Theme: INSPIRING VOICES, TRANSFORMING THE FUTURE

TEDx Riverfield Country Day School is a student-led TEDxYouth event taking place on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the Smolen Family Theatre in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Organized by 4th and 5th grade students, the event embodies the theme "Inspiring Voices, Transforming the Future," showcasing young speakers who will share their ideas and passions with the community.

The students have taken on various roles, forming committees responsible for speaker selection, public relations, finance, and logistics, ensuring a comprehensive and authentic TEDx experience. Attendees can choose between in-person tickets for the Black Box Theatre or access to a live stream room, both including lunch and refreshments.

This independently organized TEDx event operates under a license from TED. For more information, including tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit the official website: https://tedxriverfieldcountrydayschool.com.

Riverfield Country Day School
2433 West 61st Street South
Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74132
United States

Adli Jacobs

College Student

Adli Jacobs is a 19-year-old student at Truman State University with a strong passion for community engagement and service. Originally from St. Louis, Adli was actively involved in music and track throughout his upbringing. Since arriving at Truman, he has dedicated himself fully to campus life, playing a key role in creating the largest philanthropy event in Kirksville history and inspiring greater student involvement. Adli firmly believes that kindness and support have the power to change the world, and he strives to embody these values in his daily life. Guided by this philosophy, he is pursuing a future in law with the goal of helping others and making a lasting, positive impact.

Anna Mercer

Instructor of English

Anna Mercer believes that everyone has stories worth telling. She teaches college composition classes, helping students learn how to write for their future professions. In addition to teaching, she also works for a non-profit to tell stories that will connect with donors and make a difference. Anna loves working with students because they all have their own unique stories to tell (and their own ways of telling those stories). She holds an undergraduate degree in Communication & Journalism from Truman State University, and a master's degree in English from the University of Arkansas. When she’s not working, she spends time with family and friends and enjoys painting and reading.

Caroline Little

Middle/Upper School Science Teacher

Caroline Little has spent over two decades inspiring students to explore their world and discover the wonder inherent in everything from the soil beneath their feet to the stardust in the sky. Her lifelong curiosity about the world around her has shaped a unique and innovative approach to teaching. A fierce optimist, dreamer, and innovator, Caroline is constantly seeking ways to empower students to transform their dreams from the seemingly impossible into the probable. She encourages them to embrace an explorer’s mindset and become agents of change.

Carver Shaw

4th Grade Student

Carver Shaw is the son of Clint and Abigail Shaw. He is a 4th grader at Riverfield Country Day School, and has attended Riverfield since he was two years old. He is the proud owner of one dog, one cat, and 22 fish. In his spare time, Carver enjoys building terrariums, fishing at his grandma’s, swinging on his swing set, and playing basketball. For this year’s TEDx event, Carver is speaking about hunting for fossils and artifacts in the Arkansas River and the benefits of a life spent outdoors. He is excited to share his experiences and encourage others to explore the natural world.

Cj Marr

Military Policer Officer and Youth Security Specialist II

Cj Marr is a dedicated professional whose career spans multiple disciplines, reflecting a strong commitment to service and personal growth. He joined the U.S. Army in 2017 and currently serves as a Military Police Officer in the Nebraska National Guard, specializing in protection operations and physical site security. Cj holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in forensic psychology. For nearly two years, he has worked for the State of Nebraska at a Youth Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility, where he facilitates several psycho-educational groups, including Teaching Tolerance and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills. His diverse background and experience highlight his passion for supporting others and promoting mental and emotional well-being.

Dr. Kat Gardner-Vandy

Assistant Professor of Aviation and Space

Dr. Kat Gardner-Vandy, a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, is an Assistant Professor of Aviation and Space at Oklahoma State University. After obtaining her BS in Geology and private pilots license from the University of Oklahoma and PhD in Planetary Sciences from the University of Arizona, she was a postdoctoral research fellow at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History in the Division of Meteorites. She leads a program called Native Earth | Native Sky, the focus of which is to co-create earth-sky STEM curriculum with tribal nations in Oklahoma. In addition to Indigenous STEM education, her research interests include pilot training and education and melting in the early solar system. Dr. GV was a Goldwater Scholar while an undergraduate, a Sloan Indigenous Graduate Partnership and NASA Earth and Space Science fellow during her graduate studies, and was named a 40 Under 40 by The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development in 2022.

