2019 Annual Conference

February 6, 2019 OPENING KEYNOTE SPEAKER

 Kevin J. Fleming, Ph.D. Producer of the viral animation video “Success in the New Economy,” and author of the bestseller, “(Re)Defining the Goal”

Dr. Fleming is a passionate advocate for ensuring all students enter the labor market with a competitive advantage. He currently supports over 40 Career & Technical Education programs as a Dean of Instruction at Norco College (part of Riverside Community College District, California) and serves as vice president for the California Community College Association for Occupational Education. Previously, he analyzed industry trends and workforce needs while providing customized geospatial labor market research for the largest higher education system in the world: the California Community Colleges. Dr. Fleming is a faculty member, national speaker, and recovering academic elitist. A true lifelong learner, he has earned two bachelor’s degrees from Loyola Marymount University (psychology & philosophy); a Master of Arts from The Ohio State University (educational policy & leadership), an MBA from the University of Redlands, and a PhD in Education from Claremont Graduate University…but it was his CTE industry certification in geographical information systems (GIS) that lifted him out of working poverty. He is a proud eagle scout and father, has completed 5 marathons, and won a spelling bee in the third grade.

Karen Gannon Griffith, elementary teacher, special education teacher, and a professional school counselor

Karen Griffith, PhD, LPC, has worked as an elementary teacher, a special education teacher, and a professional school counselor (27 years). Retiring after 35 years in public education, Dr. Griffith now works as an assistant professor in the Department of Counseling and Human Development Services at the University of Georgia and as a private consultant. She has been a visiting professor with the University of Tennessee (Chattanooga) and a guest lecturer at both Georgia State University and Emory University in Atlanta. In addition, she has provided lectures and trainings at numerous counselor conferences and professional development experiences in multiple states. Those trainings include (but are not limited to): • ASCA (American School Counselor Association) National Model • Building Resiliency • Career Development in the Elementary Setting • Counselors Supporting Academics • Data-Driven Counseling • Effective Small Group Interventions • Individual Counseling Techniques • Understanding Privilege and Oppression As a professional school counselor, Dr. Griffith was recognized at the state level as Counselor of the Year and Writer of the Year and was among the finalists for ASCA’s School Counselor of the Year. Berkeley Lake Elementary School earned RAMP certification twice during Dr. Griffith’s tenure as a professional school counselor. Dr. Griffith currently serves ASCA as a Lead RAMP Reviewer, a peer reviewer for professional school counseling journal, and a trainer on the ASCA National Model. In addition, she serves on the Executive Board of the Georgia School Counselor Association (GSCA) as the Counselor Educator Director for GSCA.