Cheryl left her career as a corporate marketing executive to start CORE4 Skills, Inc. She understood that although our schools are proficient at teaching academics, little or no attention is paid to life skills that we all need to survive and thrive in today’s world. Cheryl developed CORE4 to fill that gap by creating a program that teaches kids the basic life skills they require, in a practical and fun environment.

Dr. Kortney Peagram is the President and Owner of Bulldog Solution. Bulldog Solution provides schools with social emotional learning (SEL) curriculum, professional development trainings, and student programs to eliminate bullying, violence, and cyberbullying. Dr. Peagram works with organizations to provide programs on leadership, conflict management, team building, group management, diversity, compassion, bullying, and cyberbullying. Dr. Peagram’s speaking engagements and workshops are engaging with applicable strategies for her audience. Dr. Peagram consults, writes, facilitates, and presents on topics that focus on the motional and behavioral development. Dr. Peagram is in the process of gathering data on social emotional learning skills, bullying, and motivational interviewing. Dr. Peagram is also an Adjunct Professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Due to her experience in the field, Dr. Peagram was featured as an expert on PBS in January 2016, Fox 32 News Chicago in January of 2015 and May 2014. By blending her education, teaching, and passion, she delivers professional and effective programs.

Dr. Peagram’s mission is to eradicate bullying through social boldness, kindness, and connection.

Rayna’s background also includes an ABA recognized certification in Children & Family Law. These academic accomplishments were built upon her previous experience as a classroom teacher and B.S. in Elementary Education, ESOL, K-6. Working at the corporate, political, publishing, judicial and classroom level has given Rayna a well-rounded view of the current needs and state of the education market.

Andrew has 20 yrs. of experience as a CPA. He was formerly with PricewaterhouseCoopers and is now managing his own private practice. Andrew was also an instructor for the Junior Achievement and the Accounting for Kids programs, teaching adolescent kids financial literacy in a fun, interactive manner.

Michael has 20 yrs. of experience, working with startups to Fortune 500’s, in operations, technology development, intellectual property, domestic and international business, alliances and corporate governance.

Sarah Chrystal is the lead Cooking at Home Specialist and Events Coordinator at the Whole Foods Market, Lincoln Park Cooking School.  She has over 20 years of professional cooking experience, working in various restaurants all over the country, including owning her own café on the Oregon Coast.  Sarah learned how to cook from numerous chefs by using her basic senses of sight, smell and taste.  She encourages her students to do the same as from kitchen to kitchen, equipment and appliances can vary.  She is well versed in the food industry, farming, food allergies and special diets.  She has a certification in Plant Based nutrition and loves to create recipes from random food found in the refrigerator and pantry.  When not teaching classes, Sarah can be found making food with her husband and 12 year old son, dancing to live music and going for long walks with her dog.

Susan is a former educator and certified yoga instructor (E-RYT200). She founded Stop and Breathe® in 2007. Since then, Stop and Breathe has been providing people with a healthy way to find comfort and relaxation during stressful moments in their lives. After 10 years of teaching yoga and meditation, Susan began working with local hospitals and cancer centers, providing valuable relaxation and stress-reduction techniques that focus on breath guidance, relaxation support and visualization skills. She then began providing workshops and seminars to businesses and organizations, such as The United States Marine Corps, Baxter HealthCare, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and many other health and wellness organizations. Though we cannot avoid stress, we can change our response to it, and Susan is teaching this to others one breath at a time!

Mike is an educator and a musician, who is passionate about incorporating art and music to help kids learn critical life skills. He has a degree in Education from Indiana University and currently teaches at the Disney II Magnet school in Chicago. Mike incorporates art and music to assist students in developing positive thoughts and behaviors for dealing with the changes and challenges that occur in their lives.

Maria has over 17 years of experience as a leader in education and community programs. She holds a degree in bicultural and bilingual education from Northeastern Illinois University. Her experience includes managing the Chicago based Elev8 Program non-profit Logan Square Neighborhood Association (LSNA), where she was the Program Director for Afterschool Programs.  She has extensive experience working with middle school students, parents and educators to address educational, developmental, and social needs.Maria has over 15 years of experience as a leader in education and community programs. She holds a degree in bicultural and bilingual education from Northeastern Illinois University. Her experience includes managing the Chicago based Elev8 Program non-profit Logan Square Neighborhood Association (LSNA), where she was the Program Director for Afterschool Programs. She has extensive experience working with middle school students, parents and educators to address educational, developmental, and social needs.