Cook Center for Human Connection

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Cook Center for Human Connection

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.

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

07/22/2026

How do great schools create thriving communities?

This week on The Superintendent Effect, Anne Brown sits down with Dr. Karen Cheser, Superintendent of Durango School District 9-R in Durango, Colorado, to discuss what it takes to build schools that prepare students for the future while strengthening the entire community.

In this episode, Dr. Cheser shares:
• How Durango developed a district-wide “Portrait of a Graduate”
• Why career pathways and makerspaces are changing student outcomes
• The importance of supporting educator mental health and workforce housing
• How community partnerships help schools and students thrive

Listen now on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube!
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

07/15/2026

How do you create incredible opportunities for students in a rural community?

This week on The Superintendent Effect, Katy Xenakis-Markowski, Superintendent of Johannesburg-Lewiston Area Schools in Michigan, shares how investing in relationships has helped transform her district over the past 11 years.

Hear how her team:
* Built an on-campus medical and behavioral health clinic
* Expanded Career & Technical Education opportunities
* Created partnerships with colleges and community organizations
* Opened new doors for students, regardless of their ZIP code

:headphones: Listen now!
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6ss1INZQjYdsn5P6QHuB_slNNSaEQdnd
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2DZUSsqftYvQiVkTzDmBZd?si=5gPaCKQBToKFPVpdtQZrug&nd=1&dlsi=b6f7ea59db2d4cec
Apple:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-superintendent-effect/id1834026146

06/24/2026

Dr. Randy Russell, Superintendent of Freeman School District in Washington State, joins Anne Brown on The Superintendent Effect to reflect on 38 years of public service and 15 years of leadership in Freeman.

In this awesome conversation, Dr. Russell discusses leading through a school shooting, navigating the challenges of COVID-19, prioritizing student mental health, and building a culture centered on relationships, trust, and longevity.

One of the episode’s biggest takeaways:
“If you want to go fast, go by yourself. If you want to go far, you’ve got to go as a team.”

Listen to hear practical leadership lessons from a superintendent who leaves behind a remarkable legacy of service.

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2DZUSsqftYvQiVkTzDmBZd?si=5gPaCKQBToKFPVpdtQZrug&nd=1&dlsi=161846476d9d4921

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

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6ss1INZQjYdsn5P6QHuB_slNNSaEQdnd

06/09/2026

New Episode Alert — The Superintendent Effect!

We recently sat down with Mr. David Law, Superintendent of Minnetonka Public Schools in Minnesota, and recent President of AASA, the national association leading over 13,000 superintendents across the U.S.

Mr. Law brings a one-of-a-kind perspective, from teaching math and coaching swimming, to earning a law degree, to leading one of Minnesota’s most innovative school districts.

In this episode, we cover:

* Minnetonka’s award-winning Chinese & Spanish dual language immersion programs
* How students in immersion programs are outperforming their English-only peers by 5th grade
* The district’s thoughtful approach to AI in education
* What teacher wellness really means (and why we’re not solving it)
* Preparing students for careers that don’t exist yet

This is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Listen now

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

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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