Dr. Ellen Lowrie Black spent her early life in Delaware County, PA, where she grew up as the middle child of Roy and Peg Lowrie. Because God called Ellen’s parents to Christian Education, she was blessed to attend the Delaware County Christian School from Kindergarten to Graduation.

Christian education is very close to her heart, as her children and grandchildren attend Christian Schools. Ellen holds degrees from Eastern Mennonite, Texas A&M, Temple University, and post-doctoral studies at Harvard and Cornell. She has held many roles in education, from K12 to graduate education, having taught kindergarten and started doctoral programs.

Currently, she serves at Liberty University in the Office of LU ONE, focusing on biblical unity and raising the next generation of Christian leaders. She continues her passion for graduate education, teaching in the doctoral program in the School of Education. Her prayer is that our time together will encourage teachers and administrators who serve God on the front lines of education. Ellen is on the board of the Network of International Christian Schools which has schools on 5 continents.

Dr. Ellen Black was awarded the Liberty University President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching recognizing faculty dedicated to outstanding teaching in both the residential and online classrooms, through the use of instructional technology, the integration of faith into learning, innovation, and a commitment to the personal growth of each student.

Ellen is blessed to be the mother of three children and six grandchildren. She believes grand-mommy is the sweetest word in the English language.

Dr. Kimberley Harrington Markus, former New Jersey Commissioner of Education and recently retired educator of 30 years, currently serves as the CEO of Education Advisors.

Kimberley is known for her work advocating for students and serving the educators, parents, and community members supporting them. She believes the student voice must be at the forefront of every conversation in order for students to grow academically, emotionally, and physically to reach their maximum potential.

Throughout her career, Kimberley has always maintained a focus on the importance of the cycle of teaching and learning and its impact on improved outcomes for students. She continues to place an emphasis on building a strong climate and culture as a means of providing a solid foundation for sustainable progress and making a difference in children’s lives.

Kimberley has been recognized with many awards including: the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Lifetime Contribution to Arts Education, EdTech Hero Award, Boyer Outstanding Educator Award, and the College of New Jersey Advocacy Award. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Gordon College, a Master of Arts in Education Leadership, and her doctorate from Saint Peter’s University.

The DUFFIELD’S fifty-year ministry is going just as strong today, bringing their faith-filled retro music, humor, and spirit-led message to a whole new generation. These Jersey transplants live in Rockvale, Tennessee, are producers of three non-profit podcasts, are avid social media junkies and are foremost advocates for abused women, disenfranchised children, and the forgotten elderly worldwide. Their “Couch to Kitchen” Virtual Concerts have reached over a million viewers online. Jeff, an accomplished musician, and pianist, produces and arranges for many Inspirational and Gospel Music artists internationally. Their love for Jesus is absolutely contagious.

Dr. Dawn M. Cobb-Fossnes has been in the field of education since 1980 as a high-school math teacher, guidance counselor, and principal. She currently is an adjunct professor and instructional mentor to professors at Liberty University and a middle-school principal at a charter school. Dawn has worked both in Christian and public schools. She was the co-founder of a Christian High School in Cream Ridge, NJ, that included international students. In addition, she is the founder of Melody Ministries, Inc which is a non-profit that provides a free week of camp for underprivilege boys and girls. The boys’ camp was started in 1999 and the girls’ camp in 2012. She is also the founder of Initiative in Education, an LLC who is sponsoring this conference. In addition, Dawn is the co-author of curriculum about critical thinking.