Confirmed Speakers for March 25, 2017
Kenneth Danford is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of North Star: Self-Directed Learning for Teens in Sunderland, MA. (www.northstarteens.org)
Through North Star, Kenneth has supported more than 600 teens to leave school and embark on a self-directed approach. North Star is now the lead organization of the Liberated Learners network (www.liberatedlearners.net) of a dozen centers throughout the United States and Canada. Prior to establishing North Star, Kenneth attended public schools in Shaker Heights, Ohio, and then Amherst College and Brown University.
He taught in both the Prince George’s County, MD and Amherst, MA public schools. Kenneth has spoken about his experience of making school optional as an annual presenter at the AERO Conference and other panels, including the Life Without Instructions 2016 Conference in Staten Island, NY. He participated in the TEDx Conference in Amherst College in 2013 (http://northstarteens.org/is-north-star-right-for-you/) and at the Thrive 2020 Conference in Guernsey, United Kingdom in 2015 (http://northstarteens.org/is-north-star-right-for-you/) .
After twenty years in the field, Kenneth is as enthusiastic as ever about helping teens and families change their lives in this profound way.
Through North Star, Kenneth has supported more than 600 teens to leave school and embark on a self-directed approach. North Star is now the lead organization of the Liberated Learners network (www.liberatedlearners.net) of a dozen centers throughout the United States and Canada. Prior to establishing North Star, Kenneth attended public schools in Shaker Heights, Ohio, and then Amherst College and Brown University.
He taught in both the Prince George’s County, MD and Amherst, MA public schools. Kenneth has spoken about his experience of making school optional as an annual presenter at the AERO Conference and other panels, including the Life Without Instructions 2016 Conference in Staten Island, NY. He participated in the TEDx Conference in Amherst College in 2013 (http://northstarteens.org/is-north-star-right-for-you/) and at the Thrive 2020 Conference in Guernsey, United Kingdom in 2015 (http://northstarteens.org/is-north-star-right-for-you/) .
After twenty years in the field, Kenneth is as enthusiastic as ever about helping teens and families change their lives in this profound way.
Jill Pillot is the Founder of Ricochet Academy in San Mateo, CA. - www.RicochetWearableArt.net,
In her own words:
"When I came to America in 1989 I had a dream. I wanted to have a business that would make a difference in our community. In March of 1996, I was a single mom and pregnant with my second child. I did not really want to work for anyone, and I wanted to be home with my children. So I went searching for a storefront, thinking I would start a small consignment store. Amazingly, I was driving on El Camino Real and saw this small storefront I thought I could afford, somehow, and to top it off, there was a living space above...what more could I have wished for? I could be a stay-at-home mom and have my own business at the same time!
The next step was finding a name. I turned to the dictionary and, word by word, looked for something that would suit the store perfectly until I reached the letter R, and found Ricochet. Thinking back, I grew up ricocheting from one country to another; the name was perfect.
I thought I would stay here for about five or six years, while the children were small; I could be at home with them and work at the same time. Before I knew it, years had gone by and Ricochet is still standing -- but not without, I would say, changes, and growth...and I am loving it.
Throughout the years, I started creating clothes and costumes here and there, and I had really found a passion for it. But, feeling I lacked some technical skills, I decided to go to college full time. Four years later, I received my degree in Costume and Fashion Design and my General Education, while running Ricochet and being a mom.... Not easy, but fulfilling my dreams, step by step.
Around 2006 I finally created my own line of clothes for children and women, all step by step....
For the last 10 years I have been working toward one of my ultimate goals: to provide an open door for students as young as 8 years old, high school students and young professionals to develop their skills for success in today's demanding and often times disheartening fashion industry. Through Ricochet Wearable Art Academy Internship Program, I foster a collaborative learning environment that helps students grow their ideas while expanding their skill set and building their confidence. The Academy's Internship Program is a personalized learning experience that is open to students of any background or skill set.
In 2014 I relocated Ricochet to a 1700 sq. feet store front, two doors down from original Ricochet, opening doors for our local designers and artist to display their work.
I look back to the day that this was all just a thought, a dream, a goal, and now 20 years later it is standing, and still growing...step by step....
I hope to be an inspiration to others through my designs, my classes, and explore our sense of creativity with the environment in mind.
"Follow your passion for a better world"
In her own words:
"When I came to America in 1989 I had a dream. I wanted to have a business that would make a difference in our community. In March of 1996, I was a single mom and pregnant with my second child. I did not really want to work for anyone, and I wanted to be home with my children. So I went searching for a storefront, thinking I would start a small consignment store. Amazingly, I was driving on El Camino Real and saw this small storefront I thought I could afford, somehow, and to top it off, there was a living space above...what more could I have wished for? I could be a stay-at-home mom and have my own business at the same time!
The next step was finding a name. I turned to the dictionary and, word by word, looked for something that would suit the store perfectly until I reached the letter R, and found Ricochet. Thinking back, I grew up ricocheting from one country to another; the name was perfect.
I thought I would stay here for about five or six years, while the children were small; I could be at home with them and work at the same time. Before I knew it, years had gone by and Ricochet is still standing -- but not without, I would say, changes, and growth...and I am loving it.
Throughout the years, I started creating clothes and costumes here and there, and I had really found a passion for it. But, feeling I lacked some technical skills, I decided to go to college full time. Four years later, I received my degree in Costume and Fashion Design and my General Education, while running Ricochet and being a mom.... Not easy, but fulfilling my dreams, step by step.
Around 2006 I finally created my own line of clothes for children and women, all step by step....
For the last 10 years I have been working toward one of my ultimate goals: to provide an open door for students as young as 8 years old, high school students and young professionals to develop their skills for success in today's demanding and often times disheartening fashion industry. Through Ricochet Wearable Art Academy Internship Program, I foster a collaborative learning environment that helps students grow their ideas while expanding their skill set and building their confidence. The Academy's Internship Program is a personalized learning experience that is open to students of any background or skill set.
In 2014 I relocated Ricochet to a 1700 sq. feet store front, two doors down from original Ricochet, opening doors for our local designers and artist to display their work.
I look back to the day that this was all just a thought, a dream, a goal, and now 20 years later it is standing, and still growing...step by step....
I hope to be an inspiration to others through my designs, my classes, and explore our sense of creativity with the environment in mind.
"Follow your passion for a better world"
Wes Beach is the Founder of Beach High School in Soquel, CA. - http://beachhigh.education/
Wes Beach has 53 years' experience in education. He spent 32 years in
public and private schools as a teacher in grades K-14 and as the director
of alternative education programs. In 1993 he wised up and left the
public schools. He is currently Director of Beach High School, a private
high school consisting of a home office and an attitude that offers a wide
variety of alternatives to traditional schooling. More than 1,450 people
have graduated from BHS without a traditional high school education and
have succeeded in a wide variety of endeavors, including but not limited
to reaching the highest levels of formal education.
Wes is an outside consultant for the Davidson Institute for Talent
Development. He has served on the board of the HomeSchool Association of
California (HSC) and is at present the Teen Adviser for both HSC and the
Gifted Homeschoolers Forum (GHF). In 2005 he received a Distinguished
Service Award from the California Association for the Gifted. In 2012 GHF
published his book, Forging Paths: Beyond Traditional Schooling, and next
year will publish his second book.
Wes lives with his wife and two cats in Soquel, California, two miles from
the waters of Monterey Bay.
Wes Beach has 53 years' experience in education. He spent 32 years in
public and private schools as a teacher in grades K-14 and as the director
of alternative education programs. In 1993 he wised up and left the
public schools. He is currently Director of Beach High School, a private
high school consisting of a home office and an attitude that offers a wide
variety of alternatives to traditional schooling. More than 1,450 people
have graduated from BHS without a traditional high school education and
have succeeded in a wide variety of endeavors, including but not limited
to reaching the highest levels of formal education.
Wes is an outside consultant for the Davidson Institute for Talent
Development. He has served on the board of the HomeSchool Association of
California (HSC) and is at present the Teen Adviser for both HSC and the
Gifted Homeschoolers Forum (GHF). In 2005 he received a Distinguished
Service Award from the California Association for the Gifted. In 2012 GHF
published his book, Forging Paths: Beyond Traditional Schooling, and next
year will publish his second book.
Wes lives with his wife and two cats in Soquel, California, two miles from
the waters of Monterey Bay.
Luke Rudkowski is the Founder of Change Media University in New York City, NY.
- https://wearechange.org/change-media-university/
World-renowned for his organization WeAreChange, Luke founded it in 2006, while Change Media University has been in operation since 2014.
Luke believes that we each have to change inside to become a better person and do better things, to help other people, and do (or not do) things that the corporations and people with power do not want us to do. He believes that as soon as we the people become aware of what is really happening on the planet, change is possible. We can have a better life, and many better things can appear in the world—if we only believe in it, just like Gandhi or Reverend King, and other individuals from history who fought for the people.
