Cook Center for Human Connection

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Cook Center for Human Connection

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Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Cook Center for Human Connection, Charitable organisation, 1033 West 220 South, Suite 210, Pleasant Grove, UT.

The mission of the Cook Center for Human Connection is to bring together the best organizations, programs, and products to prevent su***de, provide mental health support, and enhance human connections essential for people to thrive.

10/13/2026

On this episode of The Superintendent Effect, host Anne Brown sits down with Dr. Dan Linford, superintendent of Davis School District in Utah, to explore how schools can create meaningful opportunities for every student.

Anne and Dr. Linford discuss:
- Why student belonging matters, including support for students experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.
- How schools and families can better address student mental health.
- Why communication, collaboration, and other human skills remain essential in a changing world.

Hear how the 2026 Utah Superintendent of the Year is leading a student-centered approach to leadership can strengthen schools, support families, and help young people discover their potential.

Listen Today!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2DZUSsqftYvQiVkTzDmBZd?si=5gPaCKQBToKFPVpdtQZrug

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-superintendent-effect/id1834026146

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6ss1INZQjYdsn5P6QHuB_slNNSaEQdnd&si=nGfOwA6RelnpRpBo

09/30/2026

Dr. Daniel Bittman, Superintendent of Edina Public Schools in Minnesota, joins Anne Brown for a great conversation about leadership, community partnerships, student opportunities, and the lasting impact of a superintendent.

With 17 years of experience as a superintendent and a career that has taken him from Minnesota to the Clark County School District in Las Vegas and the Minnesota Department of Education, Dr. Bittman shares lessons he has learned from leading school communities of vastly different sizes.

In this episode, Dr. Bittman discusses:

• Building strong partnerships between schools, families, businesses, and the community
• Edina’s Global Scholars, fine arts, language, career and technical education, and entrepreneurship opportunities
• The ripple effect a superintendent can have on students, families, staff, and an entire community

Listen today!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2DZUSsqftYvQiVkTzDmBZd?si=5gPaCKQBToKFPVpdtQZrug

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-superintendent-effect/id1834026146

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6ss1INZQjYdsn5P6QHuB_slNNSaEQdnd&si=nGfOwA6RelnpRpBo

09/16/2026

Aaron Bayer, Superintendent of the Oregon Trail School District in Oregon, joins The Superintendent Effect to share his remarkable journey into education leadership and his vision for preparing students for the future.

Aaron’s message is ultimately about helping students recognize the potential within themselves — and giving them the confidence and opportunities to turn that potential into their future.

Listen today!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2DZUSsqftYvQiVkTzDmBZd?si=5gPaCKQBToKFPVpdtQZrug

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-superintendent-effect/id1834026146

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6ss1INZQjYdsn5P6QHuB_slNNSaEQdnd&si=nGfOwA6RelnpRpBo

09/09/2026

Dr. Dallas LeDuff, Superintendent of the Barrow County School System in Georgia, joins The Superintendent Effect to share his journey from special education teacher to district leader and superintendent.

Dr. LeDuff discusses mental health partnerships, family support, innovative CTE programs, and preparing students for the future workforce. He also shares advice for new superintendents on authenticity, collaboration, and remembering that education is a team sport.

A few highlights from the conversation:
• How Barrow County is investing in educator salaries to recruit and retain great teachers
• The district’s growing mental health resources and partnership with the Cook Center
• Hands-on CTE opportunities including drones, EVs, construction, culinary arts, and welding

Listen today!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2DZUSsqftYvQiVkTzDmBZd?si=5gPaCKQBToKFPVpdtQZrug

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-superintendent-effect/id1834026146

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6ss1INZQjYdsn5P6QHuB_slNNSaEQdnd&si=nGfOwA6RelnpRpBo

09/03/2026

In this episode of The Superintendent Effect, Ben Gilpin, Superintendent of Newaygo Public Schools in Michigan, shares his journey from classroom teacher to principal to superintendent and the lessons he’s learned along the way about leadership, culture, community, and supporting every student.

Ben discusses his first three years leading Newaygo Public Schools, including the work of bringing three buildings together as one district, strengthening professional learning communities, balancing a $1.3 million budget, improving systems and processes, and building a stronger school culture.

One of Ben’s central leadership philosophies is simple: “I got you.” He explains why healthy culture comes down to supporting one another and why leaders need to be willing to be vulnerable and let people see the person behind the title.

