Damon West, M.S. Criminal Justice, is a college professor, internationally known keynote speaker and 3 x Wall Street Journal bestselling author. His bestselling business book, The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change, was listed by Forbes’ in the “Top Twenty Books You Need to Read to Crush 2020.”
His autobiography, The Change Agent: How a Former College QB Sentenced to Life in Prison Transformed His World, vividly tells how he transformed the pot of boiling water that is a Texas maximum-security prison into a pot of coffee.
At 20 years old, he was a Division 1 starting quarterback at the University of North Texas, when he suffered a career ending injury. He turned to hardcore drugs to cope with disappointments of life. After graduation, he worked in the United States Congress, was a national fundraiser on a U.S. Presidential campaign and eventually trained to be a stockbroker for United Bank of Switzerland (UBS). One day at UBS, he was introduced to methamphetamines; he became instantly hooked—and the lives of so many innocent people would forever be changed by the choices he made in order to feed his insatiable meth habit.
After a fateful discussion during his incarceration with a seasoned convict, Damon had a spiritual awakening. He learned that, like a coffee bean changing with the application of heat and pressure, he was capable of changing the environment around him. Armed with a program of recovery, a renewed faith, and a miraculous second chance at life, Damon emerged from over seven years of prison a changed man. His story of redemption, grit and determination continues to inspire audiences today.
The Coffee Bean message has inspired thousands. Damon’s clients include hundreds of companies, such as Walmart, State Farm, Wendy’s, Stryker, and sports teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Timberwolves, Clemson, Alabama and Georgia. The U.S. Army has even incorporated the #BeACoffeeBean mindset into their resilience training. Damon’s story has been featured both nationally and globally.
He is passionate about the Coffee Bean message and loves sharing how it changed his life and how it can change yours, too.
His Wall Street Journal bestselling book, The Locker Room: How Great Teams Heal Hurt, Overcome Adversity and Build Unity, is being optioned for film adaptation.
His children’s book, The Coffee Bean for Kids, is the genesis for Coffee Bean Clubs being started by students at schools all over America.
Today, Damon lives a life of recovery and service, sharing his story all over the world. Of all the hats Damon wears, however, the two most important to him are being a husband to Kendell and a stepfather to Clara.
In this interactive session, you will explore the 8 dimensions of wellness - Emotional, Spiritual, Intellectual, Physical, Environmental, Financial, Occupational, and Social. Complete a self-assessment to determine areas of strength and growth. Develop an action plan for growth to support your wellness goals! Each participant will be able to enter the raffle drawing for prizes!!
Theresa Olsen is the Regional Social Emotional Learning Specialist for ROE #53 in Tazewell, Mason and Woodford Counties. She has 16 years of experience in education as a special education teacher and paraprofessional. Theresa is a certified trainer for the Neurosequential Model for... Read More →
Join me for a deeply calming experience designed to help you release tension, unwind, and restore balance. In this soothing session, participants will be guided through restful postures, gentle breathwork, and guided meditation to enhance relaxation and mental clarity. This session is a time to relax and recharge, offering a supportive space for all levels to experience deep rest. With gentle guidance, participants will explore restful positions and breathing techniques, cultivating a sense of inner peace and tranquility.
What to Expect:
No Experience Needed! This is a restorative relaxation session, not an exercise class. The focus is on calming the mind and body.
Sensory Elements: Calming music, perhaps some lavender oil, and optional weighted objects
What to Bring:
Comfortable clothing (no special attire required)
Layers for warmth, such as a sweater, thick socks, or a cozy blanket
Yoga mat (or similar) since we will be on the floor for part of the time.
Current Area 5 SEL Coach. Former Director of Online Learning & Technology, K-8 Tech Coach, JH asst. Principal, and 7th grade science and ELA teacher. Always Dad and husband, RYT-200, Google Trainer, IL Master Gardener, bibliophile, outdoorsman, DIY-er and artist.
Wednesday April 9, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Redbird A
This workshop is designed to address a critical question: If we prioritize the social-emotional well-being of students and teachers, who ensures the well-being of school leaders?
Participants will learn how to establish a School Leaders Care Team—a collaborative effort between district leaders and school leaders focused on supporting principals and assistant principals. The session will explore practical strategies for creating systems and structures that foster a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for school leaders. The session will also share best practices on navigating the loss of a student or school crisis through building connections with community.
By modeling care and well-being practices, districts can empower school leaders to better care for their own communities, creating a ripple effect that benefits students, teachers, and staff alike.
Director of School Leader Engagement, Chicago Public Schools
While principal of Sullivan High School, formerly one of the most violent high schools in Chicago, Chad H. Thomas’s nearly decade-long rehabilitation and renewal of the school was captured in the highly acclaimed book Refugee High: Coming of Age in America. Heralded for his work... Read More →
The Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP) Coverage project focuses on reducing barriers to school-required vaccinations and improving school immunization coverage rates. A survey among school health staff and workgroup consisting of school nurses, pediatricians, local health department leaders, and other pediatric clinicians, identified an opportunity to increase buy-in on school-required immunizations from school administrators. In collaboration with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Illinois School Board of Education (ISBE), Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), Chicago Public Schools (CPS), and Illinois Association of School Nurses (IASN), ICAAP worked to create a detailed toolkit for school principals and superintendents to help promote vaccine confidence and compliance immunization requirements. The goal of this project is to empower school leadership to help make their school communities healthier and safer and enforce required immunizations.
