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Servant Leadership Institute

Educator Leadership Academy

Part 1: Friday, May 19, 2023 - Sunday, May 21, 2023
Part 2: Friday, February 9, 2024 - Saturday, February 10, 2024
$500/person
Concordia University Irvine
 

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Join the 2023-2024 Educator Leadership Academy

Who

K-12 public and private school administrators, teachers, and counselors.

  • Schools and District Offices are encouraged to send at least three team members from their site
  • Enrollment will be limited to 75 participants

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What

Concordia University’s Servant Leadership Institute is sponsoring five days of professional development for educators across the nation to acquire insights on how to become exemplary servant leaders of character with specific skills to create positive school cultures where students thrive.

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When

The Educator Leadership Academy begins with three days of professional development training with seminar sessions, networking, a symposium, and time to connect with leadership coaches and fellow colleagues.

  • Friday, May 19, 2023 (4:30 pm - 8:00 pm)
  • Saturday, May 20, 2023 (8:00 am - 7:00 pm)
  • Sunday, May 21, 2023 (8:00 am - 2:15 pm)

The Academy reconvenes in February with follow-up debriefing and additional leadership seminars with options to attend on our campus or virtually.

 

February dates are tentative:

  • Friday, February 9, 2024 (8:00 am - 4:00 pm)
  • Saturday, February 10, 2024 (8:00 am - 2:30 pm)

View Schedule

Where

Concordia University Irvine’s beautiful campus (Orange County, CA)

1530 Concordia West
Irvine, CA 92612

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Student on a computer

Leadership Coaching

As an added benefit of the Educator Leadership Academy, each school team will be matched with a trained Leadership Coach who will meet via Zoom for 60-90 minutes/month for 9 months.

 

Speakers/Facilitators

Seminar sessions led by faculty members from Concordia’s School of Education and distinguished leaders in education, business, and athletics.

Topics

  • Effective Servant Leadership
  • Essential Ingredients to Building a Championship Team
  • Systemic Integration of SEL/Character into Today’s Schools
  • Relationships – The Real Priority of a Servant Leader 
  • Kaizen Challenge
  • Panel Discussion - Leading Through Conflict and Adversity
  • Ethics in Education 
  • Lessons on Leadership and Character Learned in the Marines 
  • Motivating for Excellence
  • Debriefing on Personal Leadership Plans and Kaizen Challenge
  • How to Build Trust as a Leader
  • Reimagining Servant Leadership for the 21st Century
  • Developing a Positive School Culture
  • Self Care and Balance as a Leader
                     

Accommodations

  • Dormitory rooms are available for out-of-town guests. For a total of $100 (May Only)
  • Discounted rates are available at the Sonesta

Graduate Credit Available

Three units of graduate credit available to participants who register for the EDEL 510 course and complete course learning outcomes.

Cost

A generous grant from the Kern Family Foundation allows each applicant to participate at a reduced rate of $500/person

Participants wishing to earn three units of graduate credit have an additional tuition fee of $1,000.

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Tentative Schedule

Subject to change

Friday, May 19, 2023 - BMC
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm Check in and dinner
6:00 pm - 6:40 pm Welcome mixer
6:45 pm - 8:00 pm Session 1 - Effective Servant Leadership
Saturday, May 20, 2023 - BMC
8:15 am - 9:00 am Networking Breakfast-Cafeteria
9:00 am - 10:15 am

Session 2 - Essential Ingredients to Building a Championship Team-
10:15 am - 10:30 am Break
10:30 am - 11:45 am Session 3 - Systemic Integration of SEL/Character into Today’s Schools–
12:00 pm - 12:45 pm Lunch - Cafeteria
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Session 4 - Relationships – The Real Priority of a Servant Leader–
2:30 pm - 2:45 pm Break
2:45 pm - 3:45 pm Session 5 - Kaizen Challenge
3:45 pm - 4:30 pm Reports from Cohort #1
4:30 pm - 5:00 pm Meet with Leadership Coaches
5:15 pm - 7:30 pm Reception and Dinner - Cafeteria
Sunday, May 21, 2023 - GSC
8:15 am - 9:00 am Networking Breakfast - GSC
9:00 am - 10:15 am

Session 6 - Panel Discussion - Leading Through Conflict and Adversity
10:15 am - 10:30 am Break
10:30 am - 11:45 am Session 7 - Ethics in Education I
11:45 am - 12:30 pm Lunch - GSC
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm Session 8 - Ethics in Education II
2:00 pm - 2:15 pm Closing Comments
Friday, February 9, 2024
8:15 am - 8:45 am Networking Breakfast - GSC
8:45 am - 9:00 am Opening Comments
9:00 am - 10:15 am Session 9 - Motivating for Excellence
10:15 am - 10:30 am Break
10:30 am - 11:45 am Session 10 - Lessons on Leadership and Character Learned in the Marines
11:45 am - 12:45 pm Lunch
12:45 pm - 2:00 pm Session 11 - Debriefing on Personal Leadership Plans and Kaizen Challenge
2:00 pm - 2:15 pm Break
2:15 pm - 3:30 pm Session 12 - Developing a Positive Culture as a Servant Leader
Saturday, February 10, 2024
8:15 am - 9:00 am Networking Breakfast - GSC
9:00 am - 10:15 am Session 13 - Reimagining Servant Leadership for the 21st Century-
10:15 am - 10:30 am Break
10:30 am - 11:45 am Session 14 - How to Build Trust as a Servant Leader
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Lunch-  GSC
1:00 pm - 2:15 pm Session 15 - Self-care and Balance as a Leader
2:15 pm - 2:30 pm Closing Comments
Dr. Kent Schlichtemeier

