Currey Ingram Conversations

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.

Can community be cultivated within a math classroom? Absolutely! Listen as Dr. Isaac Nichols-Paez, an esteemed Upper School math teacher at Currey Ingram Academy, discusses his recent doctoral achievement with co-hosts Jeff Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher. During this engaging conversation, Dr. Nichols-Paez highlights how community learning can be instrumental in mathematical development. He emphasizes the value of elevating experiences within math class so all student skills and abilities can be celebrated, challenged, and supported.   

Co-hosts Dr. Jeff Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher kick off the 2023-24 school year with Kelly Fish, Assistant Head of School for Advancement and Strategic Initiatives. All three leaders chime in on Currey Ingram Academy's theme of “Growing IDEAs.” Listen and hear how growing is essential to a school for students with learning differences and how growth occurs by going through it, dreaming big, being adaptive, embracing flexibility, and envisioning possibilities. 

Summer reading should be about choice, whether it is a choice of topic or format. Dr. Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher sit with Ginann Franklin to explore summer reading books and options. Hear Dr. Mitchell provide recommended books for leaders and parents, and listen to Courtney and Ginann discuss the value of audiobooks and graphic novels, especially as format styles for students with learning differences. 

Summer camps provide a time to build skills and reduce learning loss, especially for students with learning differences.  Co-hosts Dr. Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher sit down with Dr. Regan Humphrey, Currey Ingram's Director of Program Outreach, and Luke Brown, Currey Ingram's Director of Summer Programs, to discuss Currey Ingram's summer camp experiences. They discuss the value of both experiential and intensive camp offerings. 

You don't want to miss Dr. Jeff Mitchell's and Courtney Gallaher's conversations with LauraTutt and Kenda Lovecchio, who share their first-year experiences as parents at CurreyIngram Academy.  Laura and Kenda moved their family from out-of-state for their child to attend Currey Ingram.  Listen as they tell how they have been surprised by the level of support given to parents, how their child has not only grown but thrived, and how they both can say Currey Ingram Academy is “worth every penny.”  

Co-hosts Dr. Jeff Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher invite Dolly Roach, Director of Admissions at Currey Ingram Academy, to discuss the admissions process. Currey Ingram's admissions starts with holding true to the school's mission while providing an individualized process for each family. Listen to how Currey Ingram's admissions team provides a personalized experience that understands the depth of learning differences, seeks to know each applicant well, and invests in each family to ensure a comprehensive admissions process is provided. An individualized admissions approach is just one of the many ways Currey Ingram Academy goes above and beyond to support students with learning differences.

Learning differences can make the process of learning a challenge. So, when students with learning differences proclaim why they love learning, it holds value. Dr. Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher ask Currey Ingram Academy students why they love learning. Join us to listen to what the students are saying and why a school's focus on students with learning differences is invaluable.    

Reggie D. Ford persevered against so many odds in his life. The values he gained on his journey were shared with Currey Ingram Academy's staff and students in January of 2023. Co-hosts Dr. Jeff Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher invite Currey Ingram Academy's Athletic Director Reid McFadden and Upper School student Alexander McClory to share their reflections on Reggie D. Ford's recent presentation. Listen and hear how educational environments should inspire change, create safe spaces, embrace vulnerability, and cultivate continued growth.

Currey Ingram Academy's leaders are still holding strong with meeting their annual resolutions. Listen to co-hosts Dr. Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher reflect on the goals from 2022 as well as provide their aspirations for 2023. You will also hear Lower School students share their resolutions, get an update on the Division Head's success with their goals from 2022, and be encouraged by what our parents are saying. Overall, Dr. Mitchell and Courtney agree that life is never boring, and it is all worth it!

What are your thoughts on jigsaw puzzles? Currey Ingram leaders find them to be extremely valuable..and educational! Co-hosts Dr. Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher invite Lower School Assistant Division Head, Catherine Thomson, and Lower School student, Baylor Burk, to discuss the value of a good jigsaw puzzle. Listen and find out why we find them to be meaningful as well as how they can be helpful for students with learning differences. 

Co-hosts Dr. Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher welcome educational leaders from Spring Valley School in Birmingham, Ala. to share their experiences about educating students with learning differences. Hear them speak into the value of a school that is focused solely on serving students with learning differences. They share meaningful stories, discuss the value of vulnerability in education, and express the joy of creating a safe learning environment for students. Spring Valley says it well when they say “a school is not just a building, it is what is inside.” We enjoyed the opportunity to exchange ideas with fellow LD professionals and know you will, too. 

Trying to define a learning difference is complex. Co-hosts Dr. Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher sit down with Currey Ingram Academy Division leaders, Dr. Barton (Lower School), Mary Ragsdale (Middle School), and Dr. Clodfelter (Upper School) to dive into the concept of what a learning difference truly is.  Listen as they discuss the difference between formal diagnosed learning disabilities and learning differences that impact academic development. There is valuable insight for anyone wanting to expand their understanding of learning differences. 

