The LFEcast Podcast

Brett takes the lead in this episode with special guest Gloria Garcia-Avila.  You will be blown away by her story and her faithfulness in following God's plan for her life.   We were inspired and know that you will be too!  Thanks for listening and subscribing!Find out more about the ministry of Staff Fellowship, Inc at https:///www.stafff.org. If you want to learn more about how you can be involved with LFECast as a guest or sponsor please reach out to lfecast@stafff.org or dan@stafff.org.

Tree of Life ministries located in Purcellville, Virginia is truly a ministry of hope for the communities it serves.  Listen as Dan and Brett spend time with Tree of Life Executive Director Susannah Lee and Chief Development Officer Jordan Smith.  Susannah and Jordan share about the journey of Tree of Life, it's impact on the local community, and share tips for how to successfully lead your organization.  Please consider supporting this amazing ministry as a volunteer or donor if you live in the Northern Virginia area or by becoming a financial partner.  Find out more via their website or by following them on one of their social media outlets.  www.tolministries.orginfo@tolministries.org Check of Tree Of Life Ministries on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIN and Instagram to learn more!Find out more about the ministry of Staff Fellowship, Inc at https:///www.stafff.org. If you want to learn more about how you can be involved with LFECast as a guest or sponsor please reach out to lfecast@stafff.org or dan@stafff.org.

For the past 25 years Jen Short has dedicated her time and talents to the realm of public education.  Jen always knew she wanted to be a teacher from the time she was a young girl and she has turned that passion into an incredibly successful career in education.  Currently serving as the principal at Sterling Elementary School in Sterling, Virginia, Jen proves the power of servant leadership each day.  Under her incredible leadership and because of her amazing staff, students, and families Sterling Elementary is a thriving school despite facing many day to day challenges.  Learn how Jen puts people first in her pursuit of excellence.  It's no surprise that she was recognized as  the LCPS and Washington Post Principal of the Year in 2019.  We also encourage you to learn more about a ministry that Jen and her husband are passionate about and support by visiting https://www.enduranceleadership.org/.Find out more about the ministry of Staff Fellowship, Inc at https:///www.stafff.org. If you want to learn more about how you can be involved with LFECast as a guest or sponsor please reach out to lfecast@stafff.org or dan@stafff.org.

In this month's episode we spend time with Jim Hadley.  Jim has a great story to tell about how God called him to found two separate companies to support leaders.  Want to connect with Jim?  Check out all his information below!Jim Hadley is a disciple of Jesus Christ, a husband, a father of four adult children, and Founder/CEO of two companies – Tiber Solutions and Tiber Leadership. Jim has spent over 30 years in the data analytics industry serving over 70 organizations of all sizes – from start-ups to publicly-traded companies. He spent the first eight years of his career at Accenture. Afterwards, he held senior technology/engineering leadership positions at four data-related startups: two product companies and two services companies. One was acquired, one went public, and two failed. In 2005, Jim founded Tiber Solutions, a professional services company focused on delivering data analytics and AI/ML leadership and solutions to corporations and government agencies. In 2021, while still running Tiber Solutions, Jim founded Tiber Leadership, a Christian CEO coaching company helping CEOs seek out and depend upon God to lead, protect, and provide for their businesses and personal lives. Currently, God has given Jim the privilege of serving 24 CEOs on their journey to lead well. Jim has served on seven boards of technology and non-profit organizations. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical Engineering from Vanderbilt University.  Reach out to Jim to learn more at jhadley@tibersolutions.com.Find out more about the ministry of Staff Fellowship, Inc at https:///www.stafff.org. If you want to learn more about how you can be involved with LFECast as a guest or sponsor please reach out to lfecast@stafff.org or dan@stafff.org.

Welcome to Season 2 of LFECast!  This is a great one to kick off our second season together.  We are joined by leader, psychologist, author, professor, speaker, and advocate Dr. Charles Barrett. His message will uplift and empower you and you will walk away from this episode without a doubt about Dr. Barrett's daily mission.  As educators, we hope this is your daily mission too and perhaps you needed this episode as a little reminder.  About Charles Barrett:Charles A. Barrett, PhD, NCSP, a district-level administrator in Virginia, practiced as a school psychologist for 13 years at the elementary and secondary levels. He serves as an adjunct lecturer at several universities, where he is actively involved in the training and development of future school psychologists. Dr. Barrett was named School Psychologist of the Year by the Virginia Academy of School Psychologists and received the Rookie of the Year Award from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). His past leadership positions within NASP include co-chair of the Social Justice Task Force and African American Subcommittee, chair of the Multicultural Affairs and Social Justice Committees, and Virginia Delegate to the NASP Leadership Assembly. Dr. Barrett serves on the editorial boards of School Psychology Review and School Psychology. He is a frequent speaker and workshop presenter for educators, families, and community organizations. His website is www.charlesbarrett.org.   You can also check out Dr. Barrett's devotional by downloading The Charles Barrett App on Google Play or the App Store.Find out more about the ministry of Staff Fellowship, Inc at https:///www.stafff.org. If you want to learn more about how you can be involved with LFECast as a guest or sponsor please reach out to lfecast@stafff.org or dan@stafff.org.

