Academic Director & Associate Professor, Wake Forest University

Adam Dovico is an accomplished teacher, curriculum facilitator, principal, professor, speaker, and author. For over two decades, he has taught students of all ages through his engaging and rigorous teaching style. He is known for his time at the Ron Clark Academy, Get Your Teach On, and Elevate Your Classroom, along with hundreds of keynotes and workshops he has provided for educators from around the world. You can often find Adam standing on a table or chair dressed in one of his signature suits. He has been recognized by organizations such as the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund, Learning for Justice, and the Atlanta Falcons for his leadership and teaching. You can learn more about Adam’s teaching and leadership online at adamdovico.com, on social media @adamdovico, or in his books: Inside the Trenches, The Limitless School, and When Kids Lead.

Co-Founder of 7 Mindsets

Noted as one of the world’s leading experts on student and educator empowerment, Scott Shickler is a sought-after speaker, thought leader, and Mindsets advocate. Scott is the bestselling co-author of the book, The 7 Mindsets to Live Your Ultimate Life. He has been featured in a variety of media, including CNN, ABC and NBC News, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. He is also the co-founder of the Magic Wand Foundation – a non-profit spreading mindsets-based empowerment to youth globally.

Director, Wall Township Public Schools

Tiffany Steiner is a Director of Intervention Services and Student Wellness K-12 at Wall Township Public Schools, New Jersey. An educator for 24 years, she served in a variety of roles including teacher, school counselor, Assistant Principal, and Acting Principal. She currently oversees the district’s SEL plan, structures services under a tiered system of support, and oversees school counseling, nursing, and intervention teams. She has served as an advisor to youth who received the Congressional Award and was honored in the Spring of 2024 with a Meritorious Administrator Award for exceptional achievement in her field.

Social Worker, Reynoldsburg High School

Emby Miller Ph.D., LSW is a School Social Worker, who works with school-aged children to provide social and emotional learning. Emby’s also provides training and guidance to agencies, schools and other community organizations for effective youth, parent and family involvement programs. Emby’s career is highlighted by experience leading teams with diverse characteristics. What distinguishes his capabilities is an administrative and operational understanding of how programs are funded, knowledge of techniques optimizing coverage of target populations, and interpersonal skills allowing him to communicate with clients, stakeholders and colleagues.

Supervisor of Resiliency, Character, and Life Skills Education, and the Student Success Coach Program, Hillsborough County Public Schools

Julia Sarmiento-Cohen is currently the Supervisor of Resiliency, Character, and Life Skills Education, and the Student Success Coach Program in the Division of Academic Services in Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS). She oversees K-12 Programs that support building resiliency and life skills.

Julia earned her bachelor’s degree in English and American Literature, and master’s degree in educational leadership, from the University of South Florida. Julia has over 20 years of educational experience and has worked with several community partners to implement education initiatives in her school district and community.

Julia has received several awards for her leadership and dedication to education in the community such as: The Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year Award from Hillsborough County Public Schools, the OLE´ (Outstanding Latina/o in Education) Award from The University of South Florida, The Dorothy Duke Outstanding Community Service Award, from Florida Home Partnership and the District Leadership Award from the Hillsborough Association of School Administrators.

Principal, Hillsborough County Public Schools

Delia Gadson is a proud principal in Florida, bringing 29 years of experience in education, she shares her passion for this “heart” work with her students, teachers, and community. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of South Florida. She is a graduate of the National Institute of School Leadership Executive Development Program with the National Center on Education and the Economy and has been featured in ASCD’s Educational Leadership Journal. Delia currently serves on the Executive board for the Hillsborough Association of School Administrators and loves to travel with her son Connor.

Educator and Career Coach, Butler County

Tanika Garrett, an accomplished educator with 15+ years of teaching high school Mathematics, discovered her true calling despite not initially aspiring to teach. A graduate of Alabama State University, she holds a B.S. in Mathematics and a Master of Education in Mathematics Education. Now serving as a career coach, Tanika’s leadership roles, accolades, and commitment to student growth highlight her impact. Beyond education, she is a mother, published author, speaker, coach and consultant. Leveraging her personal experiences and professional learning to inspire, impact and empower others is what this gentle disruptor does when in a room.

Principal, Doctors Inlet Elementary School, Clay County Florida

Carolyn Ayers is a seasoned educator with 21 years of experience and currently serves as the Principal at Doctors Inlet Elementary School. She began her career teaching students with special needs and has experience educating children from pre-kindergarten through high school. Throughout her various roles, Mrs. Ayers has focused on teaching, supporting, and inspiring her students. She firmly believes in addressing the needs of the whole child and that all students can learn and succeed, regardless of their circumstances. Mrs. Ayers is also pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership, specializing in student, staff, and leadership resiliency.

