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
Book Study Kit - The Language of Behavior
Get all the resources you need all in this one, done-for-you kit. You’ll get a facilitator guide, reflection questions, printable worksheets, + more!
Charle Peck, M.Ed., MSW
Keynote Speaker | Author | School Mental Health Consultant
Charle Peck is the co-author of The Language of Behavior: A Framework to Elevate Student Success,, and co-author of Improving School Mental Health: The Thriving School Community Solution, a revolutionary program to optimize student learning outcomes and wellbeing. 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 learning sessions to equip adults with tools that integrate into everyday practice. Her unique lens as a high school teacher turned clinical therapist, and her work with adolescents and families in crisis, makes her stories relevant and captivating to those struggling in today’s system. You can purchase her books on Amazon and connect with her via her website CharlePeck.com and everyone on social media @CharlePeck.
📚 FREE RESOURCE
Behavior Power Pack
Strategies you never learned in your teacher prep program to calm the classroom chaos.
Rapid Resets
De-escalation Strategies
Managing Challenging Behavior Guide
School Mental Health Audit
Well-being Essentials Workbook
Jimmy Casas
CEO of J Casas & Associates | Educator | Author
Jimmy served twenty-two years as a school leader. He is a best selling author, speaker, leadership coach, and a state and national award winning principal. Under Jimmy’s leadership, Bettendorf High School was named one of the best high schools in the country three times by Newsweek and U.S. News and World Report. JImmy was named the 2012 Iowa Principal of the Year and was runner-up NASSP 2013 National Principal of the Year. In 2014, Jimmy was invited to the White House to speak on the Future Ready Pledge. Finally, in 2015, he received the Bammy Award for the National Principal of the Year.
📚 FREE RESOURCE
The Interview Chair Resource Guide
Whether you’re leading a team or leading a classroom, these curated episodes and reflection prompts will help you and your staff reconnect with your “why,” navigate the challenges ahead, and grow together throughout the year.
Joe Sanfelippo
Keynote Speaker | Former Superintendent of the Year | Author
Dr. Joe Sanfelippo, retired Superintendent of the Fall Creek School District in Wisconsin, is an educational leader and author. During his tenure, the Fall Creek School District was recognized as an Innovative District twice by the International Center for Leadership in Education. Joe authored multiple books, including best-sellers "Hacking Leadership" and "Lead From Where You Are." Honored as one of 117 Future Ready Superintendents and among the 50 Personalized Learning Leaders by the US Department of Education, Joe was also named one of the 100 Most Influential Educators by District Administration Magazine. In 2019, Education Dive awarded him National Superintendent of the Year.
Dr. Rebecca Heiss
Stress Physiologist | Author
Dr. Heiss is a stress expert dedicated to transforming our fears into fuel we can use through her T-3 Minus Technique. Her research has been designated “transformative” by the National Science Foundation. When she’s not on stage, she is happiest when hiking or surfing with her two spoiled rotten dogs, Guiness and Murphy.
📚 FREE RESOURCE
First Chapter of New Book - Springboard
"Get Chapter One of Rebecca’s latest book and learn how your brain and body respond to stress, along with fresh insight and strategies to handle it."
Dr. Julie Schmidt Hasson
Resilience Researcher | Certified 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 10 Minute Pause Journal
This 90 day journal provides prompts for a peaceful and productive 10-minute pause in the morning and 10-minute pause in the evening. The morning prompts help teachers determine a feeling and focus for the day, rather than allowing circumstances and events to determine how the day will go. The evening prompts help teachers release the day's stress, reflect on the successes, and identify moments of gratitude. Pausing with this reflective tool is a powerful way to bring more joy and fulfillment to the teaching day.
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.
Katie Kinder
Teacher Retention Specialist | Educational | Consultant
Katie Kinder, author of Untold Teaching Truths, has been an educator since 2006. She has been bringing her message of hope and fun to educators all over the nation. From Orlando, Florida to McAlester, OK, and many stops in between, she believes that life is fun, and learning should most definitely be fun. Hook your students, embed music, gamification, the family classroom, and relevant content. A teacher of the year, top five district finalist, Speaker, Author, Professional Development Director, OKC Rotary Teacher of the Month, and a top 100 educator in Oklahoma on Twitter, Katie has learned a trick or two in the classroom, so come on in, and have some fun, and hook your students from day one!
