MEET THE SPEAKERS
Check out the SPEAKER PROFILES + download their FREE RESOURCES below.
Joshua Stamper
Keynote Speaker | Author | Podcaster | Leadership Consultant
Joshua Stamper is an experienced educator who has worked in a variety of roles, including middle school administrator, classroom art educator, and athletic coach. He is currently the Training and Development Specialist for the Teach Better Team, where he manages the Teach Better Podcast Network. In addition to his work with the Teach Better Team, Joshua is the author of Aspire to Lead, a podcast host, and a leadership coach and presenter for educators. His passion for education is evident in everything he does, and he is committed to helping others reach their full potential.
📚 FREE RESOURCE
Well-Being Essentials Workbook
Fill in these pages to use reflection, introspection, affirmation, restoration, connection + inspiration to improve your own health and well-being.
Charle Peck, M.Ed., MSW
Keynote Speaker | Author | School Mental Health Consultant
Charle Peck is the co-creator of Thriving School Community, a revolutionary program designed for schools to optimize student learning outcomes and well-being. She holds an MS in Education and an MS in Social Work as a 20+ year veteran in education (K-12). As a global keynote speaker, she delivers powerful messages of hope to educators and facilitates meaningful professional development to equip adults with tools that integrate into everyday practice. Her unique lens as a high school teacher turned clinical therapist who has worked closely with adolescents and families in crisis makes her stories relevant and captivating to those struggling in today’s system. You can purchase her book “Improving School Mental Health: The Thriving School Community Solution” on Amazon. You can also listen to Charle’s podcast “Thriving Educator” and connect with her via email charle@thrivingeducator.org, on X + LinkedIn @CharlePeck.
📚 FREE RESOURCE
School Mental Health Audit
Assess the strengths + deficits of your current mental health system using this comprehensive document with your site leaders.
Nathan Maynard
Keynote Speaker | Author | School Mental Health Consultant
Nathan is a renowned global leader in restorative practices, with over 15 years of experience in juvenile justice and educational settings. He is a co-author of the best-selling book "Hacking School Discipline," which has been widely recognized internationally. Nathan has been awarded "Youth Worker of the Year" in Indiana and is the Co-Founder of Highfive, an international restorative practices training group. With a background in Behavioral Neuroscience from Purdue University, he is passionately dedicated to ending the school-to-prison pipeline crisis and implementing trauma-informed discipline practices to address the opportunity gap.
📚 FREE RESOURCE
20 Day Highfive Connection Curriculum
Get “Daily Classroom Connectors” and “Making Connections Modules” including circle prompts, mood meters and SEL lessons.
Todd Nesloney
Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership
Educator | Author | Speaker
Todd Nesloney is the Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership for the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA). He has also served as an award-winning principal of a PreK-5th Grade campus of over 775 students in a rural town in Texas. He has been recognized by the White House, John C Maxwell, the Center for Digital Education, National School Board Association, and more for his work in education and with children. Todd has written six books, including the runaway smash Kids Deserve It and his newest book Building Authenticity: A Blueprint for the Leader Inside You. He is passionate about doing whatever it takes for our students and teachers and helping others tell their story
📚 FREE RESOURCE
4 Simple Steps to Difficult Conversations
No one likes to have difficult conversations but they don’t have to be…..difficult! When you sign up for Todd’s email list you get these 4 easy steps on how to make every difficult conversation a success!
LaVonna Roth
Keynote Speaker | Chief Illuminator
As an engaging and interactive keynote speaker, author, business owner, and mom, LaVonna bridges her passion for how the brain learns with fostering the strengths and passions of women leaders, helping them and their teams flourish. This amplifies engagement, productivity, and retention by valuing each person. LaVonna's small business boosts organizations by embodying a Human-Focused Culture, placing those doing the work at the heart of the mission. Utilizing the S.H.I.N.E. Framework, her team enhances psychological safety and builds a strong foundation based on brain sciences. LaVonna is the creator and founder of the Ignite Your S.H.I.N.E.® Framework, author of 8 books, and has worked internationally.
