May 19th, 2022: True North Leadership

Rubén G. Perez has been in education since 1988. His firsthand experience with students considered at-risk (school dependent) comes from various positions. In K–8 he taught general education, English language learners, and preforming arts. As a district administrator for K–12, he focused on closing the achievement gap, teacher retention, economic and cultural diversity, and districtwide dropout interventions. He specialized in working with students who felt disenfranchised with school and the community around them.  He also served as an advisor on professional development, economic/cultural diversity, classroom management, gender differences, forming school culture/climate, and he served on a board for various in-district and out-of-district committees. As a behavioral specialist, Perez helped open a Title I elementary school, organized an annual parent symposium, conducted/supervised home visits with parents, and mentored individual students.

June 16th, 2022: True Colors: Value Differences, Create Unity

Mell Depew is a 2005 graduate of Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Women Studies and a minor in Sociology. Mell is a youth development and volunteer champion with over 13 years of experience. Her ability to cast vision and shake up traditional programming has helped to turn around organizational structures and programs. With a mission to promote experiential learning and civic engagement Mell has extensive experience placing volunteers in meaningful opportunities around Fort Wayne. Currently, Mell is recruiting and training volunteers to work with abused and/or neglected children for the Allen County Office of GAL/CASA. Mell resides in Fort Wayne with her husband Chris, two adopted children CJ and Leena, 2 dogs and 5 turtles.

July 14th, 2022: Intentional Youth & Family Engagement

Skye Berger is an Executive Leadership & Lifestyle Coach and the Chief Encouragement Officer at Door Opener Academy. Skye’s professional background includes child welfare, mental health, addictions, facilitation, and program development. Skye is a sought after expert in empowering youth and families while renewing the youth workers and organizations that serve them. Skye has reached international audiences through keynote, online and live facilitation experiences. Unparalleled in her desire and aptitude to engage her audience, Skye is able to cultivate excitement and synergy within individuals, families, and organizations. This Gary, Indiana native holds a Bachelor of Arts in both psychology and sociology from Purdue University and a Master of Science in management science with a concentration in executive coaching and organizational behavior from the University of Texas.

August 18th, 2022: Rewiring our Perceptions of Discipline - Connections Over Compliance

Dr. Lori Desautels has been an Assistant Professor at Butler University since 2016 where she teaches both undergraduate and graduate programs in the College of Education. Lori was also an Assistant Professor at Marian University in Indianapolis for eight years where she founded the Educational Neuroscience Symposium. Lori’s passion is engaging students through the application of neuroscience as it applies to attachment, regulation, and educator brain state, and teaching students and staff about their neuroanatomy, thus integrating Mind Brain Teaching learning principles and strategies into her coursework at Butler. Lori has conducted brain institutes and workshops throughout the United States, Canada, Costa Rica, and Dubai on Mind Brain Teaching and Learning. She has created webinars for educators, clinicians, and administrators illustrating how educators and students alike must understand their neuroanatomy to regulate behavior and calm the brain.