WeAreChange has expanded to over 200 chapters around the globe. Most of the WeAreChange chapters are in Europe and the United States, with one in South America and one in Africa. The primary work of the WeAreChange “Truth Squads” is to be the eyes and ears for the people.
They ask everyone everywhere to “be the ears and eyes to let us know about book signings, press conferences and events of global elites, politicians and celebrities. We have over 200 WeAreChange chapters waiting for you to tell us where the criminals are, so we can confront them.”
The commitment to the practice of asking members of the power elite hard questions has earned Luke Rudkowski the reputation (in some circles) of being classified as a member of a non-racist hate group, a conspiracy theorist, and a terrorist. Luke has inspired people to become aware of what is really happening in the world so that change can happen, and for this reason he is a big threat to the 000000000.1% that pull the purse strings of the world, and who own 80% of the world’s resources.
Luke points out that American sovereignty is the last obstacle before the power elite has complete global control. In his research, he has discovered that the power elite also plan to decrease the numbers of people around the world, and particularly in America. The elite do not need seven billion people on the planet to do all the dirty work while they enjoy living the good life.
Luke Rudkowski is thrilled to be a part of a movement that finds people from so many ideologies making friends, discussing how to work together to change the world, sitting together to face the hostile police, feeding each other, and making sure everyone has what they need in a place where pursuit of a better world has made their personal needs so much simpler.
Unity, says Luke, is the key. He points out that the elites do not have unity, for if they did, we would already be living in the New World Order. But they are arguing and vying for power amongst themselves. The key to success, says Luke, is who will achieve unity first. Whichever side achieves unity will decide the future of the planet.
- https://wearechange.org/change-media-university/
World-renowned for his organization WeAreChange, Luke founded it in 2006, while Change Media University has been in operation since 2014.
Luke believes that we each have to change inside to become a better person and do better things, to help other people, and do (or not do) things that the corporations and people with power do not want us to do. He believes that as soon as we the people become aware of what is really happening on the planet, change is possible. We can have a better life, and many better things can appear in the world—if we only believe in it, just like Gandhi or Reverend King, and other individuals from history who fought for the people.
WeAreChange has expanded to over 200 chapters around the globe. Most of the WeAreChange chapters are in Europe and the United States, with one in South America and one in Africa. The primary work of the WeAreChange “Truth Squads” is to be the eyes and ears for the people.
They ask everyone everywhere to “be the ears and eyes to let us know about book signings, press conferences and events of global elites, politicians and celebrities. We have over 200 WeAreChange chapters waiting for you to tell us where the criminals are, so we can confront them.”
The commitment to the practice of asking members of the power elite hard questions has earned Luke Rudkowski the reputation (in some circles) of being classified as a member of a non-racist hate group, a conspiracy theorist, and a terrorist. Luke has inspired people to become aware of what is really happening in the world so that change can happen, and for this reason he is a big threat to the 000000000.1% that pull the purse strings of the world, and who own 80% of the world’s resources.
Luke points out that American sovereignty is the last obstacle before the power elite has complete global control. In his research, he has discovered that the power elite also plan to decrease the numbers of people around the world, and particularly in America. The elite do not need seven billion people on the planet to do all the dirty work while they enjoy living the good life.
Luke Rudkowski is thrilled to be a part of a movement that finds people from so many ideologies making friends, discussing how to work together to change the world, sitting together to face the hostile police, feeding each other, and making sure everyone has what they need in a place where pursuit of a better world has made their personal needs so much simpler.
Unity, says Luke, is the key. He points out that the elites do not have unity, for if they did, we would already be living in the New World Order. But they are arguing and vying for power amongst themselves. The key to success, says Luke, is who will achieve unity first. Whichever side achieves unity will decide the future of the planet.
Rahman Jamaal is the Founder of Rap Force Academy in Redwood City, CA. - http://www.RapForceAcademy.com
"Rahman Jamaal" McCreadie is a writer, actor, musician, emcee, filmmaker, and educator with multiple degrees in Cinema-Television, Communications in the Entertainment Industry, and Music Industry from the University of Southern California.
In 2003, he debuted as the star of the record-setting feature film "The Beat" which earned critical and public acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival, and began airing domestically and internationally on Showtime, STARZ, and Encore in 2005.
Jamaal graduated film school with honors, and then wrote the first Visual & Performing Arts (VPA) and Common-Core standards-based Emcee/Spoken Word Curriculum in California, which began its implemention in schools, non-profits, and the juvenile justice system in 2004. He uses his path as a performer to collaborate with a unique network of talent through organizations such as Hip Hop Congress, a 15-year nonprofit for which he began serving as Executive Director in 2015.
"Rap is an art-form that allows our brain to create a new reality through language. Starring in a movie helped me realize the power of words and perception, and this enables me to work with untapped and developing talent at all levels. It is a daily pleasure to walk this path alongside anyone else bold enough to pursue their dreams."
"Rahman Jamaal" McCreadie is a writer, actor, musician, emcee, filmmaker, and educator with multiple degrees in Cinema-Television, Communications in the Entertainment Industry, and Music Industry from the University of Southern California.
In 2003, he debuted as the star of the record-setting feature film "The Beat" which earned critical and public acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival, and began airing domestically and internationally on Showtime, STARZ, and Encore in 2005.
Jamaal graduated film school with honors, and then wrote the first Visual & Performing Arts (VPA) and Common-Core standards-based Emcee/Spoken Word Curriculum in California, which began its implemention in schools, non-profits, and the juvenile justice system in 2004. He uses his path as a performer to collaborate with a unique network of talent through organizations such as Hip Hop Congress, a 15-year nonprofit for which he began serving as Executive Director in 2015.
"Rap is an art-form that allows our brain to create a new reality through language. Starring in a movie helped me realize the power of words and perception, and this enables me to work with untapped and developing talent at all levels. It is a daily pleasure to walk this path alongside anyone else bold enough to pursue their dreams."
Dale Brown is the Founder of Threat Management Body Guard Academy in Detroit, MI.
http://www.ThreatManagementCenter.com
He has been protecting people in need for over 22 years.
As the founder and Commander of the Threat Management Body Guard Academy, his mission is to protect people through non-violent prevention using psychology, tactical skills, and understanding the law. He trains his staff specifically how to detect, deter, and defend against threats thereby decreasing the opportunity for violence, injury, or death.
Having provided his professional service in some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in downtown Detroit, the skills he has personally learned, and have since taught, have saved lives and are proven empirically.
With the concerns over public safety and the increase demand, the Body Guard Academy values all human life and aims to empower children through specialized skill development in their Survival Scouts programs. The results experienced by young people include increased feelings of well-being and safety, which are vital to growing a healthy and sound mind.
The Body Guard Academy teaches young people to manage threats to their safety, the safety of their families, and the safety of their community by applying their new skills and knowledge about human psychology and law.
A central component of the curriculum include the Success Etiquette Training Program (SET), which teaches youths aged 5-17 to project professionalism and leadership to enhance employability and individual marketability. Emphasizing self-reliance and entrepreneurship, SET gives young people a new confidence to face the challenges of our world.
Commander Brown believes confidence is acquired through competence, being distinguished from arrogance and ignorance. Additional curricula include:
-trauma first aid
-police command and compliance communication
-knife disarm; gun disarm
-drug, alcohol, and gang avoidance
-predator psychology and evasion
-fire safety
-anti-abduction training
-verbal articulation; elocution
-apprenticeship; mentorship
The Threat Management Center, the inspiration of the Threat Management Body Guard Academy, has successfully developed tactics, strategies, and logistics to deter, detect and defend corporations and communities from both internal and external sources of violence using primarily non-violent methods. Having its roots beginning in 1993, the Threat Management Center has evolved to include high level corporate facilitation. Corporations discovered the success and discipline of the personnel within the organization and have retained the Threat Management Center for training workshops and referral of protective service professionals. The Threat Management Center’s history of success has led to high profile protective assignments from Reverend Jessie Jackson, Dr. Bill Cosby, and other international assignments.
Other professional relationships have included: Detroit Institute of Arts, FEMA, NAACP, Detroit City Council and Police Department. Commander Brown is a frequent guest on local and national media.
http://www.ThreatManagementCenter.com
He has been protecting people in need for over 22 years.
As the founder and Commander of the Threat Management Body Guard Academy, his mission is to protect people through non-violent prevention using psychology, tactical skills, and understanding the law. He trains his staff specifically how to detect, deter, and defend against threats thereby decreasing the opportunity for violence, injury, or death.
Having provided his professional service in some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in downtown Detroit, the skills he has personally learned, and have since taught, have saved lives and are proven empirically.
