Workshop Speakers

In Sheila Miller's current role, as Executive Director of a community based volunteer center, she has a strong focus on growing community programs, and expanding volunteerism, growing her community web-based volunteer recruitment, expanding community education efforts and partnership building. She graduated from Howard Payne University with a BA in Sociology and Psychology. She has worked in the non-profit sector, in a variety of capacities, for over 20 years with 15 years in volunteer management. Sheila has been a long time presenter for VMC as well as several other non-profits and volunteer management organizations. Her workshops presentation focus is on quality content and a clear, easy to follow approach.

Presentation Topic: Volunteer Management 101: "The Key to Program Success"

Presentation Description: This workshop will focus on the basics of managing a volunteer program - with a real emphasize on "foundation building" and how important it is to the success of your program along with the volunteer manager's role in that process. The session will cover things such as the importance of volunteer applications and job descriptions; the basics of recruiting; effective training and orientations; and integrity in your program. The speaker will also cover general steps to good staff-volunteer relations and cover firing volunteers.

LouAnne has been a volunteer manager in Dallas for over 30 years. For the past ten years, she has served as Volunteer Coordinator for Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake, where she manages a diverse group of community volunteers. LouAnne developed the volunteer programs at the Dallas Zoo and the Dallas Aquarium at Fair Park in the 1980's, and has also worked with social service agencies, educational organizations and faith-based groups. In addition, she owns and operates "Volunteer Solutions", a consulting company that works with volunteer-based organizations to maximize their effectiveness with community and board volunteers. Recently, LouAnne was appointed to the first Board of Directors for the newly formed Association of Volunteer Resources Management.

After graduate school, she began her career as a teacher and curriculum developer for the DeSoto ISD and Dallas County Community College District. LouAnne is an active volunteer in the Dallas nonprofit community. As a Booker T. Washington Arts Magnet High School Advisory Board member, she helped to create and manage the school's mentoring program. She is an active trainer and consultant with the Center for Nonprofit Management, Advisory Board member for Garland ISD's Career and Technology Program, and served on the Board of Big Thought. She and her husband live in Oak Cliff, and they have three grown sons who do their own cooking and laundry in other cities!

Presentation Topic: The Key to Adding Value to Your Volunteer Program

Presentation Description: Everyone's looking for value - a good deal - something that benefits them on multiple levels, or that is mutually beneficial for them and for others. Volunteers are no different - participate in this examination of how we can add value to our volunteer programs - for the volunteers, for our organizations and for our own professional growth. Recommended for experienced volunteer directors - this workshop will not cover volunteer management basics.

Ms. Edwards is responsible for all student programs, activities, student clubs on campus as well as the Student Ambassador program, the Odyssey Leadership Institute in which she founded, and the advisor for Mountain View's Student Government Association. She encourages an inclusive environment for all students to achieve educational goals as well as assimilating life-learning skills into the overall educational experience. Cathy is a certified Franklin Covey facilitator (Seven Habits of Highly Effective People), True Colors Personality Training, and Challenge Course (ROPES). She has facilitated many leadership workshops over the past fourteen years for students, staff, area businesses and community groups.

Ms. Edwards received her Bachelors Degree from Dallas Baptist University, and is currently in the last few classes of a Master's degree at Amberton University. She has been on the President's honor roll, is a member of Chi Theta Kappa, and served on numerous college committees including Recruitment & Retention, SACS Accreditation Section 6 Co-Chair, SPAR Council Chair and several other Advising Committees.

Presentation Topic: What Matters Most: "The Key to Time Management"

Presentation Description: The key to being energized about life is making progress every day toward your goals. This workshop will help you change the fundamental way you approach your life and relationships by breaking common ineffective time wasting behaviors and tendencies. Life's hectic pace can distract us from what is most important to us. If we understand that we need to have a plan for everyday, and learn how to identify and prioritize the events in our daily lives to make the most out of what matters most to us. This workshop will teach you how to break away from the urgency addition and achieve new heights of success. You'll walk away with a clearer vision of what you want to accomplish in your personal and professional life and a proven system for sticking to your plans each day.

