Detective Fil Waters has served in Law Enforcement for 33 years.  He joined the Houston Police Department as a member of Lateral Cadet Class #L3-93, and embarked on a career with HPD (1993-2017) that spanned over 24 years; assigned to the Houston Police Homicide Division for 23 years working a large volume of varying homicide investigations and high-profile cases.  Prior to HPD, he worked eight years as a deputy sheriff with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (1985-1993) achieving the rank of Detective Sergeant, and one year with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (1984-1985) as a reserve deputy sheriff.  Detective Waters holds his Masters Degree in Criminal Justice Management from Sam Houston State University and his undergraduate degree in Political Science from Oklahoma State University.  Prior to his career in Law Enforcement, Detective Waters was a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps where he conducted investigations for the Commanding General’s Office, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, NC, and was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal.  Detective Waters worked several years in Narcotics, and during that time investigated crimes involving The Occult.  He has been a Certified TCOLE Instructor since 1986 and has traveled extensively instructing law enforcement agencies nationally and internationally developing curriculum in Law Enforcement training, to include, Interviewing Techniques Training, Homicide Investigations, Courtroom Testimony, Ethics in Law Enforcement, Firearms Training, and other related topics.Detective Waters is an instructor with International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) which “works with foreign governments to develop professional and transparent law enforcement institutions that protect human rights, combat corruption, and reduce the threat of transnational crime and terrorism. ICITAP provides international development assistance that supports both national security and foreign policy objectives.”  ICITAP is located in the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, and “works in close partnership with and receives funding for its programs from the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the U.S. Department of Defense.”During his career at HPD, Detective Waters received one Mayor’s Commendation, one District 1 City Councilman’s Achievement Award (James Rodriguez), five Chief’s Commendations, two Assistant Chief Commendations, fourteen Supervisor Commendations, one Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Commendation (Mike Sullivan), twenty-two Citizen Letters of Commendation, seven outside agency commendations (i.e. US Attorney’s Office-Western District of Texas, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Brazoria County DA’s Office, Blanco County Sheriff’s Office, Metro Transit Authority-DPS, Anne Arundel County PD-Maryland, and National Police Agency-Japan); was twice a Police Week Award Finalist, and received the 100 Club Officer of the Year Award (2011).  Additionally, on September 14, 2017, he received a Mayor’s Proclamation from the City of Hedwig Village for his assistance in the investigation of a Capital Murder which had taken place in Hedwig Village.  Detective Waters has been featured on 48 Hours “Gone” (CBS), “Criminal Confessions” (Oxygen Channel), “Shadow of Doubt” (ID Discovery Channel), “For My Man” (TV One), “Killer Couples” (Oxygen Channel), “Gangland-Deadly Blast (Tango Blast Gang In Houston, Texas…)” (History Channel), Real TV, Fox News, and numerous local stations.Detective Waters was one of the original members of the Houston Police Department’s Gang Murder Squad and in nearly five years in that capacity maintained over a 96% percent case clearance rate, having worked over 140 gang related homicide cases.  Of the almost 400 murder investigations Detective Waters was assigned, he achieved a 96% clearance rate, gaining confessions in 90% of those cases. Additionally, Detective Waters has worked hundreds of investigations of Kidnapping, Murder-For-Hire, Aggravated Assault, Deadly Conduct, Assault, etc. Detective Waters Online:Website | kindredspiritsinvestigations.comEmail | fil@kindredspiritsinvestigations.comDetective Waters on Social Media:Facebook | @kindredspiritsinvestigationsTwitter | @detfilwatersInstagram | @detfilwaters 

Teach Like A Rock Star Podcast

Ep 98 | Detective Fil Waters

Jonathan Medina helps schools encourage students, equip educators, and engage parents. Jonathan has spoken to over 1 million students, educators, and parents across the United States at places such as Harvard, Texas A&M, and schools from New York to Los Angeles. He was a walk-on and starter for 2 years at prestigious Georgetown University Football. Most importantly, Jonathan's greatest claim to fame is breaking the record at McDonald's for Most Happy Meals Eaten in 1 Day. Jonathan Online:Website | jmedinaspeaks.comEmail | jonathan@jmedinaspeaks.comJonathan on Social Media:Instagram | @jmedinaspeaks

Ep 97 | Jonathan Medina

Kristin McKeown is a coach and consultant helping educators integrate meditation and mindfulness into their daily lives so they can be at their best for their students, colleagues, and families. As founder and CEO of TeachingBalance, Kristin integrates her experience as a meditation teacher with her 25 years in public education to offer straightforward strategies, humor, and encouragement for teachers ready to prioritize their self-care. Join Kristin online:Website | teachingbalance.comEmail | kristin@teachingbalance.comConnect with Kristin on Social Media:Facebook | @TeachingBalanceLLCInstagram | @teachingbalanceTwitter | @TeachingBalanceFor a bunch of goodies, including immediate access to 3 different audio meditations just for Teach Like A Rock Star Podcast listeners, sign up here: https://www.teachingbalance.com/rockstar

