Fr. Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D. is President of the Magis Center of Reason and Faith and the Napa Institute. He was President of Gonzaga University from 1998 to 2009, where he increased the student body by 75%, oversaw the construction of 20 new facilities, and raised $200+ million for scholarships and buildings. He is the author of nineteen books, including the award-winning books New Proofs for the Existence of God and Science, Reason, and Faith: Discovering the Bible. He has also authored many scholarly articles on faith and science, metaphysics, and happiness and ethics.
Father Spitzer has his own weekly EWTN television show, Fr. Spitzer’s Universe. He has appeared on the Larry King Show (in discussion with Stephen Hawking and Deepak Chopra), the History Channel, the Today Show, and a PBS series. He started seven institutes dedicated to faith and reason and happiness/purpose in life. He was a professor at Georgetown University, Seattle University, and Gonzaga University and was awarded the teaching medal at both Georgetown University and Seattle University. He has held two major academic chairs—the Frank Shrontz Endowed Chair in Professional Ethics (Seattle University) and the John L. Aram Chair of Business Ethics (Gonzaga University) and has won multiple academic and professional awards, including honorary doctorates, the De Smet Medal (Gonzaga University’s highest award) and the Aquinas Medal (for Catholic philosophical scholarship).
EVENT SCHEDULE
8:00 AM SIGN IN & BREAKFAST
9:10 AM
Sarría Family Dining Hall
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
Roca Theater
10:30 AM MASS
Our Lady of Belen Chapel LUNCH
11:45 PM Sarría Family Dining Hall
12:45 PM
1:25PM
WORKSHOP 1
Click here to register for a session Various Locations
2:00PM Sarría Family Dining Hall EXPO Located at the Leyva Court in the Roberto C. Goizueta Innovation Center
WORKSHOP 2
Click here to register for a session Various Locations
COMPANIONSHIP
Meet Our Presenters
Mario de Armas
School Counselor, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
Healing the Mind, Nourishing the Soul: Integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Ignatian Spirituality in Teaching
Target Audience: Middle & High School Teachers
This presentation explores the integration of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Ignatian Spirituality as a holistic approach to guiding students and fostering their mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing By combining evidence-based psychological theories with reflective and valuesdriven spirituality, educators can cultivate resilience, self-awareness, and purpose in their students
Mr. Mario de Armas holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from St. John Vianney College Seminary, a Master of Arts degree in Theology from St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary and a Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from Barry University. Mr. de Armas serves as a School Counselor at Belen Jesuit and is also a licensed mental health counselor
Roberto Brunel
Theology Teacher, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
Procedures for Positive Learning: Developing a Classroom Environment to Ensure Student Learning
Target Audience: Middle & High School Teachers
This session will explore Dr Harry Wong's proven strategies for establishing effective classroom procedures that cultivate a positive and productive learning environment Participants will gain practical, actionable insights to enhance classroom management and lay the foundation for academic success Key topics will include the distinction between procedures and rules, steps for teaching and practicing procedures, and strategies for ensuring student accountability
Mr. Roberto Brunel studied Philosophy at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, focusing on the work of St. Thomas Aquinas, and Catholic Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He is currently pursuing a Masters in Catholic Educational Leadership with Saint Louis University, while serving as a middle and high school Theology teacher at Belen Jesuit His pedagogical style is heavily influenced by educators such as Dr Harry Wong, Robyn R Jackson, Dr John Hattie, and Douglas Reeves
Meet Our Presenters
Daniel Montesi
School Counselor, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
Jassenia Vazquez
Social Studies Teacher, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
Digital Natives, Different Brains?: Neuroscience-Based Strategies for Today's Learners
Target Audience: Middle & High School Teachers
This session will explore how the rise of cell phones may have altered a generation’s learning styles and possibly their cognitive abilities. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of recent discoveries in neuroscience and how to leverage them to enhance student learning
Mr Dan Montesi has been counseling and coaching young people for close to forty years He has devoted the past 27 years to serving the Belen Jesuit community as a counselor, mentor, and psychology teacher.
