359. Inside-Out Transformation with Mental Health Cohorts Featuring Charle Peck

What if the key to improving student behavior and strengthening school culture starts with how adults care for themselves and each other? In this dynamic Aspire to Lead conversation, Charle Peck joins Joshua Stamper to reveal how a new cohort model is reshaping the way educators care for their mental health and support one another. Charle shares how districts are forming dedicated teams of teachers, counselors, social workers, and administrators who come together to learn nine essential skills rooted in self awareness, relational understanding, and collaborative growth. Listeners will hear stories from real cohorts as Charle and Joshua explore why meaningful reflection, practical regulation strategies, and simple everyday tools are helping staff feel more grounded and more confident. From body scans to rapid resets to intentional communication shifts, this episode highlights approaches that educators can immediately bring into their school day. The conversation also brings the Language of Behavior framework to life with examples of environment and relationship inventories, systems level mindset shifts, and small adjustments that foster calmer classrooms and stronger community connections. Charle shares insights from her international work with thousands of educators and illustrates how small changes in presence and tone can transform both interactions and outcomes. This episode provides an encouraging and actionable path for leaders who want to build mental health capacity across their school or district. Discover how to begin your own cohort journey, explore free resources including the Language of Behavior book study kit, and learn how Joshua’s Aspire to Lead cohorts can support your professional growth without adding to your stress. About Charle Peck: Charle Peck is the co-creator of Thriving School Community, a revolutionary program designed for schools to improve mental health. She holds an MS in Education and an MS in Social Work as a 20+ year veteran in education (K-12). As a global keynote speaker, she delivers powerful messages of hope to educators and facilitates meaningful professional development. Charle successfully equips school staff with practical tools to mitigate teacher burnout and the youth mental health crisis providing relief to schools all across the country. Her unique lens as a high school teacher turned clinical therapist specializing in trauma makes her stories relevant and captivating to educators struggling in today’s system. You can purchase her book “Improving School Mental Health: The Thriving School Community Solution” on Amazon and connect with her on X @CharlePeck. Follow Charle Peck:  Website:www.ThrivingEducator.org Twitter:https://twitter.com/CharlePeckFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/charlepeckconsulting?mibextid=LQQJ4d Other:[email protected]<span style="font-weight:...

What if the real secret to long term leadership is not endurance at all, but learning how not to lose yourself along the way? In this standout episode of Aspire to Lead, Principal Evan Robb returns with a candid and deeply human look at what it truly means to lead for the long game. From becoming a principal at thirty two and opening a school of more than one thousand three hundred students to spending over two decades in the role, Evan shares the honest lessons that titles never teach such as overconfidence, exhaustion, rediscovering balance, and the joy that only comes when you learn to lead yourself first. Joshua and Evan explore what sustainable leadership requires in real, everyday practice. They discuss choosing presence over busyness, building a school where leadership is shared rather than stacked on a single person, and protecting your life outside the building so you can show up grounded and focused inside it. Evan speaks openly about the boundaries that preserved his wellness, the relationships that restored his joy, and the personal belief system that guides every decision he makes. The conversation also highlights how passion projects including writing, speaking, and podcasting can strengthen a leader’s growth when they are rooted in service and designed to create real Monday morning impact. Whether you are stepping into leadership for the first time or seeking renewed purpose after many years in the seat, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and actionable guidance to help you build a leadership life that lasts. &nbsp; About Evan Robb: Evan Robb is presently Principal of Johnson-Williams Middle School in Berryville, Virginia. He has over twenty years of experience serving as a building level principal. Prior to being a school principal, he was an English teacher, department chair, and Assistant Principal. Evan is a recipient of the Horace Mann Educator of the Year Award. In addition, the NCTE Commission on Reading selected him to serve on its national board. A TEDx Speaker, Evan offers inspirational keynotes, workshops, and on-going professional learning opportunities across the country on leadership, mindset, culture, impactful change and how to improve literacy in schools. Evan has shared his ideas with thousands of educators at dozens of workshops across the country. His first book titled, The Principal’s Leadership Sourcebook: Practices, Tools, and Strategies for Building a Thriving School Community was published by Scholastic in the fall of 2007. His next book, The Ten- Minute Principal was published by Corwin in May 2019. Evan and Laura Robb collaborated with Dave Burgess Publishing to write Team Makers, which was published in August of 2019. In addition, Evan is partnering with Laura Robb to write, A School Full of Readers, with Benchmark Education, Fall 2019. Follow Evan Robb:  Twitter:https://twitter.com/ERobbPrincipalWebsite:https://evan-robb.com/TEDX:https://youtu.be/oS4WMsdLIM4Blog:<span style="font-weight:...

