STORYTELLER'S CAFE
This strand is designed to highlight the lives of exceptional people from all walks of life who have experienced challenges and overcome them through hope and resiliency. Hear stories that inspire, uplift, and motivate you to become a change agent. You can also participate in a question-and-answer discussion with the speaker.
Wednesday, April 30
10:30AM - 12:15PM
Winning the Hearts of Every Student
Kevon Lee, MA, Empowerment Speaker, Kevon Empowers & Group, LLC, Loma Linda, CA
Winning a student’s heart means reaching the whole child. This workshop shares the journey of a young person who faced homelessness, foster care, bullying, and educational barriers. Our words shape students’ choices and aspirations. No one succeeds alone; it’s our duty to help each reach their potential. Let’s be the support students need, as our engagement can make all the difference. True understanding comes from earning their trust.
E, M, MLA, DS
Strand: Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Storytellers Café
2:45PM - 4:45PM
Thursday, May 1
10:00AM - 12:00PM
Transforming Adversity into Achievement
Raynee Russell, Operations Manager / Lead Teacher, Global Kindness Initiative, Paradise, CA
Discover how to harness resilience and transform personal adversities and challenges into opportunities for growth and success. Through shared insights and actionable techniques, participants will be guided on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. The focus is on their stories, their strengths, and their potential for transformation. While Raynee shares her journey from obstacles to opportunities as a starting point, this Storyteller Cafe's emphasis is on equipping each participant with the skills and perspective needed to write their own success story.
PK, E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Storyteller's Café
1:15PM - 2:30PM
Empathy in Education: Lessons from Life and Loss
Sheila James, STEM Consultant, Ohio Afterschool Network, Conway, SC
In Empathy in Education, I reflect on my journey through loss and resilience and how it transformed my approach to teaching and mentoring. Grief taught me that education goes beyond knowledge; it’s about nurturing the whole person—heart, mind, and soul. Together, we’ll explore how empathy, active listening, and compassionate support can create positive ripple effects, inspiring educators to build communities where everyone feels valued and empowered.
PK, E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Storyteller’s Café
3:45PM - 5:15PM
Seeing the World through a Different Lens
Shannon Estrin, M.A., Special Education Teacher/Author/CEO, Ellenwood, GA
Using my story to inspire caregivers, educators, and community members, this workshop emphasizes that everyone has a unique superpower or gift, and it takes a patient, special person to bring it out. Shannon provides practical behavioral management techniques and strategies to enhance positive outcomes for children and adults with autism, depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Participants will leave empowered with tools to support and uplift those they care for.
M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality, Staff Leadership, Partnerships & Building Relationships, Storytellers Café
Friday, May 2
9:15AM - 11:15AM
Storyteller's Cafe Contact
Program Coordinator
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Please note: Name badges are required to attend all BOOST Conference events including meals and workshops