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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
“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.