A Head for Knowing Podcast

Kerry Leo and her team of collaborators believe that everyone can learn, and when people “learn how they learn best,” their greatest potential is unleashed.

A Head for Knowing is the Da Vinci Collaborative podcast exploring education, learning, research, leadership, and practical ideas that support students and educators. Hosted by Kerry Leo, the podcast features conversations with educators, researchers, school leaders, specialists, and other professionals.

EPISODE #27

Wanna See Clearly? Touch Grass! With Legacy Optical's Lisa Pfleger and Dr Alyssa Flanagan

Prepare yourself for a ridiculous number of eye-related puns in today’s episode as Kerry sits down with Legacy Optical’s owner and optician Lisa Pfleger, and optometrist and Assistant Medical Director Dr. Alyssa Flanagan Keyser. Together, they explore the connection between eye health and learning disabilities, discuss the growing epidemic of myopia in children, and launch the exciting new “The Me You See” contest.

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EPISODE #26

Accepting the Call of the Summer Reading Challenge

We’re diving into Summer Reads at Camp Knowing this week! With the final few weeks of Summer still shining before us, we’re challenging our listeners to commit to finishing their summer books and try a few new ones. We take a look back on why we fell in love with reading, why it’s important and how the landscape of reading and readers has changed over the decades. Share this episode with your book club, and accept the Summer Reading Challenge while you still can! Email your completed challenge to knowingpodcast@davincicollaborative.com.

EPISODE #25

Going (Scientific) Method with AJ Leo

Put on your goggles and grab your beakers because in today’s episode we’re going into the lab with podcasting nepo baby and resident Da Vinci Collaborative Physicist AJ Leo. We’re breaking down the scientific method, why we need it and how we use it outside of a baking soda volcano. We also discuss the difference between scientific theory and scientific law. Don’t forget to check out Da Vinci’s Summer Continuing Education offerings, and to share this episode with a friend!

EPISODE #24

The Language of Our Humanity with Author Gae Polisner

Today’s episode is truly one for everybody, regardless of age, identity, and experience. We’re connecting to our collective humanity through the power of language and stories with the one and only Gae Polisner. Gae is an award-winning [multi-hyphenate] author-attorney-speaker-mom and oh so much more! Please check out Gae’s novels and if you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends!

EPISODE #23

Finding Fluency with Friends on the Block's Dr. Jill Allor

Today’s episode is all about EVIDENCE, and the science points to another great discussion with Kerry and Dr. Jill Allor. Dr. Allor is a superstar in the world of literacy research and the science of reading. As author and owner of the literacy curriculum Friends on the Block, she has helped countless students on the journey to reading fluency. If you enjoyed today’s discussion, check out Dr. Allor’s workshop at Da Vinci Collaborative later this month!

EPISODE #22

Harnessing the Power to Improve the Lives of Others with Paige O'Brien

Let today’s episode motivate you to Be the Change! We’re talking philanthropy, power hours, and The Wiggles with Vice President of Strategic Advancement and Chief Development Officer for Family and Children’s Association, the one and only Paige O’Brien. Like A Head for Knowing, the FCA works tirelessly to uplift underserved communities, showcase women entrepreneurs and honor visionary women during their Long Island Women in Philanthropy event on March 26th.

EPISODE #21

Sharing the Wealth on Writing with Krista Legge

We’re kicking off our mini-series on Women’s History Month with a spotlight on Krista Legge, an Executive Director, Author, Mom, and all-around badass! Krista joins Kerry to talk about her work in special education over the last 20 years in the East Islip School District, how she broke into the world of publishing with her children’s books, and how she juggles that all on top of being a mom to two middle schoolers. Is there anything women can’t do?!

EPISODE #20

20 Ideas to Take With You in 2025

Today, take a moment to celebrate the little wins with A Head for Knowing as we dive into the 20 thoughts we are carrying with us into 2025. Inspired by Colby Kultgen’s 20 Sentences, Kerry and Chelsea discuss how we’re tackling this year, what we’d like to tell our 20-year-old selves, and how we are focusing our energy moving forward.

EPISODE #19

Unlocking Our Potential with Keys to Literacy's Joan Sedita

It’s a brand new year for A Head For Knowing and we’re hitting the ground running in 2025 with Keys to Literacy Founder Joan Sedita! Join Kerry and Joan as they discuss the Science of Reading, how to maximize the potential for professional development, and how to become a better writing teacher.

EPISODE #18

What's Old is New Again: Lessons from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol

On today’s most festive episode, Kerry and Chelsea are celebrating the Yuletide with a reflection on our past, present, and future. We break down a few of the lessons learned from Charles Dickens’ classic novel “A Christmas Carol,” and discuss how we all can benefit from the wisdom of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge.

EPISODE #17

Overcoming the Soft Bigotry of Low Expectations with Assemblymember Robert Carroll

Our longest episode to date is no accident! Today we are speaking with New York State Assemblymember Robert Carroll. We break down the significance of his Dyslexia Task Force and his three bills currently in progress to improve the lives and education of students and families struggling with literacy. We hope listening to this episode fuels you with hope, inspiration, and a renewed focus on doing good for our communities. Happy warriors unite!

