Nick Atchley is currently the assistant principal at Fremont Middle School in Mundelein, Illinois. He has been an assistant principal in both middle school and elementary settings. Nick began his career as a music educator and also spent 9 years as a middle school dean of students. He currently serves both as the assistant principal chair and communications chair for the Lake County Region of the Illinois Principals Association.

I believe stories spark change, build connections, and inspire action. As a strategic communicator, I craft messages that amplify voices, deepen engagement, and drive impact. At West40, I lead communications that ensure students, educators, and communities feel seen, heard, and empowered. With expertise in strategic storytelling, omni-channel marketing, and data-driven messaging, I turn complex ideas into compelling narratives that inspire action and hope. Let’s connect and create stories that make a difference.

I have been in insurance and financial service industry for over 20 years. I am proud to be associated with the company that have been Founded by Educators for Educators and have been helping educators for over 80 years. I earned professional designation Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) from The American College of Financial Services.

Chris is a member of the West40 communications team. West40 is an intermediate service center which serves 40 school districts in west suburban Cook County. Chris and his colleagues manage communications efforts for West40 and also provide video and proactive communications support for many West40 partner school districts. A former TV reporter who most recently worked at NBC Chicago, Chris lives in Wheaton with his family. He is also a cycling instructor at VASA Fitness and the YMCA in Glen Ellyn.

Tiffany Drake, Principal of Woodland Middle School in Gurnee, Illinois is a dedicated and culturally relevant leader committed to equity and diversity. As the first African-American principal in District 50, she leads with passion for her school, fostering an inclusive and student-centered environment. She chairs the Lake Region Equity and Diversity Committee and played a key role in embedding equity into Woodland D50’s Strategic Plan. Through research and advocacy, she ensures culturally responsive practices, earning recognition as Lake Region Principal of the Year in 2023.

Trisha Kocanda, Ed.D., has over 11 years of experience as a Superintendent, currently serving Fremont School District 79 since 2022. Her career in education spans various roles, including middle school teacher, coach, building administrator, learning coordinator, Director of Curriculum, and Assistant Superintendent. Kocanda is known for a leadership style that blends high expectations with compassion. She has delivered regional and national presentations on topics such as community engagement, teacher leadership, and student agency. Trisha and her husband, John, are proud parents of two teenage daughters.

This is my 24th year in education. I have seven years experience overseeing an Attendance Office in the capacity of a Dean, MTSS director and currently a Director of Deans at Hinsdale South High School.

Susan has been in the insurance industry for most of her career and is the proud daughter of a mom who was a teacher and a sister currently teaching.She's happy to be at Horace Mann and is excited to support educators achieve financial success, help local schools with programs like DonorsChoose and partner with districts to improve recruitment, retention and morale for all staff.She’s married to Bob and they’re fur parents of Loa, an 9 year old Maltipoo.

Keith Tankersley is a dedicated and dynamic elementary assistant principal, serving across two buildings with distinct leadership styles. With a passion for fostering collaboration, student success, and school improvement, Mr. Tankersley plays a pivotal role in supporting teachers, staff, and administrators to create a positive and effective learning environment.

Bringing a strong commitment to leadership development, Mr. Tankersley is known for implementing innovative initiatives, including a Shark Tank-style challenge designed to empower staff in shaping school improvement strategies. By navigating the complexities of working with multiple principals, He has gained valuable expertise in adapting to different leadership approaches, strengthening communication, and building cohesive teams.

With a focus on professional growth, problem-solving, and student-centered leadership, Mr. Tankersley strives to bridge the gap between vision and execution, ensuring that both students and educators thrive. Passionate about fostering strong AP-Principal relationships, He actively shares insights on collaboration, trust, and effective leadership partnerships to inspire school leaders at all levels.

Charles Williams is a dedicated educator, speaker, and consultant with nearly 20 years of experience in education. As a Chicago school leader and founder of CW Consulting: Educational Services, he specializes in culturally responsive practices, equity, and mental health. Charles hosts The Counter Narrative Podcast, amplifying diverse voices in education. His dynamic keynotes and workshops inspire educators and leaders to "Learn, Grow, Lead," promoting innovation, inclusion, and resilience across schools and communities.