Youth Speakers

 

Jeff Benedict	Heather Burton	Michelle Carbee	LaRae Carter
Ahmad Corbitt	Brent DeGraff	Alan Fluckiger	Lara Gallagher
Jan-Erik Jones	Tim Knudson	Ariel Rodriguez	Jon Schmidt
Earl Taylor	Rocky Thomas	Brad Wilcox	Russell Wilcox
Dana Wood

 

Jeff Benedict

Jeff Benedict is an award-winning investigative journalist and the best-selling author of seven books (including The Mormon Way of Doing Business).  His newest book, Little Pink House, is the epic story behind the Supreme Court’s infamous decision on eminent domain.  Jeff has been a contributing writer for Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Times, and the Hartford Courant.  His books have been the basis for features on 60 Minutes, ABC News 20/20, Dateline, HBO Real Sports and the Discovery Channel.  He is a Distinguished Professor at Southern Virginia University, where he teaches advanced writing.  He holds a J.D., an M.A. in Political Science and a B.A. in History and he previously practiced law in Connecticut.

In addition to writing, Benedict has had an active career in politics.  He ran for U.S. Congress in Connecticut and he is the former president of the Connecticut Alliance Against Casino Expansion, a non-profit corporation that he founded with business, civic and religious leaders from around Connecticut.  Mr. Benedict has testified before Congress on the influence of the gambling industry and served as an expert witness on behalf of domestic violence and sexual assault victims, as well as an advisor and consultant to lawyers representing victims of violence.  He is a frequent essayist and guest commentator on national news programs and cable stations.

Brother Benedict is also a homeschool father, and is very active in the education of his children.

Class:
It’s Good To Be the Only One

Heather Burton

Heather Burton is avid. From that descriptor, you can pretty much imagine anything she likes to try and to do. Some of her favorite involvements include learning with her children (eight sons, one daughter), working and playing alongside her husband Allan, creating and bringing to reality events with her southern Alberta homeschooling community, delving deeper in both the practice and study of “Leadership Education,” serving in the Relief Society, teaching, reading, writing, talking about ideas, growing things, playing outdoors (like in the national park near her home), hanging out with her llamas, and thinking whole, uninterrupted thoughts. She is also an avid sleeper.

Canadian by birth and residence, Heather is the President of LEAFF (www.leaffcanada.org) a Leadership Education service organization and is the Director of Arbinger Community, an online gathering of people around the world who are interested in peacebuilding. (www.arbinger.com / www.arbingercommunity.ning.com) Mostly, though, she’s a mom.

Classes:
Education : Preparing for a Life of Excellence, or How To Have the Best Birthday Parties EVER
Lead Me, Guide Me, Walk Beside Me: Finding a Mentor and Being a Mentee

Michelle Carbee

Michelle and her husband Todd have been homeschooling their two boys, Chase (18) and Bryce (16) since they were born, and Michelle is currently homeschooling her niece, Brooke (12) for her second year.  Michelle has been active in homeschooling by organizing and running group activities and classes for the past 9+ years.  She has taught classes for LDSEHE’s annual conference in the past.  This is her second year of working with the LDSEHE Conference Committee.   

Class:
The Clipper Ship Strategy

Ahmad Corbitt

Ahmad S. Corbitt is Director of the New York Office of Public and International Affairs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He and his colleagues regularly represent the Church at United Nations and other international activities and events, and in meetings with UN diplomats and other foreign dignitaries.  He has similar responsibilities with national, regional and local events and dignitaries.  A Church spokesperson, Brother Corbitt also interacts with the media on behalf of the Church.   

Previously, Brother Corbitt was a successful trial and appellate lawyer. He honorably completed a four-year appointment by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a member of the New Jersey (District IV) Ethics Committee, which oversaw ethics complaints against lawyers. Brother Corbitt serves as the Church’s representative on the Board of the National Interfaith Cable Coalition, and as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Bible Association.  He is a member of the President’s Advancement Council at Brigham Young University-Idaho, and the National Advisory Councils of the Marriott School of Management at Brigham Young University and Southern Virginia University.

Brother Corbitt is married to Jayne L. (Joslin) Corbitt. The Corbitts have six children and four grandchildren.  Brother Corbitt served in the Puerto Rico San Juan mission and is fluent in Spanish.  He is president of the Cherry Hill New Jersey Stake.