Gary Rifkin is one of only nine recipients of the Joseph J. Charbonneau Award presented by the National Speakers Association/North Texas chapter, and is the co-author of three books.

Gary has been involved in the training and speaking business since 1987, beginning as a popular speaker at major colleges and universities. He has since been catapulted into some of the most recognized and respected organizations in the world, such as UPS, American Airlines, Johnson & Johnson, Ericsson, and Peregrine Systems. Gary is also a frequent presenter at association conferences including the Professional Convention Management Association, Sales & Marketing Executives International, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, and the Texas Water Association.

Gary holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Penn State University and Bowling Green State University. He is Past-President of the North Texas Chapter of the National Speakers Association and continues to remain active in both the local chapter and the national organization. Gary has worked as a consultant to such schools as Baylor, Penn State, Syracuse University and Texas A & M, and for several municipalities in Texas and for U.S. government agencies.

Presentation Topic: The Key to “Speaking Like a Pro” Part I
Presentation Topic: The Key to “Speaking Like a Pro” Part II

Presentation Description: "He was brilliant; we were bored." If your audience isn't engaged, it doesn't matter how great your content is. Have you ever sat through one of those presentations when it was clear that the speaker knew exactly what he was talking about - but seemed to be the only one who was even remotely interested? Have you ever BEEN that speaker?

These sessions are designed to help the occasional presenter turn their presentation into an engaging and passionate performance. Focusing on technique development and skill building, this highly interactive program will help you build your competence and confidence in any speaking setting. By learning these techniques you will be able to put a greater emphasis on engaging the audience and connecting the audience to your message content.

Peggy is Director of Programs for The Senior Source, also known as Senior Citizens of Greater Dallas. She is also an attorney, having received her law degree with honors at Southern Methodist University's Dedman School of Law, and her master's degree in public policy from Georgetown University.

She is a native of southeastern Oklahoma, received her bachelor's degree at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and worked for seven years in Washington, D.C. at an international trade association before studying and practicing law. Before joining The Senior Source, she also served as co-founder and volunteer director for the first-ever Freedom Run in Dallas, and continues to coordinate volunteers for agency-wide activities, including a recent weatherization project for low-income seniors.

Presentation Topic: Older Adult Volunteers: “The Key to Happiness” (Yours & Theirs!)

Presentation Description: This workshop will show why it is important to look beyond age, focusing instead on the skill level and expertise offered by older adult volunteers. Identify volunteer jobs beyond the traditional tasks normally assigned to older volunteers, and how to be creative in developing roles that an experienced, well-educated retiree can take on to achieve your mission and grow your programs and services. Learn the importance of clearly defined volunteer job descriptions, how to fill positions with experienced and motivated volunteers, and how to keep volunteers engaged. Explore how older volunteers can positively impact your agency's fundraising, marketing, technology, volunteer recruiting, strategic planning, and programming activities.

Pam Stoker provides executive-style career management coaching to graduate business students and alumni while connecting them to employers for internships and jobs through creative business networking. Her previous experience includes Vice President of Consulting Services for Right Management Consultants and managing a surgical oncology clinic. For the past 9 years, Pam has coordinated the activities of JobNet, a community networking group for individuals in human resources.

She is a frequent guest speaker to college students and community groups in the areas of networking, job search, and career management. In her consulting work with Stoker Resources Group, Pam has coached many executives and offers one-on-one career counseling to help individuals with progressive achievement and success.

A native of Alabama, Pam received her Bachelor's degree from Samford University in Birmingham. Pam's professional memberships include Association of Career Professionals (ACP) International, National Association of Colleges and Employers, Southern Association of Colleges and Employers, MBA Career Services Council, NSHMBA, SHRM and Fort Worth HR Management Association. She has served on the FWHRMA Board as VP Membership Development, VP Community Relations, President-Elect and President.

