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Shane Koyczan is an award winning Canadian Poet, Author and Performer.
The world took notice of Shane Koyczan when his influential, anti-bullying, To This Day Project video went viral in early 2013 with 10 million views and counting.
Powerfully engaging and authentic in attitude, Shane’s explorations are relevant to our times in the way that Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen were to theirs. But unlike the musicians that he’s often compared to, poets rarely infiltrate pop culture. Shane emerges in a new wave of 21st century poetry that dares to belong to the people and speak directly to them in their own voice.
Shane is both a writer and spoken word virtuoso. His first published collection, Visiting Hours, was the only work of poetry selected by both the Guardian and the Globe and Mail for their Best Books of the Year lists in 2005. Destined to become a future classic, Visiting Hours is now in its third edition, and includes We Are More, performed by Shane at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
The world took notice of Shane Koyczan when his influential, anti-bullying, To This Day Project video went viral in early 2013 with 10 million views and counting.
Powerfully engaging and authentic in attitude, Shane’s explorations are relevant to our times in the way that Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen were to theirs. But unlike the musicians that he’s often compared to, poets rarely infiltrate pop culture. Shane emerges in a new wave of 21st century poetry that dares to belong to the people and speak directly to them in their own voice.
Shane is both a writer and spoken word virtuoso. His first published collection, Visiting Hours, was the only work of poetry selected by both the Guardian and the Globe and Mail for their Best Books of the Year lists in 2005. Destined to become a future classic, Visiting Hours is now in its third edition, and includes We Are More, performed by Shane at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Kimberly Schonert-Reichl, Ph.D., author, award-winning teacher, researcher and professor at the University of British Columbia
Kimberly is an expert in the science and practice of ways in which schools, families and communities can promote children's positive human qualities including empathy, compassion and kindness.
Before arriving at University of BC, Dr. Schonert-Reichl served as a National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Postdoctoral Fellow in the Clinical Research Training Program in Adolescence at the University of Chicago and Northwestern University Medical School, Dept. of Psychiatry.
For the past several years, Dr. Schonert-Reichl has worked in collaboration with educators across British Columbia in the area of social and emotional learning and, in 2004 she was awarded the Vancouver School Board Recognition Award in
acknowledgment of her support for district initiatives regarding social responsibility and social and emotional learning.
Dr. Schonert-Reichl began her professional career as a middle school teacher and then as a secondary school teacher at an alternate school for “at risk” adolescents.
Kimberly is an expert in the science and practice of ways in which schools, families and communities can promote children's positive human qualities including empathy, compassion and kindness.
Before arriving at University of BC, Dr. Schonert-Reichl served as a National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Postdoctoral Fellow in the Clinical Research Training Program in Adolescence at the University of Chicago and Northwestern University Medical School, Dept. of Psychiatry.
For the past several years, Dr. Schonert-Reichl has worked in collaboration with educators across British Columbia in the area of social and emotional learning and, in 2004 she was awarded the Vancouver School Board Recognition Award in
acknowledgment of her support for district initiatives regarding social responsibility and social and emotional learning.
Dr. Schonert-Reichl began her professional career as a middle school teacher and then as a secondary school teacher at an alternate school for “at risk” adolescents.
Linda Lantieri, MA, is an internationally renowned expert on Social and Emotional Learning, and one of the founding board members of the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL). Currently she serves as the Director of The Inner Resilience Program whose mission is to cultivate the inner lives of students, teachers and schools by integrating social and emotional learning with contemplative practice.
With over 40 years of experience in education as a teacher and director of a middle school in East Harlem, and faculty member at Hunter College in New York City, Linda Lantieri has shown a lifetime of commitment to enriching the daily lives of adults and children alike. Although she has worn many hats in the field of education, her occupation and vocation have always coincided – her professional life has also been her calling.
Linda is co-founder of the Resolving Conflict Creatively Program (RCCP), a research-based K-12 social and emotional learning program that has been implemented in over 400 schools worldwide.
She is the coauthor of Waging Peace in Our School (Beacon Press, 1996) editor of Schools with Spirit: Nurturing the Inner Lives of Children and Teachers (Beacon Press, 2001), and author of Building Emotional Intelligence: Techniques to Cultivate Inner Strength in Children (Sounds True, 2008).
She has received numerous awards including Educational Innovator by the National Education Association; the Richard R. Green Distinguished Educator Award; the
Spirit of Crazy Horse Award for “creating courage in discouraged youth” and the International Education and Resource Network (iEARN) 2001 Making a Difference Award.
With over 40 years of experience in education as a teacher and director of a middle school in East Harlem, and faculty member at Hunter College in New York City, Linda Lantieri has shown a lifetime of commitment to enriching the daily lives of adults and children alike. Although she has worn many hats in the field of education, her occupation and vocation have always coincided – her professional life has also been her calling.