Building the Magis: Using the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm and Bloom's Digital Taxonomy to Strengthen our Students' Critical Thinking and Catholic Identity
Target Audience: Middle School Teachers
This session will demonstrate how integrating the components of the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm through the use of Bloom's Digital Taxonomy can strengthen students’ Catholic Identity and enhance their critical thinking skills. Using the active learning approach, participants will walk through the process of the IPP while applying Bloom's Digital Taxonomy in both daily lessons or project-based activities, helping students deepen their connection to their Catholic Identity while fostering critical thinking.
Mrs. Jassenia Vazquez began her professional career as an Archdiocese of Miami Middle School Social Studies teacher, where she worked for 12 years. In August 2019, she joined the Belen Jesuit family, where she currently teaches World Geography, Civics and Introduction to World History.
Meet Our Presenters
Edmund Newborn, D.Min.
Theology Teacher/Sacristan, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
Teresita Gutierrez Director of School Counseling, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
Why Are They Leaving?: The Rise of the “Nones”
Target Audience: High School Teachers & Administrators
This session will examine statistical data highlighting the decline of individuals identifying as Christian and the simultaneous rise of those with no religious affiliation ("nones") Notably, this trend is accelerating among young people Participants will explore potential factors driving this shift and discuss practical strategies for addressing it within our school communities both in the classroom and broader institutional practices, including hiring and school culture
Dr. Edmund Newborn has over 20 years of experience teaching Theology and Philosophy across a wide range of levels, from grade 6 to university undergraduate courses. He has taught a comprehensive array of subjects within theology and covered historical overviews and key topics in philosophy.
Harnessing Fears: A Guide to Managing Adolescent Anxiety
Target Audience: Middle & High School Teachers and Counselors
This session will help educators recognize the signs and symptoms of anxiety in students and equip them with an innovative framework to transform fear into a catalyst for growth Participants will explore practical strategies to support students in managing anxiety, fostering resilience, and developing a mindset that leverages challenges as opportunities for learning and personal development
Ms. Teresa Gutierrez has been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida since 2000 and has served as the Director of the School Counseling Department at Belen Jesuit School since 2007. With over 30 years of experience, she has worked extensively with children and adolescents in both school and community settings
Meet Our Presenters
Carlos
Maza English Teacher, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
Savoring the Forbidden Fruit: Inviting A.I. into the Classroom
Target Audience: Middle & High School Teachers
Many students now see AI as the ultimate shortcut for writing essays. This workshop will help participants learn how to guide their students to test that assumption. Through hands-on fact-checking and revision, students often reach a surprising conclusion: crafting a high-quality AI-assisted essay can be more time-consuming than writing it themselves This session will walk participants through a research assignment that transforms students from passive AI users into informed digital critics, teaching them to approach AI not as a magic solution, but as a tool that requires critical thinking, careful editing, and a discerning eye
Mr. Carlos Maza is in his 20th year as a Belen English teacher of AP English Literature & Composition, World Literature, and Honors British Literature. As a father of two college students, he monitors the prevalence of new technologies at the university level, and uses this knowledge to prepare his students for success at the next level He is a firm believer in assessing technological innovations in order to determine which can assist his students to reach true literacy in today’s constantly changing landscape
Alexis Mabe, Ed.D. Educational Technology Specialist, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
Bloom's Taxonomy Reimagined: Why Creation Comes First in an A.I. Era
Target Audience: Middle & High School Teachers
What if we started with creation instead of ending with it? With AI handling knowledge recall and basic analysis, students must lean into what makes them uniquely human original thinking and personal expression Imagine a classroom where students begin by making, building, and imagining before anything else This shift isn’t just theoretical; it’s a necessity in a world where creativity is the ultimate differentiator from algorithms
In this session, participants will gain practical strategies for placing creation at the heart of teaching and helping students develop the creative confidence needed when AI takes care of everything else.
