Best Changemaker High School Podcasts (2024)

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17. Here's an Ally: Patient Helpline + Patients Rising ft. Samantha Sauer 36:24

22h ago36:24

36:24

Send us a Text Message. This week's episode is with Samantha Sauer, a patient navigator and the Director of the Patient Helpline at Patients Rising. Patients Rising is an organization that aims to empower patients in America to advocate for reforms, placing them, alongside their doctors, in control of their healthcare choices. The Patient Helpline,…

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16. Here's a Warrior: Autism Spectrum Disorder & Type 1 Narcolepsy ft. Rachel Nesmith 32:03

11d ago32:03

32:03

Send us a Text Message. This week's episode is with Rachel Nesmith, a singer-songwriter, mother, and advocate. Rachel has Autism Spectrum Disorder and Type 1 Narcolepsy, so today, we begin by discussing the setbacks she has faced and overcome living with ASD and then transition to her Narcolepsy. Rachel and I start by talking about the misconceptio…

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S3 Ep4: Graduation Season; Changemaker Cady Ching, Summit Public Schools; Best In Class Series feat. Lighthouse Community Public Schools 43:41

1M ago43:41

43:41

Season 3 Episode 4 - Graduation Season It’s Graduation time in California! The CharterNation Podcast celebrates with a new segment called Best in Class which highlights exceptional charter schools in the Golden State. Our first series of interviews focuses on 10 exceptional charter high schools that are sending a significant number of historically …

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15. Here's an Ally: The Spero Clinic ft. Dr. Katinka van der Merwe 36:58

1M ago36:58

36:58

Send us a Text Message. This week's episode is with Dr. Katinka van der Merwe, a Doctor of Chiropractic who focuses on nervous system rehabilitation to help those suffering from chronic pain. She grew up just outside of Johannesburg, South Africa, and immigrated to the United States to receive her Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Since then, she has …

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14. Here's an Ally: Syngap1 Foundation ft. Monica Dudley-Weldon 1:00:54

2M ago1:00:54

1:00:54

Send us a Text Message. Today's episode features Monica Dudley-Weldon! Not only is she the founder and CEO of the Syngap1 foundation, but she also has a background in biology and teaching and attended Law School. Her son, Beckett, was the 6th person in the world and 3rd in the United States to be diagnosed with Syngap1-Related Disorder, an intellec…

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S3 Ep3: Film Club Edition - A School Grows In Watts (Watts Learning Center); La Lucha: Getting Schooled in America (Learn4Life) 31:10

3M ago31:10

31:10

Season 3 Episode 3: Film Club Edition We shine a spotlight on two documentaries about two charter public schools that are working to educate some of the most vulnerable student populations in California. First, Watts Learning Center (WLC) is the focus of A School Grows In Watts which offers an intimate and powerful portrayal of how WLC is changing …

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S3 Ep2: Women's History Month Special - Changemaker Myrna Castrejón; Female Leadership feat. Larchmont Charter's Amy Held; CalPac's Katelyn West is Skating to Success 47:04

4M ago47:04

47:04

Season 3 Episode 2 - Women’s History Month Special: March is Women’s History Month and in this episode, you hear from some amazing women in California’s charter school movement who are standing tall. Changemakers Interview Series: The tables are turned on CCSA’s fearless leader Myrna Castrejón. Instead of hosting our Changemakers segment, she’s our…

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S3 Ep1: Black History Month Special - Changemaker Maya Woods-Cadiz; An Affirming School Culture at Learning By Design; The Living Legacy of Julia Lee 42:30

5M ago42:30

42:30

CCSA's CharterNation Podcast is back with Season 3 in 2024! In February, we bring you a special Black History Month episode featuring perspectives of dynamic Black charter school leaders in California. Changemakers: CCSA President and CEO Myrna Castrejón interviews Maya Woods-Cadiz, Superintendent of AIMS K-12 College Prep Charter District in Oakla…

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13. Here's a Warrior: LGI1 Autoimmune Encephalitis ft. Lisa Lauter 39:43

6M ago39:43

39:43

Send us a Text Message. Today's episode is with Lisa Lauter, a nurse and public health advocate, raising awareness for encephalitis and promoting holistic and conventional medicine approaches to recovery. When she received a devastating diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis (AE), Lisa deliberately began implementing changes to her diet and mindset a…

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12. Here's a Warrior: Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, Neuro-Behçet's Syndrome, Parkinson's Disease ft. Levi Peterson 48:09