Lainie Rowell
Bestselling Author | International Keynote Speaker | Award-Winning Educator
Lainie was in the room with Steve Jobs when he introduced the iPhone. She’s presented in 41 states and in dozens of countries across four continents—and has even been called “gritty” by Angela Duckworth.
Lainie Rowell is a bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and award-winning educator who helps individuals and organizations thrive by optimizing happiness, relationships, and performance.
Her clients range from Fortune 100 companies like Apple and Google to school districts, nonprofits, and independent organizations around the world. Whether speaking on a big stage or facilitating professional learning, Lainie shares science-backed strategies to cultivate gratitude, enhance resilience, and drive innovation.
Her signature framework, Bold Gratitude, blends psychology, behavioral science, the neuroscience of well-being, and practical tools to help people notice what matters, evolve with intention, and thrive through meaningful connections.
Lainie is the author of Evolving with Gratitude, the lead author of Evolving Learner, and the creator of Bold Gratitude: The Journal Designed for You & By You. Her work has been featured in Greater Good Magazine, Thrive Global, Edutopia, and PBS NewsHour.
As the host of the award-winning Evolving with Gratitude podcast, she interviews world-class thinkers—from Pulitzer Prize winners to pioneering neuroscientists and leading professors from Harvard, Yale, and beyond. Her research-driven approach resonates with leaders seeking actionable strategies to support both individual growth and collective flourishing.
📚 FREE RESOURCE
A Variety of Resources to Improve Well-Being
Tools, strategies, and tips for improving well-being, nurturing relationships, and activating learning. All through timeless wisdom backed by science and amplified through innovation!
Dr. Shane Saeed
District Instructional Coach | Author
Dr. Shane Saeed is an Elementary ELA Curriculum Coordinator in Longmont, Colorado. Shane has earned her doctorate in executive leadership with an emphasis in educational equity. She is passionate about sharing strong instructional practices that support all students. Shane is the author of Be the Flame: Sparking Positive Classroom Communities which outlines high-yield tangible strategies to cultivate strong positive relationships with all stakeholders. She is a national speaker and presenter as well as the co-host of the Vrain Waves podcast where teachers and educational giants alike share their insights on classroom practices. Shane was named as one of 20 Emerging Leaders for ASCD in 2022 and one of ISTE’s 20 to Watch in 2024. She has also co-developed a structured morphology program for grade 4 and 5 built on the principles of structured literacy. Finally, Shane enjoys collaborating with teachers across the globe via her Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter (X).
📚 FREE RESOURCE
A Variety of Resources
Check out all of these resources Dr. Saeed has to offer! Be sure to click below so you don’t miss out.
Kim Gameroz
Founder + CEO of Teaching Inside Out | Consultant | Speaker
Kim Gameroz, M.Ed., is a change agent and founder of Teaching Inside Out, revolutionizing classrooms through a systematic approach to teaching social and emotional skills. With over 15 years of experience coaching, training, and mentoring educators, students, and families globally, Kim has spoken at numerous conferences, consults for school districts, serves on SEL panels, and contributes to various publications and podcasts. Through Teaching Inside Out, as well as her second company, SELebrate Good Times, she has created a supportive community for heart-centered educators nationwide where she is committed to making teachers feel seen, valued, and SELebrated at her events and teacher retreats. Kim's upcoming book, "Becoming The Bison," is set to be published in 2025.
She currently resides in Dallas, Texas with her husband, Shaun, and son, Wyatt, and is looking forward to spreading her knowledge of SEL and best practices in teaching even further to schools, districts, and homes around the world.
Visit SELebrate Good Times to learn more about the teacher community that is changing lives all over the country, and her annual National SELebration: The Bloom!
📚 FREE RESOURCE
Anchor Charts
25 Anchor Charts to support Social Emotional Learning for grades K-6
Dr. Chris Culver
Keynote Speaker | College Professor
Dr. Christopher Culver is a highly sought-after, dynamic, and engaging speaker. He is a proud product of Oklahoma public education. Raised in a divorced family, he split his time between Tulsa during the week, a 300-acre farm in Wyandotte, OK, and several times throughout the year in Fayetteville, NC.