Principal, Von Steuben Middle School, Peoria Public Schools 150

June Smothers is a 30-year veteran of Peoria Public Schools with deep roots in urban education. A former special education teacher turned administrator, she has served as a dean, assistant principal, and principal across K–12, with most of her work focused in middle and high school. June holds a B.S. in Special Education from Illinois State University and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Bradley University. She believes behavior is communication and change is possible when social-emotional support is paired with clear accountability. Her passion for the work only grows with time, fueled by the transformational outcomes she continues to witness.

Counselor, Blake Manor Elementary

Katrina Bays is a dedicated School Counselor and former elementary teacher with a passion for fostering positive school culture. With a decade of experience in Title I, low-income schools, they believe academic success begins with meeting students’ physical and psychological needs. They also understand that a strong school culture starts with teachers feeling safe, supported, and valued—creating a ripple effect that empowers students to thrive. Through mindset-based learning and social-emotional support, Katrina is committed to equipping educators and scholars with the tools to build strong, supportive communities that promote both academic and personal growth.

Tonishia Sheed, Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center School

Tonishia Sheed has been serving youth in Philadelphia for over 10 years as a mentor, advocate, and Case Manager. Ms. Sheed earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Gwynedd Mercy University and has utilized her education to guide her while working with youth in the criminal justice system. She has recently served as the 7 Mindsets Coordinator at the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center School, introducing the curriculum to staff and students and leading its implementation in all classrooms. She has been coaching administration and staff on 7 Mindsets across the School District of Philadelphia.

Ms. Sheed also works with youth at nonprofits, churches, and programs, allowing her to pour into more youth in the city. She also builds connections with nonprofits and programs allowing for warm hand offs for youth. Ms. Sheed is committed to shifting the mindset and culture in the city of Philadelphia beginning with the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center School.

National Certified School Psychologist, and Author

Dr. Byron McClure is currently the Director of Innovation at 7 Mindsets and Founder of Lessons For SEL, where he uses research, human-centered design thinking to build empathy, ideate, co-create solutions, and design equitable resources that put the needs of children front and center. He formerly served as the Assistant Director of School Redesign at a high school in Southeast, D.C., where he was responsible for leading and reimagining what Social Emotional Learning looked like within an inner-city community.

Senior Education Services Manager, 7 Mindsets

Dr. Teresa Reigosa is a Senior Education Services Manager at 7 Mindsets, where she supports schools across the country and internationally in implementing mindset-based programming for students and the adults who care for them. Throughout her 30-year career, Dr. Reigosa has been a classroom teacher, counselor, and administrator at every level of education. Her experiences working with diverse student populations and collaborating with her colleagues have provided her with invaluable insights and knowledge, and in 2023, she earned a doctorate in Transpersonal Psychology with a concentration in Adult Social-Emotional Learning.

Chief Product and Learning Officer

Robin is an accomplished therapist with over 25 years of experience in working with at-risk teens and their families. She founded BASE Education, a student mental health solution acquired by 7 Mindsets in January 2023. As Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer with 7 Mindsets, Robin will oversee curriculum development and strategic initiatives, further expanding the integrative capabilities and partner access to the highest quality program.

Prior to founding BASE, Robin’s professional work included roles as a school-based therapy specialist for at-risk teens, private practice therapist for adolescents and their families, treatment coordinator for intensive in/outpatient teen programs, and research specialist in clinical trials for adolescents with addictions. While serving in her various roles, Robin served on panels and boards for various teen organizations, and she has and continues to train law enforcement, school administrators and faculty, medical professionals, and members of the community through various speaking engagements and seminars on issues pertaining to at-risk youth.  Robin is also on the advisory council for the Jake Jabs Center for Entrepreneurship for the University of Colorado at Denver Business School.

Co-Founder of 7 Mindsets

Jeff Waller is a thought leader on personal achievement, and youth empowerment.  He is the co-author of The 7 Mindsets to Live Your Ultimate Life.  He is also the co-author of Ridiculously Amazing Schools, Creating a Culture where Everyone Thrives. He is the co-founder of 7 Mindsets Corporation, a multi-million dollar educational solution provider currently serving 5 million students and educators in 47 states.

Jeff has spent the last twenty years observing hundreds of schools and thousands of classrooms.  He has interviewed over 100 of the most successful administrators and teachers in the country.  Through this work he has co-authored two books and co-developed the revolutionary 7 Mindsets program that delivers curriculum and professional development to schools and classrooms from kindergarten to twelfth grade.

A motivational speaker, Jeff is also the co-founder of the Magic Wand Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering youth to live their dreams and make a positive impact on the world.  Through inspirational stories, motivational videos, and energizing activities, Jeff’s sessions foster the hope and cultivate the sense-of-purpose critical to extraordinary educations.

Jeff has dedicated the last two decades to learning and understanding the critical elements that enable happiness and define high achievers.  Jeff lives in Roswell, Georgia with his wife and three children.