Listen today!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2DZUSsqftYvQiVkTzDmBZd?si=5gPaCKQBToKFPVpdtQZrug

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-superintendent-effect/id1834026146

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6ss1INZQjYdsn5P6QHuB_slNNSaEQdnd&si=nGfOwA6RelnpRpBo

09/01/2026

September is Su***de Prevention Month. Remember hope and help are always available.

988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline - 24/7
Call or Text 988
Chat at chat.988lifeline.org

Crisis Text Line - 24/7
Text COALITION to 741741
Chat at crisistextline.org

***deawarenessmonth ***depreventionmonth ***depreventionawareness

08/26/2026

What does it take to build a school district where students have multiple pathways to succeed?

In this episode of The Superintendent Effect, Dr. Terry Brenner discusses the monumental work happening in North Dakota at Grand Forks Public Schools, including STEM and drone education, the new Career Impact Academy, partnerships with Grand Forks Air Force Base, student mental health supports, and flexible learning opportunities.

Dr. Brenner also shares how Grand Forks is working to connect every student with a caring adult and create a system that makes it “almost impossible to fail.” This is a podcast you don’t want to miss.

Listen today!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2DZUSsqftYvQiVkTzDmBZd?si=5gPaCKQBToKFPVpdtQZrug

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-superintendent-effect/id1834026146

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6ss1INZQjYdsn5P6QHuB_slNNSaEQdnd&si=nGfOwA6RelnpRpBo

08/21/2026

Dr. Robert Mungo, Superintendent of Mount Holly Township School District in Mount Holly Township, New Jersey, joins The Superintendent Effect for a conversation about family engagement, leadership, resilience, and building stronger communities.

Dr. Mungo discusses the difference between family involvement and true engagement, his own journey to the superintendency, breaking generational cycles, and how his understanding of leadership has evolved over time.

His message is simple but powerful: leadership is ultimately about people and the impact we leave behind.

Listen today!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2DZUSsqftYvQiVkTzDmBZd?si=5gPaCKQBToKFPVpdtQZrug

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-superintendent-effect/id1834026146

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6ss1INZQjYdsn5P6QHuB_slNNSaEQdnd&si=nGfOwA6RelnpRpBo

08/12/2026

Erin Kane, Superintendent of Douglas County School District in Colorado, joins Anne Brown on The Superintendent Effect to discuss leading one of Colorado’s largest school districts through a rapidly changing educational landscape.

In this episode, Erin discusses:
• Why schools can’t afford to close the door on AI
• How Douglas County is helping students use AI safely, ethically, and intelligently
• The importance of purpose, hope, and optimism for today’s students
• How 90+ career pathways are giving students more options for life after high school
• Why culture and climate are the accomplishments she’s most proud of
• How intentional relationship-building has transformed her leadership
• Why superintendents need to focus on both today’s challenges and tomorrow’s possibilities

Listen today!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2DZUSsqftYvQiVkTzDmBZd?si=5gPaCKQBToKFPVpdtQZrug

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-superintendent-effect/id1834026146

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6ss1INZQjYdsn5P6QHuB_slNNSaEQdnd&si=nGfOwA6RelnpRpBo

08/05/2026

What makes a great school district and thriving community?

According to Ben Kirby, Superintendent of Forest Hills Public Schools (Michigan), it starts with relationships. Ben joins host Anne Brown on The Superintendent Effect to discuss why relationships, not programs, are the foundation of great schools.

Ben shares:
• How he’s bringing together three unique school communities into one district
• Why investing in staff culture leads to better student outcomes
• The importance of developing future leaders in education
• How Forest Hills is expanding STEM, health sciences, and career pathways for students

Don’t miss this conversation on leadership, culture, and preparing students for the future ahead.

Listen now on
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2DZUSsqftYvQiVkTzDmBZd?si=5gPaCKQBToKFPVpdtQZrug&nd=1&dlsi=a96c6da6e46d448f
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-relationships-in-education/id1834026146?i=1000779886342
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6ss1INZQjYdsn5P6QHuB_slNNSaEQdnd&si=nGfOwA6RelnpRpBo

Address

1033 West 220 South, Suite 210
Pleasant Grove, UT
84062

Telephone

+14356406126

Website

http://cookcenter.org/, http://cookcenter.info/resources

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