Episodes

We’re kicking off a new season with George Mendoza, Superintendent of La Grande School District and the 2026 Oregon Superintendent of the Year. But this conversation goes beyond the title. Superintendent Mendoza takes us back to his early years and shares the journey from classroom teacher to superintendent—including the mentors, challenges and experiences that shaped how he leads today. We talk about rural education, student success, building strong communities and what it really takes to lea...

In this episode of Leaders Build Leaders, Dr. Coakley sits down with Jarvez Hall, Director of the East Metro STEAM Partnership at the Multnomah Education Service District. Jarvez leads regional efforts that connect schools, industry partners, and communities to build meaningful, real-world learning experiences. His work focuses on ensuring students don’t just have exposure to STEAM—but have true access, belonging, and pathways into future careers. This conversation explores what it really takes...

May is a month when we recognize the vital role of school nurses—professionals who form the backbone of student health and safety. With National School Nurse Day observed on the first Wednesday of May, this episode of Leaders Build Leaders couldn’t be more timely. I sat down with Jamie Smith, Senior Program Administrator for School Health Services at Multnomah Education Service District (MESD). Jamie leads coordinated school health efforts across multiple districts, work that mirrors the very p...

This month on Leaders Build Leaders with Dr. Coakley, we are excited to welcome Natasha Jackson, Senior Climate & Culture Administrator at MESD. This episode focuses on how MESD’s Climate & Culture work advances Blueprint’28 by helping schools create environments where every student feels safe, valued, and supported. Through leadership coaching, professional learning, and equity-centered systems improvement, Natasha shares how districts can strengthen belonging, student well-being, and cultural...

This month on Leaders Build Leaders with Dr. Coakley, we are excited to welcome David Cramblett, Senior Technology Services Administrator at MESD. With more than two decades in education technology, David shares how MESD’s Technology Services team supports schools across Multnomah County. In this episode, we talk about: Technology in service of student success Advancing the Blueprint’28 goals Equity-centered tech support and access The importance of data privacy and security in schools To ...

This special episode of the Leaders Build Leaders Podcast marks Black History Month with a unique and personal conversation featuring Dr. Coakley. With the roles reversed, Marifer Sager, Director of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs and executive producer of the podcast, steps into the interviewer’s seat. Dr. Coakley reflects on his journey to becoming a superintendent, recognizes the mentors and colleagues who shaped his path, and shares insights on leadership, purpose, and service. ...

Dr. Coakley talks with Jennifer Basham, Senior Program Administrator for MESD’s Outdoor School, about her journey from Outdoor School student to program leader, the power of experiential learning, and how her team is adapting to change while keeping the magic of the outdoors alive for thousands of students each year. Learn more about Outdoor School at outdoorschool.multnomahesd.org

In this episode of Leaders Build Leaders, Dr. Coakley talks with Geof Garner, program manager for TRIO Programs, about his inspiring and unconventional journey. From his parents’ short-lived drag racing business and early school challenges to serving in the military and working overseas, Geof shares how each experience shaped his “guide on the side” leadership style. The conversation highlights the power of resilience, the importance of the word “yet,” and how programs like TRIO and Upward Bound...

As Hispanic Heritage Month continues, we highlight Alejandra Nava, who serves as the Program Administrator for Career Pathways at MESD. Alejandra shares her personal journey and participation in the Multnomah Grow Your Own program (MGYO), a joint endeavor focused on fostering pathways for future educators to enhance the local educational workforce. Gain insight into MGYO's accomplishments, the importance of this collaborative project, and Alejandra's efforts in supporting aspiring educators. Don...

In episode 1 of the new season 3 of Leaders Build Leaders, Dr. Coakley interviews Principal Todd Nicholson, who gives us an inside look at recovery school Rivercrest Academy. Todd shares about his personal journey and about how Rivercrest came to be, what a day looks like, and why it's important. Learn more about the Rivercrest Academy at rivercrestacademy.multnomahesd.org

In this episode of Leaders Build Leaders, Dr. Coakley interviews Katy Tibbs, who has been an educator, a teacher librarian, and currently Digital Learning & AI Integration Specialist at Multnomah Education Service District. Dr. Coakley and Katy discussed artificial intelligence - how to start using it, its potential impact on education, and resources to learn more, including MESD's upcoming collaboration for the 2025 AI Empowered Education conference.  Learn more about the conference at https...

In this episode of Leaders Build Leaders, Dr. Coakley interviews Michael Lopes Serrao, who has been Superintendent of Parkrose School District since 2018 after working for the district since 2002. Dr. Coakley and Superintendent Lopes Serrao speak about their influencers, about the power of curiosity, and about what the future of education might look like.

In this special episode of Leaders Build Leaders, Dr. Coakley takes the podcast on the road to the AESA Conference in Orlando to interview Dr. Joan H. Wade. With over 30 years in public education, Dr. Wade brings a wealth of experience as a library media specialist, technology coordinator, and distance learning director in Wisconsin school districts. She also served as a Wisconsin State Representative from 1998 to 2001 and has been the Executive Director of the Association of Educational Service...

In this episode, Dr. Coakley sits down with Clackamas Education Service District Superintendent Larry Didway for a one-on-one conversation about leadership styles, balancing work and life, building and sustaining infrastructure to support staff growth, and helping students develop the resilience and adaptability they need for the future.

In this premiere episode of Season Two, Dr. Coakley speaks with Dr. Krista Parent, Director of Executive Leadership at Coalition of School Administrators (COSA ).They explore professional development opportunities and equity-forward options for future educational leaders.

For the last episode of this season, Dr. Coakley met with Clackamas Education Service District Superintendent Larry Didway and NW Regional Education Service District Superintendent Dan Goldman to discuss the implications and future of artificial intelligence in education.

Join Multnomah Education Service District Superintendent Dr. Paul E. Coakley in the Season 1 finale. In this episode, he speaks with Beaverton Superintendent Dr. Gustavo Balderas about the challenges and opportunities they have both navigated as leaders of color.

Join Multnomah Education Service District Superintendent Dr. Paul E. Coakley as he speaks with Gresham-Barlow Superintendent James Hiu about the importance of mentors and colleagues as thought partners and about why it’s critical to understand your “why” when working in the field of education.

Join Multnomah Education Service District Superintendent Dr. Paul E. Coakley as he speaks with Centennial Superintendent James Owens about walking in the footsteps of your mentors and the lessons you can learn from water polo.

Join Multnomah Education Service District Superintendent Dr. Paul E. Coakley as he speaks with Oregon Department of Education Director Dr. Charlene Williams about leading public instruction and changing educational systems.

Join current MESD Superintendent Dr. Paul E. Coakley as he speaks with former MESD Superintendent and Education Leadership Coach Sam Breyer about his path to leadership and how to build and support great leaders.

Join Multnomah Education Service District Superintendent Dr. Paul E. Coakley as he speaks with Multnomah Chair Jessica Vega Pederson about making change in government and the power of partnerships.