Speaker and Session Information

Tentative Agenda

March 6, 2025

1:30-2:00  Registration

2:00-2:30  Welcome and Introductions

2:30-4:00  Keynote: Five Strategies for Navigating Tricky Workplace Dynamics with Lori Cohen

3:45-5:00  Round Tables

5:00-7:00  Reception & Dinner

March 7, 2025

8:00-9:00 Breakfast

9:00-10:30 AI Productivity Tools to Support Administrative Efficiency with Jim Dunnigan

10:45-11:45  Leadership Styles: Recognizing and Adapting Your Approach with Danielle N. Adams-Wiltshire 

12:00-1:00 Lunch

1:00-2:00 The Power of Feedback: Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement with Danielle N. Adams-Wiltshire

2:00-2:45 Book / Article Club

2:45-3:00  Wrap up and Goodbyes

Session and Speaker Information

Sessions will feature guest speakers, workshop leaders as well as time to connect and share ideas with other attendees. Participants will learn about other schools and how they approach common problems, as well as build their own skill sets.

Keynote 

Five Strategies for Navigating Tricky Workplace Dynamics

with Lori Cohen 

Navigating workplace relationships can be tricky, especially when trust is low or interpersonal dynamics are strained. Whether you're working with a challenging colleague, addressing conflict, or striving to create a more collaborative culture, the skills to navigate these moments with intention are crucial. This interactive workshop equips participants with five actionable strategies to navigate tricky workplace dynamics effectively.

Blending the power of emotional awareness with foundational coaching skills, participants will learn to respond rather than react, communicate with clarity and purpose, and approach difficult conversations proactively. Rooted in reflection, practice, and application, this workshop empowers attendees to work within their sphere of control, fostering healthier workplace interactions and stronger professional relationships.

Participants will

• Explore ways to be responsive rather than reactive
• Practice expansive listening
• Identify what’s in their sphere of influence to take action 
• Prepare for tricky conversations using a structured protocol.
• Build confidence to navigate workplace challenges with empathy and intention.

Lori Cohen has worked in education for over 25 years, serving as a teacher, instructional coach, site leader, professional development facilitator, and published author. During her time in schools, she developed a Teaching Fellows program for new teachers, designed in-house professional development tailored to staff needs, built instructional coaching programs, and served as the Dean of Faculty, where she led the comprehensive overhaul of teacher growth and evaluation processes. She has also supported new teachers across California in developing their skills as early-career educators. Since 2019, Lori has been working as an independent consultant, partnering with clients across the globe. She has collaborated with the Eastern Education Resource Collaborative (East Ed) and served as the Developer of People and Programs for Bright Morning Consulting. Lori is a contributing author of The Art of Coaching Workbook (2020) and the co-author (with Elena Aguilar) of The PD Book: 7 Habits that Transform Professional Development (2022). She is currently working on a new book project with Elizabeth Denevi, Integrating Educator Well-Being, Growth, and Evaluation: Four Foundations for Leaders, scheduled for release in 2025.

And Workshops 

Leadership Styles: Recognizing and Adapting Your Approach 

This workshop explores various leadership styles and their impact on team dynamics, team cohesion, and decision-making processes. Participants will learn to recognize their own leadership style and how to adapt it to meet different organizational needs and challenges effectively. This session will also cover when and how different styles—such as transformational, transactional, and servant leadership—are most effective and how the thoughts, emotions, and actions of seven different leadership lenses vary. 

and 

The Power of Feedback: Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement 

Constructive feedback is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. In this workshop, participants will gain techniques for delivering and receiving feedback that fosters trust, transparency, and accountability. The session will also highlight common barriers to effective feedback and provide strategies to overcome them, creating an organizational culture that encourages open communication and continuous improvement. 

With Danielle N. Adams-Wiltshire

Danielle N. Adams-Wiltshire (she/her/hers), founder and CEO, is a certified professional coach and trainer whose company, QueenSuite LLC, is dedicated to providing businesses and professional leaders solutions through coaching, leadership assessments, and experiential training. She is committed to helping professionals all over the world experience confidence, happiness, success, balance and freedom in business and in life. With a focus on the disconnected, disenfranchised, and underrepresented, Danielle has been fostering a redesigned c-suite state of mind since 2014 and has turned her own RESET into a rise. 

Formerly known for roles in retail banking, including management, sales and business development, and small business lending, her areas of concentration in her coaching are leadership potential, business, and career development with professionals. Currently, Danielle creates opportunities for the community at large to live powerfully as a member of the governing board of directors for Turning Point Lehigh Valley since 2018. Danielle is a TED fellows coach and has been featured at various summits and conferences nationwide. 

And

AI Productivity Tools to Support Administrative Efficiency

This workshop provides administrators with an opportunity to explore and learn about how generative AI can be applied in their workplace. The workshop will include interactive, hands-on activities exploring generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude. Participants will discuss and explore ways to integrate generative AI tools into their workflow.

With Jim Dunnigan

Dr. Dunnigan is currently on the faculty at Arizona State University where he teaches EdD research courses in the Mary Lou Fulton School of Education. He has over 25 years of experience as a K-12 teacher, district administrator, and college instructor in public and private institutions. He is a member of the Artificial Intelligence Learning Futures Collaborative at Arizona State University. He has extensive knowledge of AI and how generative AI can be integrated into teaching and learning. He has conducted numerous AI training workshops for faculty and staff of NWAIS independent schools. He holds a Doctorate in Education and a Master in Teaching degree.

and 

Corrie Wilder, Ed.D. Speaker | Strategic Communications Consultant | Educator

Dr. Corrie Wilder is a dynamic speaker, educator, and consultant who specializes in leadership, organizational culture, and the power of practice. She is part of the Washington State University Everett leadership team, where she works to expand educational access, foster community partnerships, and support student success. Her work focuses on bridging higher education with industry and community needs, advocating for innovative programs and collaborative initiatives. With a background in cultural theory, risk management, and strategic communication, Dr. Wilder helps individuals and organizations navigate change, uncertainty, and professional growth. Through consulting, marketing coaching, speaking, and AI literacy training, she empowers professionals to embrace new opportunities and lead with confidence. A TEDx speaker and sought-after workshop leader, Dr. Wilder blends storytelling, humor, and actionable insights to inspire audiences to push beyond their limits. She is also a champion for women in leadership, advocating for mentorship, professional development, and community-driven growth.

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