Designing Belonging and Purpose in Education with Dr. Alison Hanks-Sloan

From Crisis to Cohesion: Building a System That Truly Supports Student Mental Health with Matthew Kaemmerer

In this episode of Autonome, host Fran Kenton sits down with Matthew Kaemmerer, Director of Pupil Services at Oshkosh Area School District. Serving nearly 10,000 students, Matthew shares how his district transformed its approach to student mental health by moving from reactive crisis response to a proactive, integrated system that supports both students and educators. Drawing from his background in psychology and education, Matthew reflects on the early challenges he encountered, including alarming mental health trends and student suicide rates. Instead of adding another initiative, he led the development of Rise Up, a comprehensive framework that combines education, early identification, and direct access to mental health services. This conversation highlights what it takes to create sustainable, system-wide change, how to build strong community partnerships, and why consistency and shared language across schools are critical to success. Key Moments 04:46 Returning to Oshkosh as a psychologist 08:56 Implementing mental health programs 12:17 Signs of Suicide curriculum overview 14:21 Calibrating programs across schools 17:32 Rise Up program overview 22:10 Evolving focus on emotional learning 24:35 Addressing racial achievement gaps Why You’ll Love This Episode If you are thinking about how to move beyond fragmented initiatives and build systems that actually work, this episode delivers. Matthew shares a clear roadmap for creating a cohesive mental health framework that is practical, scalable, and deeply impactful. You will gain insights into how to align staff, leverage community partnerships, and create structures that support every student, not just those in crisis. It is a powerful example of what is possible when a district commits to long-term, intentional change. Connect with Matthew Kaemmerer | Director of Pupil Services at Oshkosh Area School District LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-kaemmerer-0b2772300 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-kaemmerer-0b2772300] Website: https://www.oshkosh.k12.wi.us/ [https://www.oshkosh.k12.wi.us/]  Connect with Fran Kenton and Autonome Fran Kenton Founder and Creator, Autonome LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-kenton-a0a7969a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-kenton-a0a7969a/] Autonome Website: https://www.autonome101.com/ [https://www.autonome101.com/]LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autonome101/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/autonome101/] About Autonome Autonome is the podcast where district leaders share practical, scalable ways to build students’ foundational life skills—wellbeing, identity and purpose, relationships, and executive function—so they can manage life today and be ready for what’s next. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Autonome for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of student success.

From Voice to Impact: Building Student-Centered Systems with Amy Graeber

In this episode of Autonome, host Fran Kenton speaks with Amy Graeber, Chief Instructional Officer at Uvalde CISD in Texas. With over 18 years in education and a deeply personal journey shaped by adversity, Amy brings a powerful perspective on what it truly means to serve students who are often overlooked or underestimated. Amy shares how her lived experiences fuel her leadership approach, one centered on advocacy, opportunity, and ensuring every student has not just a seat at the table, but a voice that is truly heard. The conversation explores how Uvalde is shifting from reactive responses to proactive, system-wide frameworks that support both student well-being and teacher capacity. Together, they unpack what it takes to rebuild trust in a community navigating trauma, how to create consistent, scalable systems, and why focusing on student voice is the foundation for meaningful, lasting change.  Key Moments 04:21 Rethinking education for at-risk youth 08:07 Improving school systems together 10:40 Supporting early childhood needs 15:43 Middle school to high school transition 20:17 Teaching transferable and employability skills 22:03 Revamping career education programs 25:09 Focusing on student opportunities Why You’ll Love This Episode This episode is a powerful look at what it takes to lead in complex, high-need environments while staying grounded in what matters most, students. Amy offers a practical and honest perspective on building systems that are both human-centered and sustainable, especially in communities navigating trauma and change. You will walk away with insights on how to elevate student voice, create consistency across systems, and design learning environments that truly prepare students for life beyond school. Connect with Amy Graeber | Chief Instructional Officer,  Uvalde CISD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-graeber-49a76222a [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-graeber-49a76222a] Website: https://www.ucisd.net/ [https://www.ucisd.net/]  Connect with Fran Kenton and Autonome Fran Kenton Founder and Creator, Autonome LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-kenton-a0a7969a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-kenton-a0a7969a/] Autonome Website: https://www.autonome101.com/ [https://www.autonome101.com/]LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autonome101/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/autonome101/] About Autonome Autonome is the podcast where district leaders share practical, scalable ways to build students’ foundational life skills—wellbeing, identity and purpose, relationships, and executive function—so they can manage life today and be ready for what’s next. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Autonome for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of student success.

