Join us for our Second Annual TED Ed Educator Talk

May 18, 2023

6-9 pm
Open Space Event Studios

Thank you so much for your interest! This event is sold out for this year and we hope you will join us next year!

Kathy Alexander

The Missing “SPARK” in Education

Kathy Alexander feels exceptional compassion for students who have lost their drive at a young age. By providing elementary school students with purpose and vision for their future, she strives to help keep them engaged and in school. A former business owner who began a career in electronics at age 17, she has spent the last four years as a STEM pathways education coordinator, working to inspire young students to succeed in school and life.

Amy Bordelon

Do you know you’re not broken? Seeing the Beauty in Neurodivergence

Amy Bordelon learns as much from her students as they learn from her. A licensed marriage and family therapist, she is a champion for social-emotional learning and skill-building for individuals who experience the world in their own unique ways. Inspired by the neurodivergent kids and young adults she works with, Bordelon shares a different, and life-changing, lens through which to see them.

Wendy Burkhardt

How to create belonging in our schools. It all starts with a door.

Wendy Burkhardt has been partnering with students and families to open doors for more than 25 years. As a special education teacher and assistive technology specialist, she tackles barriers and promotes inclusivity for students experiencing physical disabilities. Burkhardt shares the key to creating a sense of belonging, hope and opportunity by opening doors to new adventures.

Geraldine Casimiro

Cultivating community (gets you far)

Gera Casimiro is confident that together we can challenge power in societal institutions. She currently teaches social justice and education centered courses at Oregon State University- Cascades campus. And, as director of language access services for High Desert Education Service District she aims to make education accessible for emergent bilingual learners and their multicultural families in Central Oregon.

Alix Keel

Loud Whispers

Alix Keel knows first-hand that the act of having a good time promotes connection and creativity. Inspired by her own travel experiences, including an impulsive trip to Italy, she shares a unique perspective about the importance of enjoyment in education. A licensed professional counselor associate and Oregon licensed school psychologist, Keel helps students embrace and capitalize on their unique and individual strengths to be successful while having fun.

Erin Taylor

It’s Time to Get Radical

Erin Taylor believes that acknowledging and honoring difficult situations and emotions, letting go of judgment and control, and embracing the moment can change the future of education. A Culture of Care coach with 20 years of experience as a special educator, school psychologist, behavior specialist, Taylor shares the power of “radical acceptance” to support students with special needs and influence positive behavior. She has also found a place for radical acceptance in her own life to support healing and growth.

Amy Yillik

What A School Shooting Taught Me

Amy Yillik believes that a solution to violence in our schools doesn’t require a Doctorate in School Counseling & Psychology. She believes it requires human connection and belonging. With 29 years of experience as a school counselor and psychologist, Yillik credits her personal journey of addiction recovery for helping her in the aftermath of a high school campus shooting. She currently works as a culture of care coach and adjunct faculty member in USC’s Master of School Counseling program.