📚 FREE RESOURCE
S.H.I.N.E.-ing Moments
Ignite the journey of every week with our S.H.I.N.E.-ing Moments newsletter. Packed with thought-provoking tips and more, each email is designed to challenge and equip you to lead with intention and impact. Forget the title—embrace your capacity for leadership.
Dwight Carter
Director of Student Support Systems | Speaker | Author
Dwight Carter is a nationally recognized school leader from Central OH and has been an educator for 27 years. Because of his collaborative and innovative leadership, in 2010, he was inducted into the Jostens Renaissance Educator Hall of Fame. He was also named a 2013 National Association of Secondary School Principals Digital Principal of the Year, the 2014 Academy of Arts and Science Education High School Principal of the Year, the 2015 Ohio Alliance of Black School Educators Principal of the Year, and a 2021 Columbus Afrocentric Early College Sankofa Emerging Leader Award winner. He is currently the Director of Student Support Systems for the Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical Schools District.
📚 FREE RESOURCE
Be G.R.E.A.T.
Get the 5 Principles to Improve School Culture From the Inside Out
Dr. Julie Schmidt Hasson
Professor | Researcher | Resilience Trainer
Dr. Julie Schmidt Hasson is a professor, researcher, and resilience trainer who helps educators keep their batteries charged and recharge when they become depleted. Julie is the author of four books, including Pause, Ponder, and Persist in the Classroom. Julie’s Teacher Recharge Framework helps educators navigate challenges in ways that light them up instead of burn them out. Julie’s TEDx Talk, keynotes, and professional learning programs have impacted educators around the world. Julie’s work shows it is possible to impact lives and still have a life.
📚 FREE RESOURCE
The Resilient Culture Check-In
The Resilient Culture Check-In is a tool to help your team reflect, discuss, plan, and improve resilience and engagement. Resilient educators stay longer, grow stronger, and make a more consistent impact.
Sabrina Vaz
Somatic Practitioner | Author | Exercise Instructor
Sabrina Vaz is a Somatic Practitioner, writer, exercise instructor and creator of Beautifully Balanced Coaching. She has a deep passion for the healing power of mindful self-care practices and sharing her knowledge of the benefits of finding the balance between the mind, body, spirit and heart connection. She believes we all have the power to grow and glow, using her knowledge from over 20 certifications in different wellness modalities as well as her relationship to her intuition she helps empower her clients on their journey of living their best life.
📚 FREE RESOURCE
Newsletter
Join Sabrina’s email newsletter where you’ll enjoy plenty of resources to reach your goals of optimal overall well-being.
Dr. Herbert Monroe
Superintendent | Education Consultant | Motivational Speaker
Dr. Herbert Monroe is the Superintendent of Surry County Public Schools, former Assistant Superintendent of Caroline County Public Schools, and a member of the Virginia Advisory Committee on Culturally Relevant and Inclusive Education Practices. As a husband, father, mentor, and motivational speaker, DOC has impacted those who know him and people throughout his community.
📚 FREE RESOURCE
Newsletter
Join the email newsletter where you’ll enjoy plenty of resources to reach your goals of optimal overall well-being.
Be sure to check your inbox after the summit ends for some additional strategies + resources.
Be sure to check your inbox after the summit ends for some additional strategies + resources.
BONUS SPEAKERS
Darrin Peppard, Ed. D.
Leadership Coach | Speaker | Author + Publisher
Dr. Darrin Peppard is an author, leadership coach, consultant, and speaker focused on organizational culture and climate, and growing emerging leaders. Darrin is the best-selling author of the book Road to Awesome, and is the host of the Leaning into Leadership podcast. As a ‘recovering high school principal’, Darrin shares strategies and lessons learned from 26 years in public education to help leaders gain clarity, find joy in their work, and walk in their purpose.
📚 FREE RESOURCE
E-Book: Walk In Your Purpose
Exhausted, overwhelmed, living life under water. That is a common theme when asking early career leaders how things are progressing in their job. This free e-book can help you to walk in your purpose and be the leader you wish to be.
