Advertise on podcast: Currey Ingram Conversations

In this episode of Currey Ingram Conversations, Dr. Jeff Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher sit down with two members of the Currey Ingram faculty to explore the power of continued education and the impact of ongoing professional growth. Together, they discuss why investing in lifelong learning is essential for educators, especially those serving students with learning differences, and how high-quality professional development directly enhances classroom practice, student outcomes, and school culture. From conference takeaways to personal growth journeys, this conversation highlights the commitment, curiosity, and expertise that drive great teaching at Currey Ingram Academy.  

In this episode of Currey Ingram Conversations, co-hosts Dr. Jeff Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher sit down with a Currey Ingram Academy board member, Curt Thorne, to explore what it means to "Rise & Thrive" from a governance perspective. The conversation unpacks how the strategic plan serves as a compass for decision-making, why staying in your lane is essential for effective board leadership, and how trust, culture, and shared purpose help the entire community move forward, ensuring Currey Ingram not only rises but thrives.  

In this special episode of Currey Ingram Conversations, co-hosts Dr. Jeff Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher celebrate 20 years of the Rock Band program at Currey Ingram Academy — a signature experience that blends musical growth with personal transformation. Sean Kelly, who founded the program, sits down with two current student musicians and a proud alum to reflect on the impact of Rock Band over the years. From the early days of rehearsal and live performance, this conversation highlights how the program has shaped confidence, connection, and creativity. Rooted in the heart of Music City, Currey Ingram's approach to music is more than just unique — it's a true Nashville experience.

In this episode of Currey Ingram Conversations, Lower School Division Head Dr. Danielle Barton and Lower School Assistant Division Head Catherine Thomson explore how skill deficits influence students' unexpected behaviors. They discuss Currey Ingram Academy's diagnostic approach to addressing behavior by seeking underlying causes, implementing skill-building approaches, and fostering overall growth, which empowers students with learning differences to thrive.    

In this episode of Currey Ingram Conversations, co-hosts Dr. Jeff Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher welcome Dr. Melinda Hirschmann, Assistant Director for Educational Services and School Outreach at the Tennessee Center for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexia. Dr. Hirschmann brings a wealth of experience in literacy instruction and intervention, working with educators and students across K-12 to strengthen their approach to dyslexia. She shares key insights on recognizing early signs of dyslexia in students, drawing from her years as a reading interventionist. Tune in as we dive deep into the red flags that can help parents and educators identify students at risk for dyslexia, ensuring early support and intervention for better outcomes.

In this episode of Currey Ingram Conversations, co-hosts Dr. Jeff Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher are joined by an alumni parent who shares her son's journey with slow processing. Reflecting on his growth, she emphasizes that Curre Ingram "understood who he was, what he brought, what his struggles were, and what his gifts were." This conversation highlights the transformative impact of finding the right environment, showing how the right place can help students thrive beyond their specific learning differences.

In this episode of Currey Ingram Conversations, co-hosts Dr. Jeff Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher sit down with Cindy Cowhey, a dedicated Currey Ingram parent, to discuss the Academy's new strategic plan. They explore its philosophy, the key themes of Mission, People, and Future, and the goals driving the school forward. From financial sustainability and national outreach to fostering inclusivity and preparing for transformative growth, learn how Currey Ingram is shaping its path for the next six years.

Join co-hosts, Dr. Jeff Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher, along with special guest Molly Rollins, President of the Board of Trust, as they dive deep into the heart of Currey Ingram Academy's mission and newly unveiled strategic plan in this episode of Currey Ingram Conversations. Together, they explore how the school's unwavering commitment to empowering students with learning differences through individualized education positions Currey Ingram as a global leader. The conversation sheds light on the school's forward-thinking vision, emphasizing sustainable initiatives, expanding accessibility, and maintaining a steadfast focus on each student's success. Tune in to hear how this fresh perspective is shaping the future of Currey Ingram Academy!  

Currey Ingram Conversations' co-hosts, Dr. Jeff Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher, dive deep into the heart of the theme for the 2024-25 school year: Imagine & Achieve. They are joined by Ginnan Franklin, Currey Ingram's Director of Libraries and Educational Technology, who brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the conversation. Together, they share how a current student inspired the theme, how Currey Ingram supports all that can be imagined and achieved for students with learning differences, and what the school is looking to imagine and achieve in the years to come. Whether you're a parent, educator, or curious listener, this episode will ignite your imagination and inspire you to see what's possible when students are empowered to achieve beyond expectations.

Looking for your next summer read? Join Dr. Mitchell, Courtney Gallaher, and Roxanne Zazzaro as they share their top book recommendations in this engaging podcast. Whether you're interested in leadership, unlocking hidden potential, AI, sensory processing, or managing anxiety, our experts have you covered. Tune in for a lively roundtable discussion where they delve into their favorite picks and why these books should be on your reading list.

Amid the excitement of graduation, Dr. Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher sit down with Class of 2024 senior Shea Locke and her parents to share their Currey Ingram story. After ten years at Currey Ingram Academy, Shea's parents proudly reflect on how she has surpassed every expectation they had for her, crediting the academy's pivotal role in her transformational journey. Now, Shea "is ready to fly." Join us in celebrating Shea's success and Currey Ingram's significant contribution to her achievements.

Dr. Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher invite three Currey Ingram students to discuss our exciting and upcoming IDEA Center. Grounded in the principles of Ingenuity, Design, Exploration, and Application, the IDEA Center represents an exciting opportunity for all our students. Listen to our students share the invaluable benefits of experiential learning.   

For this episode, Jeff Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher sit down with Michael Follis, Middle School Assistant Division Head at Currey Ingram Academy, to discuss the impact of AI on education, specifically as it relates to students with learning differences. Together, they explore how Currey Ingram is approaching the current era of artificial intelligence. Specifically, they discuss how AI can transform learning for individuals with diverse needs, along with the unique role Currey Ingram plays in vetting the "wild west" of AI technologies.

Stephanie Johnson, Lower School Instructional Coach at Currey Ingram Academy, joins Dr. Jeff Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher in a conversation diving into executive functioning (EF) skills, focusing on task avoidance, rigidity, and inflexibility. Tune in to hear about the nuances of EF skills, the concept of an EF "fuel tank," and the importance of adopting a solutions-focused approach. By expanding our insights into EF, we enhance our ability to tailor student support effectively.

It has become a tradition for Currey Ingram Conversations to revisit their annual New Year's Resolutions. Co-hosts Dr. Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher take a moment to reflect on last year's goals and unveil the priorities for 2024. There is no shortage of endeavors to keep Currey Ingram focused on the future. Tune in to discover how the resolutions remain aligned with sustainability, strategic growth, and forward-thinking.