The 2025 MCEC GTS – Austin Distinguished Lecture series offers a comprehensive lineup of sessions designed to empower educators, families, and community members in supporting the academic and personal growth of military-connected students. Two sessions offered in the morning, two sessions in the afternoon. Practical advice, real-world examples, and a platform for sharing experiences, GTS Austin brings these distinguished lectures to you:
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Compact 201: Engage, Learn, Apply
Lindsey M. Dablow
Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3)
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Lindsey M. Dablow
Ms. Dablow has served as the Training and Operations Associate of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) since 2018 and has over 19 years in state government, private and non-profit management.
In her role as Training and Operations Associate, she promotes “successful educational transitions” for military-connected students around the world providing training and new initiatives for the Commission. Born and raised in Kentucky, Lindsey graduated from Midway College with a Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies and a Master of Public Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. She has performed a variety of roles with Baptist Health Foundation Lexington, Kentucky Legislative Research Commission, and within Kentucky’s thoroughbred industry. She and her husband Brian reside in Lawrenceburg, KY.
The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children provides uniform treatment for military children transferring between states by addressing key educational transition issues such as eligibility, enrollment, placement, and graduation.
MIC3 Compact 201: Engage, Learn, Apply is an interactive, hands-on session focused on small groups discussing case studies to apply, understand, and demonstrate the correct implementation of the Compact. The scenarios presented will explore technology and how it assists military students and schools before, during, and after a permanent change of station move, as well as how it can hinder the process and create opportunities for miscommunication. Participants will learn of the legal provisions related to education that protect military children as they transition interstate between public and Department of Defense Education Activity schools. They will also discuss Compact gray areas and learn about Commission resources and best practices for military families, school districts, and states.
Resilient Youth for Military-Connected Program: Overview and Findings
Maria Shea
Family Support Specialist, Home Base
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Maria Shea
Maria is a Family Support Specialist at Home Base, a Massachusetts General Hospital and Red Sox Foundation Program, working with Veterans and Service Members, their families and children, leading Resiliency Programs for Veterans and Families, Intensive Clinical Programs, Specialty Clinical Veteran and Family programs, Outreach and Brain Health Family Programs among other responsibilities.
Maria has a master’s degree in health science, with an emphasis in Health Psychology and Exercise Science. Maria holds a Teacher Training certificate in Yoga Nidra from Jennifer Reis of the Kripalu Institute, Resiliency and Meditation training for adults and youth from the Benson Henry Institute, Certified Cardiac Rehab Specialist and Health Coach.
Maria began her career in Cardiac Rehab, moving into various management positions in Healthcare, Fitness Management, and Hospitality Management, exploring Eastern Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine as a Spa Director. In 2016, she returned to Cardiac Rehab at Massachusetts General Hospital involved also with ongoing research projects within Cardiology and fitness and meditation programming in Cardiology and at Home Base. She has now transferred full time within MGH to Home Base, where she continues to be passionate about her work.
Maria has two sons and lives in Boston, Massachusetts. One of Maria’s sons is a US Army Veteran (Sergeant), having served deployments out of the 10th Mountain Division at Ft. Drum, two of which were in Afghanistan and Iraq. Maria’s other son recently completed his training at Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
While not working, you can find Maria with family, friends, on a yoga mat, or walking her dog along the Charles River.
Resilient Youth is a six-session virtually delivered educational program offered by Home Base at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), in collaboration with the MGH Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine and MGH Child Resilience Program. Through this innovative program, Home Base has been able to reach military-connected youth across the country to teach relaxation, coping, and communication strategies. This session will be led by a Home Base Resilient Youth trainer and will introduce the Resilient Youth program to attendees as a preventative measure to help military connected youth cope with their unique stressors. By attending, participants will be able to describe the Resilient Youth program as implemented for military connected youth, cite examples of youth-focused relaxation strategies, list ways of modifying stress-inducing cognitions, and help military connected youth identify their own self-regulatory behaviors. Participants will also be led through several experiential exercises and have the opportunity to ask questions during a facilitated discussion between the audience and attendees.
2:30–3:30 p.m.
CCMR Unlocked: Empowering Military-Connected Students & Families for Lifelong Success
Dayna Guyton
Director of Federal and Special Programs at Lackland ISD, TX
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Dayna Guyton
Dayna Guyton is a passionate and dedicated educational leader with over 17 years of experience in program development, professional coaching, and community engagement. As the Director of Federal and Special Programs at Lackland ISD, Mrs. Guyton leads initiatives that support student success, social-emotional wellness, and equity-driven education. Her mission is to create meaningful opportunities for students and educators by fostering inclusive environments, securing resources, and implementing impactful programs.
