Presenters

Name	Bio	Photo	URL
Nathan Simpson	lorem ipsum dolor
Danny Rubin	Danny is the founder of Rubin, a leading provider of online curriculum for business communication skills (ex: email etiquette). Danny honed his writing/speaking techniques as a TV news reporter for CBS. He also worked as a consultant to NBC's "Meet the Press."A familiar face in the CTE community, Danny has presented at VISION, Best Practices and Innovations Conference and various other state and national CTE events. He is also the author of three books of writing templates, including a favorite in the work-based learning community, Wait, How Do I Write This Email?
Jennifer Stevens	Jennifer Stevens began her educational career in 1995 as a teacher in Halifax County before leading grant-funded projects with Longwood University, Virginia Tech, and NASA Langley. In 2007, she played a pivotal role in securing a $13 million grant from the National Math and Science Initiative to establish Virginia Advanced Study Strategies, now known as Virginia Ed Strategies. She has held leadership roles within the organization ever since, becoming its President and CEO in 2019. Stevens is also the Project Director for CHOICE, a $10.8 million Education Innovation and Research grant from the US Department of Education, supporting over 1,000 high school teachers in Virginia. Under her guidance, Virginia Ed Strategies has garnered over $45 million in funding, impacting K-12 education significantly. Additionally, Stevens is a faculty member at James Madison University’s College of Education and presents at numerous conferences on education and career exploration topics.
Sydney Smith	Sydney Smith is the Workforce Development Manager at Versability Resources, a non-profit providing comprehensive services to people of all abilities. Sydney began her journey working with people with disabilities as a Direct Support Professional, assisting those with greater support needs during everyday activities and contracted assembly work. Sydney expanded her experience by working in Supported Employment as a Job Coach; assessing work skills, finding and preparing for employment, learning job roles, and retaining employment. Sydney now runs the Future of Work program, assisting students transitioning out of high school and the long-term unemployed with successfully completing workforce training leading to in-demand careers.
Tori Cash	Tori Cash is an Account Executive in the K12 space of Interplay Learning, an educational technology company that provides skilled trades training for schools (k12 and higher education), and industry partners such as carrier, goodman, and Lowes, along with SMB partners. She is a former high school and middle school teacher who has moved into educational technology to support students and instructors in the skilled trades classroom. She has 3 children, 2 dogs, and 2 cats and is a military spouse who has taught in 4 different states.
Nathan Pope	(Writer/Editor, CTE Resource Center)
Deborah Tripp
Toni Garcia-Jackson
Kelley Smith	Kelley Smith is the Executive Director for the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology at the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. She has approximately 15 years of experience in licensing and regulatory programs for the Commonwealth of Virginia and previously practiced law at a mid-size firm in Richmond, Virginia. Kelley holds a Juris Doctor from University of Richmond and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Jessica George	Jessica George proudly serves as the Milady Industry Relations Manager. She is a licensed cosmetologist, educator, and training specialist with over 15 years’ experience in the beauty and wellness industry. Her experience includes working behind the chair, brand educator, fashion and editorial stylist, platform artistry, education director, and curriculum development in both salons and schools. She is passionate about education and inspiring others to follow their dreams. She has found the beauty industry has been incredibly rewarding as it continues to evolve. Jessica enjoys nourishing her plant darlings, rocking the world of beauty education and spending time with her husband and daughter.
Starr Mason
Lauren-Anne Sledzinski
Amber Rodeheaver, Forensic Technician and BRASSTRAX Technician	Amber Rodeheaver joined the Suffolk Police Department in December of 2020 as a Forensic Technician. In that time, she has gained specialties in digital and vehicle system forensics, including certifications as a Certified Cellebrite Operator and Physical Analyst, and a Vehicle System Forensic Technician, Operator, and Examiner. Amber also holds various certifications in areas such as general instruction, IBIS/BRASSTRAX acquisition, shooting incident reconstruction, basic bloodstain patterns analysis, and clandestine grave/human remains recovery. Amber currently has a Bachelor’s degree in Forensic and Investigative Science from West Virginia University and will pursuing a Master’s in Forensic Science at Oklahoma State University starting in August.
Marlo Miranda	Marlo Miranda is a retired Automotive Technology instructor with 31 years experience teaching High School level Automotive classes. Marlo is the 2016 ASE National Instructor of the Year, and was 2015 Forsyth County Schools Teacher of the Year and 2016 State Finalist for Georgia Teacher of the Year. Marlo spent many years as an automotive technician, shop foreman, service advisor, service manager and shop owner prior to launching his career as an educator. He attended the University of Central Florida for Trade and Industrial Education. Marlo has a beautiful wife Laura, 4 lovely daughters, and 1 son ranging in age from 22 to 43. Marlo has 3 grandchildren ages 3 to 16. "Coach" Miranda also coached HS Football, Wrestling, and Golf, and has the destinction of having coached the first State Champion Girls Wrestling Team in Florida and lead Team Florida Girls Wrestling to a 3rd place finish at their first National Championships.
Amy Hammond	Amy Hammond currently serves as the Virginia Department of Education Regional Workforce Development Specialist for Superintendent Region 5. In this role, Amy and the entire Work-Based Learning team are responsible for providing vision, leadership, and support to Career and Technical Education programs across the Commonwealth in strengthening their High-Quality Work-Based Learning programs. After working in law enforcement, Amy began her education career in 2006 by teaching Criminal Justice at Valley Career and Technical Center in Fishersville, Virginia. In 2011, she began her administrative career as Assistant Principal at Fort Defiance High School and later transitioned back to Valley Career and Technical Center as Assistant Principal before becoming the Center’s Coordinator in 2022. Amy holds a Master of Education in Supervision, K-12 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology, both from Shenandoah University.
Jessica George	Jessica George proudly serves as the Milady Industry Relations Manager. She is a licensed cosmetologist, educator, and training specialist with over 15 years’ experience in the beauty and wellness industry. Her experience includes working behind the chair, brand educator, fashion and editorial stylist, platform artistry, education director, and curriculum development in both salons and schools. She is passionate about education and inspiring others to follow their dreams. She has found the beauty industry has been incredibly rewarding as it continues to evolve. Jessica enjoys nourishing her plant darlings, rocking the world of beauty education and spending time with her husband and daughter.