Detective Fil Waters has served in Law Enforcement for 33 years. He joined the Houston Police Department as a member of Lateral Cadet Class #L3-93, and embarked on a career with HPD (1993-2017) that spanned over 24 years; assigned to the Houston Police Homicide Division for 23 years working a large volume of varying homicide investigations and high…

Jonathan Medina helps schools encourage students, equip educators, and engage parents. Jonathan has spoken to over 1 million students, educators, and parents across the United States at places such as Harvard, Texas A&M, and schools from New York to Los Angeles. He was a walk-on and starter for 2 years at prestigious Georgetown University Football.…

Kristin McKeown is a coach and consultant helping educators integrate meditation and mindfulness into their daily lives so they can be at their best for their students, colleagues, and families. As founder and CEO of TeachingBalance, Kristin integrates her experience as a meditation teacher with her 25 years in public education to offer straightfor…

Cameron Carlin is a Trinity University graduating senior studying Communication with a minor in Sport Management. At Trinity, he is a Tour Guide, Teacher’s Assistant for various courses and the Co-Director of the Student Ambassador program. Cameron has not only been involved on campus, but he has dedicated himself on making a positive impact on the…

Evan Whitehead has been in the field of education for over 20 years spanning over three decades, and is currently the Director of Special Services, for Lindop School District 92, in Broadview, IL. In his current role Evan oversees all Federal Programs (Special Education, McKinney-Vento, English Learners, and Title I), Early Childhood Education, Mul…

Ryan Sheehy was raised in Southern California where his diverse education experiences all started. He attended public school, private school, and was home-schooled. He has seen and been part of all types of education systems, which gives him a different perspective. Ryan is a passionate educator that has made it his mission to help everyone live up…

Taylor Armstrong is extremely passionate about leadership and our ability to influence others. Taylor is an Army Veteran and has been in education (2 Colleges and 3 School Systems) for 14 years. He and his wife have 4 kiddos. Taylor Online: Website | https://teespring.com/stores/zero-apology-zone-store Taylor on Social Media: Twitter | @TAYLOR_does…

Rhonda Turner is an education veteran of thirty years. She has spent the last seven years as the Superintendent of Schools in her hometown of Quitman, Texas. She is passionate about public education, and making a positive difference in the lives of students. Ms. Turner places a priority on leadership growth within her staff. She believes in growing…

Human Connection Matters! In 2019 this simple yet incredibly powerful message is arguably the single most important concept for our society to grasp. Joe Beckman speaks to the heart of this message. As a youth speaker for the last 17 years, Joe has shared his energy, humor, authenticity, and message on Human Connection to over 1 million students, e…

Dr. Shaun Woodly is a two-time graduate of Hampton University - in 2004, then again in 2005, followed by his Ph.D. in 2014. Shaun has dedicated his professional career to education. He is an author, speaker, and staff development expert who specializes in helping educators absolutely flourish in the classroom. His goal is to challenge the norm of t…

Todd Nesloney is the Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership for the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA). He has been recognized by the White House, John C Maxwell, National School Board Association, Center for Digital Education, and many more for his work in education. In addition to his 3 books, including the hit …

Tricia Kiah, teacher and creator of Blackboard Brave, is inspiring educators and teens to have authentic BOLD conversations that shift attitudes,and transform school climate in a safe space. During her first few years of teaching, she realized pretty quickly that students could not focus in the classroom if they were worried, angry, anxious, depres…

Dr. Kristopher Wallaert grew up in Portland, Oregon where he earned his Masters in Teaching at Multnomah University. In 2011, Kristopher moved to Idaho for his first teaching job. Currently, he lives in Mountain Home, Idaho where he has been teaching since 2012. He holds a Doctorate in Education with an emphasis in leadership in administration and …

Erik Salzenstein's story is one that truly shows the power of change and what's possible. From greed and addiction to purpose and fulfillment. Erik found himself facing life in prison, with his back against the wall where he finally had to face his worst enemy up until that point.....himself. What stands out that he had to go to prison to find free…

Vernon Wright is a veteran speaker, educator, leader, consultant, show host, Associate Editor, mentor, entrepreneur, and lifelong learner. Vernon is passionate about helping others find purpose, meaning, and fulfillment in their lives through his many endeavors. He believes that in essence we can all look through the lens of the core values of his …

Chris Hotze is the founder and CEO of Crescere Capital and author of the best-selling book Mail Box Money Mindset. From the age of 8, Chris has had a strong connection to real estate and private equity investments. Chris’ father, Ernest Hotze, had eight children and worked as an engineer, but on the side over many decades, was able to acquire a lar…

Lee Labrada is a former IFBB professional bodybuilder, published author, and founder and current CEO of Labrada Nutrition. Lee holds 22 professional bodybuilding titles, including the IFBB Mr. Universe. He is one of the few pro bodybuilders in history to consistently have placed in the top four at Mr. Olympia for seven consecutive years. He has app…