Dr. Alexis Mabe is an educational technology leader with over 15 years of experience driving innovation in K-12 education As the Educational Technology Specialist at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, she specializes in integrating cutting-edge tools to enhance teaching and learning
Meet Our Presenters
Kathleen Mackle
Theology Department Chairperson, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
Want to Play a Game?: Review Games that Engage All Learners (EMC2 Learning)
Target Audience: Middle & High School Teachers
Review games are a powerful tool for assessment preparation, but many traditional formats fail to engage all learners This session explores how to design review activities that appeal to learning preferences, using Dr. Richard Bartle’s four player types as a framework. Participants will discover practical strategies and game-based approaches that ensure every student whether they thrive on competition, collaboration, exploration, or achievement feels engaged and motivated Walk away with ready-touse game ideas that transform review sessions into dynamic, inclusive learning experiences
Mrs. Kathleen Mackle is a life-long learner with over 25 years of teaching experience. In her 16 years at Belen Jesuit, she has taught sixth grade in the Theology Department and currently serves as the Department Chairperson Her education at the University of Notre Dame and at Indiana UniversityBloomington helped to form her dedication to teaching and her passion for sharing her Catholic faith with others
Maria Ines Leañez
Art
History Teacher, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
Beyond the Text: Reimagining Social Studies and Humanities Education for Engaged Learners
Target Audience: Middle & High School Teachers
This workshop is designed for Social Studies, Literature, and Humanities teachers who want to bring fresh, student-centered approaches into their classrooms. Participants will explore innovative strategies that spark curiosity, enhance visual acuity, and deepen students’ engagement with texts, historical narratives, and cultural analysis.
Through a reimagining of traditional methods, this session will provide practical, readyto-use lesson ideas that foster critical thinking and strengthen students’ connection to the Humanities Participants will walk away with dynamic strategies that make learning more interactive, meaningful, and thought-provoking.
Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Ms. María Inés Leáñez attended the University of Miami, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English with minors in Art History and Secondary Education With 21 years of professional experience, she has taught World History, Spanish, and Art History, currently focusing on Art History Since 2021, she has served as an Adjunct Leader for the Seminar in Ignatian Leadership for the Jesuit Schools Network. Additionally, she holds the role of Ignatian Educator Formation Coordinator, where she facilitates the integration of new Belen faculty into the Jesuit educational community, guiding them in learning, living, and embracing the principles of Jesuit education
Meet Our Presenters
Angela Flietas
English Teacher, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
Level Up Learning: Gamification Strategies for Active Student Engagement
Target Audience: Middle & High School Teachers
This session will explore the core principles of gamification and how they directly improve learning outcomes. Participants will discover how game elements enhance student motivation and cognitive engagement while learning several game-based learning activities that can be immediately implemented in the classroom
With 24 years in the classroom, Mrs Angela Fleitas has witnessed firsthand how interactive learning transforms student engagement and achievement Her passion lies in creating dynamic learning environments through technology and gamification while building meaningful relationships with students. By weaving Catholic values and identity into daily classroom interactions, she cultivates an atmosphere of authentic connection.
Erika Giganti
Social Studies Teacher, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
Power Up Your Presentation: Enhancing Google Slides with Music, Videos, and Links
Target Audience: Middle & High School Teachers
Elevate your Google Slides presentations by seamlessly integrating music, videos, and interactive links to create more dynamic and engaging content Whether designing lessons, professional presentations, or student projects, these tools will help captivate your audience and enhance learning experiences This hands-on session provides stepby-step guidance, practical tips, and creative strategies to transform static slides into interactive and visually compelling presentations
Mrs. Erika Giganti is an experienced educator with over 23 years of teaching experience, specializing in Social Studies She has served as a department leader and activities coordinator, demonstrating a passion for innovative teaching methods and technology integration in education Erika enjoys creating engaging learning experiences that empower students and educators to use digital tools effectively
Meet Our Presenters
Carlos Vazquez CEO/Founder at Miami EdTech and GoSprout
Building Tomorrow: Tech-Powered Project-Based Learning with Infento
Target Audience: Middle & High School Teachers
Experience how to effectively integrate technology with Project-Based Learning (PBL) through the lens of the Infento educational system. Using Infento's modular engineering kits as a model example, discover practical strategies for combining digital tools with physical construction projects in your classroom Participants will examine how this techenhanced approach to PBL develops students' STEM skills, creativity, and problemsolving abilities Through demonstration and discussion, participants will also learn actionable ways to implement similar projects in their curriculum
As the founder of Miami EdTech, Mr. Carlos Vazquez is passionate about closing the skills gap and improving economic opportunities for the community through computer science advocacy and integration, digital skilling and workforce development. Miami EdTech has impacted the lives of thousands of learners and educators alike, particularly in the areas of STEM and Computer Science He combines a passion for education and technology with a commitment to solving the biggest challenges in education Carlos is an educator with over 20 years of experience in the K-12 and Higher Education sectors.
