episode is packed full of goodness, not to mention a visit from special guest John Ingram, businessman, philanthropist, and owner of Nashville SC.

Episode 11

Episode 11 - A Multidisciplinary Look at Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the primary challenges facing students today. How does one know the root of anxious behavior? Our panel of experts provide insight, and delineate whether it is psychologically-based anxiety -- a result of sensory processing challenges -- or poor language skills. Dr. Jeff Mitchell and Eric Vinson are joined by a psychologist, occupational therapist, and speech-language pathologist who elaborate on each area of concern and facilitate further discussion on this important topic.

Episode 10

Episode 10 - Dyslexia, Part 2
Back by popular demand, Dr. Jeff Mitchell and Eric Vinson interview current faculty and staff to discuss the more practical elements of a dyslexic profile. What are the early warning signs? What are the worthwhile interventions? Are there connections to handwriting? Our panel for this episode includes Courtney Gallaher, Occupational Therapist and Director of the Annette Eskind Institute of Learning; Mary Jackson, Lower School teacher; and Allison Johnson, Middle School teacher.

Episode 9

Episode 9 - Student Voices
Dr. Jeff Mitchell sits down with the true stars of any school show -- the students. A student representative from each division talks about his or her Currey Ingram journey. Also, Dr. Mitchell discusses the state of the school thus far, specifically how it continues to thrive during a season seemingly dominated by COVID-19.

Episode 8

Episode 8 - Resilience
While we all face traumas, adversity, and stress in our lives, 2020 has placed unique strains on our ability to cope. In this episode, we discuss resiliency and the factors that affect how different students adapt to life-changing situations with experts from the Currey Ingram Diagnostic Center: Dr. Allison Bender, Ph.D., HSP; Jennifer Seay, M.A.; and Dr. Emily Kirk, Ph.D., HSP.

Episode 7

Episode 7 - Dyslexia: Some Recent Findings
Approximately 20 percent of the Currey Ingram student body (about 60 students in 2020-21) has a primary diagnosis of dyslexia, so understanding the latest research is incredibly important. Following a presentation he gave within the Annette Eskind Institute of Learning, Dr. Mitchell briefly unpacks recent notable findings, then engages in conversation regarding reading challenges with Mr. Vinson and two Upper School students.

EPISODE 6

Episode 6 - Music & Cinematography
Veteran Currey Ingram educator, Sean Kelly, joins hosts Dr. Jeff Mitchell and Eric Vinson to discuss the multifaceted arts program at the school. Kelly gives insight into how the longstanding broadcasting class, "CIA News," came to be, as well as updates regarding the new Creative Technology and E-Sports signature program. No green screen necessary in recording this episode -- merely a little old fashioned conversation.

EPISODE 5

Episode 5 - Mustang Athletics
Kelly Fish, Director of Athletics (5-12) and Director of Strategic Initiatives sits down with Dr. Jeff Mitchell and Eric Vinson to discuss all things Mustang Athletics. What benefits exist within an education-based athletic model? How is COVID-19 reshaping school athletic opportunities? Plus, the answer to the lingering question, "When is Currey Ingram getting a pool?"

EPISODE 4

Episode 4 - Residential Life
Learn about how the new boarding program came to fruition at Currey Ingram. Listen to Dr. Mitchell answer the question, "Why boarding?" and hear from Eric Vinson, Director of Residential Life and Reid McFadden, Assistant Director of Residential Life. Daniel Miller, the first enrolled boarding student, discusses why he is excited for this brand new, transformative extension of the school's mission.

Episode 3

Episode 3 - Dawn Pilotti Discusses Mathematical Challenges
Middle School Math Teacher and newly-appointed Faculty Chair for Mathematics, Dawn Pilotti, sits down with Dr. Mitchell and Eric Vinson for a conversation that is bound to give all listeners greater understanding of the mathematical challenges for students with learning differences, as well as insight into the latest research.

Episode 2

Episode 2 - Miranda Pool Discusses Anxiety
Dr. Jeff Mitchell and Eric Vinson sit down with Lower School Counselor and newly-appointed Frist Chair of Social Emotional Learning Miranda Pool for a conversation surrounding anxiety. What is it? What does it look like? How is it manifesting during such uncertain times? Ms. Pool offers therapeutic insight, in addition to tangible tips, as to how to best support both our children and ourselves.

Episode 1

Episode 1 - Community 'Thank You' 
In this inaugural episode, "Shout Outs," Head of School Dr. Jeff Mitchell and Eric Vinson, Lower School Assistant Division Head and Director of Residential Life, discuss the school's response to the current worldwide pandemic, specifically highlighting the efforts of many within the Currey Ingram community.

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Currey Ingram Academy is an exemplary K-12 day and boarding school that empowers students with learning differences to reach their fullest potential. Since 2002, the school has been located on an 83-acre campus in Brentwood, Tenn., just miles from Nashville and Franklin. Families from 33 states and eight countries cite the school as their primary reason for moving to Middle Tennessee.

Currey Ingram Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and AdvancEd/Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI).