Autonome

In this episode of Autonome, host Fran Kenton, Founder and Creator of Autonome, sits down with Rusty Gordon, Director of Pupil Services at Marysville Joint Unified School District in California. Rusty leads special education, pupil welfare, and student support systems from preschool through adult transition programs, focusing on building inclusive, equitable environments that serve both students and educators.Fran and Rusty explore how personal experiences, mentorship, and a deep commitment to student connection shaped Rusty’s leadership philosophy. From childhood memories of a friend with Down syndrome to decades of classroom and administrative leadership, Rusty shares how those experiences shaped his belief that every student deserves to be known, valued, and supported through strength-based systems.The conversation highlights how districts can move beyond compliance by focusing on student strengths, developing common language and systems across campuses, and preparing educators to support inclusion effectively. Rusty also reflects on the importance of mentorship, professional trust, and leadership development in sustaining strong school systems.Key Moments05:32 "Building Connections with Students"08:24 "Teaching Math: Tools vs. Basics"10:45 "Critical Thinking and Student Goals"14:10 "Building Common Vocabulary District-Wide"16:08 "Overcoming School Transition Confusion"19:29 "Finding the Sweet Center"23:32 Inclusive Early Education Advocacy28:36 Mental Health Support Challenges30:48 Supporting Student Transitions Effectively34:22 "Remote Work Challenges in Education"39:17 Collaborative Negotiation Process41:49 Ask, Think, Gather Right Information45:02 "Student Support and Community Initiatives"49:14 "Live a Great Story"50:35 "What Story Are We Writing?"Why You’ll Love This EpisodeThis episode provides a thoughtful look at how inclusion and student-centered systems develop over time. Rusty shares practical insights on aligning districtwide practices, building shared vocabulary among educators, and supporting teachers through collaboration and mentorship.You will also hear a powerful reminder that education is both a science and an art. Rusty’s reflections on leadership, mentorship, and everyday classroom moments highlight how meaningful connections can shape both student outcomes and educator growth. His philosophy of “writing a great story” each day offers an inspiring lens for educators committed to making a difference.Connect with Rusty Gordon | Director of Pupil Services at Marysville Joint Unified School DistrictLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rusty-gordon-157a63370 Website: https://www.mjusd.com/# Connect with Fran Kenton and AutonomeFran KentonFounder and Creator, AutonomeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-kenton-a0a7969a/AutonomeWebsite: https://www.autonome101.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autonome101/About AutonomeAutonome is the podcast where district leaders share practical, scalable ways to build students’ foundational life skills—wellbeing, identity and purpose, relationships, and executive function—so they can manage life today and be ready for what’s next.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Autonome for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of student success.

In this episode of Autonome, host Fran Kenton, Founder and Creator of Autonome, sits down with Nicole Tyo, Director of Special Education at South Western City Schools in Ohio. Nicole oversees services for students ages 3 to 22, leading comprehensive systems that integrate IDEA compliance, inclusive practices, mental health supports, and proactive wellbeing.Fran and Nicole explore what it truly takes to move special education from compliance-driven systems to impact-driven leadership. Nicole shares how her mother’s work in an ED classroom first inspired her career, and how her own experience being identified as dyslexic shaped her belief that students must be both supported and pushed toward their potential. Throughout the conversation, Nicole highlights the importance of social-emotional learning, transition planning, and consistent adult mindset as essential drivers of student success.Whether you lead special education, student services, or a full district, this conversation provides actionable ideas for building environments where students are seen, heard, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential.Key Moments05:55 "Embracing Challenges and Growth"06:38 Why students need to be supported and pushed08:10 Launching multisensory literacy initiatives districtwide09:28 Building Employability Through Targeted Programs11:15 Handling Frustrated Customers Poorly15:02 Tier 1 PBIS and universal SEL programming16:46 Mindset Communication Transforms Student Behavior18:17 "Challenges of a Large District"23:00 Inclusive Education and Social SkillsWhy You’ll Love This EpisodeThis episode offers a thoughtful systems-level look at how special education can evolve beyond compliance into meaningful student impact. Nicole shares practical strategies for embedding social-emotional learning into transition programming, expanding mental health supports through community partnerships, and strengthening universal Tier 1 systems.You will also hear a powerful leadership lesson about mindset. Nicole emphasizes that behavior is communication, and that adults must regulate themselves first in order to help students regulate. Her practical de-escalation strategies and districtwide partnership models provide clear examples of how to create consistent, student-centered systems across a large organization.Connect with Nicole Tyo | Director of Special Education, South Western City SchoolsWebsite: https://www.swcsd.us/Default.aspx Connect with Fran Kenton and AutonomeFran KentonFounder and Creator, AutonomeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-kenton-a0a7969a/AutonomeWebsite: https://www.autonome101.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autonome101/About AutonomeAutonome is the podcast where district leaders share practical, scalable ways to build students’ foundational life skills—wellbeing, identity and purpose, relationships, and executive function—so they can manage life today and be ready for what’s next.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Autonome for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of student success.