Ana Suarez Science Teacher, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
Maximizing Moments: Make Every Minute Matter
Target Audience: Middle School Teachers
Every teacher has been there when a digital lesson won’t load or a lesson wraps up sooner than expected. Instead of scrambling for filler activities, turn these moments into meaningful learning opportunities. This session equips educators with a toolbox of engaging, low-prep activities that transform unexpected downtime into valuable instructional moments Participants will walk away with practical strategies to keep students engaged, reinforce learning, and make the most of every minute in the classroom
Mrs. Ana Suarez has been an educator for 30 years and is dedicated to enhancing teaching and learning through technology. She began her career as a Project CHILD consultant (Computers Helping Instruction and Learning Development), traveling across Florida to train teachers on integrating technology into the curriculum After earning her Master’s degree in Educational Technology, she has continued to explore and implement innovative tools that enrich instruction and engage students Her passion for technology-driven learning has allowed her to help other educators seeking to enhance their teaching practices in the digital age
Meet Our Presenters
Adri Souto Science Teacher, Belen Jesuit
Preparatory School
Javo
Cruz
Engineering
Teacher, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
Kenneth Riggs
Computer Science Teacher, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
Passion for Teaching in a Changing World –A Catholic Perspective
Target Audience: Middle & High School Teachers
In an era of rapid technological, social, and educational change, teachers face the challenge of maintaining their passion for education while adapting to new realities This presentation explores how Catholic educators can nurture and sustain their vocation in the face of evolving classroom dynamics Grounded in the principles of Catholic education faith, reason, and service participants will reflect on the deeper purpose of teaching as a calling, not just a profession.
Ms Adri Souto is a passionate and dedicated high school Biology teacher with a love for inspiring students to explore the wonders of the natural world With 15 years of experience in education, she specializes in making complex biological concepts engaging and accessible Holding a degree from Florida International University, Ms. Souto integrates hands-on experiments, real-world applications, and interactive discussions into her lessons. Beyond the classroom, Adri Souto enjoys mentoring students as the 9th grade class sponsor, and other extra-curricular activities
STEAM Sandbox: Laser Cutting & 3D Printing for Any Classroom
Target Audience: Middle & High School Teachers
Step into our Innovation Center for a hands-on STEAM sandbox experience! This session is open to teachers across all subject areas who want to explore how laser cutting and 3D printing can enhance learning in their classrooms Whether you're a Science teacher designing molecule models, an English teacher creating literary-themed artifacts, or a History teacher bringing ancient structures to life, this session will provide inspiration and practical applications. Participants will learn how these cutting-edge technologies can support creativity, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary connections. No prior experience is needed just bring your curiosity and ideas!
With 11 years of teaching experience, including 8 at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, Mr Javier “Javo” Cruz began his educational career as a middle school Math teacher before transitioning to high school Engineering education His passion for how things work, real-world problem-solving, and hands-on building projects inspired this shift. He teaches Honors Principles of Engineering, Introduction to Engineering Design, and Robotics. Javo also coaches basketball and track, fostering growth both in the classroom and on the field
Mr Kenneth Riggs is a Technology Integration and Data Analytic enthusiast at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, where he teaches introductory and honors Computer Science courses. He holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Information Science and Technology from Penn State University with a minor in Security Risk Analysis and an Masters in Business Administration from Florida International University specializing in business/data analytics Kenneth is also the founder of FCI, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding IT education for underrepresented students He holds Six Sigma Green and Yellow Belt certifications and is committed to fostering innovation in technology education.
Meet Our Presenters
Luis-Alejandro DinnellaBorrego, Ph.D.