Ep 96 | Kristin McKeown

Cameron Carlin is a Trinity University graduating senior studying Communication with a minor in Sport Management. At Trinity, he is a Tour Guide, Teacher’s Assistant for various courses and the Co-Director of the Student Ambassador program. Cameron has not only been involved on campus, but he has dedicated himself on making a positive impact on the greater San Antonio and Texas community. He has volunteered and worked with organizations such as the San Antonio Children's Shelter, Kinetic Kids, Silver and Black Give Back, and the Houston Astros Foundation. This past semester he was recognized as the Heart of Trinity Award Recipient and the Bexar County Mentor of the Year. 

Ep 95 | Cameron Carlin

Evan Whitehead has been in the field of education for over 20 years spanning over three decades, and is currently the Director of Special Services, for Lindop School District 92, in Broadview, IL. In his current role Evan oversees all Federal Programs (Special Education, McKinney-Vento, English Learners, and Title I), Early Childhood Education, Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), Social Emotional Learning, Family and Community Engagement, Health Services, Continuous Improvement, Equity, Diversity, and Cultural Competency. Evan started his career in education as a crisis and behavior interventionist at therapeutic day school in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL. Over his career he has held the following positions: Special Education Paraprofessional, Special Education High School Teacher, Latino Parent Outreach Coordinator, Dean of Student Discipline, Community Outreach Coordinator, Director of Special Services, Director of Bilingual Education and English Learners, Title I Director, and Assistant Superintendent of Special Services. Evan also worked as a District Liaison with the Illinois State Board of Education’s Statewide System of Support. As a District Liaison, Evan was charged with leading District Assistance Teams in implementing supports to districts in order to build district capacity to schools and help reduce the largest within-school gaps in achievement or largest within-school gaps in graduation rates at the high school level. Evan is also a National Consultant, Trainer and Presenter with Dr. Ruby K. Payne’s aha! Process, Inc. www.ahaprocess.com . In his work with aha! Process, Evan provides local and national trainings, presentations, and speaking engagements on Dr. Ruby K. Payne’s most recent book and workshop “Emotional Poverty in All Demographics: How to Reduce Anger, Anxiety, and Violence in the Classroom”. https://www.ahaprocess.com/workshop/emotional-poverty-on- site-workshop. Recently, in November 2019, Evan presented at two statewide Educator Conferences. On November 19, 2019, Evan co-presented “Emotional Poverty in All Demographics” during the general session at the Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators (AAESA), Fall Instructional Conference in Orange Beach, Alabama. On November 23, 2019, at the IASB-IASA- IASBO Joint Annual Conference in Chicago, IL. Evan presented “Need and Numbers: Board Policies for Equity and Accountability —strategically and intentionally creating board policies based on data, including policies covering professional learning, cultural relevancy, SEL, ISTE standards, to establish accountability goals, using district norms, to leverage achievement.” Evan is also the Executive Director of Educational Services with Strategic Project Management, Inc. www.strategicpm.us in which he oversees training, professional development, continuous improvement services for school districts, higher education institutions, non-profit organizations, social-service agencies. In September 2019, Evan was appointed to a four year term, on the Illinois State Board of Education Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Consolidated Committee of Practitioners (CCOP), by Illinois State Board of Education, State Superintendent Dr. Carmen I. Ayala. The mission of ESEA Consolidated Committee of Practitioners is to study and advise the Illinois State Board of Education on the implementation of programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to ensure that high quality services are available for all students especially those most in need. Evan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education with a concentration of Bilingual Bi-cultural Special Education and English as a Second Language, Minor in Spanish Language and Literature and Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration. Evan also studied Afro-Latino Studies and Spanish Language at Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra in Santiago, Dominican Republic. Evan's areas of expertise include Special Education, Social Emotional Learning, Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), District/School Continuous Improvement, Family and Community Engagement, Federal Programs, Equity, Diversity, Cultural Competency and Mental Health. Evan is a husband, father, mental health advocate, and has coached youth sports for over 15 years.  Contact Evan Online:Website | ahaprocess.comWebsite | strategiclearningsolutions.comWebsite | strategicpm.usEmail | evanwhitehead11@gmail.comConnect with Evan on Social Media:Twitter | @EvanWhitehead00 