Cameron Caswell, Ph. D. (“Dr. Cam”)
The Teen Translator | Adolescent Psychologist | TEDx Speaker | Author | Podcast Host
Dr. Cam's global influence shines through her TEDx talks and engaging presentations, captivating audiences from schools and national organizations to international conferences and podcasts. Her sessions are renowned for their impact and inspiration, with one coordinator even claiming it to be “the best Parent Education event the school has ever had.”
📚 FREE RESOURCE
Parent Quiz - Are you on the right track with your teen?
Ever wonder if your choices are truly guiding your teen towards happiness and success? Do you have days where you feel like you’re missing the mark, but can’t quite figure out how or why? Take this quiz to discover your unique strengths and pinpoint any gaps. Then get tailored tips to set your teen up to truly thrive.
Luke Wall
Executive Director of Only 7 Seconds | Youth Loneliness Expert
Luke is a podcast host, public speaker and non-profit executive working to address the youth loneliness epidemic. He has given over 500 talks on loneliness, social health and connection. He has led Only7Seconds to become a national organization serving tens of thousands of youth each year through engagement, education and empowerment opportunities.
📚 FREE RESOURCE
Parents Guide to Teenage Loneliness
This is a guide for all adults who work with teens to better understand teenage loneliness, how to identify it and some practical tips to support teens who may be lonely in your life.
Brandi Kelly, Ed. D.
Superintendent | Consultant | Speaker
Dr. Brandi Kelly has been in the field of education for over 20 years. She is the Superintendent at Mt. Olive CUSD #5 in Mt. Olive, IL. Dr. Kelly has served, over a 10 year period, as a Principal. Prior to going into administration, Dr. Kelly was a school social worker/counselor for Effingham Unit #40 in Effingham, IL.
Dr. Kelly's goal is to build teacher and student capacity by providing tools and strategies that empower and inspire others toward greatness! As a lifelong learner, Dr. Kelly believes that everyone can learn and has the potential for greatness. Relationships are incredibly important to the learning process. It is necessary for educators to invest time in students to build relationships in an effort to maximize their influence and impact. Education is a powerful tool for empowering others to realize their full potential!
📚 FREE RESOURCE
Self-Reflection Guide
Use this to look inward with self-reflection, self-awareness, and self-acceptance.
Allyson Apsey
Educational Leader | Author
Allyson Apsey has been an award-winning school leader for nearly 20 years, leading all levels from elementary to High School after teaching elementary and middle school students. She is the author of several books—including best-sellers What Makes a Great Principal, Lead with Collaboration, Leading the Whole Teacher, and The Path to Serendipity. Her greatest joy comes from working with dedicated groups of educators to support them in taking care of the whole child and the whole educator by implementing research-proven practices. Allyson’s TEDx Talk can give you an insight into her passion. She currently serves districts, schools and organizations throughout the country as a keynote speaker, professional learning provider, and an Instruction and Leadership Coach with Creative Leadership Solutions. Connect with her on social media at @AllysonApsey or visit her website at allysonapsey.com.
📚 FREE RESOURCE
Self-Reflection Guide for the Six Pillars of Leading the Whole Teacher
Learn about the six pillars of Leading the Whole Teacher and reflect on your level of satisfaction in each pillars. This self-reflection guide includes action-planning to empower all staff to help create an environment where every educator can thrive.
Rachel Weinstock
Educational Leader | Author
Rachel Weinstock is the author of “Be Who You Needed”, a book that is designed to be a guide for parents, educators, and caring adults who want to help young people transform their emotional well-being, self-confidence and happiness. She is also an educator with over 20 years experience, a Mental Health Coach for Pre-Teens and Teens, and a Bullying Prevention Speaker & Advocate. She holds Degrees in Visual Arts & Education, and was awarded the James W. Fair Leadership Award from the Ontario Institute For Studies In Education.