Social Studies Teacher, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
Existential Catholicism: Evangelizing High School Students in the Social Studies Classroom
Target Audience: High School Teachers & Administrators
This session is rooted in Dr Dinella-Borrego's doctoral research at the Catholic University of America, where he developed the concept of "Existential Catholicism" a prophetic spirituality that places existence, identity, and one’s relationship with God at the core of spiritual life. At the heart of Existential Catholicism is the call for students to confront tough life questions about themselves and their relationship with God, while integrating this exploration into their studies. This session will explore how such evangelization can be effectively implemented in a high school Social Studies classroom, using techniques like seminars, sung prayer, and connecting existential questions to the historical content students are engaging with Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how to foster this type of spiritually grounded inquiry in their own teaching practice
Dr. Luis-Alejandro Dinnella-Borrego is a graduate of Dartmouth College. He received his Masters degree in History from the University of Virginia and an Masters degree in Theology from Saint Leo University. He completed his Doctorate in American and African-American History at Rutgers University in 2013 Currently, he is completing a Doctorate in Ministry in Spirituality at The Catholic University of America His first book, The Risen Phoenix Black Politics in the Post-Civil War South, was released by the University of Virginia Press in July 2016. Dr. Dinnella-Borrego is the Office of International Studies Director and the Dual Enrollment and AP U.S. History teacher at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School.
Lawrence Goodall, D.Min. Philosophy and Theology Faculty, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
God's Language: Integrating Math into the Teaching of Humanities Subjects
Target Audience: Middle & High School Teachers
As the world’s universal language, math serves as a unifying element of Catholic education In this session, participants will explore ways to integrate mathematical concepts into traditional liberal arts courses, providing students and teachers with opportunities to strengthen both computational and analytical skills. From applying PEMDAS to factoring polynomials, this session will offer practical strategies to help students recognize how math shapes our thinking.
Dr Larry Goodall has 32 years of teaching experience Before joining the faculty at Belen Jesuit, he taught at St John the Apostle and Archbishop Curley-Notre Dame He holds a Doctorate in Ministry in Theology from Barry University. Currently, Dr. Goodall serves as the co-chair of the Theology Curriculum Review Committee at Belen Jesuit and assists with the elicitation of Catholic-Jesuit identity within the curriculum
Meet Our Presenters
Ben Neely Chief Research and Impact Officer, Revolution Prep
Facilitated by Janice Xiques,
Associate
Director of College Counseling
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
From Paper to Digital: Understanding the New SAT, ACT, and College Admissions
Target Audience: High School Teachers
In today’s college admissions landscape, the role of testing has evolved rapidly. With these changes, families face a new set of decisions: many of the most competitive colleges and universities move back to a test-required policy; College Board has a new fully adaptive digital version of the PSAT and SAT; the ACT is piloting a digital version of their exam. Having a complete understanding of the nuances is critical for students to maximize their opportunities. This session will walk you through everything you need to knowtohelpstudentsprepareforthesenewtestingformats
Mr Ben Neely serves as Revolution Prep’s Chief Research and Impact Officer, learning and speaking about admissions testing, selective admissions, and the challenges students face in striving for academic excellence. After beginning his career as a high school math teacher, Ben has held roles in curriculum development, engineering management, and has spent more than 20 years helping families make their best decisions around the standardized testing process Ben earned his B A in Physics from the University of California, Berkeley and has been with Revolution Prep for 13 years
Please note this session will take place via Zoom and will be facilitated by Mrs Janice Xiques, College Counselor at Belen Jesuit
Meet Our Presenters
Guided Inquiry Design: A.I. Driven Inquiry and Student Engagement in the Middle and High School
Target Audience: Middle & High School Teachers
Patty Wyszkowski
Educational
Technology Integrator, Gulliver Preparatory School
Margie de Quesada
Educational
Technology Integrator, Gulliver Preparatory School
Denelsa Febo
Educational
Technology Integrator, Gulliver Preparatory School
This presentation will showcase how AI tools can transform the Guided Inquiry Design (GID) process in the classroom based on the collaborative experience between middle/high school teachers and edtech integrators, which utilize a variety of tools to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes After providing a clear overview of the GID framework and its key phases, participants will learn concrete examples of how students' research skills, critical thinking, and collaboration improved through the use of School AI, Canva, Book Creator, Humy AI, Padlet and the Google Suite This presentation directly addresses the challenge of engaging students in a rigorous research framework This session will offer practical strategies and best practices for integrating artificial intelligence tools into inquiry projects
Ms. Patty Wyszkowski is a dedicated educator with over 30 years of teaching experience in the elementary/middle school grades. After obtaining a Master's degree in Educational Technology, she was able to merge her love for technology with her educational expertise. Working in her dream role of Ed Tech Integrator for over 5 years, she combines her extensive classroom experience with innovative technology solutions to enhance teaching and learning Ms Wyszkowski is dedicated to empowering both educators and students to utilize technology effectively, ensuring they are well-prepared for the future.
