spark discovery: Recent Episodes
James Kiger
In this podcast we interview people who have navigated through many obstacles and found passion in their life and career. They give amazing advice and encouragement to parents and teenagers.
Haley Rowe found herself as many young adults do: She had many ideas about a career but was confused. After coaching with me in the spark discovery program, Haley discovered she had a strong desire for adventure in her life along with a desire for helping people. What in the world was she going to do with that? In this podcast, Haley shares the adventure she went on to find a perfect match for her God-given desires. If you have a teenager who is struggling to find their way, you definitely want to listen to this podcast!
Maura Schafer is the track coach at Smyrna High School in Smyrna DE. She has won multiple coach of the year awards and has mentored several state champions. In this episode, Maura describes her journey to get her to this point, her coaching philosophies, and some secrets to success.
Carmen VanNess is a world traveler. She has put her teaching career in the United States aside in order to travel across the world teaching, learning and discovering. She is doing what most would only dream about. I met Carmen as a Spanish teacher at Smyrna High School.
Clarence Davis is an administrator at Smyrna High School in Smyrna DE. He has filled several roles in education and will inspire you to pursue your dreams. Coming from inner city Detroit to where he is today is an example for us all.
Stacy Cook is the Principal of Smyrna High School. However, she never started out even considering being in education. She was a very successful chemist but knew there was something missing for her. After searching her heart she took a leap of faith and became a chemistry teacher. She is now a Principal. Learn about how she made the changes she did, how knowing herself made all the difference in the world and good advice from her on what you need as qualities that make you a desirable candidate to hire.
LaTonya Pierce is an administrator at Smyrna High School, dedicated wife, and mom and published author. In this podcast, Mrs. Pierce shares her journey from "playing teacher" to administrator. There are several curves in the road and you will be encouraged to follow your passion, learn about who you are and then pursue your dreams full go
This week’s podcast features an interview with Kurt Howell. Kurt is the Head Wrestling Coach at Smyrna High School. With Smyrna, Kurt has won 5 State Championships, coached numerous state champions, was voted State Coach of the Year 2 times and Conference Coach of the year 3 times. Coach Howell teaches history and psychology at Smyrna High School in Delaware and is a wealth of knowledge.
If you are afraid of branching out, taking chances or trusting your intuition, this week’s podcast is for you. We are interviewing Ashley Willis. Ashley is an elementary school teacher who learned how to combine her love of teaching and her desire to see the world into an amazing journey. This summer she will be spending it on a Yacht in Greece! Learn how she went from being a homebody to a certified world traveler!
In our podcast today we have 2 exciting interviews. The first is by Ryan Dixon. Ryan is the Head Boys Soccer Coach at Goldey-Beacom College. In addition to that role, Ryan is a teacher at Smyrna High School (DE). In his segment, you will learn how he found his career, how he incorporates his skill set into his coaching and some valuable advice on living your life in the moment.Our second interview is with Mary Lemma. Mary just graduated high school, was a coaching client of mine and is headed for the University of Delaware in the fall. You will learn from her why it is so important to know yourself, know your skills and know your passions before venturing out into a career.
This week’s exciting podcast features a wonderful interview with Missie Buchanan. Missie is a graduate of the University of Delaware and a very passionate mom, wife, and teacher. In this episode, you will feel Missie’s passion for what she does and also for the important things in her life; her family. Learn how knowing yourself is the key to finding a career that makes you passionate
This week’s guest is Katie Ramirez. Katie is an 11th grade English teacher at Smyrna High School. She also the yearbook advisor. Katie has found a way to combine several of her passions into an amazing career where she can use her skills and talents to the max and make each day a good one. As she started her career though she wasn’t sure which way she wanted to go: Marketing or Teaching? Find out how she made her decision.
Mike Judy is the Head Football Coach of the Smyrna Eagles (DE). After taking over the program two years ago, Coach Judy and his staff just completed a dominate run throughout the regular season and into the state playoffs. In front of close to 20,000 fans the underdog Eagles upset long-standing championship and playoff contender Salesianum School of Wilmington. Truly this was David vs. Goliath. After trailing 18-6 the Eagles stormed back to get the game into overtime and winning the first State Championship in Football ever for Smyrna.
This week we interview Jenn MacDonald. Jenn is a passionate AP English and Language teacher at Smyrna High School. In her interview, Jenn explains how she was motivated to become a teacher and gives us insight into her skills and strengths and how she was able to incorporate that into every area of her teaching. Listen as you hear her passion for teaching come through..
Our guest this week is coach Danny Wandless. Danny has been Smyrna High School's Volleyball coach from its inception and has led the Lady Eagles to Conference titles and several state tournament appearances. He has been named conference and state coach of the year. He is a teacher in the Smyrna School District. You will learn this week the power of overcoming obstacles, gain some great knowledge in the area of goal-setting, nutrition, and exercise.