The Home Stretch: Strategies for Ending the School Year Strong

Kendra Bostick is the CEO and Co-founder of Kikori, a social impact company that is democratizing access to experiential Social Emotional Learning activities proven to increase learner engagement, sense of belonging, and meaningful connections. Kendra is passionate about empowering others, celebrating differences and using experiential activities to bridge divides. Kendra is completing her PhD studies in Education at the University of New Hampshire, with a focus on measuring the impact of experiential activities on youth’s social, emotional and cognitive development. Kendra holds a Masters degree in Education with a focus on experiential education and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She worked in schools and therapeutically with youth for over a decade in Chicago and through work abroad. Kendra is bilingual in Spanish, and her love of connecting with and learning from others has taken her around the globe to over 30 countries.  Kendra believes that within the arena of education, all is possible.

Introducing Kimberland Jackson, a dynamic force for change in the realm of education and personal empowerment. She is an unwavering Educational Advocate and Activist, Talk Show Host, Mentor, Author, Podcaster, Blogger, and Certified Intuitive Melanated Life Coach. Kimberland’s expertise is rooted in School Transformation; School Climate and Culture; Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; as well as the establishment of Culturally Competent Schools. She is a trailblazer in the implementation of Social Emotional, Trauma Informed, and Restorative Practices by correlating behavioral practices to academic achievement and success. Kimberland is a New Orleans native and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority Inc. Her academic journey is marked by a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Fisk University and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Curriculum Implementation from Argosy University. Kimberland’s focus extends beyond rhetoric; it is a commitment to leaving every individual she encounters in a better state than she found them. She staunchly believes that there is a unique place for each person in this world, attainable only when authenticity is embraced. Kimberland Jackson stands as a beacon, guiding others toward their true selves and, in doing so, contributing to a world where every voice is not only heard but celebrated.

Dr. Terri Germain-Williams is an instructional coach and facilitator for BetterLesson who strives to build confidence and fluency in everyone she encounters. She believes that every person can learn anything, given appropriate support.  In her most recent position as Director of Teacher Education at Fairfield University in Connecticut, she oversaw Student Teaching and was an integral leader in the Accreditation process. As a former Chair of the Secondary Education Department at Mercy University in New York, she led multiple STEM grants and programming for students and teachers.  Her career as a New York City educator included roles of Mathematics Teacher, Math Coach, Assistant Principal, and School Achievement Manager. Early in the Small Schools Movement, she was the founding Mathematics Teacher of the Bushwick School For Social Justice, where the team of committed educators turned the high school graduation rate from 27% to 74% in four years. Her PhD from Teachers College – Columbia University is in Mathematics Education.