Dr. Kent Schlichtemeier

Session #1: Effective Servant Leadership
Session #5: Kaizen Challenge

Dr. Kent Schlichtemeier, Director of Concordia’s Servant Leadership Institute will discuss the impact that servant leaders can make in today’s schools. Each participant will have the opportunity to identify and integrate timeless leadership characteristics and strategies into a personal leadership plan to maximize their servant leadership.

Kent Schlichtemeier has enjoyed serving for over four decades as a leader in education. He began his career teaching 6th-8th grades. After completing his Master’s degree at the University of Denver, he taught and coached at the high school level in Orlando, FL. Kent served as a Professor in the School of Education at Concordia University Irvine from 1988-2003 where he mentored future teachers. In addition to teaching at Concordia, Kent was the women’s basketball coach until retiring from coaching in 1993 to pursue his doctoral degree. During the final two seasons of Kent’s tenure as coach, the Lady Eagle basketball team made two consecutive appearances at the NAIA National Basketball Tournament after winning the Golden State Athletic Conference Championships. Kent was named the District Three NAIA Coach of the Year in 1992 and 1993 and was inducted into the Concordia Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006.

Kent completed his Ed.D. at UCLA in Educational Leadership. Kent served as a teacher and Assistant Principal at Orange Lutheran High School from 2003-2007 before returning to teach at Concordia University Irvine and most recently serve as the Dean of the School of Education. Today, Kent is thrilled to serve as the inaugural Director of the Servant Leadership Institute. Kent enjoys frequent opportunities to speak at sports banquets, school graduations, teacher conferences, leadership retreats, and business seminars.

Kent and his wife Cindy, are blessed by God with two children - Aaron and Kayla.

Cori Close

Cori Close

Session #2: Essential Ingredients to Building a Championship Team

Cori Close was named The Michael Price Family UCLA Women’s Head Basketball Coach on April 21, 2011, and is currently 233-123 (.654) overall. The 2022-23 campaign will mark Close’s 12th season at the helm of the Bruins.
 
The 2021-22 season proved to be “one of the most challenging years of [Close’s] career,” as the Bruins battled injuries and faced postponements and a forfeiture due to COVID-19 protocols. UCLA finished 18-13 overall, but the team managed to catch fire late in the season. Close guided the Bruins to a postseason run in the WNIT, making a trip to the semifinals before falling to South Dakota State.

Charisma Osborne and IImar'I Thomas earned All-Pac-12 honors in the 2021-22 campaign, as Osborne ranked third in the conference in scoring (16.4 ppg). Thomas added 15.7 points on 54.4% shooting and 5.9 rebounds per game in 31 appearances for the Bruins. UCLA graduated seven members of the 2021-22 squad, including Thomas, Natalie Chou and Chantel Horvat, who all found themselves playing professionally overseas after earning their degrees from the No. 1 public institution in America.

Close led the Bruins through an unpredictable 2020-21 season, a campaign that required Close to navigate COVID-19 protocols and a limited roster. The Bruins posted a 17-6 overall record, picking up wins against five ranked opponents. The Bruins were ranked inside the top 11 of the AP Poll throughout the season and notched the No. 5 spot in November, the highest ranking for the program since 2017. Close guided the Bruins to the Pac-12 Tournament championship game and an eventual three-seed in the NCAA Tournament. It was the sixth NCAA Tournament appearance under Close’s tenure.
 
Close earned her 200th-career win in the Bruins’ victory at Arizona State on Dec. 6, 2020. She joined Billie Moore (296-181) and Kathy Olivier (232-208) as the only coaches in program history to eclipse the 200-win milestone. Close boasts the highest winning percentage (.662) of the three (Moore -- .621, Olivier -- .527).
 
Michaela Onyenwere earned AP Third-Team All-American honors for the second-straight year and was selected by the New York Liberty with the sixth pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft. Onyenwere became the sixth Bruin under Close’s tenure to be drafted into the WNBA, and the fifth in the last four years. Onyenwere and Charisma Osborne each picked up All-Pac-12 accolades while Emily Bessoir was tabbed to the Pac-12 All-Freshman team. Natalie Chou earned All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention recognition after averaging a career-high 9.9 points per game.

2019-20 was an historic year for Close and the Bruins. UCLA won its first 13 games of the campaign, setting a new program record for the most consecutive wins to start a season. The Bruins’ win over then-No. 6 Stanford marked Close’s 100th-career Pac-12 victory. A win over the Trojans in the Pac-12 Tournament quarterfinals won the Bruins the season series over their crosstown rival. UCLA would, ultimately, finish the year 26-5 and was set to host the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament. The national postseason schedule, however, was canceled due to COVID-19.

