Dr. Kate Sievers is the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Technology, and Grants at Jersey Community Unit School District 100. With 17 years of experience in administration and 12 years as a middle and high school teacher, she has dedicated her career to improving education and supporting students, educators, and families.

Dr. Sievers is passionate about building strong relationships within schools because she believes connections between people are essential for a positive learning environment. In today’s world, where social media and societal pressures can create division, she strives to bring people together instead of pushing them apart. She works to create a school culture that values respect, collaboration, and innovation, ensuring that every student and teacher feels supported and empowered to succeed.

Kate takes the time to listen to teachers and administrators, valuing their input as she makes decisions that always prioritize the needs of students. She is deeply passionate about curriculum and goes above and beyond to find high-quality resources at all levels that enhance learning and help students achieve and show progress. Additionally, she actively writes grants to secure funding that benefits students, ensuring they receive extra support and enrichment opportunities.

Understanding the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL), Kate ensures that all employees have the SEL resources they need while also ensuring students have the necessary support. Through her leadership, she continues to improve education by integrating technology, enhancing curriculum, and securing vital resources. Her commitment to education is driven by a desire to make schools places where everyone feels valued, supported, and inspired to learn and grow.

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Sam Demma is a best-selling author and one of the most in-demand keynote speakers in the Education and Association sectors. He co-founded the volunteer organization PickWaste, delivered two TEDx talks, and—as a result of his exceptional contributions to Canada—was awarded the prestigious Queens Platinum Jubilee Award.

His work is often featured on national news shows like Marilyn Dennis, Breakfast Television, and most notably, his mom’s Facebook profile. Sam delivers hundreds of programs across North America annually, and his entertaining presentations address the topics of Mental Health, Leadership and Kindness. www.samdemma.com

Want to join the High Performing Educator Network: www.highperformingeducator.com

Daniel Klapper is the USC’s Vice President of Student Services. In this role, he works with all USC-led services to provide the best experience and support to Western Undergraduate Students.

He is responsible for the oversight of the PurpleCare Trust, Clubs System, Peer Support Centre, Food Support, the USC's new professional development program, as well as to support the good governance of the University Students’ Council.

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Sam Demma is a best-selling author and one of the most in-demand keynote speakers in the Education and Association sectors. He co-founded the volunteer organization PickWaste, delivered two TEDx talks, and—as a result of his exceptional contributions to Canada—was awarded the prestigious Queens Platinum Jubilee Award.

His work is often featured on national news shows like Marilyn Dennis, Breakfast Television, and most notably, his mom’s Facebook profile. Sam delivers hundreds of programs across North America annually, and his entertaining presentations address the topics of Mental Health, Leadership and Kindness. www.samdemma.com

Want to join the High Performing Educator Network: www.highperformingeducator.com

For over 20 years, Kerri Russell-Channer has been at the helm of Russell Aquatics Swim School, providing families with exceptional swim instruction and fostering a love for water safety and skill development. Her passion for teaching and commitment to excellence have made Russell Aquatics a trusted name in the community.

Outside of work, Kerri loves spending quality time with her husband, Titus, and their three active children, often shuttling them between various sporting activities. A travel enthusiast, Kerri enjoys exploring new destinations and creating unforgettable family memories.

A fun fact: Kerri has had the privilege of working alongside her sister and co-owner, Kristi Russell, for the entirety of her swim school journey. Their shared vision and dedication have made the past two decades an incredible adventure, both professionally and personally.

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Sam Demma is a best-selling author and one of the most in-demand keynote speakers in the Education and Association sectors. He co-founded the volunteer organization PickWaste, delivered two TEDx talks, and—as a result of his exceptional contributions to Canada—was awarded the prestigious Queens Platinum Jubilee Award.

His work is often featured on national news shows like Marilyn Dennis, Breakfast Television, and most notably, his mom’s Facebook profile. Sam delivers hundreds of programs across North America annually, and his entertaining presentations address the topics of Mental Health, Leadership and Kindness. www.samdemma.com

Want to join the High Performing Educator Network: www.highperformingeducator.com

Julie McGillivray has been an educator for over a decade, and she shares her passion for learning with her students. She embraces the philosophy that kindness costs nothing but pays huge returns.

When she isn't sharing her joy in the classroom, you can find her spending time with her family and dog on beautiful Georgian Bay, dancing like nobody is watching in her kitchen, or perpetually searching for her lost set of keys.

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Sam Demma is a best-selling author and one of the most in-demand keynote speakers in the Education and Association sectors. He co-founded the volunteer organization PickWaste, delivered two TEDx talks, and—as a result of his exceptional contributions to Canada—was awarded the prestigious Queens Platinum Jubilee Award.

His work is often featured on national news shows like Marilyn Dennis, Breakfast Television, and most notably, his mom’s Facebook profile. Sam delivers hundreds of programs across North America annually, and his entertaining presentations address the topics of Mental Health, Leadership and Kindness. www.samdemma.com

Want to join the High Performing Educator Network: www.highperformingeducator.com

Marc Iturriaga is the Executive Director of the Mohawk Students’ Association and founder of Bonobo Consulting, whose mission is highlighting the importance of fostering belonging within our society. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts in Leadership.

