Keynotes for 2021

April 26, 2021 – Dr. Amy Gaumer Erickson

Dr. Amy Gaumer Erickson

Dr. Amy Gaumer Erickson is an associate research professor at the University of Kansas and co-author ofThe Skills That Matter: Teaching Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Competencies in Any Classroom. Her practice-based research focuses on the implementation of intrapersonal and intrapersonal competency instruction within a Multi-Tier System of Supports (MTSS), guiding educators to embed competency instruction within content-area coursework and evaluate students’ social-emotional growth. Gaumer Erickson has taught at the middle and high school levels in urban, suburban, charter and alternative schools. She can be reached through the College and Career Competency Framework website,http://www.cccframework.org/.

April 27, 2021 – Richard Hight

Richard Hight

Richard Hight has enthralled audiences around the globe with his combination of artistic mastery and dynamic keynote delivery. Describing himself as a kid from an America Proud, military family with roots in the red dirt of Oklahoma, faith and family values shine through every message–whether spoken or illustrated.

Though his paintings are celebrated and proudly displayed in museums, corporate/private collections, and 50 major universities across the land, Richard’s singular focus is communicating timeless truths absorbed in a lifetime of learning how to embrace authenticity and value.

The program, delivered in two separate formats, promotes creative problem solving, including innovation and goal setting. The visual presentation is completed in minutes. High energy, colorful, and choreographed to music, the work that emerges from Richard’s canvas mesmerizes and WOWS! A hushed silence fills the room, followed by thunderous ovation.

Then, optimism and hope are renewed as this compelling storyteller recounts how he struggled to tame the tornado in his mind called dyslexia. Through this message, Richard shares principles and insights that infused him with resolve to chase after his dream–and encourage others who are facing obstacles to do the same.

Promoting secrets of success, such as self mastery and personal/professional development, you will be inspired and empowered to passionately pursue and maximize possibilities–in your career and life.

There are events you attend…this you experience!”

April 28, 2021 – Michael Stoehr, M.S., 

Michael Stoehr, M.S.

Michael Stoehr, M.S., is a Knowledge Development and Technical Assistance Specialist with the National Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT). Michael assists states in collaborative inter-agency engagement to ensure the successful implementation of secondary transition legislation and effective practices. Prior to working at NTACT, Michael worked for the Pennsylvania Department of Education as the statewide lead educational consultant for Secondary Transition. He has worked in the special education field for the past 35 years and has extensive experience in the areas of secondary transition, assessment, job analysis, and job coaching, transition communities of practice, effective transition planning, inter-agency collaboration, transition practices for students with complex support needs, and youth engagement and self-advocacy.