Emily Goshey
Phd Student & Animator for Junior Youth
Although familiar with the disciplined environment of university life, Emily's biggest lesson has come from her work with middle school youth. Serving as a facilitator, she has helped young people to cultivate a desire to change the world in an environment that combines spirit, respect and diversity with service. Emily Goshey is native Minnesotan who first encountered the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program during her college years in Philadelphia. Having witnessed the power of this program in places as diverse as Atlanta and Tajikistan, she currently helps to support two groups in Central New Jersey.
Joel Handler
Director of Technology at Hillsborough NJ district Schools
As Director of Technology in Hillsborough schools, Joel Handler has been instrumental in implementing a novel approach to using technology as the means of learning. He has observed how changing the paradigm of school classrooms to be creative and interactive will lead to more in-depth collaboration and more engaged students. Joel holds two masters degrees, one in Computer Science and another in Educational Administration from Rutgers University, and has recently been nominated as a member of the 2015 Consortium for School Networking Volunteer Hall of Fame.
Owner/Operator of Dogwood Farms
Where does food come from and why should we care? Hear how food can play a much bigger role in our lives and impact our communities. Jon Knox, owner/operator with his wife Kim, of Dogwood Farms, in Hillsborough, NJ, will share his story and love affair with food. Their CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) model connects small farms and farmers to the surrounding communities. In the spirit of developing relationships with community members, Dogwood Farms has also hosted educational groups ranging from elementary and high school students to interns and volunteers interested in furthering their knowledge of growing their own food. For the future, they hope to continue spreading the values of Dogwood Farms to further serve the community as best as they can
Chief Instructor at ATA Legacy Martial Arts in Hillsborough NJ
As Chief Instructor and Director of Operations, Jorge Lee oversees curriculum development and instructor training for over 200 students of ATA Legacy Martial Arts in Hillsborough, NJ. While ATA certainly has an impressive number of State, District and World Champion titles, Mr. Lee believes the success of his school is not due to its winning record but to the focus on developing character and conduct through martial arts lessons. A martial arts student of over 25 years Mr. Lee is currently in the final year of training for the title of Master Instructor in the style of Songahm Taekwondo.
Lori Sweeney
Scientist, author and teacher
Lori Sweeney, a successful scientist, teacher and author, carved her own story out of her own experience of adversity in school. After years of being bullied, she transformed those painful memories into a self-directed, transformational approach, changing her life and the lives of those around her. Learn how a bullied student uses her voice and experience to empower others as well as herself.
Leading Drum Educator
Working for over 30 years as a teacher, performer and recording artist, Scott Strunk has helped hundreds of drummers of all ages acheive a foundation of great technique, musical knowledge and passion for drumming. He guides many of them through all aspects of auditions, be it elementary school band, middle and high school jazz band, wind ensemble, marching band, region band, college admissions or adults performing on weekends. He not only prepares his students for these musical performances, but also for life itself. Through his continuing work with students he finds lessons not only impact their music, but shape their lives. Learning drumming is not just learning music, it is a way of life: It can help determine direction, add balance, discipline, self awareness and remove obstacles in your path.