With the concerns over public safety and the increase demand, the Body Guard Academy values all human life and aims to empower children through specialized skill development in their Survival Scouts programs. The results experienced by young people include increased feelings of well-being and safety, which are vital to growing a healthy and sound mind.
The Body Guard Academy teaches young people to manage threats to their safety, the safety of their families, and the safety of their community by applying their new skills and knowledge about human psychology and law.
A central component of the curriculum include the Success Etiquette Training Program (SET), which teaches youths aged 5-17 to project professionalism and leadership to enhance employability and individual marketability. Emphasizing self-reliance and entrepreneurship, SET gives young people a new confidence to face the challenges of our world.
Commander Brown believes confidence is acquired through competence, being distinguished from arrogance and ignorance. Additional curricula include:
-trauma first aid
-police command and compliance communication
-knife disarm; gun disarm
-drug, alcohol, and gang avoidance
-predator psychology and evasion
-fire safety
-anti-abduction training
-verbal articulation; elocution
-apprenticeship; mentorship
The Threat Management Center, the inspiration of the Threat Management Body Guard Academy, has successfully developed tactics, strategies, and logistics to deter, detect and defend corporations and communities from both internal and external sources of violence using primarily non-violent methods. Having its roots beginning in 1993, the Threat Management Center has evolved to include high level corporate facilitation. Corporations discovered the success and discipline of the personnel within the organization and have retained the Threat Management Center for training workshops and referral of protective service professionals. The Threat Management Center’s history of success has led to high profile protective assignments from Reverend Jessie Jackson, Dr. Bill Cosby, and other international assignments.
Other professional relationships have included: Detroit Institute of Arts, FEMA, NAACP, Detroit City Council and Police Department. Commander Brown is a frequent guest on local and national media.
Matt Beudreau is the owner of Acton Academy Rocklin in Rocklin, CA.
“Education Revolutionary”, Matt Beaudreau, speaks to audiences and schools around the country about how they can leverage the practices of natural development and non-traditional schools to transform the pedagogical landscape for teachers and kids. He is a current school administrator, education consultant, and youth motivational speaker. He was a featured TEDx speaker in 2015 where he encouraged people to rethink schooling systems promoting excessive standardization and obedience over innovation and personalization. His 2016 TEDx will focus on the future of schools, and helping children find their calling in life.
As an entrepreneur, he is founder of a start-up K-12 private school in Northern California, Acton Academy, that is combining methods from Sudbury and democratic schools, as well as Project Based Learning to create an environment of intrinsic motivation and entrepreneurial endeavors.
Additionally, Matt speaks more than 50 times a year to many of America’s most innovative business and organizations about marketing to, selling to, and employing Millenials. As a Millenial himself, Matt has gained a reputation as a leader and visionary in his own generation.
Matt’s background makes him a powerful communicator for bridging the generations, laying the tracks for a new way to “do school”, and collaborating towards a better future.
“Education Revolutionary”, Matt Beaudreau, speaks to audiences and schools around the country about how they can leverage the practices of natural development and non-traditional schools to transform the pedagogical landscape for teachers and kids. He is a current school administrator, education consultant, and youth motivational speaker. He was a featured TEDx speaker in 2015 where he encouraged people to rethink schooling systems promoting excessive standardization and obedience over innovation and personalization. His 2016 TEDx will focus on the future of schools, and helping children find their calling in life.
As an entrepreneur, he is founder of a start-up K-12 private school in Northern California, Acton Academy, that is combining methods from Sudbury and democratic schools, as well as Project Based Learning to create an environment of intrinsic motivation and entrepreneurial endeavors.
Additionally, Matt speaks more than 50 times a year to many of America’s most innovative business and organizations about marketing to, selling to, and employing Millenials. As a Millenial himself, Matt has gained a reputation as a leader and visionary in his own generation.
Matt’s background makes him a powerful communicator for bridging the generations, laying the tracks for a new way to “do school”, and collaborating towards a better future.
Connie Giffin is the Founder of Project Nature Connect Global Classroom in Vilcabamba, Ecuador. http://mothernaturerocks.org/
Referred to as the “globe-trotting granny” Connie Giffin traversed the world from 2011 through 2013 seeking the most innovative models of holistic education. The purpose was to examine the essences underlying the holistic frameworks for commonalities in order to propose the optimum model to provide Mother Nature’s children a hope-filled future. The research produced the model capable of nurturing not only the evolved human in three generations but a most amazing and proven community model.
This research resulted in publication of her first book, “The Heart of Holistic Education: Expressed through the Experience of its Most Innovative Models”, and earned her a Master’s degree in Experiential Education at Prescott College. Her second book “Mother Nature Rocks: Wisdom, Spirit and Unconditional Love in Action” will be published in 2017, as will her 3rd book the story of the amazing community entitled “A Fairy Tale Based in Reality”.
Nurtured by nature herself over a long, tumultuous earth journey, and clear on the basic cause of humanity straying from its natural path, this elder committed her life’s purpose and resources to contributing to creating a hope-filled future for our children through education. She sought the source and the academic solution capable of ending the human species’ war being waged against Mother Nature, a solution provided by one of the original research participants, Project NatureConnect.
Currently completing her PhD in Eco-psychology through this program, she mentors graduate students globally in its 30 -week introduction course. Joined by 3 of her students, the program’s reach is being expanded to young learners through an online global classroom and appropriate level text. The reconnection process resulted from 50+ years research and one of the first programs to counsel, educate and heal in natural areas in the 1970s. The program and genius of its founder offer the tools to reconnect learners with all their 54 natural senses with which they were born. In so doing, they end the war to reign supreme over the earth mother and live within the natural laws of nature insuring survival of the human species and harmony with all sentient beings.
Receiving US industrial age model primary and secondary schooling contrasted sharply with holistic higher education placed Giffin in a unique position to write from both personal experience and global research. Becoming an Ecuadoran resident in 2014, living originally on her organic farm high on a mountainside in Vilcabamba and now in her home in the small indigenous mountain village of Cotacachi between two extinct volcanos, provides the rare healthful environment and simple organic lifestyle conducive to her purpose and work.
Referred to as the “globe-trotting granny” Connie Giffin traversed the world from 2011 through 2013 seeking the most innovative models of holistic education. The purpose was to examine the essences underlying the holistic frameworks for commonalities in order to propose the optimum model to provide Mother Nature’s children a hope-filled future. The research produced the model capable of nurturing not only the evolved human in three generations but a most amazing and proven community model.
This research resulted in publication of her first book, “The Heart of Holistic Education: Expressed through the Experience of its Most Innovative Models”, and earned her a Master’s degree in Experiential Education at Prescott College. Her second book “Mother Nature Rocks: Wisdom, Spirit and Unconditional Love in Action” will be published in 2017, as will her 3rd book the story of the amazing community entitled “A Fairy Tale Based in Reality”.
Nurtured by nature herself over a long, tumultuous earth journey, and clear on the basic cause of humanity straying from its natural path, this elder committed her life’s purpose and resources to contributing to creating a hope-filled future for our children through education. She sought the source and the academic solution capable of ending the human species’ war being waged against Mother Nature, a solution provided by one of the original research participants, Project NatureConnect.
Currently completing her PhD in Eco-psychology through this program, she mentors graduate students globally in its 30 -week introduction course. Joined by 3 of her students, the program’s reach is being expanded to young learners through an online global classroom and appropriate level text. The reconnection process resulted from 50+ years research and one of the first programs to counsel, educate and heal in natural areas in the 1970s. The program and genius of its founder offer the tools to reconnect learners with all their 54 natural senses with which they were born. In so doing, they end the war to reign supreme over the earth mother and live within the natural laws of nature insuring survival of the human species and harmony with all sentient beings.
Receiving US industrial age model primary and secondary schooling contrasted sharply with holistic higher education placed Giffin in a unique position to write from both personal experience and global research. Becoming an Ecuadoran resident in 2014, living originally on her organic farm high on a mountainside in Vilcabamba and now in her home in the small indigenous mountain village of Cotacachi between two extinct volcanos, provides the rare healthful environment and simple organic lifestyle conducive to her purpose and work.
Valerie Jaeger is the Founder of Full Circles Education in Union City, CA. - http://www.fullcircleseducation.com/
"I'm a mom of two young boys ages 8 & 11 who have completed years in both public and private schools. They have been homeschooled now for over a year.
I'm also an early childhood educator and I've worked with children for over 15 years.
By opening Full Circles Education I am fulfilling a vision to provide an environment where children really can thrive! I love child development and am passionate about remaining on the leading edge of educational opportunities."
"I'm a mom of two young boys ages 8 & 11 who have completed years in both public and private schools. They have been homeschooled now for over a year.
I'm also an early childhood educator and I've worked with children for over 15 years.
