Speaking Engagements

Sam’s assembly style presentations tell the story of his life growing up with a facial difference and hearing loss. He takes the audience on a journey through his childhood as he navigated the social scene of school and life. Sam shares with the audience both the physical and emotional impacts of having reconstructive facial surgeries. Assemblies are interactive, providing ample opportunity for students to discuss their thoughts and reflect on themselves. Through the use of storytelling Sam addresses the overarching themes of kindness, empathy, inclusion, and what it means to be different.

Sam’s personal experiences tie closely with the best selling book, Wonder, by R.J Palacio.

During classroom/grade level workshops Sam will provide the school with a variety of options for hands-on activities and projects that address the themes in his work. From role playing to art projects, guided discussions, and more, Sam will facilitate an interactive workshop with students to engage them in reflecting about themselves and considering what actionable steps they can take to make their school and community a more accepting place for all people.

During a workshop, Sam will provide the school with a variety of options for hands-on activities and projects that he has developed to address the themes in his work. From role playing to art projects, guided discussions, and more, Sam will facilitate an interactive workshop with students to engage them in reflecting about themselves and considering what actionable steps they can take to make their school and community a more accepting place for all people.

Lunch groups are a chance for Sam to engage in conversation about a range of topics with a small set of students. Sam works with each school to advise on the most ideal number of students for a lunch group based on the meetings’ objectives.

Parent programs can be held either before or after school:

• A before school meet-and-greet is a more casual opportunity for parents to access Sam’s expertise through questions, stories, and advice for supporting their child(ren) in making kind, empathetic, and inclusive choices.

• A more formal evening presentation may include an overview of what Sam did during the day with students, general information about inclusion and empathy, and and concrete tips for parents on how they can continue conversations around these important topics at home with their child(ren).

As a lifelong learner, Sam believes that learning never takes a break. Educator programs are designed to help teachers consider how to continue supporting Sam’s messages after he leaves the school to achieve systemic change. Sam’s visit is a first step toward long-term change, but ongoing conversations must occur for such change to be realized. During educator programs, Sam provides greater context for the how and why of his work, while also offering educators a variety of tools and resources for them to continue this work with their students.