The STEAM Engine's

2023 Expanded Learning & Educator Summit

Presented by the Oklahoma Partnership for Expanded Learning

Dates: July 19-20, 2023
Location: Business Conference Center
MetroTechnology Center
​Oklahoma City, OK
Cost: $5 (limited to 100 participants)

About the Event
The STEAM Engine’s inaugural  Expanded Learning and Educator Summit (SEELES) will bring together up to 100 stakeholders including STEAM Engine staff, community partners, and community educators in a 2-day workshop to listen to speakers working at the intersection of​:

• STEM/Arts Education,
• The Maker Movement,
• College and Career Readiness,
• Workforce Development,​

• Instructional practices in Expanded Learning,
• Trauma-informed teaching
• Play-and project-based learning, and
• Parent Engagement Strategies.

Spanning 2 days we’ll host 24 different presentations (in 2 tracks) along with 2 keynotes by experts in their fields.  

​The Event  Registration is just $5, but limited to 100 participants. Registration includes Lunch (both days), attendance at the Mix & Mingle Reception, as well as a $100 stipend for attendance. All attendees are will be responsible for their own overnight accommodations. 

About our Speakers

Gary Armbruster, AIA

MA+ Architecture

Brandon Brooks

Positive tomorrows

Brandon Brooks joined Positive Tomorrows, Oklahoma’s only school and social service agency
focused on serving families experiencing homelessness, as Director of Development in September 2021. In this role, Brandon oversees fundraising, marketing, public relations, and
volunteer efforts for Positive Tomorrows. ​Before joining Positive Tomorrows, Brandon served as Assistant Vice President for Institutional
Advancement and External Affairs at Langston University, where he worked with alumni and
friends of the university and partnered with public entities to grow LU students' academic
opportunities and support LU faculty. He also previously served as CEO of the Center for
Children and Families, Inc. (CCFI) in Norman, OK, where he was responsible for advancing the
agency's trauma-informed mission to improve children's lives through partnerships with families
and communities.

Michele Browning

STEAMsteps, llc

Michele Browning, principal consultant of STEAMsteps, LLC, is a 28-year educator with a Master's in Education, Curriculum, and Instruction. She has designed and created multiple STEAM programs targeting both student agency and competency alignment with both the CCSS and NGSS.  She engages in partnerships with local, national, and international artists, scientists, and authors to support and promote real-world experiences and lifelong learning for students, teachers, and parents. Michele supports equity in classrooms, the pedagogical application of STEAM, and collaborative communication with all education leaders for amazing student outcomes.  

​

Mimi Castro

DCCCA

Kelli Clark

Positive tomorrows

​Kelli Clark, M.Ed., NCSP is the Director of Education for Positive Tomorrows, leading a team of twenty-
five certified teachers and teaching assistants to create a robust educational environment for students.
Teaching with trauma in mind, Kelli and the education staff provide hands-on, differentiated learning
experiences and under her leadership Positive Tomorrows has been named a Cognia School of
Distinction for excellence in education.
With 35 years in education, Kelli brings experiences as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, and a
school psychologist. Her expertise as a nationally certified school psychologist and reading specialist
form the foundation on which she directs the school.

Khia Glover

Notes by khia, llc

Khia Glover is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Therapist, and Mental Health Educator, and founder of Notes by Khia. Khia received her BA in Sociology - Human Services from the University of Central Oklahoma & MSW from the University of Southern California specializing in children & families. Khia's mission is to bridge the gap between youth and the adults who care for them, creating healthier relationships, decreasing conflict, and improving behaviors. In November 2022, Khia published her first book, Rising Above: Teen Devotional for Girls: Prayers and Activities to Help Manage Anxiety. ​

DaNel Hogan

waters center for systems thinking

DaNel Hogan is a professional STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) educator. With the Waters Center for Systems Thinking, she brings more than 20 years of classroom and teacher professional development experience to her STEMAZing Systems Thinking work. DaNel finds her creativity and imagination focused on developing STEMAZing Sciencing and Engineering Journals, #STEMontheCheap hacks – using inexpensive materials for rich STEM learning experiences, and utilizing the Habits and tools of systems thinking to enhance student sensemaking, problem solving, and critical thinking.