Presentation Topic: The Keys to Progressive Achievement and Success

Presentation Description: Do you plan each day - what you will do, wear, say, act, spend, play, eat? Does your plan determine your choices, or do your choices affect the plan? In this lively and interactive session, we will explore the importance of living "intentionally" rather than just drifting along in response to whatever comes our way. We have the unique privilege and freedom to make choices each day that can make a dramatic difference in our own lives and, consequentially, in the lives of those around us. Come and learn some practical tips to use right away for your own professional development!

Jan Langbein is the Executive Director of Genesis Women's Shelter in Dallas. She is a former Genesis Board member and volunteer. Appointed in January 1991, Jan comes from the "for profit" world where she owned and operated a retail business. As Executive Director of Genesis, Mrs. Langbein oversees the internal and external operations of funding and community education. She conducts training seminars at the Dallas Police Academy, as well as community groups and seminars. She feels that "Each of us has the opportunity and the obligation to reach out and help create a change -- to help break the generational cycle of family violence."

Mrs. Langbein has a BA in Psychology, is active in the Junior League of Dallas, and is a Chi Omega Alumni. Her professional involvement is extensive including board, advisory and committee positions with the Texas Council on Family Violence, Family Violence Prevention Council, Dallas County Family Violence Task Force, Family Violence Coalition, and Mayors Task Force on Domestic Violence, Greater Dallas Injury Prevention Center and the North Texas Food Bank. She is the recipient of numerous awards and honors for Leadership, and community service including the Mary Harriman Community Leadership Award, Maura Award, Woman of Distinction Award, Women's Advocacy Award, and SMU Profiles in Leadership Award, George Washington Honoree Medal, and the Dallas Bar Association Liberty Bell Award.

Jan Langbein has conducted numerous training, keynote and workshop programs for numerous colleges, social and civic organizations, and corporations. She has also given expert testimony in court cases and conducted Law Enforcement training for several area police and sheriff's departments.

Presentation Topic: The Key to Successfully Placing and Keeping Volunteers

Presentation Description: Ever wonder why a volunteer left? Or why one did not get past the interview, or the orientation steps? Most unsatisfied volunteers fail to tell you why they are really leaving; they just make an excuse or don't come back. It's no surprise to many, but most volunteers want some very basic things. They want to know what you expect of them; how what they do makes a difference; how they can appreciate/enjoy the experience; and that they are appreciated when the job is done. You know how to explain the jobs and importance of each one and how to show appreciation for your volunteers, in general and for specific tasks. However, what about the satisfaction factor? This workshop will share with you some ways to individualize your interview process to discover and develop an individual's unique gifts/talents. This process will encourage creative thinking that will ultimately build confidence and give your volunteers a window into what they have to offer.

Ms. Hyder, a native of Missouri City, TX, began working with the Volunteer Center of North Texas (VCNT) in December 2007 as the Agency Relations and Training Manger. She previously served as the Volunteer Coordinator/Graduate Assistant for the Volunteer Center at the University of North Texas in Denton. In this position she managed hundreds of volunteers annually, implementing all programming and events for the center, and creating new service initiatives. She served as a frequent presenter educating various community groups and members within the UNT community about the importance of volunteerism.

She brings a wealth of information on the latest trends in volunteer management and motivating young adult and youth volunteers. She received her Bachelors degree in Public Relations and is currently pursuing her Masters in Public Administration with a specialization in nonprofit management, both from the University of North Texas.

Presentation Topic: The Key to Finding and Keeping Youth Volunteers

Presentation Description: Between school-work, extra curricular activities, fulfilling community services requirements and more, youth today have more demands on their time than ever before. This can spell trouble for volunteer managers who lack information about the latest trends in effectively communicating with this special group of volunteers. Learn the best ways to attract, engage and retain youth volunteers through this interactive workshop aimed at making your youth volunteer program the best it can be.