6M ago48:09

48:09

Send us a Text Message. This week's episode is with Levi Peterson, a fighter of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, Neuro-Behçet's syndrome, and Parksinon's disease. Levi has also experienced 10 major brain surgeries, resulting in her becoming an expert on shunting technology from past complications. In the past, she was an EMT, and currently, sh…

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S2 Ep10: Changemakers feat. Marcos Aguilar, Anawakalmekak; Spreading the Joy of Tiny Houses; Learn4Life's Skip Hansen on Personalized Learning 24:35

8M ago24:35

24:35

Episode 10: Changemakers: To cap CCSA's observance of Native American Heritage Month, we’re bringing back a special Changemakers interview from Season 1 in which CCSA’s President and CEO Myrna Castrejon sits down with Marcos Aguilar, Head of School at Anawakalmekak International University Preparatory of North America. Anawakalmekak is a charter pu…

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11. Here's an Ally: Vistim Labs ft. James Hamet 43:31

8M ago43:31

43:31

Send us a Text Message. Today's episode is with the CEO and founder of Vistim Labs, James Hamet. In addition to building mind-controlled wheelchairs and ice sculpting, Mr. Hamet focuses on tracking cognitive decline in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases, accelerating diagnosis while allowing for effective disease management in the future. …

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10. Here's an Ally: Parkinson's Disease ft Dr. George Ackerman 35:18

9M ago35:18

35:18

Send us a Text Message. This week's episode is with Dr. George Ackerman, an attorney and Parkinson's Disease advocate. After being the primary caregiver for his mother, Sharon, who sadly passed away from Parkinson's, Dr. Ackerman strives to help other families experiencing similar struggles. In this episode, Dr. Ackerman starts by sharing heartfelt…

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S2 Ep9: Changemakers feat. Brian Bauer, Granada Hills Charter; Charter School Facilities; Hispanic Heritage Month Student Profile 36:10

10M ago36:10

36:10

Episode 9: Changemakers: CCSA's President & CEO Myrna Castrejón interviews Brian Bauer, CEO and Superintendent of Granada Hills Charter, a TK-12th grade charter public school that gained its independence 20 years ago and grew to be an academic and athletic powerhouse. Gain insight as he reflects on how his school broke away from district control to…

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9.Here's a Warrior: Neurological Perspective to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome ft. Carter Hemion 26:41

10M ago26:41

26:41

Send us a Text Message. This week's episode is with Carter Hemion, a public speaker, legislative advocate, and fighter of EDS. Carter shares his long journey with EDS and all the painful experiences and uncertainties he endured before and after diagnosis. We also explore the range of symptoms accompanying EDS, specifically focusing on the neurologi…

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8. Here's an Ally: Headache ft Dr. Aniket Natekar 1:02:35

11M ago1:02:35

1:02:35

Send us a Text Message. This week's episode features board-certified neurologist and headache specialist Aniket Natekar, MD, MSc. After completing his undergraduate degree at the Western University of London, Ontario, he pursued medical school at the John A. Burns School of Medicine in Hawaii. He later completed a residency in neurology and a fello…

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7. Here's a Warrior: Another Perspective on Type 1 Narcolepsy ft. Tara O'Connor 28:27

11M ago28:27

28:27

Send us a Text Message. In this week's episode, I spoke with Tara O'Connor, dog mom, aunt, EMG technician, and warrior of Type 1 Narcolepsy (Narcolepsy with Cataplexy). Tara and I talk about the importance of self-advocacy--especially in the school setting--to receive proper accommodations. Unfortunately, Tara talks about how she was denied accommo…

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6. Here's a Warrior: Alice in Wonderland Syndrome ft Robin Powers 32:00

12M ago32:00

32:00

Send us a Text Message. This week's episode is with Robin Powers, a warrior of Alice in Wonderland Syndrome. In her free time, she also loves to write and recently published a book about her other rare condition: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). After experiencing multiple hardships in her childhood, Robin became a young advocate, giving a voice to ot…

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5. Here's An Ally: Huntington's Disease ft Ashley Clarke 1:02:22

12M ago1:02:22

1:02:22

Send us a Text Message. This week's episode is with Ashley Clarke, a devoted advocate for Huntington's Disease in Northern Ireland! After watching her father experience this terrible condition, she started to educate others about Huntington's Disease and research to create a safe and inclusive community. In this episode, she shares the numerous way…

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S2 Ep8: Best of CharterNation Podcast feat. Antonio Villaraigosa, Nina Rees & Dr. Cristina de Jesus 31:17

