Transforming Lives

Dr. Andy Goodwin
  • 5.0 (6)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

  1. 2D AGO

    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!

    28 min

  2. 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!

    34 min

  3. APR 20

    Setting a Vision and Running After It: Becky Hansard, Head of School at Silverdale Baptist Academy

    Becky Hansard serves as the head of school at Silverdale Baptist Academy, a PreK-12 school in Chattanooga, TN. She has been in this role for over 25 years and has been instrumental in the school's leadership for nearly its entire 26-year history, guiding the institution from its early years to its current status with approximately 1,300 students. She is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for her undergraduate and Trevecca University for her Master’s Degree. Since 1999, Silverdale has partnered with families to help their children impact the world. Becky’s son is a 2015 graduate of Silverdale, and because of the investment that the Academy’s faculty and staff poured into him, he is a thriving young adult. Becky and her husband knew that a Christian education would be a foundation that they wanted for their child before he was even born. Now more than ever, it is crucial to have strong Christian leaders pouring Truth into our children. Connect with us!

    38 min

  4. APR 13

    Forward Thinking and the Permeation of Values: Dr. Sonny Sherrill, Founder/Superintendent Emeritus of North Raleigh Christian Academy, ACSI NC, SC, VA Field Director

    Dr. S. L. (“Doc”) Sherrill founded North Raleigh Christian Academy in 1996, serving as its only Superintendent for 22 years and assisting Dr. Kevin Mathes for 2 years. He stepped down in 2018, honored as Superintendent Emeritus. Under his leadership, NRCA grew to 1478 students, over 1400 for 12 years, and now nearly 1600 under Dr. Mathes. Doc’s 55-year Christian education career began in 1971 as Youth and Bus Pastor at Neuse Baptist Church. He served as youth pastor, teacher, camp director, and principal at various churches and schools, including Greenwood Baptist, Twin City Christian Academy, Lima Baptist Temple, and Central Fellowship Baptist Church, where he grew the church to 500 and school to 700. He became Head of School at Temple Heights Christian School in 1990, with 900 students, then returned to Raleigh as Administrator of Friendship Christian School, where enrollment doubled. In 1996, he founded North Raleigh Christian Academy, which grew to 1478 students, and reached nearly 1600 under Dr. Mathes. Retired in 2018, Sherrill now serves as ACSI Field Director for Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, aiding 240 schools. He was Interim Head of Cresset Christian Academy in 2023 and served Bethesda Christian Academy as Interim Head from 2023-2025, overseeing accreditation, program expansion, staff growth, and school finance. He is also a Senior Consultant for NACS and Renewanation and has worked with Herzog Foundation. A strong advocate for Kingdom education linking family, school, and church, he served as ACSI District 3 Representative for 20 years. He has been president and board member of Joshua Expeditions and the National Alliance of Christian Schools for over 10 years. He consults on governance, accreditation, and curriculum through KingdomEd101, NACS, and Renewanation. Doc Sherrill has led Christian School 101 seminars for 18 years, establishing 76 schools, and helped create over 300 via SchoolBox by Herzog Foundation.He holds Doctor of Theology and Doctor of Christian Education degrees, and an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Tennessee Temple University. Married to Debbie in 1974, they have two daughters, Joy and Jennifer, and four grandchildren. Debbie passed away in 2025.   Connect with us!

    37 min

  5. APR 6

    Kingdom Education without Borders: Stephanie Shafer, CEO and Head of School at NorthStar Academy

    Stephanie Shafer is the CEO and Head of School at NorthStar Academy, a global online Christian school serving students in grades 4 through 12 in over 80 countries. She is passionate about helping students be known, supported, and launched with purpose, integrating faith, learning, and real-world impact. Stephanie has been part of the NorthStar community for over 16 years and now leads the school through a season of growth, innovation, and renewed mission clarity. With a background in business and an MBA, she brings a practical and mission-focused perspective to her work, helping shape systems and opportunities that serve students and families around the world. At the heart of her leadership is a desire to honor God in all things, and she is grateful for the opportunity to serve in this work each day. Connect with us!

    33 min

  6. MAR 30

    A Christ-Centered Approach to AI in Schools: Paul Matthews, Head of History and Christian Studies at Calvin Christian School in Tasmania, Australia

    Paul Matthews is a third-generation educator on a mission to bless others through education. He serves as the Head of History and Christian Studies at Calvin Christian School in Tasmania, Australia, and is also a Fellow at Baylor University. Paul works with schools and organisations across Australia and North America, helping leaders and teachers navigate AI wisely through training, speaking, and practical support. He’s written several books, including A Time to Lead and Artificial Intelligence, Real Literacy, and in 2024 he had the opportunity to speak at TEDx Hobart. Paul and his wife, Elbie, are blessed to have three sons, Moses, Solomon, and Phineas, with another child due in mid-2026. When he’s not working, he enjoys playing golf badly and reading old books. |  Connect with us!

    37 min

  7. MAR 23

    Pursuing What is Truly Worthy of Pursuit: Dr. Kevin Brown, President of Asbury University

    Dr. Kevin Brown began serving as Asbury University’s 18th president on July 1, 2019, bringing to the role a deep commitment to Christ-centered higher education, academic excellence, and faithful institutional stewardship. His leadership reflects both a long-standing connection to the Asbury community and a clear vision for guiding the University in a rapidly changing cultural and educational environment.  Before he was appointed president, Dr. Brown served from 2013 to 2019 as a professor and associate dean in Asbury’s Dayton School of Business. A highly regarded educator, he was consistently recognized by students for his engaging teaching and mentorship, and in 2016 received Asbury’s highest teaching honor, the Frances White Ewbank Excellence in Teaching Award.  Connect with us!

    41 min

  8. MAR 16

    The Beauty of Formational, Thinking Environments: Maggie Novak ('04), Wife, Mom, and Public Sector Consultant

    Maggie Novak is a 2004 alumna of Covenant Christian High School and a 2008 graduate of Gordon College (Wenham, MA). She later also pursued both associate’s and bachelor's degrees in nursing. Maggie began her career as a fellow in the office of then-Governor Mitch Daniels, where she developed a passion for delivering health and social supports. For the past decade, she has been working as a public-sector consultant with states across the US. Maggie lives in Indianapolis with her husband, seven-year-old daughter, a dog, and a cat, and for the past 12 years has been part of a volunteer team planting a church in Fountain Square.   Connect with us!

    32 min
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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Andy Goodwin
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    130
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Transforming Lives
  • Show Website
    Transforming Lives

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