Staff Bios
Christina Parker~Leadership Expert ~ CEO
As Senior Vice President of a national company, Founder and CEO of a leading professional development organization, and an owner of a thriving franchise business, Christina Parker firmly believes that the key to success in business and in life is in the conscious development of, and investment in others. She calls this the, "Good, Better, Best" approach to leadership.
"I think many times we fail to see the value of the leadership potential in those around us because we are too busy focusing on our own strengths or weaknesses." Says Christina. "The reality is that when we take the time to invest in others, we can create a movement of leadership, and that is far more productive than anything we could achieve alone."
It was this kind of thinking that caught the attention of Bruster's Real Ice Cream Founder, Bruce Reed and CEO Jim Sahene who were intrigued by Christina's unique "Good, Better, Best" approach to leadership. Christina accepted the position of Senior VP in January of 2005. Through the application of her proven leadership principles, Christina continues to produce impressive results for this, now, "Top 500" Company.
Christina's life and leadership principles were put to the ultimate test in August 2003, when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer that doctors were sure would take her life. Determined not to leave her husband to raise their young children alone, Christina resolved to win this battle for her life.
For years she had been faithful to this idea of "Developing The Leaders Around You," but she never could have imagined the role that this kind of lifestyle would play in her own physical survival. Through countless chemotherapy treatments and 16 surgeries, Christina was able to lean on the leaders that she had helped develop and nurture over the course of her life and career. She is living proof that the highest return will always come from an investment in people.
Christina Parker has developed and mastered these unique leadership principles and her story is one of success and triumph. She has made it her mission to equip individuals and organizations with the tools needed to move well beyond "good,"or "better," and to experience the fulfillment and rewards that come with being the "BEST!"
Diana Curra~Program Manager
Educators across the United States constantly praise Diana's ability to use experience, expertise, research, and reality to help them see where they are and where they can go. A believer in possibilities for students and teachers, she draws on her extensive experience in the field of education and management to work with you to identify your needs and choose the training classes or keynotes that will best fit your needs.
Kimberly Scott~Marketing and PR Manager
It is rare that you find one person with the passion and desire that Kimberly has to create an enviroment for success. She thrives on assisting others to get plugged into the programs that will assist them in their personal and professional development. Kimberly's desire for excellence fuels the way to build programs to enhance your organization's success. Her passion is electric and always builds excitement within each of the New Beginnings programs that assist in the students likelyhood to enjoy the programs and ultimately retain the information.
Kim Sewell~Trainer
"Many minds together are much more powerful than one alone." Kim's highly interactive sessions motivate the audience to share their insights and talents. Ms. Sewell is a popular speaker who delivers energizing workshops that are content rich. Educators are delighted with her practical style and leave her workshops excited and with strategies for immediate use. Kim believes in empowering early childhood professionals and providing quality services that enhance the skill sets of both administrators and teachers. Ms. Sewell has over 15 years of experience in the field and she has served as a director of a NAEYC accredited site, as a community education instructor, as a NAEYC validator and as a Quality Assist mentor director.
Sharon Beck~Trainer
Sharon Beck is one of the most practical, down-to-earth, informative, and entertaining speakers in the field of education. She leaves her audiences laughing, crying, and certain that they have chosen the right profession-teaching. She has taught and worked with children for over 15 years and believes that there is not a more challenging and rewarding job in the world. A college level adjunct instructor and former classroom teacher, she is also a Special Needs Coordinator for Easter Seals North Georgia.
Caroline and Danny~Trainers
Caroline Figiel and Danny Jones have found success by combining their experience as parents, educators, writers and entertainers. They have written and produced children’s music and storytelling CDs that have motivated families' dinner conversations and school curriculum. Through their personable approach of "kidspeak", humor, sound educational strategies, and catchy tunes, they have the unique ability to reach children as well as adults, in a "down to earth" and "edutaining" way. Two well known educational publishers, Heritage/Lorenz Music and Marco Products, have created music and character education curriculum based on their work. Their storytelling CD's have been featured at the visitor's center in Jonesborough, home of the National Storytelling Festival and their CD, "Teacher's Toolbox", which teaches early childhood skills through interactive music, was reviewed by "The School Library Journal" as "top notched".
Caroline and Danny have been performing their interactive concert of stories and songs throughout the country for the last five years. Their workshops for parents and teachers of pre-school, elementary and middle school age children provide topics that can be incorporated into the classroom and home. Recently the new state-of-the arts Dozier Performing Arts Centre has asked Caroline and Danny to join their adjunct staff to offer performances as well as storytelling and music workshops.
Because of Caroline and Danny unique combination of education, creativity and entertainment, museums and family attractions have contracted their services to create "edutainment opportunities". They have designed programs and written activities and music for Ripley's (as in Believe it or Not) Aquariums, The Ga. Aquarium, Breman Museum, Zoo Atlanta, Bodies the Exhibition, and Titanic International.
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