Our Speakers
Our speakers are the core of our organization and its mission. In working with thousands of students every year, they’ve collectively covered topics, including but not limited to, suicide prevention, healthy relationships, boundary setting, personal development, and building confidence in one’s own identity.
All of our speakers live in the counties we serve and have a breadth knowledge and connection to the Northeast Indiana area. We pride ourselves on stepping away from homogenous leadership, as each member of the team comes from a different background. Holding knowledge and degrees from various sectors and jobs outside the organization, our speakers are training and sales specialists, creators, barbers, nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs, certified life coaches, etc..
Why we do this work
“So many young people need to hear our curriculum for various reasons. I love getting to mentor young people by sharing the mistakes I've made with the lessons I've learned and combining them with the RespectTeam curriculum.”
— Kyle
“I became a speaker to help support students beyond academics. Because of my own story, I understand that students deal with so much that adults may never know about, so I wanted to be a support for students in those areas of their lives that may cause them to feel shame, guilt, or unworthiness.”
— Holly
“I want everyone to see life as a priceless gift, to understand the value of who they are, and to recognize that in others. Even if a relationship doesn’t happen in any capacity with someone else, even when boundaries are drawn, the other person is infinitely loved, just as you are.”
— Mandy
These active members of the Northeast Indiana community choose to do this work and stay involved for years because of their own life experiences and hardships. Through sharing their stories combined with our curriculum, they’ve helped equip many engaged youths with the knowledge, understanding, and confidence they need to make healthier choices in their personal lives. Respect is embodied in the value of stories and allowing children to listen; receiving feedback and appreciation from them shows the impact of intentional communication.
Interested in learning more about our speakers?
Our Board of Directors
The RespectTeam board is made up of several community members whose aim is to provide governance and fund development to support our programs and events. They work together to provide support to our Executive Director, Jordan Kerner. (As of 09/2024)
Executive Director | Jordan A. Kerner
Over 12 years of serving youth in education and mental health development.
“Commit to compassion…”
President | Gennifer Robbins
Manager of Quality Performance Improvement Population Health at IU Health
CEO at Veritable Coaching Group
Strategic Impact | Melissa Eschbach
President, STAR Technologies
Treasurer | Hannah Field
CPA at FORVIS, LLP
Community Impact | Samantha Tata
Talent Development, 3Rivers FCU
Strategic Impact | Nick Shipe
Director of Premium Transport, Circle Logistics
Strategic Impact | Jason Jackson
Continuous Improvement, Parkview Health
Education Impact | Damian Disque
Assistant CTE Director & Special Populations Coordinator at Impact Institute
Legacy Board Member | Amy Hanna
Co-founder & former Executive Director of RespectTeam
Regional Director for Youth for Christ: Dekalb, Noble, Steuben, LaGrange
Strategic & Community Impact |
Andrew & Saloumeh DeGood
CEO for ASKBob Ai & Psychologist
Education Impact | Melissa Hissong
Superintendent, East Allen County Schools
Community Impact | Krystal Miller
Marketing, Lutheran Health Network
Student Board
RespectTeam offers leadership and community engagement opportunities for students who have been involved in our programs.
These students who choose to be on our board are able to give out ideas for upcoming events, help with the implementation, and attend those events as support staff.
In addition to volunteer and community-related experiences, our students are educated and empowered through RespectTeam’s mission through individual mentorship offered by our organization’s board members.
“If you’re looking for ways to get involved or find your strengths, RespectTeam will help you grow in any capacity within a safe space.”
Promyse (Student Board VP)
Adma (Former Student Board Member)
“Because of RespectTeam, I’ve gained people skills that have given me a better outlook on life and confidence from a space of community.”
Wanna get involved?
If you’re a student interested in gaining leadership and community engagement experience, please fill out the inquiry form below and speak about your interest in joining the Student Board and why.