Classes:
Winning Friends and Influencing People (Youth Amicitia Seminar Keynote)
Developing Character through Literature (Youth Conference Keynote)

Brent DeGraff

Brent DeGraff is an author, teacher and popular lecturer.  He is the founder and co-owner of Liahona Academy located in Pleasant Grove, Utah and the Liahona Distance Education Program, which is the largest LDS-based educational video program for 6th through 12th grade students.

Brother DeGraff is passionate about history and the principles of freedom.  His credentials include Instructor for the Church Education System, International Director of Schools for the Center for Educational Restoration, and  Operations Director and Distance Learning Coordinator for the Center For Alternative Education.  He also co-hosted the weekly radio show "Education Circus" on KSTAR.

In addition, Brother DeGraff has written many articles, authored, co-authored and edited numerous books including LDS-based civics and government textbooks for junior high and high school-age students which truly incorporate an LDS- based study of the Constitution.  Brent is also the Director of Liahona Study Abroad trips to Mexico, Scotland and England as well as the Director of Liahona American History Trips focusing on our Nation's Capital and the principle areas of its founding. In addition, he directs annual Humanitarian Service Trips to Mexico where students and families provide much needed service and relief at orphanages in various cities.

Class:
World History...It’s Better Than Eating Dirt!

Alan Fluckiger 

Alan Fluckiger grew up in New Jersey.  He studied at St. John Fischer College, Rochester, NY, and BYU where he met his wife.  They became with others joint-founders of a home school resource, American Heritage Academy.  For 15 years, this non-profit, private school has provided teaching support to home schooling parents. Alan is currently the CEO of EnsignEd, which provides live, online access to the quality teachers and classes of the Academy for homeschooling families worldwide.

A private pilot by hobby, Alan approaches everything he does with the same precision it takes to fly a plane.  He has a great love for teaching and because his character demands that he is disciplined, he is well-read, well-researched, and well-prepared for everything he teaches. 

Alan served a mission to Japan.  He has also served as elder’s quorum president, bishop, gospel doctrine teacher, ward choir director, and scout leader.  In his spare time Alan shares the gift of considerable musical talent, teaching vocal ensemble and choir.  He also likes to jog and read and fly!

Class:
Hands-On Economics

Lara Gallagher

Lara Gallagher lives with her husband on a farm in the country where they're raising 20 acres of alfalfa, 16 chickens, 4 country bumpkins, and more mud and bugs than they can suck up the central vac. Lara began her organizing journey 9 years ago when she couldn't take another minute of the chaos in her life!  Once she learned and started applying the principles of organization for herself she began teaching others to do the same.  She has a passion for teaching seminars and writing articles for her website, lazyorganizer.com, and for other sites and publications.  Her mission is to organize life, the universe, and everything in it but she will be perfectly content if she just never flushes her keys down the toilet again!  

As a homeschooling mom herself, Lara understands the challenges that come with our chosen lifestyle…so come to her classes and learn how to bring a bit more sanity to your home!

Class:
Get it done in time for fun!

Jan-Erik Jones

Jan-Erik Jones has been a professor of philosophy at SVU since 2002.  He is a lifelong surfer who was born and raised in Los Gatos, California.  Brother Jones served a mission for the LDS church in Porto, Portugal.  He and his wife have been married since 1992 and have two sons, ages 13 and 9.  Jan-Erik conducts research on the history and philosophy of science, and has published articles on the philosophy of Robert Boyle, John Locke, Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz and Hilary Putnam in scholarly journals, anthologies and collections.  He has always thought that “if nature doesn't puzzle you, you're not paying attention.”

Class:
Motion, Matter and Infinities: Lessons From the Central Paradoxes in the History of Science & Mathematics

Tim Knudson

Dr. Knudson graduated with a PhD in Physics from Utah State University. He has been teaching at SVU since 1997. In addition to teaching physics and astronomy, he has served as SVU's Vice President of Academic Affairs, Chair of the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and Director of Student Advising.
Dr. Knudson wants every student to be excited about science- even those who, for some odd reason, don’t want to be an astronaut or a scientist! Astronomy is such an exciting field. Even though it is arguably the “oldest” science, there are still new questions being raised today which fuel the imagination and curiosity of all of us.  
A native of Virginia, Dr. Knudson currently resides in Buena Vista with his wife Lisa, son Andrew, and daughter Marissa.

