2024 Adult Education &
Literacy Conference
September 9-10, 2024
Metro Technology Center
1900 Springlake Drive
Oklahoma City, OK 73111
From here, you can learn about the fabulous presenters for the 2024 Oklahoma Adult Education & Literacy Conference: BREAKING BARRIERS.
Keynote Speaker
LINDA CLARK
Linda Clark MHRM, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CDTLF | A performance strategist with a finger on the pulse of the challenging conversations teams and individuals face around the language of leadership. Linda focuses on values-driven performance, active feedback, and outcomes as a path to aligned organizations of belonging, innovation, and courage.
In demand as a speaker, facilitator, and executive coach, her humorous storytelling encourages participation and inclusivity in audiences ranging from undergraduates to C-Suite executives and Boards. She combines deep experience in human resources with a passionate approach to service to deliver thoughtful programs that center adventure, vibrancy, exploration, and challenge as a path to success.
She’s an adjunct leadership professor at the University of Central Oklahoma, and a recognized HR industry leader holding positions on the OKHR State SHRM Council and Oklahoma Metro Employers’ Council. Her certifications include SPHR, SHRM-SCP, and Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator. A self-described performance locksmith (and leadership nerd!), she helps organizations, teams, and individuals liberate curiosity and confidence on the path to innovation and creativity. She’s been known to be found on big horses and in small boats when she’s not working!
Lance Allee has been involved in various levels of education for over twenty years. Lance has worked at a high school, four higher education institutions across Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Department of Education, and the Oklahoma State Department of Career and Technology Education. In his career, Lance has been an instructor and been in different leadership roles at different education institutions. He has been involved in adult education for the state of Oklahoma for over fourteen years. He currently is the Adult Education and Family Literacy Program Specialist for the Western Region of Oklahoma.
Ann Beeson has worked with literacy and adult education programs for over 23 years, and currently works in 7 states. As an independent sales consultant, Ann offers resources primarily through New Readers Press, for programs working with adult learners. In addition, Ann presents on a wide variety of topics relevant to ABE and ELL programs, from the program level, to state and national events. She has a Master’s degree in Curriculum & Instructional design from the University of Minnesota.
Susan Bernard is the High School Equivalency Coordinator of the Oklahoma City Community College and an author and publisher of HiSET and GED materials. It has been her pleasure for over 20 years to lead students out of fear and into success.
Mrs. Boeckman is currently the director of Empower Program as well as the Grant writer. She has been employed by Southern Tech for 14 years. She was Student Service Director for 12 years and transitioned to the Empower Program 2 years ago. She is a jack of all trades holding her license in Cosmetology, bachelor and Masters degree in Education. She also has her principle and superintendent certification as well as her special education and counselor verification certificate. She is married, had three grown children and grand children as well as two adopted.
Brooklynn Bors is the Programs and Partnerships Officer for the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. She achieved a degree in marketing from the University of Oklahoma. Now after over seven years in public libraries Brooklynn has become well-versed in the ways public libraries can support their community as well as the impact from this support. In her role, Brooklynn now coordinates statewide programming initiatives for the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. When she isn’t working, you’ll find Brooklynn with her dog, Rainn, kayaking, hiking, or rock climbing.
Nile Burge, a Community Outreach Coordinator with the Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative, is presenting the program, Healthy Brain, Healthy Mind. With over 5 years experience in delivering programming to older adults, Nile strives to make community connections through teaching, creating health promotion programming and advocating for improving the lives of older adults in Oklahoma. By teaching such programs as Powerful Tools for Caregivers, A Matter of Balance and Tai Chi for Better Balance, Nile strives to improve the health of seniors in the Metro OKC area and beyond. In her free time, Nile likes to travel to sunny beach destinations and try new restaurants.
