TEDxCapitol View ED

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Alana Ashworth

  Instructional Facilitator

  Alana Ashworth is an instructional facilitator at Prairie Grove Middle School, with 26 years in education. She spent two and a half decades teaching fifth-grade science, where she became known for creating highly engaging classrooms, maintaining high expectations for all learners, and empowering students to take ownership of their learning. A graduate of the University of Arkansas, Alana has been recognized as a Top 5 finalist for Arkansas Teacher of the Year. Her work in student data tracking and agency has extended beyond her classroom, influencing professional learning across the state. Today, she supports teachers and leads professional development focused on assessment, engagement, and helping both students and educators grow.

• Melanie Desmuke

  Executive Coach

  Dr. Melanie Desmuke is a leadership strategist, motivational speaker, and founder of Scholars for the Soul. With a doctorate in Reading Education and almost two decades of experience cultivating resilience, clarity, and equity-driven success in diverse organizations, she helps teams lead from the inside out. Dr. Melanie has spoken at national conferences and institutions like High Point University, North Carolina A&T State University, and the Lowell K–12 School Network. She blends neuroscience, motivation, and wellness practices into transformative experiences that restore energy, sharpen vision, and spark purpose. She works with professionals, leadership staff, and teams in the educational, corporate, and non profit spaces to cultivate cultures, systems, and practices that prioritize wellness, wholeness, and high performance—not just productivity.

• Vandy Moore

  Education and founder of The School House

  Vandy Moore has been teaching and learning alongside children for the past 18 years. Throughout her career, Vandy has worked in every grade level from Kindergarten through 6th grade, serving schools with a wide range of demographics and needs. Vandy is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University, where she earned both her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and her Master’s Degree in Special Education. She also holds an ESL endorsement. In 2022 she was named the Russellville School District Teacher of the Year. Vandy is the founder and director of The School House, a microschool in the Russellville area, where she currently teaches kindergarten. She lives in Russellville with her husband and two daughters

• Wayne Levering

  Classroom Teacher + Coach

  Wayne Levering is a high school classroom teacher and coach with 18 years of experience in fostering educational growth. His journey, however, began far from the classroom, spanning extensive careers in Active Military, Government, University, and Corporate Marketing. This diverse, non-traditional background allows Wayne to view student potential through a unique lens. In his TEDx presentation, "Searching for Quintessence – A Journey of Teaching and Learning," he shares personal stories and critical observations that challenged his own perceptions. Wayne aims to ignite a shift in perspective, challenging the audience to reframe their understanding of high schoolers and uncover the hidden potential within them.