Heather Gonzalez has served as the director of Great Beginnings Preschool in Leesburg, Virginia for the past 7 years.  This gospel and Kingdom focused preschool in the heart of Northern Virginia puts God first in all that they do.  Sharing the Gospel daily with a focus us on helping our youngest children grow spiritually, developmentally, and cognitively.  Heather is a bundle of joy-filled  energy and that comes through 100% in this final episode of Season 1!  Listen to hear how God planned her steps to take over as the director of this dynamic preschool.  You can learn more at http://www.greatbeginningsleesburg.com.About Great Beginnings:Welcome to Great Beginnings Preschool.  As a ministry of Leesburg United Methodist Church we have provided a warm, caring and nurturing preschool program for the children of our community for over 40 years. We recognize that children learn best when they are given opportunities to discover, explore and problem solve through direct experience. We emphasize Christian concepts and a developmental curriculum to enhance physical and intellectual growth and prepare children for Kindergarten.Find out more about the ministry of Staff Fellowship, Inc at https:///www.stafff.org. If you want to learn more about how you can be involved with LFECast as a guest or sponsor please reach out to lfecast@stafff.org or dan@stafff.org.

In this episode we are blessed to be joined by U.S. Army Veteran and School Principal Dr. Mojisola Adejumo.  Her story is unique and dynamic.  Her leadership is powerful!  This is one episode you will listen to multiple times I assure you!  Learn how Dr. A leads her team build around the power of relationships and the development of collective efficacy.ABOUT DR. MOJISOLA ADEJUMOI have had the pleasure of serving as a school administrator since 2013 in North Carolina and Virginia. What excites me about leading and learning is the potential and power of collective efficacy! As a soldier in the United States Army, it was amazing to experience the satisfaction of building purposeful teams and relationships to accomplish missions. I know without hesitation that the relationships and teams we build as leaders will yield increased powerful outcomes! Find out more about the ministry of Staff Fellowship, Inc at https:///www.stafff.org. If you want to learn more about how you can be involved with LFECast as a guest or sponsor please reach out to lfecast@stafff.org or dan@stafff.org.

Mumbere Dieme (or Dieme as he is known to us) is currently serving as a Staff Fellowship ambassador and lead in Uganda, Africa.  In the district of Kasese there are over 500 schools.  In just a short period of time, Dieme has established Staff Fellowship groups in 28 of these schools and has identified 28 Staff Facilitators to support each of these schools.  How exciting to think that staff is being united around the gospel both here in the United States and now in Africa!  It is our prayer that God would continue to magnify the work of Staff Fellowship around the globe!I have provided a brief excerpt from a recent email correspondence with Dieme below to give you a feel for the work he is doing.  You are welcome to reach out to Dieme via email at apuuli144@gmail.com.  You can find out more about KJCONPS at the website linked below.https://kyarumbajointchristiansaving.blogspot.com/2021/04/kyarumba-joint-christian-savings-and.htmlStaff Fellowship Ministry in Uganda is being the best school ministry to school Staff and school administrators. You will see amazing things in Uganda through Staff Fellowship, and I think Staff Fellowship ministry Uganda need to be among the major areas of focus too for STAFFF ORG and Staff community to have the ministry supported. Lots of schools have loved this and I will reach to them always.A MESSAGE FROM DIEME!I thought of also visiting different local radio stations around Kasese to buy programs at least 30minutes each and introduce Staff Fellowship to the entire community schools as most community here love listening to radio programs as this could be very important for schools to know more about the program I am running and very many will need it.However I and KJCONPS are not able to buy radio program for Staff Fellowship ministry as due to lack of Ministry operating budget to supplement the efforts but we are praying over each and everything.Brett and Dan Uganda is now a better place for you to equip with the Staff Fellowship ministry and having planed and constant visits to it for ministry and physically see what God is enabling me and KJCONPS in reaching the ministry and uniting school Staff around the Gospel. As far as STAFF Fellowship ministry in Uganda now most school Staff will give testimonies and through Staff Fellowship ministry Uganda will help you more to evaluate the impact of the Staff Fellowship ministry as God is doing great things here that you need to witness and pay a visit and additionally keep the ministry Funded and supported.Thank you for everything and the support and puting Staff Fellowship ministry Uganda at your front line as STAFFF in the States. God is really doing great work through me and KJCONPS.Find out more about the ministry of Staff Fellowship, Inc at https:///www.stafff.org. If you want to learn more about how you can be involved with LFECast as a guest or sponsor please reach out to lfecast@stafff.org or dan@stafff.org.

