Theme: THE FIRST! ...Impressions.....

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).

John Champe High School
41535 Sacred Mountain St.
Aldie, Virginia, 20105
United States

Candice Fathi

TEDx Speaker / Author / Advocate for Neuro-diversity & Neuro-inclusion / M.Ed.-Special Education / CEO Marvel Village for Exceptional Families Candice Joel Fathi is a dynamic speaker for TEDxAshburn. She is an advocate of and neuro-inclusion & neuro-diversity in our communities. Founder & CEO of Marvel Village for Exceptional Families - where families with different-abilities are empowered, educated, and equipped. Marvel Village's foundational core value is Everyone is Created on Purpose. With a Purpose. Candice recently authored an assistive technologies children’s book with the help of her eldest son’s illustrations. Their book’s illustrations are registered ® at the Library of Congress. Additionally, Candice presented her book to the US State Department- Foreign Press Association to a cohort of international families living with different abilities. A proud first-generation master’s graduate from George Mason University’s Graduate School of Education in Special Education. She was selected as the 2018 Student Speaker for the Degree Celebration at the EagleBank Arena.

Holli Shan

All of her life, Holli has always loved animals – with horses and dogs being her top two passions in life. After a while she decided that she wanted to do something professionally with both of them. In January of 2006, she attended Equissage massage school in Round Hill, VA to become a certified equine sports massage therapist (ESMT). Six months later, she became certified for canine massage (CMT) And she started Pony and Pooch Therapeutic Massage. At the same time, Holli wanted to deepen her connection and understanding with animals, so she began her training with Janet Dobbs to become an Animal Communicator. She continued her studies with Janet and later with Penelope Smith (the pioneer of the animal communication field). In 2009 she founded Compassionate Animal Communication, LLC. Since then she has communicated with a wide spectrum of animals. Her love of animals is what gives her the compassion to be an Animal Communicator to relate what a beloved pet's needs are to their owner. Holli is a native Philadelphian who has been living in northern Virginia since 1997. She has two degrees from Penn State University, a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Speech Communication. In the past she has worked in retail, tech support, administrative support, was a doggie daycare attendant and was a stable hand at a barn in Leesburg. While these jobs may seem varied - they all focused on one thing - customer service. Customer service is something that Holli has always had a knack for, and always strives to deliver the best customer service she can in everything she does.

Purcell Johnson IV

Purcell Johnson Iv whole purpose is the development of Leadership, Citizenship, Fidelity, Brother and Sisterhood among all Men and Woman, Education, Technology and Healthcare. Purcell Johnson Iv, also is a Traveling Man, From the Northern VA., Metropolitan area and believes in Brotherhood and helping others. He is a Purchasing Director with Jim Koons Automotive, Published Author West East Jackson of eight books sold everywhere books are Sold,Officer with PHA Freemasons of Virginia and Husband To Nicole Marie Johnson and Father of Cameren, Jordan and Emma Johnson and so Much More to Many More.

Sam Anthony Lucania

Author, Drug Prevention Activist, Public Speaker

Sam Anthony Lucania is a person in long term recovery from substance use disorder, who uses his personal experiences with drugs, alcohol, depression, anxiety, suicidal behavior and recovery to educate and motivate others. Sam has passionately shared his experience with thousands of high school and college students, health care professionals, and government officials through motivational speaking, panel discussions, and personal testimonials. Sam’s message emphasizes awareness and encouragement.

Tanja Thompson

Extensive background in HR generalist affairs, including experience in employee recruitment and retention, staff development, mediation, facilitation, conflict resolution, benefits and compensation, employee relations, awards, performance management, HR policies development and legal compliance. Demonstrated success in negotiation win-win compromises, developing teambuilding programs, writing leave and telework guidance, management reports, and team lead on major project initiatives. Tanja Thompson was born and raised in Fort Wayne, IN a small town in the mid-west. Upon graduating from high school, she went to work at a nursing home, while her friends went to work at Dana and Harvester the largest car manufacturing plants in the mid-west. This was not her path – she knew her ticket out of poverty was to get an education, so she enlisted in the Air Force for the educational benefits. The military has afforded her the opportunity to gain life and work experiences. She has a BS, HealthCare Services from UMUC, MS-Human Resource Management from Webster University, and is currently a graduate student in the School of Conflict Analysis and Resolution (S-CAR) at GMU. Tanja’s educational journey has been paid in full by the United States Air Force, in summary she has never had a student loan. Tanja is a member of the National Association for the Advancement for Colored People (NAACP) where she has served in the role of Legal Redress Chair helping with civil right issues. She was the first African American female to serve on the Loudoun Water Board of Directors, she was a member of the Social Service Board in Leesburg and was a volunteer at the Workforce Development center providing valuable interviewing and resume writing skills to individuals looking for jobs. She is a two-time breast cancer survivor and helps individuals in being their own health advocate. Tanja’s day job is a Mediator in the federal government in Washington DC where she helps individuals and groups navigate how to resolve, response, and build conflict competent skills. Tanja is married to Phillip Thompson they have three children Artisha, Taylor and Tysne, one granddaughter Aliyah Faith.