TEDxBrewster Park ED

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Dr. Ray Lavan

  Director of Fine Arts

  Dr. Ray Lavan commands an international presence as a highly sought-after presenter, educator, and author. He began his distinguished career in education at West Orange-Cove CISD as the Director of Bands, laying the foundation for his subsequent achievements in administration. With a wealth of experience, Dr. Lavan has excelled in various leadership roles, including Assistant Principal, Associate Principal of Curriculum and Instruction, Principal, and Director of Fine Arts. Dr. Lavan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Instrumental Music Education from McNeese State University, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Lamar University, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership at Abilene Christian University. Additionally, he has earned prestigious certifications in School Management & Leadership from Harvard University and Executive Leadership from Rice University.

• Dr. Valencia D. Hall

  Designer-turned-Educator

  Dr. Valencia D. Hall is a designer‑turned‑educator who blends the precision of architecture with the heart of teaching to help every child rise. Holding architecture degrees from Prairie View A&M University and a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas Southern University, she uses design thinking to advance STEM equity, strengthen educator practice, and expand student opportunity. A multi‑award‑winning educator and past Smithsonian mentor, she’s guided schools in creating learning environments rooted in care and connection.

• Jonathan Kegler

  Transformational Principal - Turnaround Leader - Systems Architect

  Jonathan Kegler is a transformational principal, turnaround leader, and founder of Impact Leadership Academy, an award-winning all-boys school recognized for innovation and social-emotional excellence. A systems architect and capacity-builder, he has led multiple campuses from chronic underperformance to thriving cultures of ownership and achievement. Jonathan is the creator of No Box ThinkingTM, a leadership philosophy rooted in systemic empowerment challenging inherited limits and redefining how power, responsibility, and ownership are shared in schools to reshape identity, leadership, and life trajectories.

• Norma Castillo

  Chief Human Resource Officer

  Norma Castillo brings over 25 years of experience in public education, spanning classroom teaching, school leadership, district systems, and state initiatives. A former migrant bilingual student, she has dedicated her career and life to public education because of the opportunities it gave her and she knows that in her role as CHRO, she is in a position to shape systems and policies that bring outstanding educators to the students who need them most. From leading schools to designing talent pipelines and professional learning programs, Norma works to ensure every child has access to the educators and support they deserve.

• Shanda Walker

  Campus Director and Culture Builder

  Shanda N. Walker serves as the Campus Director of Varnett Public Schools East and brings over 25 years of experience in public education. Her career includes roles as a teacher, mentor, instructional coach, assistant principal, and principal within the Houston Independent School District. A passionate culture builder, Ms. Walker believes that all scholars learn best in psychologically safe environments where they can take risks without fear of judgment. She is deeply committed to fostering positive school cultures that promote both academic excellence and social-emotional growth.

• Sheree Bogany

  Executive for Corporate and Community Partnerships

  Sheree Bogany, known as Principal Auntie, is an award winning educational leader, author, and leadership coach with over 21 years of experience in public education. She is a former high school principal and district administrator and the 2025 H E B Excellence in Education Secondary Principal of the Year and TASSP Region 2 Secondary Principal of the Year. Sheree currently serves as Account Manager for K 12 Corporate and Community Partnerships at Abilene Christian University, where she builds statewide educator pipelines and leadership pathways. She is the co author of Shattering Stereotypes and the founder of Championship Focused, a leadership model centered on purpose driven leadership and the mindset of WIN not WHEN. Sheree is passionate about helping leaders move beyond limitations and lead with clarity, courage, and impact.

• Sunja Fraser

  Certified ELAR & ESL Educator

  Sunja Fraser is a high school English educator with nine years of experience, currently teaching English II. She believes deeply in the power of literacy to help students find their voice, understand the world, and recognize their own worth. Her teaching is grounded in student-centered instruction that prioritizes clarity, care, and meaningful engagement. Sunja designs learning experiences that encourage critical thinking, intellectual risk-taking, and confident growth. Central to her philosophy is the belief that strong relationships and high expectations can coexist. She is committed to creating classrooms where students feel seen, supported, and challenged. Through reflection and purpose, Sunja continuously refines her practice to meet the needs of diverse learners, viewing education as both a responsibility and a calling.