Designing Belonging and Purpose in Education with Dr. Alison Hanks-Sloan

In this episode of Autonome, host Fran Kenton sits down with Dr. Alison Hanks-Sloan, Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Salinas Union High School District in California. Alison brings a powerful global perspective shaped by her early work with the Peace Corps in Ethiopia and her leadership in founding the International High School at Largo, a school designed to serve multilingual learners from over 100 countries. Together, they explore what it truly takes to build systems where students feel seen, connected, and prepared not just for academic success, but for life beyond school. From disrupting inequitable classroom norms abroad to leading districtwide innovation, Alison shares how her experiences shaped a deep belief that belonging and purpose must sit at the center of education. The conversation dives into how districts can move beyond traditional models by designing learning experiences that are relevant, student-centered, and grounded in real-world application. Alison also shares insights into Salinas USD’s Portrait of a Graduate work and how it is reshaping teaching, learning, and student voice across the district.  Key Moments 03:25 Starting a career in ESL teaching 07:06 Building a school for English learners 10:32 Supporting immigrant students through challenges 13:11 Career journey and leadership growth 16:23 Focusing on six key skills 21:30 Supporting schools with specialized coaching 23:40 Creating equitable student pathways 28:18 Project-based learning in schools 29:37 Reflecting on education and civic growth Why You’ll Love This Episode This episode offers a compelling look at how education systems can be intentionally designed to center belonging, relevance, and opportunity for every student. Alison shares both visionary ideas and practical strategies for shifting instruction, empowering student voice, and aligning systems to real-world outcomes. You will also gain insight into how global experiences can shape local leadership, and how initiatives like Portrait of a Graduate can help districts move beyond compliance-driven models toward meaningful, student-centered learning. Connect with Dr. Alison Hanks-Sloan | Director Of Curriculum & Instruction, Salinas Union High School District LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-hanks-sloan-7119979 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-hanks-sloan-7119979] Website: https://www.salinasuhsd.org/ [https://www.salinasuhsd.org/]  Connect with Fran Kenton and Autonome Fran Kenton Founder and Creator, Autonome LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-kenton-a0a7969a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-kenton-a0a7969a/] Autonome Website: https://www.autonome101.com/ [https://www.autonome101.com/]LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autonome101/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/autonome101/] About Autonome Autonome is the podcast where district leaders share practical, scalable ways to build students’ foundational life skills—wellbeing, identity and purpose, relationships, and executive function—so they can manage life today and be ready for what’s next. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Autonome for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of student success.