Close helped guide the Bruins to a myriad of individual honors during the 2019-20 season. Junior Michaela Onyenwere earned AP Third Team All-America acclaim and also garnered All-Pac-12 recognition. Senior Japreece Dean also earned All-Pac-12 honors while Charisma Osborne picked up Pac-12 All-Freshman accolades. Dean was drafted with the 30th overall pick by the Chicago Sky in the 2020 WNBA Draft, becoming the fifth draft pick across Close’s tenure at the helm.

The 2018-19 season saw UCLA win 13 of its last 17 games and finish fourth in a highly competitive Pac-12 Conference, and Close was ultimately named the Media Pac-12 Coach of the Year. The Bruins collected nine road wins, the most since 2012-13 when the team had 13. UCLA also had seven top-25 wins, including a pair of top-10 wins over then-ranked No. 2 Oregon and No. 9 Maryland. In UCLA’s historic win over the Ducks on Feb. 22, the Bruins overcame a 22-point deficit and secured their biggest win since knocking off No. 2 Stanford in 2008. The loss for Oregon marked its only setback in Eugene that season.  

UCLA, which ranked second in the NCAA in offensive rebounds per game (17.3) in 2018-19, ultimately finished 22-13 on the year, reaching the semifinals of the Pac-12 Tournament and collecting NCAA Tournament wins over Tennessee and Maryland, before falling to perennial power UCONN by a final score of 69-61. It was the fourth-straight Sweet 16 appearance for UCLA, making the Bruins one of just eight NCAA Division I programs to do so. In the final ESPN/USA Today rankings, UCLA rose 10 spots to No. 14, the highest leap by any program in the polls. Close produced her fourth WNBA draft pick as a head coach, as Kennedy Burke was picked in the second round by the Dallas Wings as the 22nd overall pick.
 
Close guided the Bruins to a 27-8 overall record in 2017-18, including a tie for third place in the Pac-12 with a 14-4 mark. She was named the 2018 United States Marine Corps/WBCA NCAA Division I Region 5 Coach of the Year for the second time in her career. The Bruins reached the Sweet 16 for a record extending third consecutive year and ended the season with an Elite 8 appearance for the first time since 1999, falling to No. 1 Mississippi State on March 25, 2018. She also produced her second and third draft picks as a head coach as Jordin Canada was taken as the fifth overall pick in the first round by the Seattle Storm and Monique Billings was the 15th overall pick (third pick in the second round) by the Atlanta Dream.

In 2016-17, Close led the Bruins to a 25-9 overall record, including a fourth-place finish in the Pac-12 with a 13-5 record (the No. 1 conference in the country in RPI for the second straight season). She posted her 100th-career victory in a 95-47 win over Southern on Nov. 18, 2016. She also guided the Bruins to their first back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances in program history.

In 2015-16, Close led the Bruins to a 26-9 overall record and a third-place finish in the Pac-12 with a 14-4 record and guided the Bruins to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999. Close was named the 2016 United States Marine Corps/WBCA NCAA Division I Region 5 Co-Coach of the Year (with Arizona State’s Charli Turner Thorne). She also produced her first draft pick as a head coach, as Nirra Fields was selected as the 32nd overall pick (eighth pick in the third round) by the Phoenix Mercury.

On April 4, 2015, Close led the Bruins to their first WNIT Championship in school history in UCLA’s first-ever appearance in the postseason tournament with a 62-60 win over West Virginia in Charleston, W.Va.. It marked UCLA’s first postseason title of any kind since winning the Pac-10 Tournament in 2006.

This is the first head coaching assignment for Close, who has worked as associate head coach or assistant on teams that have advanced to the NCAA Tournament in 16 seasons, won at least 20 games in 16 of the previous 18 seasons and won or shared a total of 11 conference championships.

Close, who served on the Bruin coaching staff in 1994 and 1995, returns to Westwood after spending seven seasons as associate head coach at Florida State University. Considered one of the top offensive minds in the game, Close helped guide the Seminoles into a nationally-recognized program in her time. FSU ranked among the nation’s top 30 teams in scoring, field goal percentage and three-point field goal percentage her last two seasons. 

Florida State advanced to the NCAA Tournament in each of coach Close’s seasons in Tallahassee and won at least 20 games in all but one. Point guard play and offensive efficiency were strong points under Close’s direction. FSU shot at least 41.8 percent from the field in each of the last seven seasons and hit over 37 percent of its three-point attempts the last two seasons, including a school-record 212 made three-point shots in 2010.

In addition to her on-court tasks, Close was also instrumental in recruiting (she coached four first-team All-ACC Freshman team selections and five players selected in the WNBA Draft while at FSU) while also working with the school’s marketing department in their efforts to promote the program.