Ep 94 | Evan Whitehead

Ryan Sheehy was raised in Southern California where his diverse education experiences all started. He attended public school, private school, and was home-schooled. He has seen and been part of all types of education systems, which gives him a different perspective. Ryan is a passionate educator that has made it his mission to help everyone live up to their potential and unleash their power to change the life of a child. He also has an immense dedication for kids and for making sure all educators understand the power they have in a child's life. Ryan was a physical education teacher for ten years before taking the leap from teacher to administrator. After serving two years as a high school vice principal, Ryan is now the lead learner/principal of an elementary school in Concord, California. Ryan prides himself as being someone who can build strong school culture and that is exactly what has happened at the schools where he has served as an administrator.Ryan works in the community where he lives, which allows him to build many relationships that foster a great learning environment for staff, students and families. Ryan also travels and speaks about creative educational practices and how we all have the power to Be the One for Kids. Ryan also speaks about Incorporating Technology, Being an Educator In Action, Creating a School Where No Wants To Leave, and many other topics. He moderates a variety of Twitter chats and is very active on social media.Ryan's wife, Barbara, and four children, Robert, Joshua, Julianna, and Zachary, are the light of his world. Ryan and his family reside in Concord, California.Contact Ryan Online:Website | ryansheehy.usEmail | mrryansheehy@gmail.comJoin Ryan on Social Media:Facebook | @sheehyrwInstagram | @sheehyrwTwitter |  @sheehyrw

Ep 93 | Ryan Sheehy

Taylor Armstrong is extremely passionate about leadership and our ability to influence others. Taylor is an Army Veteran and has been in education (2 Colleges and 3 School Systems) for 14 years. He and his wife have 4 kiddos.Taylor Online:Website | https://teespring.com/stores/zero-apology-zone-storeTaylor on Social Media:Twitter | @TAYLOR_does_ITInstagram |  @be_the_compass

Ep 92 | Taylor Armstrong

Rhonda Turner is an education veteran of thirty years. She has spent the last seven years as the Superintendent of Schools in her hometown of Quitman, Texas. She is passionate about public education, and making a positive difference in the lives of students. Ms. Turner places a priority on leadership growth within her staff. She believes in growing talent, and promoting self efficacy. Believing that when individuals take ownership in the organization and mission of the organization everyone benefits, but especially the students. Ms. Turner earned her BA in Elementary Education from Texas A&M University Commerce, and later her MBA in Educational Leadership from LeTourneau University. She did post graduate work at Texas  A&M Commerce for her Superintendency. She holds Certifications from the State of Texas as a Superintendent, Principal, and Elementary General Teacher and Reading Teacher. 

Ep 91 | Rhonda Turner

Human Connection Matters! In 2019 this simple yet incredibly powerful message is arguably the single most important concept for our society to grasp. Joe Beckman speaks to the heart of this message. As a youth speaker for the last 17 years, Joe has shared his energy, humor, authenticity, and message on Human Connection to over 1 million students, educators, and parents. Joe’s message, or maybe better said, the delivery of Joe's message resonates deeply with his audiences. Which is why he's so often told, "dude...you're the best speaker our school has EVER brought in."~ kid who thought the speaker was going to be dumbJoe lives in Minneapolis, MN, with his 3 children (Sophia, Finn and Jonah) and incredibly beautiful, patient, kind, patient, loving, and very very patient wife Jess.Visit Joe online:Website | joebeckman.com.Connect with Joe on Social Media:Facebook | @papagio2009Facebook | @happycavemanInstagram | @joe_beckmanTwitter | @Joe_Beckman

Ep 90 | Joe Beckman

Dr. Shaun Woodly is a two-time graduate of Hampton University - in 2004, then again in 2005, followed by his Ph.D. in 2014. Shaun has dedicated his professional career to education. He is an author, speaker, and staff development expert who specializes in helping educators absolutely flourish in the classroom. His goal is to challenge the norm of teacher training and services while always informing, inspiring, and motivating. He believes in equipping teachers with the tools to capitalize on their own strengths to perform to their greatest potential and beyond, all in an effort to promote the highest levels of student achievement. He does this with specialized consulting, workshops, services, training, and coaching at the campus and district level in urban and culturally diverse areas. When asked about his Teach Hustle Inspire brand, Shaun says “It is not just a logo or a saying - it’s an altogether movement! TEACH means to “unlock intellectual treasure”, HUSTLE is about how we “can't stop learning, won't stop learning” and INSPIRE is all about how we “spread love and light”. Although it resonates mostly with educators, truth be told, if you’ve ever mentored, lead, coached, parented, inspired, or motivated someone, you are a teacher - plain and simple!”Find Shaun Online:Website | teachhustleinspire.comEmail | shaun@shaunwoodly.comJoin Shaun on Social Media:Facebook | @TeachHustleInspireInstagram | @TeachHustleInspireTwitter | @ShaunWoodly