Classes
Starry, Starry Nights (Evening Activity)

Ariel Rodriguez 

Ariel Rodriguez received his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Family Science from Brigham Young University. He received his Ph.D. in Family and Human Development at Utah State University. Ariel has taught classes at BYU and USU as a graduate student, Texas State University after graduation, and is currently an Associate Professor of Family and Child Development at Southern Virginia University.

Ariel's professional interests include Fatherhood, Parent Education and Marriage Education. He has been a member of the LDS Marriage Network and Family Action Council International. Ariel has conducted research on the influence of father involvement on marriage and children, fathers' adjustment to divorce, and family education and ethics. His most recent research examined how gender is presented in Marriage and Family textbooks.  An excellent speaker, Ariel has made numerous presentations regarding marriage and family relationships to churches, social service agencies, and parent groups. He enjoys educating parents and families as much as he enjoys educating college students.

Ariel and Anne Benson Rodriguez have been married for 21 years and are the parents of 3 children: Nathanael, Sariah and Hannah.  They have homeschooled their children since day one. 

Class:
Boy World and Girl World: Understanding Play, Talk and Friendship with the Opposite Sex (Amicitia Youth Seminar)

Jon Schmidt

Audiences worldwide are taking notice of Jon Schmidt! His fan base defies demographics as his music touches people of all ages and cultures. Often labeled "New Age," Jon has created a hybrid of music that is equal parts classical, contemporary and rock-and-roll. It redefines the New Age genre.

With over 3 million downloaded songs, seven highly popular albums, seven volumes of original piano scores that fly off the shelves and a highly rated television special, Jon's music has proven itself to be a hit.
Jon spends the year playing to sold-out audiences within the western U.S. with performances spanning the globe. His performances showcase the unique blend that is Jon Schmidt, as he transitions from the dramatic and reflective into his show stopping, pyrotechnic-laced back flip. He leads his audiences on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

Jon Schmidt's music and performance will astonish you. Best put by British fan, Reuben Evans, "It's the sort of music that stops you dead and demands that you listen." Check out Jon's website at www.jonschmidt.com for the latest news, mp3s, free sheet music and much more.

Classes:
Got Skills?  Developing Your Talents
Jon Schmidt's Darkest Song Writing Secrets Seminar (2 hour mini-seminar: This workshop has LIMITED SPACE.  ADVANCE SIGN-UP and STRONG PIANO EXPERIENCE are required.  Make sure your e-mail states that you wish to sign up for Jon's Songwriting Class.  You will be sent a confirmation e-mail after your request has been received.  If you do not receive a confirmation e-mail within 24 hours, please contact secretary.ldsehe@gmail.com.) CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE SONGWRITING CLASS VIA E-MAIL.

Earl Taylor

Earl Taylor, President of the National Center for Constitutional Studies, has taught “The Making of America Constitutional Study” course to thousands of people over the past twenty years throughout the nation. He has developed other study courses for a wide range of participants, from high school students to state legislators.

Educated in Washington State and Arizona, Mr. Taylor graduated from Arizona State University and received his Masters Degree in Political Science from George Wythe College and Coral Ridge Baptist University. He has had the privilege of being privately tutored by Dr. W. Cleon Skousen over the course of many years. He became President of the National Center for Constitutional Studies in 1995, an organization founded by Dr. Skousen in 1971 as the Freemen Institute. The purpose of the NCCS is to teach Americans the exciting message of the Founding Fathers – where they got their great ideas and how they put them all together into a Constitution for the establishment of the first free people in modern times.

Earl Taylor served as coordinator in 1985 of the Winter Conference for State Legislators where nearly 400 elected officials from 30 states met to study The Making of America. He has written a special study guide for Boy Scouts to help them earn their Citizenship Merit Badges.

Brother Taylor established one of the first charter high schools in Arizona, Heritage Academy, where he has developed a special curriculum for the teaching of hundreds of students the exciting message of the Founding Fathers. Mr. Taylor has also been instrumental in encouraging the celebration of Constitution Week in many cities and schools throughout the nation. Mr. Taylor and his wife, Ruth, are the parents of ten children and reside in Mesa, Arizona.

Class:
Is it Constitutional? - Learning Wisdom in Our Youth

Rocky Thomas

Rocky Thomas was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina to Ted and Karen Thomas and is a sister to five girls and two boys.  Her father was an Army officer and as a result of the constant moving and poor school districts, her mother decided to homeschool all eight children.  

