Keynote Session: Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Keynote Wednesday 11/05/2025 - Matthew Eicheldinger

Matt Eicheldinger is a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and former educator known for turning ordinary moments into unforgettable stories. With a background in teaching and a gift for storytelling, Matt connects deeply with audiences of all ages through humor, heart, and insight. In just two years, he will have published eleven books, making him one of the most prolific and fast-rising voices in contemporary children's and inspirational literature. His works—including Sticky Notes, Matt Sprouts and the Curse of the Ten Broken Toes, and the upcoming adventure trilogy When The Rain Came—have inspired readers to find meaning in everyday experiences and sparked imagination in classrooms across the country. Whether he’s sharing lessons from the classroom or stories from his own childhood, Matt leaves audiences feeling seen, uplifted, and ready to write their own story—one small moment at a time.

The Impact of Small Moments

Matt will join us for an informative, engaging and entertaining presentation centered around heartfelt and humorous classroom stories, inspiring each of us to recognize the lasting ripple effect of our actions. Attendees will leave not only with four actionable insights but also with a renewed sense of purpose and the emotional reminder that their work leaves a lasting impact far beyond what they can see

Guest Speaker: Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Guest Speaker Wednesday 11/05/2025 - Dr. Sara Polley

Dr. Sara Polley, MD, FAPA, FASAM is a triple board-certified psychiatrist in adult, child and adolescent psychiatry, and addiction medicine. She provides integrated care for youth and families at Vantage Mental Health, a nonprofit clinic serving both Minnesota and Wisconsin. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Polley is a medical director for Horowitz Health and a national consultant and speaker. She serves on Minnesota’s Cannabis Advisory Council and is active with the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) as a member of the organization’s Steering Committee, Adolescent Volume Writing Committee, and an editor for the Behavioral Addictions Volume. Dr. Polley is also a passionate educator and advocate for trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate, and family-centered care, drawing on both her clinical experience and personal story as the child of a parent with addiction.

Youth Substance Use and the Developing Brain 

Adolescence is a period of rapid brain development, heightened risk-taking, and increased exposure to substances. This presentation will review current trends in adolescent substance use; the unique vulnerabilities of the developing brain; and a brief review of approaches for screening and brief intervention. Attendees will leave with evidence-based strategies to identify early signs of problematic use, engage youth and families in harm reduction, and support pathways to effective treatment. 

Guest Speaker: Thursday, November 6, 2025

Keynote Speaker Wednesday 11/06/2025 - Dr. Artika Tyner

Dr. Artika Tyner is committed to creating a world of inclusive leaders who will meet the pressing needs of today and work towards a better future where racial justice and economic justice reign supreme. As a motivational speaker, author and educator, Dr. Tyner helps people of all ages connect with their gifts and develop tangible tools for bringing forth sustainable, durable change in the family, workplace, community or school. By building and leveraging the tools in The Inclusive Leader she has inspired thousands of people to lead with their own gifts and plant a seed of social change.

Dr. Tyner’s work is grounded in extensive experience as a law and leadership professor, lawyer, social change agent, researcher and nonprofit founder and leader. She is well-known as a thought leader, author and designer of high-profile programs to drive organizational DEI initiatives and create inclusive leaders. Her impact spans Fortune500 companies, startup tech companies, healthcare providers, government services and agencies, higher education institutions and grassroots organizations.

The Heart of the Work: Leading with Purpose, Sustaining What Matters

Every day, educators, therapists, and support staff show up heart first—to do the vital work of nurturing, teaching, supporting and guiding young people. This keynote is a powerful acknowledgment of the people on the front lines: in classrooms, therapy rooms, and across school communities. It’s a thank-you for showing up and a call to the leaders and systems that support them.

Together, we’ll explore how whole-school, whole-child approaches thrive when the adults doing the work are truly seen, supported, and sustained. Through real-world stories, grounded leadership strategies, and actionable tools, this session will equip leaders to build cultures of trust, belonging, and resilience so that those who care for students can continue their work with joy, purpose, and endurance.

Whether you’re in a classroom, clinic, or central office, this keynote will reignite your why/purpose and give you the tools to lead lasting change.