- 2025 -
Leadership & Happiness Symposium
Exclusive Leadership Event for Superintendents
the Michigan Association of
Latino Administrators & Superintendents & (MI-ALAS)
You’re invited to this exclusive leadership event focused specifically on the needs School District Superintendents and Administrators.
Why Happiness?
Happiness is an essential investment for leaders as a cornerstone of professional success and personal fulfillment.
Prioritizing happiness enhances resiliency, sharpens decision-making, and equips you to face the challenges of leadership with grace and effectiveness.
Happiness directly impacts productivity, creativity and loyalty–all of which contribute to a positive and dynamic workplace culture and builds a more connected community.
This One-Day Event Will Provide:
- Understanding of the neuroscience behind the most effective leadership skills
- Strategies to build a culture of happiness in your schools.
- Immediately impactful applications, resources, and best practices
Additional Highlights Include:
- Connecting and networking with Superintendent peers
- Discussing innovative solutions for employee retention and recruitment
- Learning crucial skills to cultivate thriving schools, contented staff, and successful students
Uplevel your leadership style to inspire, enlighten, and sustain.
Jonathan Tobar
Membership Coordinator,
MI-ALAS
Jonathan Tobar is a consummate educational leader with a rich background in Pre-K 16 education. In his day job, he is the Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Learning at Livingston ESA. A native of Quito, Ecuador, he holds an M.A. in K-12 Educational Administration from Michigan State University, an M.A. in TESOL, from Eastern Michigan University, and a B.A. in Secondary Education and International Business from Cornerstone University. Jonathan has served as Director of Instructional Services, CTE Director, High School Principal, Regional Evaluation Specialist, and has taught Spanish, English as a Second Language, and Drama at the Middle and High School level. In addition, he has served as an Adjunct professor of Spanish at Siena Heights University and Adrian College. In his free time, he enjoys seeing the world (37 different countries so far), salsa dancing, promoting the arts, playing soccer, good food, and most of all, time with family.
Sergio Keck
President,
MI-ALAS
Sergio Keck has dedicated his career to advancing bilingual and multicultural education, with a particular focus on supporting the Latino student population. Throughout his various leadership roles, he has been instrumental in transforming educational opportunities for students from diverse linguistic backgrounds, ensuring they have access to the resources and support needed to thrive.
As the Director of Bilingual Education, Sergio restructured the English as a Second Language (ESL) services within his district, creating more effective pathways for newly arrived immigrants and refugees. This included the development of welcoming centers at high schools and the implementation of entry-level English courses across elementary, middle, and high schools. His innovative approach opened alternative education options for older students, particularly those unable to graduate from traditional high schools, ensuring they had continued opportunities for success.
One of Sergio’s most impactful contributions was his work in expanding Spanish immersion programs. He played a key role in establishing Spanish immersion preschools that continued through elementary grades, providing Latino students with culturally relevant and linguistically supportive environments. His efforts extended to training teachers in best practices for supporting English Language Learners (ELLs) and developing district-wide tools to assist content-area teachers in meeting the needs of diverse learners.
Sergio’s commitment to the Latino community extended beyond the classroom. He forged strong partnerships with local organizations and parents, engaging families in their children’s educational journeys. He also collaborated with Michigan State University to offer professional development opportunities to educators, further ensuring that teachers were equipped with the tools and knowledge to help Latino students succeed.
Under his leadership, programs that fostered parent involvement and community engagement flourished, creating a supportive network for Latino families. His visionary approach to bilingual education, combined with his dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, has left a lasting legacy in the districts he served.
Sergio Keck’s contributions reflect his passion for education and his unwavering commitment to uplifting Latino students, ensuring they have the tools, support, and opportunities to excel academically and culturally.
Ariel Rodriguez Pena
Vice President,
MI-ALAS
Mr. Rodriguez Peña is a dedicated educator with a profound passion for developing and coaching teachers to become effective educational leaders. With 26 years of experience in the field, he brings extensive knowledge of techniques and strategies to enhance academic achievement, socio-emotional skills, and language proficiencies for learners of all ages.
A graduate of the University of Pedagogic Sciences in Cuba, Mr. Rodriguez Peña also holds a master’s degree from the University of Informatics Sciences. He completed a dissertation on the methodology for integrating technology in teaching English to speakers of other languages as part of an accelerated doctoral program. Mr. Rodriguez Peña has developed curricular materials and programs for school districts and teacher preparation programs, led community organization initiatives, and served as an ambassador for newcomers to the United States. His dedication to language learning fuels his mission to share cutting-edge, research-based practices with teachers and administrators, while also recognizing and valuing their contributions. Mr. Rodriguez Peña has been instrumental in redesigning the Spanish immersion program in the Lansing School District and in cultivating culturally responsive and linguistically supportive environments for Latino students across all schools. His efforts have greatly impacted Latino students throughout the Lansing community.
After nearly a decade of successful principalship in the Lansing School District, Mr. Rodriguez Peña currently serves as the Senior Director of Academies. In this role, he continues to inspire and support educators in their professional development, drawing on his extensive experience and passion for education focused on student success.
Kelly Alvarez
Treasurer,
MI-ALAS
Kelly Alvarez’ career reflects her deep commitment to supporting Latino and English Learner (EL) students. Her journey began as a dual-language teacher in San Antonio, Texas, where she provided foundational academic support to Latino students through immersive Spanish instruction, enhancing their linguistic and content skills.