In 2010-11, Florida State posted a 24-8 record, finished third in the Atlantic Coast Conference with an 11-3 mark, was ranked No. 20 in the final ESPN/USA Today poll and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament after matching the program’s best tournament seed ever at No. 3. The 2010 FSU squad captured a share of the ACC regular season championship, set a school record with 29 wins and advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history. Jacinta Monroe was selected in the first round of the WNBA draft, No. 6 overall, the highest of any FSU player.

The 2009 Seminole squad also won a share of the conference regular season crown and earned the highest seed into the NCAA Tournament in school history, at the time, at No. 3. The 2008 FSU team earned its highest regular season ranking ever in the polls to that point in time, at No. 18. In 2007, Florida State advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time in school history and earned its highest ranking to that point, at No. 19, in the season’s final national poll. In Close’s initial season in Tallahassee, FSU posted its first 20-win campaign in 14 seasons.

Close joined the FSU staff after serving nine seasons (1995-2004), the last three as associate head coach, at her alma mater, UC Santa Barbara, class of 1993. Some of her duties included overseeing skill development of the players, on-court offensive coaching, recruiting and scheduling.

As UCSB’s player development coordinator, Close’s work led to such achievements as a 98 percent graduation rate, seven WNBA players, 15 professional players overseas, 12 Big West Conference MVPs, nine district All-Americans and one second-team All-American. Close was responsible for all offensive tactics, offensive instruction and game-time decisions which helped result in eight NCAA appearances, including three second round games and a trip to the Sweet 16, one NIT consolation championship and 10 Big West Conference regular season or tournament championships. The Gauchos landed three top-10 ranked recruiting classes during her tenure.

Close was also instrumental in fostering support and increasing revenue streams for the UCSB basketball program. She developed and implemented a comprehensive marketing plan, designed fundraising initiatives, coordinated speaking, community service and radio/television appearances and created a Fastbreakers booster program. Her efforts were rewarded in the women’s hoops program becoming the largest revenue producer in the department of athletics.

Close began her collegiate coaching career at UCLA while serving in the role of the restricted earnings coach on the first staff of then-new head coach Kathy Olivier in the 1994 and 1995 seasons. She earned her Master’s Degree in educational administration during her time at the university.

As a player, Close was a four-year starting point guard at UC Santa Barbara and captained the 1992 and 1993 teams, which each advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. A native of Milpitas, Calif., she was a 1993 first-team All-Big West selection and the MVP of the 1993 conference tournament. Close was the first player in school history to record more than 1,000 points and 500 assists for a career and ranked among the top 10 in seven Gaucho statistical categories. She averaged a school-record 8.3 assists per game in 1993 which was among the top 10 marks in the nation that season. On April 30, 2005, Close was inducted into the UC Santa Barbara Athletics Hall of Fame.

Dr. Amy Johnston

Dr. Amy Johnston

Session #3: Systemic Integration of SEL/Character into Today’s Schools
Session #4: Relationships – The Real Priority of a Servant Leader

Dr. Amy Johnston spent 33 years in the field of education and earned Master’s Degrees in Educational Administration and Counseling and an Ed.D. in Character Education and Democratic School Governance from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She taught high school, served as a middle school counselor, and spent 17 years in administration. After she retired from public education, she spent a year as an interim principal at a private K-8 school and began working at the University of Missouri-Missouri in the Center for Citizenship and Character.

During her time as an administrator, she spent a year with Dr. Marvin Berkowitz in his Leadership Academy in Character Education, and the knowledge gained there helped transform her school. In 2008 Francis Howell Middle was named a National School of Character by character.org.

She has shared the FHMS Character Education Journey and the importance of a healthy adult culture and teaching students social and emotional skills as an invited speaker at Tom Lickona’s Character Education Conference (CEC) in New York, the CHARACTERplus Conference in St. Louis, the CEC in Wisconsin, the National CEP Forum in Houston, the District 20 CEC in Colorado Springs, The HOPE Institute in Alabama, the AME Conference at Harvard University and she has worked with school leaders in China and Dubai. She was honored when named the St. Louis Area Middle School Principal of the Year and the UMSL Dean’s Awards for Excellence in Character Education and Excellence in Educational Leadership. She currently does consulting work, teaches, and works on program development in the area of Servant Leadership at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Dr. Troy Hutchings

Dr. Troy Hutchings

Session #7: Ethics in Education I
Session #8: Ethics in Education II

Troy Hutchings researches, writes and speaks in the areas of professional ethics, educator misconduct, and frameworks for an ethical teaching practice. He presents to various state and national policy and practitioner audiences across the United States and Canada. Hutchings also provides expert witness testimony in judicial hearings; collaborates on policy initiatives with state, federal and provincial agencies; and was the subject matter expert for the Model Code of Ethics for Educators as well as numerous other national resources, projects and initiatives.

Dr. Hutchings is the Senior Policy Advisor for the National Association for the State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC). He has a record of full-time teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities at the university level spanning 15 years, and has also served as a high school teacher, administrator and coach in public and private schooling environments for an additional 16 years. In addition, he spent four years conducting research, creating resources and developing thought-leadership capacity in educator ethics for a non-profit educational research and assessment organization.

