Kathy and Amir Heshmatpour - Finding Your Cause: On Point Episode 18
In the latest episode of On Point, Head of School Mark McKee sits down with two long-standing members of Viewpoint’s parent community, Kathy and Amir Heshmatpour P’19, ’29, to discuss philanthropy, and the deeper journey of finding a cause that matters to you. The Heshmatour family has been extraordinary partners to Viewpoint over the years, and they’re also the Presenting Sponsors of our upcoming 43rd Annual Benefit on May 2, focused on the cause of student access and opportunity. Kathy and Amir share their personal philanthropic journey, why they chose children and education as causes to support, and the importance of leadership and advocacy. This episode provides valuable insight for anyone trying to find their cause, and how it can enrich lives. Their conversation also underscores how events like our Annual Benefit bring the community together to power collective philanthropy.
29 Jun 2026
Rhody Davis - The View From College Counseling: On Point Episode 17
In the latest episode of On Point, Head of School Mark McKee sits down with Director of College Counseling Rhody Davis to discuss the evolving college admissions landscape and what today’s students and families need to know.Drawing on nearly 20 years of experience at Viewpoint School and prior work in admissions at the University of Chicago, Rhody shares insights on early application trends, the importance of authenticity, and how relationship-driven counseling helps students build strong, distinctive profiles. Their conversation also offers practical guidance for navigating expectations, managing the process with perspective, and trusting that each student’s path will unfold in the right way.This episode provides valuable insight for parents and students seeking clarity, perspective, and reassurance in an increasingly complex process—while reinforcing a central message: with the right guidance, authentic choices, and trust in the journey, students will find the path that’s right for them.
5 Feb 2026
On Point: Episode 16 — Protecting What Matters Most
10 Dec 2025
On Point: Episode 15 — Tomorrow Starts Today
1 Dec 2025
On Point: Episode 14 — Generations of Excellence
11 Nov 2025
On Point: Episode 13 — Next Gen Youth Athletes & Game Changing Trends
30 Sept 2025
On Point: Episode 12: Navigating the Independent School Admission Landscape
In the newest episode of On Point, Head of School Mark McKee sits down with Assistant Head of School for Enrollment, Laurel Baker Tew, to talk about navigating the independent school admission journey.
With more than two decades of experience at Viewpoint and as a respected voice in the national enrollment industry, Laurel offers perspective on what families should know as they begin their search, common misconceptions about the process, and how to identify the right fit for each child.
Their conversation also explores broader trends shaping the independent school landscape, from demographics and financial aid to innovation, trust, and the growing number of educational options.
This episode offers practical advice and thoughtful guidance for parents who want to better understand what sets independent schools, and Viewpoint, apart in 2025 and beyond.
6 Jul 2025
On Point: Episode 11 — A Reel Look Inside Our Film Program
Head of School Mark McKee interviews Film Department Chair Catherine Dunn and film teacher Monica Hoenig about the film program and how it cultivates students' creativity while preparing them for a dynamic world.
11 Mar 2025
Episode 10: It's More than Magic in our Music Classrooms
In the latest episode of On Point, Head of School Mark McKee sits down with Music Department Chair Kristin Herkstroeter and instrumental music teachers Kim Gonzalez and Greg Zilboorg. Fresh from last week’s Fifth through Twelfth Grade Strings Concert and preparing for the upcoming Sixth through Twelfth Grade Band Concert on March 18, they discuss the role of music education in shaping students’ TK-12 experience.
From curriculum to pedagogy, they explore how music at Viewpoint is more than performance—it’s an essential part of learning! Hear their insights on how music builds skills, fosters creativity, and enriches the student experience at every grade level.
20 Dec 2024
Episode 9: It’s More than Magic in our Choral Classrooms
Head of School Mark McKee and Choral Music teachers Hannah Lande, Ashley Nguyen, and Carrie Dietsch discuss how music education drives the mission, vision, and values at Viewpoint, revealing the transformative power of music in a student's TK-12 journey.
8 Jul 2024
Episode 8: Why Student Wellness Programs Matter
In the latest episode of “On Point,” sponsored by the Schuman Family Foundation, Head of School Mark McKee and Director of Student Wellness Rebecca Heller talk one-on-one about why wellness programs in schools matter. Hear about how educators are addressing the mental health and well-being of their students, and why it’s capturing the attention of private and family foundations. Mark and Rebecca reflect on the evolution of Viewpoint’s comprehensive TK-12 wellness program, and share trends they’re seeing in this space, especially among students in high-achieving schools. You don’t want to miss their “words of wellness” and vision for the future of student wellness at Viewpoint, thanks to the generous support from the Schuman Family Foundation.
14 Dec 2023
Episode 7: "The Fast-Changing World of College Admissions"
In part one of “On Point: College Conversations,” Head of School Mark McKee and Director of College Counseling Rhody Davis talk one-on-one about the evolution of the college admissions landscape. Hear about the top trends that Rhody and her team are seeing now - from the impact of artificial intelligence and the elimination of race-conscious college admissions - to the rising popularity of “ESPN” schools. Mark and Rhody reflect on the significant influence technology has had on all aspects of college admissions over the past three decades. You don’t want to miss listening to their valuable insights, and the changes parents and students can expect as they face the college admissions journey.
21 Jun 2023
Episode 6: "Trust Yourself"
In the continuing “On Point” Podcast series and first episode of “Alumni Stories,” Head of Viewpoint School Mark McKee welcomes alumna Mehrnoush Yazdanyar from the Class of 1998 as his special guest. An accomplished global attorney, Mehrnoush graduated from UCLA in three years, earned her JD at USC, and founded her own law firm with multiple offices in California and an upcoming expansion of her practice to the island of Kauai.
