Keynote Speaker
Full bio found here: www.empoweredtoexhale.com/about#portia
Empowered to Exhale was founded by Dr Portia Jackson with a mission to Equip educators and leaders with tools to effectively manage stress and foster resilience so they may serve others from a position of wholeness. Dr. Portia Jackson Preston is an Assistant Professor of Public Health at California State University, Fullerton, where she conducts research on multilevel approaches to self-care, and examines stressors such as racism drivers of health inequity.
Prior to her career in academia, she worked for Deloitte Consulting and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, consulted for Susan G. Komen Orange County, and founded Active Steps Coaching. Dr. Jackson Preston earned her Doctorate of Public Health from UCLA, her Masters of Public Health from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and her Bachelors degree from Stanford University.
Full Bio can be found here: www.feldesmantucker.com/team/phillip-a-escoriaza/
A native of Puerto Rico, Phillip A. Escoriaza’s bilingual, nationwide practice serves community health centers, non-profit organizations, municipalities, local government agencies, educational institutions, and other federal grantees, helping them to achieve their full potential and to avoid litigation whenever possible.
An attorney for more than 25 years, as well as a TV and radio news commentator, university professor, and public servant in both the executive and legislative branches of Puerto Rico’s government, Mr. Escoriaza taps into each of these unique experiences to deliver exceptional service to his clients.
Family and Health Assistant Director
Worked for Easterseals for a year. Over 20 years of nonprofit work in early childhood and family services.
Contact Amy: Anichol@eastersealschicago.org
Paul Mast Hewitt will be celebrating his 5 year anniversary with Easterseals in March. With more than 20+ years of experience, he is an experienced facilitator in the areas of ERSEA and Family Engagement.
Contact Paul: pmasthewitt@eastersealschicago.org
Sam Cazares has been with the Easterseals Early Learning Services team for 7 years. She has extensive experience in Safe environments, Human Resources, Community Engagement, and ERSEA.
Contact Sam: scazares@eastersealschicago.org
Deb Zapalik has provided leadership and direction for Early Head Start and Head Start for over 25 years in the Chicago land area for teaching and managerial staff in a variety of capacities in relation to program planning, evaluation of professional development models, monitoring systems, program evaluation, ECH assessment systems and effective curriculum models. She received her Master’s degree in ECH from Erikson Institute and a Bachelor’s Degree from Northern IL. University in ECH. Areas of specialization include staff development, connecting child outcome data to individualized planning and program improvement.
Deb Zapalik is currently a Professional Development Trainer for Teaching Strategies for the Chicago Land Region. Prior to joining Teaching Strategies, she managed the City of Chicago Gold Online Assessment System License. Deb has also taught as an Adjunct instructor at University of Illinois Chicago Campus. She developed the course syllabi for and taught 3 courses specially designed for program managers of ECH programs.