CHICAGO SUMMIT 2026 SPEAKERS

Panel Discussion

Topic: Leading the Next Era of Educational Transformation:

From Vision to Measurable Impact

D. Antonio "Dean" Cantù, Ph.D.

Dean

College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences, University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, AR

Cynthia Bice, Ed.D.

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Graduate Studies

Missouri Valley College, MO

Tom Philion, Ph.D.

Dean

Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education

Northeastern Illinois University, IL

Glen Brodowsky

Dean

Heller College of Business

Roosevelt University, IL

Presenters

The Summit is bringing together leading voices and inspiring perspectives!

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.

Assistant Professor
University of North Dakota, ND

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.

Assistant Professor
Early Childhood Education
Saint Xavier University, IL

Scott Richardson, Ph.D.

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

Feygens Saint-Joy Jr.

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

Madison Westley

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

Melina O'Grady, M.Ed.

Senior Consultant and Trainer
Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs, MA

Janell Harvey, Ph.D.

Founder & CEO
Harvey Nonprofit Consulting Group & Academy, IN

Erica Ceka, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Governors State University, IL

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.

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

T.L. Brink, Ph.D.

Professor of Psychology
Crafton Hills College, CA

Christina Frasher, Ph.D.

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

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

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

Kate Patton Regal, LICSW

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

Isaiah Harvey

Rising Senior
Merrillville High School, IN

Matthias Grünke, Ph.D.

Full Professor and Chair
University of Cologne, GERMANY

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.

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

Victor Uwaifo, Ph.D.

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

Brett Burton, Ed.D.

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

Mabel Okojie, Ph.D.

Professor of Education and Workforce Development
Mississippi State University, MS

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

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.

Radhi Al-Mabuk, Ph.D.

Board President

Ad Astra Research Institute and Professor Emeritus of Education, Department of Educational Psychology & Foundations, University of Northern Iowa, IA

Tinukwa Boulder, Ph.D.

Professor of Practice

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

Mabel Okojie, Ph.D.

Professor of Education and Workforce Development

Mississippi State University, MS

Jennifer Laffier, PhD, RCAT, RP

Director, Mental Health in the Digital Age Lab
Assistant Professor, Frazer Faculty of Education,

Ontario Tech University, CANADA

Madison Westley

Doctoral Student

Manager, Mental Health in the Digital Age Lab

Ontario Tech University, CANADA

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.

Andrea Vargas

Graduate Student

Loyola University Chicago, IL

Isaiah Harvey

Rising High School Senior

Merrillville High School, IN

Jessica Rule

High School Senior

Legal Prep Charter Academy

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.

Learn about ChiME

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