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The Bridge

The Bridge

Written by: Cate Tolnai
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 A growing community of educators, mentors, and lifelong learners who believe in the power of connection, shared stories, and showing up for one another - again and againAlpenspruce Education Solutions, Inc Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Take a Breath and Lean In with Kristin Oropeza

    Take a Breath and Lean In with Kristin Oropeza
    Jan 11 2026
    Join host Cate Tolnai for a heartfelt reunion with longtime friend Kristin Oropeza, who shares her journey returning to the special education classroom after years away—and why it felt like "coming home." Kristin reflects on UDL as equity in action, using AI as a creative thought partner, and the importance of empathy, flexibility, and mental health in today's classrooms. 💚✨🎯 What You'll Discover:Coming Home to Special Education 🏠• Why returning to the classroom after years as a Technology TOSA felt like rediscovering her purpose• How Kristin's work as mentor, advocate, and mother deepened her commitment to equity and UDL• The evolution from tech coach back to Education Specialist supporting diverse learnersUDL is Equity in Action ♿• Universal Design for Learning isn't something extra—it's what makes learning possible for every student• How UDL provides flexible pathways that honor different ways of learning, expressing, and engaging• Why designing for accessibility from the start benefits all learners, not just someAI as Creative Thought Partner 🤖• Using AI tools to support writers and educators while maintaining authenticity and voice• How technology can enhance creativity without replacing the human element• Balancing innovation with intentionality in teaching and learningA Full-Circle Mentorship Moment 🔄• Kristin reconnects with a former kindergarten student—now a high schooler—while observing a new teacher• Why these moments remind us that mentorship and relationships compound over time• How experienced educators nurture the next generation through empathy and reflectionSupporting Students & Families With Diverse Needs 💫• Kristin's daughter's learning journey and how it shaped her advocacy for accessibility• The importance of listening to families and honoring their knowledge of their children• Creating classrooms where empathy, flexibility, and mental health are prioritizedAdvice for New Teachers: Take a Breath 🌬️• "Take a breath, listen, and lean on your people"—building authentic relationships is the foundation• Why finding your educator community sustains you through challenges• Leading with heart, reflection, and lifelong growthKey Takeaways:✨ UDL is equity in action—it's not extra work, it's designing learning that works for everyone✨ Returning to the classroom after coaching can feel like coming home with renewed purpose✨ AI can be a creative thought partner when used intentionally without replacing authentic voice✨ Full-circle moments—like reconnecting with former students—remind us why mentorship matters✨ Take a breath, listen, and lean on your people—relationships are the foundation of great teaching✨ Experienced educators nurture the next generation by modeling empathy, reflection, and growth🎯 Perfect For:• Special education teachers and advocates for diverse learners• Educators interested in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and accessibility• Teachers exploring AI as a creative tool while maintaining authenticity• Mentors working with intern teachers and newly credentialed educators• Anyone navigating the balance between innovation and student-centered practice• New teachers seeking advice on building relationships and finding communityResources & Mentions:♿ Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework🎓 LA County Office of Education - Practicum Supervision and Induction Mentoring🏫 Brea Olinda Unified School District🎤 Kristin's conference presentations: Spring & Fall CUE, ISTE, CA STEAM Symposium📚 CA State Certificates in Educational Technology and Online & Blended Learning (Krause Innovation Center, Foothill College)Connect With Kristin Oropeza:Twitter/X: @KristinOropezaInstagram: @kristinoropezaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinoropeza/About Kristin Oropeza:Kristin Oropeza has spent 14 years in public education as a special education teacher and Technology TOSA, advocating for educational technology and diverse learners. She currently works as an Education Specialist (RSP Teacher) for Brea Olinda Unified School District and part-time for LA County Office of Education as Practicum Supervisor and Induction Mentor. A champion for Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Kristin advocates for creative, thoughtful, and innovative use of technology to ensure equitable access for all. She holds a Master's from CSU Long Beach and California State Certificates in Educational Technology and Online & Blended Learning. She has presented at CUE, ISTE, and CA STEAM Symposium.This episode reminds us that coming home to teaching—whether physically or philosophically—can deepen our purpose and renew our commitment to equity, empathy, and lifelong growth. 💚#udlap #SpecialEducation #EdTech #UniversalDesign #EquityInEducation #Mentorship #AIinEducation #EdChat #DiverseLearners #TeacherSupport #Accessibility #NewTeachers #InductionMentoring
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    43 mins
  • Nature Meets Wi-Fi Meets Classrooms with Brad Krey