By opening Full Circles Education I am fulfilling a vision to provide an environment where children really can thrive! I love child development and am passionate about remaining on the leading edge of educational opportunities."
Paul is the Co-founder of Mind My Education, in Berkely, CA. - http://www.mindmyeducation.com/
Paul and his partner, Sara, co-founded Mind My Education to help young children prepare for a future we can only imagine.
Everyone needs to learn HOW to learn, so we can learn... anything.
Paul, while a university professor of psychology, noticed something that is well documented: student enthusiasm for learning dropped way off before college. Students often weren't connecting school learning to their lives.
To help fix this huge problem, Paul weaves insights from the cognitive & learning sciences (among other fields) into CoreAtlas, a self-directed curriculum that incorporates hands-on learning with technology.
Paul and his partner, Sara, co-founded Mind My Education to help young children prepare for a future we can only imagine.
Everyone needs to learn HOW to learn, so we can learn... anything.
Paul, while a university professor of psychology, noticed something that is well documented: student enthusiasm for learning dropped way off before college. Students often weren't connecting school learning to their lives.
To help fix this huge problem, Paul weaves insights from the cognitive & learning sciences (among other fields) into CoreAtlas, a self-directed curriculum that incorporates hands-on learning with technology.
David Rodriguez is the Founder of Valor Academy in San Jose, CA. - http://www.Valor-Academy.com
David Rodriguez is the Founding Principal of Valor Academy, which is a private school that sets students free to pursue their interests, passions, and dreams as they find apprenticeships and internships that put them on track to successful career.
In addition, he is the Founder of the Education Options Expo, David has a vision to introduce parents to respectful schools and approaches to learning, like private schooling and homeschooling, so students can reach their highest potential and happiness.
After selling his business at age 26, he moved to South Korea where he taught English at a high-performance high school. His business background includes work in the fields of insurance, biotechnology, and dentistry.
He was born and raised in California, where he attended public school. He received a business degree from San Jose State University. His newest book project with Mr. John Taylor Gatto has exclusive contributions from Dr. Ron Paul, G. Edward Griffin, and Lew Rockwell, and will be made into a film in 2019.
His forthcoming book, "The Apprenticeship: What Every Student Craves and How to Get It," will be released in Summer 2017. http://www.TheApprenticeshipBook.com
David Rodriguez is the Founding Principal of Valor Academy, which is a private school that sets students free to pursue their interests, passions, and dreams as they find apprenticeships and internships that put them on track to successful career.
In addition, he is the Founder of the Education Options Expo, David has a vision to introduce parents to respectful schools and approaches to learning, like private schooling and homeschooling, so students can reach their highest potential and happiness.
After selling his business at age 26, he moved to South Korea where he taught English at a high-performance high school. His business background includes work in the fields of insurance, biotechnology, and dentistry.
He was born and raised in California, where he attended public school. He received a business degree from San Jose State University. His newest book project with Mr. John Taylor Gatto has exclusive contributions from Dr. Ron Paul, G. Edward Griffin, and Lew Rockwell, and will be made into a film in 2019.
His forthcoming book, "The Apprenticeship: What Every Student Craves and How to Get It," will be released in Summer 2017. http://www.TheApprenticeshipBook.com
Confirmed Speakers for March 5, 2016
Dayna Martin - Mother of 4, Author, Children's Rights Advocate, www.DaynaMartin.com, Madison, NH.
Dayna Martin has been inspiring others for over a decade by sharing her experience through natural birth, attachment parenting and Unschooling. She is an activist, educator and author of, Radical Unschooling: A Revolution Has Begun, and her newest book, Radical Birth, due in 2016. Dayna has proudly advocated for Radical Unschooling through the media for the last eight years. This has allowed thousands of other parents to learn about Unschooling and to proudly live their lives without fear.
The movement of Unschooling is growing tremendously thanks to her bravery and unrelenting drive to share Unschooling with the world. Her choice to live out loud is one with powerful inspiration that is changing the world and offering more respect, peace and freedom to families worldwide.
Dayna been featured on Dr. Phil, CNN, Nightline, Australia’s most popular morning news program, Morning Sunrise, The Jeff Probst Show, ABC’s hit show, Wife Swap, Fox News, 60 Minutes Australia and the Bethenny Show. Dayna and her family are the most recognized voices for the Unschooling movement worldwide and she is humbled and honored to be a resource and speaker at events that are open to her unique and powerful awareness about the rights and freedoms that children and families deserve.
Dayna Martin has been inspiring others for over a decade by sharing her experience through natural birth, attachment parenting and Unschooling. She is an activist, educator and author of, Radical Unschooling: A Revolution Has Begun, and her newest book, Radical Birth, due in 2016. Dayna has proudly advocated for Radical Unschooling through the media for the last eight years. This has allowed thousands of other parents to learn about Unschooling and to proudly live their lives without fear.
The movement of Unschooling is growing tremendously thanks to her bravery and unrelenting drive to share Unschooling with the world. Her choice to live out loud is one with powerful inspiration that is changing the world and offering more respect, peace and freedom to families worldwide.
Dayna been featured on Dr. Phil, CNN, Nightline, Australia’s most popular morning news program, Morning Sunrise, The Jeff Probst Show, ABC’s hit show, Wife Swap, Fox News, 60 Minutes Australia and the Bethenny Show. Dayna and her family are the most recognized voices for the Unschooling movement worldwide and she is humbled and honored to be a resource and speaker at events that are open to her unique and powerful awareness about the rights and freedoms that children and families deserve.
Tomis Parker - Co-founder, www.AgileLearningCenters.com, New York City, NY.
Tomis Parker is a co-founder and coherence holder of the Agile Learning Centers Network. He began working on the ALC project after five years of working with alternative education models, studying psychology and philosophy, and exploring leading-edge business practices. Tomis is currently the Director of Operations for the ALC in NYC, as well as ALC Mosaic in Charlotte, NC. He enjoys long walks on the beach (seriously), traveling with his beautiful and inspiring wife, and working and playing with is fellow Agile Learning Facilitators.
Tomis Parker is a co-founder and coherence holder of the Agile Learning Centers Network. He began working on the ALC project after five years of working with alternative education models, studying psychology and philosophy, and exploring leading-edge business practices. Tomis is currently the Director of Operations for the ALC in NYC, as well as ALC Mosaic in Charlotte, NC. He enjoys long walks on the beach (seriously), traveling with his beautiful and inspiring wife, and working and playing with is fellow Agile Learning Facilitators.
Steven Horwich - Founder, www.ConnectTheThoughts.net, Los Angeles, CA
Steven has been an educator for over 40 years. At age 16, he started teaching private workshops to actors, and has almost never stopped since, holding at least one a week. In his twenties, he was selected to help teach the Professional Writer’s Program at the University of Southern California (U.S.C.), for two years. This was followed by a one year stint teaching in a Los Angeles Unified School District Magnet High School, an experience he detested. He continued to lecture and guest-direct productions at colleges and universities like Pierce Jr. College, U.C.L.A. and California State University Northridge throughout his twenties.
Steven expanded his efforts in his twenties to the teaching of private writer’s workshops, and private voice students. He continues in these endeavors to this day, as well. After his wonderful children were born (Katherine and William), he assumed responsibility for their educations by teaching in private schools they attended, for over a decade. He created arts departments in two private schools, and taught theater arts, acting, writing, music and voice. While doing this job, he authored his first courses in Creative Writing, and piloted them with 50 students – to great success for two years. (He also won the school’s Teacher Of The Year Award.) By the time he pulled his children from school in order to homeschool, Steven had logged well in excess of 20,000 hours of classroom time as a teacher. (Please note – he has no degree and has never once attended a college class as a student.)
At the start of the school year in 2002, Steven started homeschooling both his children, out of frustration for the methods used by even decent private schools, and disgust over their curriculum. He began authoring curriculum for his own children in history, science, and the arts. He showed the curricula he was writing to several teachers – who immediately insisted on homeschooling their own children using Steven’s courses. Within six weeks, Steven had 10 students, supervised by two trained teachers, in his house every weekday.
He has since authored well over 300 courses in history, science, study skills, life skills, the arts, creative writing, current events, literature guides and other subjects, a core, comprehensive secular curricula that he has taken great pains to make certain is “religion friendly”. The name of this curriculum is Connect The Thoughts, and it is now used by over 20,000 students worldwide. In order to test the curriculum beyond the daily slew of students in his house, Steven opened a small school and served as Dean for one year. This finally convinced him that schools are simply not a good way to teach. The curriculum was completed in 2010, for ages 5-adult, obviating the need for any student to ever go to a school.
In the process of authoring Connect The Thoughts, Steven came to grips with all of the elements of modern education that he feels have utterly failed both teachers and students. To that end, he authored a book, Poor Cheated Little Johnny, followed by a second book, Universal Private Education. He also authored ten courses just for teacher/parents who are homeschooling their children, to help them develop a more constructive and successful educational methodology than that used currently by almost all schools and "trained teachers".