In this episode of Autonome, host Fran Kenton, Founder and Creator of Autonome, sits down with Andrew Morton, MTSS Behavior Coordinator and Director of Student Services at Mount Vernon R-V School District in Missouri. Andrew shares a powerful leadership journey that began with being a disengaged student, detoured through a career in golf, and ultimately led to special education after a life-altering health challenge reshaped his path.Fran and Andrew explore what it takes to build behavior and support systems that actually work in real classrooms. Andrew reflects on the mentors who saw his gifts before he did, the resilience he learned while caring for a parent with a progressive illness, and how those experiences shaped his compassion, patience, and insistence on accountability. He introduces his “come alongside” leadership philosophy, supporting educators through clarity, consistency, and practical systems rather than mandates.The conversation also dives into the districtwide impact of Andrew’s Restorative Reset Method, including a 42 percent reduction in office referrals across eight buildings in a previous role, and how he is now strengthening MTSS and special education processes in a smaller district by building teams, routines, and clear pathways of support.Key Moments04:21 "Discovering a Calling in Special Ed"09:36 "Lessons in Flexibility from Family"11:50 Supportive Principal Shaped My Journey16:09 "Supporting Teachers, Supporting Students"18:55 "Strong Enough to Be Flexible"23:40 Weekly Support Meetings for Teachers27:13 "Improving Classroom Placement Systems"28:20 "Restorative Reset Method Manual"Why You’ll Love This EpisodeThis episode offers a practical and grounded look at how behavior systems and MTSS can support both students and staff without burning educators out. Andrew shares clear, real-world examples of what consistency looks like, where flexibility matters most, and how leaders can create environments where students know what is expected and teachers feel supported.You will also hear a thoughtful perspective on leadership that is both relational and operational. Andrew's mindset, paired with concrete systems like weekly staffings and restorative resets, provides a clear roadmap for districts looking to improve behavior outcomes while protecting the integrity of special education services.Connect with Andrew Morton | MTSS Behavior Coordinator and Director of Student Services, Mount Vernon R-V School DistrictLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-morton-31aba81a8 Website: https://www.mtvernon.k12.mo.us/ Connect with Fran Kenton and AutonomeFran KentonFounder and Creator, AutonomeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-kenton-a0a7969a/AutonomeWebsite: https://www.autonome101.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autonome101/About AutonomeAutonome is the podcast where district leaders share practical, scalable ways to build students’ foundational life skills—wellbeing, identity and purpose, relationships, and executive function—so they can manage life today and be ready for what’s next.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Autonome for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of student success.