The toolkit includes positive and cohesive messaging on required and recommended immunizations, an overview of school forms, resources for newly arrived populations and students who are uninsured/underinsured, tips for working with pediatric health care providers, and outreach materials for families on school immunization requirements.
Senior Manager of Immunizations Programs, Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
Caroline is a Senior Manager of Immunizations Programs at the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP). She started at ICAAP in 2021, focusing on sharing education aboutt eh COVID-19 vaccines. Now she leads programs for improving school vaccination rates. Prior... Read More →
Wednesday April 9, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Redbird B
Let’s face it– your own school experience is not your current student’s experience. Social media has dramatically changed the middle school & high school landscape, leaving many students feeling anxious, lonely, and misunderstood. The good news–this narrative can be changed! Join Erin Shook, Psychology teacher at Freeburg High School, in examining research from the “The Anxious Generation,” neuroscience, Positive Psychology, and mental health trends to educate teachers and provide tools to empower students in the classroom.
Erin Shook is an enthusiastic high school teacher with a deep passion for creating a supportive and balanced environment where students can thrive academically and personally. With over 16 years of experience in the classroom, she has become known for her innovative teaching methods... Read More →
In the United States, suicide is the 2nd leasing cause of death for teens and adolescents. Because kids spend a large amount of time within our school settings, we have a responsibility to serve as the first line of defense in preventing loss of life due to suicide. In this session, best practices for suicide prevention will be discussed through a multi-tiered approach. Speaking through the lens of a unique and effective role as a suicide prevention specialist social worker within the building and district, the presenter will cover the topics of suicidality, risk screening and assessment, risk-related decision making, legal precedent, and tips for feasible prevention practices in order to increase your understanding of suicide and what practical changes can be made within your buildings and/or direct work with students to improve student safety and wellness.
Student Support Specialist/ Pediatric Clinical Therapist, St. Charles School District 303/ Little Indigo Child & Family Therapy
Owner of her own private pediatric clinical therapy practice specializing in anxiety and mood regulation in adolescents and teens, Kameron also works in a middle school social work specialist role, focused on safety and suicide prevention and intervention. With over 16 years of experience... Read More →
This session provides an in-depth exploration of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and ESSA Foster Care Act, focusing on how to support these vulnerable student populations effectively. This session will address the barriers to educational stability that these students often encounter, such as frequent school transfers, lack of access to resources, and additional challenges. Attendees will also learn about best practices for identifying, supporting, and advocating for McKinney-Vento-eligible students and Youth-in-Care within the school system.
National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program operators are required to have a Local Wellness Policy, which is an important tool for promoting student wellness across the school environment. Attendees will learn about the required wellness policy elements, including policy language, public involvement, triennial assessments, ISBE monitoring, and more.
Imagine a world where our students' closest relationships are not with friends or family, but with avatars and AI-driven interactions. As AI continues to advance, it risks reshaping the landscape of social relationships, creating an environment where synthetic connections can replace authentic ones. If we could go back and rethink how we’ve prepared students for the world of Social Media, wouldn’t we? Today, we have that opportunity. This session offers a compelling look into the concept of "Infobesity"—the relentless influx of AI-driven information—and its profound impact on youth relationships. We’ll uncover the hidden influence AI can exert beyond large language models, drawing students into digital realms that threaten to erode genuine human connection. Participants will leave with practical strategies to counteract this shift, helping students forge meaningful, face-to-face relationships and build the resilience needed in an AI-enhanced world—all without adding more to your plate. Join us to take action now and ensure our students don’t get lost in a sea of avatars and artificial bonds.
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator, The Learning Technology Center
Holly Kelly is a Regional Educational Technology Coordinator for the Learning Technology Center, serving the east central region. She facilitates professional learning opportunities for educators, administrators, and technology staff that support digital teaching and learning. Holly... Read More →
Wednesday April 9, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Redbird B
Discover how functional health principles can transform your approach to wellness by addressing the root causes of chronic health challenges rather than merely managing symptoms. This session will explore the foundational concepts of functional medicine, focusing on whole-body health, personalized care, and sustainable lifestyle changes. Attendees will learn how to identify key factors—such as nutrition, movement, stress, and sleep—that influence health and how to create a roadmap for achieving balance and vitality. By integrating functional health into your daily life, you can embrace a proactive, individualized approach to wellness that prioritizes prevention and sustainability. This session will equip you with practical strategies to improve personal well-being or enhance professional practice, empowering you to thrive and inspire others to do the same.
