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).

39 School Street
Ashburnham, Massachusetts, 01430
United States

Angela Tao

Student

Angela Tao is a student at Cushing Academy. In addition to her academic interests, Angela also excels in dance.

Jennifer Willis

Educator

Dr. Jennifer Willis joined Cushing’s Academic Support Department in 2017. She worked previously at The White Mountain School, where she served as Dean of Faculty and Director of the Learning Center. Dr. Willis earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Davidson College in North Carolina, a Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling Psychology from La Salle University, and a Doctorate of Education in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Cincinnati. In addition to serving students with diagnosed learning disabilities and executive functioning deficits, Dr. Willis also specializes in partnering with students who are working to manage their academic anxiety more effectively. She has presented at a variety of professional conferences on the subject of anxiety, wellbeing, and promoting student support at the high school level.

Josh Quinones

Educator & LGBTQ+ Advocate

Joshua Quiñones joined Cushing’s English faculty in 2017 after earning his M.A. in Teaching at Brown University, with a concentration in Secondary English. A graduate of St. Mark’s School (Southborough, Mass.), he earned a B.A. in Art History and a B.A. in Political Science from the UNC at Chapel Hill. Mr. Quinones completed further study in English and Integrated Language Arts at The Ohio State University, and in theatrical performance with Brown University and the Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, Rhode Island. He student-taught English at Brown’s Summer High School and at The Wheeler School in Providence. His volunteer work includes serving as a crisis counselor with The Trevor Project, assessing suicide risk and creating safety-planning procedures for youth who identify as LGBTQ. In addition to teaching English and supervising a dormitory at Cushing, he assists with leadership in Cushing’s music and performing arts programs and manages Cushing's first a cappella ensemble.