Watch this fun video capturing the highlights of last year's MASTERS Institute -Thank you to Rich Herard, Herard Media for filming and producing this remarkable video.

  • Even if you missed the two early bird deadlines we are trying our best to support your interest. Regular registration is only $950 a saving of $45 from previous year's regular registration.

Hotel Registration

The Institute Host Hotel is the Embassy Suites by Hilton, 

4415 E. Paradise Village Pkwy South, 

Phoenix, AS 85032

Registration Link Below

View your attendee website

Room Rates have been reduced from previous years. Each Room is a suite and can accommodate up to four people


 



Our Special Institute Room Block is limited so reserve your room as soon as possible to benefit from our Group rate.

Featured Speakers

Valerie Calderon, Ph.D. Founder and CEO and Treasure Hunter

Dr. Calderon is the founder and CEO of Calderon Research and Consulting Services, LLC, which provides team development, strategic planning, and research solutions. Additionally, Dr. Calderon has spent many years working as a senior consultant at Gallup, an analytics and advice firm that uses research data to help organizations solve problems and develop strategies. Her work involved directing the Gallup Student Poll, which measures levels of engagement, hope, entrepreneurial aspiration, and career and financial literacy among students from grades five through 12.

Eric Meaux Chief Juvenile Probation Officer and Treasure Hunter

Eric Meaux, Chief Juvenile Probation Officer, Maricopa County, AZ serves as the Chief Juvenile Probation Officer for the Maricopa County Juvenile Probation Department in Arizona, one of the largest juvenile justice systems in the United States. Appointed in 2012, he provides strategic leadership for a department of approximately 600 professionals responsible for juvenile detention, diversion, investigations, and community supervision, serving thousands of youth and families each year. With more than 25 years of experience in juvenile justice and public service, Chief Meaux is recognized nationally for advancing evidence-based practices, systems innovation, and policies that promote both youth accountability and positive development.

Ben Ibale Human & Civil Rights Coordinator and Treasure Hunter

Ben Ibale is the Human and Civil Rights Coordinator at the Washington Education Association, based in Renton, United States. Prior to his current role, he worked as a High School English Teacher at Issaquah High School. Ibale holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington

Antonio Espree-Bey Author, Consultant, and Advocate for Youth and Justice Reimagined and Treasure Hunter

Antonio entered prison as a teen, labeled a super predator, and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. Antonio spent over twenty-nine years in the Michigan Department of Corrections. National attention on youth sentencing helped open the door for my release. His transformation began long before that moment. He now uses his story to help you understand how trauma shapes behavior and how young people can grow when given structure and support.

Spencer Gorin Co Founder Healthy Plan and Program Specialist, University of Arizona and Treasure Hunter

Spencer Gorin is an internationally known presenter, author, and originator of multiple programs that increase empathy, self-regulation, and discovery. Spencer co-created the anti-bullying, character education program, Healthy Play IS a Solution, and co-authored the book Learning to Play, Playing to Learn: Curriculum and Activities for Classroom and Playground Management.

He is also the Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) & Harm Reduction Program Specialist for the University of Arizona.

Gisselle Herrera Superintendent and Treasure Hunter

Gisselle Herrera serves as the Superintendent of the Tolleson Elementary School District, AZ. She brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to educational leadership. With a deep focus on elementary school leadership, Ms. Herrera's passion for education is rooted in her belief that every child is capable of success, a belief forged through her own educational journey.

Cassandra Ortega Principal and Treasure Hunter

Ms. Ortega is the principal of Porfirio H. Gonzales School, a positive, learner-centered community that fosters creativity and academic excellence. Her school is a place where all are welcome, and learning thrives. We believe in the power of relationships, high expectations, and a shared commitment to student success. Every child who walks through our doors is valued, supported, and inspired to grow both academically and personally.

As the heart of Tolleson, our mission is to nurture the whole child by providing a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment that empowers students to become compassionate, lifelong learners and responsible citizens. We believe all students are capable of success, No Exceptions!

Trevor "Trev" Morris Doctoral Student, Arizona State Unviversity

" Trevor “Trev” Morris is a doctoral student in the Psychology and Law program at Arizona State University. As a member of ASU’s Youth Justice Lab, his research focuses on shifting juvenile justice environments from risk suppression to cultivating internal strengths. Specifically, he investigates how hope and resilience can be fostered through relational support like credible messengers and positive psychology activities. Driven by the belief that all youth can experience positive developmental change, Trevor’s work seeks to realign system practices with adolescent development to actively increase the well-being and future-thinking of youth impacted by the justice system.

Dr. Yelena Johnson Educational Consultant and Professor specializing

Dr. Johnson specializes in supporting educators, schools, and districts in developing their culturally responsive classroom management practices. She supports the creation of classroom communities where every child is seen, valued, and heard, regardless of differences.


