CONFERENCE SPEAKERS

Keynote Speaker Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011

“The Power of One – The Role of the School Counselor to Make a Difference”

Dr. Stephen R. Sroka
Speaker, Trainer, Author, Teacher and Educational Consultant, Lakewood, OH

This is a high-energy, motivational, multimedia education presentation that is research-driven and reality-based. It integrates cutting-edge research (including social intelligence, stress management, communication strategies, brain based learning, media and cultural literacy, character education, resiliency, and youth and asset development programs) and humor and inspiring real-life stories to facilitate learning about the whole child and the students’ mental, emotional, social, spiritual, and physical health needs and their relationship to academic and life success. The program is filled with” tips from the trenches” for school counselors.

The participants will leave with an unforgettable message filled with an incredible sense of hope and joy that with education, helping one another and believing in yourself, you can change schools, communities and lives.
Steve grew up in poverty in a housing project in a single parent family. His third grade report card read, “Parent notified boy is retarded.” In the ninth grade, after being involved in a school fight, he had two hip operations and was told that he may never walk again. The doctor told him he better start to listen to his teachers. And, as he tells students today, the more he listened, the smarter the teachers became.

Education was the only way out of the ghetto for Steve. When he graduated from high school, he worked full-time to get his family off welfare before entering college. His childhood offered unique challenges that helped him become a better educator.

Today, Dr. Stephen Sroka is an internationally recognized speaker, trainer, author, teacher and educational consultant on sex, drugs and violence prevention education, school safety, brain-based learning, alternative education, parenting, and dropout prevention.

He is an Adjunct Assistant Professor, School of Medicine, Division of Adolescent Health, Case Western Reserve University, and President of his company, Health Education Consultants. He has worked in schools (K–12) worldwide for over 30 years.

Dr. Sroka’s spirited presentations stressing the importance of “Just Say Know” and the “ABC’s of Sex” have resulted in guest appearances on many TV programs, including the Oprah Winfrey Show, as well as coverage in many newspapers including USA Today.

Dr. Sroka received the Outstanding School Health Educator Award from the American School Health Association, was selected the Disney Outstanding Health Teacher of the Year, and was inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame. But his most meaningful “award” was his six year-old daughter telling him that he was smarter than the cartoon character, Inspector Gadget. Obviously, his wife does not agree.     

Change is inevitable, growth is optional.
You have the Power of One to change the future.
Let’s start today!

Brunch Speaker Friday, Feb. 25, 2011

“How to Get More Done with Less Stress”

Sarita Maybin, Professional Speaker, Author, and Communication and Empowerment Expert

Sarita is a high energy speaker and author of the book “If You Can’t Say Something Nice, What DO You Say?"

 Sarita Maybin  is an energetic and engaging speaker whose audiences have fun learning how to stay positive, constructively confront tough communication situations and work together better.  A communication and empowerment expert, Sarita delivers interactive keynote speeches and workshops that provide real-life solutions and inspire positive action!

In this interactive keynote presentation Sarita Maybin will share strategies for handling your work load without ending up on stress overload.  You’ll gain tools for maximizing your time by conquering habits that cause stress.  You'll also find out how to set limits when others make demands...without appearing uncooperative.

 Presentation highlights include:

1. Five habits that cause stress – which ones do you recognize in yourself?
2. Three ways to say “no” nicely...and how to deliver a guilt-free "yes"
3. How to effectively set boundaries with those who make demands
4. Setting Priorities: How to get done the things that matter most
5. How to "pull rank" when you have no rank to pull

Growing up as an "Army brat," Sarita lived in many places, including 9 years in Germany.  Moving frequently, she learned the importance of adapting, staying positive and "playing nicely."  After earning a Masters Degree in Counseling, Sarita pursued a successful career in University Administration during which she worked at four state universities.

Discovering that her true love was public speaking, Sarita made a career change and became a full-time professional speaker in 1993.  Since then, she has entertained and educated audiences at companies and conferences in almost all 50 states, Canada, England, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Mexico and Iceland.  

For more information on Sarita, visit her website: SaritaMaybin.com