Built
MAESP Strong

Phil Januszewski

Phil Januszewski is a highly sought-after dynamic speaker for adult givers that resides in the Chicagoland area. He is also a proud former high school Chemistry and Physics teacher (20 years); holding a degree in Chemistry, a Master’s in Teaching Leadership, and a positive education certification. Phil has had experience with a microphone and a love of entertaining people starting back in high school. Fast forward through years of drumming in garage bands, announcing local sporting events, and DJing weddings; Phil is now a speaker for the “givers” in the world that are looking to be less tired and more inspired!

When Phil is not speaking, he enjoys everyday adventures with his wife and two children or pursuing his personal passions of physical fitness, cooking/baking new recipes, getting tattooed, screaming to metal music, and reading about self-improvement and positive psychology.

If you ever meet Phil, be prepared for a great deal of genuine positive energy and enthusiasm!

Merlyna Mathieu Valentine

Merlyna Mathieu Valentine’s heart beats with passion for living a purposeful life. As an educator for the past 30 years she has dedicated her life to making a difference in the lives of others. She received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership. She is a member of numerous professional organizations.

Ms. Valentine has been a teacher, assistant principal, principal and Executive Director of Elementary Schools for a high-performing school district. She has been recognized with numerous awards and commendations such as Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year, and Louisiana Regional Principal of the Year. She has been featured in several articles and news stories at the local and national level including an article by the world famous Dr. Harry K. Wong. In honor of her story of survival, courage, and hope, Ms. Valentine was featured in a segment on the Today Show and in an article in Ebony Magazine.

Damon West

Damon West, M.S. Criminal Justice, is a college professor, internationally known keynote speaker, 4x bestselling author and a formerly incarcerated individual, who was sentenced to life in prison for Organized Crime. USA Today calls him the “modern day Shawshank Redemption and the most in-demand speaker in America.” After graduation, he worked in the United States Congress and trained to be a stockbroker for United Bank of Switzerland (UBS). One day at UBS, he was introduced to methamphetamines; he became instantly hooked—and the lives of so many innocent people would forever be changed by the choices he made in order to feed his insatiable meth habit.

After a fateful discussion during his incarceration with a seasoned convict, Damon had a spiritual awakening. He learned that, like a coffee bean changing with the application of heat and pressure, he was capable of changing the environment around him. Armed with a program of recovery, a renewed faith, and a miraculous second chance at life, Damon emerged from over seven years of prison a changed man. On parole in Texas until 2073, his story is one of hope, redemption, grit and the resilience of the human spirit.