Steven has been an educator for over 40 years. At age 16, he started teaching private workshops to actors, and has almost never stopped since, holding at least one a week. In his twenties, he was selected to help teach the Professional Writer’s Program at the University of Southern California (U.S.C.), for two years. This was followed by a one year stint teaching in a Los Angeles Unified School District Magnet High School, an experience he detested. He continued to lecture and guest-direct productions at colleges and universities like Pierce Jr. College, U.C.L.A. and California State University Northridge throughout his twenties.
Steven expanded his efforts in his twenties to the teaching of private writer’s workshops, and private voice students. He continues in these endeavors to this day, as well. After his wonderful children were born (Katherine and William), he assumed responsibility for their educations by teaching in private schools they attended, for over a decade. He created arts departments in two private schools, and taught theater arts, acting, writing, music and voice. While doing this job, he authored his first courses in Creative Writing, and piloted them with 50 students – to great success for two years. (He also won the school’s Teacher Of The Year Award.) By the time he pulled his children from school in order to homeschool, Steven had logged well in excess of 20,000 hours of classroom time as a teacher. (Please note – he has no degree and has never once attended a college class as a student.)
At the start of the school year in 2002, Steven started homeschooling both his children, out of frustration for the methods used by even decent private schools, and disgust over their curriculum. He began authoring curriculum for his own children in history, science, and the arts. He showed the curricula he was writing to several teachers – who immediately insisted on homeschooling their own children using Steven’s courses. Within six weeks, Steven had 10 students, supervised by two trained teachers, in his house every weekday.
He has since authored well over 300 courses in history, science, study skills, life skills, the arts, creative writing, current events, literature guides and other subjects, a core, comprehensive secular curricula that he has taken great pains to make certain is “religion friendly”. The name of this curriculum is Connect The Thoughts, and it is now used by over 20,000 students worldwide. In order to test the curriculum beyond the daily slew of students in his house, Steven opened a small school and served as Dean for one year. This finally convinced him that schools are simply not a good way to teach. The curriculum was completed in 2010, for ages 5-adult, obviating the need for any student to ever go to a school.
In the process of authoring Connect The Thoughts, Steven came to grips with all of the elements of modern education that he feels have utterly failed both teachers and students. To that end, he authored a book, Poor Cheated Little Johnny, followed by a second book, Universal Private Education. He also authored ten courses just for teacher/parents who are homeschooling their children, to help them develop a more constructive and successful educational methodology than that used currently by almost all schools and "trained teachers".
Hansel Lynn - Founder, www.TheCoderSchool.com, Palo Alto, CA
Title of Talk for March 5, 2016: "Learn to Code. Change the World."
Hansel is the owner of four schools in the bay area offering alternative after-school education programs. As the Palo Alto franchise owner of School of Rock, Hansel has inspired kids and adults alike to rock in bands together in venues ranging from local stages to the largest music festival in the world. School of Rock provides unparalleled music education to kids around the world by using the social and community power of an onstage band to harness every kids' inner rock star.
Based upon a similar premise of social teaching, Hansel later founded the Coder School, an after-school program that teaches kids not only how to code, but how to think like a coder. In one year, the Coder School has expanded to 3 locations in the Bay Area, with franchising to begin in Q4 2015.
Hansel codes and rocks with his 3 kids and awesome wife at his home in Palo Alto.
Title of Talk for March 5, 2016: "Learn to Code. Change the World."
Hansel is the owner of four schools in the bay area offering alternative after-school education programs. As the Palo Alto franchise owner of School of Rock, Hansel has inspired kids and adults alike to rock in bands together in venues ranging from local stages to the largest music festival in the world. School of Rock provides unparalleled music education to kids around the world by using the social and community power of an onstage band to harness every kids' inner rock star.
Based upon a similar premise of social teaching, Hansel later founded the Coder School, an after-school program that teaches kids not only how to code, but how to think like a coder. In one year, the Coder School has expanded to 3 locations in the Bay Area, with franchising to begin in Q4 2015.
Hansel codes and rocks with his 3 kids and awesome wife at his home in Palo Alto.
Commander Dale Brown - Founder of Threat Management Body Guard Academy, Professional Safety Expert
www.ThreatManagementCenter.com, Detroit, MI
Dale Brown has been protecting people in need for over 22 years.
As the founder and Commander of the Threat Management Body Guard Academy, his mission is to protect people through non-violent prevention using psychology, tactical skills, and understanding the law. He trains his staff specifically how to detect, deter, and defend against threats thereby decreasing the opportunity for violence, injury, or death.
Having provided his professional service in some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in downtown Detroit, the skills he has personally learned, and have since taught, have saved lives and are proven empirically.
With the concerns over public safety and the increase demand, the Body Guard Academy values all human life and aims to empower children through specialized skill development in their Survival Scouts programs. The results experienced by young people include increased feelings of well-being and safety, which are vital to growing a healthy and sound mind.
The Body Guard Academy teaches young people to manage threats to their safety, the safety of their families, and the safety of their community by applying their new skills and knowledge about human psychology and law.
A central component of the curriculum include the Success Etiquette Training Program (SET), which teaches youths aged 5-17 to project professionalism and leadership to enhance employability and individual marketability. Emphasizing self-reliance and entrepreneurship, SET gives young people a new confidence to face the challenges of our world.
Commander Brown believes confidence is acquired through competence, being distinguished from arrogance and ignorance. Additional curricula include:
-trauma first aid
-police command and compliance communication
-knife disarm; gun disarm
-drug, alcohol, and gang avoidance
-predator psychology and evasion
-fire safety
-anti-abduction training
-verbal articulation; elocution
-apprenticeship; mentorship
The Threat Management Center, the inspiration of the Threat Management Body Guard Academy, has successfully developed tactics, strategies, and logistics to deter, detect and defend corporations and communities from both internal and external sources of violence using primarily non-violent methods. Having its roots beginning in 1993, the Threat Management Center has evolved to include high level corporate facilitation. Corporations discovered the success and discipline of the personnel within the organization and have retained the Threat Management Center for training workshops and referral of protective service professionals. The Threat Management Center’s history of success has led to high profile protective assignments from Reverend Jessie Jackson, Dr. Bill Cosby, and other international assignments.
Other professional relationships have included: Detroit Institute of Arts, FEMA, NAACP, Detroit City Council and Police Department. Commander Brown is a frequent guest on local and national media.
www.ThreatManagementCenter.com, Detroit, MI
Dale Brown has been protecting people in need for over 22 years.
As the founder and Commander of the Threat Management Body Guard Academy, his mission is to protect people through non-violent prevention using psychology, tactical skills, and understanding the law. He trains his staff specifically how to detect, deter, and defend against threats thereby decreasing the opportunity for violence, injury, or death.
Having provided his professional service in some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in downtown Detroit, the skills he has personally learned, and have since taught, have saved lives and are proven empirically.
With the concerns over public safety and the increase demand, the Body Guard Academy values all human life and aims to empower children through specialized skill development in their Survival Scouts programs. The results experienced by young people include increased feelings of well-being and safety, which are vital to growing a healthy and sound mind.
The Body Guard Academy teaches young people to manage threats to their safety, the safety of their families, and the safety of their community by applying their new skills and knowledge about human psychology and law.
A central component of the curriculum include the Success Etiquette Training Program (SET), which teaches youths aged 5-17 to project professionalism and leadership to enhance employability and individual marketability. Emphasizing self-reliance and entrepreneurship, SET gives young people a new confidence to face the challenges of our world.
Commander Brown believes confidence is acquired through competence, being distinguished from arrogance and ignorance. Additional curricula include:
-trauma first aid
-police command and compliance communication
-knife disarm; gun disarm
-drug, alcohol, and gang avoidance
-predator psychology and evasion
-fire safety
-anti-abduction training
-verbal articulation; elocution
-apprenticeship; mentorship
The Threat Management Center, the inspiration of the Threat Management Body Guard Academy, has successfully developed tactics, strategies, and logistics to deter, detect and defend corporations and communities from both internal and external sources of violence using primarily non-violent methods. Having its roots beginning in 1993, the Threat Management Center has evolved to include high level corporate facilitation. Corporations discovered the success and discipline of the personnel within the organization and have retained the Threat Management Center for training workshops and referral of protective service professionals. The Threat Management Center’s history of success has led to high profile protective assignments from Reverend Jessie Jackson, Dr. Bill Cosby, and other international assignments.
Other professional relationships have included: Detroit Institute of Arts, FEMA, NAACP, Detroit City Council and Police Department. Commander Brown is a frequent guest on local and national media.
Matt Beaudreau - www.ActonAcademy.org, Rocklin, CA
Title of Talk for March 5, 2016: "Find a Calling. Change the World."
