2026 DKGNJ Convention Offerings
Diane Roberts, First Vice President, Program Planning/EEC
While we got off to a slow start and had some tied results with our book discussion choices, the Program Planning Committee has selected a wonderful group of presentations for our April 2026 DKGNJ Convention. It may even be difficult to choose which workshops you may wish to attend! So, make sure to register early so you can experience your top choices. Here is a PDF of this listing.
Also, once the convention is over, please fill out the online workshop evaluations. This makes it helpful for planning future workshops. We appreciate all your suggestions and input.
Also, once the convention is over, please fill out the online workshop evaluations. This makes it helpful for planning future workshops. We appreciate all your suggestions and input.
Saturday Morning 10:30 – 11:45
“Your Passport to Adventure: Off the Beaten Path – Exploring the Nature Side of NJ”
Presenter: Dr. Pamela Albert Devine (Mu)
2026 marks a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate the birth of American independence and democracy. New Jersey is commemorating its 250th anniversary with various events and initiatives making it a great time to explore its history and natural beauty simultaneously! NJ offers a diverse range of natural areas for exploration spanning from forests to mountain peaks, to rolling farmland and white sandy shores. During this workshop participants will have the opportunity to discover some exceptional spots that they may not have known about and that they won’t want to miss!!
Presenter: Dr. Pamela Albert Devine (Mu)
2026 marks a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate the birth of American independence and democracy. New Jersey is commemorating its 250th anniversary with various events and initiatives making it a great time to explore its history and natural beauty simultaneously! NJ offers a diverse range of natural areas for exploration spanning from forests to mountain peaks, to rolling farmland and white sandy shores. During this workshop participants will have the opportunity to discover some exceptional spots that they may not have known about and that they won’t want to miss!!
“Empowering Resilience: Emotional Intelligence’s Role in Building Self-Awareness and Management”
Presenter: Dr. Sonia Toledo (guest)
Dr. Toledo empowers after-school professionals with knowledge and skills to create a positive productive work environment. Shaping your resilience helps you build your capacity to manage your accountability. You can feel more confident and turn conflicts into opportunities and resolve everyday challenges. This workshop will help you develop a mindset where obstacles are opportunities for growth and you can navigate workplace challenges effectively!
Presenter: Dr. Sonia Toledo (guest)
Dr. Toledo empowers after-school professionals with knowledge and skills to create a positive productive work environment. Shaping your resilience helps you build your capacity to manage your accountability. You can feel more confident and turn conflicts into opportunities and resolve everyday challenges. This workshop will help you develop a mindset where obstacles are opportunities for growth and you can navigate workplace challenges effectively!
“The DKG Stipend Awarded Program – The 3 R’s Project: Read, Write and Record”
Presenter: Lorie Jeskey (Epsilon) & Tracey Holland (Eta)
This workshop will give a detailed explanation of the 3R’s Project. The 3R’s Project is designed to increase special education students’ motivation to read while celebrating them as authors and writers. As a part of this project, special education students are recorded reading picture books and short chapter books to create a catalog of read-alouds that are then shared with younger students. Students are also recorded reading their own writings to be shared with their families and school staff. The workshop will include time for attendees to brainstorm and develop their own ideas for stipend funded projects.
Presenter: Lorie Jeskey (Epsilon) & Tracey Holland (Eta)
This workshop will give a detailed explanation of the 3R’s Project. The 3R’s Project is designed to increase special education students’ motivation to read while celebrating them as authors and writers. As a part of this project, special education students are recorded reading picture books and short chapter books to create a catalog of read-alouds that are then shared with younger students. Students are also recorded reading their own writings to be shared with their families and school staff. The workshop will include time for attendees to brainstorm and develop their own ideas for stipend funded projects.
“Heart Health For Her”
Presenter: Camy Kobylinski (Iota)
Camy will speak about the risks women face with heart disease, how to recognize the symptoms, and thriving beyond heart disease. She will share recommendations on how to deal with existing heart disease, current diagnostic tests and treatments. Camy has been trained by the American Heart Association.
Presenter: Camy Kobylinski (Iota)
Camy will speak about the risks women face with heart disease, how to recognize the symptoms, and thriving beyond heart disease. She will share recommendations on how to deal with existing heart disease, current diagnostic tests and treatments. Camy has been trained by the American Heart Association.
Book Discussion #1: The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
Presenter: Stephanie DeBruyne (Alpha)
Good Reads describes this selection as “a gripping historical mystery inspired by the life and diary of Martha Ballard, a renowned 18th century midwife who defied the legal system and wrote herself into American history.” Ballard is privy to much of what goes on in Hallowell behind closed doors. When a death is declared an accident, Martha is forced to investigate a shocking murder.
Presenter: Stephanie DeBruyne (Alpha)
Good Reads describes this selection as “a gripping historical mystery inspired by the life and diary of Martha Ballard, a renowned 18th century midwife who defied the legal system and wrote herself into American history.” Ballard is privy to much of what goes on in Hallowell behind closed doors. When a death is declared an accident, Martha is forced to investigate a shocking murder.