Ep 89 | Dr. Shaun Woodly

Todd Nesloney is the Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership for the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA). He has been recognized by the White House, John C Maxwell, National School Board Association, Center for Digital Education, and many more for his work in education. In addition to his 3 books, including the hit Kids Deserve It, Todd also hosts a highly rated podcast, #TellYourStory. Todd is passionate about eliminating excuses and finding whatever ways to do what's best for kids.Contact Todd Online:Website | toddnesloney.comEmail | todd.nesloney@gmail.comJoin Todd on Social Media:Facebook | @toddnesloneyTwitter | @TechNinjaToddInstagram | @TechNinjaTodd 

Ep 88 | Todd Nesloney

Tricia Kiah, teacher and creator of Blackboard Brave, is inspiring educators and teens to have authentic BOLD conversations that shift attitudes,and transform school climate in a safe space. During her first few years of teaching, she realized pretty quickly that students could not focus in the classroom if they were worried, angry, anxious, depressed, sad, or frustrated. An emotionally charged teen needs an outlet to express these emotions in order to prepare the mind, body, and spirit to learn effectively. What could be done? She was a teacher? How could she possibly support wounded teens and frustrated teachers at the same time? She needed to be BRAVE. All healing and awareness within the classroom begins with a simple question: "Where are you today?" In this brave conversation, students and teachers are tapping into the present moment. They become aware of the distracting thoughts, feelings and emotions. It allows them to uncover hidden judgments and negativity that they may unconsciously bring into the classroom. It helps students and teachers laser in on the distractions, in order to ZAP them out of their present in order to create space for more positive and powerful energy to grow. Tricia has been standing at the blackboard for 21 years having BOLD authentic conversations in her safe space classroom. She has a host of conversation starters as well as self-care ideas to help both students and educators thrive in today's hectic climate. Are you ready to be brave? Tricia Kiah nests in a small rural town in Central New York with her flock of 4 and husband, Coard. Her children ages 22, 21, 20 & 18, continue to inspire her content and push her to be bold and brave?Contact Tricia Online:Website | blackboardbrave.comEmail | blackboardbrave@gmail.comJoin Tricia on Social Media:Facebook | Blackboard Brave Facebook | Tricia KiahInstagram | @triciakiah

Ep 87 | Tricia Kiah

Dr. Kristopher Wallaert grew up in Portland, Oregon where he earned his Masters in Teaching at Multnomah University. In 2011, Kristopher moved to Idaho for his first teaching job. Currently, he lives in Mountain Home, Idaho where he has been teaching since 2012. He holds a Doctorate in Education with an emphasis in leadership in administration and teaching. He has been married to his best friend for over a decade and has 4 amazing children ranging from 8 months to 6 years old. Kristopher has a heart and a passion for students, learning, and education. Additionally, he may or may not have a slight obsession with Batman. Connect with Dr. Wallaert Online:Email | drwallaert@gmail.comJoin Dr. Wallaert of Social Media:Twitter | @drwallaertFacebook | @drwallaert

Ep 86 | Dr. Kristopher Wallaert

Erik Salzenstein's story is one that truly shows the power of change and what's possible. From greed and addiction to purpose and fulfillment. Erik found himself facing life in prison, with his back against the wall where he finally had to face his worst enemy up until that point.....himself.What stands out that he had to go to prison to find freedom and realized he was in his own prison long before actually being behind bars. He then went on to spend 4 years relentlessly pursuing personal growth, coaching, speaking, running workshops and even being published in a newspaper all while in prison. He developed a 4 step process using the acronym ROCK that allowed him to tap into his full potential and develop the ROCK solid foundation needed to transform and build his life on. He's since used this process with much success to his clients lives.Erik is a powerful and sought out speaker and transformational coach who shares his signature talk "From Prison to Prosperity" and takes people through his ROCK process and helps them break free from the constructs of their own prison.Visit Erik Online:Website | ErikSalzenstein.comEmail | Erik@ErikSalzenstein.comJoin Erik on Social Media:Instagram | @salzensteinFacebook | @erik.salzenstein.351

Ep 85 | Erik Salzenstein

Vernon Wright is a veteran speaker, educator, leader, consultant, show host, Associate Editor, mentor, entrepreneur, and lifelong learner. Vernon is passionate about helping others find purpose, meaning, and fulfillment in their lives through his many endeavors. He believes that in essence we can all look through the lens of the core values of his work which are to: connect, impact, and scale. With zero apologies, Vernon remains committed to being a voice for the people and speaking to hearts and minds worldwide.Join Vernon on Social Media:Twitter | @thewrightleaderInstagram | @thewrightleader 

Ep 84 | Vernon Wright

Raw and Revealing Conversations about Great Educators and Amazing Schools

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Teach Like A Rock Star Podcast

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