Since 1997, our host organization, MindSet Instructor Training, has continued to advocate for safe environments. We have trained thousands of trainers who in turn develop a culture of prevention relative to aggressive and unsafe behaviors. We strive to facilitate insight, raise awareness and enhance skills in a process beginning with intentional connections and resulting in the empowerment of people to mitigate their own risks. We are a community and movement for change.
The Culture of Empowerment Conference is thrilled and honored to announce the participation of our four exceptional keynote speakers. These renowned individuals have demonstrated a deep understanding of empowerment and possess invaluable insights into fostering a culture of empowerment in various fields. Their expertise and experiences promise to inspire, motivate, and equip conference attendees with practical knowledge and strategies for cultivating empowering environments.
The Culture of Empowerment Conference was established for all relevant professionals that are interested in instilling values and practices within their organization that emphasize the strengths of all team members. Participants join us from a variety of fields, including but not limited to:
Heysha Rodriguez is a Behavior Interventionist, originally from Puerto Rico, and has been in Georgia for 12 years. With a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico and a Master’s in Educational Psychology from the University of Alabama, Heysha has gained vast amounts of experience working with diverse populations inside and outside the academic setting. More importantly, Heysha has had over eight years of hands-on experience in educational settings working in multiple Georgia school districts. Within this role, she helped create a positive school environment for students and staff through the management of PBIS programs that earned a distinguished rating for several consecutive years, successfully implemented positive behavioral interventions, and effectively trained personnel to implement these. Additionally, Heysha has created successful programs for behavior management and social skills that use research-based interventions and supports. Her knowledge of Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans has assisted in increasing school-wide appropriate behaviors.
Heysha is passionate about working with cultural minorities. Being a cultural and racial minority has allowed her to understand and help culturally diverse students in the academic environment, school administration, and their parents. Outside of work, Heysha loves experiencing nature. She is an avid trail runner and hiker and enjoys rock climbing and camping. Her husband and Dobermann, named Jäger, often accompany her on these adventures.
Throughout my career in education, I have worked as both a building level and district level administrator. Within these roles, many years of my work focused on classroom management and behavior interventions. I earned my Educational Specialist degree through Georgia Southern University. Currently I provide district and organizational level consulting and training in various content including: Mindset, Restorative Practices, PBIS, Trauma-Informed Care and Behavior Management.
I hereby acknowledge that the materials owned by Intervention Support Services, LLC, a Georgia limited liability company doing business as Mindset Safety Management and MindSet Instructor Training, are the property of Intervention Support Service, LLC, and are proprietary in nature. These materials are to be used solely and exclusively by MindSet Trainers and those they train within their own organization. In addition, materials are only to be used in accordance with the MindSet Tenets and Guiding Principles in creating a culture of prevention. Using MindSet to support, market, or advertise other products and services is only allowed with expressed written consent. Furthermore, As certified instructors of the MindSet Curriculum, I acknowledge I am authorized to train individuals only within the organization with which I was employed upon time of training.    Â
I hereby acknowledge my awareness that my participation in one or more Mindset Safety Management training sessions may expose me to risk of personal injury. I acknowledge that Mindset Safety Management training involves physical activity and therefore there is risk that I may be injured as a result of my participation in such training.Â
For the sole consideration of Intervention Support Services, LLC, a Georgia limited liability company doing business as Mindset Safety Management providing such training, I hereby release, forever discharge AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE Intervention Support Services, LLC and its members, directors, officers, consultants, agents and employees (COLLECTIVELY HEREIN REFERRED TO AS “RELEASEES”) from any and all LIABILITY, CLAIMS, DEMANDS, ACTIONS AND CAUSES OF ACTION OF WHATEVER KIND ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO ANY LOSS, DAMAGE, COST (INCLUDING MEDICAL COSTS) OR EXPENSE OF ANY PERSONAL INJURY (INCLUDING DEATH) SUSTAINED BY ME, OR TO ANY PROPERTY BELONGING TO ME, WHETHER CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, RESULTING FROM OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH MY PARTICIPATION IN THE TRAINING.Â
 I certify that I am at least eighteen years of age, THAT I INTEND FOR THIS RELEASE, WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE TO BIND THE MEMBERS OF MY FAMILY AND SPOUSE (IF ANY), IF I AM ALIVE, AND MY HEIRS, ASSIGNS AND PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE, IF I AM NOT ALIVE, and that I have read and understand the above. I further agree that this Release, Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk shall be governed by the laws of the State of Georgia.Â
Jimmy began working in the field of mental health and substance use over 20 years ago. He has always had a passion for working with people in reaching their goals and potential. His career has consisted of being involved in serving individuals in community mental health and staff development. Earning a degree in Criminal Justice from East Carolina University, he began his career as a counselor working for the Division of Youth Service (DYS). In this role he worked as a counselor for adolescents in the NC juvenile detention centers. While there, he became certified as a NC criminal justice instructor. Jimmy provided training for the detention center and training school staff. His training areas were suicide wareness/prevention, documentation and crisis management. Making a decision to transition into working in the NC community mental health and substance system, Jimmy returned to East Carolina to earn a degree in Social Work. Jimmy has held both clinical and administrative positions in outpatient treatment, community based services, school settings and 24-hour residential programs. Since 2014, Jimmy has served as the Director of Training and Staff Development for PORT Health Services. In 2022, he began a new role as Director of Behavioral Health Care Management while continuing to be involved in staff training. Jimmy has been involved with Mindset Safety Management for over 5 years as an instructor. For the past 3 years, he has brought his experience with training, staff development, program development and behavioral health to his role as an instructor trainer for Mindset Safety Management.Â
With a background in special education and degrees from the University of Georgia, David delivers the MindSet Safety Management Curriculum in order to certify trainers in districts across the nation. In addition, he provides district and organizational level consulting and training in various content including: Behavior Management, Collaborative Teaching, Data Analysis, Restorative Practices, PBIS, Trauma-Informed Care, and Tier I Teacher Coaching.
David’s most recent role as Coordinator of Behavior Supports for a diverse Title I school district adds to experience in leadership and teaching roles across various settings and specialized programs within public schools. He’s also worked in emergency shelters, therapeutic residential settings, and a school which is part of the Georgia Network for Educational and Therapeutic Support (GNETS).
David is married to Kathryn, an inspirational educator in her own right. They have four children and reside in Athens, GA.