“Education Revolutionary”, Matt Beaudreau, speaks to audiences and schools around the country about how they can leverage the practices of natural development and non-traditional schools to transform the pedagogical landscape for teachers and kids. He is a current school administrator, education consultant, and youth motivational speaker. He was a featured TEDx speaker in 2015 where he encouraged people to rethink schooling systems promoting excessive standardization and obedience over innovation and personalization. His 2016 TEDx will focus on the future of schools, and helping children find their calling in life.
As an entrepreneur, he is founder of a start-up K-12 private school in Northern California, Acton Academy, that is combining methods from Sudbury and democratic schools, as well as Project Based Learning to create an environment of intrinsic motivation and entrepreneurial endeavors.
Additionally, Matt speaks more than 50 times a year to many of America’s most innovative business and organizations about marketing to, selling to, and employing Millenials. As a Millenial himself, Matt has gained a reputation as a leader and visionary in his own generation.
Matt’s background makes him a powerful communicator for bridging the generations, laying the tracks for a new way to “do school”, and collaborating towards a better future.
Title of Talk for March 5, 2016: "Find a Calling. Change the World."
“Education Revolutionary”, Matt Beaudreau, speaks to audiences and schools around the country about how they can leverage the practices of natural development and non-traditional schools to transform the pedagogical landscape for teachers and kids. He is a current school administrator, education consultant, and youth motivational speaker. He was a featured TEDx speaker in 2015 where he encouraged people to rethink schooling systems promoting excessive standardization and obedience over innovation and personalization. His 2016 TEDx will focus on the future of schools, and helping children find their calling in life.
As an entrepreneur, he is founder of a start-up K-12 private school in Northern California, Acton Academy, that is combining methods from Sudbury and democratic schools, as well as Project Based Learning to create an environment of intrinsic motivation and entrepreneurial endeavors.
Additionally, Matt speaks more than 50 times a year to many of America’s most innovative business and organizations about marketing to, selling to, and employing Millenials. As a Millenial himself, Matt has gained a reputation as a leader and visionary in his own generation.
Matt’s background makes him a powerful communicator for bridging the generations, laying the tracks for a new way to “do school”, and collaborating towards a better future.
Raffie Colet - Senior General Manager, www.TechShop.com San Jose, CA
"I am the muse the inspiration, the spark that lights the fire, and sometimes the workhorse that powers through. At TechShop I have the opportunity to do all of these things... bringing access and opportunity to the masses, empowering our youth, and changing the world for the better through action.
I am proud to be part of a movement that is making the world a better place. Walking into just about any situation, we have a win-win solution to inspire innovation, creativity, and positivity."
Raffie has piloted STEM and STEAM Education for youth and creating partnerships with education non-profits to give greater opportunity to people of all ages.
Raffie grew up an entrepreneur and engineer, he held the position of Vice President of Operations at the age of 14 until his retirement from Colet Special Vehicle Design at the age of 30. Raffie went on to careers in several areas including startups, VOIP/ISP, Renewable Energy, Real Estate Development, and Fitness before coming home to TechShop.
"I am the muse the inspiration, the spark that lights the fire, and sometimes the workhorse that powers through. At TechShop I have the opportunity to do all of these things... bringing access and opportunity to the masses, empowering our youth, and changing the world for the better through action.
I am proud to be part of a movement that is making the world a better place. Walking into just about any situation, we have a win-win solution to inspire innovation, creativity, and positivity."
Raffie has piloted STEM and STEAM Education for youth and creating partnerships with education non-profits to give greater opportunity to people of all ages.
Raffie grew up an entrepreneur and engineer, he held the position of Vice President of Operations at the age of 14 until his retirement from Colet Special Vehicle Design at the age of 30. Raffie went on to careers in several areas including startups, VOIP/ISP, Renewable Energy, Real Estate Development, and Fitness before coming home to TechShop.
Dr. Jiayuan Fang - Founder, www.Afficienta.com, San Jose, CA
Jiayuan Fang is the founder and has been the CEO of Afficient Academy, Inc. since August 2014. Before that, he served as the Vice President of R&D at Cadence Design Systems for two years, responsible for developing signal integrity and power integrity analysis products for high-speed electronic systems. Prior to joining Cadence, Jiayuan Fang was the founder and President of Sigrity, Inc. which became an industry leading company offering software products for high-speed system solutions for customers in computers, semiconductors, telecommunications, Internet, consumer electronics and other fields. Sigrity, Inc. was acquired by Cadence in 2012.
Jiayuan Fang received Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Region 1 Technical Excellence Award, National Science Foundation (NSF) Young Investigator Award, Silicon Valley Entrepreneur of the Year Award (by Chinese Institute of Engineers), and Entrepreneur of the Year Award (by Tsinghua Entrepreneur and Executive Club). Jiayuan Fang also served as an Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Advanced Packaging (1994-1999).
Jiayuan Fang received his Ph.D. from University of California at Berkeley. From 1990 to 1998, he was an Assistant Professor and then an Associate Professor at the State University of New York at Binghamton. From 1999 to 2002, he was an Associate Professor at the University of California at Santa Cruz.
Jiayuan Fang is the founder and has been the CEO of Afficient Academy, Inc. since August 2014. Before that, he served as the Vice President of R&D at Cadence Design Systems for two years, responsible for developing signal integrity and power integrity analysis products for high-speed electronic systems. Prior to joining Cadence, Jiayuan Fang was the founder and President of Sigrity, Inc. which became an industry leading company offering software products for high-speed system solutions for customers in computers, semiconductors, telecommunications, Internet, consumer electronics and other fields. Sigrity, Inc. was acquired by Cadence in 2012.
Jiayuan Fang received Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Region 1 Technical Excellence Award, National Science Foundation (NSF) Young Investigator Award, Silicon Valley Entrepreneur of the Year Award (by Chinese Institute of Engineers), and Entrepreneur of the Year Award (by Tsinghua Entrepreneur and Executive Club). Jiayuan Fang also served as an Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Advanced Packaging (1994-1999).
Jiayuan Fang received his Ph.D. from University of California at Berkeley. From 1990 to 1998, he was an Assistant Professor and then an Associate Professor at the State University of New York at Binghamton. From 1999 to 2002, he was an Associate Professor at the University of California at Santa Cruz.
Speakers for 2nd Education Options EXPO on October 4, 2014
Wanda Whitehead - "Inside Montessori Education"
Head of School & Founder, Casa di Mir Montessori, Campbell, CA
Head of School & Founder, Casa di Mir Montessori, Campbell, CA
After 16 years of teaching in the Palo Alto School District, I followed my child into Montessori, homeschooled for two years, and then launched Casa di Mir Montessori School. I want for children to find the things they are passionate about, have the skills needed to be confident in themselves in all kinds of circumstances, be aware of their inner lives (to be mindful) and to have the thinking skills and questioning needed to make healthy choices for themselves and the world they live in.
Native of the Bay Area
Educator of 40 years (and still passionate about children and learning)
Parent
CA Standard Teaching Credential K-8
Montessori Teaching Certification Elementary I & II
Orff Level I music certification
Teacher Trainer through MTEC of SFBA
www.CasadiMir.org
Native of the Bay Area
Educator of 40 years (and still passionate about children and learning)
Parent
CA Standard Teaching Credential K-8
Montessori Teaching Certification Elementary I & II
Orff Level I music certification
Teacher Trainer through MTEC of SFBA
www.CasadiMir.org
Wes Beach - "Proven Nontraditional Educational Paths"
Founder, Beach High School, Soquel, CA
Wes Beach has 53 years' experience in education. He spent 32 years in
public and private schools as a teacher in grades K-14 and as the director
of alternative education programs. In 1993 he wised up and left the
public schools. He is currently Director of Beach High School, a private
high school consisting of a home office and an attitude that offers a wide
variety of alternatives to traditional schooling. More than 1,450 people
have graduated from BHS without a traditional high school education and
have succeeded in a wide variety of endeavors, including but not limited
to reaching the highest levels of formal education.
Wes is an outside consultant for the Davidson Institute for Talent
Development. He has served on the board of the HomeSchool Association of
California (HSC) and is at present the Teen Adviser for both HSC and the
Gifted Homeschoolers Forum (GHF). In 2005 he received a Distinguished
Service Award from the California Association for the Gifted. In 2012 GHF
published his book, Forging Paths: Beyond Traditional Schooling, and next
year will publish his second book.
Wes lives with his wife and two cats in Soquel, California, two miles from
the waters of Monterey Bay.
Founder, Beach High School, Soquel, CA
Wes Beach has 53 years' experience in education. He spent 32 years in
public and private schools as a teacher in grades K-14 and as the director
of alternative education programs. In 1993 he wised up and left the
public schools. He is currently Director of Beach High School, a private
high school consisting of a home office and an attitude that offers a wide
variety of alternatives to traditional schooling. More than 1,450 people
have graduated from BHS without a traditional high school education and
have succeeded in a wide variety of endeavors, including but not limited
to reaching the highest levels of formal education.