21st Annual MASTERS Institute
Creating and Activating HOPE
September 29-October 2, 2026
Embassy Suites by Hilton
4450 N. Paradise Village Parkway S
Phoenix, AZ

(subject to change)


Tuesday, September 29

1:00 – 3:30 PM

Pre-Institute Workshop Module I
Introduction to the Science and Culture of HOPE - Learn from the best. Join longtime treasure hunters and National Kids at Hope Trainers: Dr. Ibi Haghighat, Dr. Shawn Ashworth, Claudia Thomas, and Julie Niven as they introduce the power of hope. 

Open to all registrants. No Extra Charge

All Workshop Materials included. 

Limited Space. Register early 

4:00 PM  
Opening Reception (Hosted)  5:00 PM
 Special Program (TBA)

6:00 PM
 Adjourn

Wednesday, September 30

8:00 AM
 Registration Opens

8:30 AM
Welcome-From the Dean of the Institute and Chief Treasure HunterRick Miller, Dean of the Institute, Founder, Kids at Hope Professor of Practice, Arizona State University, School of Community Resources and Development

Welcome - From our Co-Sponsors
8:45 AM – KeynoteDr. Valerie J. Calderon
Education researcher, consultant, and former Senior Consultant at Gallup, Dr. Calderon, brings national expertise in student engagement and hope, helping schools and communities understand and act on the leading indicators of student success.

9:30 AM
 Break

9:45 AM – Workshop
Dr. Calderon will lead a session focused on improving outcomes for youth and families through research-informed practice, mentorship, and community engagement.

11:15 AM
Break

11:30 AM Dean’s Recognition Luncheon Reception - featuring The Tolleson Elementary School District, AZ's Mariachi Program, a nationally recognized ensemble that blends cultural pride and musical excellence. 


12:00 PM  Dean’s Recognition & HOPE HONORS Medal Ceremony Luncheon (Hosted) 

1:30 PM  Break 

2:00 – 3:30 PM The Challenge of Challenging Youth 

Chief Eric Meaux, Maricopa County, AZ Juvenile Probation Dept, and Trevor "Trev" Morris, Arizona State University 
Every interaction with a young person has the potential to shape who they become. This session explores how HOPE, meaningful accountability, and positive connections work together to strengthen protective factors that buffer adversity and promote resilience. Through research and real-world practice, participants will discover how helping youth envision a positive future, develop life skills, experience authentic connection, and embrace opportunities for growth reflects the FORGE model and empowers young people to take responsibility, overcome adversity, and build lives of purpose.

3:30 – 3:45 PM  Break

3:45 – 5:00 PM What Happens When HOPE is Betrayed? Ben Ibale, Human and Civil Rights Coordinator, Washington Education Association, will explore the cultural and human consequences when students and staff need a culture that believes in, connects with, and time-travels with them, but cannot find it.

Dr. Yelena Johnson, is a classroom management expert and a member of the Clinical Faculty, College of Education, University of Washington. Dr. Johnson focuses her work on culturally responsive classrooms, giving educators practical tools needed to ensure all students thrive.  

5:00 PM  Wrap-Up

Evening  Open Evening

Thursday, October 1

8:30 AM -The Intersection of Play and HOPE Workshop Spencer Gorin, Founder, Creative Spirit and Healthy Play
An interactive session exploring how play-based, experiential practices build connection, resilience, and well-being.
Please dress comfortably.

11:30 AM
 Lunch Break

1:15 PM: From Theory to Practice: A Carousel of Program Ideas - Featuring and Facilitated by 

Leticia Valencia, Principal, C.W. McGraw School, Yuma, AZ; Ralph Quintana, Principal, Thompson Ranch School, Surprise, AZ & Tammy House, Teacher, Bowman Creek School, Auburn, WA

2:30 PM Break

2:45 PM Theory of Change – From Trauma and Risk to Hope  

Antonio Espree-Bey, National Speaker and Thought Partner on youth justice, transformation, and trauma-informed practice. After spending over twenty-nine years in the Michigan Department of Corrections—entering as a teenager labeled a “super predator”—he began a profound personal transformation by rebuilding his thinking and studying the impact of trauma on behavior. Antonio translates his lived experience into structured approaches that build accountability and strengthen emotional regulation in helping young people move toward a more hopeful and productive future.

3:45 PM -I Scream! You Scream! We All Scream for Ice Cream! 
 Ice Cream Truck (hosted)

5:30 PM -Arizona Western BBQ (Hosted) Friday, October 2 -   HOPE in Action -This Is Tolleson ESD – (wear your T-Shirts)

Board buses at 8:30 AM 

About Us

At Tolleson Elementary School District, we are all treasure hunters committed to searching for all the talents, skills, and intelligence that exist in all children and youth. We believe all children are capable of success—No Exceptions!

HOPE in ACTION – Site Visit to a Kids at Hope School- Porfirio H. Gonzales Elementary School, Tolleson Elementary School District

8:30 AM
 Board Buses

9:45 AM
 Arrive at Porfirio H. Gonzales Elementary School, Tolleson, AZ

12:30 PM
 Graduation Lunch (Hosted)

1:45 PM
 Depart for Host Hotel

2:30 PM
 Institute Adjourns

FULL HOPE AHEAD

 


 

Personal Info

Billing Information

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Discover

Want to Learn More About Kids at Hope watch the video below

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