Miss Thomas was homeschooled from first grade until college.  At age 16 she attended Central Texas College; she transferred to Cisco Jr. College; then to BYU-Idaho where she studied Business, Photography, and minored in Physical Education.  She received her Bachelor’s Degree in December 2004 at age 20.  After graduating with her Bachelor’s Degree, Rocky took a year and a half break from school and served a mission in the Salt Lake City Temple Mission.  Soon after her mission, she returned to school and in May 2008 graduated with her Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Webster University.

Rocky has held job positions as a Client Contact Specialist, Photographer, Receptionist, Budget Technician for the Deputy of Resource Management (DRM) at Fort Leavenworth Kansas, and is currently a Management Analyst Intern for the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (HQ TRADOC) of the United States Army. She received a Certificate of Accomplishment in Program and Management Analysis in November 2008.  She is also a member of the International Leadership Association (ILA).

Aside from work Rocky’s interests are dancing, paintballing, boxing, exercising, traveling, and learning new things.  She is the Activities Chairwoman for her Young Single Adult (YSA) Branch as well as the YSA Tri-Stake Chairwoman.  She networks with various organizations to coordinate service projects for various groups.   Her ultimate goal in life is to live up to her fullest potential and become the best she can be spiritually, physically, educationally, and mentally.  She loves life, learning, and thrives on having challenges, change, and opportunities to progress.

Classes:
Preparing for Life's Mission
The Balancing Act

Brad Wilcox

Brad Wilcox grew up primarily in Provo, Utah except for some childhood years spent in Ethiopia, Africa.  He served a mission in Chile and has lived with his family in New Zealand where he directed a Study Abroad Program for Brigham Young University. Their family also lived in Laramie, Wyoming while Brother Wilcox was working on his Ph.D. at the University of Wyoming. Most recently, Brother Wilcox and his family presided over the Chile Santiago East Mission, returning home to Provo in July of 2006.

Brad and his wife, Debi, have four children. Debi is a Registered Nurse and also served a mission in Guatemala. The Wilcox kids from oldest to youngest are: Wendee, Russell, Whitney, and David.   Brother Wilcox taught sixth grade in Provo before joining the faculty at BYU where he is an associate professor in the Department of Teacher Education. Brad teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in literacy and children's literature.

Brother Wilcox loves working with youth programs held at BYU such as Especially for Youth and Campus Education Week. He also enjoys visiting schools across the country and helping to promote literacy. Reading, writing, teaching, and traveling are some of Brad’s favorite things. He also loves peanut M&M's and pepperoni pizza! (He realizes that doesn't sound too healthy so he’s really trying hard to learn to love salads.) Brad also loves music. (He usually plays it in his car with the volume turned way up!)

Classes:
What Do You Get for Being a Mormon?  A Better Education (Opening Keynote)
If You Can Laugh at It, You Can Live With It (Closing Keynote)
Prepare Now to Be a Great Missionary (Boys' Class)
Technology Is a Great Servant, But a Terrible Master

Russell Wilcox

After graduating high school, Russell Wilcox (Brad Wilcox’s son) attended BYU-Idaho for a year where he received his Associates Degree.  Shortly after his last semester there, Russell served a mission in Malaga, Spain.  After returning home, Russell attended BYU, recently graduating with a BA in Humanities and a minor in Spanish.  While attending BYU, he taught at the MTC for two years.  He loved interacting with the missionaries and feeling involved in missionary work again.  Russell has had a few articles published in the New Era and recently co-authored a book (with his father) about mission preparation, titled Raising Ourselves to the Bar.  Russell has been married to Trish Wilcox for over a year now and with her, his life is continually getting better!

Classes:
Prepare Now to Be a Great Missionary (Boys' Class)
Technology Is a Great Servant, But a Terrible Master

Dana Wood

Dana and her husband, Spencer, have been homeschooling their 10 children since 1987. As a military family, they have lived all" over the country, including nine years in Alaska. Besides homeschooling, Dana enjoys reading, sewing, gardening, knitting and quilting. As LDSEHE Vice President, Dana is primarily responsible for the extraordinary success of our youth education conference over the past two years. She is also becoming an oft-requested and trusted speaker across the nation. She and her family reside in New Jersey.

Class:
MITOL- Most Important Time of Life (Amicitia Youth Seminar)