TEDxOak Knoll School

Speakers

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

• Alyssa Rodriguez

  Alyssa is a sophomore at Oak Knoll and a first-time TEDx speaker. Her talk draws on both personal experience and research to share what life is like for individuals living with autism and to challenge common misconceptions. She hopes to promote a clearer and more compassionate view of autism and related disabilities. At Oak Knoll, Alyssa is active in the Creative Arts department, having performed in Dramatica and musical. She also writes for the Spanish magazine La Vista.

• Anaïs Picciano

  Student

  Anaïs is a junior at Oak Knoll school and third year member of TEDx_OKS. For her third talk, "More isn’t better: What the internet is doing to our brains," she aims to dig deeper into the underlying effects of living in an era when information is boundless, technology is rapidly developing, and when more and more people are integrating some form of digital media into most aspects of their lives. Aside from TEDx, she enjoys singing in Oak Knoll’s Ensemble, writing for the history magazine and participating in most Oak Knoll Art’s performances.

• Ellis Sobers

  Ellis is a freshman at Oak Knoll and a returning TEDx speaker. Her talk explores how stoic mindset has helped her improve her approach to sports, school, and everyday life. She is excited to share how Stoicism can positively impact lives. At Oak Knoll, Ellis writes for the school newspaper and the History Magazine. She is also involved in the Student Diversity Leadership Board, runs track, and plays basketball.

• Gianna Mazzoni

  Gianna Mazzoni is a junior at Oak Knoll and a returning TEDx speaker. Her talk is inspired by her volunteer experiences in healthcare settings. Gianna hopes to raise awareness about the impact of limited healthcare access and inspire meaningful change. At Oak Knoll, she is involved in several clubs and activities, and outside of school she participates in competitive dance and serves on the Junior Leadership Committee for Blood Cancer United.

• Katherine O'Neill

  Katherine O’Neill is a sophomore at Oak Knoll and a first-time TEDx speaker. Her talk, Under the Surface, explores the hidden risks of drowning and the lack of awareness that continues to put lives at risk. Inspired by her summers as a junior lifeguard in Beach Haven, she is passionate about raising awareness and improving water safety. At Oak Knoll, Katherine plays soccer and ice hockey and is involved in the Spanish newspaper, the school newspaper, Student Ambassadors, and Model UN.

• Margaret Curtis

  Margaret is a junior at Oak Knoll and a returning TEDx speaker. Her talk, Single-Sex Education: Why It Works, is inspired by her firsthand experience in an all-girls learning environment, where she has observed its impact on students. Motivated to explore this further. At Oak Knoll, she is actively involved in Campus Ministry, the Performing Arts department, and the Student Ambassadors program. Outside of school, she enjoys volunteering and spending time with friends and family.

• Olivia Choi

  Olivia Choi is a sophomore at Oak Knoll and a first-time TEDx speaker. Her talk is inspired by her own experience, as she has felt pressure to be louder to be heard. Through her talk, she reflects on what it truly means to have a voice and highlights the value of different forms of self-expression. At Oak Knoll, she is a member of the Jr. Twig Club and plays soccer and lacrosse. Outside of school, she participates in Girl Scouts, where she focuses on community service and leadership development.

• Therese Ohene-Ologo

  Therese is a junior at Oak Knoll and a first-time TEDx speaker. Her talk challenges the idea that Latin is irrelevant, highlighting the broader benefits of studying the language beyond conversation. Inspired by her experience studying Latin since 7th grade, she aims to shed light on its lasting value. At Oak Knoll, Therese is involved in dance, is a member of the Student Diversity Leadership Board, and she is also a writer for History Day.