Transforming Lives

Dr. Andy Goodwin

Conversations about lives being transformed by excellent, Christ-centered education.

  1. 2h ago

    Achievement Redeemed through the Ministry of Reconciliation: Siebert J. "Seppie" Myburgh, Director of the International Christian School of Vienna

    Siebert J. "Seppie" Myburgh is an international educator and leader currently serving as the Director of the International Christian School of Vienna (ICSV). Originally from South Africa, Siebert completed his graduate studies at the University of Stellenbosch before embarking on a global career in educational leadership. He spent 14 years at Morrison Academy in Taiwan as a campus principal, sharpening his expertise in accreditation, staff development, and capital campaigns. While there, he earned an international school leadership certificate from the Principal Training Center in London and published a critique of John Hattie's educational meta-analysis with the University of Bath. After returning to South Africa in 2018 to lead El Shaddai Christian School through the Cambridge curriculum and ACSI accreditation, Siebert stepped into his current role at ICSV in 2024. He is currently spearheading the implementation of the school’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan and overseeing the development of a brand-new, state-of-the-art green campus set to open in August 2027. Siebert and his wife, Quirina, have three adult children residing in South Africa. You can connect with him via LinkedIn or follow ICSV on Instagram. Connect with us!

  2. 6d ago

    An Unexpected Journey in Flourishing through Education: John and Agnieszka Crozier, Educators and Church Planters in Tomaszow Mazowiecki, Poland

    John and Agnieszka Crozier have been working in education in Poland for 20 years. Agnieszka came to faith as a student in Poland and has a degree in management of human resources. She is on the board of EurECa (European Educators Christian Association) and the European Alliance for Christian Education.  John is an American and has lived in Poland for 30 years. He graduated with a theological degree from Lincoln Christian University and has an MA in teaching English as a second language.  They began working in education as an outreach connected with a new local church Proem, planted in Tomaszow Mazowiecki. That has grown into their education facility, Proem EDU, which has 550 students from preschool through high school. Education has always and continues to be for them a way of introducing young people and families to Jesus and a new way of looking at the world. Their motto, "traditional values and innovative education," sits at the base of their approach.  John and Agnieszka didn't set out to be educators, but have found it a wonderful way to make a difference in their local setting, connecting solid education with personal care for students, teachers, and parents.  FaceBook: PROEM EDU Chrześcijańskie Centrum Edukacyjne, Przedszkole Tomaszek, Szkoła Podstawowa Tomek, Akademickie LO Thomas.  Instagram: proem_edu Website: proem.pl, proemministries.org  Connect with us!

  3. Jun 1

    Special Edition: Rest for Summer 2026

    We're so grateful for your listenership and hope that the Transforming Lives Podcast is an encouragement to you each week. Please enjoy this special edition on rest. We look forward to connecting with you again in August 2026. Connect with us!

  4. May 25

    The Essentialness of Intentional Stewardship: Rich and Cherry Smith, Cofounders of Casa de Gracia in Antigua, Guatemala

    Rich and Cherry Smith are graduates of Dayton Christian School and Cedarville University. Before entering full-time ministry, Rich spent 30 years as a business and finance executive, while Cherry worked for many years in Christian education. Their daughters, Bailey and Bradee, were raised in Christian schools and graduated from Grace College, a foundation the Smiths credit with preparing their family spiritually and emotionally for their current mission. In 2017, the Smiths moved to Antigua, Guatemala, to serve with Global Action, where Rich currently serves as CFO. Their work focuses on training national pastors and leaders through a Biblical Foundations program. Shortly after arriving, they met their now-adopted son, Edwin, who had aged out of the local orphanage system. Inspired by Edwin’s journey, the family founded Casa de Gracia, a ministry dedicated to supporting vulnerable young people. The organization provides a transition home and a two-to-three-year program for girls and young men aging out of orphanages, focusing on three pillars: DiscipleshipLife skill training and mentorshipEducational and occupational developmentThe Smiths view their lifelong involvement in Christian education and local church ministry as the essential preparation for the mission God has entrusted to them in Guatemala. Connect with us!

