The Road to an Effective Classroom Environment

Anne-Rose Obidi is a British-Nigerian systems and culture consultant, education advocate, speaker, and entrepreneur dedicated to helping families and schools create more equitable educational experiences for children. She is the founder of The African Parent, a platform that equips African families with practical tools, advocacy strategies, and resources to navigate the UK education system effectively. 

With a professional background in business transformation, organizational culture, and educational advocacy, Anne-Rose combines lived experience with strategic expertise to address issues such as school accountability, equity, inclusion, and parent engagement. She holds an MBA in Psychology and has served as a school governor, providing oversight on behavior, safeguarding, and equality policies. 

Celeste Warren is a visionary leader who had an impressive 28-year tenure at a global Fortune 100 company, where she rose to the esteemed position of Vice President and Chief Diversity &; Inclusion Officer. During her decade-long leadership of the Global Diversity and Inclusion Center
of Excellence, Celeste implemented groundbreaking initiatives that fostered a culture of inclusivity and equity, setting new standards in the industry.
After her retirement, Celeste founded Celeste Warren Consulting, LLC, where she passionately continues her mission to reshape the landscape of diversity and inclusion. Her consulting services empower organizations to create fair and equitable opportunities for all, driving meaningful change and enhancing workplace culture.

Coach Roy Austin, CMA, CPA, MBA, is a business coach, speaker, trainer, and author of The Alligator Business Solution – Small Business Competitive Advantage. In 2019, Roy founded Libraries For Kids International, which supplies books to rural schools with limited resources in Africa. As of April 2026, Libraries For Kids International has put books in 12,000 rural schools in Kenya and Uganda. Before founding Libraries For Kids International He was the Managing Principal of Rockwell Business Solutions. He has served as Treasurer of the Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and as Chair of the Volunteer Advisory Board to the Tennessee Department of Corrections and has volunteered with The John R Hay House in Kingsport, TN (a non-profit helping convicted felons reintegrate into society), and Court Appointed Special Advocates. He is a decorated Vietnam veteran. He is actively involved with the Bluffton, SC Rotary Club.

Dr. Lisa Riegel's work has appeared in peer-reviewed journals and she has authored four other books: No Parent Left Behind , Stop Doing What Doesn't Work: Creating Meaningful Partnerships with Today's Families ,  It’s Not About the Test, and NeuroWell.

Patty McGee is a nationally recognized literacy consultant, speaker, and educator
with a passion for transforming classrooms into vibrant spaces where language,
creativity, and learning thrive. With decades of experience as a teacher, instructional coach, and advocate for joyful literacy practices, Patty partners with educators nationwide to elevate student engagement and achievement.
She is also the co-author of the influential book, Not Your Granny’s Grammar, a fresh and modern approach to grammar instruction that empowers teachers to make language learning meaningful, practical, and engaging for today’s students.
Join us on this inspiring episode as Patty shares strategies, stories, and insights on
building literacy experiences that truly make learning come alive.

Ms. Brown is a native of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and received her formal
education in the public schools of Horry County. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in
Criminal Justice from Morris College in Sumter, South Carolina, in 2001. After gaining valuable professional experience, she continued her educational journey and earned a Master of Education in School Counseling from Cambridge College in Augusta, Georgia, in 2007. As a proud first-generation college graduate, Ms. Brown credits education as a guiding force throughout her life. She lives by the mantra, “If at first you don’t succeed, try again,” a philosophy that shapes both her personal and professional commitment to perseverance and growth. Through her work in counseling, mentoring, and ministry, Ms. Brown remains committed to guiding students, uplifting young women, and creating opportunities for
personal and academic success.

Robert Craig Washington is a seasoned educational leader currently serving as Principal of Heyward Career and Technology Center in Richland School District One. With nearly 30 years of experience in education, Mr. Washington is recognized for his visionary leadership, commitment to student success, and ability to lead transformative school initiatives that drive academic
excellence and workforce readiness. Mr. Washington is widely respected for his dedication to developing future-ready students through innovative career pathways, strategic school improvement initiatives, and a strong focus on teacher development. Beyond his work in schools, Mr. Washington actively engages educational stakeholders and serves as a thought leader on LinkedIn, where he connects with thousands of followers. followers. He regularly shares insights on leadership, innovation, school culture, and community engagement, inspiring others to lead with purpose and impact.

Shelle Howard is the founder and CEO of College Ready, the 2026 Global Consultant of the Year, a college admissions and financial strategist, and a two-time best-selling author. She has helped families worldwide earn top-choice acceptances and over $80 million in scholarships.

Todd Scholl is a public education advocate with more than thirty years of experience supporting teachers and schools. He spent over fifteen years in the classroom and nearly a decade as Coordinator of Communications and Program Development at South Carolina’s Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA).

He is the founder and Lead Learner of the Center for Educator Wellness and Learning (CEWL), an organization dedicated to improving both the inner and outer lives of educators.

A 200-hour registered yoga teacher, Todd is also an adjunct professor at Columbia College, where he co-facilitates a course on classroom well-being with Jelena Popovic.

Todd lives in Myrtle Beach and is the proud parent of three children: Madison (24), Colin (21), and Sophia (16).