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CHICAGO SUMMIT 2026 SPEAKERS

Panel Discussion

Topic: Leading the Next Era of Educational Transformation:

From Vision to Measurable Impact

Presenters

The Summit is bringing together leading voices and inspiring perspectives!

Michelle Frierson, Ph.D.

Michelle Frierson, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
School of Teacher Education and Leadership for the Mathematics Education and Leadership program, and Cultural Studies
Utah State University, UT

Amber Adgerson, Ph.D.

Amber Adgerson, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
University of North Dakota, ND

Tinukwa Boulder, Ph.D.

Tinukwa Boulder, Ph.D.

Professor of Practice
Department of Teaching, Learning, and Leading (TLL)
School of Education
University of Pittsburgh, PA

Rania Sadeq, Ed.D.

Rania Sadeq, Ed.D.

Assistant Professor
Early Childhood Education
Saint Xavier University, IL

Scott Richardson, Ph.D.

Scott Richardson, Ph.D.

Associate Professor and Foundational Sciences Content Coordinator
College of Health & Natural Sciences
Franklin Pierce University, AZ

Feygens Saint-Joy Jr.

Feygens Saint-Joy Jr.

Futurist, Global Marketing Consultant, Professor, and Generative AI Specialist
Monroe University, NY

Madison Westley

Madison Westley

Manager, Mental Health in the Digital Age Lab
Ontario Certified Teacher
Doctoral Student, Ontario Tech University, CANADA

Melina O'Grady, M.Ed.

Melina O'Grady, M.Ed.

Senior Consultant and Trainer
Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs, MA

Janell Harvey, Ph.D.

Janell Harvey, Ph.D.

Founder & CEO
Harvey Nonprofit Consulting Group & Academy, IN

Erica Ceka, Ph.D.

Erica Ceka, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Governors State University, IL

Theresa O'Neil, PT, MS, DPT, EdD, OCS, FAAOMPT

Theresa O'Neil, PT, MS, DPT, EdD, OCS, FAAOMPT

Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy
College of Health & Natural Sciences, Franklin Pierce University, NH

Vincent Connelly, Ed.D.

Vincent Connelly, Ed.D.

Associate Professor of Special Education
The University of New Hampshire, NH

T.L. Brink, Ph.D.

T.L. Brink, Ph.D.

Professor of Psychology
Crafton Hills College, CA

Christina Frasher, Ph.D.

Christina Frasher, Ph.D.

Visiting Assistant Professor of Practice
School of Education
The University of Pittsburgh, PA

Muhammad Shakir, Ph.D.

Muhammad Shakir, Ph.D.

Chairman and Associate Professor
Department of Educational Training
Faculty of Education
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, PAKISTAN

Jennifer Laffier, PhD, RCAT, RP

Jennifer Laffier, PhD, RCAT, RP

Director, Mental Health in the Digital Age Lab
Assistant Professor, Frazer Faculty of Education
Ontario Tech University, CANADA

Kate Patton Regal, LICSW

Kate Patton Regal, LICSW

Vice President for Consultation & Training
Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs, MA

Isaiah Harvey

Isaiah Harvey

Rising Senior
Merrillville High School, IN

Matthias Grünke, Ph.D.

Matthias Grünke, Ph.D.

Full Professor and Chair
University of Cologne, GERMANY

Enikő Tóth

Enikő Tóth

Assistant Lecturer
Department of Social Psychology, University of Szeged, Hungary
Doctoral Student, Doctoral School of Human Sciences, University of Debrecen, HUNGARY

Yuki Hasebe, Ph.D.

Yuki Hasebe, Ph.D.

Professor of Educational Psychology
School of Education at COEHS
Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL

Victor Uwaifo, Ph.D.

Victor Uwaifo, Ph.D.

Professor of Vocational and Technical Education
Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, NIGERIA

Brett Burton, Ed.D.

Brett Burton, Ed.D.

Associate Professor of Education
Program Director of Educational Administration
Xavier University, OH

Mabel Okojie, Ph.D.

Mabel Okojie, Ph.D.

Professor of Education and Workforce Development
Mississippi State University, MS

Larry J. Walker, Ed.D.

Larry J. Walker, Ed.D.

Associate Professor and Doctoral Program Coordinator
Department of Educational Leadership and Higher Education
The University of Central Florida, FL

Taiany Goulart, LMHC

Taiany Goulart, LMHC

Consultant and Senior Wellness Coach Supervisor
Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs, MA

Future Review Panel Discussion

Join the editor of Future Review: International Journal of Transition, College and Career Success for a dynamic panel featuring authors of the journal’s upcoming issue. This session will explore innovative research on supporting student success, with a focus on social-emotional learning, technology integration, and digital wellness for teens with mental health needs. Panelists will share practical insights and evidence-based strategies to help educators, counselors, and policymakers better support youth in their transition to college and careers.

Student Panel Discussion

Topic: Student Voices: Navigating the Transition to Higher Education

This 30 minutes dynamic panel brings together student voices at three pivotal points along the educational journey to explore what it truly takes to transition successfully into and through higher education.

Student Performances

Chicago Center of Music Education

The Chicago Center for Music Education (ChiME) provides access to evidence-based music therapy and engagement-based music programs that develop critical skills and foster self and social growth.

Chicago Center for Music Education - Ensemble Concert rehearsal 2.11.17 violins.jpg

Chicago International Summit on Education 2026

Educational Transitions: From Theory to Strategic Transformations in Practice Promoting Student Success

What

When

Where

Chicago International Summit on Education

June 5, 2026

EWU Student Life Center

829 S Wabash Avenue

17th Floor, Lakeview Room

Chicago, Illinois, 60605

Contact Us

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Kind regards,

Organizing Committee

www.chicagosummit.org

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