For more than a decade, Dr. Culver has served educational communities as a classroom teacher, secondary principal, and, most recently, as a cabinet-level administrator. He is the former President of the Oklahoma Association for Bilingual Education and currently serves as Vice President of the Oklahoma Citizens for Education nonprofit. Today, he works as a speaker and leading thought partner on the Science of Kindness, a consultant with expertise in culture and Gen Z/Gen Alpha understanding, and a part-time college professor where he teaches future teachers and leaders.
Earning an EdD through research on culture and the collective impact on motivation, Dr. Culver is dedicated to spreading kindness, improving mindsets, and creating spaces where everyone is seen, heard, valued, and respected. He believes that if you cannot find the light, be the light!
📚 FREE RESOURCE
The Science of Kindness Handout
In today's educational landscape, where the focus often leans heavily on academic achievement and standardized testing, one powerful tool for student success is frequently overlooked: kindness. While often seen as a "soft skill," kindness is rooted in hard science. Research shows that engaging in acts of kindness not only benefits emotional well-being but also has significant impacts on cognitive function and classroom dynamics. The science of kindness delves into the neuroscience behind why this simple behavior is so powerful in educational settings.
Mitch Weathers
Founder of Organized Binder, Inc. | Author
Mitch is an educator, author of the #1 best selling book, Executive Functions for Every Classroom, and the founder of Organized Binder. Organized Binder is a research backed Universal Tier 1 MTSS solution that supports the development of the executive functions that promote success. In a world where we must embrace technology, analog interaction and hands-on practice is more important than ever. "Studentness", the habits of being a student, are critical in today’s educational landscape and Mitch is among those leading the charge.
📚 FREE RESOURCE
Learn To Teach Executive Functions - A Class w/ Mitch Weathers - September 23, 2025
Get exclusive access to Mitch and learn new tools and strategies.
Dr. Cameron Caswell
The Teen Translator | Adolescent Psychologist | TEDx Speaker | Author | Podcast Host
Dr. Cam Caswell, PhD—“The Teen Translator”—is an adolescent psychologist, parenting coach, TEDx speaker, and host of the Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam podcast. With over 20 years of experience and a teen of her own, Dr. Cam combines professional expertise with personal insight to help parents stop yelling, start connecting, and rebuild trust at home. Her Parenting Teens Academy gives parents bite-sized tools, real-life scripts, and science-backed strategies to reduce conflict and strengthen connection. With over 275K followers on Instagram, she’s a trusted voice for parents who want practical, compassionate support—not more guilt. As one parent shared, "I learned more in 20 minutes than in 4 years of struggling with my teen."
Her mission: Empower parents. Uplift teens. Transform families.
📚 FREE RESOURCE
7 Secrets to Motivating Teenagers (No nagging required)
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? Get this resource to get to set your teen up to truly thrive.
Danny Steele, Ed.D.
Speaker | Author | Award Winning Former Principal
Danny Steele worked for 31 years in education as a principal, assistant principal, teacher, coach, and assistant professor of Instructional Leadership. In 2005, Steele was recognized as Alabama’s “Assistant Principal of the Year,” and in 2016, he was recognized as Alabama’s “Secondary Principal of the Year.” He has written six books including two with Todd Whitaker, has presented at numerous state and national conferences, and has spoken in school districts around the country. Steele has an undergraduate degree in History from Covenant College; he has an Master’s in History from the University of Alabama, Birmingham, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Samford University. He is the father of three (mostly grown) children and resides with his wife in Birmingham, Alabama.
📚 FREE RESOURCE
365 Quotes for Teachers: Inspiration and Motivation for Every Day of the Year
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? Get this resource to get to set your teen up to truly thrive.
Dr. T.J. Vari
Speaker | Co-founder of The Schoolhouse 302
I focus on two aspects of leading schools: 1. The capacity of school leaders. You can't pour from an empty cup, and the capacity of a school or district will never exceed the capacity of its leader. 2. College and career readiness for students worldwide. All students deserve access to quality postsecondary options, and it's our responsibility to inform them before they graduate from K12 systems.