Rachel’s mission is to create a world where every child feels happy, confident, and safe, and her approach to working with young people is deeply impactful because of her lived experience of being bullied as a child and teenager. Favourite quote: “Be the person you needed when you were younger.” - Ayesha Siddiqi
📚 FREE RESOURCE
Bullying Prevention Kit
Includes:
✔️ A step-by-step guide to end the bullying your child is going through
✔️ Customizable letter templates
Lindsay Titus
Behavior Specialist | Consultant
After years of stress, turmoil, and burn out, Lindsay remembers vividly thinking, “there has to be an easier way”. As a coach, she teaches you a process of how to fall in love with who you are within, so that you too are able to create the life you deserve and desire the simply and easy way. She has worked as a classroom teacher and behavior specialist in public school, residential, and private settings, and continues to share her passion through her own experiences to help guide, motivate, and encourage educators.
As a board certified behavior analyst with a Master’s in Special Education, Lindsay shares simple yet strategic tools and strategies with educators so they can feel confident in who they are as professionals and strengthen the connections with their students.
📚 FREE RESOURCE
Breaking the Behavior Barrier: Overcoming Thought Traps in Student Behavior
Easy-to-use strategies to overcome challenging thoughts that occur when working with challenging behavior!
Andrea Bitner
ESL Consultant | Author
Andrea Bitner is an educator, author, and speaker. She lives in Philadelphia, PA. She has worked with students in grades K-12 throughout her twenty-two years in public education from all around the world. Her first book, “Take Me Home,” was published by Austin Macauley in July of 2021. "Take Me Home" is the true story of 11 of her former EL students who give a first-hand account of what it's really like to become bilingual in America. She is also a co-author of Chip Baker’s “The Impact of Influence-Volume 3 and Dr. Rick Jetter’s 100 No-Nonsense Things ALL School Leaders Shout STOP Doing.” She teaches EL’s daily, and travels the country speaking and teaching educators how to teach and reach EL students, and effectively communicate with EL families!
📚 FREE RESOURCE
10 Essential Questions for ESLs
IGet started with the 10 essential questions to figure out who to connect with, how to collaborate, and increase your team's confidence in communicating with English Learners and families!
Jonathan Cranford
Executive Director of Art of ISS | Author
Johnathan has seven years of experience as a special education teacher on a therapeutic campus for students with severe emotional disturbance and five more years as an in-school suspension teacher at two middle schools. After discovering how in-school suspension programs are failing to meet the needs of our most at-risk students, Johnathan created a trauma informed in-school suspension program to address the current disciplinary, academic, and emotional requirements of our student populations. After successfully establishing ISS programs on multiple campuses, he created a roadmap for others to follow in his book The Art of In-School Suspension, and recently released a digital training to help schools transform their in-school suspension programs from a holding tank to an intervention for both behavior and academics.
📚 FREE RESOURCE
Art of ISS Teacher Hiring Info Page
Includes job description, interview questions, and teacher profile so you can attract and hire the best candidate possible for your campus.
Dr. Erika Bare
Superintendent | Author
Erika Bare has been an educator for over 20 years, currently serving as the Superintendent in Oregon. A special education teacher by training, she is passionate about supporting all students through individual supports to reach their limitless potential.
📚 FREE RESOURCE
Complete CTC Resource Guide
We have included all of our printable resources in one complete guide. This includes:
Connected Conversation Planning Guide
Response to Common Student Move: Denial
How to Apologize after Another Stinking Learning Opportunity (ASLO)
Care Out Loud Strategies
Sentence Stems for Connected Communicators
Connected Communicator Behavior Planning Guide
Tiffany Burns
Principal | Author
Tiffany Burns loves working with kids. In her two decades in education, she taught elementary, middle, and high school students, and worked as an instructional coach, curriculum writer, and university adjunct instructor. She loves her current role, as an elementary school principal where she gets to lead, learn, and play.
📚 FREE RESOURCE
Complete CTC Resource Guide
We have included all of our printable resources in one complete guide. This includes:
Connected Conversation Planning Guide
Response to Common Student Move: Denial
How to Apologize after Another Stinking Learning Opportunity (ASLO)
Care Out Loud Strategies
Sentence Stems for Connected Communicators
Connected Communicator Behavior Planning Guide