Proud Principals Podcast with Tony Cattani

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

Shauna Haney Principal of Ogden High School is the 2025 Utah State Principal of the Year and a 2025 NASSP National Principal of the Year Finalist. Shauna Haney is the principal of Ogden High School in Ogden, UT. Previously, She was an assistant principal and exercise science, health, special education, and physical education teacher. A two-time Teacher of the Year (2008, 2013), she also received a Distinguished Leadership Award in 2014. Under her leadership, Ogden was one of Utah’s first schools to implement a no cell phone policy. Her leadership has also helped retain 90% of her teaching staff post-COVID, due to her focus on positive school culture and recognition of faculty and staff. Ogden is making strong progress on goals in literacy, graduation, PBIS, and talent development, and she credits its success to a dedicated faculty and staff, amazing students, and a supportive community. Shauna focuses her meaningful share on the following: - Making students and staff to feel welcome and wanted at Bogden - How to build back her staff by intentional approached of relationship building. - How she supports staff so they can support students. - Interview practices to identify educators that care about others. - CompliMINT Cards - Tiger High Fives

Dr. Todd DainOverland Park, KSShawnee Mission South High School 2023 Kansas State Principal of the Year NASSP Board of Directors Todd shares is proudest effort of cultivating a culture for all students to be successful. Listen and learn about his "Culture Keepers" student led team which embodies their core values. Also to listen for: - Hard Hat Hero recognition - Champion of Culture recognition - Hiring Process - ask this one question! - One relationship at a time - Importance of Trust With over 30 years in education, Dr. Todd Dain brings a wealth of experience as the Principal of Shawnee Mission South High School since 2015. An Emporia State University alumnus, where he excelled in track and field, and a Doctorate holder from Baker University, Dr. Dain has worn many hats—teacher, coach, and administrator. His journey spans from Blue Valley Southwest HS as Associate Principal to impactful roles at Olathe Northwest HS, Shawnee Mission East, Shawnee Mission West, and Washburn Rural HS. Beyond his academic achievements, he’s a celebrated athlete from Silver Lake, Kansas, boasting multiple state championships in football and track. Life off-campus sees him alongside his wife, Dr. Jessica Dain, cherishing moments with their three children: Andie, Ashton, and Brock. X- @SMSouthTDain Email - ToddDain@smsd.org

Lewis Bradford is the 2025 Mississippi Secondary Principal of the Year. Assistant Principal of the Year 2024. Lewis Bradford – Northwest Rankin High School, MIssissippi. Mr. Bradford’s leadership, vision, and commitment to student success have made a lasting impact at Northwest Rankin and across our district. Lewis shares shares how he grows Family Bond and Pride in their school, focusing on Family atmosphere, Teacher Retention, and Trust. Being Stronger on the Backside of Adversity. Lewis describes his proudest moments were inside the most difficult times. Our most difficult moments taught us who we really are. These moments put a spotlight on our strengths and shines even brighter on our weaknesses. The moments are challenging times that can teach us if we are truly being effective with our efforts to accomplish our intended goal. Opportunities are provided everyday - are you taking advantage of all opportunities to invoke the change you want to your organization. X/Twitter @MrB_notBelding Instagram @lewisbradford81

Lindsey Allen is the NASSP 2025 Georgia Principal of the Year Lindsey Allen has served as principal of Walnut Grove High School in Walnut Grove, GA, since 2020. Previously, he was the principal of multiple schools and executive officer of secondary schools in Bibb County. Since taking the helm at Walnut Grove, he has led the school to a five-star rating from the Georgia Department of Education on the School Climate Star Rating and secured AP Honor School recognition in five categories: AP Expansion, Humanities, Humanities Achievement, STEM, and STEM Achievement. The school has also been awarded the PBIS Distinguished designation and most recently earned the Math Leader recognition from the state for outstanding student growth and achievement on the Georgia Milestones. His leadership is marked by innovation, high expectations, and a relentless focus on student success. Twitter: @WGHS_Principal Email - lindsey.allen@walton.k12.ga.us

Dr. Mindy Milavsky, principal of Lawrence Middle School in Mercer County, NJ, has dedicated her career to fostering a school environment that promotes compassion, empathy, and kindness. As an educator for over 31 years, Dr. Milavsky has made great strides in providing students with an educational experience that complements high standards in all academic disciplines with a focus on developing students’ social and emotional competencies. This initiative has led to innovative curricula, community service programs, and peer leadership experiences. Under her leadership, Lawrence Middle School has received 9 Promising Practice Awards from the Character Education Partnership and has been identified as a NJ State School of Character. Beyond the school day, Dr. Milavsky serves as an instructor for the nationally recognized NJEXCEL program, inspiring future administrators to lead with heart. In 2023, Milavsky was honored with the titles of NJPSA Visionary Principal of the Year and NASSP New Jersey Principal of the Year, affirming her commitment to empowering students both academically and emotionally. Email mmilavsky@ltps.org Personal and School X/Twitter Tag @mmilavsky, @LMSNation Personal and School Instagram Tag @milmindy, @lmsnation

Rebecca Belkota is the 2025 New York Middle School Principal of the Year Rebecca Belkota is the secondary principal of Perry Junior Senior High School in Perry, NY. She has cultivated a school culture rooted in strong relationships, with a focus on mental health and social-emotional learning. She introduced a structured process for data review and established an MTSS team that collaborates weekly to analyze both quantitative data and qualitative feedback from instructional staff to ensure comprehensive support for students and their families. Under her guidance, instructional teams work collaboratively to develop standards-based curriculum, aligning instruction and assessment. She consistently champions innovative teaching and curriculum to create engaging, student-centered learning. Her leadership has resulted in notable improvements in student achievement and a significant increase in graduation rates, reflecting her deep commitment to academic excellence and the holistic success of every student.

Jerry Mack is the 2025 Nebraska Secondary Principal of the Year. Jerry Mack has served as the principal of Chadron High School in Chadron, NE, for 14 years. Under his leadership, the rural school has often been recognized as one of the top schools in the state according to U.S. News & World Report and Niche.com. He has emphasized restorative practices, supported the integration of technology in instruction, and co-hosted a school leaders podcast. He has spoken at numerous conferences to promote communication and school safety, and he has advocated for including universal mental health student screenings in annual health screenings for all students. He is dedicated to creating a positive, supportive environment for both students and staff. His leadership is defined by his commitment to excellence and deep pride in serving his school community. Email - jerry.mack@chadronschools.net X- @jerry_mack @ChadronHS Instagram - @mackjerrye and @chadronhs