Listen as co-hosts Dr. Jeff Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher engage in conversation with Currey Ingram parents Macy Keen and Stephanie Korn. They come together to share their reflections on Currey Ingram's Back to School Event with Rob Evans about raising healthy children in challenging times. A few highlights include the encouragement for parents to step back, the value of quality time, the beauty of hard moments, and that kids are more resilient than we think.

Join co-hosts Dr. Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher as they kick off the year with Kelly Fish to talk about Currey Ingram Academy's 22-23 school year theme, “We Can!” Earlier this year, Kelly Fish was promoted from Currey Ingram's Athletic Director to Assistant Head of School for Advancement and Strategic Initiatives, and she played a pivotal role in creating the "We Can!" theme. Listen to all three Currey Ingram leaders talk about the upcoming school year, share what “We Can” really means, and dive into the value of having an all-school goal for everyone to rally around and support in everything we do

Co-hosts Dr. Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher sit down for the first time with long-standing Currey Ingram parents, Jennifer and Greg Bays. The Bays open up and share their unique story of being parents of two Currey Ingram students, Joey and Theo. Listen as they share their unique journey to choosing Currey Ingram and how Currey Ingram has guided, supported and blessed not only their children, but their family.

Dr. Jeff Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher meet up with Tara Miller, the Upper School Director of College and Career Counseling at Currey Ingram, to discuss all things college as they relate to students with learning differences (LDs). Listen and hear how “changemakers” are what colleges are seeking, how students with LDs need to turn the tables and interview prospective colleges, and how starting the college conversation early on in high school years can be valuable for students with LDs.  With the right support, students with LDs can definitely be college-bound!

Listen to co-hosts, Dr. Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher, discuss the value of a school's hidden curriculum. They will explain what hidden curriculum means and share real examples from Currey Ingram. In their conversation, hear how the hidden curriculum truly enhances the academic curriculum and educational experience. Finally, Dr. Mitchell and Division leaders, Dr. Danielle Barton, Mary Ragsdale and Jared Clodfelter, will each share their 2022 resolutions for Currey Ingram.

It has been said that 80 percent of New Year's Resolutions fail by February. Not true with Currey Ingram Academy. In this podcast, co-hosts Dr. Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher check in on the 2021 Currey Ingram resolutions.  Overall, Currey Ingram beat the norm, and each resolution achieved some level of success. Hear how Currey Ingram improved the affordability gap, how a teacher completed his novel, how the Upper School Dean of Students even conquered War and Peace, and more. Hopefully it provides you with just the inspiration you need to start 2022 on the right foot!

Co-hosts Dr. Jeff Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher dive into a conversation with Ginann Franklin, director of libraries and educational technology at Currey Ingram, about social media as it relates to students. They discuss everything from TikTok challenges, being a social media creator, the importance of being a social media “upstander," and more issues affecting students today. Listen and find out how Currey Ingram promotes positive technology within the classroom, how we support student self-regulation, and what you can do at home to ensure your child uses social media in the smartest ways.

Dr. Jeff Mitchell states early on in this episode that executive functioning (EF) is almost everything. Listen to co-hosts Dr. Jeff Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher have a conversation with Dr. Regan Humphrey about executive functioning in greater depth. They share their own personal EF strengths and weaknesses, provide a detailed definition of EF, speak into the connection between EF challenges and learning differences, and share the importance of knowing an individual's “executive functioning age.”  

It is well known that ADHD is more common in boys, but ADHD also significantly impacts girls. Understanding how ADHD manifests in females not only increases awareness, but also prevents girls from getting lost under the radar. Listen to co-hosts Dr. Jeff Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher as they engage in conversation with Miranda Pool, the Frist Chair of Social-Emotional Learning at Currey Ingram Academy. They discuss the common symptoms of ADHD in girls, elaborate on emotional dysregulation, and even share how anxious compensations can develop in girls with ADHD.

Tune into this episode to hear how the right enrollment numbers enhance the school's mission, how our staff's professional development is critical to our school's success, and how Currey Ingram looks to expand our community outreach beyond our campus. You will walk away with an understanding of how Currey Ingram is putting its vision and goals into practice. Listen to podcast co-hosts Dr. Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher share the strategic initiatives for the 2021-22 school year.

As Currey Ingram launches into a new school year, the mindset on campus is best encapsulated by the theme of “Onward.” Listen to podcast co-hosts Dr. Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher discuss the meaning of "Onward," provide reasoning for the new COVID-19 protocols, and share how the past year has influenced the view for the new school year.  The goal is to keep moving forward, acknowledge the past, and most importantly to always “do it together.”

The teen years are complex. They present challenges that can be difficult to understand. Dr. Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher asked Levi Hamilton, Currey Ingram's Upper School Dean of Students, to join them in a conversation about teens. They dive into topics about the value of being bored, the need to understand perspective taking, and the purpose of allowing teens the time to rebound, rest, and recover. 

