The
Staff At Chocies 4 Youth
Executive Director
Dr.
James McCray is not your typical psychologist.
He is also a certified ropes course instructor,
author, inspiring speaker, memory trainer, and
president of a corporation. With a rare blend
of humor, leadership, and audience participation,
James McCray is bringing knowledge, wisdom, and
a sense of community to schools and staffs across
the nation.
Drawing on his own teacher and leadership experiences
of 14 years, Dr. McCray has created a powerful
leadership series that will inspire students to
be a leader amongst leaders. He has also created
programs to develop supportive communities amongst
rival gangs, struggling staffs, and students.
Finally, Dr. McCray has created a dynamic, informative
and entertaining presentation that helps teachers
discover how to unlock student's unlimited potential.
His programs inspire students and staffs to be
more responsible, motivated, and cohesive. James
McCray received his doctorate by the age of 27
and by the age of 30, James had presented in such
far-reaching places as Hong Kong, Canada, Malaysia,
Mexico, Singapore, and New Zealand.
 Director and Facilitator
Vicki
Abadesco is an expert educator and program consultant
with over 17 years of leadership work with schools
and organizations throughout the United States
and abroad. Her extensive work with a wide diversity
of thousands of youth and adults allows her to
have a constant pulse on what people need to be
launched into lifelong success and growth. Her
expertise and training includes individual and
group level counseling, conflict resolution, crisis
intervention and accelerated learning techniques.
She has written, created and produced several
life skills curriculum manuals and activity card
decks, including Leadership: Truth or Dare and
Mentor Magic. Vicki is also the developer for
the companion curriculum to the College Life 101
internet radio talk show for students, distributed
to First Year Experience educators from more than
50 schools across the nation.
Karin
Malkowski Stende back to top
Facilitator
With a widely diverse background, Karin Malkowski Stende delivers programs that touch hearts, challenge minds, and explore possibilities.
Karin has a Master of Science in Conflict Management and is a member of the Association for Conflict Resolution. She is a registered mediator practicing in the Georgia court system, and is a meeting facilitator, a certified ombudsman, and conflict management consultant.
Karin also provides mediation and conflict management systems analysis and design. In addition, she presents trainings on conflict management, communication, and meeting facilitation.
Karin and her husband, speaker/trainer/author Troy Stende, have recently released their new book, “Student Success Secrets [they don’t teach you in the classroom]”.
Karin’s professional life has spanned many diverse fields: she has been a buffalo rancher and a nontraditional college student; has coached numerous state speech champions and taught at-risk students; is a speaker/trainer on the college lecture circuit and a mediator, meeting facilitator, and conflict specialist in the corporate world.
 Facilitator
A professional keynote speaker and high impact trainer, Troy Stende is considered one of the best young speakers/trainers on the college circuit.
Troy’s passion and enthusiasm for life are contagious and unstoppable. People love him because he’s energetic -- positive -- and 100% genuine. Each year he motivates thousands of students and has addressed audiences in over 40 states across the country -- and the world, including Singapore and Hong Kong.
Troy is the co-author with his wife, Karin Malkowski Stende, of the soon to be released, “I wish someone had told me…Student Success Secrets they don’t teach you in the classroom”.
While earning his two collegiate degrees he was, among other things, a Kappa Sigma Fraternity member and a NCAA Division 1 gymnast. Troy has appeared on National Public Radio, and was featured in USA Today.
Troy is the "Best Campus Speaker" award winner from APCA (Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities) in 2002, 2004 & 2005!
Facilitator
Mark
Ley is an international facilitator, coach and
speaker for educational networks and organizations.
He has worked throughout the US, New Zealand,
Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore with individuals
of all ages and teams that range from frontline
staff to management and CEO's. As an elite
facilitator and coach for achievers around the
globe, an identity he has established through
consistently helping individuals attain the results
they want, Mark has become a sought after source
in accelerating and lifting performance levels
while creating measurable results.
Mark's clients include world class athletes,
youth organizations, directors, successful entrepreneurs,
artists and individuals from all walks of life
who are committed to living their ultimate life.
Facilitator
Joseph
Savage is a California credentialed teacher who
has been working in education for over 14 years.
He believes that educating the whole person and
creating a safe environment are imperative to
having successful learning experiences. In addition
to his classroom teaching, his educational accomplishments
include directing student generated plays, training
conflict resolution skills for youth and adults,
conducting school wide assemblies on peace and
creating practical curriculum. As a teacher, Joseph
is known for crafting nurturing and academically
focused atmospheres for his students. As a teacher
coach/mentor he is supportive and inspiring. In
addition to his educational experience he has
written, performed, and directed theater productions
throughout the San Francisco Bay Area
 Executive Manager
Christine has worked with children for years through Choices 4 Youth and McCray Creations, the Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America and numerous volunteer educational groups.
Combining these experiences with her Bachelor’s degree in business, she brings enthusiasm and knowledge to the creation and promotion of our programs throughout the United States and abroad. She and her family reside in the picturesque Sierra Nevada foothills.
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