Dr. Collins is a Professor Emeritus from the College of Education at UCO. Before he retired, his focus was teacher training in the field of special education. At present, his primary area of research and instruction is using assistive technology and curriculum accommodations for students with special needs. Since January of 2023, he has integrated a curriculum emphasis on Artificial Intelligence and its application to the educational setting.
Brittany’s focus includes providing career and workforce development as well as technical assistance for OK CareerGuide and Connect 2 Business. She advises K-12 and tech center counselors on college and career readiness. She also provides professional development assistance. In addition, Brittany serves as a liaison for outside entities involved in Oklahoma's workforce development. She has a strong passion for bridging the gap between education and Oklahoma’s workforce.
Prior to joining the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education, Brittany worked in federal government. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in agriculture leadership from Oklahoma State University.
AJ Crowell is a fourth generation Oklahoma teacher with experience in special education, adult basic education distance learning, and career and technology education. As an Educator Support Specialist with Essential Education, he provides customized training and technical support to help adult education teachers and administrators implement a robust online learning system that gives all students the tools they need to learn and succeed in school, work, and life.
Caleb Cummings has been involved in education for seventeen years, including the past six and a half years in adult education. Over those seventeen years, he has been a K-12 history teacher, admin interim, worked in an administration role in a grant funded program for a high risk student population, and worked at the Oklahoma State Department of Career Technology Education (ODCTE) in federal programs, which oversees the adult education federal grant. He is currently the data coordinator for the Adult Education and Family Literacy division at ODCTE. Caleb is currently a doctoral candidate at Oral Roberts University, and working on finishing his dissertation.
Nancy Etheredge is a retired secondary math teacher with over 41 years of experience in the states of Oklahoma and Texas. She holds a Master's degree In Adult and Higher Education from Oklahoma University and has also worked as an SAT Prep instructor at University Crossroads at UT, Arlington. Nancy is presently a GED math instructor for Ardmore Family Literacy and has been since 2016.
Jonna Forsyth has worked in high school equivalency and adult education for ten years. She joined the GED team in January 2020. Prior to this, she taught at risk youth in Reading and English. She has a long history of teaching and training staff to meet the needs of students of all ages. Jonna is passionate about learning and empowering others to support learning and growth in others.
Lydia Garza has a BA in Journalism and MA in Education+ post-graduate certificate in TESOL. Her work as an advocate for the refugee and immigrant community has shaped her approach to instruction. She has worked as an educator in New Orleans, New York City and Texas and traveled throughout Central America, Mexico, London, and Puerto Rico. Lydia has taught teacher workshops at Lehman College in New York. She has collaborated with LaTESOL, Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, and Tulane University’s Latin American Resource Center. Lydia also participated in the Global Teacher Leader Institute program sponsored by the University of Florida with a focus on Central America. She lived and taught in Guatemala and moved to Tulsa post pandemic. Lydia has taught both children and adults to read, speak and write English, and is currently an Adult English Instructor at YWCA.
Robin Graybill has worked in ESL most of her adult life and loves it. She started her career tutoring Vietnamese and Hmong refugees in Sacramento which prompted her to get an MA TESOL from SFSU where she landed her first teaching job at the American Language Institute where she taught for three years. When she relocated to Austin, TX, she taught ESL for seven years at Austin Community College before transitioning into educational publishing where she has worked as a Teacher Trainer, Market Researcher and Account Manager. She loves working at Cambridge because it combines her loves of ESL, teaching, pedagogy, research and most importantly, helping people.
Bio coming soon
Kristin Herr has been the director of the Lawton Public Library since 2012. She grew up in Kansas, worked in Indiana, then Wyoming and now Lawton, Oklahoma. She has her Master Degree in Library Science. She loves to travel and has visited 49 states.
Claudette Hixon is an experienced math teacher with a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Claudette’s passion is helping adult learners reach their goals. She has been doing this for the past three years at Meridian Technology Center, Stillwater OK. Her main focus is math and breaking it down into terms that all students can understand. She truly believes all students that apply themselves will be successful in passing their high school equivalency exams.