Rebecca A. Weiner, M.Ed. of Learn Play Grow LLC is a dynamic educator and advocate. As a life long learner, she has earned a master’s degree and completed a residency in Rice University’s School Literacy and Culture program and a fellowship in Leadership Education for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) at the UTHealth. Rebecca has mo…

Mike Arone is the owner of Boston Scally Company. Mike grew up the youngest of three brothers in small home six miles west of Boston in the City of Waltham. Growing up in a blue collar home under close quarters, Mike and his brothers learned the importance of loyalty, tradition and culture. Mike's father always wore, what Bostonians call, a scally …

Josh Evans is a husband, father of 3, organizational culture expert and speaks all over the US. Additionally, Josh is a programmer for TEDxSugarLand, a #1 best selling author, and an all around awesome guy! Contact Josh Online: Website | JoshuaMEvans.com Email | josh@joshuamevans.com Join Josh on Social Media: Facebook | @EnthusiasticYou Instagram …

Jennifer Saenz is the director of strategic partnerships and outreach for OnRamps, The University of Texas-led program established in 2011 to address the misalignment of academic expectations between high school and college. Serving tens of thousands of students, educators and school campuses across Texas, Jennifer helped grow OnRamps to be a state…

Rob Carroll recently retired after 22 years of serving as principal at #the1199. Currently, "Dr. Rob" is a professor at University of Southern Indiana, as well as co-leader of Ideas Rule Leadership Consultants. Additionally, he's the vision-caster for the Audubon Kids Zone! His goal: "Impact the world through serving kids!" His biggest fear: "Becom…

Small town West Texas made and Houston stayed, Samantha Jo Berry teaches journalism at Bridgeland High School in Cy-Fair ISD. Samantha is passionate about empowering student leaders and creating positive environments. She serves as President-elect with the Texas Association of Journalism Educators where she works with a phenomenal team of people. A…

Sarah Cooper is a current high school assistant principal in East Tennessee. She has taught both second and fifth grade. In addition to classroom teaching, Sarah believes strongly in the power of teacher collaboration and the creation of a sustainable, positive classroom community. She presents both locally and nationally, sharing her passion for t…

Kim Strobel is transforming education and helping teachers bring creativity, innovation, excitement, and achievement back into the classroom. She’s an education consultant, well-versed in best-practice strategies. But she’s also a teacher, so she knows what it takes to implement real change—and that a lot of professional development fails to delive…

Dennis Mathew is a speech pathologist who has been working in elementary schools for over 10 years. He is the published children's book author of the award winning “Bello the Cello” and “My WILD First Day of School.” He enjoys writing to encourage the everyday young underdog who strives to realize his or her God-given potential. Dennis aims to insp…

Veronica Triplett is a massage therapist, world traveler, professional troublemaker, and one of my favorite people on the planet. Follow Veronica Online: veronicatriplettmassage.com veronicatriplett@massagetherapy.com Join Veronica on Social Media: Instagram | @veronicatriplettmassage Facebook | @veronicatriplettmassage…

Jacob Chastain is the host and creator of the Teach Me, Teacher podcast, and the author of Teach Me, Teacher - Life Lessons That Taught Me How to be a Better Teacher. Jacob also teaches 6th grade ELA in Texas. Contact Jacob: Website | teachmeteacherpodcast.com Email | jacob.chastain@yahoo.com Connect with Jacob: Twitter | @jacobchastain_ Facebook |…

Victoria Macicek is entering her 10th year teaching. She taught life skills, inclusion and general ed. Victoria is the Magnolia ISD 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year. Victoria says "I strive to be the best in everything I do and be the absolute best for my students, coworkers, and administration. I seek to find the excitement in school and be different…

Amy Storer is an instructional coach and lead technology integration mentor in Montgomery, TX. She loves being an instructional coach and working alongside the wonderful educators of Keenan Elementary School. She is a distinguished educator that encourages and motivates others to reach far beyond the classroom walls to make learning more meaningful…

Juan Adams knows he’s a rare breed of fighter. He’s just beginning his UFC career, but he’s already disrupting the status quo by telling anyone who will listen that he is the future of the heavyweight division. Standing 6-foot-5-inches tall and walking around north of 285 pounds, Adams is already an imposing force just based on looks alone. When yo…

Marissa Moretti is a 4th year PE teacher and an entrepreneur. According to Marissa, "I have a passion for education and working with children. I also have a passion for fitness, health and wellness. I am a single mom to two young boys. We are in active family who plays outside more than they should and is very active in the community with sports, f…

Austin Lanier is a music artist and motivational speaker from Newport News, Virginia. His music is played on nationally syndicated radio stations across the country, and he travels all over the U.S and internationally to impact the audiences that he is honored to connect with. He has an incredible story of setbacks and breakdowns that have led him …

