Presenters

AUTHOR - Mary Casanova

Bio: Mary Casanova is an award-winning children's author of novels and picture books. Many of her books stem from her life on the Minnesota-Canadian border; yet some of her stories have taken her as far away as France, Norway, and Belize for research. Whatever the setting for her books, Casanova writes stories that matter--and stories that kids can't put down. Her book awards include: American Library Association "Notable," Aesop Accolades by the American Folklore Society, Parents' Choice "Gold" Award, Booklist Editor Choice, and two Minnesota Book Awards. Her books frequently land on state children's choice book master lists across the country. "The greatest reward for me," Casanova states, "is when a young reader tells me she or he loves one of my books. For me, it's all about communicating writer-to-reader through a character and story."

• "Read it Again!" -- Writing Picture Books that Work (Pre-K to Elementary)
Mary Casanova shares how she turns ideas into picture books that capture the imagination--and attention--of young readers.

• Writing Workshop: Strong Beginnings (All Ages)
"Getting started" is always the hardest hurdle in writing. Join Mary Casanova in a writing workshop focused on creating compelling beginnings to keep readers reading--and students writing. (All ages)

• Keep 'Em Reading! --Writing for the Restless Reader (Elem. to Mid.)
Once a reluctant reader, Mary Casanova writes for the kind of kid she was, the "active, outdoorsy, can't-sit-still kind." Join her as she shares her writing process of turning ideas into books that kids can't put down.

Christian Moore, M.S.W

Bio: Christian Moore is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and has an M.S.W. from Brigham Young University. He has several years experience working with at risk youth, including work as a school counselor at an alternative high school, as a counselor with the Utah State Department of Youth Corrections, and as a youth outpatient therapist at a community mental health agency specializing in adolescents with conduct disorder and learning disabilities. He is the Founder of the WhyTry Organization, and has led the development of an at-risk program, "The WhyTry Program," that is used by over 500 school districts nationwide. The program is also used by several private and public mental health agencies, group homes, and youth detention centers.

David Shepard

Bio: A native of rural North Carolina and a product of public education in four states, Dave Shepard brings experience, common sense, and practicality to any educational gathering. He has dealt with middle and high school students for all of his thirty-five years in education. His experiences include teaching, coaching, curriculum writing, program design, and administration. Since his retirement in 1999, he has devoted his time and energy to helping schools become safer, more efficient, and more successful environments for all teachers and students. Dave currently manages his own educational consulting firm, "The Middle Matters and More," in Lexington, Kentucky. He works actively with SREB, NMSA, New Jersey Department of Education, and K.M.S.A. Since the passage of the Kentucky Educational Reform Act in 1990, Dave has also worked with the Kentucky Department of Education, the University of Kentucky, and over thirty Kentucky school districts to help implement this reform. Known primarily as a practitioner, he has presented at over forty state and national conferences. He has also assisted school districts in over thirty-five states to help develop and refine their educational programs by providing quality professional development and teacher in-services. Dave has been recognized as Coach of The Year, Principal of The Year, and most recently received his highest honor, The President's Award for Lifetime Achievement, from the Kentucky Middle School Association. The programs Dave delivers are generally characterized by a high-energy format, a simple yet practical style, a down-to-earth sense of humor, and an easygoing manner, which makes the program both informative and digestible.

Dinah Zike, M.Ed.

Bio: Dinah Zike is the President of Dinah-Might Adventures, L.P. She is known for designing hands-on manipulatives that are used nationally and internationally by teachers, parents, and educational publishing companies. She is a frequent keynote speaker and continuing education consultant and presents to over 50,000 teachers and parents every year.
Her book, The Big Book of Books and Activities, won the Teacher's Choice Award for "instructional value, ease of use, quality, and innovation", and has become a teaching methods classic. Most recently, Dinah was awarded the Council for Elementary Science International's Advocate Award.
Dinah Zike is an explosion of energy and ideas. Her excitement and joy for learning inspires everyone she touches. She knows how hard it is to make each day special for children because she taught for over ten years in the public school system.

Sharon K. Stoll, Ph.D.

Bio: Dr. Sharon K. Stoll serves as the Director of the Center for ETHICS*. She is considered one of the leading authorities in competitive moral education intervention techniques for college-aged students in America. Also a professor of Physical Education, Dr. Stoll is a Distinguished Faculty Member and winner of a prestigious University of Idaho Outreach Award in 2000, and a U of I Teaching Award in 1992. A former public school teacher, coach, and athlete, Dr. Stoll holds a Ph.D. in Sport Philosophy from Kent State University, and is the creator and director of one of the few programs in America that is directed toward moral education with competitive populations. Dr. Stoll is well known for her knowledge in teaching and methodology as applied to pedagogy in moral education and character development. Author of eight books including, "Who Says It's Cheating?" and "Sport Ethics: Applications for Fair Play", Dr. Stoll is an active lecturer and consultant on various character issues, including moral education, moral reasoning, and moral development.