In this episode of Autonome, host Fran Kenton, Founder and Creator of Autonome, sits down with Moises M. Merlos, Director of Student Services at Banning Unified School District. With more than two decades in public education, Moises shares how his journey, from aspiring medical professional to district leader, shaped a deeply student-centered approach to systems change.Fran and Moises explore how attendance, school connectedness, and social-emotional supports intersect to drive student success. Moises walks through Banning USD’s comprehensive strategy: attendance recovery programs, wellness centers, expanded learning, community partnerships, and incentive systems designed to reengage students and families. The conversation highlights why improving attendance is about more than funding, it’s about belonging, trust, and consistent adult relationships.They also discuss how rural context shapes student needs, why middle school requires targeted supports, and how strong Tier 1–3 systems can serve the whole child. Throughout the episode, Moises emphasizes purposeful change, clear communication, and hands-on leadership as essential ingredients for sustainable impact.Key Moments05:03 "Focusing on Whole-Child Support"09:42 Boosting Attendance Through Engagement Programs11:45 School Wellness Centers Boost Support16:04 TK & Kindergarten Post-Pandemic Struggles20:12 "Full-Day TK and Kindergarten"21:54 Elementary STEAM Centers Expansion26:27 "Commitment to Growth and Community"30:35 "Effective Communication and Purpose"32:37 "Building Strong Tiered Support"36:13 Addressing Absenteeism and EngagementWhy You’ll Love This EpisodeThis conversation offers a practical, systems-level look at how districts can redesign student services to improve attendance, engagement, and wellbeing. Moises shares concrete examples, from wellness centers to community shoe drives, that show how small, thoughtful interventions can remove barriers to learning.You’ll also hear a powerful reminder that sustainable change depends on trust, collaboration, and clear purpose. Whether you’re a district leader, principal, or student services professional, this episode provides actionable ideas for building inclusive, whole-child systems that help students, and families truly thrive.Connect with Moises M. Merlos | Director of Student Services, Banning Unified School DistrictLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moises-merlos-ed-d-81a7b279 Website: https://www.banning.k12.ca.us/ Connect with Fran Kenton and AutonomeFran KentonFounder and Creator, AutonomeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-kenton-a0a7969a/AutonomeWebsite: https://www.autonome101.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autonome101/About AutonomeAutonome is the podcast where district leaders share practical, scalable ways to build students’ foundational life skills—wellbeing, identity and purpose, relationships, and executive function—so they can manage life today and be ready for what’s next.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Autonome for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of student success.

In this episode of Autonome, host Fran Kenton sits down with Dr. Bonny Porter, Director of Student Services at Tehachapi Unified School District. Dr. Porter shares how his 33-year journey from elementary teacher to district leader shaped his commitment to student wellness, safety, and systems that support educators, families, and community needs. Fran and Dr. Porter discuss building coordinated supports like site-based social workers, updating discipline through root-cause approaches, expanding alternative learning options, and strengthening attendance strategies that keep students connected to learning.Key Moments01:39 Dr. Porter’s journey from classroom teacher to district leader02:28 Why administration was never the plan and how it became the path04:18 Learning district systems through curriculum and LCAP work05:38 Creating the Director of Student Services role06:56 Hiring school-based social workers and building systems from scratch08:49 Post-COVID student needs and the growing focus on mental health10:20 Using student voice to shape school culture and supports11:03 Shifting discipline from punitive responses to root-cause solutions12:42 In-school intervention as an alternative to suspension16:38 Building districtwide culture with Capturing Kids’ Hearts18:40 Attendance challenges after COVID and why presence matters21:23 Launching a blended alternative school model for diverse learners25:25 Expanded Learning Opportunities and after-school access33:17 Funding realities and sustaining student services long-term40:56 Teacher pipeline challenges and mentoring future leadersWhy You’ll Love This EpisodeThis episode offers a clear look at how districts can strengthen student wellness and school safety through coordinated supports, positive culture systems, and practical alternatives to exclusionary discipline. Dr. Porter shares grounded examples leaders can adapt to reduce behavior issues, support staff, and keep students learning.You will also hear innovative ways districts can meet community needs through flexible learning models, expanded-day programming, and attendance strategies that prioritize connection and access. If you lead student services, curriculum, or school operations, you will leave with ideas you can apply right away.Connect with Dr. Bonny Porter | Director of Student Services, Tehachapi Unified School DistrictLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonny-porter-ab790755/Website: https://www.tehachapiusd.com/Connect with Fran Kenton and AutonomeFran KentonFounder and Creator, AutonomeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-kenton-a0a7969a/AutonomeWebsite: https://www.autonome101.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autonome101/About AutonomeAutonome is the podcast where district leaders share practical, scalable ways to build students’ foundational life skills—wellbeing, identity and purpose, relationships, and executive function—so they can manage life today and be ready for what’s next.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Autonome for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of student success.