Senior Director of Partnerships, 7 Mindsets

Chelsea Buchanan is the Senior Director of Partnerships for 7 Mindsets and supports numerous teams within the organization. As a team leader and lifelong educator, Chelsea believes that positive mindset and well-being is the foundation for building meaningful and lasting relationships with your students and colleagues. Prior to 7 Mindsets, she worked in various school and district settings and has an extensive background in administration, special education, instructional coaching, and district initiatives. In her tenure with 7 Mindsets, Chelsea developed and authored the first 7 Mindsets elementary curriculum and was the Director of the education services department for 6 years. She has presented over 2,500 hours of professional development, working with urban, rural, and suburban districts nationwide and globally. She implemented 7 Mindsets to students and staff as an educator prior to working with 7 Mindsets.

Senior Education Services Manager, 7 Mindsets

Julie Spierto is a dynamic leader in the field of 7 Mindsets education. With a deep passion for reshaping education and transforming lives, Julie serves as the organization’s Senior Education Services Manager and Regional Lead for the West. Her vision extends beyond the classroom, envisioning a world where individuals possess the mindset and skills needed to overcome life’s challenges with resilience and optimism. Julie brings a wealth of experience to her role, having been a mathematics teacher, varsity soccer coach, Geometry team coach, and Teacher of the Year. Her diverse background informs her innovative approach to education and personal development.

Business Development Manager, 7 Mindsets

Yessica Esmeralda O’Connor brings 20 years of experience working with ELL students as a teacher and as an administrator for schools in CA, CO, and internationally (Japan, Ecuador, and Mexico.) In her years of teaching inner-city, low-income, and ELL students, she has gained and developed strategies to build positive relationships with her students, families, and diverse communities. She has a double Masters in Linguistically Diverse Education and Spanish Literature that led her to develop techniques on how to teach students with language barriers.

Senior Director of Education Services, 7 Mindsets

Driven by a passion to advocate for the education needs of all learners, Aleasha draws from a combined 25+ years of experience as a leader in both the classroom and the boardroom working with individuals and organizations to amplify their learning and leadership success so they can make a measurable impact on the world around them. She presents with enthusiasm and expertise, effectively guiding her participants to elevate their skills to new heights. Audiences love her practical strategies and often describe her passion and energy as infectious.

Senior Education Services Manager, 7 Mindsets

Elizabeth works with district and school-based educational leaders across the nation to ensure the successful implementation of BASE Education. Elizabeth has over 13 years of experience in teaching, curriculum development, faculty support, and student advising – guiding students through academic, personal, and career challenges on their path to graduation. She has also helped develop classroom strategies to meet students’ academic and emotional needs. In her free time, you’ll find her with family and friends, exploring new places, or enjoying the outdoors with her golden retriever, Doug.

Senior Education Services Manager, 7 Mindsets

Lesley Wilson is a passionate advocate for transformative education, holding the role of Senior Education Services Manager and Southeast Regional Lead for 7 Mindsets. Her mission is to empower schools and districts to craft successful implementation strategies, offer dynamic coaching, and foster mindset-based and well-being development practices tailored to the unique needs of educators and students. With over 22 years of experience spanning diverse educational settings, including large urban and rural districts, Lesley’s journey has been a multifaceted one. She’s worn various hats as an elementary teacher, behavior specialist, teacher trainer, and district administrator, specializing in behavior management, Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), and social development.

Education Services Manager, 7 Mindsets

Andrew Chismar, Education Services Manager at 7 Mindsets, brings over 14 years of elementary education experience. With a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Valdosta State University, Andrew is adept at designing impactful learning experiences. Passionate about children’s literacy and social-emotional development, he integrates literature to reinforce social skills.  He has actively served on various curriculum committees, PBIS teams, and STEM committees, demonstrating his commitment to continuous improvement and student success. As an instructional lead teacher and department chair, Andrew has mentored colleagues and contributed to the professional development of educators.  His diverse background, including teaching kindergarten and first grade, informs his innovative strategies for inclusive classrooms. Andrew’s global adventures, including work with a cruise line, enrich his teaching by infusing cultural awareness.

Senior Product Manager, 7 Mindsets

Krista Stippich is a forever educator, administrator, and coach dedicated to furthering the work of mindsets-based well-being and mental health. Prior to joining the 7 Mindsets team, she worked in both the middle and high school spaces. Since joining 7 Mindsets, Krista has had the privilege of serving schools and districts around the country on the Education Services team and now works in Product helping to ideate and develop the future of 7 Mindsets offerings.

Teaching and Learning Consultant, 7 Mindsets

Teaching and Learning Consultant for 7 Mindsets, is a versatile and accomplished professional, weaving together a rich tapestry of experiences in athletics, public health, and education. From his ten-year professional football career to his current role as CEO of Armour Consulting, a venture he founded in 2022 to address public health issues affecting young people and their families, JoJuan exemplifies the power of purpose-driven leadership and dedication to creating positive change in communities.