In this episode we spend time with Max Goossens who is currently serving students with Young Life in western Loudoun County, Virginia.  Max and his wife Rachel have recently accepted God's call to move "across the pond" to Surrey, England to serve as an Area Director for Young Life and to extend their ministry globally!  Max shares the impact the ministry of Young Life had on his life and his Salvation Story!  Hear how he and Rachel plan to serve God in England and how they are trusting God to provide their every need during every step of this Journey!  Want to learn even more and support this amazing couple.  Click on the link below!https://giving.younglife.org/s/?GiftType=Area&Name=Goossens&Amount=150.00&Frequency=Monthly&Sponsoring=Max%20%26%20Rachel%20Goossens&AppealCodeId=70141000000tvBDAAY&BypassDesignationPage=false&MissionUnitId=a2s4M000003G54lQAC&MissionUnitName=Surrey%20-%20Goossens&ClassCodeId=a2j41000000Nj93AAC&ClassCodeName=Operatingorhttp://maxjgoossens.wixsite.com/younglifeFind out more about the ministry of Staff Fellowship, Inc at https:///www.stafff.org. If you want to learn more about how you can be involved with LFECast as a guest or sponsor please reach out to lfecast@stafff.org or dan@stafff.org.

In this episode of LFEcast, Dan and Brett sit down with retired music teacher and distinguished educator Rachel Newell.  Rachel shares how putting God first throughout her career enabled her to change and impact the lives of so many of her students and colleagues throughout her educational career.  Rachel was recently featured at our LFE Event in January 2023 as a distinguished panelist.  She even has a special message for current educators at the end of this episode that you won't want to miss.  Learn more about Rachel below:1972-1974 music teacher in Louisa County, Va public schools1974-1976 and 1977- 2013   Elementary music teacher in LCPS ( 18 schools, most recently Hillside Elementary for about 15 years). *Honors:Shenandoah University Teacher of the Year 1999Agnes Meyer Teacher of the Year for LCPS 2003Fulbright Memorial Fund winner 2003 ( trip to Japan for 3 weeks)Find out more about the ministry of Staff Fellowship, Inc at https:///www.stafff.org. If you want to learn more about how you can be involved with LFECast as a guest or sponsor please reach out to lfecast@stafff.org or dan@stafff.org.

In this episode, Mr. Scott Habeeb, principal of Salem High School in Salem, Virginia joins us to discuss his leadership journey and lessons learned along the way.  Scott Habeeb began his career at Salem High School in 1997, as a History teacher and coach.  In 2004, Scott moved into the role of Assistant Principal, also at Salem High School.  Since 2013, Scott has served as Salem High School's principal.    Outside of school, Scott regularly speaks at schools and conferences across the country.  Most commonly, he speaks about Freshman Transition, Formative Assessment, Standards Based Learning, and Going Beyond the Content to inspire and motivate students.  Scott is the author or co-author of several articles and the co-author of The Ninth Grade Opportunity: Transforming Schools from the Bottom Up. Learn more about Scott's passion for educating students "beyond the content" by visiting his website at https://gobeyondthecontent.weebly.com/.Scott is also a co-founder and serves on the board of Masterpiece Alliance.   Below Scott explains the purpose of Masterpiece Alliance: Masterpiece Alliance believes all people, no matter their abilities, are masterpieces created to live beautiful stories. Our mission is to make sure no person with a disability has to live life in the margins. We aren't a charity: we're a community. We are friends gathered together to laugh, live, love, serve, and grow. We are where ALL God's masterpieces belong and are loved.  Learn more at the website below.http://masterpiecealliance.orgFind out more about the ministry of Staff Fellowship, Inc at https:///www.stafff.org