Dr. Tim Ihrig

Hospice & Palliative Medicine Internist

Dr. Ihrig is an internationally recognized expert in palliative and hospice medicine, combining clinical and administrative experience to build health and social care systems that deliver high-value outcomes sustainably for seriously ill populations. His innovative communication approach serves as a model for academic training and clinical practice, transforming care for the most vulnerable individuals. His TED Talk, “What We Can Do to Die Well,” urges doctors to prioritize quality of life and help seriously ill patients face end-of-life with dignity and compassion; it has been viewed over 1.6 million times worldwide. Featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered,” Dr. Ihrig’s philosophy has gained international acclaim. Former Australian Health Minister Steven Miles endorsed him as an International Fellow for his groundbreaking care approach.

Elliot Tait

4th Grade Student

Elliot Tait is the daughter of Amber, a teacher, and Nicholas Tait, a lawyer, and is the sister of McKinley. A 4th grade student at Riverfield Country Day School, Elliot has been passionate about art and creative writing from her earliest days. She also enjoys playing basketball, gaming, her two dogs, and entertaining the fantasy of having her own cat. For this year’s TEDX event, Elliot is presenting a message about the power of art. Specifically, she will discuss how art has incited her own passion and the potential for art to inspire others.

Evie Dorsey

5th Grade Student

Evie Dorsey is the daughter of Kip and Amy Dorsey of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Evie is a fifth-grade student at Riverfield Country Day School. In her free time, she enjoys basketball, playing the drums, and loves hanging out with her peeps and her pups! For this year’s TEDx event, Evie is speaking about the household dog and how they can help improve mental health, decrease loneliness, and develop social skills. She is excited to share her stories from local shelters, businesses, hospitals, and schools who have therapy dogs, and inspire others to get involved in the community. Enjoy the TEDx talk, but please no PAWpperazzi. ;)

Henry Sullivan

4th Grade Student

Henry Sullivan is the son of Shane and Lindy Sullivan of Jenks, Oklahoma. Henry Sullivan is a fourth-grade student at Riverfield Country Day School. In his free time, he enjoys reading, Lego, playing with his dog, and playing video games. For this year’s TEDx event, Henry Sullivan is speaking about Lego, exploring the ways they could be incorporated into the classroom. He is excited to share his ideas and inspire others through his presentation.

Jacob Hedrick

5th Grade Student

Jacob Hedrick is the son of Jay and Jennifer Hedrick of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Jacob is a fifth-grade student at Riverfield Country Day School. In his free time, he enjoys playing football, soccer and video games.

James Wegner

Restaurant Owner, Sous Chef, and Former Meteorologist

James Wegner is a Canadian transplant who became a U.S. citizen and has lived in Oklahoma since 2013. He is married to an American woman from New York, and together they have five children. James is a former meteorologist, having worked for Environment Canada for five years before returning to school at OSUIT, where he earned a degree in Culinary Arts. He has experience as a sous chef at La Villa, the restaurant at the Philbrook Museum, and for the past seven years has owned and operated his own restaurant, Bodhi’s Bowl.

Jennifer Kesselring

Head of Innovation and Learning

Jennifer Kesselring has been an early childhood educator for 34+ years, including 28 at Riverfield Country Day School in Tulsa, OK. She has served as teacher, studio teacher, pedagogical coordinator, Division Head, and now Head of Pedagogy and Strategic Innovation. Jennifer presents nationally and internationally, consults with schools, writes articles and book chapters, and co-authored Curated Moments. She teaches in the University of Colorado Denver’s Innovative Teacher Education program and consults with Guidecraft and Kaplan on educational design. Her leadership roles include the NAREA Board, ECAO Board, TCC Advisory Council, International Infant Toddler Conference Planning Board, and NAGC Curriculum Committee. She is pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Curriculum & Instruction. Inspired by Reggio Emilia, she collaborates with Amelia Gambetti and presented at the 0-99 Conference in Italy.

