86th Annual International Conference (2024)

"Fostering Care and Collaboration: Through a Culture of Wellness"

We are pleased to announce that our 86th Annual Conference will be held in Palm Springs, Ca on October 14-16, 2024. 

2024 Conference Rates

Keynote Speakers

Dr. Niki Elliott

Niki Elliott, PhD is a clinical professor of education at the University of San Diego, where she serves as director for the Center for Embodied Equity and Neurodiversity. She is also the founder of the Mindful Leaders Project, and creator/facilitator of the Embodied Equity for Educators and Helping Professionals Certificate Course for the Polyvagal Institute.  

A high-energy, spirited, and inspiring teacher educator, Niki has taught students of all ages for more than 30 years. She is a staunch advocate for students whose lived experiences include learning differences, mental health challenges, foster care placement, and/or racialized marginalization. Her mission is to galvanize an education workforce that establishes inclusive and holistic learning communities where all students and educators thrive. 

Presently, Niki is a sought-after speaker, mindfulness retreat facilitator, curriculum developer and trainer. Her unique approach to integrating education sciences with mind-body nervous system wellness has supported thousands of administrators, educators, and counselors around the world. Educators who have adopted her mind-body approach report significant reductions in expulsion rates for students of color, improvements in classroom climate, and increases in professional well-being. The professional development curriculum and non-degree certificate programs she has developed have been implemented by school districts, family service agencies, and helping professionals across the U.S. and 13 countries globally.

Niki is a native of Southern California, where she presently resides with her family. She earned a doctorate in Education at UCLA in addition to holistic certifications in yoga, mindfulness meditation, and clinical breathwork. Her greatest joy is found in helping education professionals establish a mind-body connection for improving learning outcomes for students of all ages.

Mind-Body Tools You Can Use: A Polyvagal-Informed Approach for Educators and Helping Professionals

In response to the unprecedented stress levels experienced by students, faculty, and administrators in higher education, this interactive keynote presentation by Dr. Niki Elliot will equip participants with mind-body tools for wellbeing and optimal performance. Attendees will gain insights into the role of the vagus nerve in supporting overall health and learn the principles of polyvagal theory, focusing on creating a sense of safety in educational environments. The session will include practical exercises in breathwork techniques to help balance the nervous system and build resilience against stress, empowering educators and helping professionals to foster both personal and collective wellness.

Dr. Louise Kelly

Dr. Louise Kelly is a distinguished academic and renowned thought leader specializing in Management, Strategy, and Leadership. Currently, she serves as a Professor at University of La Verne, located in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Kelly's career is marked by her global recognition for her adept ability to translate complex strategic and leadership theories into practical, actionable insights that can be implemented by individuals and organizations alike.

Dr. Kelly's work is characterized by a deep passion for empowering people and organizations to unlock and achieve their full potential for innovation and strategic thinking. Her dedication to this mission is evident in her prolific academic output. She has written over 100 scholarly articles and conference papers, contributing significantly to the body of knowledge in her field. Additionally, she has authored seven influential books, which have garnered widespread acclaim. Among her notable works are "Be Authentic," which explores the importance of authenticity in leadership, and "Mindfulness for Authentic Leadership," which provides valuable insights into how mindfulness can enhance leadership effectiveness.

A testament to her expertise and impact, Dr. Kelly is also a Fulbright Scholar, a prestigious honor that underscores her commitment to excellence in education and research. Her specialization includes executive training programs focused on strategic thinking, advancing women's leadership, and fostering a culture of innovation within organizations. Her training programs are highly sought after and have helped numerous executives and leaders enhance their strategic capabilities and leadership skills. 

Dr. Kelly is fluent in French, Spanish, and English, which enables her to connect with and engage diverse audiences around the world. This linguistic ability, combined with her profound understanding of cross-cultural dynamics, makes her a versatile and effective communicator.

Residing in Los Angeles with her husband and their dog, Dr. Kelly practices daily meditation, a discipline that she believes is crucial for maintaining mental clarity and balance in both personal and professional life. Her holistic approach to leadership and personal development is reflected in her teachings and writings, where she emphasizes the integration of mindfulness and authenticity in achieving leadership excellence.

Dr. Kelly is available for speaking engagements and is known for her dynamic and inspiring presentations. She brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and practical insights to her audience, making her a sought-after speaker at conferences, workshops, and corporate events. For those interested in engaging with Dr. Kelly for speaking opportunities, she can be contacted at lkellysd@gmail.com.

Through her extensive body of work and her ongoing commitment to inspiring and educating others, Dr. Louise Kelly continues to make a significant impact in the fields of Management, Strategy, and Leadership. Her contributions have not only advanced academic understanding but have also provided practical guidance for leaders striving to navigate the complexities of the modern business environment.

Authentic Leadership and Innovation: Educating and Reinventing Through Life's Crucibles

In her keynote, Dr. Kelly will introduce tools for leading adult learners: a leadership tool, a strategy tool, and a developmental psychology tool, aimed at supporting lifelong learning and meaningful contributions. Authentic leadership development is likened to a spiritual journey, emphasizing self-awareness, relational transparency, balanced processing, and an internalized moral perspective. The Four Actions Framework from Blue Ocean Strategy encourages eliminating low-value elements, reducing unproductive activities, elevating key aspects, and creating new experiences to foster growth and innovation. These tools will allow attendees to grow to embody authentic leadership practices to promote resilience and personal development in ever-changing social and professional roles.