Speakers

2025 TNSTRONG Summit Speakers

 

Matt and Phil of M&P Presentations LLC are a nationally known motivational speaking duo who are high-energy experts in cultivating confidence and promoting positivity. Their mission is to further develop self-confidence in others, model a healthy lifestyle, and consistently promote positivity through high energy presentations, social media, short films, and their #MPinUnder3 Q&A Internet show. Matt Matkovich is an ultra-marathon running, College Board recognized school counselor with a master's degree in school guidance and counseling.  Phil Januszewski is a tattooed covered, Netflix baking-show flopping, high school chemistry and physics teacher with a master's degree in teaching leadership and a positive education certification.

Chris Romulo retired professional Muay Thai champion, empowerment speaker, and author of Champions Uprising, has spent nearly three decades helping others build resilience and confidence through his Champ Up philosophy. From earning a North American championship to rebuilding his gym after Hurricane Sandy, Chris’s
journey is one of grit and determination. His work has inspired thousands across the country, equipping students and professionals with practical tools to overcome fear, self-doubt, and hardship. Through keynotes and workshops like Champ Up: Building Resilience, Chris empowers audiences to lead with courage and purpose.

Allison Alexander, M.A., PMP, is a Supervisory Health Communications Specialist working on the FDA Center for Tobacco Products’ “The Real Cost” youth tobacco prevention campaigns and public education program. Allison oversees creative development, strategy and overall campaign management for the youth tobacco prevention campaigns designed to prevent cigarette initiation and usage. In her tenure at CTP, Allison has worked across multiple campaigns including, “Fresh Empire” youth cigarette prevention campaign, “This Free Life” young adult
cigarette prevention, and the “Every Try Counts” adult cessation campaign. Prior to joining CTP, Allison worked at FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research on managing their social media content and channels and developing consumer facing digital content for FDA.gov. Allison also worked at the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts managing the uscourts.gov website and working with federal courts across the country to enhance their digital communications initiatives. Allison has an M.A. in public communication from American University, a B.A. from James Madison University, a graduate certificate from George Washington University in Project Management and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

Nathan Wray, a former teen smoker, triumphed over a 2.5 pack a day habit at the age of 25. His journey unveils the profound impact nicotine had on his adolescent brain, leading to academic challenges and behavioral issues. Today, as a Prevention Coordinator for the Roane County Anti-Drug Coalition, Teen Vaping Cessation Specialist, and Motivational Speaker, Nathan is dedicated to transforming his experiences into powerful educational advocacy. In his role as a Prevention Coordinator, Nathan actively engages in initiatives aimed at reducing teen vaping and preventing the initiation of harmful habits. His comprehensive approach addresses the root causes and fosters a supportive environment for healthier choices. Nathan's story is not just one of overcoming challenges but also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. His motivational speaking engagements at
schools across the U.S. focus on the profound impact of adverse childhood experiences on emotional regulation and stress management. Nathan inspires students to manage stress effectively and highlights the transformative power of positive childhood experiences in reversing trauma. 

Chase Livingston is a Keynote Speaker, Fitness Professional, and Youth Advocate dedicated to empowering the next generation through comprehensive personal and professional development. As a Certified Personal Trainer,
Behavioral Change Specialist, and Youth Mental Health Coach, he leverages his expertise to foster leadership qualities in young individuals. Chase has collaborated with prominent organizations such as Business Professionals of America, Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Foundation, and Cebrin Goodman Teen Institute, as well as various high schools. He is the President of the nonprofit High Powered 501(c)(3), a two-time author, and an avid competitor in obstacle course races.

Kyle Wimmer is a teacher at Mountain Range High School in Westminster, Colorado. He uses his own sobriety to relate and connect with youth regarding the dangers of addiction, specifically to vape and other e-devices. On April 24th, 2024, Kyle launched a school wide initiative to challenge students to go 24 hours, 24 days, 24 weeks and all of 2024 vape free.  It was wildly successful and in turn will be running it back each and every April 24th, in
perpetuity and hopes to have more and more schools nationwide take on this initiative and to make April 24th the polite rebuttal to 4/20 in hopes of promoting sobriety, 24 hours at a time. Kyle has spoken numerous times on a national level via online conferences, travels to local schools to present, collaborated with YouTuber D’Aydrian Harding and has been featured in various publications. 

TNSTRONG (Tennessee Stop Tobacco and Revolutionize Our New Generation) Ambassadors plan, implement and participate in tobacco education and advocacy events across the state. They play an active role within their communities, counties, and statewide. They engage in local and statewide activism, educate their peers on tobacco-related issues, and inspire/motivate others to start taking action. These select youth leaders will receive specialized in-person and web-based training to advance their knowledge and further their advocacy skills. 

Timothy "Urban Thoughts" Moore has a Master’s of Arts in Teaching: Instruction of Curriculum Design and a BA in English: Concentration/Creative Writing from The University of Memphis. Timothy has performed on stages around the world as a spoken word artist, is a heavily sought after educational consultant that turns around schools and a published author. Urban Thoughts is a proud recipient of The United States of America Congressional Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for Outstanding Service in Education and Community Service, a Watering Hole Graduate Fellow from the Cave Canem of the South which is considered the top writer conferences for people of color in the nation and identified by Walt Disney World as 1 of 50 of the Most Innovative Thinkers in the World. 

J’la Jenkins, MPH serves as the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program Director at the Tennessee Department of Health, where she oversees the SPARK Program. The program aims to empower youth to make informed decisions about their sexual health through a Positive Youth Development (PYD) framework. With a deep commitment to improving adolescent health outcomes, Ms. Jenkins works to support organizations that educate and equip young people with the skills and resources needed to delay non-marital sexual activity. J’la works closely with Shelby County, Davidson County, Knox County, and Sullivan County Health Departments to build the infrastructure needed to create supportive environments that help young people learn how to make informed decisions about their future.

Robert Burghardt, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC), Tennessee Bureau of  Investigation began his career with the TBI in 2017 investigating Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) and Cyber Crimes. In 2022, he was promoted to ASAC to supervise the TBI’s ICAC Task Force. Prior to the TBI, ASAC Burghardt was an Intelligence Specialist with the United States Coast Guard and an Officer with the United States Secret Service assigned to the White House under President Bush’s administration. ASAC Burghardt continues his military career here in Nashville as an Intelligence Analyst with the 218th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group of the TN Air National Guard.

 

2025 Summit Packet COMING SOON!