Rooted Together: Strong Foundations Speaker Series

Strong Foundations: Insights for Thriving Families

Our new community focused series, Strong Foundations, is designed to inform, inspire, and empower caregivers at every stage of their parenting journey.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, or community member, you’re invited to join us for these engaging, interactive events. Come connect, learn, and be part of a community that believes in the power of family and lifelong learning.

Details:

  • Conveniently hosted in Lena Pope’s Amon Carter Center for a live and in person event
  • Registration is required – links are below each event
  • General admission is $50 or purchase all three events for $120
  • Optional workshops are available after each presentation for $40

Together, let’s build stronger families—one conversation at a time.

 

Upcoming Speakers:

Todd Nesloney

Thriving as a Parent – September 25, 2025

Todd Nesloney is a nationally recognized educator, author, and leader, known for authoring seven influential books.

Blending humor, honesty, and storytelling, Nesloney inspires audiences to lead lives with purpose and authenticity. His efforts have earned recognition from The White House and John C. Maxwell.

Register Today

Taes Leavitt

Helping Kids Understand & Talk about Their Big Feelings – November 6, 2025

Taes (pronounced: TESS) is a 2-time Juno Award winner with over 15 years of experience creating empowering, research-based TV and stage content for kids as part of the musical duo Splash’N Boots. Her work focuses on helping children navigate big feelings like sadness, failure, and bullying with confidence and clarity.

Blending her deep understanding of what engages kids with principles from developmental psychology and mindfulness, Taes has developed programs that are both entertaining and emotionally supportive.

Her signature approach, The Big Heart Method, is designed to build resilience, boost confidence, reduce anxiety, and strengthen kids’ relationships with teachers, parents, and other trusted adults.

Dr. John Gaines

Pushing through Adversity & Defying the Odds – February 19, 2026

Dr. John “Push” Gaines is a former at-risk youth turned CEO and founder of PUSH for Dreams. A best-selling author, nationally recognized speaker, and leadership consultant, he inspires audiences with a powerful message of perseverance, using his own life story to help others overcome adversity and unlock their potential.

Known for his heartfelt, positive approach, Dr. Gaines connects deeply with youth and professionals alike, blending personal experience with a mission to build stronger communities. Named one of Yahoo’s “Top 10 Most Influential People of 2020,” he’s spoken at schools, universities, corporations, NBA camps, and national conferences across the country.

With a Master’s in Business Leadership and a Doctorate in Business Administration, Dr. Gaines also brings academic excellence and championship-level leadership to his work. His greatest titles, though, are husband to Emily and dad to Anorah and Benny.