Jeff James

AFA Gerrity 215 chapter

Dr. Alesha Lilly

Oklahoma state department of health

Alesha Lilly, Ph. D. is the Behavioral Health Training Consultant for the Allied Health Service at Oklahoma State Department of Health where she has provided services for 32 years. Dr. Lilly has also provided services through the Child Guidance program including individual, group and family counseling. In addition, she provided program oversight of services for the Child Guidance program.  Dr. Lilly has diligently worked to address behavioral concerns, enhance protective factors, and lessen the impact of adverse childhood experiences in the lives of children and families.
She is one of 27 Community Resilience Trainers trained in the ACE Interface NEAR Science program (Neuroscience, Epigenetics, ACE and Resilient communities) in Oklahoma.  NEAR supports awareness, promotes understanding, and empowers communities to improve health and well-being.  Dr. Lilly, completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at East Central University, Master’s degree in Psychology and Doctorate degree in Clinical Child Psychology at Oklahoma State University.  

Wendy Mills 

oklahoma state department of health

​Wendy Mills, MSW, is a seasoned social worker who has devoted 18 years to serving clients in the Maternity and Child Health Division of OSDH District 2 County Health Departments. In addition to providing services to clinic attendees, Wendy serves as the Supervisor for the Community Health Workers.
 
Wendy holds a BS in Psychology from the University of Tennessee at Martin and an MSW from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, providing her with a strong educational foundation for her role.
 
As a member of the Trauma, Hope, Resilience, Education, ACEs, & Diversity (THREAD) Champion cohort, Wendy underwent specialized training to become a Community Presenter in ACE Interface's Neuroscience, Epigenetics, Adverse Childhood Experiences, & Resilience (NEAR) program. This training has equipped her with valuable insights into trauma and adverse childhood experiences, enabling her to better support the community.

Dr. Emily Mortimer

Tulsa Regional stem alliance

Dr. Emily Mortimer professional experience includes 14 years in informal education developing successful PD programs. Over the years, her main job duties included curriculum writing, program management and evaluation, and education department management. She is currently leading the broader ecosystem work for TRSA including digital badges for out of school time, developing a STEM strategic planning for partners, as well as oversee programs offered by TRSA.

Valerie McDaniel

Changing direction

Valerie McDaniel has served as a school social worker at the elementary, middle, and high school level for 10 years. As school social worker, she supports the mental, social-emotional, and behavioral health needs of students, families, and staff. Valerie received her Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Psychology from Spelman College, Masters in Social Work from Clark Atlanta University, and Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Southeastern State University.

Gerald McDaniel

Changing direction

Tonja Norwood

career tech

Tonja Norwood is the STEM Division Manager at the State Department of Career and Technical Education.  She was a classroom teacher for 30 years before joining the CareerTech family.  She served as a program specialist in the Business, Marketing and IT division supporting teachers before moving to the STEM division as division manager.  She believes that her strength is her attitude and her belief that she can make a difference.  “Teaching requires not only patience and creativity, but the ability to pass along traditions that will build character and integrity

Terry Owens

westview boys' home

Terry Owens, MBA Terry has the following certifications: LCCA – Child Care Administrator’s License, State of TX; Certified Childcare Worker, & Certified Childcare Trainer, State of Ok. The National Resource Center Youth Services trainer in Residential Child and Youth Care Professional. TBRI® (Trust-Based Relational Intervention®) Practitioner. Not only does he train Westview team members, but he has helped local educators gain an awareness of this proven and effective methodology. Terry has also cared for children at the Tipton Home and Sunny Glen Children’s Home. ​

Andrea Stewart

STEM Coordinator, Bethany public Schools

​As a native Oklahoman, I am proud to have taught 30 years in Oklahoma, most of which has involved STEM, Gifted, and Science education in the elementary school. I have participated in the writing of the Oklahoma Science standards, I am a on the board of directors for OSTA, and I am currently the STEM coordinator for all of Bethany Public Schools.

Dr. Ron Titus

snu lab school

Dr. Ron Titus, Chair of the School of Education and Director of the Lab School at Southern Nazarene University, is an SEL expert. With certifications as superintendent, principal, and teacher, he has played a pivotal role in promoting educational excellence. Dr. Titus' research focuses on implementing SEL programs, emphasizing specialized training and collaborative staff development. He advocates for SEL skills in students and staff, vital for navigating life's challenges. Driven by a passion for continuous learning, he is dedicated to equipping individuals with the tools they need to succeed.​