In this transformative episode of Aspire to Lead, Dr. Sarah Johnson rejoins host Joshua Stamper for a masterclass in authentic leadership and personal growth. Together, they share candid stories about why every educator, no matter their role or experience, needs to clarify their core values to build trust, weather challenges, and find joy in their journey. Dr. Johnson reveals lessons from her recent doctoral research on resilience, burnout, and spiritual self-care for school leaders, explaining how defining your leadership language and grounding your practice in faith and balance can help you rise above stress and uncertainty. Listeners will walk away with practical strategies for value reflection, tips for aligning their mission with their daily actions, and the inspiration to be both vulnerable and visionary in their work. This episode is an essential resource for anyone seeking purpose-driven leadership that starts from within. About Sarah Johnson: Sarah Johnson is a former teacher and school principal, turned author, speaker, and podcaster. She is passionate about assisting others in seeking greater satisfaction in all areas of their full lives by helping them go beyond work-life balance as well as develop strong leadership foundations. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education, Master of Science in Educational Administration, and a Certificate for Women in Leadership from Cornell University. She hosts the weekly In AWE Podcast where she is proud to amplify women’s stories every week.  Sarah is co-author of Balance Like a Pirate: Going Beyond Work-Life Balance to Ignite Passion and Thrive as an Educator and author of Lead with Faith: Firm Foundations of Leadership to Empower You to Slay Fear and Lead with Courage.  Sarah lives the balance message in her life by pursuing passions such as running, writing, focusing on family with her two daughters and teacher husband, while also honing her leadership skills through networking, teaching, and learning. Sarah Johnson:  Sarah's WebsiteSarah on Twitter Sarah on IG Sarah on LinkedIn Sarah on Facebook Podcast WebsiteSubscribe to the In AWE Podcast Join Sarah’s FREE Five Day Going Beyond Balance Challenge: ...

Leadership isn’t scripted...and neither is this conversation. In Episode 35 of Aspire Mailbag, Josh Stamper and Jeff Gargas tackle two listener questions that every leader has wrestled with (even if they won’t admit it): 💬 How do you respond when you’re told to do something you’re already doing—without sounding defensive?💬 And how can leaders recognize when their own need for control is actually blocking trust and innovation? With their trademark mix of honesty, humor, and hard-earned insight, Josh and Jeff dig into the messy middle of leadership. Especially, the part where communication gets tricky, egos flare, and growth actually happens. Whether you’re leading a classroom, a team, or an entire campus, this episode will help you navigate the tough conversations with confidence, clarity, and a little laughter along the way. 🎧 Tune in to discover how real leadership sounds when the mic’s on and the filters are off. Featuring Jeff Gargas and Joshua Stamper Follow Jeff Gargas: Twitter:https://twitter.com/jeffgargasInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/_jeffgargas/ Follow Joshua Stamper: Contact:https://joshstamper.com/contact/Twitter:www.twitter.com/Joshua__StamperInstagram:www.instagram.com/joshua__stamperLinkedin:www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-stamperFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/AspirePodcastSubscribe:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aspire-the-leadership-development-podcast/id1384210762?mt=2 Follow The Teach Better Team: Twitter:https://twitter.com/teachbetterteamWebsite:https://www.teachbetter.com/Facebook:<span...

