EDUCATE - ADVOCATE - MOTIVATE
Keynote & Speaking Engagements
After several years in special education, I was asked to share the story of my journey from an at-risk student with disabilities to an accomplished educator. When I saw how it resonated with others, I knew I wanted to continue speaking to educate, advocate, and motivate others.
My perspective of overcoming social biases about disabilities is paired with poignant anecdotes from my career as an educator and the poetry those situations inspired, showcasing the power of positive relationships for both children and adults.
My customized presentations are designed to educate others about diversity, to advocate for individuals with disabilities, and to motivate people to overcome serious challenges. My presentations encourage
groups to be empathetic towards people of diversity, so they can embrace and appreciate individual strengths and talents, emphasizing the multitude of gifts we all have to offer to the world.
My presentations encapsulate these key ideas:
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The impact and sustainability of positive relationships
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Overcoming disabilities, abuse, and mental illnesses
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Disability awareness in education and in the workplace
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Diverging from pre-determinations and social biases
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The catharsis and healing power of creative writing
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And inspiring educators, family members, and students with disabilities to find success beyond academic goals
Please use the form below if you’d like me to be a part of your next event.
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Help Vance walk again!
Vance Davis is a 10-year-old student of mine in Pueblo West, CO. He suffers from Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy and autism spectrum disorder. Despite these challenges, he approaches every single day with indelible charm, wit, and dedication to excellence. He is also a budding Ghostbuster! Vance lost the ability to walk shortly before his 4th birthday. He remembers walking and the independence it provided. Thanks to an adaptive robotic device called a Trexo, Vance can literally know what it feels like to walk again; this device also has health benefits that will aid Vance in his fight against MD. This device is quite expensive and insurance does not currently cover it.
Because of this, I am currently pledging all speaker fees toward the Davis family's efforts to purchase a Trexo for Vance.
To know Vance is to love him, and everyone who does agrees that he is “…the butterfly of souls”, as stated in my book, and he deserves the best life we all can give to him. If you feel so moved to donate to Vance's Trexo GoFundMe directly, please click here or the picture below.
