Houston Kraft

Houston Kraft has spoken at over 700 events internationally. He co-founded CharacterStrong in 2016. CharacterStrong currently serves 10,000 schools across 50 states and 45 countries helping to support the teaching of kindness in education. In 2019, his face was featured on Lays BBQ chip bags as someone who helps “spread smiles.” His first book Deep […]
Shawna Griffin

Shawna Griffin began her career in education in 2003. Since her start as a classroom teacher, she has held positions as a PBIS District Director and District Behavior Interventionist. Shawna believes that a team approach is vital in creating the best educational environment for all learners. School staff, students, and caregivers who work together to […]
Rodger Dinwiddie

Rodger Dinwiddie has been the CEO STARS-Nashville, an evidenced-based Student Assistance Program as recognized by the National Registry of Evidenced-based Programs and Practices, since 1986. Prior to joining STARS, Rodger served as the Executive Director of a nonprofit organization working with juvenile court referrals. He also was a classroom teacher in the Metropolitan Nashville Public […]
Natalie Spencer Gwyn

Dr. Natalie Spencer Gwyn is an Assistant Professor at North Carolina A&T State University. She was previously a high school counselor and student assistance counselor (SAP) for many years before moving into higher education. She received her undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She later earned a doctorate […]
John Hodge

Dr. John W. Hodge is president and co-founder of Urban Learning and Leadership Center (ULLC), an organization focused on student achievement and reduction of the achievement gap. He has served as a reading teacher, English teacher, AVID teacher, Assistant Principal and Associate Director of AVID Center Eastern Division. He served as Director of An Achievable […]
Emily Goodman-Scott

Dr. Emily Goodman-Scott is an Associate Professor in Counselor Education and the School Counseling Coordinator at Old Dominion University, in Virginia. As a previous school counselor and special education teacher, Dr. Goodman-Scott has been in education for nearly 15 years. She was a 2018 recipient of the Top 40 Under 40 award for her region, […]
Dan St. Romain

Dan St. Romain is a national independent educational consultant who provides staff development and consultative services to educators and parents working with children at all developmental levels. Dan is passionate about helping individuals shift their perspective on discipline, understanding the best ways to provide support given the challenges posed in today’s society. After receiving his […]
Amie Dean

Amie Dean, M.ED., B.A. has worked in education since 1993. She has experience teaching at all levels, and has taught both special and general education. Amie was with Fulton County Schools (GA) for ten years, where she provided support to teachers and students as the Student Support/RTI Coordinator for her middle school for four of […]