  5. May 18

    Place and Purpose through Radical Hospitality: Kent Austell, Director of Adult Ministries at Harvest Church (Memphis) and former Head of School at Bingham Academy (Ethiopia)

    Kent Austell lives in Memphis, Tennessee, with his wife, Jenni, and their three daughters. A former collegiate track and field athlete, Kent holds a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Biomechanics, a master’s in Business Administration, a master’s in Educational Leadership and Administration, and is currently a PhD candidate at Columbia International University. After 16 years in education—including serving as Head of School at Bingham Academy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia—Kent recently transitioned to Harvest Church in Memphis, where he serves as Director of Adult Ministries. He is also a resilience researcher and coach, helping individuals and organizations more effectively face adversity well and grow stronger through it. Kent loves spending time with his family, traveling globally, and playing guitar and piano.  Connect with us!

  6. May 11

    The Impact of Worldview Formation: Billy Hutchinson, Director of Colson Educators at The Colson Center

    Billy Hutchinson (M.Div., Christian Apologetics) is the Director of Colson Educators at the Colson Center. Before joining the Colson Center, he spent over a decade in Christian education as both a classroom teacher and an administrator, focusing on academic excellence, digital education, and the worldview formation of teachers and students. He is passionate about equipping others to engage and shape today’s culture for Christ. To learn more about Colson Educators, visit https://colsoneducators.org/TL. Connect with us!

  7. May 4

    Thriving as Image Bearers: Chad Dirkse, Head of School, Annapolis Area Christian School

    Chad Dirkse is in his third year as Head of School at Annapolis Area Christian School (AACS) in Severn, Maryland. Before joining AACS, he served for 14 years as President of Chattanooga Christian School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and for five years as Superintendent of Westminster Christian School in Illinois. Across more than three decades in Christian education, Chad has served in a wide range of leadership and instructional roles, including middle and high school teacher, principal, athletic director, and high school basketball and soccer coach. He is also a Senior Fellow with the Center for the Advancement of Christian Education (CACE), where he supports schools nationwide through board governance, operational guidance, and strategic planning. Chad holds a bachelor's degree in education from Covenant College and an MBA with a specialization in school leadership from LeTourneau University. He and his wife, Heather, have been married for 32 years and have three children. Together, they enjoy hospitality, the outdoors, Premier League soccer, and an active lifestyle. Connect with us!

  8. Apr 27

    Pursuing Research in Support of Flourishing: Dr. Lynn Swaner, President, US, for Cardus

    Dr. Lynn E. Swaner is the President, US, for Cardus. A public scholar and organizational strategist, Lynn joined Cardus after two decades of executive leadership in non-profits and educational institutions. Lynn holds a doctorate in organizational leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a diploma in strategy and innovation from the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School. Lynn’s professional experience spans several sectors and encompasses roles in academia, sponsored research, associations, and independent schools. As a result, she is passionate about building bridges within and across fields. Lynn’s work brings thinkers, researchers, funders, and doers together to shape paradigms and practices for greater flourishing. Her own research is interdisciplinary and focuses on how individuals, organizations, and communities can better thrive together. Lynn is the editor or lead author of several books, including “Future Ready: Innovative Missions and Models in Christian Education” and “Flourishing Together: A Christian Vision for Students, Educators, and Schools”. Her work has been published in the International Journal of Educational Development, Eton Journal for Innovation and Research in Education, and Liberal Education, as well as featured in multiple book chapters and monographs. Lynn also serves as a non-resident scholar at Baylor University’s Center for School Leadership, is a senior fellow for the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), and a trustee or advisor for several non-profit boards. Connect with us!

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About

Conversations about lives being transformed by excellent, Christ-centered education.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Andy Goodwin
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    136
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Transforming Lives
  • Show Website
    Transforming Lives