Presentation Topic: "Ask the Experts" This VRM Panel Knows the Key

Presentation Description: Three Volunteer Management experts from the DFW area will share their wisdom and experiences during this session as they provide for a panel discussion of questions presented by VMC participants prior to the workshop. You will be able to submit your questions prior to or during the lunch break. A moderator will review and present as time allows.

Please submit your questions to the panel prior to the conference by clicking here.

Panelist: Nedra Cutler Director of Volunteers, Meals on Wheels Fort Worth, Texas	Nedra H. Cutler, CVA has been the Director of Volunteers for Meals On Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County since 1979. She has seen the development of the volunteer program from delivering 185 meals a day to over 3,000 meals a day. Nedra Cutler has trained locally and nationally with other Meals On Wheels programs and with the Association of Volunteer Administration plus other volunteer management training conferences. She is a Charter member of the Tarrant County Director of Volunteers in Agencies and the Texas Association of Volunteer Managers. Nedra is a past member of the Board of Directions for the International Association of Volunteer Administration as the Chair of Network Development. She received her Certification in Volunteer Administration (CVA) in 2005.
Panelist: Kathy Heick Retired 2007 from the Volunteer Center of North Texas Richardson, Texas	Katherine Heick, former Associate Executive Director of the Volunteer Center of North Texas, brings a wealth of volunteer resources management experience. During her career, she has served as the volunteer resources manager for the Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church, Family Outreach of Richardson/Plano, Richardson Junior League and the Dallas County Juvenile Department. Kathy is a former board member of DADV and the VMC.
Panelist: Melissa Martin Executive Director, Texas Discovery Gardens in Fair Park Dallas, Texas	Melissa Martin, an Ornamental Horticulturist/Naturalist, graduated with a degree in Nursery Management from Texas Tech University and worked in the landscape/nursery business for ten years before she got her start in informal science education though volunteering. She then taught and wrote programs at the Dallas Museum of Natural History for nine years, and assumed the role of Volunteer Coordinator. Melissa came to Texas Discovery Gardens in March of 2000 and it was a "perfect fit" of her interest in teaching Natural Science and her love of Botany. Starting out as an educator/naturalist she soon took on the responsibility of managing the volunteers, a group of talented, dedicated people with whom she shares a special affinity. In 2005 Melissa's job title changed to Director of Adult and Family programs as she became responsible for coordinating Adult and Family educational programming, public Outreach and still supervising, training and scheduling 300 active volunteers. In 2006 the Texas Discovery Gardens Board of Directors asked Melissa to step as Interim Director and within six months asked her to step in as Executive Director. She has a special interest in helping to further the public's understanding of how to work with nature, not against it, by using the native and adaptive plants best suited to our Blackland Prairie soils along with organic gardening methods that create a safe, healthy environment. Using the idea that there is an interdependence in nature that supports all life, Texas Discovery Gardens has become the perfect platform to model how City dwellers can make a difference globally one yard at a time.
Panelist: A. Celeste Sauls-Marks, CVA Agency Relations Director, Volunteer Center of North Texas Dallas, Texas	A. Celeste Sauls-Marks, CVA serves as the Agency Relations Director for Dallas County, Government Relations and Disaster Response at the Volunteer Center of North Texas (VCNT). As the Founder and Leadership Team Leader for the VRM Roundtable, she is leading the project to build the Association of Volunteer Resources Management. Ms. Sauls-Marks serves as the Editor-In-Chief of Volunteer Management Review and on the Steering Committee of International Volunteer Manager Appreciation Day. As a frequent speaker, Ms. Sauls-Marks’ engaging style and insights offer participants the tools to develop and manage robust volunteer programs.