1y ago31:17

31:17

The 2022-23 academic year has officially come to a close in California. We reflect on the past year by bringing back three of the most popular Changemaker interviews on the CharterNation Podcast featuring: Dr. Cristina de Jesus, president and CEO of Green Dot Public Schools CA. Antonio Villaraigosa, former Mayor of Los Angeles and charter school al…

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4. Here's a Warrior: Type 1 Narcolepsy ft Matthew Horsnell 34:37

1y ago34:37

34:37

Send us a Text Message. This week's episode is with Matthew Horsnell, a dedicated advocate and father of 3 with Type 1 Narcolepsy or Narcolepsy with Cataplexy. He is also a researcher and has co-authored 3 papers and is the lead author of 1 other! During our conversation, we talk about the changes Matthew has made to accommodate Type 1 Narcolepsy, …

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3. Here's a Warrior: Stiff-Person Syndrome ft Jennifer Trujillo 1:35:40

1y ago1:35:40

1:35:40

Send us a Text Message. This week's episode is with Jennifer Trujillo, an inspiring woman and warrior of Stiff-Person Syndrome. She loves to sing, spend time with her family, and was also featured in Céline Dion's music video! In this interview, we talk about Jennifer's long and terrible experiences with the US Medical System, the necessity of rese…

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S2 Ep7 Changemakers feat. Dr. Ana Ponce, GPSN; The Face of Charter School Teachers Report; Dr. Steve Olmos, Visions In Education 37:05

1y ago37:05

37:05

Episode 7: Changemakers: CCSA's President & CEO Myrna Castrejón interviews Ana Ponce, Executive Director of GPSN, a nonprofit intermediary organization working to improve the public school system in Los Angeles. She discusses the importance of measuring the effectiveness of programs in LAUSD, engaging students outside the school day, and how famili…

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S2 Ep6: What is Personalized Learning? Changemakers feat. Cameron Curry, The Classical Academies 29:04

1y ago29:04

29:04

What is Personalized Learning? It can mean different things to different people within the charter public school movement. In this episode, we get a better understanding of personalized learning through the perspectives of three people at three different kind of personalized learning schools: Cameron Curry, CEO, The Classical Academies (San Diego) …

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S2 Ep5: SPECIAL EPISODE Changemakers feat. former CA Governor Jerry Brown 22:09

1y ago22:09

22:09

Episode 4: Special Episode featuring exclusive Changemakers Interview with former California Governor Jerry Brown. Changemakers: Former CA Governor Jerry Brown brings his no-nonsense philosophy on education policy and politics as a guest on the CharterNation Podcast this month. Brown, who also served as the Mayor of the City of Oakland, sits down w…

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S2 Ep4: SPECIAL EPISODE Changemakers Interview feat. CA Secretary of State Dr. Shirley N. Weber 30:51

1+ y ago30:51

30:51

Episode 4: Special Episode featuring exclusive Changemakers Interview Changemakers: We’re capping Women’s History Month by bringing you an exclusive interview with one of California’s most fearless female political leaders and education equity champions: Secretary of State Dr. Shirley N. Weber. Dr. Weber is California’s first Black Secretary of Sta…

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2. Here's a Warrior: Functional Neurological Disorder ft Jess Clough 47:09

1+ y ago47:09

47:09

Send us a Text Message. This week's interview is with Jess Clough, from Australia! She has Functional Neurological Disorder, which affects how the nervous system sends and receives messages. In this interview, we talk about the stigma that Freudian psychology has brought to FND, the importance of modern perspectives in medicine, and a term I have n…

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1. Here's a Warrior: Friedreich's Ataxia ft Hasitha Illa 17:38

1+ y ago17:38

17:38

Send us a Text Message. This week's interview is with an amazing woman named Hasitha Illa who is a fighter of Friedreich's Ataxia. She is also an avid blogger and passionate writer who has just released a children's book on disabilities! In this episode, we talk about Hasitha's experience with FA, the importance of inclusivity, the value of advocat…

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S2 Ep3: Changemakers feat. Cristina de Jesus, Green Dot Public Schools CA; GALS L.A. Empowers Charter School Girls; 2020 Bragato Winner Jose Aguirre 32:38

1+ y ago32:38

32:38

Episode 3: Women's History Month Special Changemakers: CCSA's President & CEO Myrna Castrejón interviews Cristina de Jesus, President & CEO of Green Dot Public Schools California. De Jesus is one of the most influential female leaders of charter schools in the Golden State. She talks about the evolution of Green Dot in CA, lessons learned, and how …

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S2 Ep2: Changemakers feat. Dr. Helen V. Griffith, The Preuss School UCSD; HBCUs Recruit AIMS H.S. Students; How to Honor Black History Month 23:49

