Episode 16

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Published on:

1st Aug 2026

EMPOWERING PARENTS

Welcome to The APPLE LOUNGE podcast.

Meet our special guest Rachel P. Bonsignore (pronounced Bon-Sen-Your) who is Director, Liftoff Western New York. As Liftoff’s first Director, Rachel leads all aspects of Liftoff’s strategic and impact agendas. For the past 30 years, Rachel has prioritized community engagement and policy change advocacy to improve the lives of children and families in the region and has actively contributed to national, state, and regional alliances.

Before joining Liftoff, Rachel previously served as Chief Operating Officer and Director of Community Health Initiatives at The Children’s Agenda in Rochester, N.Y. where she worked on advancing effective policies and programs for the health, education, and success of children.

Rachel is recognized by the American Heart Association’s Voices for Healthy Kids as a ‘National Mover and Shaker,’ she received the Rochester Business Journal’s ‘Forty Under 40’ award and is the recipient of Dickinson College’s 1783 Award for distinguished service and professional accomplishment. Rachel is graduate of Dickinson College with a degree in Environmental Policy and completed a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from St. John Fisher University.

Most proudly, Rachel has spent the past few years focusing on early childhood development in her own household with daughters Vivian (age 8) and Claire (age 5).

Join a community of passionate teachers as we collaborate on insights, celebrate our achievements, and address the challenges that come with the vocation.

Together, we strengthen our teaching practices and enhance the learning journey for our students.

Tune in for rich discussions that elevate the art of teaching.

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About the Podcast

The Apple Lounge
The APPLE LOUNGE podcast is committed to giving voice to the heart of education. This podcast will explore how educators can leverage their collective wisdom to enhance the educational landscape. This is a safe space where they can discuss innovative teaching strategies, discussing classroom challenges, and sharing success stories, educators can cultivate a community that thrives on mutual support creating a safe space for those in education.

The series is a dedicated space for educators to engage in dialogue to foster collaboration, share experiences, and seek peer support. This environment encourages open communication about classroom challenges, innovative strategies, and professional growth. Such spaces also enhance mental well-being by alleviating isolation and stress, promoting a sense of community. Additionally, they facilitate professional development through feedback sessions and collaboration on projects, improving educational outcomes.

In the educational realm, the apple symbolizes much more than a simple fruit; it represents growth, nourishment, and the exchange of ideas. For educators, the apple serves as a metaphor for the essential sharing of knowledge and experiences that can foster collaboration and inspire learning.

Join us as we uncover the many layers of what it means to be an educator today and how the spirit of the apple encourages us to grow, collaborate, and learn from one another.

PODCAST TEAM:
Co-host Kim Stewart, a master strategist and administrator who has served programs in communities across Western New York for over 30 years.

Co-host Patty Zika, a visionary educator with years of leadership experience and classroom work with students in all grades (PK–12). Each team member advocates for early childhood education and shares a passion for supporting children, families, and educators in our community.

Drehz (Dwayne Andres), a Honolulu-based master music producer, songwriter, and engineer known for progressive, syncopated, and harmonic instrumental arrangements. He creates music for major TV networks and shows—including Dancing with the Stars, Dance Moms, and So You Think You Can Dance—with a global reach.

Podcast creator and producer E. P. Mattson, a philanthropist, children's author, an advocate for Early Childhood Education, Early Literacy and Community Health Education.