Marc started his career as a student leader in both Campus Rec and Residence Life, and upon graduation, he worked as a Program Coordinator for national and international youth development programs, an International Program Coordinator for the University of Toronto, a Residence Life Manager for McMaster University, and eventually back into Collegiate Recreation as an Intramural Coordinator for the University of Waterloo, eventually leaving after 13 years as the Associate Director of Recreation and Business Development. Marc has served as the Recreation Program Manager at Mount Royal University and the Executive Director of the Genesis Centre, a multi-purpose community complex acting as a recreational, cultural, social and educational hub of the community in the most culturally diverse quadrant of Calgary.

Currently in his role as Executive Director for the Mohawk Students' Association, Marc is on a journey to ensure students are supported, have a voice, and feel like they belong in their higher education experience.

He's a family man, cat dad, LEGO master, Comic nerd, and basketball enthusiast who can pretty much identify most 80's shows by their theme song.

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Sam Demma is a best-selling author and one of the most in-demand keynote speakers in the Education and Association sectors. He co-founded the volunteer organization PickWaste, delivered two TEDx talks, and—as a result of his exceptional contributions to Canada—was awarded the prestigious Queens Platinum Jubilee Award.

His work is often featured on national news shows like Marilyn Dennis, Breakfast Television, and most notably, his mom’s Facebook profile. Sam delivers hundreds of programs across North America annually, and his entertaining presentations address the topics of Mental Health, Leadership and Kindness. www.samdemma.com

Want to join the High Performing Educator Network: www.highperformingeducator.com

Meagan Morris is the current Vice Principal at St. Joseph High School in the Ottawa Catholic School Board, where she has served for nearly 25 years. Her career with the OCSB has included roles as a classroom and resource teacher, coach, guidance counsellor, and administrator. She has a particular passion for supporting students in grades 7 and 8.

Meagan is a firm believer in servant leadership and is deeply committed to supporting others in achieving their full potential. A strong advocate for extracurricular activities, she has coached the school's Girls on the Run program, among other initiatives. Meagan believes that student success is rooted in positive relationships with every member of the school community, and she strives to create an environment where students feel seen and heard. Recently added to the OCSB principal eligibility list, Meagan is eager to continue her leadership journey as a principal.

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Sam Demma is a best-selling author and one of the most in-demand keynote speakers in the Education and Association sectors. He co-founded the volunteer organization PickWaste, delivered two TEDx talks, and—as a result of his exceptional contributions to Canada—was awarded the prestigious Queens Platinum Jubilee Award.

His work is often featured on national news shows like Marilyn Dennis, Breakfast Television, and most notably, his mom’s Facebook profile. Sam delivers hundreds of programs across North America annually, and his entertaining presentations address the topics of Mental Health, Leadership and Kindness. www.samdemma.com

Want to join the High Performing Educator Network: www.highperformingeducator.com

Benjamin Smith is the Cross Curricular Head of Equity and Lead Student Success Teacher at Chinguacousy Secondary School in Brampton, Ontario. He is a 2023 national recipient of the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence, the highest national honour for teachers in Canada, is as 2024 recipient of Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Pin, two time recipient of the Peel District School Board's Award of Distinction (2017 & 2019), and an Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation Certificate of Achievement recipient (2017). Ben has had the privilege of learning and working with educators and community partners from across the globe, including being an ambassador to international and national delegations visiting the Peel District School Board in learning more about culturally responsive and relevant learning practices, has worked with esteemed community partners ranging from Ontario's Poet Laureate, Randell Adjei, Anishinaabe activist, advocate and artist, Sarain Fox, nationally recognized chef, Roger Mooking, nationally renowned civil rights activist, youth empowerment expert, and former CFL player, Orlando Bowen, and rising motivational speaker and youth excellence advocate, Sam Demma, and has experience serving in nearly every facet of public education.

Ben has been the driving force in transforming the Chinguacousy Secondary School's culture through deep involvement and dedication. He empowers students from grades 9 to 12 to take ownership and agency over their educational journeys while simultaneously building teacher capacity to create classroom environments that are culturally responsive and accessible to students of all backgrounds and abilities.

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Sam Demma is a best-selling author and one of the most in-demand keynote speakers in the Education and Association sectors. He co-founded the volunteer organization PickWaste, delivered two TEDx talks, and—as a result of his exceptional contributions to Canada—was awarded the prestigious Queens Platinum Jubilee Award.

His work is often featured on national news shows like Marilyn Dennis, Breakfast Television, and most notably, his mom’s Facebook profile. Sam delivers hundreds of programs across North America annually, and his entertaining presentations address the topics of Mental Health, Leadership and Kindness. www.samdemma.com

Want to join the High Performing Educator Network: www.highperformingeducator.com

Tony Bisceglia combines his roles as an Urban High Priority Educator and coach with entrepreneurship, while being a father of four. His dedication to education in high-priority urban settings, alongside his entrepreneurial spirit, shapes his multi-faceted approach to making an impact - and while he didn't invent Pickleball, he's certainly enthusiastic about it.

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Sam Demma is a best-selling author and one of the most in-demand keynote speakers in the Education and Association sectors. He co-founded the volunteer organization PickWaste, delivered two TEDx talks, and—as a result of his exceptional contributions to Canada—was awarded the prestigious Queens Platinum Jubilee Award.

His work is often featured on national news shows like Marilyn Dennis, Breakfast Television, and most notably, his mom’s Facebook profile. Sam delivers hundreds of programs across North America annually, and his entertaining presentations address the topics of Mental Health, Leadership and Kindness. www.samdemma.com

Want to join the High Performing Educator Network: www.highperformingeducator.com