Dr. Mary Scott

Dr. Mary Scott

Session #9: Motivating for Excellence

Dr. Mary Scott currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director at Orange Lutheran High School in Orange, California. Previously she served as the Head of School at Concordia International School Shanghai, China. She held that position from July, 2016 – June, 2020. Prior to serving at Concordia Shanghai, Mary served in numerous roles at Concordia University Irvine. She completed her years of service there as the Executive Vice President of the University and Provost.

Dr. Scott has spoken at numerous events through-out her career in educational ministry. Her topics have included leadership, women’s leadership, life balance, personal growth and crisis management. She has a heart and a passion for various cultures. Mary has an earned doctorate from Pepperdine University. She has received a number of awards for her service, including the prestigious Spiritus Christi award from her Alma Mater, Concordia University, Chicago.

Mary is married to Dan. They have three daughters. Their youngest daughter is a student at Orange Lutheran High School.

Dan Tarbutton

Dan Tarbutton

Session #10: Lessons on Leadership and Character Learned in the Marines

Dan Tarbutton, retired Marine One pilot for Presidents George W. Bush and Barak Obama, will share lessons learned about being a leader of high character through his service to our country as a United States Marine and now as a Senior Vice President with the Irvine Company.

Dan was born in Washington D.C. and grew up in Bethesda, Maryland. He received his Bachelor's degree in Labor and Industrial Relations from Penn State University and was then commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps.

Most of Dan’s Marine Corps career was spent flying the AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter, including three combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2005, Dan was selected to join Marine Helicopter Squadron One, flying the President of the United States. During this assignment, he was one of five Marine One pilots, responsible for Presidential helicopter missions in the United States and around the globe. He also spent time as a liaison to the British Army in Afghanistan and later helped lead the Marine Corps’ school for all new officers, teaching leadership, military skills and ethics. Dan’s personal military decorations include the Bronze Star, two Meritorious Service Medals, three individual action Air Medals.

After retiring from the Marine Corps as a Lieutenant Colonel, Dan joined the Irvine Company as a Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, achieved his Masters of Business Administration from the University of Southern California and has since been promoted to Senior Vice President of Marketing and Community Management Services. In this role, he leads Marketing and a number of centralized services that support the management of over 125 apartment communities throughout California.

Dan lives in San Clemente with his wife Tanya, and two children.

Jerry Almendarez

Jerry Almendarez

Session #13: Reimagining Servant Leadership for the 21st Century

Jerry Almendarez’ career in education spans 28 years and includes experience as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, and principal. Mr. Almendarez also served as Director of Human Resources for Colton Joint Unified from 2003 to 2007, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources from 2007 to 2010 and Superintendent from 2010-2020. As the Superintendent of Schools for the Santa Ana Unified School District, Jerry Almendarez is responsible for leading the 11th largest school district in the State, with 56 schools and programs, approximately 5,000 employees, and an expense budget of $890.6 million.

Mr. Almendarez has a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Redlands, and a bachelor’s degree in business/finance from Cal State San Bernardino. Mr. Almendarez has also taught as an adjunct professor at Azusa Pacific University and the University of Redlands, and was named a 2019 Ted-Ed Innovative Educator. In 2020 Jerry Almendarez was named CALSA Region 6 Superintendent of the Year.

Andy Klinkenberg

Andy Klinkenberg

Session #6: Panel Discussion - Leading Through Conflict and Adversity

Andy Klinkenberg began his professional career in law enforcement for 12 years for the Santa Ana and Westminster police departments as a gang probation officer. This line of service involved frequent negative interactions with youth which led Andy to become motivated to enter the wonderful world of education. Andy worked for 10 years in the Anaheim Elementary School District as a teacher of multiple grades ( 1,3,5, and 6), a vice principal, and interim principal.

For the past eight years Andy has been an elementary school principal in the Capistrano School District currently serving as the principal at Tijeras Creek Elementary, Rancho Santa Margarita CA. Tijeras Creek currently (2021-2022) boasts the highest test scores within the Capistrano School district as measured by the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA). Andy believes the impact educators have on children is a huge responsibility and an immense opportunity to change a child’s life on a daily basis.

Dr. Rebecca Pianta

Dr. Rebecca Pianta

Session #6: Panel Discussion - Leading Through Conflict and Adversity

Dr. Rebecca Pianta is a champion for equity and a passionate advocate for the school counseling profession. With 17 years of experience in education, she has been a school counselor at all levels, district lead counselor, administrator, and adjunct professor.

As Coordinator of Counseling and Student Support in her former District, Dr. Pianta oversaw the District-wide comprehensive school counseling program and served of the leadership team that developed the District Cultural Proficiency Strategic Plan. Due to her diligent leadership, eleven schools earned the Recognized American School Counselors Association Model Program designation. In 2019, she was recognized as California and Orange County Counselor Advocate of the Year.

Currently, Dr. Pianta is the Coordinator of College and Career Readiness at Santa Ana Unified School District, where she supports 200 school counselors with implementing culturally sustaining comprehensive school counseling programs, and an Adjunct Professor at Concordia University. She also serves on the American School Counselors Board of Directors and is the Director of Equity and Diversity for the Association of California School Administrators Region 17.