Big News! You may have noticed a change in the title for this podcast! We are now using the title LFEcast.  The  LFE still represents leadership and faith in education because we are passionate about those three things. Our mission is to help leaders and educators grow in their work and in their Christian faith.  In this episode you will hear from Mr. Chris Hawkins a U.S. Navy Veteran, leadership coach, and Founder of Harness Your 2.0.   Chris shares leadership and life lessons learned through his time in the military and via personal anecdotes.  You will also learn more about his organization and how he may be able to support you in your leadership work.  Thanks for listening in!About Chris Hawkins:Accredited as an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coaching Federation. Certified Professional Coach, Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and COR.E Dynamics Specialist, Transitions Niche, with the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC). Additionally, a certified coach, speaker, and trainer with the John Maxwell Team.Chris works with emerging leaders and people in general that are seeking to go from their Life 1.0 to their Life 2.0 by no longer living life the way they were told to live. This thought process opens all new ideas in how to enjoy life on a personal and professional level.E: chris@harnessyourtwopointo.comFollow Chris on LinkedIn @ linkedin.com/in/chris-hawkins-mapaFind out more about the ministry of Staff Fellowship, Inc at https:///www.stafff.org

Episode 3 of the LFECast Podcast features leader and educator Matt Dickersheid.  Hear his inspirational story of how God led him into and continues to use him in mighty ways in the field of public education.  Matt's story is one filled with humility and grace.  His work, however, reflects the wisdom and precision that only God can provide.  This episode will not disappoint and you will walk away challenged, encouraged, and inspired.  Matt's educational career began in kindergarten and has led him to his current role as Supervisor of Leadership Development with Loudoun County Public Schools.  In addition, Matt has just launched his own private Executive Coaching and Leadership Development organization called Matt Dickersheid, LLC.  See below for how you can connect with Matt.MattDickersheid@gmail.comLinkedin: Matt DickersheidTwitter: @MattDickershei7The LFECast Podcast is sponsored by:Staff Fellowship, Inc.Living AvodahGoose Cup Coffee CompanyRidgetop Coffee and Tea

In this bonus content August episode Brett & Dan interview pastor, author, and global missionary James Cha.  His story will inspire you and challenge you.  In this episode hear how fully relying upon God, His Provision, and the leading of the Holy Spirit radically changed the life and ministry of Pastor Cha and his family.  We pray that this episode unleashes your teaching, leadership, and ministry as you too learn to fully rely upon God.  In addition, Pastor Cha has graciously agree to give away signed copies of his amazing book, Fear Not: Living a Life of No Regrets, to the first 10 listeners who make a financial donation to the ministry of Staff Fellowship, Inc.  You may do so at the link below. This book is also available on Amazon.com.  http://www.stafff.orgWe encourage you to visit and support this episode's sponsors:Goose Cup Coffee - Leesburg ,Virginiahttps://www.goosecup.coRidgetop Coffee and Tea - Sterling, Virginiahttps://www.ridgetopcoffeandtea.comLeesburg Community Church - Leesburg, Virginiahttps://www.leesburgcc.org

Dan and Brett are back at you with another uplifting episode of The LFEcast Podcast.  In this episode we discuss street signs melting in London, but more importantly, you will hear the inspirational story of Brett Lesher.  Brett's story will challenge and inspire you.  We hope that God will use this powerful testimony to spur you on to action as followers of Jesus Christ.  We love your feedback so please leave us some!  Thanks to our sponsors/supporters listed below.  Reach out to us at lfecast@stafff.org to say hello, inquire more about the ministry of Staff Fellowship, or to request prayer.  To sponsor this podcast reach out to Brett Lesher at brett@stafff.org. Thank you to the following sponsors/supportors of The LFEcast Podcast:Staff Fellowship, Inc - www.stafff.orgLeesburg Community Church - http://leesburgcc.orgGoose Cup Coffee - https://www.goosecup.co

Welcome to LFEcast!  Leadership and Faith in Education (LFE).  Join your co-hosts Brett Lesher (Founder and Director of Staff Fellowship, Inc.) and Dan Lani (Principal of Evergreen Mill Elementary School and Director of STAFFF Leads) each month as they seek to equip, enlighten, and inspire public and private school leaders and teachers who are passionate about their calling as educators and as Christians!  We believe that God has uniquely gifted today's teachers and school leaders to serve Him and we aim to show you how your daily work in schools reflects your mission field as a Christian.  Each month, Brett and Dan will interview a Christian leader or educator who is walking this walk.  Be prepared to be challenged, moved, and blessed as you tune into each LFEcast podcast.  In this first episode, Brett interviews Dan about his calling to live an Avodah lifestyle as the principal of a large pubic elementary school in Leesburg, Virginia.  You can learn more about Dan's work by checking out his blog at http://livingavodah.org.Episode Links:http://stafff.orghttp://lcps.org/evergreenhttp://goosecup.co