Wes is an outside consultant for the Davidson Institute for Talent
Development. He has served on the board of the HomeSchool Association of
California (HSC) and is at present the Teen Adviser for both HSC and the
Gifted Homeschoolers Forum (GHF). In 2005 he received a Distinguished
Service Award from the California Association for the Gifted. In 2012 GHF
published his book, Forging Paths: Beyond Traditional Schooling, and next
year will publish his second book.
Wes lives with his wife and two cats in Soquel, California, two miles from
the waters of Monterey Bay.
Dale J. Stephens - "When College Dorms Become Retirement Communities"
Founder, Uncollege, San Francisco, CA
Founder, Uncollege, San Francisco, CA
Dale J. Stephens left school at the age of twelve to become an unschooler. Today, he is a sought-after education expert appearing on major news networks including CNN, ABC,NPR, CBS, Fox, and TechCrunch. His work has been covered by the New York Times and New York Magazine to Fast Company and Forbes. He has spoken around the world at events such as TED2012. At 21, Dale leads UnCollege, the social movement changing the notion that college is the only path to success. His first book, Hacking Your Education, was published by Penguin on March 5, 2013. In May 2011 Stephens was selected out of hundreds of individuals around the world as a Thiel Fellow. The Thiel Fellowship recognizes the top changemakers around the world under the age of twenty.
www.UnCollege.org
Antonio Buehler -
"Emancipated Learning:
How to Provide Children with the Freedom to Lead Remarkable Lives"
Founder, Abrome, Austin, TX
"Emancipated Learning:
How to Provide Children with the Freedom to Lead Remarkable Lives"
Founder, Abrome, Austin, TX
Antonio co-founded Abrome to fundamentally change the way the world views education. He wants society to reject the notion that education should be a standardized product in which children are expected to be passive recipients of instruction that is chosen and delivered by adults. Antonio wants learners to be able to direct their own education so they can live rich, fulfilling lives. He believes that by providing learners with the opportunity to take full ownership of their education, Abrome will help save millions of lives, and in the process change the world.
Prior to founding Abrome, Antonio worked as an admissions consultant to individuals applying to top colleges and MBA programs. He also worked as a middle school and high school teacher at an alternative school in Austin, TX. Before he dedicated his career to education, Antonio spent time in private equity, investment banking and the military. Outside of work Antonio founded the Peaceful Streets Project, served on the board of a child bereavement non-profit, volunteered at an orphanage in Bulgaria, coached high school football and has personally mentored and tutored dozens of children.
Antonio earned a BS in Systems Engineering from the United States Military Academy, an MBA from Stanford University and an Ed.M. in education from Harvard University.
www.Abrome.com
Prior to founding Abrome, Antonio worked as an admissions consultant to individuals applying to top colleges and MBA programs. He also worked as a middle school and high school teacher at an alternative school in Austin, TX. Before he dedicated his career to education, Antonio spent time in private equity, investment banking and the military. Outside of work Antonio founded the Peaceful Streets Project, served on the board of a child bereavement non-profit, volunteered at an orphanage in Bulgaria, coached high school football and has personally mentored and tutored dozens of children.
Antonio earned a BS in Systems Engineering from the United States Military Academy, an MBA from Stanford University and an Ed.M. in education from Harvard University.
www.Abrome.com
Jere & Crissi Allen - "Homeschool Co-op: Exciting News After 10 Years"
Founders, HEART Academy, San Jose, CA
Founders, HEART Academy, San Jose, CA
Jere Allen is a Teacher, Trainer, & Theologian. Jere's 20+ years of teaching experience include youth ministry, creating PE programs for elementary schools, coaching basketball, baseball and track. In addition he has taught computers, math, science, literature, and Bible. He is currently a math/science/technology/STEAM teacher at Liberty Christian School and HEART Academy. His professional experience in Silicon Valley focused on training adults in various software applications including IronCAD and 3D CAD. Jere graduated from San Jose Bible College majoring in Bible and Theology with a minor in Math and his passion and vision is to see families make an impact in the world they live in. .
Crissi Allen is an Encourager, Educator, and Entrepreneur. She is a Holistic Health Coach promoting natural plant-based nutrition and plant-based medicine through classes, groups and one-on-one counseling. Her goal is to teach people how to steward their body, soul, and spirit. She specializes in migraines and preventing chronic illness such as heart disease and diabetes. She is currently a Green Smoothie Girl Senior Apprentice Coach and doTERRA Wellness Advocate. She has been a mom-entrepreneur for 23 years building businesses to benefit her family and her community. Crissi graduated from San Jose State University, majoring in Behavioral Science (Psychology, Sociology & Anthropology).
They homeschooled both of their children for a total of 20 years.
Jere and Crissi are the Founders and Directors of a homeschooling coop, HEART Academy in San Jose, California which services homeschoolers of the Bay Area.
Crissi Allen is an Encourager, Educator, and Entrepreneur. She is a Holistic Health Coach promoting natural plant-based nutrition and plant-based medicine through classes, groups and one-on-one counseling. Her goal is to teach people how to steward their body, soul, and spirit. She specializes in migraines and preventing chronic illness such as heart disease and diabetes. She is currently a Green Smoothie Girl Senior Apprentice Coach and doTERRA Wellness Advocate. She has been a mom-entrepreneur for 23 years building businesses to benefit her family and her community. Crissi graduated from San Jose State University, majoring in Behavioral Science (Psychology, Sociology & Anthropology).
They homeschooled both of their children for a total of 20 years.
Jere and Crissi are the Founders and Directors of a homeschooling coop, HEART Academy in San Jose, California which services homeschoolers of the Bay Area.
Connie Allen -
"Nurture Your Child's Inner Brilliance:
The Key to Your Child's Happiness and Success"
Family Coach/Consultant, Founder, Joyous Family Coach
"Nurture Your Child's Inner Brilliance:
The Key to Your Child's Happiness and Success"
Family Coach/Consultant, Founder, Joyous Family Coach
Hi! I’m Connie Allen, aka the Joyous Family Coach. My passion is to inspire and guide both young people and the adults who love them to discover, nurture, and express their Inner Brilliance. With an M.A. in psychology and 15 years teaching children of all ages, I have been coaching parents and educators for over 30 years and empowering young people longer than that.
All parents want their children to be happy and live fulfilling lives yet they unknowingly limit their child by focusing on the child's behavior and performance and not on nurturing their natural abilities, talents and brilliance. We need to change the cultural discussion from managing our children’s behavior and achievement to empowering young people to be fully who they are and to trust themselves and their capability.
My best teachers are my cherished son Orion, my two amazing grandchildren Sebastian and Madison, and all the young people who have trusted and guided me along the way.
I offer online programs, training, private coaching and my new "Our Children's Inner Brilliance Community," where parents and anyone who wants to nurture children's Inner Brilliance come together in new and creative ways to support the Inner Brilliance of the children in our lives and in the world.
Learn about our Children's Inner Brilliance Community here:
http://www.joyousfamily.com/ib-community/
All parents want their children to be happy and live fulfilling lives yet they unknowingly limit their child by focusing on the child's behavior and performance and not on nurturing their natural abilities, talents and brilliance. We need to change the cultural discussion from managing our children’s behavior and achievement to empowering young people to be fully who they are and to trust themselves and their capability.
My best teachers are my cherished son Orion, my two amazing grandchildren Sebastian and Madison, and all the young people who have trusted and guided me along the way.
I offer online programs, training, private coaching and my new "Our Children's Inner Brilliance Community," where parents and anyone who wants to nurture children's Inner Brilliance come together in new and creative ways to support the Inner Brilliance of the children in our lives and in the world.
Learn about our Children's Inner Brilliance Community here:
http://www.joyousfamily.com/ib-community/
PAST SPEAKERS INCLUDED:
Jerry Mintz - "Ten Signs You Need to Find a Different Kind of Education for Your Child"
Founder, Alternative Education Resource Organization (AERO), Roslyn, New York
Jerry Mintz has been a leading voice in the alternative school movement for over 30 years. In addition to his seventeen years as a public and independent alternative school principal and teacher, he has also helped found more than fifty public and private alternative schools and organizations. He has lectured and consulted in more than twenty-five countries around the world. In 1989, he founded the Alternative Education Resource Organization and since then has served as it’s Director. Jerry was the first executive director of the National Coalition of Alternative Community Schools (NCACS), and was a founding member of the International Democratic Education Conference (IDEC).