Linda is co-founder of the Resolving Conflict Creatively Program (RCCP), a research-based K-12 social and emotional learning program that has been implemented in over 400 schools worldwide.
She is the coauthor of Waging Peace in Our School (Beacon Press, 1996) editor of Schools with Spirit: Nurturing the Inner Lives of Children and Teachers (Beacon Press, 2001), and author of Building Emotional Intelligence: Techniques to Cultivate Inner Strength in Children (Sounds True, 2008).
She has received numerous awards including Educational Innovator by the National Education Association; the Richard R. Green Distinguished Educator Award; the
Spirit of Crazy Horse Award for “creating courage in discouraged youth” and the International Education and Resource Network (iEARN) 2001 Making a Difference Award.
Roy Henry Vickers, is a legendary Canadian artist, carver, recognized First Nations leader and author
Storytelling with Roy Henry Vickers, however, is an elevating experience that transcends all cultural boundaries and brings a sense of peace and wonder to all who are fortunate to enjoy his many tales of life.
Roy Henry Vickers, C.M., O.B.C., DLitt., is a recognized leader in the First Nations community, and a tireless spokesperson for recovery
from addictions and abuse. He has received many awards and honours for both his art and community involvement. Among them are a hereditary chieftainship and several hereditary names he has received from Northwest Coast First Nations.
Storytelling with Roy Henry Vickers, however, is an elevating experience that transcends all cultural boundaries and brings a sense of peace and wonder to all who are fortunate to enjoy his many tales of life.
Roy Henry Vickers, C.M., O.B.C., DLitt., is a recognized leader in the First Nations community, and a tireless spokesperson for recovery
from addictions and abuse. He has received many awards and honours for both his art and community involvement. Among them are a hereditary chieftainship and several hereditary names he has received from Northwest Coast First Nations.
Marie LeRose, Moderator
Every time a group of people come together there is an opportunity to connect in a way that leads to new learning, inspiration, and even transformation. It is the Moderator who sets the tone. As a Moderator Maria has a passion for authenticity, a gift for the practical word, insight and intellectual courage matched by softness and genuine ability to connect. Whether she is hosting a network Television Talk Show, moderating a Dialogue featuring the Dalai Lama, or facilitating a global “Virtual Meeting” for Boeing Executives – Maria LeRose’s most outstanding performances begin with orchestrating all of the elements in a way that allows the featured subjects to shine.
Every time a group of people come together there is an opportunity to connect in a way that leads to new learning, inspiration, and even transformation. It is the Moderator who sets the tone. As a Moderator Maria has a passion for authenticity, a gift for the practical word, insight and intellectual courage matched by softness and genuine ability to connect. Whether she is hosting a network Television Talk Show, moderating a Dialogue featuring the Dalai Lama, or facilitating a global “Virtual Meeting” for Boeing Executives – Maria LeRose’s most outstanding performances begin with orchestrating all of the elements in a way that allows the featured subjects to shine.
Richard Wagamese is one of Canada's foremost Native authors and journalists. In a career spanning 30 years he has worked in newspapers, radio and television. He has published eleven titles with major Canadian publishers
Working as a professional writer since 1979 he's been a newspaper columnist and reporter, radio and television broadcaster and producer, documentary producer and the author of eleven titles from major Canadian publishers.
The 56 year-old Ojibway from the Wabaseemoong First Nation in Northwestern Ontario became the first... Native Canadian to win a National Newspaper Award for Column Writing in 1991. As a published author he was won the George Ryga Award for Social Awareness in Literature for his 2011 memoir One Story, One Song, the Canadian Authors Association Award for Fiction for his third novel Dream Wheels in 2007 and the Alberta Writers Guild Best Novel Award for his debut novel, Keeper'n Me, in 1994.
Working as a professional writer since 1979 he's been a newspaper columnist and reporter, radio and television broadcaster and producer, documentary producer and the author of eleven titles from major Canadian publishers.
The 56 year-old Ojibway from the Wabaseemoong First Nation in Northwestern Ontario became the first... Native Canadian to win a National Newspaper Award for Column Writing in 1991. As a published author he was won the George Ryga Award for Social Awareness in Literature for his 2011 memoir One Story, One Song, the Canadian Authors Association Award for Fiction for his third novel Dream Wheels in 2007 and the Alberta Writers Guild Best Novel Award for his debut novel, Keeper'n Me, in 1994.
Dr. Susan Stillman, Director of Education, Global Office at Six Seconds, The Emotional Network
As Director of Education for Six Seconds, Global Office, I support educators in understanding the value of emotional intelligence and the application of social emotional learning in their educational contexts. I teach an EQ Educator certification course and an EQ Tools for Educators Certification course (www.6seconds.org/certifications/) for Six Seconds.