Katlyn Hudgins is the Career Development Coordinator for Special Populations at the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education in Stillwater. Her role includes providing professional development and technical assistance to ensure partnerships and programs are appropriate and accessible to individuals who are special populations including, individuals with disabilities, English learners, homeless students, those with a low socioeconomic status, etc. She has experience in workforce development, higher education, and she thoroughly enjoys connecting with other partners and stakeholders to make improvements in education and in the community.
Vincent Lee isn't your typical brand guru. Sure, he's an author with a keen eye for storytelling, but he's also a perpetual student, constantly fascinated by the ever-evolving world of branding. His passion lies in empowering small and mighty businesses and nonprofits. He believes that with the right tools (many of them free!), anyone can craft a powerful brand story that cuts through the noise and ignites excitement. So, if you're ready to ditch the brand blahs and unleash your inner champion, Vincent's your guide on the journey to brand mastery.
Traci Manseau is a Customer Representative with BurlingtonEnglish; she supports Adult Education providers, teachers, and students in Louisiana and Oklahoma. For over two decades, Traci has worked as a teacher in Oklahoma schools. She is passionate about helping teachers and students meet their English language and academic goals.
Susie Lauer is an educator, speaker, healthcare professional, and artist with over 30 years of experience in education. She has taught in public schools, post-secondary institutions, and most recently, developed an online Adult Education learning program in Master Educator for long-term care. Susie is recognized as a lifelong leader and advocate for education and health promotion. She serves on several committees advocating for the profession and at-risk populations. She is a Health Science Education Program Specialist and helps lead incoming instructors in the Career Tech System through professional development, curriculum development, learning strategies, outcomes assessment, and leadership development during the New Teacher Academies held twice a year.
Shannon McElroy is a career advisor/school counselor at Southern Tech where she has been employed for 12 years. She was previously worked at DHS in every capacity including Family Support and Child Welfare. She was director of the Work Prep Program for 5 years, school counselor for 6 doing adult apps, IEP’s, and recruiting and enrolling high school students. Southern Tech serves 13 school districts. She moved to the Empower Program working with high school credit recovery and GED students on a daily basis. She has been known as the resource guru. She is from Ardmore has lived there 42 years single mom of three adults children.
Jesi McGhee has worked in adult education for over 5 years. She began her career with Union Public Schools in 2008. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Science degree from Oklahoma State University. She is currently attending the University of Oklahoma in pursuit of her educational doctorate. Jesi is currently the Associate Director of Adult Education for Union Public Schools.
Emily Meeks is a dynamic individual with demonstrated capabilities of utilizing instructional best practices to obtain desired results. As the daughter of a retired educator, she has been passionate about learning and education all of her life. Ms. Meeks has served as an educator, content specialist, and facilitator for the past 15 years.
As co-founder of Focused Minds Education Group, she continues to utilize her expertise to share with others how to use literacy to build skills and heal.
Taylor Meriwether is the Technology and Digital Accessibility Officer for the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. Taylor has eleven years of library experience as a library director. She recently took on the role at the Oklahoma Department of Libraries to help bridge the gap between digital accessibility and libraries. Taylor is an Oklahoma native who grew up and still resides in rural Oklahoma. Growing up in rural Oklahoma she has seen the struggles with broadband and knows what communities face. With a firm belief that libraries are the heart of communities, she hopes to give them a voice and help strive for digital inclusion.
Tad Meyer is a Customer Partnership Manager with BurlingtonEnglish; he supports customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma & with Tyson Foods Upward Academy. Tad earned his Master’s Degree in Education, and has worked as a K-12/Adult teacher and administrator for over two-decades. He has a passion for supporting Adult Education providers, teachers, and students with all their English language learning, literacy, and and career readiness needs.