EPISODE #16

Overcoming the Soft Bigotry of Low Expectations with Assemblymember Robert Shining a Light on Small Successes with Angelo Zegarelli

Prepare to grin from ear to ear as host Kerry Leo interviews Angelo Zegarelli, Superintendent of the Henry Viscardi School in Albertson, New York. Today, we’re focusing our discussion on how to maintain a positive attitude and mindset when in the face of very real physical and mental challenges.
Founded in 1962, the Henry Viscardi School is a quote “alternative, accessible traditional educational choice for parents and a resource to school districts that cannot accommodate the academic, health and assistive technology needs of children with severe orthopedic disabilities

EPISODE #15

Fidelity before Flexibility, Celebrating Dyslexia Awareness Month

It’s October, and all you ghoulies and goblins out there know what that means… it’s Dyslexia Awareness Month! The team at Da Vinci Collaborative and A Head for Knowing Podcast are dedicated to spreading a message for hope about dyslexia and continuing the work of education for everyone. Please wear your light blue this month and check out all the links below to find out how we are honoring Dyslexia Awareness Month.

EPISODE #14

Be a Miley, Not a Sisyphus

It’s time to go back, back to school! We’re welcoming in September by taking a deep breath, finding your why, and doing some arts in crafts to help center your vision for the future. Like what you hear? Please subscribe and share the episodes with your friends!

EPISODE #13

It's Okay to Not Be Okay with Debbi Rakowsky

This week, we’re bringing you a healthy dose of therapy as Kerry interviews Marriage and Family Therapist for 35 years, Debbi Rakowsky. Deb was a School Social Worker at 3 Village Schools for 38 years including Creator and Founder of WellVille Wellness Center. We’re talking positivity, seeking space for yourself and the importance of knowing when you need to ask for help. Send this episode to someone who could use a jolt of positivity in their day!

EPISODE #12

Can Optimism be Learned?

Is optimism a gene, a quirk, a way of life, or a practice? And how can you harness positivity in all aspects of your daily life? In today’s episode, we introduce our theme of harnessing positivity and how to clear out the noise and center your brain.

EPISODE #11

Becoming Part of the Bigger Picture with Tricia Desiderio

Former President of the Long Island Association for Special Education Administrators, former Assistant Superintendent, and current inspirational rockstar Tricia Desiderio joins Kerry this week to talk leadership, friendship and creating a culture of positivity.

EPISODE #10

Reinventing Yourself with Elaine Micali

Episode 10 is here! We’re so happy to reach this milestone with you all, and we are excited to continue building this community every step of the way. Today we discuss the importance of reinvention, personally and professionally, with former Da Vinci co-founder and current restaurateur Elaine Micali. Come hungry, leave happy, and don’t forget to make a reservation at Elaine’s in Setauket, NY!

EPISODE #9

To the Class of 2024...

On today’s episode, we offer our advice to the graduating class of 2024, wherever you may be at this stage in your life, and anyone else who is on the precipice of change. We discuss the most important things’ we’ve learned in our post-grad experience, and break down how we’re embracing “Regency-Era Springtime.”

EPISODE #8

Prepare to be Unprepared with Antiques Roadshow Line Producer Jill Giles

On today’s episode, Kerry interviews her favorite guest of all-time: Antiques Roadshow line producer (and her sister!) Jill Giles. Kerry and Jill talk about life on the Road, how to tackle change and how they address dynamic problem solving when everything is crashing down.

EPISODE #7

Becoming a Dynamic Problem Solver by Embracing Change

On today’s episode, Kerry introduces our new focus for the next series of episodes: the ominous six-letter word CHANGE. We discuss how embracing change has made an undeniable impact at Da Vinci Collaboration, and how listeners can create a positive environment to embrace change in their own lives.

EPISODE #6

Meeting People Where they Are with Assistant Superintendent Eileen Fredericks

On today’s episode, we interrupt your listening of Taylor Swift’s new album to bring you a conversation on research development in schools and bringing new ideas to the classroom with Carle Place Schools’ Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Personnel, Eileen Fredericks. Kerry and Eileen continue on with our monthly theme of building relationships between teachers and students, as well as personnel development in schools.

EPISODE #5

Can Personality Assessments Make You a Better Teacher? With Da Vinci Therapy Services' LCSW Lorna Bosak

On today’s episode, host Kerry Leo discusses the benefits of personality assessments for educators and the DiSC Assessment with LCSW Lorna Bosak.

EPISODE #4

Empowering Educators with the Goddess of Positivity Dr. Debbie Silver

Host Kerry Leo is manifesting optimism for teachers, parents and students alike with the one of only “Goddess of Positivity” Dr. Debbie Silver. An educator, author and speaker for over 30 years, Dr. Silver breaks down the importance of empowering teachers and trusting students.

EPISODE #3

Teaching can be lonely. How can we build relationships?

On today’s episode, host Kerry Leo breaks down the need for building relationships in and out of the classroom. We explore the “red car theory” and how parents, educators and administrators can assess personality types to foster strong relationships.

EPISODE #2

Chatting with Hilary Gomes, Pediatric Neuropsychologist

This time around, Kerry Leo sits down with Hilary Gomes Ph.D., ABPdN – Pediatric Neuropsychologist, to talk about the challenges educators and students are facing nowadays.

EPISODE #1

What Schools Could Be' with Paul Romanelli

The first episode of the ‘A Head for Knowing’ podcast features guest Paul Romanelli, Superintendent of West Islip Public Schools in N.Y., and your host, Kerry Leo. The two discuss Ted Dintersmith’s book ‘What Schools Could Be’ and how his findings can be applied in the classroom.