In the very first episode of Autonome, host Fran Kenton, Founder and Creator of Autonome, sits down with Jarrad Grandy, Executive Director of Student Services at Oakland Schools. Serving more than 176,000 students across 28 districts, Jarrad shares how his journey from teacher to administrator to countywide leader shaped his mission to help every student become career ready.Fran and Jarrad discuss how students can explore three essential questions: What are you good at? What do you like to do? Is someone willing to pay you for it? They also talk about the challenge of moving from isolated success to scalable systems, and how Oakland Schools is building a first-of-its-kind K–12 nanotech, AI, and synthetic biology lab designed to make learning relevant to the real world.Key Moments01:18 Jarrad’s path from student to teacher to district leader03:03 Why early career challenges pushed him toward leadership04:16 The conversation that shifted him from building work to district work05:21 How family guidance influenced his leadership decisions06:15 The biggest challenge in education: scaling excellence07:04 Why making every student career ready is his core mission08:28 Moving from pockets of excellence to consistent systems09:03 Using clear, measurable targets to drive districtwide progress11:11 Funding and supports available for district experiences12:48 Awareness, exploration, and preparation as a continuous cycle14:24 Why educators need industry experiences to teach real relevance18:09 Teaching human skills like communication and collaboration20:12 Using real problems instead of symbolic examples23:02 What systems must shift to ensure true career readinessWhy You’ll Love This EpisodeThis episode gives a practical and clear look at what career readiness should mean today. Jarrad shares a simple but powerful framework that blends relevance, industry alignment, and repeated student experiences so districts can help learners connect their strengths to real opportunities. His examples show how to make learning stick and how to redesign experiences so students can understand what is possible for their futures.You will also hear a thoughtful perspective on systems change. Jarrad explains how teacher externships, industry partnerships, and meaningful curriculum shifts can help districts scale what works. Whether you are a teacher, principal, or district leader, you will find concrete steps to elevate student agency and future readiness.Connect with Jarrad Grandy | Executive Director of Student Services, Oakland SchoolsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarrad-grandy/Website: https://www.oakland.k12.mi.us/Connect with Fran Kenton and AutonomeFran KentonFounder and Creator, AutonomeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-kenton-a0a7969a/AutonomeWebsite: https://www.autonome101.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autonome101/About AutonomeAutonome is the podcast where district leaders share practical, scalable ways to build students’ foundational life skills—wellbeing, identity and purpose, relationships, and executive function—so they can manage life today and be ready for what’s next.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Autonome for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of student success.

In the very first episode of Autonome, host Fran Kenton, Founder and Creator of Autonome, sits down with Jarrad Grandy, Executive Director of Student Services at Oakland Schools. Serving more than 176,000 students across 28 districts, Jarrad shares how his journey from teacher to administrator to countywide leader shaped his mission to help every student become career ready.Fran and Jarrad discuss how students can explore three essential questions: What are you good at? What do you like to do? Is someone willing to pay you for it? They also talk about the challenge of moving from isolated success to scalable systems, and how Oakland Schools is building a first-of-its-kind K–12 nanotech, AI, and synthetic biology lab designed to make learning relevant to the real world.Key Moments01:18 Jarrad’s path from student to teacher to district leader03:03 Why early career challenges pushed him toward leadership04:16 The conversation that shifted him from building work to district work05:21 How family guidance influenced his leadership decisions06:15 The biggest challenge in education: scaling excellence07:04 Why making every student career ready is his core mission08:28 Moving from pockets of excellence to consistent systems09:03 Using clear, measurable targets to drive districtwide progress11:11 Funding and supports available for district experiences12:48 Awareness, exploration, and preparation as a continuous cycle14:24 Why educators need industry experiences to teach real relevance18:09 Teaching human skills like communication and collaboration20:12 Using real problems instead of symbolic examples23:02 What systems must shift to ensure true career readinessWhy You’ll Love This EpisodeThis episode gives a practical and clear look at what career readiness should mean today. Jarrad shares a simple but powerful framework that blends relevance, industry alignment, and repeated student experiences so districts can help learners connect their strengths to real opportunities. His examples show how to make learning stick and how to redesign experiences so students can understand what is possible for their futures.You will also hear a thoughtful perspective on systems change. Jarrad explains how teacher externships, industry partnerships, and meaningful curriculum shifts can help districts scale what works. Whether you are a teacher, principal, or district leader, you will find concrete steps to elevate student agency and future readiness.Connect with Jarrad Grandy | Executive Director of Student Services, Oakland SchoolsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarrad-grandy/Website: https://www.oakland.k12.mi.us/Connect with Fran Kenton and AutonomeFran KentonFounder and Creator, AutonomeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-kenton-a0a7969a/AutonomeWebsite: https://www.autonome101.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autonome101/About AutonomeAutonome is the podcast where district leaders share practical, scalable ways to build students’ foundational life skills—wellbeing, identity and purpose, relationships, and executive function—so they can manage life today and be ready for what’s next.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Autonome for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of student success.