What if behavior support wasn’t a system to manage but a promise to keep? In this inspiring episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper and guest Tim Grivois explore how leaders can transform traditional approaches to behavior into authentic commitments to student well-being and inclusion. Drawing from his experiences as a teacher, principal, and consultant, Tim challenges the norms of PBIS and “Check-In/Check-Out” systems, offering strategies that center relationships, trust, and belonging. Together, they unpack how to empower staff through meaningful professional learning, better support students with ADHD, and model true self-care that sustains both educators and school culture. About Tim Grivois: Dr. Tim Grivois believes professional development should feel like a conversation about something we are building together, not a compliance exercise. After more than twenty-two years as a teacher, school leader, and now the Executive Director of TGS Educational Consulting, Tim helps schools design learning experiences that respect how adults learn and make it easier to live the learning out loud in classrooms the next day. Through TGS, Tim partners with schools and districts across the country to simplify PBIS, Check-In/Check-Out (CICO), social-emotional learning, and ADHD-inclusive practices so they feel more human and less like paperwork. His sessions are known for being practical, relational, and fun, creating space for educators to laugh, connect, and try new ideas without fear of getting it wrong. A teacher once told him, “I was going to call out sick today, but I saw you on the calendar and decided not to.” That is the kind of PD Tim aims to create. Tim writes and speaks about adult learning, educator wellness, behavior support, and ADHD in ways that connect research to everyday realities. He believes that when educators feel safe, seen, and trusted, they learn better, and when professional learning feels relevant and collaborative, everyone wins. Tim lives in Tucson, Arizona, where he spends time cooking for his family, lifting heavy circles at the gym, and exploring the desert with his partner and kids. His guiding principle is simple: professional learning should honor the people doing the learning and invite everyone to live the learning out loud together. Follow Tim Grivois Website:www.tgseducationalconsulting.com Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tgseducationalconsulting/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/tgsedconsultingLinkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothygrivois/YouTube:@timgrivois153 -- NEW Aspire to Lead Cohort: Join the December 1st Launch Ready to move from teacher to administrator? The Aspire to Lead Cohort is a monthly leadership program designed for educators pursuing administrative roles. <span style="font-weight:...

What happens when two longtime collaborators reunite to reimagine how we grow as leaders? In this uplifting episode of Aspire to Lead, Jeff Gargas joins Joshua Stamper to celebrate the return of authentic connection, collaboration, and purpose in leadership development. Together, they reflect on their early podcasting days, explore the challenges today’s leaders face, and unveil Joshua’s newest project—the Aspire to Lead Cohort, a transformational experience built for educators who crave meaningful growth, connection, and accountability. From personalized leadership assessments to live workshops and dynamic peer communities, Josh shares how this new model is helping educators rediscover their “why” and sustain their momentum all year long. Whether you’re an aspiring leader finding your footing or a seasoned administrator seeking renewal, this episode will reignite your passion for learning, leading, and belonging in community. &nbsp; Aspire to Lead Cohort: Join the December 1st Launch Ready to move from teacher to administrator? The Aspire to Lead Cohort is a monthly leadership program designed for educators pursuing administrative roles. Get expert training, peer accountability, interview prep, and a clear roadmap to advance your career. December 1st cohort launching soon. Limited spots available. READY TO JOIN? Apply for the Aspire to Lead Cohort: https://bit.ly/47xWzIu Limited spots available. Next cohort starts 12/1/25 📧 QUESTIONS? Email me: [email protected] #1 New Release, “The Language of Behavior” is NOW Available!  The Language of Behavior is an essential guide for school leaders committed to transforming their school culture and addressing student behavior through a more compassionate, effective approach. Drawing on their extensive experience in education, Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper challenge outdated disciplinary practices and offer a clear, trauma-informed framework that empowers educators to interpret student behavior as a form of communication. Through three core tenets—Consider the Environment, Explore the Root Causes of Behavior, and Respond with Intentionality—this book equips leaders with actionable strategies to foster positive behavior, build stronger relationships, and cultivate a more supportive school climate. Packed with real-world case studies, evidence-based practices, and insights into the lasting effects of childhood trauma, The Language of Behavior provides school leaders with the tools to create lasting, meaningful change. It offers a roadmap to reduce behavior issues, re-engage students and staff, and establish a culture of accountability and empathy. This book is not just a reference—it’s a call to lead with vision and transform how we approach discipline, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive. Bulk Orders: https://www.connectedd.org/bulk-orders Need a Presenter for a conference or school PD? Contact <a...