Faculty at Fielding Graduate University and Northcentral University, where I mentor doctoral students and chair committees for learners in classical grounded theory, emotional intelligence, and educational leadership. Former faculty at Northern AZ University and Southern CT State University in School Counselor Education.
A former school counselor and past President of the Connecticut School Counselor Association, I am on the Arizona School Counselor
Association Research committee and former co-editor of the AZ School Counselor Research and Practice Journal. I am a reviewer for Grounded Theory Review, the
journal of Barney Glaser and Classical Grounded Theory.
As Director of Education for Six Seconds, Global Office, I support educators in understanding the value of emotional intelligence and the application of social emotional learning in their educational contexts. I teach an EQ Educator certification course and an EQ Tools for Educators Certification course (www.6seconds.org/certifications/) for Six Seconds.
Faculty at Fielding Graduate University and Northcentral University, where I mentor doctoral students and chair committees for learners in classical grounded theory, emotional intelligence, and educational leadership. Former faculty at Northern AZ University and Southern CT State University in School Counselor Education.
A former school counselor and past President of the Connecticut School Counselor Association, I am on the Arizona School Counselor
Association Research committee and former co-editor of the AZ School Counselor Research and Practice Journal. I am a reviewer for Grounded Theory Review, the
journal of Barney Glaser and Classical Grounded Theory.
Myron Dueck, Vice Principal and Teacher in School District 67
Myron Dueck is a vice-principal and teacher in School District 67 in British Columbia, Canada. He has previously taught in Manitoba and the South Island of New Zealand. Over the past 17 years of teaching, Myron has experience in a variety of subjects ranging from grades 3 to 12. Beginning in 2006, Myron developed a number of assessment and grading systems with his senior classes in which students have greater opportunity to show what they know and adapt to the feedback they receive. As a teaching and administrative leader, Myron has been a part of district work groups and school assessment committees that have further broadened his access to innovative steps taken by others. Through speaking of his experiences and showing a variety of student-friendly assessment procedures, Myron has presented to other educators in British Columbia, California, Idaho, Kentucky, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Washington and Greece. Myron has presented in both Los Angeles and Chicago at the ASCD Annual Conference and has twice been published in EL Magazine. His first book, Grading Smarter, Not Harder – Assessment Strategies that Motivate Kids and Help Them Learn is scheduled for release through ASCD in July 2014.
Myron Dueck is a vice-principal and teacher in School District 67 in British Columbia, Canada. He has previously taught in Manitoba and the South Island of New Zealand. Over the past 17 years of teaching, Myron has experience in a variety of subjects ranging from grades 3 to 12. Beginning in 2006, Myron developed a number of assessment and grading systems with his senior classes in which students have greater opportunity to show what they know and adapt to the feedback they receive. As a teaching and administrative leader, Myron has been a part of district work groups and school assessment committees that have further broadened his access to innovative steps taken by others. Through speaking of his experiences and showing a variety of student-friendly assessment procedures, Myron has presented to other educators in British Columbia, California, Idaho, Kentucky, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Washington and Greece. Myron has presented in both Los Angeles and Chicago at the ASCD Annual Conference and has twice been published in EL Magazine. His first book, Grading Smarter, Not Harder – Assessment Strategies that Motivate Kids and Help Them Learn is scheduled for release through ASCD in July 2014.
Dr. John-Tyler Binfet, Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan Campus
Dr. Binfet researches conditions that promote the social-emotional well-being of students from kindergarten to university. His research topics include: Animal-Assisted Therapy; Preadolescent and Adolescent Moral Development; Prosocial Behavior; and Kindness. Dr. Binfet is the director of a programme called “B.A.R.K.” (Building Academic Retention through K9s) that brings up to 40 therapy dogs to campus to work with homesick university students.
Dr. Binfet researches conditions that promote the social-emotional well-being of students from kindergarten to university. His research topics include: Animal-Assisted Therapy; Preadolescent and Adolescent Moral Development; Prosocial Behavior; and Kindness. Dr. Binfet is the director of a programme called “B.A.R.K.” (Building Academic Retention through K9s) that brings up to 40 therapy dogs to campus to work with homesick university students.
Dr. Leyton Schnellert, Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia's Okanagan Campus
In his research, Leyton attends to student diversity, inclusive education, self- and co-regulation, and literacy instruction. His research also grapples with the challenge of designing and facilitating teacher professional development that bridges theory and practice so as to achieve valued outcomes for students. Leyton has 20 years of experience as a school- and district-based resource teacher and professional development facilitator across British Columbia, the Yukon and Northwest Territories.