From there, Kelly moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where she served as a First Grade Bilingual Teacher at Lincoln International Studies School. Her focus on individualized instruction for Spanish-speaking students helped maintain high academic standards in both English and Spanish, fostering a rigorous and supportive classroom environment.
Kelly’s career advanced as she took on the role of Principal at El Sol Elementary, a dual immersion school in Kalamazoo. Leading a culturally diverse and multilingual student body, she championed bilingual education through a 50/50 immersion program. Her leadership led to the implementation of Positive Behavior Support systems and the creation of Professional Learning Communities, which were instrumental in promoting academic success and supporting Latino students.
Currently, Kelly is an English Learner Consultant for the Michigan Department of Education, where she manages over $60 million in funding. She approaches this responsibility with meticulous attention to compliance with state, federal, and civil rights laws, playing a crucial role in enhancing EL programming through professional development and collaboration. Her work in building networks for newcomer and dual-language programs has had a profound impact on Latino students across Michigan.
Through each of these roles, Kelly Alvarez has made significant strides in improving academic outcomes and fostering inclusivity for Latino and bilingual students. Her career is a reflection of her deep-seated passion for education and her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of her students.
Claudia Cabrera-Rodriguez
Secretary,
MI-ALAS
Claudia Cabrera Rodriguez is a dedicated advocate for special populations and community engagement, with deep roots in the Lansing community she has called home since moving from Cuba at age 2. Growing up in the diverse Lansing School District, Claudia witnessed firsthand the challenges her parents faced as new Americans, which inspired her to advocate for multilingual learners, students with special needs, and minority populations. From 2014 to 2018, she attended Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor’s in Social Work with the goal of supporting Special Populations. Her career began with a field placement in the Lansing School District’s Bilingual Education Department, where she continues to work and support students today.
As a leader within MI-ALAS, Claudia is committed to fostering inclusive, culturally responsive education across Michigan, building connections and resources that empower Latino students and families to thrive.
Grace Brown
Sr. Manager of Impact & Curriculum,
Cook Center for Human Connection
Grace Brown, a dedicated advocate for nationwide mental health, joined the Cook Center for Human Connection with extensive expertise in implementing strategies for student achievement. As an Implementation and professional development expert, she’s coached educators in over 800 classrooms across the US.
Grace seamlessly combines deep expertise with a talent for simplifying and making complex concepts compelling. Grace crafted the curriculum for “My Life Is Worth Living” mental health web series and offers innovation that countless educators and administrators have implemented. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and a Graduate Certificate in Early Educational Leadership from Harvard.
Michelle Bartsch
Vice President of Education,
Cook Center for Human Connection
Michelle Bartsch, as Vice President of Education at Cook Center for Human Connection, has been a leading force in mental wellness and non-profit initiatives across communities, schools and organizations nationwide for over 15 years. Her visionary work in developing ParentGuidance.org — a no-cost mental health resource—has been crucial in providing essential support to thousands of schools and millions of families over the past 4 years. Michelle also played a key role in the creation and launch of My Life is Worth Living, the first animated web series focused on youth mental health and suicide prevention. Additionally, she pioneered the Leadership & Happiness Symposium, an initiative that equips essential executive school and community leaders with the tools to make systemic improvements to their communities’ mental health cultures.
A highly sought-after keynote speaker, Michelle focuses on youth mental health initiatives and critical mental health support for staff, families and communities. Her voice has driven change at both state and national levels, championing the importance of education, leadership and human connection. Michelle holds a master of Science in Education and Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Wesleyan University.
Symposium Partners
Agenda
Thursday
November 7 - Leadership & Happiness Symposium
12:00 - 12:30 PM
12:30 - 1:30 PM
Lunch (provided by Cook Center for Human Connection)
1:30 - 2:00 PM
Symposium Overview: Jenna Trowbridge, Director of Advocacy, School and Community Impact
2:00 - 3:30 PM
The PANAS Quiz: Grace Brown, Sr. Manager of Impact & Curriculum, Cook Center for Human Connection
3:30 - 3:45 PM
Break
3:45 - 4:45 PM
Solving The Happiness Equation: Grace Brown
4:45 - 5:00 PM
Mission For Mental Wellness: Anne Brown, President/CEO, Cook Center for Human Connection
5:00 PM
6:00 PM
Friday
November 8 Leadership & Happiness
7:00 - 8:00 AM
Group Photo Op – Hike/Fun Run/Walk View the Tetons hosted by Dr. Gillian Chapman
9:00 - 9:30 AM
Continental Breakfast (provided by the Cook Center for Human Connection)
9:30 - 10:30 AM
Neuroscience’s 4 Secrets Revealed: Michelle Bartsch & Grace Brown
10:30 - 11:15 AM
- Gillian Chapman, Superintendent, Teton County School District, Jackson Hole, WY
- Carolyn Synan, Chief Student Services Officer, Park City School District, Park City, UT
- Anne Brown, President/CEO, Cook Center for Human Connection
- John Heim, Assistant Lecturer, University of Wyoming
11:15 - 11:30 AM
Closing Remarks: Gillian Chapman, Anne Brown, Paul Richins, and Jenna Trowbridge