Mission Keepers Podcast

Check out the debut episode of the OASD's Mission Keepers podcast.

In episode 1 of Mission Keepers, Superintendent Bryan Davis sits down with Dr. Phong Nguyen, choir teacher at Vel Phillips Middle School, to discuss his unique journey to pursue music education and the work that brings him joy. Setting big goals, never burning bridges, and keeping an open mind to better serve others are a few of the key takeaways discussed in this inspirational first episode.

In this episode of Mission Keepers, Superintendent Bryan Davis chats with Jen Lubinski, school counselor at Lakeside Elementary School, about the professional experiences that led her to become a school counselor and how she chooses to pursue joy everyday. This heartfelt episode explores themes of creating opportunities for student growth and expression, starting your day with intention, and embracing the spirit of play at any age.

In this episode of Mission Keepers, Superintendent Bryan Davis talks with Anthony Miller Jr., the Oshkosh Area School District Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, about the professional experiences that led him to career in educational leadership and how he chases his passions outside of his professional role. Connecting with the community to develop close relationships, speaking life into students, and rising to meet one’s personal potential are prevalent themes in this feel-good episode.

Tune in to this episode of Mission Keepers as Superintendent Bryan Davis speaks with Max Garvey, technology education teacher and department chair at Oshkosh North High School, about his professional journey that led him to the Oshkosh Area School District and how he finds joy through his life experiences. Positive interactions with students, thrilling moments as a behind-the-wheel instructor, and the economics of shrimp farming are just a few topics discussed in this hilarity-packed episode.

In the fifth installment of the Mission Keepers podcast, Superintendent Bryan Davis chats with Mary Gabriel, special education teacher and department co-chair at Oshkosh West High School, about her full-circle professional journey which led her back to the Oshkosh Area School District and how she seeks joy outside of her professional position. Taking the leap from the role of a stay-at-home parent to pursuing a career in education, recognizing past experiences to relate to students, and diving head-first into the buzzing world of beekeeping are only a few topics explored in this reflective episode.

In this episode of Mission Keepers, Superintendent Bryan Davis talks with Beth Schendel, principal of Oshkosh Early Learning, about her journey from her first experiences working in education to stepping into a leadership role for educators of the district’s youngest learners. Beth shares the ways in which she finds joy within her professional environment and in her personal life. The importance of a well-rounded early childhood education, fostering healthy relationships for effective learning, and stringing together moments of joy everyday are prevalent themes in this insightful episode.

Tune in to this episode of Mission Keepers as Superintendent Bryan Davis chats with Amy Monigal, elementary school technology coach in the Oshkosh Area School District, about her professional journey that led her to the Oshkosh Area School District and how she finds joy through her life experiences. From her start growing up on a Wisconsin dairy farm and after her days as a student teacher in a British primary school, Amy shares the lessons she has learned while working in education for over twenty years. Exploring different teaching environments to learn how to best engage students, embracing change and leaning into new professional approaches, and inspiring students to think in inventive ways are just a few topics discussed in this dynamic episode.

In the eighth installment of the Mission Keepers podcast, Superintendent Bryan Davis chats with Brett Wolff, Custodian at Oshkosh West High School, about the professional journey which led him to return to the Oshkosh Area School District and how he finds joy outside of his professional role - especially on the golf course! Shifting from a career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to working in a school setting, embracing a positive mindset and welcoming new challenges, and finding joy from service are only a few topics explored in this insightful episode.

In this episode of Mission Keepers, Superintendent Bryan Davis talks with Carla Huizenga, first-grade teacher at Emmeline Cook Elementary School, covering her professional trajectory from working for a fortune 500 company, to making the shift to be a stay-at-home parent, to ultimately discovering her calling to education. Carla shares the ways in which she finds joy within her professional environment and in her personal life. The importance of being predictable, dependable, and reliable for young children, maintaining a growth mindset, and finding a healthy work-life balance are prevalent themes in this impactful episode.

Tune in to this episode of Mission Keepers as Superintendent Bryan Davis speaks with Shelly Wilcox, assistant cook in the food service department at Oshkosh West High School, about her professional journey that led her to the Oshkosh Area School District and how she finds joy through her life experiences. Shelly shares about how hard work in her early professional career allowed her to meet personal goals and develop long-lasting skills. The transition to working in a school environment in the midst of the pandemic, the importance of being a source of positivity for students every day, and the lively world of Bunco leagues are just a few topics discussed in this vibrant episode.