1+ y ago23:49

23:49

Episode 2: Black History Month Special Changemakers: CCSA's President & CEO Myrna Castrejón interviews Dr. Helen V. Griffith, Executive Director of The Preuss School UC San Diego, about this school's unique partnership with UCSD and the need to grow more UC-charter public schools in California. Charter Spotlight: We venture to AIMS High School in O…

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S2 Ep1: Changemakers feat. Mike Madrid; Describing Charters As Public Schools; Sac-based Charter School Teaches Punjabi 26:04

1+ y ago26:04

26:04

Episode 1 Rundown: Charter School News: CCSA's Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Colin Miller provides analysis regarding CA Governor Gavin Newsom's budget proposal and what it means for charters. Changemakers: CCSA's President & CEO Myrna Castrejón interviews Mike Madrid, a CA political analyst who explains the power of the Latino voting…

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Welcome to The Neurological Disorder Podcast! 1:15

1+ y ago1:15

1:15

Send us a Text Message. This is some background as to what this podcast will be about If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to me through neurologicaldisorderpodcast@gmail.com!By Mridula

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40. Meet an Expert: Wes Michael, President at Rare Patient Voice 30:10

2y ago30:10

30:10

Show Notes: In this episode, I chat with Wes Michael, President at Rare Patient Voice. Wes Michael, President and Founder of Rare Patient Voice, has been involved in rare and orphan diseases since 1998, interviewing and surveying patients, caregivers, physicians, nurses and advocacy leaders. Wes has more than 40 years experience in marketing resear…

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39. What's to Come + Meet an Expert: Ben LeNail, Healthcare Investor & Consultant 54:12

2y ago54:12

54:12

Show Notes: In this episode, I chat with Ben LeNail, Healthcare Investor & Consultant. Ben Lenail, based in Palo Alto CA, has consulted with biotech companies such as Minoryx Therapeutics, Autobahn Therapeutics, and Deep Genomics. Ben is an investor in 15 early-stage healthcare companies with HealthTech Capital. He is a mentor with the Chan Zuckerb…

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#ChartersAt30 Part 3: Change Makers feat. Nina Rees, NAPCS President/CEO; St. HOPE's PS7 Elementary; The Multicultural Learning Center 26:57

2y ago26:57

26:57

In #ChartersAt30 Part 3, we bring you a special Change Makers interview featuring Nina Rees, the President and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. For the past nine years, Nina has deepened bipartisan relationships in Washington D.C. to secure political support for charters across the country. CCSA's Myrna Castrejón sits down w…

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#ChartersAt30 Part 2: Change Makers feat. Jed Wallace; CCSA's Portrait of the Movement Report; Face of Charter School Success Series 21:45

2+ y ago21:45

21:45

In #ChartersAt30 Part 2, we bring you a special Change Makers interview featuring Jed Wallace, the longest serving president and CEO of the CCSA. Jed was instrumental in building the charter school movement in California. Also, you’ll hear key takeaways from this year’s Portrait of the Movement Report, the annual study produced by CCSA. This year t…

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#ChartersAt30 Part 1: Change Makers feat. Caprice Young; Remembering State Sen. Gary Hart; Face of Charter School Success Series 28:28

2+ y ago28:28

28:28

Thirty years ago, the 1992 California Charter Schools Act made its way through the legislature and was signed into law, launching a public education movement that has benefitted millions of students statewide. To celebrate this milestone CCSA’s CharterNation Podcast is releasing three special podcast episodes beginning this week featuring interview…

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38. GA RDAC Update + Meet an Expert: Dr. Terry Jo Bichell, Founder & Director at COMBINEDBrain 49:23

2+ y ago49:23

49:23

Show Notes: In this episode, I chat with Dr. Terry Jo Bichell, Founder & Director at COMBINEDBrain. Terry Jo Bichell worked as a documentary filmmaker in the early days of videotape, then became a public health nurse-midwife after filming a difficult birth in West Africa. When her youngest child, Lou, was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome, she switc…

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Change Makers feat. Laura McGowan Robinson, Diversity in Leadership Institute; Charter School Students Tackle Tiny House Project 24:01

2+ y ago24:01

24:01

Ensuring more Black educators are leading and teaching in public schools. That’s the topic of this week’s episode as we honor of Black History Month in February. Our special guest is Laura McGowan-Robinson, the founder and CEO of the Diversity in Leadership Institute based in Los Angeles. Her organization is working to build an effective pipeline o…