Dr. Lori Doyle

Dr. Lori Doyle

Session #5 - Kaizen Challenge

Associate Professor and MAEL Director, School of Education; Assistant Director, Servant Leadership Institute

Dr. Lori Doyle works as Associate Professor of Education at Concordia University Irvine where she serves as Director of the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership program and Assistant Director of the Servant Leadership Institute. She has completed and managed extensive curriculum development projects at the university and serves as Subject Matter Expert for courses in multiple MA programs. Working as an instructor also keeps her mindful of relevant and changing trends in education. Lori has taught at several universities over the past twenty-two years, but her career began as a high school English and theology teacher and curriculum writer. She holds a California Clear Credential in Secondary Education, MAEd in Curriculum and Instruction, and a PhD in Psychology with an emphasis in Cognition. Lori maintains a robust commitment to research and writing; she also enjoys opportunities to collaborate and present at academic and education conferences throughout the year.

Dr. Buddy Mendez

Dr. Buddy Mendez

Session #15 - Self-care and Balance as a Leader

Dr. Mendez is a Professor of Psychology at Concordia University Irvine and a Clinical Psychologist with a private practice in Newport Beach. He graduated from Fuller Theological Seminary with an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. in Psychology. Dr. Mendez has published two books: “Ready, Set, Married: 12 Christian Character Traits for a Strong and Lasting Marriage” and “Surviving Your Child’s Adolescence: A Christian Guide for Meeting Your Teen’s Deepest Needs.”

Michelle Thompson

Michelle Thompson

Session #14 - How to Build Trust as a Servant Leader

Michelle Thompson is the Director of the Executive Coaching and Consulting program at the Townsend Institute at Concordia University.

As a Leadership and Growth Coach, credentialed as a Professional Certified Coach by the International Coaching Federation, she brings a breadth of executive leadership experience in the non-profit and for-profit sectors combined with almost two decades of involvement with the Townsend Growth Model.

Degrees and Certifications

  • M.S., Organizational Development, Abilene Christian University
  • M.A., Children's and Family Ministry, Bethel Seminary
  • B.A., Elementary Education, Concordia University Chicago
  • Professional Certified Coach (PCC), International Coaching Federation
  • Certificate, Conflict Resolution, and Mediation, Abilene Christian University
Dr. Jason Viloria

Dr. Jason Viloria

Session #6: Panel Discussion - Leading Through Conflict and Adversity

Stan Machesky

Stan Machesky

Session #6: Panel Discussion - Leading Through Conflict and Adversity

Since 2014, I have been Irvine Unified School District’s Executive Director, supporting Early Childhood Learning and our 31 Elementary and K-8 schools. Previously, I was a site principal at three different schools across K-8th grade and taught 2nd and 4th grades. My experience with Concordia began in 2006 as an adjunct professor and I’ve taught most of the master’s degree courses in both administration and curriculum and instruction. My wife is a kindergarten teacher in Irvine and we have three sons, one starting law school, one in college and one about to graduate high school.

Vanessa Seifert

Dr. Vanessa Seifert

Session #12 - Developing a Positive Culture as a Servant Leader

Dr. Vanessa Seifert is a passionate scholar who applies proven principles in a customized manner to overcome barriers and empower lasting change. At her core, Vanessa believes life is a journey that includes countless opportunities for growth. She helps leaders influence those around them to learn, grow, and contribute to their communities.

With nearly twenty years of experience, Vanessa guides leaders to uncover answers to their critical questions, unlocking individual and group potential. Her credentials include a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership; an International Coaching Federation’s Associate Coaching Certification (gold standard of coaching); and a Gallup Strengths Coaching Certification. Work on her doctoral dissertation fueled her interest in concepts of how organizational growth first starts with individual change.

Vanessa has served as executive coach for a variety of nonprofit, business and church leaders including the Nebraska District LCMS President, Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska CEO and executive team, and a variety of business clients through previous work at Leadership Resources. In 2017, she initiated Leadership Learning Communities, a two-year leadership development process that includes individual coaching and peer group learning for pastors. She has also served a variety of organizations in leadership roles including service as chair of the National Association of Directors of Christian Education.

In addition to her work as president and executive coach of Seifert Leadership Consulting, Vanessa is a called DC-Discipleship Catalyst at Calvary Lutheran church in Lincoln, Nebraska. In this role, she provides resources for the church and community to further the idea that all of life is faith and all of faith is life. This experience provides ongoing insights into organizational dynamics that continue to enhance her insights on coaching and development.

An avid athlete, Vanessa participated in collegiate sports on the Concordia University Texas and Concordia University Nebraska women’s basketball teams. She has a history of competitive triathlon racing and has instructed cycling classes in her local community. These experiences have deepened her awareness of the importance of team dynamics and individual accomplishment.

Vanessa enjoys spending time with her husband, Brandon, raising their two daughters.

