This past year changed me. Not just professionally—but personally, spiritually, and emotionally. I didn’t just step into a new role at North County Christian School. I stepped back into myself. So, my word for 2026 is RECLAIM with a side of STEWARDSHIP Reclaiming my voice but Stewarding my words Reclaiming my calling but Stewarding my superintendency Reclaiming my leadership but Stewarding my intentional actions Reclaiming my health, my connection with God, and my relationships with the people I love. It's about STEWARDSHIP of everything that God has entrusted to may care. This isn’t about starting over but returning to what always mattered. My Gifts. My Talents. My Relationships. My Health - Physical and Mental But MOST importantly my relationship with God. Here’s to a year of intentional leadership, steady growth, and stewarding what God has entrusted to me. Share your One Word below.

This year, I’m reminded that leadership isn’t about titles, test scores, or checklists — it’s about who we’re becoming while we lead. In this week’s episodes of The Empowered Educator Show, I’m using A Christmas Carol to reflect on leadership, culture, and legacy — and then following it up with a Power Surge reminder every building leader needs to hear: 👉 It’s not too late to change the ending of this school year. Whether you’re reflecting on the leader you’ve been… or deciding how you want to lead next… these episodes are your permission to pause, reset, and move forward with intention. 🎙️ Full Episode: Lessons From A Christmas Carol About Leadership, Legacy, and More #216 ⚡ Power Surge: It’s Not Too Late to Change the Ending #217 If you’re a principal, assistant principal, or school leader leading tired people through a long season — this one’s for you. LISTEN ON YOUR FAVORITE PLATFORM #TheEmpoweredEducator #SchoolLeadership #PrincipalLife #EducationalLeadership #LeadershipReflection #PowerSurge #LeadWithHeart #DecemberLeadership

Hey leaders, If you’re trying to deepen trust with families, build stronger school-home partnerships, and boost your overall culture, these two new Empowered Educator episodes are exactly what you need. I released two companion episodes that work together to give you BOTH the mindset and the playbook for powerful family engagement. EPISODE 1: Top 10 Family Engagement Strategies This episode breaks down the big picture — the approaches that schools with strong family partnerships get right. You’ll hear about things like: - Clear, consistent communication - Building relational trust - Making families feel seen and valued - Partnering with parents instead of performing for them - Creating a school culture where families belong, not “visit” If you need a reset or want to strengthen your leadership approach in this area, this one is your foundation. EPISODE 2: Top 10 Family Engagement Activities Every School Should Be Doing This is the hands-on, practical follow-up. You’ll get ten easy-to-launch activities you can roll out right away, including: - Student-Led Family Learning Night - Cultural Celebration Night - Family STEM Challenges - Literacy Pajama Party - Parent University workshops - Celebration of Learning Expo Nothing complicated. Nothing expensive. Just high-impact experiences that get families in the building and engaged with what matters most — their child’s learning. Why These Two Episodes Work Together The strategies help you shift your mindset. The activities help you put it into motion. And together? They give you a complete roadmap for building the kind of family partnerships that transform school culture. 💬 YOUR TURN Drop in the comments: Which activity or strategy are you planning to try first? OR — what’s one thing your school already does really well to engage families? Let’s build stronger homes–school partnerships together. 💛

Hey fam — before you dive into the turkey, the pies, and the much-needed rest, I just want to pause and say how grateful I am for you. You lead everyday with heart and purpose. You show up every day even when you're tired. You pour into students, families, and communities in ways most people will never see — but God sees it, and it matters. Today, I pray you feel rest, joy, and the deep peace that comes from knowing the work you do is meaningful. I also hope you give yourself permission to slow down, laugh a little, breathe deeply, and enjoy the people you love. Thank you for being part of this community. Thank you for leading boldly. And thank you for choosing to grow, stretch, and step into the calling on your life. Happy Thanksgiving, friends. Keep going the extra MILE — but today, rest. You’ve earned it. 🧡 Mel

In another skool group I did my core values and this is what I found out: “I am someone who grows through learning, lifts others through support, and lives to make a meaningful difference. I strive to stay open, curious, and compassionate—cultivating both personal evolution and positive impact in the lives I touch.”