In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Chief Sepass Theatre
9679 Trattle Street
Langley, British Columbia, V1M 3T5
Canada

Bill Roche

Entrepreneur & Teacher

Bill Roche specializes in designing curriculum-based resource packages related to entrepreneurship, financial literacy and social responsibility. Bill worked directly in Langley classrooms for over ten years and now supports teachers throughout the country in creating real-world learning experiences for their students. Over 40,000 students have participated in his PowerPlay Young Entrepreneurs program. The program’s impact has been captured in a documentary scheduled for release early in 2018.

Brad Dirks

Equal Rights Activist

I am a lover of life and find passion in almost everything I do. I am an entrepreneur and have owned a boutique-sized website design and online marketing company called Cyberscape Media, which I began back in 1994. Outside of work, I take pleasure in various activities, such as drumming, cooking, kayaking, mountain biking, video games, and “geek culture”. That said, I would have to say that my favourite part of life is being a dad to my kids, Jake and Cole. We enjoy spending time together, playing board games, watching movies, and just hanging out like any other normal family. I also dedicate time in my life advocating for equal rights for groups of people whom are marginalized and discriminated against, most recently, LGBTQ2 youth and transgender people.

Cale Birk

District Head of Innovation

Cale Birk is a District Principal of Innovation in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, and is the co-author of 'Changing Change Using Learner-Centered Design'. He works with schools, districts, health care professionals and industry leaders in Canada, the United States, Australia and Asia to re-imagine their communities and workplaces as teams of learners and designers. A former teacher and high school Principal, Cale uses the model of Learner-Centered Design (LCD) to help leaders create learning experiences that build efficacy and connections throughout their organizations.

Carolyn Roberts

Elementary Vice Principal

Carolyn Roberts is a Coast Salish woman from the Squamish Nation in North Vancouver, British Columbia. She is passionate about Indigenous education, culture and history. Carolyn has recently competed her Masters Degree from the University of British Columbia in Aboriginal Education and Leadership. Her work focuses on moving Indigenous education forward within the school system. She has built her career from a variety of different leadership roles and teaching positions. Currently, Carolyn is a Vice Principal in the Langley School District.

Catherine Teng

Langley Fine Arts Student

Catherine Teng has been a student at Langley Fine Arts School for the last two years. She has performed in LFA’s jazz bands, concert bands, orchestra, and has been an accompanist with the LFA’s choir. She has also performed in a variety of chamber ensembles.

David Barnum

Education Consultant

David has worked in elementary classrooms, in a blended home-school/community framework, as a district Curriculum Coordinator and in SFU's Faculty of Education: Graduate Diploma Program. He has authored resources for the Ministry of Education, BC Hydro and Nelson. Translating research into practice, David co-developed and implemented the Healthy Buddies program (BC Children's Hospital). The team's study was published in the American Academy of Pediatrics & Canadian Journal of Diabetes; twice shortlisted twice for SFU's Cmolik Prize: Enhancement of Public Education in BC. Graduate course work includes an MEd (SFU) and the Transformational Educational Leadership Program (UBC). David serves on the SFU Dean of Education's Advisory Council and, when not training for triathlons, nurtures the growth of the Community as Classroom model in B.C. Contact: email davidbarnum@shaw.ca or Twitter @davidbarnum

Jennifer Chu

RE Mountain Secondary Student

Born and raised in Vancouver, B.C, Jennifer has been dancing since the age of 5 and hasn’t stopped since. Trained in ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern, contemporary, hip hop, and musical theatre, she is a confident performer who puts her heart into everything she does. Jennifer is a two-time Provincial champion, and was a silver medalist at the Modern World Dance Championships in Germany, where she represented Canada. Her travels across Canada and the U.S to attend competitions and conventions have also garnered her top awards and scholarships. Jennifer is also an actress, having credits in film, television, and commercials. She can be seen as Clara on the ABC series Imaginary Mary. Jennifer also excels academically and is consistently a straight A student. Recently, she has been accepted to The Juilliard School for Dance.

Joel Olson

Education Advisor & Technical Consultant

Joel Olson was born and raised in BC's Lower Mainland, mostly residing in Langley, BC. Joel is married to Amy and together they have three children aged 10, 8 and 5 years old. He worked as a Grade 6 & 7 teacher and educational leader in the Langley School District from 2005-2016. Joel has a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership (K-12). His thesis research included improving parent-teacher communication using technology, with a focus on effective practice for teachers and school leaders. In August 2016, Joel and his family moved to Rwanda, Africa to use his passion for educational leadership. He is currently working with the Wellspring Foundation for Education as a technical consultant and education adviser in a Kigali school. He comes alongside school leaders, develops teachers, involves parents, and partners with the local community to implement sustainable initiatives at the Wellspring Academy.

Karen Fadum

Curriculum & Innovation Helping Teacher

Karen is a passionate educator, curious learner and change advocate. She is part of the Curriculum and Priority Practices team for the Surrey School District in British Columbia. Karen works with teachers, parents, students and administrators as we shift from reporting as an event to more meaningful and relevant forms of communication. Karen has 10 years of experience as a K-7 classroom teacher and has worked with school districts in both Canada and the USA to support their implementation of digital portfolios. Karen's MA (UBC) dissertation explores the relationship between parent engagement and digital documentation.

Manuel Schuster

Langley Fine Arts Student

Manuel Schuster is from Munich, Germany. He has been a member of the Langley Fine Arts School music department for two years. Since arriving at the school he has participated in many chamber ensembles, choirs, and jazz bands.

Renée Hock

Judoka - Judo Instructor/coach

Renée is a 4th degree black belt in judo who competed for Canada at the World Championships and Pan American Games. She was the first ever woman appointed to Judo Canada’s Technical Committee and to officially coach members of Canada’s men’s National team in international competition. She is one of the few judoka, and the only woman to date, to be formally recognized for her accomplishments in coaching with a Canadian Coaching Excellence Award. Renée’s contributions as an athlete, coach, and advocate for women in her sport have played a significant role in the development of judo in Canada.

Saint Soldier

Musician, Spoken Word Artist

Saint Soldier is an Indian born, Canadian raised spoken word & Hip Hop artist. His lyrics reflect his ideas around spiritual and social well being and the struggles we have as individuals and as a society. "Music is my lover, the songs we make are our children. I can only hope for them to go out into the world, do something good and make me proud".

Ted Leavitt

Clinical Counsellor

Ted Leavitt is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, working both in private practice and as the Program Manager for Langley Youth and Family Services, a program providing free counselling for children, youth, and their families who are struggling with behavior problems. Specializing in impulse control problems including ADHD, anger and aggression, addictive behavior, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress, Ted uses psychoeducation as a tool to increase clients' understanding of what is happening, empowering them to reinterpret and manage the emotions underlying the behavior. Ted’s approach is accessible to clients and audiences because it draws so heavily on real stories and lived experiences, making him relatable to a wide range of individuals.