Megan Bouslaugh

Megan Bouslaugh

Session #6: Panel Discussion - Leading Through Conflict and Adversity

Megan Bouslaugh serves as the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Concordia University Irvine.  Megan and her family moved from their lifelong roots in the great Northwest to sunny Southern California in the summer of 2020. She served at Concordia University Portland for 16 years.

Megan grew up in a family of higher education administration. Throughout her childhood, Megan’s father served for 15 years as a university president at a Christian college in Portland, Oregon.  Megan experienced God’s call into the vocation of ministry as a young adult and pursued her Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion and Christian Ministry at Warner Pacific University. Following that degree, Megan received her Master of Arts in Counseling from Western Seminary in 2003. She worked in a private counseling practice before fully diving into her passion for student affairs administration.

Megan has served as a university Title IX Coordinator for over ten years and currently oversees Concordia’s conduct and restoration strategy, wellness services, academic advising and student success programs, and the residence and student life aspects of the University.  She has a heart and passion for the student experience and persistence to graduation, focusing efforts on students building key relationships, utilizing crucial resources, and then challenging themselves to step into vital experiences that will shape Concordia students into wise, honorable, and cultivated citizens.

Vanessa Seifert

Dr. Vanessa Seifert

Session #12 - Developing a Positive Culture as a Servant Leader

Dr. Vanessa Seifert is a passionate scholar who applies proven principles in a customized manner to overcome barriers and empower lasting change. At her core, Vanessa believes life is a journey that includes countless opportunities for growth. She helps leaders influence those around them to learn, grow, and contribute to their communities.

With nearly twenty years of experience, Vanessa guides leaders to uncover answers to their critical questions, unlocking individual and group potential. Her credentials include a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership; an International Coaching Federation’s Associate Coaching Certification (gold standard of coaching); and a Gallup Strengths Coaching Certification. Work on her doctoral dissertation fueled her interest in concepts of how organizational growth first starts with individual change.

Vanessa has served as executive coach for a variety of nonprofit, business and church leaders including the Nebraska District LCMS President, Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska CEO and executive team, and a variety of business clients through previous work at Leadership Resources. In 2017, she initiated Leadership Learning Communities, a two-year leadership development process that includes individual coaching and peer group learning for pastors. She has also served a variety of organizations in leadership roles including service as chair of the National Association of Directors of Christian Education.

In addition to her work as president and executive coach of Seifert Leadership Consulting, Vanessa is a called DC-Discipleship Catalyst at Calvary Lutheran church in Lincoln, Nebraska. In this role, she provides resources for the church and community to further the idea that all of life is faith and all of faith is life. This experience provides ongoing insights into organizational dynamics that continue to enhance her insights on coaching and development.

An avid athlete, Vanessa participated in collegiate sports on the Concordia University Texas and Concordia University Nebraska women’s basketball teams. She has a history of competitive triathlon racing and has instructed cycling classes in her local community. These experiences have deepened her awareness of the importance of team dynamics and individual accomplishment.

Vanessa enjoys spending time with her husband, Brandon, raising their two daughters.

Kristin McGriff

Kristin McGriff

Session #6: Panel Discussion - Leading Through Conflict and Adversity

Kristin McGriff earned her B.A. in Liberal Studies and her Education Specialist teaching credential from Concordia University, Irvine. She received her M.A. Ed. in Curriculum and instruction from Grand Canyon University. Kristin has worked seven years as a Specialized Academic Instruction teacher at the high school level in Orange County, California. Kristin enjoys mentoring incoming special education teachers in her district through their Induction Program and continues to support her SpEd team as their department chair. She currently teaches Algebra 1A Basic, Algebra 1B Basic and Geometry Basic at Laguna Hills High School. When she is not teaching, Kristin enjoys playing beach volleyball with her husband, Joe, and walking her Beagle, Scout.

David Maggard

David L. Maggard Jr., Ed.D.

Session #6: Panel Discussion - Leading Through Conflict and Adversity

David L. Maggard Jr. has dedicated his professional life to public safety and investing in people and communities. He currently serves as the Director of Security and Emergency Services for the Disneyland Resort. Dave’s responsibilities include “protecting the magic” at Disneyland, California Adventure, Downtown Disney and the resort’s extraordinary hotels. Prior to his role at Disney, Dave served as the Executive Director of In-N-Out Burger’s Slave 2 Nothing Foundation, where he led a dynamic team of philanthropic professionals responsible for supporting non-profits battling substance abuse and human trafficking in the seven states served by In-N-Out. Dave also completed a 35-year career in law enforcement and public safety. He served as the Deputy Executive Director for Public Safety and Security at Los Angeles World Airports from 2019-2021. As the Deputy Executive Director, Dave was responsible for airport security, policing, counterterrorism efforts, and emergency response functions for Los Angeles International Airport and Van Nuys Airport. He provided management oversight and policy direction to all law enforcement and security staff; coordinated with other law enforcement agencies; and oversaw firefighting, and emergency medical and fire prevention services provided by the Los Angeles Fire Department. Dave also served as the primary law enforcement and homeland security liaison for numerous Federal agencies with jurisdictions at the Los Angeles Airports. Dave served on the Aviation Security Standing Committee for World - Airports Council International and also served as a member of the Department of Transportation’s National in-flight Sexual Misconduct Task Force. Prior to serving as Deputy Executive Director, Dave served as the Chief of Airport Police for three years, where he led the nation’s largest aviation law enforcement agency with more than 1,100 sworn and civilian employees who work at Los Angeles International (LAX) and Van Nuys (VNY) airports. He also served as a Board Member to the national Aviation Law Enforcement Association Network.

