Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. On this episode of The Your Story Matters Podcast I have a conversation with Dr. Shana Matamala and Dr. Martin Yousef. Dr. Shana Matamala serves as the Chair of the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program and Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs at the LaFetra College of Education, University of La Verne. With 30 years of experience spanning P–12 education and higher education leadership, she brings a practitioner-informed perspective to doctoral studies. Her research focuses on inclusive leadership, fieldwork design, women leadership, and program development. Dr. Matamala is committed to preparing future leaders to navigate complex educational systems with innovation and purpose. Dr. Martin Yousef is the Associate Dean at the University of La Verne’s LaFetra College of Education. With more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education, Dr. Yousef brings a unique blend of academic, operational, and human resources expertise to his work. His career spans key roles including professor, academic administrator, chief operating officer, and HR leader, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of how institutions function and thrive. Dr. Yousef has led major initiatives in academic operations, curriculum innovation, and program development, with a focus on designing high-quality, student-centered learning experiences across modalities. He is deeply committed to building and sustaining strategic partnerships, particularly with community colleges, K–12 districts, and regional organizations, to expand pathways, strengthen leadership pipelines, and advance educational equity. His research interests include online learning, generational preferences in education delivery, leadership styles, change management, and the role of HR in talent development and retention. I am so excited for you to get to know and learn from Dr. Shana Matamala and Dr. Martin Yousef today!

Dr. Shana Matamala

Dr. Martin Yousef

University of La Verne Ed.D. in Educational Leadership Program

On this episode of the Your Story Matters Podcast I have a conversation with Superintendent Maria Libby from Maine. Superintendent Libby is the superintendent of not one but two districts: Camden Rockport Schools (PreK-8) and Five Town CSD (9th-12th). She is an author of a non-fiction educational leadership book entitled An Impossible Assignment and a children’s book called Waiting for Walter, as well as the podcast host of Super Story: Inside Education. She has served as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and before her education career was a solo boat driver and served as the Narragansett Baykeeper. I am so excited for you to get to know and learn from Superintendent Maria Libby today!

LinkedIn: Superintendent Maria Libby

Super Story: Inside Education Podcast

Website: Maria Libby

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. Each week The Your Story Matters Podcast will feature a new guest sharing their "why" and stories. On this episode of The Your Story Matters Podcast I am privileged to have a conversation with Dr. David Calvo. Dr. Calvo has served as an educator and leader for 30 years, including as a teacher in Florida and then principal both in Florida and California. He most recently served the Director of Development and before that the Director of Family and Community Engagement with the California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE). He has served as a school board member and in elected positions in both Florida and California. I am so excited for you to get to know and learn from Dr. David Calvo today!

LI: Dr. David Calvo