In addition to several appearances on national radio and TV shows, Jerry’s essays, commentaries, and reviews have appeared in numerous newspapers, journals, and magazines including The New York Times, Newsday, Paths of Learning, Green Money Journal, Communities, Saturday Review, Holistic Education Review as well as the anthology Creating Learning Communities (Foundation for Educational Renewal, 2000).
Jerry was Editor-in-Chief for the Handbook of Alternative Education (Macmillan, 1994), and the Almanac of Education Choices (Macmillan/Simon & Schuster, 1995). He is the author of No Homework and Recess All Day: How to Have Freedom and Democracy in Education (AERO, 2003) and is editor of Turning Points: 35 Visionaries in Education Tell Their Own Story (AERO, 2010).
Steven Horwich - "The Advantages of Homeschooling"
Founder, www.ConnectTheThoughts.net, Los Angeles, CA
Steven has been an educator for over 40 years. At age 16, he started teaching private workshops to actors, and has almost never stopped since, holding at least one a week. In his twenties, he was selected to help teach the Professional Writer’s Program at the University of Southern California (U.S.C.), for two years. This was followed by a one year stint teaching in a Los Angeles Unified School District Magnet High School, an experience he detested. He continued to lecture and guest-direct productions at colleges and universities like Pierce Jr. College, U.C.L.A. and California State University Northridge throughout his twenties.
Steven expanded his efforts in his twenties to the teaching of private writer’s workshops, and private voice students. He continues in these endeavors to this day, as well. After his wonderful children were born (Katherine and William), he assumed responsibility for their educations by teaching in private schools they attended, for over a decade. He created arts departments in two private schools, and taught theater arts, acting, writing, music and voice. While doing this job, he authored his first courses in Creative Writing, and piloted them with 50 students – to great success for two years. (He also won the school’s Teacher Of The Year Award.) By the time he pulled his children from school in order to homeschool, Steven had logged well in excess of 20,000 hours of classroom time as a teacher. (Please note – he has no degree and has never once attended a college class as a student.)
At the start of the school year in 2002, Steven started homeschooling both his children, out of frustration for the methods used by even decent private schools, and disgust over their curriculum. He began authoring curriculum for his own children in history, science, and the arts. He showed the curricula he was writing to several teachers – who immediately insisted on homeschooling their own children using Steven’s courses. Within six weeks, Steven had 10 students, supervised by two trained teachers, in his house every weekday.
He has since authored well over 300 courses in history, science, study skills, life skills, the arts, creative writing, current events, literature guides and other subjects, a core, comprehensive secular curricula that he has taken great pains to make certain is “religion friendly”. The name of this curriculum is Connect The Thoughts, and it is now used by over 20,000 students worldwide. In order to test the curriculum beyond the daily slew of students in his house, Steven opened a small school and served as Dean for one year. This finally convinced him that schools are simply not a good way to teach. The curriculum was completed in 2010, for ages 5-adult, obviating the need for any student to ever go to a school.
In the process of authoring Connect The Thoughts, Steven came to grips with all of the elements of modern education that he feels have utterly failed both teachers and students. To that end, he authored a book, Poor Cheated Little Johnny, followed by a second book, Universal Private Education. He also authored ten courses just for teacher/parents who are homeschooling their children, to help them develop a more constructive and successful educational methodology than that used currently by almost all schools and "trained teachers".
Founder, www.ConnectTheThoughts.net, Los Angeles, CA
Steven has been an educator for over 40 years. At age 16, he started teaching private workshops to actors, and has almost never stopped since, holding at least one a week. In his twenties, he was selected to help teach the Professional Writer’s Program at the University of Southern California (U.S.C.), for two years. This was followed by a one year stint teaching in a Los Angeles Unified School District Magnet High School, an experience he detested. He continued to lecture and guest-direct productions at colleges and universities like Pierce Jr. College, U.C.L.A. and California State University Northridge throughout his twenties.
Steven expanded his efforts in his twenties to the teaching of private writer’s workshops, and private voice students. He continues in these endeavors to this day, as well. After his wonderful children were born (Katherine and William), he assumed responsibility for their educations by teaching in private schools they attended, for over a decade. He created arts departments in two private schools, and taught theater arts, acting, writing, music and voice. While doing this job, he authored his first courses in Creative Writing, and piloted them with 50 students – to great success for two years. (He also won the school’s Teacher Of The Year Award.) By the time he pulled his children from school in order to homeschool, Steven had logged well in excess of 20,000 hours of classroom time as a teacher. (Please note – he has no degree and has never once attended a college class as a student.)
At the start of the school year in 2002, Steven started homeschooling both his children, out of frustration for the methods used by even decent private schools, and disgust over their curriculum. He began authoring curriculum for his own children in history, science, and the arts. He showed the curricula he was writing to several teachers – who immediately insisted on homeschooling their own children using Steven’s courses. Within six weeks, Steven had 10 students, supervised by two trained teachers, in his house every weekday.
He has since authored well over 300 courses in history, science, study skills, life skills, the arts, creative writing, current events, literature guides and other subjects, a core, comprehensive secular curricula that he has taken great pains to make certain is “religion friendly”. The name of this curriculum is Connect The Thoughts, and it is now used by over 20,000 students worldwide. In order to test the curriculum beyond the daily slew of students in his house, Steven opened a small school and served as Dean for one year. This finally convinced him that schools are simply not a good way to teach. The curriculum was completed in 2010, for ages 5-adult, obviating the need for any student to ever go to a school.
In the process of authoring Connect The Thoughts, Steven came to grips with all of the elements of modern education that he feels have utterly failed both teachers and students. To that end, he authored a book, Poor Cheated Little Johnny, followed by a second book, Universal Private Education. He also authored ten courses just for teacher/parents who are homeschooling their children, to help them develop a more constructive and successful educational methodology than that used currently by almost all schools and "trained teachers".
Vicente Lopez - "The How and Why of Democratic Education"
Staff, Diablo Valley School, Concord, CA
Originally from Puerto Rico, Vicente got his Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics with all intentions to pursue that field professionally. He picked up a side job in the educational system and was astounded by the problems he saw. Being a solution-minded man, these problems grabbed his attention and he began studying the various educational models, while working in a Montessori environment. He then came across the Sudbury School model at the Diablo Valley School in Concord, CA and is still thrilled to be a part of the educational innovations which are empowering students. After 10 years in the field, he refers to himself as an educational scholar.
Kimberly Etter - "HackSchooling at iLEAD: What Does it Look Like?"
Director, Home Study Program, iLEAD Charter School, Lancaster, CA
Kimberly Etter is the Home Study Director of iLEAD Lancaster Charter School in Southern California. She has been in education in several capacities over the years, and it is her passion. She has homeschooled and unschooled her children, has tutored at-risk youth, has taught in private schools, and was a principal for a year. From a Montessori preschool to a juvenile detention facility, she has enjoyed working with a diversity of young people. As an innovative educator with progressive ideas, she unexpectedly found her tribe at iLEAD Schools. Inspired by her longtime dream and 13-year-old Logan LaPlante's TED talk on his coined term "Hackschooling", Kimberly is piloting iLEAD's first HackSchool program. The school within a school concept is based on a collaborative environment with a democratic process of decision-making where students are allowed the freedom to pursue their passions, to define their projects, and to take ownership of their learning.
Shauna Reisewitz - "Why You Should Let Your Teen Leave School and Pursue a Real Education"
Founder Pacific Sands Academy, Mountain View, CA
Shauna Reisewitz has worked with teens for over 20 years. She taught science and math in a traditional school system- for a couple years, but has spent more time in alternative education- from teaching in a school that focused on travel, to supporting learning in Charter Homeschool and District-supported Homeschool programs, to currently homeschooling her own children, and directing and building Pacific Sands Academy. She has observed over and over that learning occurs best when kids are interested, engaged, and have the opportunity to follow their own leads. She has seen that with a little time to develop their own interests and passions, and a little mentoring and a lot of parental support, kids and teens can develop their own education, leading to a life of joy, fulfillment and abundance.
Shauna is currently Mountain View Whisman's Homeschool Program Coordinator, and the Founder and Director of Pacific Sands Academy.
Founder Pacific Sands Academy, Mountain View, CA
Shauna Reisewitz has worked with teens for over 20 years. She taught science and math in a traditional school system- for a couple years, but has spent more time in alternative education- from teaching in a school that focused on travel, to supporting learning in Charter Homeschool and District-supported Homeschool programs, to currently homeschooling her own children, and directing and building Pacific Sands Academy. She has observed over and over that learning occurs best when kids are interested, engaged, and have the opportunity to follow their own leads. She has seen that with a little time to develop their own interests and passions, and a little mentoring and a lot of parental support, kids and teens can develop their own education, leading to a life of joy, fulfillment and abundance.
Shauna is currently Mountain View Whisman's Homeschool Program Coordinator, and the Founder and Director of Pacific Sands Academy.
