Good sleep isn’t just rest—it’s the foundation for learning, growth and success. In this episode, we sit down with Liz Williams, nurse at Ryan Gloyer Middle School and lead nurse for the district, to discuss the importance of establishing healthy sleep routines.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• Why it's important to establish a consistent sleep routine before the school year begins
• Advice for parents on how to help reset their child(s) sleep schedule
• Limiting screen time before bed
• Benefits of eating a nutritional breakfast
• How good sleep habits and strong school attendance contribute to student success.

Overview

SPECIAL GUEST
Ms. Liz Williams, Ryan Gloyer Middle School nurse and lead nurse for the district

Liz Williams is a nurse at RGMS and the Department Head for district nurses, marking her 26th year of service. She is passionate about ensuring students’ medical needs are met during the school day, allowing them to fully participate in a quality education with minimal disruption. Ms. Williams believes in the remarkable resilience of students in the face of adversity and values the dedication of Seneca Valley’s staff in supporting students to remain engaged and successful.

As the new school year approaches, we’re gearing up for an exciting start. In this episode, we're introducing our new Director of Transportation & Operations, Dr. Tony Babusci and our new bus partner, First Student. Tune in as we highlight key priorities such as safety, efficiency and clear communication. First Student representatives also share updates on brand new buses, GPS technology and more—including job opportunities and generous sign-on bonuses.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• An introduction of SV's new Director of Transportation & Operations, Dr. Tony Babusci
• SV's new bus partner, First Student
• Job opportunities and sign-on bonuses with First Student
• How to learn more about job opportunities with First Student
  • First Student | Careers
• Best ways for parents to reach out about questions regarding transportation

Useful Information:

• https://www.svsd.net/departments/transportation/overview
• https://portal.svsd.net/
• https://firststudentinc.com/

Overview

SPECIAL GUESTS
Dr. Tony Babusci, Director of Transportation & Operations; Steven Hovis, Location Manager for First Student and Pam Osche, Assistant Location Manager for First Student

Dr. Tony Babusci became Director of Transportation and Operations in 2025 after years in educational leadership. He began his career in 2004 as a social studies teacher at Seneca Valley Intermediate High School, later teaching in the District’s cyber program at SVAOC. He moved into administration in 2014 as SVAOC’s assistant principal, then served as assistant principal and later principal at Ryan Gloyer Middle School.

Steven Hovis serves as the Location Manager for First Student Inc. in Harmony, PA, where he oversees transportation operations serving the Seneca Valley School District. With a strong commitment to safety, leadership and customer service, Steven works to ensure the seamless daily transport of hundreds of students while fostering a culture of accountability and excellence among his team. Drawing on years of experience in the transportation industry, Steven leads with a hands-on approach that prioritizes student safety and employee engagement. He collaborates closely with school district officials, drivers, and parents to maintain high operational standards and address concerns proactively.

Pam Osche is the Assistant Location Manager at First Student in Harmony, where she brings exceptional organization, reliability and care to the heart of school transportation services. With a strong background in logistics and team operations, Pam helps coordinate day-to-day scheduling, supports driver management, and ensures that safety remains the top priority for every student on board.

Coming off a milestone season that ended with the team’s first section title in 48 years, we’re catching up with Seneca Valley Girls Varsity Basketball Head Coach Dorothea Epps. The journey is not just about basketball wins, but about building culture, community, and confidence in young athletes. Coach Epps shares how her team’s success didn’t start in December — it was built in the offseason, through open gyms, tough schedules and a whole lot of belief.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• An overview of the Seneca Valley's Girls Basketball Team
• Most memorable moments of the season
• Vision for the program heading into next year
• Upcoming camps
• Special coaching recognition

SPECIAL GUEST
Dorothea Epps, head varsity coach of the Seneca Valley Girls Basketball Team

Ms. Epps brings 28 years of high school basketball coaching experience and is currently in her sixth year at Seneca Valley. Under her leadership, the team has earned a section title with an undefeated record and has qualified for the WPIAL playoffs in five of the last six seasons. Before joining Seneca Valley, Ms. Epps coached at Butler.

With summer right around the corner, we're exploring the exciting lineup of summer camps offered through Seneca Valley's Academy of Choice. From Culinary Arts to FIRST Robotics, this episode highlights unique options for camps, how to register and a brief overview about SV's Academy of Choice and the Drop-in Center.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• An overview of the Seneca Valley Academy of Choice (SVAOC)
• The SVAOC Drop-in Center
• Summer camp offerings
• What's new for summer camps
• Deadlines and registration information for summer camps
  • Summer Camp Registration - Deadline for registration is May 23

SPECIAL GUEST
Ms. Sarah Parish, Seneca Valley Academy of Choice Assistant Principal

Ms. Sarah Parish is the Assistant Principal at Seneca Valley Academy of Choice, where she supports students in both virtual and blended learning environments. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Communications and a Master of Education from Westminster College. She also earned a K-12 Master of Science in Art Education from St. Joseph’s University and her Principal Certificate from Westminster College. At SVAOC, she focuses on student engagement, innovative programming, and building strong relationships with families and the community. Ms. Parish believes in meeting students where they are, creating inclusive spaces where they can thrive and empowering them to take ownership of their learning.

Reaching 100 episodes is a major milestone! In today’s special episode, we’re taking a look back at the journey of Voices—from how it all began to where we are now, and what’s ahead for the future. We’ll also highlight some of our top episodes, share insights from a recent survey and more. A huge thank you to all our guests and listeners—you are the reason Voices has become what it is today!