Lisa Wright is the author of "The Age of Outrage: Strategies for Parents and Educators" and currently serves as a Texas public high school counselor whose career in education began almost three decades ago and includes twenty years as a middle school/junior high and high school teacher. Lisa has observed the changes in students and the educational …

The Arts Alive! philosophy forms the basis for every educational experience they offer. They embrace the strengths of young children; harnessing their joy, imagination, and their love of the arts as fuel and inspiration to effectively educate. Through research and years of experience, Arts Alive! has perfected an amazing technique and curriculum th…

Nick Mann is a former Marine Infantry Officer who moved into the fitness space after his time in the military. Through working with teachers and students in my gym and after school program Nick recognized a need for health, fitness, and wellness in the education world. Nick now offers online fitness and nutrition programs for teachers and students …

Natalie Zea is an actor and director currently starring in TBS's The Detour, whose 4th season airs June 18th, 2019. Natalie has been working as an actor, writer and director for over 20 years. A handful of her many credits include: Justified, The Other Guys, The Following, Califonication, Dirty Sexy Money, and Hung.…

Mark Leary is a passionate coach; marketing and sales leader; a lifelong entrepreneur; and, a recovering musician. Mark has a deep passion for helping people feel in control of their lives, and that takes him down some pretty interesting roads. Contact Mark: Website | www.leary.cc Email | mark@leary.cc Follow Mark on Social Media: Facebook | @mlear…

Originally from Michigan, Ashley Agney is currently living her best life out in the Arizona sunshine! Ashely is in her 6th year as an elementary school teacher. Ashley believes that all students are capable of learning and finding success, and she makes it her daily mission to find success in each student's day! Ashley is also an education influenc…

David Rickert has been teaching high school English for the past 20 years. He teaches AP Literature, dual enrollment, and (like a lot of us) he'll always pick-up whatever he needs to in order to make someone's schedule easier. Also, he creates comics to teach language arts subjects. When he's not in the classroom, David does a lot of yoga to keep h…

Blake Minor is a life-long theatre artist in his 9th year as a teacher. Prior to teaching, Blake spent 3 years as the lighting designer with Straight No Chaser. Blake is also the host of the popular Minor Wisdom Podcast.By Hal Bowman

Holli Merkel currently serves as the elementary principal for Itasca ISD. She's also a counselor and teach parenting at the Johnson County Crisis Center. Holli has an amazing daughter who, she says, "is my life." Her passion is helping others and she feels blessed to be able to pursue her love for advocating for others.…

I'll let Annie Possis introduce herself: "I’ve been teaching for 30 years. I’ve taught every grade level in elementary - kinder through 5th grade as a classroom teacher. Currently, I am a Physical Education Teacher for elementary students, serving kinder -5th . I am an IFBB Pro Bikini Competitor. I’m a mother of three boys. Nick is an Engineering g…

Kris Bowers has been teaching for 21 years. According to Kristi, "I wanted to be a teacher entire life.... after earning my first gold star in preschool, I was hooked. I would line up my stuffed animals and teach my little heart out. Twenty one years later, nothing has changed. Although real life students come with a bit more baggage and a lot more…

Ben Toalson is a filmmaker from San Antonio, TX. He's passionate about telling stories and when he's not booked with commercial video projects, he's alwaays looking for a story he can tell through documentary film. Outside of work, Ben loves dreaming, planning, and building with his wife and hanging out with his 6 boys.…

Kayse Morris is a former English and Language Arts teacher that now specializes in helping teachers transition from the classroom to online marketers by selling their teaching resources online.She’s been featured on Amazon LIVE, Georgia Public Television, and Sirius XM radio. She speaks to teachers all over the world and inspires them to start livi…

Bret Beitler is the owner/operator of 2 Kids R Kids Learning Academies. Bret is recently married to Paige Beitler as working to show up everyday and get better than yesterday as a leader.By Hal Bowman

Just over a year ago, following the Florida school shootings, Debbie Scott was moved and inspired to do something to make a difference in the lives of teachers and their kids. As a result, she reached out to a handful of teachers who she knew and asked what supplies they needed for their classrooms. After fulfilling their requests and being touched…

Travis Niemeyer was a collegiate athlete in springboard diving. After a couple years at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, he took time off college to be with his family, but didn't quit training. He eventually returned to college at the University of Nebraska to complete his degree in Elementary Education. During that time, he was a member o…

Jen Henson ( a.k.a “The GOAL DIGGER”) is a nationally sought after test prep expert specializing in the ACT test. Jen, who was an Ohio Teacher of the Year in 2014, holds a Master of Education degree with a Bachelor’s in English from Xavier University where she competed as a division 1 varsity tennis player. For more than 2 decades, she has been a d…