    Nature Meets Wi-Fi Meets Classrooms with Brad Krey
    Jan 4 2026
    Join host Cate Tolnai for a remarkable conversation with Brad Krey of California State Parks, who shares the 21-year journey of PORTS (Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students)—a program bringing live, interactive park experiences into K–12 classrooms nationwide, completely free. Discover how passionate interpreters, innovative technology, and deep partnerships transform access to California's natural and cultural resources for students who may never visit in person. 🌲🎯 What You'll Discover:21 Years of Bringing Parks to Classrooms 🏞️• How PORTS has engaged over 2 million students through live, interactive virtual field trips• The evolution from simple webcasts to underwater explorations, kayak tours, and cultural heritage experiences• Why free, standards-aligned access to state parks matters for equity and student engagementTechnology That Deepens Human Connection 💡• PORTS proves technology becomes powerful when it expands access and curiosity, not when it distracts• How digital tools bridge distances while maintaining authentic, interpreter-led experiences• Creating wonder and belonging for learners who may never physically visit these placesPivoting During the Pandemic 🚀• Within one week of shutdowns, Brad's team launched live kayak tours and underwater explorations for tens of thousands of students• What becomes possible when passion meets purpose and teams choose to show up for learners• How crisis accelerated innovation and proved the value of virtual accessExpanding Access Through Strategic Partnerships 🤝• Building multidisciplinary teams and collaborations that increase equity and visibility of public lands• How interpreters, teachers, partners, and communities work together to widen access and reduce barriers• The power of choosing to collaborate for the good of students—impact that reaches hundreds of thousandsYou Don't Need to Be Near a Park 🌍• PORTS brings free, live, standards-aligned experiences into any classroom with internet access• Using virtual field trips to ignite inquiry and scaffold future in-person learning• How digital access inspires the next generation of environmental stewards and curious learnersKey Takeaways:✨ Technology is powerful when it deepens human connection and expands access, not when it distracts✨ PORTS engaged 2 million+ students over 21 years through free, live virtual field trips✨ Within one week of pandemic shutdowns, passionate teams launched underwater explorations for thousands✨ You don't need proximity to a state park—PORTS brings authentic experiences into any classroom✨ Strategic partnerships that prioritize equity can transform access to natural and cultural resources✨ Authentic connection happens when interpreters, teachers, and communities choose to show up for learners🎯 Perfect For:• K–12 educators seeking free, standards-aligned virtual field trip experiences• Teachers wanting to bring natural and cultural resources into their classrooms• Leaders interested in digital equity and expanding access to public lands• Environmental education advocates and outdoor learning enthusiasts• Administrators exploring strategic partnerships that increase student engagement• Anyone passionate about using technology to inspire curiosity and wonderResources & Mentions:🌲 PORTS Program - Free virtual field trips to California State Parks📺 California State Parks PORTS - YouTube Channel👥 PORTS Distance Learning Program - Facebook Group🎟️ California State Park Adventure Pass - In-person visit resourcesConnect With PORTS:California State Parks PORTS - https://www.youtube.com/c/CaliforniaStateParksPORTSProgramsInstagram: @castateparksPORTSWebsite: http://www.ports.parks.ca.govAbout Brad Krey:Brad Krey serves as Statewide Program Manager at California State Parks with over 25 years of experience in public engagement, education, and outreach. He leads multidisciplinary teams managing complex projects that expand access and improve services for people learning about California. A pioneer in digital storytelling, Brad has implemented innovative, tech-forward initiatives connecting diverse communities to the state's natural and cultural resources. He's best known for launching PORTS (Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students), a suite of digital outreach and education tools that have engaged over 2 million students over two decades through strategic partnerships that increase equity, visibility, and relevance of public lands.This episode reminds us that when people choose to collaborate for students, the impact multiplies—and technology becomes a bridge to wonder, curiosity, and belonging. 🌲#ports #VirtualFieldTrips #EnvironmentalEducation #DigitalEquity #CaliforniaStateParks #EdTech #OutdoorLearning #EdChat #AccessForAll #K12Education #STEMeducation #CulturalResources #StudentEngagement
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    36 mins
  • Reflect Now, Shine Later with Crystal Meyer and Christina Baroldi