Hear about her post-Viewpoint journey as she prepared to deliver the keynote address at the School’s 2023 Commencement Ceremony. Recorded just a few days before graduation, Mehrnoush shares her impressions of today’s campus and students, and recalls her time here as a high school student. During the episode, she also reveals her “passion meets profession” moment that changed the trajectory of her life, and allowed her to learn how to trust herself and realize her dreams. You don’t want to miss this heartfelt and inspiring story.
17 May 2023
Bonus Episode: "Educator to Educator"
In our bonus episode of “On Point: The Adelman Effect,” Head of School Mark McKee and Head of Primary School Cathy Adelman talk one-on-one about the evolution of early childhood education. Through the lens of their own experiences, hear why they believe early childhood education starts that foundation to create a love of learning for life. Mark and Cathy share their insights on everything from teaching methods through the decades, to what they look for when recruiting the best faculty members at Viewpoint, and how important it is to provide tuition assistance for our youngest learners. They even offer words of wisdom for all those first-year teachers out there.
To learn more about Cathy’s fund, click here (https://www.viewpoint.org/give/40th-annual-benefit/cathy-adelman-endowment-fund-for-financial-aid).
10 May 2023
Episode 4: "We Are Family - The Sheffield Brothers"
In the fourth episode of this special podcast series, we welcome two brothers and alums who have come full circle as current Viewpoint parents. Our guests, Chaney and Patrick Sheffield, talk about how being part of the Viewpoint community means being part of a family - in “the house that Cathy Adelman built.” Host and Head of School Mark McKee leads a heartwarming conversation of then and now moments of pride and joy. In a throwback to Primary School, Cathy confirms that neither Chaney nor Patrick were ever sent to her office for discipline! Cut to 2023, and the Sheffields point out how proud they are of their sister Elizabeth, a fellow alum and current Middle School teacher. Tune in to hear all of this, plus personal stories about how financial aid changes lives, and why paying it forward comes from a place of love.
100 percent of net proceeds from the 40th Annual Benefit on May 13 will seed the Cathy Adelman Endowment Fund for Financial Aid. To learn more about Cathy’s fund, click here (https://www.viewpoint.org/give/40th-annual-benefit/cathy-adelman-endowment-fund-for-financial-aid).
3 May 2023
Episode 3: "The Power of Philanthropy"
Talk about a perfect match! Pam Shriver, American Tennis Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist, International Tennis Hall of Fame inductee, ESPN and Tennis Channel Broadcaster, AND proud Viewpoint parent - serves as our special guest in the third episode of “On Point: The Adelman Effect.” She joins Viewpoint leaders Mark McKee and Cathy Adelman as we count down to our much-anticipated Benefit on May 13. In a thought-provoking conversation, these three powerhouse professionals talk about the power of philanthropy, and explore what it means to be a changemaker. Hear how one simple act can be transformational in someone else’s life, and what investing in the future learners at Viewpoint matters.
100 percent of net proceeds from the 40th Annual Benefit on May 13 will seed the Cathy Adelman Endowment Fund for Financial Aid. To learn more about Cathy’s fund, click here (https://www.viewpoint.org/give/40th-annual-benefit/cathy-adelman-endowment-fund-for-financial-aid).
26 Apr 2023
Episode 2: "You’ve Been Our Inspiration"
Grab a tissue! There wasn’t a dry eye in the recording studio when we welcomed alumna, employee, and current parent, Alison Steelberg Corneau ’97 and student AJ Williams ’23 - in the second episode of “On Point: The Adelman Effect.” Both guests are what we call “Lifers” - students who attend Viewpoint School all 13 years - from Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade. During this very special episode, our guests reflect on all the ways Cathy Adelman has inspired them and made an impact on their lives. Our Head of School and podcast host Mark McKee even surprises Cathy with a video message from a few of her youngest admirers.
20 Apr 2023
Episode 1: "Not Done Yet"
In the debut episode of “On Point: The Adelman Effect” - Head of Viewpoint School Mark McKee and Head of Primary School Cathy Adelman welcome alumna and parent Jackie Schaffer ’91 as their guest. Hear about a special and decades-long bond created between a Kindergarten teacher and her student as we walk down memory lane.
With 46 years and counting at Viewpoint, our podasters set the record straight that Cathy is not done yet nor ready to retire! Tune in to find out what inspired us to create an endowment fund for financial aid in her name, and what it means for our youngest learners.
100 percent of net proceeds from the 40th Annual Benefit on May 13 will seed the Cathy Adelman Endowment Fund for Financial Aid. To lean more about Cathy’s fund and to buy Benefit tickets, click here (https://www.viewpoint.org/give/40th-annual-benefit/cathy-adelman-endowment-fund-for-financial-aid).
18 Apr 2023
“On Point” Podcast Trailer
This Wednesday, April 19, Viewpoint will debut “On Point: The Adelman Effect” - a special-edition, five-episode podcast series. From students and alums to parents and friends, podcast guests honor our Head of Primary School, Cathy Adelman’s remarkable contributions in her 46 years and counting at our school. And, we celebrate the first ever endowment at Viewpoint exclusively focused on providing tuition assistance to our youngest learners. 100 percent of net proceeds from the 40th Annual Benefit on May 13 will seed this fund.
Who has been a guest on On Point
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Catherine Dunn
Monica Hoenig
Hannah Lande
Ashley Nguyen
Carrie Dietsch
Reach and audience
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YouTube views
373,346
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 43 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
41
Social presence
0
YouTube
82
Engagement
32
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