Keynote Speakers

Dr. Gokul Krishnan, PhD

Founder, Maker Therapy

Dr. Gokul Krishnan is a learning scientist (Ph.D. Vanderbilt University), mechanical engineer (M.S. University of California, Riverside), and healthcare innovator. He is the founder of Project M@CH (Makerspace at Children's Hospital) and the creator of the "Maker Therapy" approach. Gokul designed and constructed the world's first mobile Makerspaces in a children’s hospital, which help to address the needs of chronically ill patients, at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee.

LaVonna Roth, MSEd

Creator & Founder, Ignite Your S.H.I.N.E.®

These words capture the path that LaVonna Roth uses to challenge others in finding out how to ignite the S.H.I.N.E. in their students, others and self.  As a learning specialist, author, keynote speaker and consultant, LaVonna bridges her passion for how the brain learns with education and helping every individual realize the value they bring. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education, a Master’s in the Art of Teaching and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. LaVonna taught at the elementary and secondary levels and is the author of 8 books. She has presented in the U.S., Canada, Europe and the Middle East on increasing engagement and the fun factor in learning.  She is the creator and founder of the Ignite Your S.H.I.N.E.® movement, where every person is encouraged to use his or her skills, talents and gifts… to illuminate the world.