With 18 years of experience teaching elementary and middle school students, Mrs. Margie de Quesada is an educator dedicated to fostering engaging and effective learning environments She has led numerous professional development sessions, providing teachers with valuable strategies and tools to assist them in and out of the classroom As an Educational Technology Integrator, she currently assists teachers on how to incorporate digital tools to enhance student learning and outcomes
Ms. Denelsa Febo is an accomplished educator with over 22 years of experience in teaching middle and high school students. Currently, she excels as an Educational Technology Integrator and Curriculum Coordinator, where she combines her passion for technology and education to enhance learning experiences She has led many professional development sessions at her school Her dedication and expertise have been recognized at the national level, reflecting her commitment to advancing educational practices and integrating technology in the classroom.
Meet Our Presenters
Hilary Haber SparSTAtion
Conductor, St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School
Faith and Focus: Building Critical Thinkers and Problem-Solvers
Target Audience: Middle School Teachers
This dynamic presentation is designed for teachers seeking to empower students with essential skills for today’s world. This session explores practical strategies to nurture critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in the classroom, blending academic rigor with a faith-based approach Participants will learn how to guide students in analyzing complex situations, making thoughtful decisions, and applying biblical principles to realworld challenges By connecting intellectual growth with spiritual development, teachers can inspire students to think deeply, act wisely, and live purposefully Whether navigating everyday problems or tackling big questions, this presentation equips educators with tools to foster meaningful learning experiences rooted in faith and reason
Ms. Hillary Haber is an experienced educator with 25 years of practical experience working with students. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Miami and her Masters degree in Educational Technology from Nova Southeastern University. She is passionate about empowering students and teachers through critical thinking, problem-solving, and faith-based instruction With a background in STEM and technology education, Hillary specializes in creating engaging, studentcentered learning experiences She designs lessons and workshops that connect academic growth with spiritual values, helping learners build strong foundations for success in both life and faith Her commitment to fostering meaningful education makes her a trusted resource for educators seeking innovative approaches.
Patricia Saenz Science Teacher, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
Innovative Teaching with Padlet: Discover the Latest Features
Target Audience: Middle & High School Teachers
Explore Padlet's newest features and how they can transform the teaching experience In this session, participants will learn how to design lesson plans, execute activities, incorporate student-teacher collaboration, and create rubrics with Padlet's AI tools Whether a Padlet pro or just getting started, this session will provide the skills and inspiration to take student engagement and learning to the next level
Mrs. Patricia Saenz, a dedicated middle school Science teacher with nine years of experience, is currently in her first year at Belen Jesuit and her second year as a Miami resident. Previously, she taught in Northern Virginia’s public schools and is passionate about creating hands-on, authentic learning experiences that connect real-world examples to scientific phenomena Specializing in Physical Science and Earth & Space Science, she strives to ignite curiosity and critical thinking in her students, making science both meaningful and exciting.
