David Suk Brown is a leadership communications trainer, facilitator, mentor, executive coach, and keynote speaker who specializes in public speaking training and coaching—both organizational and individual. He is founder and President of DSB Leadership Group, where his passion for transitional leadership and leadership development helps many organizations maximize the potential of their people. David’s first book is Talk It Up: A Guide to Successful Public Speaking, and he currently is writing two books on leadership voice and authentic leadership for the C-Suite. He also hosts a podcast, Talk It Up.
Mark De Leon is a science teacher in Dallas ISD. He currently serves as the Honors Biology teacher, Freshman Grade Level Lead, and Recruitment Co-Chair at the School for the Talented and Gifted at Townview. Since starting his career in teaching 8 years ago, Mark has been working to help every student find success through engaging lessons and cooperative learning strategies. Mark received a B.S. in Biology from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and he is a graduate of the School for the Talented and Gifted (TAG Magnet).
Shirley Kaczka is an experienced educator who works with both college and pre-college students. In addition to her work with SMU College Prep, she has held faculty positions at several Dallas College campuses. Kaczka also served as Associate Dean of Professional Development at Eastfield College. She received an M.L.A. from SMU and a B.B.A. from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, plus several certifications from the North American Council for Staff, Program and Organizational Development.
Matthew Lundberg is an experienced high school teacher and avid writer, currently college counseling at Alcuin School. He studied English and Psychology at Duke University and holds an M.A.T. in Secondary English/Language Arts from the University of Southern California. Lundberg has contributed to and edited curricula for IBTrove Online Learning, and seven of his literary essays have been published in monographs through the Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture and the MacMillan Institute.
With nearly three decades of dedicated service, Cindy McColly has taught mathematics since 1993 with instruction in Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and Precalculus. Over the past eight years, she taught OnRamps Precalculus, a dual enrollment college course offered by the University of Texas at Austin, and more recently, AP Computer Science Principles. Additionally, McColly coached and served as director for UIL Academics and guided award-winning teams in Number Sense, Mathematics, and Calculator. As a seasoned presenter, McColly shares her expertise at professional conferences such as T3, CAMT, and NCTM, focusing on pedagogy, curriculum, and technology instruction. Furthermore, she is instrumental in training new Mathematics teachers within GPISD and extends her expertise to educators in various states, including Michigan, Georgia, and Texas, through her work with the non-profit curriculum company, CPM, which provides meaningful math content to empower students to become mathematically confident.
Melissa Morales has a Master's degree in Liberal Studies emphasizing Human Rights/Social Justice & Global Studies and ESL teaching certifications. Her educational background reflects a deep commitment to diverse and inclusive education. She possesses extensive leadership experience, having managed academic programs and educational teams at Leysin American School's Summer Program (summer boarding school in Switzerland) for the past decade, which demonstrates her expertise in curriculum development, staff training, and ESL instruction. Morales’s passion for fostering inclusive learning environments is evident through her roles as Academic Coordinator and Lead ESL Teacher, where she specializes in literacy.
Mindy O’Connell is an experienced educator who specializes in ACT/SAT test preparation. She currently teaches International Baccalaureate (IB) Biology at Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas. In 2014 Mindy started the ACT Lady where she works with students to eliminate common mistakes and maximize their scores. She helps students identify specific strengths and weaknesses in order to adapt best practices to improve their ACT scores. Mindy’s previous educational experience includes five years as the director of the Lakewood Outdoor Learning Area and four years as a middle school Earth Science teacher in Carrollton-Farmer's Branch ISD. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of Kansas and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Science Education from the University of Texas at Dallas.
Nathan Townsie is a highly skilled educational leader. He received his B.A. from St. Mary's University before embarking on his teaching career with the Dallas Independent School District in 2004. Nathan's successful career includes eleven consecutive Exemplary Commendations, three Master Teacher Award Honors, and the Texas Education Agency Award of Distinction for Algebra Readiness. He currently teaches math in Grand Prairie ISD. In addition to teaching, he has worked with pre-engineering students at UNT Dallas and Mountain View College. Throughout his career, Nathan has been instrumental in systematizing and constructing effective teaching programs including the creation of formative and summative assessments. He is an active mentor and founder of the Brothers and Sisters United program for at-risk youth.
Vanessa Urteaga is an award-winning science teacher at South Grand Prairie High School. She takes pride in fostering meaningful connections with students, staff, and everyone she encounters. Her teaching focus includes Advanced Placement Chemistry and Aquatic Science. She firmly believes in the power of caring, confident teaching, and motivating learners to succeed. Vanessa earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Texas Wesleyan University and attained a Master of Science in Chemistry from The Ohio University's College of Arts and Sciences.
Helen Witt, a dedicated private tutor in the Dallas area for over 15 years, passionately guides high school students toward academic success. A graduate of The Hockaday School and Tulane University, she effortlessly transitions her love for math and science into inspiration for her students. Helen's expertise has led to remarkable achievements, with her students collectively earning millions in scholarships and gaining admission to esteemed institutions like Harvard, Dartmouth, and Georgetown. Her personalized, small-group teaching approach accommodates students of all levels, emphasizing inclusivity. Witt’s commitment to empowering students underscores her impact, ensuring they fulfill their college dreams.