In his research, Leyton attends to student diversity, inclusive education, self- and co-regulation, and literacy instruction. His research also grapples with the challenge of designing and facilitating teacher professional development that bridges theory and practice so as to achieve valued outcomes for students. Leyton has 20 years of experience as a school- and district-based resource teacher and professional development facilitator across British Columbia, the Yukon and Northwest Territories.
Tom Schimmer, author and Independent Education Consultant
He is an internationally recognized leader and expert in the areas of student behaviour, assessment for learning, sound grading practices, and educational leadership. Tom has delivered both keynote and workshop sessions at the Pearson ATI, AMLE, and ASCD annual conferences. As well, Tom has worked directly with schools and school districts throughout Canada, the United States, Vietnam, China, and Myanmar. He is an associate of both Pearson ATI and Solution Tree, and is the author of Ten Things that Matter from Assessment to Grading.
He is an internationally recognized leader and expert in the areas of student behaviour, assessment for learning, sound grading practices, and educational leadership. Tom has delivered both keynote and workshop sessions at the Pearson ATI, AMLE, and ASCD annual conferences. As well, Tom has worked directly with schools and school districts throughout Canada, the United States, Vietnam, China, and Myanmar. He is an associate of both Pearson ATI and Solution Tree, and is the author of Ten Things that Matter from Assessment to Grading.
Monique Gray Smith, is an author of two books and is a mixed heritage woman of Cree, Lakota, and Scottish descent and the proud Mom of ten year old twins.
Her career has focused on strengthening the understanding of historical trauma on Indigenous Children and families and fostering paradigm shifts that focus on the strength and resiliency of the First Peoples in Canada. Her strong understanding of the Early Years and leadership in the field of Aboriginal Education has led her to write The Ripple Effect of Resiliency: Strategies for Fostering Resiliency with Indigenous Children and Families. In July, Monique had her first novel published, Tilly: A Story of Hope and Resilience, which is loosely based her life. Under the umbrella of her own business, Little Drum Consulting established in 1996, Monique is also an accomplished writer with a diverse body of work that continues to influence the Aboriginal Early Years and Education fields. Monique has been sober and involved in her healing journey for over 23 years.
Her career has focused on strengthening the understanding of historical trauma on Indigenous Children and families and fostering paradigm shifts that focus on the strength and resiliency of the First Peoples in Canada. Her strong understanding of the Early Years and leadership in the field of Aboriginal Education has led her to write The Ripple Effect of Resiliency: Strategies for Fostering Resiliency with Indigenous Children and Families. In July, Monique had her first novel published, Tilly: A Story of Hope and Resilience, which is loosely based her life. Under the umbrella of her own business, Little Drum Consulting established in 1996, Monique is also an accomplished writer with a diverse body of work that continues to influence the Aboriginal Early Years and Education fields. Monique has been sober and involved in her healing journey for over 23 years.
Molly Stewart Lawlor, M.A, PhD Candidate
Molly has expertise in social and emotional development throughout childhood and adolescence, and the application of mindfulness within the school context. Molly’s research includes the investigation of mindfulness and psychological adjustment in children and adolescents, and, evaluations of social-emotional learning programs for children in school settings. Molly is a primary author of the MindUPTM program, is currently the Director for Curriculum and Research for Taxi Dog Educational Programs, a newly created SEL program that focuses on promoting social and emotional competence, resiliency, and well-being in young children through the use of literature, video, and puppetry. Molly has also facilitated the SMART-in-Education program, a mindfulness-based stress reduction program designed specifically for teachers. Molly has taught within the teacher education program at UBC, also provides professional development and research services to educators in the area of social and emotional learning, mindfulness, and primary prevention.
Molly has expertise in social and emotional development throughout childhood and adolescence, and the application of mindfulness within the school context. Molly’s research includes the investigation of mindfulness and psychological adjustment in children and adolescents, and, evaluations of social-emotional learning programs for children in school settings. Molly is a primary author of the MindUPTM program, is currently the Director for Curriculum and Research for Taxi Dog Educational Programs, a newly created SEL program that focuses on promoting social and emotional competence, resiliency, and well-being in young children through the use of literature, video, and puppetry. Molly has also facilitated the SMART-in-Education program, a mindfulness-based stress reduction program designed specifically for teachers. Molly has taught within the teacher education program at UBC, also provides professional development and research services to educators in the area of social and emotional learning, mindfulness, and primary prevention.
Larry Haberlin, Adjunct Professor of UBC Faculty of Medicine
Larry Haberlin is a former Social Responsibility Consultant and Area Counsellor with the Vancouver School Board, faculty member at Pacific Coast Family Therapy Association and International Trainer and Mentor with Roots of Empathy.
Larry Haberlin is a former Social Responsibility Consultant and Area Counsellor with the Vancouver School Board, faculty member at Pacific Coast Family Therapy Association and International Trainer and Mentor with Roots of Empathy.