One of Mrs. Guyton’s proudest initiatives is the “Let’s Talk” series, a monthly forum where they address the social, emotional, and academic needs of students and the broader community. With a strong program management background, she has secured and managed over $2.5 million in federal grant funding, providing essential support for STEM initiatives, educator training, and student enrichment programs. Mrs. Guyton also works closely with military-connected families, helping students transition smoothly from Pre-K through college with the necessary resources to succeed.
She has had the privilege of training and mentoring educators, administrators, and military personnel, delivering hundreds of professional development seminars on leadership, effective communication, and conflict resolution. Whether in-person or virtually through Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Canvas, Mrs. Guyton is committed to empowering others with the knowledge and tools to create lasting change.
With a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling and a Bachelor’s, she brings a deep understanding of human behavior to my work in education. Her passion is to inspire excellence, drive innovation, and create pathways to success for all students and educators.
This interactive session is designed to equip educators and counselors with the knowledge and tools to support the unique needs of military-connected students. Participants will explore strategies to create College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) programs that address the challenges of frequent transitions, resilience-building, and diverse postsecondary pathways. Through hands-on activities, expert insights, and real-world examples, attendees will learn how to engage military families effectively and connect them with resources. This session highlights the importance of collaboration between schools, parents, and communities to ensure continuity and success for military-connected students. Participants will leave with actionable plans and resources to implement tailored CCMR initiatives that empower students to excel in college, career, or military endeavors.
Connect for Growth: Four Authentic Connections Essential for Building System Culture & Lasting Relationships
Dr. Brent Wolf
Principal, Derby Hills Elementary, KS
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Dr. Brent Wolf
Brent Wolf has taught students in elementary and middle school for sixteen years before stepping into his role as the Principal at Derby Hills Elementary School in Derby, Kansas. For over a decade, he has taught as an adjunct professor at Baker University, Southwestern College, Wichita State University, and Cowley College. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Leadership Studies from Southwestern College, as well as a Master’s degree in Education from Baker University, Doctoral Coursework from Kansas State University, a Building-level Administrator Certificate from Pittsburg State University, and a Doctorate in Educational Administration from Southwestern College.
Brent is married to Megan and has three children: NorahKate (16), Cal (14), and Leo (11).
South Central Kansas has always been near and dear to Brent’s heart. He taught 3rd through 8th grade in Winfield, KS. Following those years, Brent moved into an Instructional Technology Specialist position for two years. After eight years teaching middle school English in Derby, KS (suburb of Wichita), Brent moved into the role as Building Principal at Derby Hills Elementary. This is his 5th year in that role.
Brent’s honors include making the first-ever website for Winfield Public Schools with his students through the GenY program. In 2015, Brent was named the KAKE News Golden Apple Award Recipient. In 2017, Brent was Derby Public School’s Secondary Teacher of the Year. That year, he also was named Region IV Teacher of the Year. He was a finalist for Kansas Teacher of the Year. Brent also was named a Spotlight Faculty Member at Baker University’s School of Professional and Graduate Studies. Brent serves on several committees through the Kansas State Department of Education. Brent currently is a member of the Higher Education Review Committee which accredits Kansas colleges’ education programs. He also serves as District 9-10 member of the Commissioner of Education’s Advisory Council. Brent is a newer member of the Kansas Teacher Recruitment and Retention Committee Member. Brent was the chair of the committee that wrote the ELA standards for PreK-12 in 2017. Brent was recently inducted into the Southwestern College Educators’ Hall of Fame.
Brent’s longest service period has been as a member and Vice President of the Winfield’s Board of Education. Brent served nine years and worked with hiring three superintendents, managing two bond issues, and tackling one global pandemic.
Connections are at the heart of growth. This session will provide attendees with ready-to-use, applicable, and technological resources germane to teachers and educational advocates. Finding ways to connect, authentically, with students, parents, community members, and administrators can be difficult. Making these lasting connections can be even more difficult if students are coming from military experiences and/or transient lifestyles. How can I connect with my audience in a genuine and dynamic way? What are some resources I can use tomorrow to start this connection? Come and find out!