    Reflect Now, Shine Later with Crystal Meyer and Christina Baroldi
    Dec 28 2025
    Join host Cate Tolnai for a celebration of partnership with Crystal Meyer and Christina Baroldi, two educators whose decade-long collaboration transformed their work in career readiness and student-centered design. From being paired as EdTech TOSAs to earning Golden Bell Awards, they share how complementary strengths, shared competitiveness, and trust in students created magic. 💫✨🎯 What You'll Discover:When the Right Partnership Changes Everything 🤝•Crystal's confession: she was terrified of Christina—then they discovered instant synergy• How unexpected partnerships become transformative when strengths complement each other• The power of shared competitiveness and commitment to students driving excellenceFrom EdTech TOSAs to Career Education Leaders 🚀• Their journey redesigning district programs and creating attendance-boosting innovations like Esports labs• Transitioning from instructional technology to career readiness and student-centered design• Earning Golden Bell Awards through programs like iTeach and iLead at Orange UnifiedHelping Students Understand Themselves 🧭• Using the RIASEC framework (Holland Codes) to help young people discover their interests and strengths• Why self-knowledge empowers students to make informed, confident choices about their futures• Trusting kids to chart their own paths when given the right tools and supportThe Magic of Complementary Strengths ⚡• How their different approaches—Crystal's museum curator precision meets Christina's innovative drive—created powerful synergy• Blending strengths to design learning experiences that truly center students• Why collaboration accelerates growth when educators bring unique gifts to partnershipMentorship, Belonging & Career Growth 💚• When educators feel seen, supported, and partnered, their impact multiplies• How their friendship and professional partnership sustained them through challenges• Building cultures where collaboration and trust unlock educator potentialKey Takeaways:✨ Unexpected partnerships can become transformative when strengths complement each other✨ Use tools like RIASEC to help students understand themselves and make confident choices✨ Trust kids to chart their own paths when you give them self-knowledge and support✨ Growth accelerates through true collaboration that centers students✨ Mentorship and belonging fuel career growth—feeling seen and partnered multiplies impact✨ Shared competitiveness and commitment to excellence can drive meaningful innovation🎯 Perfect For:• Educators interested in career readiness, CTE, and student-centered design• Leaders building collaborative partnerships and team cultures• Teachers wanting to help students discover their strengths and career interests• Anyone seeking inspiration about the power of complementary partnerships• EdTech coaches transitioning to new leadership roles• Educators passionate about digital equity, access, and student achievementResources & Mentions:🧭 Holland Code and RIASEC Framework - What are Holland Codes?📊 Holland Code (RIASEC) Test - Help students discover their interests🏆 Golden Bell Awards - iTeach and iLead programs at Orange Unified🎮 Esports Lab - Attendance-boosting career education innovation📚 Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) Career Education Unit🌐 Orange Unified School District (OUSD) digital transformation initiativesConnect With Our Guests:Crystal Meyer - LinkedInChristina Baroldi - LinkedInAbout Crystal Meyer:Crystal Meyer brings a unique perspective to education, transitioning from museum registrar curating artifacts to career education administrator curating student futures. She leads with innovation in digital equity and access, earning accolades for creating attendance-boosting Esports labs, career readiness initiatives, and securing major technology grants. Crystal currently serves as Coordinator in the Career Education Unit at Orange County Department of Education (OCDE).About Christina Baroldi:Christina Baroldi has been in education for 27 years, ranging from classroom teacher to Instructional Specialist and Verizon Innovative Learning Coach. She leads with innovation focused on digital equity, access, and student achievement. Christina drives digital transformation at Orange Unified School District (OUSD), where she leads Golden Bell award-winning programs like iTeach and iLead to unlock authentic digital learning experiences for all students.This episode celebrates how the right partnership—built on trust, complementary strengths, and shared purpose—multiplies impact for students and educators alike. 💫#CareerEducation #EdTech #StudentCentered #RIASEC #DigitalEquity #EdLeadership #Mentorship #EdChat #CTEeducation #TeacherPartnership #InnovationInEducation #GoldenBell #EducatorCollaboration
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    44 mins
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