Meet Our Presenters
Melissa Menendez
Social Studies Teacher, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
Unleashing Canva: Maximizing Canva for Engaging and Accessible Learning
Target Audience: Middle & High School Teachers
This hands-on session is designed for educators who are familiar with the basics of Canva, but want to explore its advanced features and integrations. In this session, participants will learn how to leverage Canva’s apps, tools, and accessibility features to create dynamic, student-friendly materials that enhance engagement and inclusivity. Whether designing interactive assignments, visually rich presentations, or classroom templates, this session will equip participants with strategies to maximize Canva’s potential in the classroom
Mrs Melissa Menendez-Cedeño has been an educator since 2013 and is dedicated to fostering interactive learning and student engagement. As a middle and high school Social Studies teacher at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, she is passionate about meeting students' learning needs while integrating technology to enhance education. Mrs. Menendez-Cedeño believes in leveraging AI as a tool to guide students and teachers in effective usage Through innovative teaching strategies, creative lesson design, and faith-based relationships, she encourages active participation in the classroom
Tanner Wilcox Account Executive, MagicSchool
MagicSchool –
A.I. Designed for Schools, Defined by You
Target Audience: Middle & High School Teachers and Administrators
MagicSchool is a customizable AI platform that adapts to each school’s unique goals Learn how this powerful tool lightens the load for administrators and educators, empowering them to focus on student success Explore how AI can build skills in educators, enhance learning, and unlock the full potential of both teachers and students with continually updated tools Curate a personalized dashboard, deploy tools schoolwide for consistency, and access usage reports to optimize AI adoption With built-in training and highly-rated professional development options, MagicSchool ensures educators and students stay ahead. This session will demonstrate how AI can support innovative, faith-based teaching practices and transform the classroom experience for all.
MagicSchool is the leading generative AI platform in education, empowering over 4 million educators with AI-driven support to reduce burnout and enhance efficiency Committed to responsible and safe AI use, we create transformative learning experiences that equip students with the skills they need for the future of work
Meet Our Presenters
Javier
de la Vega,
Director of Teacher Success, Book Creator
Getting Started with Book Creator: A Hands-On Introduction
Target Audience: Elementary, Middle & High School Teachers
This session is perfect for educators new to Book Creator and eager to unlock its potential for digital storytelling. This interactive, hands-on session will guide participants through the essentials of creating, customizing, and sharing digital books. Participants will learn how to add and format text, incorporate images, embed audio, and integrate multimedia elements to bring stories to life Whether looking to enhance student engagement or exploring creative digital tools, this workshop will equip participants with the skills to make their books more interactive and engaging
Mr Javier de la Vega joined Book Creator in 2023 He has over 25 years in education, 10 of those in the classroom He lives in MIami, FL with his wife and two children He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language and Literature from Florida State University.
Amanda Baumgartner
M-12 Religion Discipline Chair, Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart
Logic and Light: Why "So What" Matters in a Religion Classroom
Target Audience: Middle & High School Teachers
This session explores the importance of applying critical thinking skills to our faith. Participants will examine real examples from various religion courses, engaging in discussions on how analytical reasoning enhances theological understanding. The session also includes collaborative brainstorming, allowing educators to develop practical strategies for incorporating these methods into their own courses.
Ms Amanda Baumgartner has worked in Catholic school education for 13 years, serving as a religion teacher at Holy Names Academy in Seattle, Washington and Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart in Miami, Florida. She currently serves as the M-12 Religion Discipline Chair at Carrollton. Amanda earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies from Gonzaga University and her Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Studies from Seattle University.
EXPO 2025
11:30 A.M. TO 2:00 P.M.
Roberto C. Goizueta Innovation CenterLeyva Court
Visit our gymnasium located inside the Roberto C. Goizueta Innovation Center and meet some wonderful vendors that can help your school.
Featured Vendors
South Florida Robotics Book Creator Sophia Institute
Wolfvision
Magic School, Inc
Nova Southeastern University
Fairchild Tropical Gardens
Maker Space/Maker Faire
Concierge Pad JC Learning Miami Ed Tech
Prayer for Teachers
Lord God, your spirit of wisdom fills the earth and teaches us your ways. Look upon these teachers. Let them strive to share their knowledge with gentle patience and endeavor always to bring the truth to eager minds.
Grant that they may follow Jesus Christ, the way, the truth, and the life, forever and ever.
R/. Amen.
THE INNOVATION CONFERENCE
Steering Committee
José E. Roca '84, Principal
Patricia Bustamante, Assistant Principal for the Middle School
Matthew Jordan, Ed.D. '08, Director of Faculty Development
