Making Catholic Schools Accessible for All – The EAGLE Program
🎙 Guests: Julie Capirchio & Dr. Shannon McMahon
📅 Host: John Mihalyo
📅 Host: John Mihalyo
Episode Overview
In this inspiring episode of The Catholic School Leaders Podcast, John Mihalyo welcomes Julie Capirchio, Principal of St. Joseph’s School (RI), and Dr. Shannon McMahon, Director of the EAGLE Program, to share how they are transforming Catholic education through inclusion.
The EAGLE Program (Educating All Abilities in a God-Centered Learning Environment) is breaking barriers by making Catholic schools more accessible to students with mild to moderate learning differences. Julie and Shannon discuss their journey—from an idea to a fully implemented program—and how faith, perseverance, and the right support system made it possible.
If you're a Catholic school leader wondering how to serve ALL students while staying true to your mission, this episode is for you!
Key Topics Covered:
✅ What is the EAGLE Program? – A unique inclusion model providing support for students with learning differences.
✅ How It All Started – The personal stories and experiences that led to this groundbreaking initiative.
✅ Overcoming Barriers – Addressing funding challenges, faculty concerns, and parental buy-in.
✅ Building a Sustainable Program – The financial model, donor engagement, and long-term vision.
✅ Supporting Teachers – How to equip faculty with the tools and mindset to support inclusion.
✅ Impact on Students – How the program is enhancing the entire school community, not just the students enrolled in EAGLE.
✅ Advice for School Leaders – What administrators need to know about starting an inclusion program at their own school.
✅ How It All Started – The personal stories and experiences that led to this groundbreaking initiative.
✅ Overcoming Barriers – Addressing funding challenges, faculty concerns, and parental buy-in.
✅ Building a Sustainable Program – The financial model, donor engagement, and long-term vision.
✅ Supporting Teachers – How to equip faculty with the tools and mindset to support inclusion.
✅ Impact on Students – How the program is enhancing the entire school community, not just the students enrolled in EAGLE.
✅ Advice for School Leaders – What administrators need to know about starting an inclusion program at their own school.
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Resources & Links:
Final Takeaway
Catholic schools should be for everyone—and Julie and Shannon prove that where there’s a mission, there’s a way.Their dedication to inclusion is changing lives and setting a precedent for Catholic schools everywhere.
📩 Let’s Connect!
Join the conversation on LinkedIn and share your thoughts on inclusion in Catholic schools. If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it with your network!
🙏 Thanks for listening! God bless, and stay inspired!