I hope you'll follow both of my podcasts: FocusED and College & Career Readiness Radio. You can find my free resources for school leaders at theschoolhouse302.com.
📚 FREE RESOURCE
IDEAS Framework for Turning Tough Talks int Transformational Feedback
Dr. Joseph Jones
Superintendent | Speaker | Co-founder of The Schoolhouse 302
Dr. Joseph Jones is the superintendent of New Castle County Vocational and Technical School District. Starting his career as a social studies teacher, he rose to the principalship at Delcastle Technical High School, earning Delaware's Outstanding Academic Achievement Award and Secondary Principal of the Year. He holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Delaware and cofounded TheSchoolHouse302, a leadership development institute with an international footprint. Dr. Jones is a recognized speaker and coauthor of six books on educational leadership.
📚 FREE RESOURCE
IDEAS Framework for Turning Tough Talks int Transformational Feedback
Johnathan Cranford
Executive Director of Art of ISS | Author
Johnathan Cranford is a veteran educator with over a decade of experience supporting students with the highest needs. He spent seven years teaching special education on a therapeutic campus for students with severe emotional disturbance, followed by five years leading in-school suspension (ISS) programs at two middle schools.
After seeing firsthand how traditional ISS programs were failing to support the academic, behavioral, and emotional needs of at-risk students, Johnathan developed a trauma-informed ISS model that transforms the ISS room from a punitive space into a structured intervention.
He went on to successfully implement this model across multiple campuses and later documented the process in his book, The Art of In-School Suspension. Today, he helps schools nationwide through his digital training program, guiding educators in turning ISS from a holding tank into a high-impact tool for behavior change and academic support.
https://theartofiss.com/
📚 FREE RESOURCE
Book: The Art of In-School Suspension
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.
Josh Tovar
Principal | Podcast Host
Educator for 33 years and current principal of Memorial Pathway Academy.
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.
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
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!
Charles M. Williams, Jr.
Educational Leader | Keynote Speaker | Leadership Coach
For 20 years, Charles Williams has stood at the intersection of education and leadership, serving as a classroom teacher, building leader, coach, and consultant. As a current school administrator and founder of CW Consulting, Charles focuses on helping leaders across the country implement sustainable practices that prioritize clarity, build capacity, and center care—without burning out.
His work spans urban school districts, nonprofit organizations, and national conferences where he is frequently invited to deliver powerful keynotes and hands-on workshops. With a reputation for saying what others won’t and doing what others don’t, Charles is a trusted partner for those ready to transform leadership from the inside out.
Dr. Kristilynn Turney
Education Consultant | Speaker | Coach | Author
Dr. Kristilynn Turney is a leading consultant, speaker, coach, and author who leverages over 25 years of K-12 experience, ranging from classroom instruction to top-tier district leadership. From her early days as a high school English teacher to her work as a national consultant, she has consistently supported, researched, and coached educators to identify best practices and promote literacy across all content areas.
A trailblazer in educational leadership, Dr. Turney made history as the first Black principal of two large suburban schools in Cincinnati, where she led initiatives addressing disproportionality, ESL literacy, student achievement, and community engagement. Her impact extends nationally and internationally, with consulting and speaking engagements across Ohio, Michigan, California, New York, Wyoming, and the Cayman Islands.
Dr. Turney is also the author of Inspiration and Reflections for the School Leader and 5 Months to School Improvement, which provide practical insights for educational leaders. Her signature talks, Breaking Barriers: From Problem Child to Problem Solver and From Burn-out to Buy-in, inspire audiences to transform challenges into opportunities for growth, resilience, and breakthrough results
📚 FREE RESOURCE
Addressing Disproportionality Framework
This resource is a step-by-step framework designed to help schools identify, address, and reduce disproportionality or equity concerns in areas such as discipline, special education, and advanced coursework. The template guides educators through five key phases: defining goals and focus areas, collecting and analyzing data, developing action steps, monitoring progress, and reflecting on outcomes. It includes tools for root cause analysis, equity audits, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement, ensuring schools can create actionable, measurable, and equitable strategies to foster inclusive practices and improved student outcomes.
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!
Dr. Herbert Monroe
Superintendent | Keynote Speaker
Dr. Herbert Monroe is 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.