Ms. Miller worked for over 30 years in adult education as an instructor, counselor, and program director. As a local program director, her program served over 2,000 students annually. She served on the state level for a time developing and implementing professional development programs state-wide and is now working as a national consultant providing training workshops, conducting national webinars, and presenting at state and national conferences.
Sheri Mitchell is a retired public-school teacher of 39 years. She is a former high school varsity girls' tennis coach and was inducted into the Oklahoma High School Tennis Coaches Hall of Fame. Sheri currently teaches GED classes for adult learners for Ardmore Family Literacy, works as an ACT/SAT prep instructor in Oklahoma as well as Texas, and in her spare time, she is also a Math Tutor. Sheri's role in each of these areas was/is to help students obtain confidence int themselves in order to grow and develop the skills that it will take in order for them to be successful citizens.
Steven Reid is the Program Manager for Literacy Volunteers Charlottesville/Albemarle in Charlottesville, Virginia. He currently oversees more than 250 volunteer tutors, providing training and guidance with curriculum and instruction. In addition to his duties with LVCA, Steven leads a group of program managers and executive directors from Community-Based Literacy Organizations from across the Commonwealth of Virginia, focusing on sharing best practices and providing moral support. He has also taught in Texas, Slovakia, and New Hampshire. When not helping his volunteers and students, Steven enjoys working with his local community theater, reading, writing, traveling, and spoiling his two cats, Charlie and Alistair.
As well as an ESL teacher at Oklahoma City Community College, Susan Reynolds is the curriculum director for the Language Learning Fellowship at Northwest Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. She has a masters in Adult Education and is certified in ESL for K-12. She teaches English classes and also is a teacher trainer.
Marcus Ripp has more than 20 years of experience in the adult education field, having worked in a variety of roles ranging from instructor to local program and state administration. In August 2017, he joined Data Recognition Corporation (DRC) as the Product Director for the company’s adult education products, including the highly respected TABE and TABE CLAS-E tests.
As Product Director, Marcus is at the forefront of DRC's adult assessments development, ensuring that the needs of adult learners and practitioners in ESL, Basic Skills, and Workforce solutions are successfully served. During his tenure at DRC, he has successfully launched TABE 11 & 12, TABE CLAS-E Online, and the TABE Workforce Portal.
Shawn Anthony Robinson Ph.D. is a social entrepreneur, co-founder of the award-winning graphic novel Doctor Dyslexia Dude, serves on the advisory council of Benetech, and a former Board member with the International Dyslexia Association. Robinson graduated from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (UWO) with a Bachelor of Science in Human Services, a Master’s in Education from DePaul University, and a PhD in Language and Literacy from Cardinal Stritch University. Robinson has over 45 publications and has received several distinguished honors throughout his early career such as: an honoree of The Reading Center’s 4th Hall of Fame class (2023), the 2022 Wisconsin Innovation Award (with his wife – Dr. Inshirah Robinson); the 2017 Alumni Achievement Award/New Trier High School Alumni Hall of Honor; the 2016 Outstanding Young Alumni Award from UWO; “Educator of the Year” from All-State Insurance (Chicago) 2005. Robinson is also a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Joni is a highly rated speaker with 25+ years of experience as a Registered Nurse, a Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Board-Certified Cardiovascular Nurse, Certified Heartmath Practitioner, Certified Group Fitness Instructor and workshop facilitator. Joni works with individuals, companies, schools, and universities to share information and practical tools to help people feel better in their lives and be more productive in their work and relationships by alleviating stress and overwhelm. Joni has developed a unique way to help people experiencing stress and overwhelm using her first-hand experience working as a nurse in high stress environments along with years of experience coaching and educating others about optimal wellbeing. Audiences love Joni’s authentic relatability and how she combines her experience as a mom, a nurse, and a coach to create innovative ways to help people understand and navigate their hectic lives.
