The Class Act podcast goes beyond lesson plans and report cards—it’s about the people who shape our lives through encouragement, creativity, and compassion. It may be your favourite teacher, but it could also be a supportive coach or mentor. Host Rhodora Meliton-Vanderpool has been an educator for over twenty-five years and has mentored many students and colleagues along the way. She’s also an author who’s written children’s books with Juno award-winning artists Maestro Fresh Wes and DJ Charlie B.
Rhodora also cares deeply about “holding the door open” for the next generation. More importantly, opening new doors! She’s also an artist manager and serves on the Board of Directors for Women in Music Canada.
At home as a mom of two, in the classroom as a teacher, or on the sidelines as a coach, she embraces every teachable moment as a chance to learn alongside the next generation.
Because every class act deserves a champion.
Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and watch for new episodes at the theclassactpodcast.com.
The Class Act podcast goes beyond lesson plans and report cards—it’s about the people who shape our lives through encouragement, creativity, and compassion. It may be your favourite teacher, but it could also be a supportive coach or mentor. Host Rhodora Meliton-Vanderpool has been an educator for over twenty-five years and has mentored many students and colleagues along the way. She’s also an author who’s written children’s books with Juno award-winning artists Maestro Fresh Wes and DJ Charlie B.
Rhodora also cares deeply about “holding the door open” for the next generation. More importantly, opening new doors! She’s also an artist manager and serves on the Board of Directors for Women in Music Canada.
At home as a mom of two, in the classroom as a teacher, or on the sidelines as a coach, she embraces every teachable moment as a chance to learn alongside the next generation.
Because every class act deserves a champion.
Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and watch for new episodes at the theclassactpodcast.com.
Host Rhodora Meliton-Vanderpool welcomes Aleena Domingo, a passionate new teacher and coach from Toronto, to discuss balancing life as an educator and parent. They explore the influence of role models, the importance of empathy and high expectations in the classroom, and the impact of both mentorship and collaboration among teachers. Miss Domingo shares her teaching philosophy shaped by diverse school experiences, highlights the value of making all students feel included, and offers practical advice to aspiring teachers about flexibility and creativity in the profession.
More about Miss Domingo:
Aleena Domingo, known as @HeyMissDomingo, is a Toronto-based educator, women’s basketball coach, and content creator whose work centres in authenticity, equity and empowerment. As a former college athlete, she now coaches basketball while encouraging young women to embrace their individuality and confidence on and off the court. In the classroom, Aleena is committed to creating safe and inclusive spaces, particularly for students from racially marginalized communities, helping them reach their full potential while celebrating who they are.
Through her social media presence, she shares honest glimpses of the realities of teaching, coaching and new motherhood, inspiring others to break barriers, live authentically, and pursue their passions with confidence.
(0:00) – Introduction & Guest Welcome
(0:21) – Meeting in Person & Shared Backgrounds
(0:46) – Discussing Family Connections & Podcast Topic: Balancing Life
(1:27) – Challenges of Being a New Teacher & Parent
(2:28) – Inspirations and Role Models in Teaching
(3:41) – Coaching Styles: Supporting All Students
(5:09) – Teaching Philosophy: High Standards & Diversity
(8:13) – Impact of Teachers & The Digital Age
(10:03) – Laying Educational Foundations & Empathy
(12:38) – Mentorship and Finding Support as a New Teacher
(15:13) – Reciprocal Mentorship & Collaboration
(16:10) – Plans for the Year & Balancing Coaching and Family
(16:51) – Advice for Aspiring Teachers
(18:35) – Being a Teacher-Influencer: Social Media & Reception
(19:56) – Wrapping Up: Gifts & Final Thoughts
