District 106 Spring Conference Speakers

District 106 Spring Conference 2025

Sleeping Giant’s Call: Unleash Your Voice

May 2-3, 2025 | Meet Our Distinguished Speakers

Lance Miller, DTM World Champion

Keynote Speaker

An award-winning speaker and leadership coach, Lance Miller has delivered over 5,000 speeches in 80 countries, captivating audiences with his insights on public speaking, leadership, and overcoming adversity. He has also shared his expertise on more than 150 television and talk radio shows. A seasoned executive with experience at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee, Nestlé, Anheuser-Busch, and multiple successful start-ups, Lance’s credentials are as impressive as his adventures. In 2005, he emerged victorious from a pool of 30,000 contestants across 120 countries to claim the title of Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking.

Session: Toastmasters - An Internship for Success

Discover how Toastmasters can be a transformative platform for developing leadership and communication skills that lead to personal and professional success.

Daniel DeJoode, PhD

Workshop Facilitator

Daniel DeJoode has been a Toastmaster since joining a speechcraft program 7 years ago. He is a past club president, area director, and division director. He is a member of the National Speakers Association and is developing as a public speaker on neurodiversity, professional success while managing ADHD, and transforming adversity into advantage. He works professionally as an environmental consultant.

Session: The Hero's Journey - Inspiring An Audience With Your Own Stories

Learn how to craft compelling personal stories that captivate and inspire your audience, drawing from the timeless structure of the Hero’s Journey.

Rebecca Cuthbertson Hulst, DTM

Workshop Facilitator

Rebecca was born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and she is delighted to return home to participate in this year’s District 106 Spring Conference. Currently serving as the District Director for District 99, Rebecca is a self-proclaimed Toastmasters addict. Over the last decade or so, she has collected some tips and tricks, and she is joining us to share how to feed your TM addiction, without breaking the bank!

Session: How to Hack Toastmasters?

Explore creative strategies to maximize your Toastmasters experience, from leveraging resources to building skills, all while keeping costs low.

Katherine Keeping

Special Presenter

Katherine has devoted all of her energies into her lifelong interest and has gained a reputation of excellence by studying and training with some of the most distinguished specialists in the holistic health field today. Her certifications include Certified Master of Crystology, Certified Instructor of Crystal Surgery, DNA Healing, Healing Touch L3, Usui Reiki Master, and more. She was invited to speak at the prestigious Annual North American Conference on Spirituality and Social Work at Lakehead University (June 2012).

Session: Crystals and Mindful Practices for Anxiety

Discover how crystals and mindfulness techniques can help manage anxiety, offering practical tools for personal well-being and balance.

Kaitlyn Kelly

Workshop Facilitator

Kaitlyn began her Toastmaster journey in 2015 as a member of Nanabijou Toastmaster Club. She continues to enjoy the camaraderie and positive environment of Toastmasters. Kaitlyn is a lifelong resident of Thunder Bay and very excited to welcome you to the Lakehead this spring.

Session: Running a Successful Speechcraft

Learn the ins and outs of organizing and leading a successful Speechcraft program to grow your club and empower new members.

Darlene Salvador

Workshop Facilitator

Darlene graduated from Confederation College in 2008 with an advanced diploma in Child and Youth Work. She has been working in Mental Health and Child Welfare for 15 years. Her passion is to help others, with a life purpose to make change in the world. Darlene has been a Toastmaster member since March 2023.

Session: Having Tough Conversations

Explore strategies for navigating challenging conversations in volunteer organizations, work, and life, turning them into opportunities for growth and connection.

Michelle Pangilinan

Workshop Facilitator

With a passion for inclusivity and a background in behavioral psychology and exercise science, Michelle has spent years helping people navigate complex systems. Drawing from her real-world experience supporting individuals with acquired brain injuries, autism, and developmental disabilities, she will share powerful strategies for creating more accommodating, accessible, and inclusive meetings and club cultures.

Session: Making Toastmasters a Welcoming Space for Everybody

Learn practical tips and insights to foster an inclusive Toastmasters environment that welcomes and supports all members.

Leo Smith, DTM

Workshop Facilitator

Leo is a dedicated Toastmasters leader, currently serving as District Public Relations Manager for District 106. With 20 years of Toastmasters experience, they have held multiple leadership roles—including Division Director, Club President, and VP of Education—mentoring members and fostering growth in public speaking and leadership.