Speaking Engagements
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Learning from the Road, Teaching from the Heart
Over the years, my work has taken me across borders and into classrooms of every kind, from small rural schools to vibrant international campuses. No matter where I go, I’m reminded of those first years teaching: the thrill of possibility, the courage it takes to belong in a new place, and the magic that happens when a teacher truly sees a student.
Each new place deepens my belief that learning and travel share a common purpose: to open minds and hearts. From Albany to Zurich, and places in between, I see how curiosity, empathy, and cultural awareness can turn classrooms into communities.
Today, I make it a point to visit schools when I travel, sometimes reconnecting with old colleagues, other times meeting new teachers just starting out. Across every setting, one truth holds: belonging is not an add-on to learning; it is the foundation of it.
When teachers build authentic relationships, they unlock confidence, connection, and the courage to learn, especially for students whose differences have too often been misunderstood. I’ve seen this truth firsthand: in my own family, in the research, and in countless classrooms I’ve visited.
In my sessions, I blend storytelling with research-informed practice to help participants turn that belief into daily action. Together, we explore how to create schools and classrooms where every student — including those who are multilingual, neurodiverse, or simply finding their own way — feels valued, capable, and connected to something larger than themselves.