Dave served as the Chief of Police – Director of Public Safety for the City of Irvine from 2003-2015 where he led several hundred public safety professionals and oversaw City-wide Technology, Animal Services, City Business Licensing and City Emergency Preparedness. Dave previously served as a Police Captain in the City of Manhattan Beach, a Police Lieutenant in the City of Indio, a Police Sergeant and Police Officer with the University of California Police and a Park Ranger in the City of Oakland.

Dave formerly served as California’s representative to the State Association of Chiefs of Police and was appointed by Governor Brown as an inaugural member of the California Board of State and Community Corrections. He served as the President of the California Police Chiefs Association and the President of the Orange County Police Chiefs and Sheriffs Association. Dave also served for a decade as a Commissioner of the Orange County Human Relations Commission. Additionally, Dave was a Fellow and Board Member for the California State University, Long Beach Ukleja Center for Ethical Leadership. He was also the California State University, Long Beach - College of Health and Human Services Alumni of the Year. Dave received the Freedom Award from the United States Secretary of Defense, the Seven Seals Award from the United States Department of Defense and was particularly grateful to receive the California Police Chiefs Association’s Joe Molloy Award.

Dave’s educational experience includes a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies from the University of California, Berkeley (where he was an NCAA Division 1 Collegiate All-American in Track and Field), a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from California State University, Long Beach and is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy. Dave also earned a Doctorate of Education with an emphasis on Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University. He has published articles and presented on a variety of public safety and leadership topics. He has served as a guest lecturer at the University of California, Irvine, California State University, Long Beach, California State University, Fullerton, Pepperdine University and Concordia University, Irvine.

Dave and his wife Mellanie have been married for 29 years and have two college-aged children, Evan and Erika.

Servant Leadership Institute:
Educator Leadership Academy Registration Form

Check out some highlights from Cohort #1

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Testimonials

 

“Servant leadership is such a rewarding style of leadership. Throughout this academy, we were reminded that we were all called to serve first as part of being an effective leader. We were reminded how we can encourage and lead people to take action. We focused on how to build teams through effective communication, building trust, and empathy. Servant leadership creates a healthy, positive culture that encourages respect and value for all members while empowering others to grow and become leaders themselves. Thank you, CUI, for allowing me to grow in my own leadership and reminding me how amazing it is to be a servant leader.”
Christine - Crean Lutheran High School

 

“I so appreciated the affirming experiences in this. I felt valued and appreciated in the eyes of those organizing and planning this event and the presenters. I feel more encouraged, motivated, and equipped to perform at a higher level and with greater joy.”
Steve - Orange Unified School District

 

“This conference was the most informative one I’ve been to. The speakers are captivating and touch on topics in education that go unspoken. It is so important to spread these topics to educators all around the world. I hope every educator can attend a conference like the servant leadership one at Concordia.”
Lauryn - Cajon Valley Union School District

 

“What a blessing! Thank you for this incredible opportunity to participate in the Servant Leadership Institute. There were phenomenal speakers and opportunities to network with others. I can’t recommend this enough!”
Natasha - Saddleback Valley Unified School District

 

“The Servant Leadership Institute creates the perfect environment for leaders to learn the important skills to make effective systems within schools. A must for teachers, staff, and administrators. The focus of being a servant leader is so apparent.” 
Doris - Rancho Christian

 

“Being a Christian educator in a public school can feel very lonely. The Educator Leadership Academy provided much-needed mentorship, inspiration, and continual refocus on the vision of serving others. I leave each gathering feeling overwhelming pride to be in the field of education. I never as strongly feel that anywhere other than Concordia.”
Marjie - Newport Mesa Unified School District
 

“My time at the Servant Leadership Institute has positively impacted me personally and professionally. The topics were thought-provoking and engaging. I’m grateful to the entire Concordia University staff for their hospitality and kindness.”
Melissa - Cajon Valley Union School District

 

“The Servant Leadership Institute has been one of the best conferences I have attended.  There was so much thought and care that went into choosing speakers to share practical skills, practices, experiences, and research that applies to everyone in the field of education. There is something for everyone, no matter how much experience you have. It is so refreshing, and I left both sessions inspired, recharged, and wanting to share what I’ve learned.”
Candia - Cajon Valley Union School District
 

Contact Us

Dr. Kent Schlichtemeier

Dr. Kent Schlichtemeier
Director, Servant Leadership Institute
949-214-3256
[email protected]

Kathy Mueller

Kathy Mueller
Manager: Events & Partnerships
(949) 214-3336
[email protected]

Supported by a generous grant from

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