Saturday Afternoon 2:30- 3:45
“Mothers of Invention”
Presenter: Carol Simon Levin (guest)
Carol Simon Levin portrays Lillian Moller Gilbreth, motion study pioneer and “Cheaper by the Dozen” mother of 12. She will also share the stories of other overlooked women innovators, including many women of color. From Margaret Knight (19th century “Female Edison”) to Hollywood superstar Hedy Lamarr, these “Mothers of Invention” changed our lives, yet their accomplishments were all to often ignored, discounted or credited to others.
Presenter: Carol Simon Levin (guest)
Carol Simon Levin portrays Lillian Moller Gilbreth, motion study pioneer and “Cheaper by the Dozen” mother of 12. She will also share the stories of other overlooked women innovators, including many women of color. From Margaret Knight (19th century “Female Edison”) to Hollywood superstar Hedy Lamarr, these “Mothers of Invention” changed our lives, yet their accomplishments were all to often ignored, discounted or credited to others.
“Let the Glitter Settle: Bringing Presence and Awareness into our Lives and Learning Spaces”
Presenter: Stefanie Lachenauer (Lambda) 2025 NJ State Teacher of the Year
Educators are often encouraged to bring mindfulness and regulation strategies into their classrooms, but how can we first use these practices to sustain ourselves? In this interactive workshop we explore practical neuroscience-informed strategies for mindfulness and regulation that nurture educator well-being and resiliences. Participants will have the chance to practice some of these approaches, reflect on the experience and consider how the same strategies might also support students and learning environments.
Presenter: Stefanie Lachenauer (Lambda) 2025 NJ State Teacher of the Year
Educators are often encouraged to bring mindfulness and regulation strategies into their classrooms, but how can we first use these practices to sustain ourselves? In this interactive workshop we explore practical neuroscience-informed strategies for mindfulness and regulation that nurture educator well-being and resiliences. Participants will have the chance to practice some of these approaches, reflect on the experience and consider how the same strategies might also support students and learning environments.
Meet our Delta Kappa Gamma Society International President - DKG Past, Present, and Future
Presenter: Dr. Beverly Hall-Maughan
Our personable and vivacious DKG International President Dr. Beverly Hall-Maughan is from Tennesee.
Step into a lively mock panel discussion that explores how DKG has evolved across the decades—and where it might be headed next. Panelists representing different eras will share perspectives that inform, spark conversation, and invite imagination. Expect meaningful insights, thoughtful reflection, and a few lighthearted moments along the way.
Presenter: Dr. Beverly Hall-Maughan
Our personable and vivacious DKG International President Dr. Beverly Hall-Maughan is from Tennesee.
Step into a lively mock panel discussion that explores how DKG has evolved across the decades—and where it might be headed next. Panelists representing different eras will share perspectives that inform, spark conversation, and invite imagination. Expect meaningful insights, thoughtful reflection, and a few lighthearted moments along the way.
“AI in Education and Beyond”
Presenter: Diana Gross (guest)
In November 2022, Open AI released ChatGPT to the public Artificial Intelligence. It has become one of the fastest growing consumer software applications in history. Educators have needed to simultaneously learn how to use AI tools themselves while supporting parents and students in navigating a world of AI. This workshop will provide a basic introduction to AI and discuss how these technologies are impacting teaching and learning. Examples will also be provided of how it is being used by faculty in K-12 and higher education. There will be time for discussion and resource sharing.
Presenter: Diana Gross (guest)
In November 2022, Open AI released ChatGPT to the public Artificial Intelligence. It has become one of the fastest growing consumer software applications in history. Educators have needed to simultaneously learn how to use AI tools themselves while supporting parents and students in navigating a world of AI. This workshop will provide a basic introduction to AI and discuss how these technologies are impacting teaching and learning. Examples will also be provided of how it is being used by faculty in K-12 and higher education. There will be time for discussion and resource sharing.
Book Discussion #2 – Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts
Presenters: Moon (Omicron) & Joan Pujol (Omicron)
This is an enchanting novel with a dual timeline. It tells the real life of Maud Gage Baum, daughter of suffragette Matilda Gage. Maud was also wife to L. Frank Baum. The book tells of the 1939 making of the movie “The Wizard of Oz.” Maud defends L. Frank Baum’s vision from his book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz to the directors of the movie. Finding Dorothy delves into the themes of love, perseverance, hardship, women’s struggles and artistic integrity.
Presenters: Moon (Omicron) & Joan Pujol (Omicron)
This is an enchanting novel with a dual timeline. It tells the real life of Maud Gage Baum, daughter of suffragette Matilda Gage. Maud was also wife to L. Frank Baum. The book tells of the 1939 making of the movie “The Wizard of Oz.” Maud defends L. Frank Baum’s vision from his book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz to the directors of the movie. Finding Dorothy delves into the themes of love, perseverance, hardship, women’s struggles and artistic integrity.
