Events

Dhruv is a high school junior in the Montgomery Blair High School STEM magnet program. Dhruv has always been passionate about helping people in his community because of his personal experiences. Observing the struggles of his grandparents motivated him to start an international teen run volunteer group effort called Teens Helping Seniors to help deliver essentials to seniors and vulnerable populations in the area during the COVID-19 crisis. He also volunteers at local hospitals and nursing homes where he helps alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation. He is an avid research scientist pursuing innovations for social good. His hobbies are singing, public speaking, and debating competitively at a national level.

http://www.therebootcoach.net/

Susanne Navas works with individuals, groups, and organizations who seek her help in navigating stress, building healthy habits, increasing productivity and a sense of control.  A certified Life Purpose & Career Coach, Recovery Coach and Triathlon Coach, and Trauma-Informed Yoga Instructor, Susanne believes that at the root of most if not all dis-ease is a profound disconnect. This disconnect is with the body, with meaningful, authentic relationships, with purposeful activity and contribution, with sleep and rest, with real, whole food, and with a power greater than ourselves. Susanne is fluent in English, Spanish and French, is an Adjunct Professor at the School of Medicine at George Washington University and is currently pursuing a second Master’s degree, in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through the College of William & Mary.

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The point where we are so cracked that we feel we can no longer tolerate the status quo, is exactly the point where we can choose to start really connecting with our true purpose. 

Nancy Floreen,  formerly a  4 term member of the Montgomery County Council, currently serves as President of Rebuilding Together Montgomery County.  Previously known as Christmas in April,  Rebuilding Together has brought volunteers and local contractors together to provide free home repairs for low-income homeowners over the past 30 years. Our primary focus is on veterans and seniors and the need to ensure that their homes are safe and healthy. Given the current COVID crisis, this often unseen need is greater than ever.

https://rebuildingtogethermc.org/

Manu Shahi is an educator, business owner, author, and the founder of Homework in a Cafe.
She has been in the after-school industry for 13 years, impacting students' lives by coaching
thousands of kids while helping them develop systems that work to build their study skills and
excel in their academic endeavors. Her programs help students and parents with academic
stress, advancement, and motivation.
Manu successfully ran the Kumon Math and Reading Center in Highland Village for ten years
while increasing the academic achievements of the students every lesson, every time. She has
been through numerous training sessions on topics that are taught in HIAC such as executive
functions, study skills, and coaching from the Boston SMART Program and Rush University in
Chicago. Recent training for Project Wayfinder, which the Stanford Design School designed,
brings in a social-emotional learning aspect that is applied to her students and clients in every
interaction.
Manu has been coaching academically and socially stressed teenagers, college students, and
families throughout her tenure as an educator. She is consistently motivating her clients and
staff to discover their inner drive while achieving their short-term and long-term goals.
Additionally, Manu has successfully led dozens of workshops, discussions, and panels on many
different issues such as family, academics, teens, motivation, resilience, and self-image. She has
served on many PTA boards, won outstanding service awards from school districts, and
conducted workshops for parents and teens.
Manu periodically speaks to business professionals at local, national, and international
corporations at different conventions. Because of her time spent as the Founder while
spear-heading HIAC, she won a professional excellence award. She is an author of a bestselling
book, a TEDx speaker, Regional Team Leader for the LeanIn Organization, along with being an
active volunteer for the Make a Wish Foundation.
Manu is married to Sandeep, has a daughter named Janvi along with a dog Butterscotch. She is
known in her community as a connector. She wishes for all parents to understand that it is
essential to connect as community stakeholders in the schools before they correct their
children.

https://www.homeworkinacafe.com/

Jan Archer has been a volunteer speaker for more than 70 audiences nationwide. She is a farmer, a grandmother, a connector, a past president of the National Pork Board, and a mentor to young farmers and agriculture students.  Jan began her career at DeKalb Swine Breeders working in a Kansas facility and later in a Singapore facility. Today, she and her husband own Archer farms in North Carolina. She also manages outreach for N.C. Pork Council.  Jan Archer holds a Michigan State University, Bachelors in Animal Science degree.

Virtual Barn Tours Available
Next week, through a partnership with South Dakota State University, we have scheduled a live streaming barn tour led by students.

Live Barn Tours

Through a partnership with South Dakota State University, we can schedule live streaming barn tours led by students.  Ms. Mason serves as an industry volunteer and speaks nationwide.  

Denise Mason is the Training and Development Coordinator for Maxwell Foods located in Goldsboro, North Carolina. The company raises pigs and turkeys and operates Goldsboro Milling Company. Denise joined the company in 1995 and has held positions as Boar-Stud Manager, A.I. Division Manager and in 2017 became the company’s Training and Development Coordinator. Denise is a Pork Quality Assurance Plus certified advisor through the National Pork Board and is on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Pork Council. She is also a certified American Red Cross instructor for CPR and First Aid.  Denise attended East Carolina University and Wayne Community College where she earned a degree in Animal Science.