Inclusive Systems, Leadership, and Writing a Great Story with Rusty Gordon

In this episode of Autonome, host Fran Kenton, Founder and Creator of Autonome, sits down with Rusty Gordon, Director of Pupil Services at Marysville Joint Unified School District in California. Rusty leads special education, pupil welfare, and student support systems from preschool through adult transition programs, focusing on building inclusive, equitable environments that serve both students and educators. Fran and Rusty explore how personal experiences, mentorship, and a deep commitment to student connection shaped Rusty’s leadership philosophy. From childhood memories of a friend with Down syndrome to decades of classroom and administrative leadership, Rusty shares how those experiences shaped his belief that every student deserves to be known, valued, and supported through strength-based systems. The conversation highlights how districts can move beyond compliance by focusing on student strengths, developing common language and systems across campuses, and preparing educators to support inclusion effectively. Rusty also reflects on the importance of mentorship, professional trust, and leadership development in sustaining strong school systems. Key Moments 05:32 "Building Connections with Students" 08:24 "Teaching Math: Tools vs. Basics" 10:45 "Critical Thinking and Student Goals" 14:10 "Building Common Vocabulary District-Wide" 16:08 "Overcoming School Transition Confusion" 19:29 "Finding the Sweet Center" 23:32 Inclusive Early Education Advocacy 28:36 Mental Health Support Challenges 30:48 Supporting Student Transitions Effectively 34:22 "Remote Work Challenges in Education" 39:17 Collaborative Negotiation Process 41:49 Ask, Think, Gather Right Information 45:02 "Student Support and Community Initiatives" 49:14 "Live a Great Story" 50:35 "What Story Are We Writing?" Why You’ll Love This Episode This episode provides a thoughtful look at how inclusion and student-centered systems develop over time. Rusty shares practical insights on aligning districtwide practices, building shared vocabulary among educators, and supporting teachers through collaboration and mentorship. You will also hear a powerful reminder that education is both a science and an art. Rusty’s reflections on leadership, mentorship, and everyday classroom moments highlight how meaningful connections can shape both student outcomes and educator growth. His philosophy of “writing a great story” each day offers an inspiring lens for educators committed to making a difference. Connect with Rusty Gordon | Director of Pupil Services at Marysville Joint Unified School District LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rusty-gordon-157a63370 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rusty-gordon-157a63370] Website: https://www.mjusd.com/# [https://www.mjusd.com/#]  Connect with Fran Kenton and Autonome Fran Kenton Founder and Creator, Autonome LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-kenton-a0a7969a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-kenton-a0a7969a/] Autonome Website: https://www.autonome101.com/ [https://www.autonome101.com/]LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autonome101/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/autonome101/] About Autonome Autonome is the podcast where district leaders share practical, scalable ways to build students’ foundational life skills—wellbeing, identity and purpose, relationships, and executive function—so they can manage life today and be ready for what’s next. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Autonome for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of student success.

From Compliance to Impact in Special Education with Nicole Tyo

In this episode of Autonome, host Fran Kenton, Founder and Creator of Autonome, sits down with Nicole Tyo, Director of Special Education at South Western City Schools in Ohio. Nicole oversees services for students ages 3 to 22, leading comprehensive systems that integrate IDEA compliance, inclusive practices, mental health supports, and proactive wellbeing. Fran and Nicole explore what it truly takes to move special education from compliance-driven systems to impact-driven leadership. Nicole shares how her mother’s work in an ED classroom first inspired her career, and how her own experience being identified as dyslexic shaped her belief that students must be both supported and pushed toward their potential. Throughout the conversation, Nicole highlights the importance of social-emotional learning, transition planning, and consistent adult mindset as essential drivers of student success. Whether you lead special education, student services, or a full district, this conversation provides actionable ideas for building environments where students are seen, heard, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential. Key Moments 05:55 "Embracing Challenges and Growth" 06:38 Why students need to be supported and pushed 08:10 Launching multisensory literacy initiatives districtwide 09:28 Building Employability Through Targeted Programs 11:15 Handling Frustrated Customers Poorly 15:02 Tier 1 PBIS and universal SEL programming 16:46 Mindset Communication Transforms Student Behavior 18:17 "Challenges of a Large District" 23:00 Inclusive Education and Social Skills Why You’ll Love This Episode This episode offers a thoughtful systems-level look at how special education can evolve beyond compliance into meaningful student impact. Nicole shares practical strategies for embedding social-emotional learning into transition programming, expanding mental health supports through community partnerships, and strengthening universal Tier 1 systems. You will also hear a powerful leadership lesson about mindset. Nicole emphasizes that behavior is communication, and that adults must regulate themselves first in order to help students regulate. Her practical de-escalation strategies and districtwide partnership models provide clear examples of how to create consistent, student-centered systems across a large organization. Connect with Nicole Tyo | Director of Special Education, South Western City Schools Website: https://www.swcsd.us/Default.aspx [https://www.swcsd.us/Default.aspx]  Connect with Fran Kenton and Autonome Fran Kenton Founder and Creator, Autonome LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-kenton-a0a7969a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-kenton-a0a7969a/] Autonome Website: https://www.autonome101.com/ [https://www.autonome101.com/]LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autonome101/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/autonome101/] About Autonome Autonome is the podcast where district leaders share practical, scalable ways to build students’ foundational life skills—wellbeing, identity and purpose, relationships, and executive function—so they can manage life today and be ready for what’s next. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Autonome for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of student success.