What if the secret to great leadership was hidden in the elements that shape our world? Educator and author Tyler Comeau believes it is. From the frozen courts of the Northwest Territories to international stages, Tyler’s journey has been one of discovery—of purpose, resilience, and the fire that fuels authentic leadership. In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper and Tyler unpack The Elemental Leader—a framework where Earth grounds your values, Air strengthens your perseverance, Water nurtures your adaptability, and Fire ignites innovation and action. Through powerful stories and research-based insights, Tyler challenges leaders to think differently about growth, purpose, and balance. This isn’t just another leadership conversation—it’s a call to realign, recharge, and rediscover your spark. If you’ve ever felt pulled between the weight of responsibility and the need for renewal, this episode will remind you that great leadership begins where your roots meet your flame. About Tyler Comeau: Tyler Comeau is a dedicated educator, leader, and lifelong learner with a passion for pushing the boundaries of traditional education. As a Doctoral Candidate of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Saskatchewan (2026 Completion) and a Master of Education in Educational Administration, Tyler has a robust academic and professional background. Tyler’s career spans various roles, including Principal and Assistant Principal within the province of Alberta and teaching positions in the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. His extensive experience includes leading staff and students through outdoor education programs, curricular structure, optimizing engagement, operationalizing a mission and vision, supporting individuals, FNMI engagement, and coaching numerous athletic activities. Follow Tyler Comeau Website:https://elementaleducator.com/Twitter:https://x.com/elementaleducYouTube:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw4aYyzvNj52DGnQUXx20ynivtJIK_wU5Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/elemental_educatorPodcast:elementaleducator.podbean.com -- Unlock Your Leadership Potential: Free LIVE Event Aspire to Lead Cohort — Exclusive Info Session with Joshua Stamper October 30th, 7:00pm ET (30 Minutes Live on Zoom) Are school demands leaving you overwhelmed and unsure how to advance your leadership career? <span...

What keeps great leaders and teachers going when the work feels heavy and the energy starts to fade?  In this heart-centered conversation, my amazing guest, Dr. Julie Schmidt Hasson, explores what it truly means to sustain passion in education, long after the initial excitement wears off. Together, we unpack the practices that fuel resilience, the power of self-compassion in leadership, and the small moments of joy that remind us why we chose this work in the first place. If you’ve ever felt your battery running low, this episode offers more than motivation. It's a gentle reminder that thriving leaders don’t just pour into others; they learn how to refill themselves too. About Dr. Julie Schmidt Hasson: Dr. Julie Schmidt Hasson is an Associate Professor in School Administration at Appalachian State University and the founder of the Teacher Recharge project. Julie’s research on teacher resilience, engagement, and impact is the heart of her keynotes, training programs, and her TEDx Talk, The Teachers We Remember. Julie is the author of four books, including Pause, Ponder, and Persist in the Classroom. Julie is a former classroom teacher and school principal, now on a mission to help educators stay longer, grow stronger, and keep making an impact. Follow Dr. Julie Schmidt Hasson Website:teacherrecharge.com Twitter (X): @julieshassonInstagram: @julieshassonFacebook: Julie Schmidt HassonLinkedin: Julie Schmidt HassonYouTube: Julie Schmidt Hasson -- Unlock Your Leadership Potential: Free LIVE Event Aspire to Lead Cohort — Exclusive Info Session with Joshua Stamper October 30th, 7:00pm ET (30 Minutes Live on Zoom) Are school demands leaving you overwhelmed and unsure how to advance your leadership career? Do you want practical strategies, community support, and direct mentorship to break through barriers? Join Joshua Stamper for a powerful, free LIVE event: Discover how the Aspire to Lead Cohort transforms educators into confident, influential leaders — and get answers to your burning questions! Why Attend This Event? Understand the main...