A native of Montgomery, Alabama Carolyn joined the Park and Recreation Department in 1985 and currently manages a staff of over 300 employees. She earned a Bachelor's degree from Alabama State University, and a Master's degree from Texas Christian University, and served as an officer and commander in the United States Air Force and the Texas Air National Guard from September 1977 to August 2006. Carolyn was appointed Commander and promoted to Colonel where she directed 450 troops and was responsible for leading numerous deployments following the terrorist attack of September 11th in Afghanistan and Iraq. She also directed the Texas Military Task Force in response to aiding evacuees from the devastating disaster of Hurricane Katrina and Rita.

She serves on the National Park and Recreation Planning Committee, is a member & past president of the NRPEMS, is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and currently serves on the North Carolina State University Board of Regents Supervisors Management School. She has served on the APRS's Women and Diversity Committee and assisted with countless other NRPA projects. Carolyn has received numerous military, professional, civic honors, awards and decorations.

Presentation Topic: The Keys to Successful Event Planning and Management

Presentation Description: When planning events and special meetings, it is important to know the key ingredients to whether your event will be a boom or bust. The major keys to success are meeting the participant expectations and achieving the overall purpose of your organization. This session will examine proper tips and techniques in planning, marketing, sponsorship development, corporate hospitality management, revenue development and management, venue selection, decoration production, technology development and strategic leadership and governance.

Dr. Carol L. Clyde joined Southern Methodist University as the Director of Leadership and Community Involvement in 2003. She has a Master of Education degree in Educational Policy Planning and Leadership from The College of William and Mary and a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership, Higher Education Administration from Florida Atlantic University. She is currently continuing her graduate education through SMU’s Dispute Resolution program. Carol is a Facilitator for the Key Leader program with Kiwanis International and teaches a variety of leadership courses for undergraduate students through the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development.

Presentation Topic: The Keys to Moving from Conflict to Collaboration

Presentation Description: Conflict is present every day – both at work and home. Participants will clarify what conflict means, their reactions to it, behaviors that help in managing conflict and steps that can be taken to handle conflict so that they can more effectively manage conflict before it manages them.

Millicent Boykin is the Director of Student Programs for the Volunteer Center of North Texas. As Director of Student Programs, she guides the vision of the Student Programs department - to foster social responsibility and learning by embedding the value of volunteerism into the character of youth so they become engaged, active citizens. In addition to working with public/private schools and youth organizations to develop volunteer and service-learning programs, Millicent is a certified PYLI (Points of Light Youth Leadership Institute) trainer, administers the ExxonMobil Community Summer Jobs Program (CSJP) and the Bank of America Student Leaders Program.

Prior to coming to the Volunteer Center, Millicent worked with JACS (Joint Action in Community Service) as Regional Program Director and provided assistance to Job Corps students. She has also served as Executive Administrator of SMARTeams (Science and Math Achiever Teams), an inner city middle school leadership program in Chicago, IL. For the past 9 years, she has served on the Seminar Advisory Committee for HOBY Texas North (Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership), an international organization that encourages high school sophomores to make a positive difference within global society through understanding and action based on effective and compassionate leadership. She also chairs the Diversity Leadership Council of the American Red Cross, Dallas Area Chapter.

Millicent believes in empowering young adults and helping youth develop a habit of service. Her passion for service is evident through one of her favorite quotes, "I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do, interfere with what I can do” – Helen Keller.

Millicent has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.

Presentation Topic: "Putting the Pieces Together": The Key to Developing Creative Youth Projects

Presentation Description: Looking for new ways to involve youth in your volunteer program and develop impactful youth service projects? This workshop is for U! Learn to develop youth councils, build leadership and encourage critical thinking among young adults. Master the art of creatively utilizing the talents of youth volunteers that can spell success for both your organization and students. Don’t miss this resource-rich, interactive and fun workshop that will challenge your way of thinking about volunteer projects and expand your knowledge about maximizing the skills of today’s youth.