Jerry Bates

Head of School

Jerry Bates has worked in education for over 35 years in higher ed and Independent Schools, serving in leadership roles in fundraising, admissions, as Assistant Head, and now Head of School at Riverfield Country Day School in Tulsa, OK. He holds an Ed.D ABD in Educational Leadership and Curriculum Supervision and is currently writing his dissertation. Jerry has co-authored a book on environment, materials, and inquiry as provocations for learning, and contributed to published articles and book chapters. He consults with schools, mentors educational leaders, and presents regionally, nationally, and internationally. He serves on leadership committees with the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest and is an active Rotarian. Jerry and his wife, Amy, have three children: Austin (RCDS '17), Braden ('19), and Caroline ('25). Outside of school, he enjoys time with family, especially boating and water sports, along with ice hockey and golf.

Jo-Ann Elizabeth Jennings

Published Author

Jo-Ann Elizabeth Jennings is a published author, with her fifth book set to release within three years of her debut. She writes historical fiction that often centers on entire families, blending humor and tragedy to give readers moments of laughter amid emotional depth. Jo-Ann began her career as an English teacher and later taught writing at the junior college level. Her professional journey also includes extensive work in hospital marketing and as a newspaper editor, where she not only edited but also sought out stories, conducted interviews, wrote articles, and handled photography. She holds a Master of Divinity and found deep fulfillment serving as a hospital chaplain. Among all her roles, Jo-Ann considers being a mother her favorite and most meaningful job.

Judith Ashton

Peer Volunteer, Retired Attorney and Law Professor

Judith Ashton is a retired attorney and former law professor at Columbia University and Boston University Schools of Law. Since retiring, she has spent the past seventeen years serving as a Peer Volunteer in both the Partial Psychiatric Hospital and the Psychiatric Inpatient Unit at a major Boston teaching hospital. In addition, she has led a support group for nearly six years for individuals who have used the hospital’s psychiatric services.

Katie Eller Murray

Founder and Principal of ROAM Communications

Katie Eller Murray is the co-founder of The Lemon-Aid Project, a Tulsa-based initiative that empowers kids to become entrepreneurs and philanthropists through lemonade stands that raise funds for local nonprofits like Lindsey House and Tulsa Changemakers. With a background in public relations and community engagement, Katie is passionate about showing kids that they have the power to make a difference. Inspired by the simple yet powerful idea of 'Kids Helping Kids,' she believes that young people can drive meaningful change when given the agency and support to do so. The Lemon-Aid Project has grown from a single stand to a city-wide movement, instilling lifelong values of generosity and leadership in young participants.

Krishna Lolla

5th Grade Student

Krishna Lolla is the eldest son of Venu Lolla and Smitha Etlapur. Krishna is a fifth-grade student at Riverfield Country Day School. In his free time, he likes to play cricket and chess and loves playing with his little brother. For this year's TEDx event, Krishna is speaking about the power of practice, exploring how it works, and sharing personal stories of how it has changed his life. He is enthusiastic about speaking to the audience to share his ideas and stories about practice.

Kristin Reynolds

5th Grade Student

Kristin Reynolds is the daughter of Kris and Jessica Reynolds of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Kristin is a fifth-grade student at Riverfield Country Day School. In her free time, she enjoys art, soccer, and creating videos. For this year’s TEDx event, Kristin is speaking about making dreams a reality, exploring creativity and young minds. She is excited to share her ideas and inspire others through her presentation.

Lily Krefft

5th Grade Student

Lily Krefft, daughter of Carlos and Jill Krefft, is a fifth-grade student at Riverfield Country Day School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She has a love for creativity and enjoys expressing herself through drawing, baking, writing, ice skating, sewing, playing piano, basketball, crocheting, and cooking. She also participates in Academic Bowl and never turns down the chance to enjoy a delicious mango. At this year’s TEDx event, Lily will be sharing her thoughts on art and how it can be found in everything we do. She is excited to inspire others to see the world through a more creative lens.

