Description: Five-time Ironman competitor and World Marathon Challenge participant Bill Murphy shares his powerful personal journey in "Thriving Beyond Average: Cultivating a High-Performance Mindset," offering school communicators a unique perspective on resilience, mindset, and peak performance. 

In November 2024, he completed 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents to raise money for the Make A Wish Foundation; and in January 2025, he climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro with his adult children. 

His engaging keynote lecture explores practical strategies for breaking free from self-imposed limits and fostering a culture of excellence. Participants will learn how to shift from mediocrity to excellence, harness the power of purpose and philanthropy, and implement mental and emotional strategies for sustainable leadership. Leave inspired and equipped with actionable techniques to elevate both your personal and professional life.

Bio: A Worcester Public Schools graduate, Bill is the Wall Street Journal best-selling author of, “Thriving in the Storm: 9 Principles to Help You Overcome Any Adversity.” He is a top 1% mortgage originator, has completed five Boston Marathons – including one on crutches, conquered the Ironman, and achieved a Krav Maga black belt. Bill coaches others to reach their peak potential, unlock their greatness and choose thriving over mere survival. 

Description: Trust is tribal, and today, the opinion of a friend can be worth more than a mountain of professional communications. Enhance your communications skills by learning to leverage psychological principles that build (or restore!) trust and credibility at the community, school, and personal level. Participants will gain valuable insights into fostering cognitive and emotional trust, overcoming subtle psychological barriers, and establishing authentic connections. By the end of the session, attendees will be able to apply scientific insights and data-driven psychological strategies to enrich communications and ensure messaging resonates more profoundly with their target audiences.

Bio: Sondra is the Director of Student Programs and Communications at Vernon Verona Sherrill Central School District in New York, where she establishes communication strategies and cultivates enhanced student learning opportunities. An award-winning school communicator, Sondra empowers public relations professionals to elevate their practice through communications science and analytics. She has presented at conferences around the country and is a member of the New York School Public Relations Association (NYSPRA). 

• Effective Use of Artificial Intelligence and Ethics for School Communications

• Building Trust Before the Crisis

• Social Media Management

• The Art of Listening: Strategies for Authentic Community Engagement

• New to the School Communications Role

• Branding Your District

• Planning Strategic Social Media Content: Tips and Tricks

• Effective Back-to-School Communication

• Crafting Accessible School Websites (ADA Compliance)

• Finding Community and Connection in School PR

If you are interested in volunteering for our conference planning committee, please email Dan O'Brien, NESPRA President.

Lifetouch will once again provide free professional headshot photos for all conference attendees! Thank you to Lifetouch for their continuous partnership and support for school communications professionals!