In this engaging session, you will learn how to design, implement, and adapt a comprehensive school-wide Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) program tailored to meet the unique needs of your school community. We will explore practical programs, proven strategies, and innovative ideas that drive meaningful SEL integration. Attendees will leave with clear, actionable steps and personalized action plans to support SEL success within their schools. Throughout the session, there will be opportunities for interactive Q&A to ensure that your specific questions and challenges are addressed. Join David Lerch, Principal of ROE 45 Safe School, for an informative experience on building and sustaining an impactful SEL initiative.
Safe School Director & Educational Programs Coordinator, ROE 45 - Red Brick Safe School
David Lerch has been teaching for 17 years. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree from Illinois College in 2007, his master’s degree from SIUE in 2010 and his EDS in Principalship from SIUE in 2023. He’s taught a variety of grades from 5th grade to 8th grade. He has also... Read More →
Wednesday April 9, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Redbird G
Discover how to move beyond survival mode in the demanding role of school leadership. This session invites current and aspiring principals to reflect on their existing home, work, and life systems, identify gaps in their support networks, and reimagine strategies to prevent burnout. Learn actionable steps to build systems that foster balance, resilience, and long-term success in the principalship. Leave empowered with tools to not only manage but thrive in your role as a school leader.
In this high-energy 60-minute presentation, "Happiness Hacks I Stole From Heavy Metal” we’ll explore powerful, positive psychology-backed strategies for boosting happiness and flourishing. The twist? Each actionable insight is drawn from the bold, rebellious themes of heavy metal lyrics. By combining research-driven approaches with the raw energy of metal, you’ll leave feeling empowered to take intentional steps toward greater personal happiness and well-being. This session promises a fun, engaging way to reclaim control of your mental and emotional health, inspired by music’s heaviest hits!
Professional Speaker and High School Chemistry/Physics Teacher, Positive Growth Lounge LLC
Phil Januszewski is a tattoo covered, Netflix baking-show flopping, high-energy chemistry/physics teaching keynote speaker and coach that is on a mission to create and spread happiness through education, motivation, and entertainment. He empowers the givers in the world to completely flourish in... Read More →
Multilingual learners (MLLs) often bring rich cultural experiences to the classroom but may also carry the weight of trauma, whether from migration, displacement, or other life experiences. This breakout session equips educators and school staff with trauma-informed strategies specifically tailored to the unique needs of MLLs. Participants will explore how to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments that promote healing and learning for students navigating the dual challenges of trauma and language acquisition.
Assistant Professor of Education, Rockford University
Dr. Terri Easter is an Assistant Professor of Education at Rockford University and the Director of ESL/Bilingual Studies. With over a decade of experience teaching English learners, including in Title I schools and internationally, she brings a global perspective to creating equitable... Read More →
Join us for an interactive session designed to enhance collaboration between school administrators and school nurses. This session will explore effective communication strategies, role clarity, and best practices for building strong partnerships that support student wellness. Participants will engage in discussions and activities aimed at fostering mutual understanding and creating a cohesive approach to addressing the health and well-being of students. Whether you're an administrator or a nurse, you'll leave with practical tools and insights to strengthen this vital partnership and promote a healthier school environment.
Health Services Administrator, Valley View School District 365U
Lisell Zuñiga, BSN, RN, PEL-CSN, is an accomplished leader in the school nurse community with over six years of experience. She oversees health services for 21 schools, advocating for student wellness across a variety of educational environments. Lisell partners with the local health... Read More →
Wednesday April 9, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Redbird A
The use of stimulants, such as caffeine, nicotine, prescribed and non-prescribed medications (Adderall, Ritalin, etc.), and counterfeit pills have a significant impact on mood and mindset, sleep, nutrition, and overall wellbeing. While many are aware of the health outcomes of nicotine and illicit drugs, caffeine’s impact on the brain and body is frequently underestimated. In this presentation, we will discuss current trends of adolescent (12-17 years) and emerging adult (18-25 years) stimulant use in Illinois and nation-wide. We will focus on the age of onset, brain development, the impact of caffeine and other stimulants on mood and mindset, sleep, and nutrition. We will talk about the prevalence of fentanyl in counterfeit pills and how students can protect themselves and their peers from fentanyl exposure and prevent overdose. This presentation will cover the impact that stimulant misuse has on a student’s ability to perform inside and outside of the classroom. Additionally, we will provide strategies on how to have effective, informative, and nonjudgemental conversations with students about stimulant use. Suggestions will be shared for healthier and natural alternative choices to stimulants, as well as examples of in-classroom experiential activities. Please join The Prescription Playbook for this engaging and interactive presentation!
Sarah Grunden graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi in 2022 with a Master's in Public Health. Sarah has always been passionate about community health and improving health outcomes. She is excited to have the opportunity to help the emerging adult population make healthier... Read More →
Working together as a team is key to maintaining a safe environment for students with dietary restrictions in the cafeteria and beyond. Join ISBE staff from the Nutrition Department and Wellness and Student Care Department for a presentation on accommodating children with special dietary needs. Presenters will cover ways to collect and share dietary restrictions for students with disabilities. Attendees will understand the importance of knowing the individual student’s needs and how to transitions from the cafeteria to classroom.