Lisa Dant-Robinson

Lower School Teacher

Lisa Dant-Robinson is an innovative educator with a passion for curiosity-driven learning. She holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Central Oklahoma and a master's in Teaching, Learning, and Leadership with an emphasis in Literacy from Oklahoma State University. A certified reading specialist, Lisa teaches at Riverfield Country Day School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her educational philosophy is a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach that empowers students to lead their own inquiries and explore big ideas through hands-on, interdisciplinary projects. Rather than delivering answers, she walks alongside her students as they pursue their own questions. She strives to cultivate a classroom culture where wonder leads the way and every child’s voice matters.

Logan McGillen

5th Grade Student

Logan McGillen is the son of Thomas and Melissa McGillen of Owasso, Oklahoma. Logan is a fifth-grade student at Riverfield Country Day School. In his free time, Logan enjoys Taekwondo, soccer, basketball, Lego, and playing video games. For this year’s TEDx event, Logan is speaking about Taekwondo and exploring how success comes in unusual ways. Logan is excited to be sharing his experiences to inspire others throughout his speech.

Nathan Holloman

5th Grade Student

Nathan Holloman is the son of Lauren and Jon Holloman of Jenks, Oklahoma. Nate is a fifth-grade student at Riverfield Country Day School. In his free time, Nate enjoys playing all sports, especially hockey. He is the goalie for the Tulsa Junior Oilers 12U hockey team. He is passionate about helping homeless animals and frequently donates his birthday money to Animal Aid of Tulsa.

Nessa Swartz

4th Grade Student

Nessa is the daughter of Chuck & Diana Swartz of Jenks, Oklahoma. She is a fourth grade student at Riverfield Country Day School. In her free time, she enjoys playing basketball, walking her grandma’s dogs, and eating food.

Pamela Jean Brady

High-Performance Coach, Entrepreneur, and Business Owner

Pamela Jean Brady is a High-Performance Coach, entrepreneur, and business owner with over 35 years of experience. A passionate advocate for women and a devoted woman of faith, Pamela’s coaching philosophy focuses on building from the inside out—helping clients discover their inner strength to achieve extraordinary success. Known for her grace and grit, Pamela has overcome bullying, setbacks, and personal challenges, all of which shaped her into the powerful coach she is today. She believes life’s hardest moments reveal our true purpose and that as long as we have breath, we have a mission to fulfill. Outside of her work, Pamela is married to Gavin Brady, her kind-hearted partner in life, and together they have a blended family of six children and thirteen grandchildren. Faith is at the center of her life and business—she calls God her best business partner. Pamela’s mission is to help women create abundance so they can give abundantly and make a meaningful impact on the world.

Sarah Martin

4th Grade Student

Sarah Martin is the daughter of Matthew and Rachael Martin of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Sarah is a fourth-grade student at Riverfield Country Day School. In Sarah’s free time, she enjoys crafting, drawing, playing soccer and spending time with friends. For this year’s TEDx event, Sarah is speaking about the power of kindness, exploring ways in which small acts of kindness can turn one’s day around. Sarah is excited to share her ideas and inspire others through her presentation.

Scout McKay

5th Grade Student

Scout McKay is the daughter of Brett and Kate McKay of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Scout is a fifth-grade student at Riverfield Country Day School. In her free time, she enjoys baking, playing basketball and tennis, and watching Gilmore Girls. For this year’s TEDx event, Scout is speaking about passion and how it can enrich people's lives.

Willard Keirn

Math Educator

Willard Keirn is a dedicated math educator with nearly two decades of experience teaching at middle school, junior high, and high school levels. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics and a Master's degree in Math Education. Willard is passionate about developing engaging math curricula that emphasize experiential learning, making complex concepts accessible and meaningful for students. He specializes in integrating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) principles into his teaching, designing hands-on activities and projects that inspire curiosity and critical thinking. His goal is to create dynamic learning environments where students connect mathematics to real-world applications, fostering confidence and deeper understanding.