Summer is a great time for students to play outside, have fun, and in some cases, get needed intervention through programs like our ADHD and ASD Summer Treatment Programs. Listen as camp program directors Regan Humphrey and Nick Quijano join podcast co-hosts Dr. Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher to discuss Currey Ingram's many different summer programs. Listeners also will hear an unexpected new fact about Dr. Mitchell as he shares a favorite summer camp memory.

In this week's episode, three Upper School students join our co-hosts as they spend some time reflecting on the deeper meanings of superheroes. In March, the Upper School students had the privilege of hearing from Bill Rosemann, Vice President and Creative Director for Marvel Games, as he provided an inspiring webinar about how he turned his love of comics into a meaningful career, the value of pursuing your passions, and the meaningful messages within superhero characters. Marvel superheroes entertain us, but they also celebrate diversity, promote inclusion, and inspire connection. Our Upper School students resonated with Rosemann's message, and reflected on the messages they walked away with, including the belief that anyone has the power to be a superhero! 

During episode 17, co-hosts Dr. Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher welcome Currey Ingram alumni, Ben Davis and Jackson Short to reflect about their time at Currey Ingram Academy. They share the importance of small classroom environments and not being afraid to ask for help. In this episode, we also introduce a new and recurring topic that covers what students and parents around Currey Ingram are saying, such as a Lower School student's favorite things about the school and an impactful story from a Middle School family.

It is said that executive function (EF) skills -- the basic skills used to complete everyday tasks -- are more predictive of success in school and life than an IQ score. In this episode, Dr. Jane Hannah, Upper School Division Head, and Dr. Danielle Barton, Lower School Division Head, discuss the importance of explicit EF instruction within the school setting, key components that support EF development, and real life stories of how EF challenges can present in the day to day, with co-hosts Dr. Mitchell and Courtney Gallaher.

Trying to control screen time for children in the age of COVID-19 has become a nightmare for many parents. This episode is a discussion with a couple of our resident technology experts that explores current research, as well as practical tips on how to develop healthy digital habits for the entire family. Additionally, Dr. Mitchell and Mr. Vinson are joined by a new co-host, Ms. Courtney Gallaher, Director of Community Outreach.

In this first episode of the new year, Dr. Mitchell and Mr. V talk about resolutions for the school, as well as hear from others in the CIA community with regards to what they resolve to do in 2021. Dr. Mitchell strategically addresses school initiatives and forecasts even better days ahead for the Mustangs as we continually adhere to our mission - empowering students with learning differences to achieve their fullest potential.

Every person's birth, family of origin and early experiences shape the person they grow into. Understanding the unique neurochemical, psychological and holistic developmental considerations that frequently accompany adoption is crucial for those who love, teach and care for adopted students. Miranda Pool, M.Ed., NCC, Frist Chair of Social-Emotional Learning at Currey Ingram Academy, provides a glimpse into her current work with this population, as well as her continually-evolving expertise.

Head of School Dr. Jeff Mitchell and Director of Residential Life Eric Vinson stop to reflect on the first half of the school year. Though 2020 brought unexpected challenges, the hosts delightfully point out 20 things that are beyond noteworthy from the past semester. Shout-outs, stories, secrets... This episode is packed full of goodness, not to mention a visit from special guest John Ingram, businessman, philanthropist, and owner of Nashville SC.

Anxiety is one of the primary challenges facing students today. How does one know the root of anxious behavior? Our panel of experts provide insight and delineate whether it is psychologically-based anxiety, a result of sensory processing challenges, or poor language skills. Dr. Jeff Mitchell and Eric Vinson are joined by a psychologist, occupational therapist, and speech-language pathologist who elaborate on each area of concern and facilitate further discussion on this important topic.

Back by popular demand, Dr. Jeff Mitchell and Eric Vinson interview current faculty and staff for insight into the more practical elements of a dyslexic profile. What are the early warning signs? Worthwhile interventions? Connections to handwriting? Our panel for this episode includes Courtney Gallaher (Occupational Therapist and Director of the Annette Eskind Institute of Learning), Mary Jackson (Lower School teacher), and Allison Johnson (Middle School teacher).

Dr. Jeff Mitchell sits down with the true stars of any school show - the students. A student representative from each division talks about his/her Currey Ingram journey. Also, Dr. Mitchell discusses the state of the school thus far, specifically how it continues to thrive during a season seemingly dominated by COVID-19.

While we all face traumas, adversity, and stresses in our lives, 2020 has placed unique strains on our ability to cope. In this session, we discuss resiliency and some factors that affect individual differences in how students adapt to life-changing situations. Our guests include: Dr. Allison Bender, Ph.D., HSP; Jennifer Seay, M.A.; and Dr. Emily Kirk, Ph.D., HSP. 

Approximately 20 percent of the Currey Ingram student body (about 60 students in 2020-21) has a primary diagnosis of dyslexia, so understanding the latest research is incredibly important. Following a presentation he gave within the Annette Eskind Institute of Learning, Dr. Mitchell briefly unpacks recent notable findings, then engages in conversation regarding reading challenges with Mr. Vinson and two current students.