Kara Robinson serves as a financial literacy educator for TFCU, traveling across the state to enhance people’s understanding of finances, credit, and making informed money choices. Realizing the gap in financial understanding by working in the financial industry for years Kara was inspired to help others navigate their financial landscapes with confidence. This empathy propelled Kara to be a financial educator where she could directly impact many individuals financial health.
Nancy Rodriguez is a Leadership and Professional Development Coordinator housed at the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education in Stillwater. She plans, coordinates, and conducts professional development to empower Oklahoma educators and those in the CareerTech system. Nancy enjoys sharing knowledge and ideas through instructional coaching and technology-rich, active trainings. She has been at CareerTech for 5 years and in education for much longer. Nancy hopes to inspire innovation and growth in people – as one of her strengths is being a Developer of others. She loves teaching people of all ages and believes #Together Is Better.
Elizabeth Scheib (she/her) is a National Program and Onboarding Specialist with CASAS. Elizabeth has worked with programs implementing CASAS eTests and remote testing for the past seven years. Prior to joining CASAS, Elizabeth worked as a research analyst in educational policy research at NYU, an adjunct professor at CUNY Queens College, and a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Germany. Originally from Pennsylvania, Elizabeth has an undergraduate degree in Sociology from Fordham University and a Master’s degree in Applied Social Research and Data Analytics from CUNY Queens College.
Lynn Swanda has a master degree in ESL and has been teaching ESL for over 30 years in the US, Thailand, South Korea, Germany and Belgium. She has taught all ages, preschool through university and adult education. She is currently a certified Color Vowel® teacher trainer and pronunciation instructor with English Language Training Solutions (ELTS). Lynn has also taught at OCCC with the adult ESL program. She credits Color Vowel® with transforming her teaching and broadening her ability to teach pronunciation and help students improve their spoken English.
Jessica Teszlewicz has a personal passion for the education of people of all ages. Jessica earned a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from New Mexico State University, where the fire for education was ignited and fueled an 11-year career in public education. This career included teaching elementary education and high school personal finance, macroeconomics, government, and politics. Jessica joined the Financial Empowerment Team at Tinker Federal Credit Union in 2022 after witnessing the difference financial education made in the lives of her students. As a financial educator, Jessica will be fulfilling her personal mission, but when she is not teaching, she enjoys the company of her family, friends, and two golden retrievers.
Taneesha Thomas has over 18 years of experience in education as a Teacher Leader and Instructional Coach. As a results-oriented instructional leader, she enjoys opportunities training and supporting principals and teachers to enhance their professional capacity to turn vision into action to achieve success.
As co-founder of Focused Minds Education Group, she continues to utilize her expertise to share with others how to use literacy to build skills and heal.
Misty Toms has worked in education for more than 20 years and has focused her love for learning on helping others develop personally and professionally. Through creative, fast paced, and interactive learning and growth experiences, she is passionate about helping participants get excited about their potential as educators and leaders. A Masters in Educational Leadership and Gallup Global Strengths Coach Certification has given Misty the opportunity to work with individuals at every level.
Since 2017, she has worked within the Oklahoma CareerTech system and knows from experience that CTE provides people with the skills needed to grow as individuals and the ability to support their families. Misty’s experience working with people of all ages has taught her that the coolest people never stop learning.
Lashae has been employed with Metro Technology Centers since October of 2018, bringing with her a passion for education and a commitment to student success. With a Bachelor's degree in Sociology earned from the University of Central Oklahoma, she possesses a deep understanding of societal dynamics and human behavior. Driven by a desire to expand her impact in the field of education, she is currently pursuing another teaching degree at Southeastern Oklahoma State University with a Master’s degree in Education. Her dedication to continuous learning not only enhances her own skills but also enriches the educational experience she provides to the Adult Education program. She is a wife and mother of two.