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• An overview of Seneca Valley’s Voices podcast and how it started
• Top 5 downloaded episodes
• Recent survey results
• Types of episodes listeners can expect to hear in the future
• How Seneca Valley is celebrating its 100th episode of Voices

SPECIAL GUESTS
Ms. Tiffany Hernandez, Content Marketing Specialist

Ms. Hernandez has been part of the Seneca Valley team since 2022. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from Stephen F. Austin State University and brings more than 15 years of experience in marketing. Prior to joining Seneca Valley, she worked in public relations at the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, where she played a key role in developing award-winning communication strategies. At Seneca Valley, Ms. Hernandez works alongside the Communications Director to create story ideas, write press releases, photograph events, manage the Voices podcast, support content marketing for the Seneca Valley Academy of Choice, plan special events, coordinate the annual report, contribute feature articles, and more.

Seneca Valley is making history with every snap, pass and touchdown. In today’s episode, we’re talking about one of SV’s newer sports, girls flag football. From its student-driven origins to its rapid success, this program is making a big impact on and off the field. Listen as we discuss how the team was formed, the excitement of the first season, how to get involved and more!

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• An overview of Seneca Valley’s Girls Flag Football Team
• Growth of the sport
• How SV's Girls Flag Football is impacting female athletes
• Coach Eden receives Good Neighbor Award from NexTier Bank
• How to learn more about Seneca Valley’s Girls Flag Football Team
  • https://athletics.svsd.net/girls-sports/flag-football/overview

SPECIAL GUESTS
Ms. Heather Lewis, Athletics & Activities Director and Mr. Chris Eden, Health and Physical Education teacher at Ryan Gloyer Middle School and head coach of the Seneca Valley Girls Flag Football Team.

Ms. Lewis, entering her 14th year as the District’s Athletic & Activities Director, has previous experience as the chief operating officer for USA Field Hockey, a U.S. Olympic & Paralympic National Governing Body. As part of this role, she hosted major events for the International Federation of Hockey, supported the women’s and men’s national teams in international competition, and assisted in the reorganization of the Association’s executive leadership structure. She also has previous experience as the head field hockey coach, head women’s lacrosse coach, associate athletic director and assistant athletic director for Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa. Additional experiences include time spent as an official for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and president of the National Field Hockey Coaches Association.

A former athlete herself, Ms. Lewis was a regional All-American and All-ACC and captain of the field hockey team, and regional All-American and NCAA champion for women’s lacrosse, all while at the University of Maryland, College Park. Ms. Lewis has a bachelor’s of science in zoology and a master’s in kinesiology from the University of Maryland.

Mr. Eden is in his 10th year of education and 5th year at Seneca Valley, where he teaches Health and Physical Education at Ryan Gloyer Middle School. He is passionate about helping others, promoting wellness through movement, and fostering health literacy among his students. Additionally, Chris enjoys exploring the many benefits of integrating technology into the classroom. Outside of teaching, he is passionate about the outdoors, working out and coaching football.

Discover the essential role of Seneca Valley's Student Services Department in supporting students' academic, social, emotional and physical well-being. This episode highlights the wide range of special education programs and resources available to ensure every student receives the support they need to thrive.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• A general overview of SV's Student Services Department
• Types of special education programs that are offered
• Student counseling services across the district
• Transition programing and community partnerships
• How students and parents can access resources and support provided by the Student Services Department

SPECIAL GUESTS
Dr. Cassandra Doggrell, Director of Student Services; Dr. Mallory Eyles, Assistant Director of Student Services and Ms. Ashley Pattison, Special Education Supervisor

Dr. Cassandra Doggrell began her career at Seneca Valley in 2010 as an Autism and Emotional Support Teacher at Rowan Elementary. She has held various administrative positions, including Principal of Haine Middle School and Assistant Principal at Evans City and Haine Middle. Before returning to Seneca Valley, she spent five years at Upper St. Clair School District as Director of Student Support Services and Special Education. Her research and practice interests include comprehensive mental health systems in schools, students with autism, students with emotional/behavioral disorders, and inclusionary service delivery models. Dr. Doggrell holds multiple degrees, including a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Mallory Eyles has been working in the Seneca Valley School District since 2011. She has filled a variety of roles within the district including School Psychologist, Assistant Principal at Rowan and Evans City Elementary, Assistant Director of Special Education and currently, Assistant Director of Student Services. Dr. Eyles received her Doctorate in Psychology from Duquesne University.

Ms. Ashley Pattison began her career at Seneca Valley School District in 2008 as a learning support teacher and later developed the district’s elementary life skills program. She has served as a special education teacher, behavior specialist, and currently works as the supervisor of special education, overseeing programs for students with exceptionalities. She holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Elizabethtown College, a Master’s in Education from the University of Pittsburgh, and a School Supervision Certification from Slippery Rock University.

Two Seneca Valley students are working together to make a difference by raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. In this episode, you'll learn all about their Student Visionaries of the Year fundraiser, ways to donate and how this campaign supports blood cancer patients.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• What's the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
• The Student Visionaries of the Year program
• Details about fundraising efforts
• How to donate
  • Student Visionaries of the Year Pittsburgh

SPECIAL GUESTS
Seneca Valley juniors, Mr. Samuel Boyer II and Miss Roshini Umesh

Mr. Samuel Boyer II is a junior at Seneca Valley Senior Highschool. He is the vice president of the Key Club as well as Future Business Leaders of America. He is also involved in organizing a financial literacy presentation for the senior class.

Miss Roshini Umesh is an aspiring physician-scientist who is dedicated to making a difference in her community. She founded HEART Volunteers, a program that supports hospice patients through personalized care and meaningful initiatives. Miss Umesh combines her affinity for healthcare with policy, and she hopes to make a difference through legislation. She is also involved in Academic Decathlon, Youth and Government, Science Honor Society, and plays the piano and violin.