Catholic School Leaders Podcast: Show Notes

Episode Title: Expanding Catholic Education for All with Martha Murray
Host: John Mihalyo
Guest: Martha Murray, National Director of the Tom & Terri Murphy Foundation

Episode Summary:
In this inspiring episode, John is joined by Martha Murray, a passionate Catholic educator and advocate for inclusive education. Martha shares the powerful and personal story of her son Philip, whose journey through Catholic education sparked the creation of inclusive programs at both the high school and college levels. From the Options Program at Bishop Hendricken High School to the groundbreaking VUnited Scholars program at Villanova University, Martha walks us through how these models came to life—and how your school can begin a similar journey.

Whether you're leading a preschool, elementary, high school, or college, this episode is a must-listen for any Catholic school leader who believes in creating a faith-filled, inclusive community where every student belongs.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How Martha’s personal story led to a national movement for inclusion in Catholic schools
• Why inclusion isn’t charity—it’s justice
• What sustainable, inclusive programs look like in Catholic elementary, high school, and college settings
• How peer mentorship transforms school culture
• Advice for school leaders who want to begin inclusion work but don’t know where to start
• The role of community, donor support, and strong leadership in launching new programs
• Why Catholic schools must reflect the fullness of the Church by welcoming all learners

Key Quote:

Connect with Martha Murray:
Want to learn more about inclusion in Catholic schools or talk with Martha directly? Visit https://tmurphyfoundation.org/.

Listen + Subscribe
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Let’s Connect:
Want to talk more about how to grow your school’s mission, enrollment, or advancement?
Visit www.elementaryadvancement.com or check the show notes below to set up a free conversation with John.

Episode Title: How to Get the Most Out of the NCEA Conference

Host: John Mihalyo

Episode Summary:

Are you heading to the NCEA Conference in Orlando this year? Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been to several, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you get the most out of the experience.

In this solo episode, John shares what he learned during his first NCEA Conference last year in Pittsburgh—from how to navigate the jam-packed session schedule to why the Whova app might just become your best friend.

John also discusses the power of stepping outside your comfort zone, how to turn online connections into in-person conversations, and how this conference is about more than professional development—it's about being part of the mission of Catholic education.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Plan Ahead for Sessions – Review the breakout offerings before you arrive and consider dividing them up among your team.
✅ Use the Whova App – This free tool will help you navigate the event, connect with others, and keep track of your schedule.
✅ Attend Daily Mass and Keynotes – Some of the most powerful and inspiring moments of the conference happen here.
✅ Step Outside Your Circle – Don’t just stick with people from your school—meet new people, expand your network, and grow.
✅ Take Advantage of Meetups – Check Whova for informal gatherings based on roles, regions, or interests.
✅ Connect with Vendors – The vendor hall is a great opportunity to discover new tools and resources—and pick up some great swag.
✅ Reconnect with Old Friends – Be open to unexpected reunions and intentional connections with people from past roles.
✅ This Is More Than PD – The NCEA Conference is a celebration of the Catholic school mission—come ready to be inspired and renewed.

Resources Mentioned:

📲 Whova App – Available for iOS and Android
📅 NCEA 2025 Site and Resources
🧰 Free Tools for Catholic Schools from Elementary Advancement Solutions
🗓️ Book a Strategy Call – Schedule a time with John

Sponsor:

🚀 This episode is brought to you by Elementary Advancement Solutions, your partner in enrollment, advancement, and strategic leadership for Catholic schools. Check out our tools, resources, and coaching opportunities online.

Guest: Will Parker
Host: John Mihalyo, Elementary Advancement Solutions

In this episode, John is joined by author and leadership coach Will Parker, whose book Messaging Matters was featured in John’s list of 11 School Leadership Books Every Principal Should Read.

The focus of this episode is on one of the most important—and often overlooked—aspects of school leadership: communication. Whether it's with students, faculty, parents, or the greater community, communication can either build momentum in your school—or hold it back.

Will and John explore practical, powerful ways that school leaders can embed strong communication practices into their daily leadership habits. You’ll hear how messaging isn’t just about what you say—it’s also how you show up, what you prioritize, and how you consistently celebrate your mission.

This is a conversation full of actionable strategies, real-life examples, and plenty of inspiration. If you’ve ever heard feedback that your school “needs better communication,” this episode is for you.

💡 Topics Covered:

• Why communication is often the missing link in effective school leadership
• How to build intentional communication into your calendar
• Moving from “maintenance” to “mission” in your messaging
• The importance of being your school’s chief storyteller
• How your daily actions (not just words) communicate your values
• Practical ways to engage students, parents, and faculty through messaging
• Celebrating the 95% of students doing the right thing—without ignoring the 5% who aren’t
• Why schools must lead the narrative—or risk someone else telling the wrong one

📌 Key Takeaways:

• If communication is a priority, it should be on your calendar
• The most effective messaging is embedded into your existing routines
• Students, parents, and teachers all want to feel seen, heard, and valued
• Telling the right stories about your school builds trust and momentum
• The more visible and present you are, the more your actions speak for you
• Celebrate your mission often—because people will talk about what you give them to talk about

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• Check out Will's books at this link!
• Get a copy of Will's his new book "Whose Permission are You Waiting For?"
• Schedule a free consultation with John to talk about your school's advancement, enrollment, or leadership goals

📲 Stay Connected:

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this podcast with other Catholic school leaders in your network.

Want to talk about what’s happening in your school?
Let’s connect. Visit elementaryadvancement.com and schedule a time with John.