Kasi VanSandt is Suicide Prevention Project Coordinator within Injury Prevention Service. Her responsibility is to learn how to synthesize the approach to suicide prevention within the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) and the County Health Departments. Kasi graduated in May 2023 with a master’s in public health (MPH) from Grand Canyon University. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology from Rogers State University. Previously, she worked under the Rape Prevention and Education (RPE) Grant as a subgrantee for six years.
Before working in primary prevention, Kasi spent two years working as a Family Advocate in a domestic violence shelter in northeast Oklahoma. As the Family Advocate it was Kasi’s responsibility to provide developmentally appropriate activities for the people under 18 in shelter and provide the scaffolding necessary to promote healthy family relationships between the parent and child. Kasi still lives in northeast Oklahoma with her husband and three dogs.
Teri Walker is the founder and CEO of CommonTeri Services. In 2014, Teri combined her experience in technology with her experience in nonprofit management to found CommonTeri Services. She and her team care for people by using systems and data, with a passion for serving nonprofits who deliver direct services.
Teri has 17 years of experience in designing Salesforce solutions for nonprofits and has multiple certifications in Salesforce and Agile project management. She has been recognized with the SMU Women’s Symposium Profile in Leadership Award and has served on multiple boards including Literacy Texas, the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, and the SMU Perkin’s Baptist House of Studies Visitor Board. Teri is a proud UT Arlington alumna and member of UTA’s 1895 Society.
When not working, Teri is traveling, learning a new language on Duolingo, tending her indoor gardens, cheering for the Dallas Wings, playing a banjo, or working the New York Times crossword puzzles.
Charlie Weeks got his start in adult education over fifteen years ago as an ESL and HSE math instructor. He has experience managing an adult education program and has worked for the State of Oklahoma’s Adult Education Division. He is now the Director of Client Success for Essential Education where he oversees all customer service and training activities.
Elizabeth (Liz) Willner was raised in Wyoming and has been an elementary teacher and professor of education; she is currently at Community Literacy Centers, Inc., supporting adult learners and their teachers. Liz earned her masters at Purdue University in Literacy with a focus on Children's and Young Adult Literature. She then earned her doctorate from Oklahoma State University in literacy education. She has taught children, college students, and adult learners in 3 countries and five US states.
Denaya has been an educator for 30 years. She has taught in alternative schools, traditional public schools, private schools, college courses and online formats. In addition, Denaya has spent a couple of summers overseas, teaching English in Ukraine.
She calls Oklahoma home but did spend six years living abroad in Kuwait.
Denaya has a vast array of experience and knowledge with a B.A. in Psychology from OSU and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from OCU. Denaya is also a wife and a mother of four.
Kathy Young has been a GED Educator for six years. She has combined her bachelor's degree in math education with a master's degree focusing on mental health to more effectively educate adult students. Kathy's passion is helping students move forward with their lives academically and personally. She uses trauma-informed skills that facilitate success for students as they step forward through past and present challenges and trauma.
Tess Yurik is a multifaceted individual who has made significant contributions in the fields of education, business, volunteering, and advocacy. With a passion for lifelong learning and empowering others, Tess has established herself as an adult educator and literacy advocate.
As an adult educator for 25 years, Tess recognizes the transformative power of knowledge and its ability to shape lives. Working with students, families, and educators is what keeps the passion alive.
Chris Zervas helps busy leaders improve engagement and elevate their organization’s goals through improved communication.
“Profound”, “engaging” and “fun” are words audiences have used to describe his programs..
Chris empowers leaders to focus on relational, rather than transactional, communication and, according to his clients, has added value worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
He is the author of the book, Bomb-Proof Constructive Feedback, which guides leaders through day-to-day leadership principles and provides a decision tree to help successfully deliver difficult conversations.
He is the co-founder of Baby Builders infant exercise program, served two college communication faculties, worked in fundraising for more than 10 years and has been trained in conflict resolution through offices of the Supreme Court of Oklahoma.
Chris is a Cherokee Citizen and lives in Oklahoma with his wife and five children.