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37. Rare Disease Week + Meet a Fighter: Daniel Dry Dock Shockley, Retired Navy & 10-year Hereditary Colon Cancer Warrior 53:19

2+ y ago53:19

53:19

Show Notes: In this episode, I chat with Daniel Dry Dock Shockley, a retired Navy, a veteran, and a 10 year hereditary colon cancer warrior. Daniel serves as a member of the University of Michigan Genetic Hereditary Testing (Might) Advisory Board and of the University of Texas Health Center, San Antonio, Texas, where he does live-case presentations…

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36. Welcome Back + Meet an Expert: Beth Nguyen, Founder at Rare Strides & GA NORD Ambassador 49:54

2+ y ago49:54

49:54

The episode we've all been waiting for, and it's finally here! In this episode, I'm so honored to chat with Beth Nguyen. Beth is the Managing Director; Founding Partner, and President of Rare STRIDES. Beth is a seasoned registered nurse with a diverse background in critical care, transplant, and emergency room; Honored Atlanta AJC Nurse of the Year…

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Change Makers feat. Ted Lempert, Children Now; Gov. Newsom's 2022-23 budget proposal; Para Los Ninos' Digital Literacy for Parents 21:06

2+ y ago21:06

21:06

Happy New Year 2022 from the California Charter Schools Association! It’s the start of a new legislative season in Sacramento. Governor Gavin Newsom kicked things off by releasing his proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. We hear from CCSA’s Vice President Colin Miller who gives us more details about the proposed spending plan – and what it…

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Special Episode: Are the Kids OK? CCSA Facebook LIVE Rebroadcast 31:51

2+ y ago31:51

31:51

In this special episode of the CharterNation Podcast, we bring you a rebroadcast of a CCSA Facebook Live Event that took place on Dec. 9th and focused on how charter public schools are supporting the mental health and wellness of student amid the pandemic. The event was timed to the release of CCSA's 2021 Portrait of the Movement report called Are …

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Change Makers feat. Sen. Scott Wilk (R); Larchmont Charter School's Talking Circles; CCSA Report "Are the Kids OK?" 21:59

2+ y ago21:59

21:59

In this episode, host Ana Tintocalis takes listeners to Larchmont Charter School in Los Angeles to learn about a simple yet powerful social and emotional strategy: talking circles. We also preview an upcoming report produced by the California Charter Schools Association called "Are the Kids OK? How California Charter Public Schools Support Social-E…

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Freshman 101 Series: Episode #0 | Is your scholar Freshman Ready? 23:34

2+ y ago23:34

23:34

For more information, please visit: https://changemakerhighschool.org/ Also, visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ChangemakerHighSchool

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Freshman 101 Series: Episode #0 | Is your scholar Freshman Ready? (español) 19:04

2+ y ago19:04

19:04

For more information, please visit: https://changemakerhighschool.org/ Also, visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ChangemakerHighSchool

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Freshman 101 Series: Episode #1 | CMHS Freshman Habits For Success! 27:10

2+ y ago27:10

27:10

For more information, please visit: https://changemakerhighschool.org/ Also, visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ChangemakerHighSchool

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35. Meet an Expert: The Rare Disorder Podcast X Cure Rare Disease ft. Rich Horgan, Founder & President 17:10

2+ y ago17:10

17:10

In this episode, I chat with Rich Horgan, the Founder and President of Cure Rare Disease. Cure Rare Disease is developing custom therapeutics that are as unique to the individuals they are meant to treat. Their mission is to offer effective, life-saving treatments developed through collaborations with world-renowned researchers and clinicians, and …

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Change Makers feat. Lance Izumi, Pacific Research Institute; Amelie's Story; The Need for COVID Response Teams 24:36

2+ y ago24:36

24:36

Is homeschooling the next wave in education? That's the topic of this week's Change Makers interview on the CharterNation Podcast Episode 5. CCSA's President/CEO Myrna Castrejón interviews Lance Izumi, Senior Director of the Center for Education at the Pacific Research Institute about his new book, "The Homeschool Boom: Pandemic, Policies and Possi…

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34. Meet a Fighter: Partial Trisomy Of 8q ft. Saida Mahoney 12:57

2+ y ago12:57

12:57

In this episode, I chat with Saida Mahoney, a fighter of Partial Trisomy Of 8q. Saida Luvenia Mahoney is 25 years old and lives in Oakland, California. She is an author and a proud student at Modesto Junior College, San Joaquin Delta College, and Merced College. Saida is a performing arts major and creates music, does dance, and performs in theatre…

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