In this special episode, Joshua Stamper welcomes Kim Gameroz to announce the launch of the Aspire to Lead Cohort. Discover how this exclusive program was designed to address the real challenges aspiring leaders face, and learn about the community, mentorship, and practical strategies that make this cohort the answer for educators seeking to advance their leadership careers. Hear personal stories, program highlights, and exciting opportunities for listeners to join this transformative journey. For more information about the Aspire to Lead Cohorts, go to https://joshstamper.com/leadership-cohorts/ About Kim Gameroz Kim Gameroz, M.Ed., is a change agent and founder of Teaching Inside Out, revolutionizing classrooms through a systematic approach to teaching social and emotional skills. With over 15 years of experience coaching, training, and mentoring educators, students, and families globally, Kim has spoken at numerous conferences, consults for school districts, serves on SEL panels, and contributes to various publications and podcasts. Through Teaching Inside Out, as well as her second company, SELebrate Good Times, she has created a supportive community for heart-centered educators nationwide where she is committed to making teachers feel seen, valued, and SELebrated at her events and teacher retreats. Kim's upcoming book, "Becoming The Bison," is set to be published in 2025.  She currently resides in Dallas, Texas with her husband, Shaun, and son, Wyatt, and is looking forward to spreading her knowledge of SEL and best practices in teaching even further to schools, districts, and homes around the world.  Visit SELebrate Good Times to learn more about the teacher community that is changing lives all over the country, and her annual National SELebration: The Bloom! Follow Kim Gameroz: Website:SELebrateGoodTimes.comandTeachingInsideOut.comInstagram:@SELebrateGoodTimesandTeaching_Inside_OutLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-gameroz-18144b1b0/ Private Facebook Group:Becoming the B.I.S.O.N. Unlock Your Leadership Potential: Free LIVE Event Aspire to Lead Cohort — Exclusive Info Session with Joshua Stamper October 30th, 7:00pm ET (30 Minutes Live on Zoom) Are school demands leaving you overwhelmed and unsure how to...

In this inspiring episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper is joined by Jill and Mary, the powerhouse co-founders of Girls Mentorship, an Arizona-based organization helping tween and teen girls unlock their confidence, build emotional intelligence, and navigate life’s challenges with strength and self-awareness. Together, they dive into the importance of teaching personal development skills early, the role of mentorship in shaping young leaders, and how their POWER Framework—Perspective, Ownership, Worthiness, Empowered, and Reassurance—transforms the way girls see themselves and their potential. Jill and Mary’s energy, humor, and heartfelt stories will leave you inspired to foster growth, resilience, and empowerment in the next generation of changemakers. About Jill and Mary: Jill &amp; Mary are the co-founders of Girls Mentorship, an Arizona-based organization on a mission to empower tween and teen girls with the life and personal development skills they don’t always learn in school. Through 1:1 coaching, after-school programs, action-packed summer camps, and workshops, they help girls build confidence, navigate tricky friendships, and develop a strong sense of self. Together, Jill &amp; Mary bring a unique mix of fun and heart to their work—they make tough topics like self-esteem, social media, and body image relatable and approachable for both girls and parents. Over the past four years, they’ve built a movement that’s touched hundreds of families, schools, and communities, all rooted in their signature POWER framework: Perspective, Ownership, Worthiness, Empowered, and Reassurance. Known for their energy, humor, and ability to connect with audiences of all ages, Jill &amp; Mary are more than mentors—they’re community builders who believe every girl deserves the tools to thrive in today’s world. Follow Jill and Mary Website: www.girlsmentorship.com  Instagram: www.instagram.com/girlsmentorship — #1 New Release, "The Language of Behavior" is NOW Available!  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DVT32KQ1?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=aspirewebsite-20&amp;linkId=d18e5a44a6582a22d15ee23193af7bb8&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl The Language of Behavior is an essential guide for school leaders committed to transforming their school culture and addressing student behavior through a more compassionate, effective approach. Drawing on their extensive experience in education, Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper challenge outdated disciplinary practices and offer a clear, trauma-informed framework that empowers educators to interpret student behavior as a form of communication. Through three core tenets—Consider the Environment, Explore the Root Causes of Behavior, and Respond with Intentionality—this book equips leaders with actionable strategies to foster positive behavior, build stronger relationships, and cultivate a more supportive school climate. Packed with real-world case studies, evidence-based practices, and insights into the lasting effects of childhood trauma, The Language of Behavior<span...