In the eleventh installment of the Mission Keepers podcast, Superintendent Bryan Davis chats with Liz Lynch, school nurse at Carl Traeger Middle and Elementary Schools and Jefferson Elementary School, about the professional journey which led her back to the Oshkosh Area School District and how she finds joy outside of her professional role. Whether performing her duties as the secretary of the Oshkosh North Booster Club or competing in a virtual golf scramble, Liz embraces being an active member of her hometown community. Trading the routine of working in a bustling Chicago hospital for a medical role in Oshkosh schools, learning that life has many paths available to each of us, and finding joy in supporting children to be the healthiest versions of themselves are only a few topics explored in this reflective episode.

In this episode of Mission Keepers, Superintendent Bryan Davis talks with Tara Koji, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) resource teacher at Oshkosh North High School, covering a multitude of topics including her travels across the globe, her experiences of career exploration in a variety of fields, and how she inevitably found a fulfilling position supporting students in our schools. Tara shares the ways in which she finds joy within her professional environment and in her personal life. The importance of persistence and working towards personal goals, calling upon one’s own unique experiences and knowledge to help others, and the ways in which mentorship and strong relationships can inspire young people to achieve success are prevalent themes in this feel-good episode.

Listen along to this episode of Mission Keepers as Superintendent Bryan Davis speaks with Alicia Alsberg, second-grade teacher at Carl Traeger Elementary School, about the professional journey that led her to the Oshkosh Area School District and how she finds joy through her life experiences. Alicia describes how she embraced her childhood dream of becoming a teacher by being involved in her own children’s school community and earning her certification through a hands-on CESA 6 program. Providing children with the chance to connect with their community through volunteerism, being an educator who is a champion for all students, and seizing opportunities to turn the world into a classroom are just a few topics discussed in this encouraging episode.

In the fourteenth installment of the Mission Keepers podcast, Superintendent Bryan Davis chats with Krista Frenz, arts integration coach at Vel Phillips Middle School, about the professional journey which led her around the world and ultimately to the Oshkosh Area School District. Krista breaks down her experience working as an arts integration coach through ArtsCore and the ways she finds joy in her life. From her time directing German children in a community play to her role as an educator who inspires colleagues to bring art to the classroom, Krista embraces the opportunity to dive into her creativity to help students learn. Keeping your eyes open to new opportunities, finding your spark and chasing your passions, and the ways in which an art form as unique as Jordanian sand art can serve as the perfect vessel for student learning are only a few topics explored in this colorful episode.

In this episode of Mission Keepers, Superintendent Bryan Davis talks with Jacqui Brown, school counselor at Jefferson Elementary School, recounting her journey from an early career in business to stepping into fulfilling roles of helping young children in our community. Whether professionally or personally, Jacqui embraces moments of joy in her life and believes in sharing that happiness with others. Helping kids succeed academically, socially and emotionally in our schools, utilizing a passion for Zumba to inspire others and help those in need, as well as a dedicated pursuit of paying kindness forward are only a few topics discussed in this positivity-infused episode.

Tune in to this episode of Mission Keepers as Superintendent Bryan Davis speaks with Sydney Levy, teacher at Vel Phillips Middle School, about her professional journey that led her to the Oshkosh Area School District and how she finds joy through her life experiences. Sydney shares about how her experiences as a student and her passion for building relationships with others led her to pursue a career in education. The importance of becoming a trusted adult for students to rely on, staying true to yourself throughout every phase of life, and a globetrotting basketball career are just a few topics discussed in this buzzer-beater season one finale episode.

Kicking off Season 2, Superintendent Dr. Bryan Davis sits down with Dr. Sam Coleman, assistant superintendent of instruction in the Oshkosh Area School District. Journey through Dr. Coleman's path from inspired student to inspiring leader. Key highlights include: reflecting on how great teachers shape future leaders, igniting a passion for reading and literacy, and the profound joy of nurturing student potential.

Tune in to this episode of Mission Keepers as Superintendent Dr. Bryan Davis speaks with Sara Klein, English teacher at Oshkosh North High School, about her professional journey from first sergeant in the Army Reserves to a published author who has passionately instructed Oshkosh students for over two decades. Key highlights include: connection with students through extracurricular advising, the joy of setting goals and enjoying the small moments in between, and doing something good for the world everyday.