Education Series

COCC's Season of Nonviolence, January - March

Cascades Academy is a proud longtime supporter of Central Oregon Community College's Season of Nonviolence. Inspired by the work of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., César Chávez and Chief Wilma Mankiller, the annual Season of Nonviolence honors these leaders’ visions for an empowered, nonviolent world. Colleges and universities throughout the country celebrate the Season of Nonviolence by bringing together community partners to educate and empower communities on how to use nonviolent methods to create a more peaceful world. View the 2025 event series and register on COCC's website >>

The Cigarette Surfboard
Screening & Conversation with Filmmaker Ben Judkins
Thursday, March 6 at 6 PM

Cascades Academy is collaborating with BendFilm to present an encore screening of The Cigarette Surfboard, winner of the Audience Award for Best Feature Film at the 2024 Bend Film Festival. Filmmaker Ben Judkins will join us in person for a post-screening conversation.

About the Film

Impassioned surfer Taylor Lane builds a functional surfboard with 10,000 cigarette butts collected from California beaches. The Cigarette Surfboard becomes a platform to learn from professional surfers who are working to protect the ocean, and the symbol of a grassroots campaign to hold Big Tobacco accountable for their toxic, plastic waste. Surfing is the medium, but the message is universal.

Ben Judkins is an indie-doc filmmaker and avid surfer, passionate about protecting the marine environment through visual storytelling. The Cigarette Surfboard is his feature-length documentary directorial debut. The film has garnered international attention on the film festival circuit, screening at more than 25 reputable festivals around the world in 2024, winning “Best Feature Documentary” at Richmond International Film Festival and Waco Independent Film Festival, and receiving Audience Awards at Bend Film Festival and Cambridge Film Festival.

Start Young: Proactive Parenting Around Addictive Technology

A two-part series to help parents of children PK-8th grade take an intentional approach to building healthy screen habits

Presented with Well Wired

Tuesday, November 19, 6 - 7:30 PM
Arrive by 5:45 PM; program starts promptly at 6 PM
Presentation & Q&A with Emily Cherkin

Emily Cherkin, MEd., aka The Screentime Consultant, combines the unparalleled expertise of a well-known screentime expert with the compassionate and accessible voice of someone who understands the struggles of becoming more tech-intentional—both as a teacher and parent. Emily will lead a presentation on how to support children in developing balanced screen habits. Parents will gain research-based, actionable tips and have the opportunity to ask questions during a Q&A session.

Emily is the author of Amazon best-seller "The Screentime Solution" and has contributed her expertise to Today, Good Morning America, The New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR, and BBC.

Thursday, October 24, 6 - 8 PM
Film Screening & Expert Panel Discussion

Kick off the series with a screening of "Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition,” a film that delves into how technology impacts the mental health and well-being of children. Following the screening, a panel of local experts will offer insights on brain development, mental health, and practical strategies for managing screen use in young children. Panelists:

Dr. Wendy Laakmann, PhD – Pediatric Neuropsychologist, Board Member, Central Oregon Association of Psychologists
Dr. Kate Broadman, MD – Local Pediatrician
Dr. Sean Roberts, PhD, LPC – COCC Professor of Human Services & Psychology, Licensed Counselor
Aaron Burrick, LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Central Oregon Psychology Center

Cascades Academy is a proud sponsor of COCC's Season of Nonviolence.

Inspired by the work of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., César Chávez and Chief Wilma Mankiller, the annual Season of Nonviolence honors these leaders' visions for an empowered, nonviolent world. Colleges and universities throughout the country celebrate the Season of Nonviolence by bringing together community partners to educate and empower communities on how to use nonviolent methods to create a more peaceful world. 2023 marked the 15th year Central Oregon Community College has been hosting programming to honor the Season of Nonviolence. 

2024 Season of Nonviolence Events

Community Book Conversations
Black Joy: Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration
by Tracey Michae'l Lewis-Giggetts
January 2

In this collection of lyrical, autobiographical essays, Lewis-Giggetts shares how her sense of joy has evolved, even in the midst of trauma. She offers redemptive strength of joy in Black culture, challenging the one-note narrative of Black life as solely comprised of trauma and hardship.

"Allyship, Genderless Mothering & Starfishing"
January 23, 6:00PM, Willie Hall, COCC Bend Campus

Speaker: Jodie Patterson - Author, Activist, beauty company founder, Chair of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation board (our nation's largest LGBTQ+ advocacy group)

Jodie Patterson explores the lithe art of Genderless Mothering - a unique form of social activism that embraces feminism, black pride, and LGBTQIA activism. Patterson will share her personal story as a though leader and mother of 5, plus introduce us to The Human Rights Campaign for a comprehensive overview of America's state of affairs on LGBTQIA issues.

Drum-Making Class: Celebrating the Work of Frederick Douglass and Bob Marley
February 6

Black History Month is celebrated in part because of the contributions of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and activist Bob Marley, who exposed racism, poverty, and violence in the world while teaching all to passionately advocate for humanity. Come celebrate their contributions by creating joy with this drum-making event.

Blend: On being Black in Bend.
February 16

“Blend” is a documentary filmed and edited in Central Oregon that asks 10 Black Central Oregonians about their experiences living, working, and playing on the High Desert. Film creator Kenny Adams uses the film to explore and share uncensored lived experiences.

"Black Joy: Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration
February 20, 6:00PM, Willie Hall, COCC Bend Campus

In this collection of lyrical, autobiographical essays, Lewis-Giggetts shares how her sense of joy has evolved, even in the midst of trauma. She offers redemptive strength of joy in Black culture, challenging the one-note narrative of Black life as solely comprised of trauma and hardship.

"Music as a Tool for Justice"
March 6, 6:00PM, Virtually facilitated conversation with Donovan Scribes

Liberty and justice for all? In this conversation, we'll examine what the word "justice" means and examine how it's applied in Oregon. With the aid of local and national hip-hop music videos and lyrics, we will examine the history of our state, legal anti-Blackness, and resistance movements. We will also examine a critical question: Are we closer to or further from justice for all since 2020? Join writer, artists, speaker, and producer Donovan Scribes for an exploration of Oregon as he lets music guide these critical questions and more about the place we live in.

Modern World History through Dance:
Can we represent the past and globilization through movement?
March 13

In this unique collaboration, choreographer Sinnamon Hauser and Bend Contemporary Dance explore the stories of what modernization looks like in a dance piece that focuses on the impact on the Islamic world and beyond. After the performance, the choreographer will engage in a discussion with COCC faculty, Jessica Hammerman and Stephanie André, to explore the stories of modern history and what can be communicated through dance.

An Evening with Author TJ Klune
April 9, Time TBD, Willie Hall, COCC Bend Campus

Speaker: T.J. Klune - New York Times best-selling author of fantasy and romantic fiction featuring gay and LGBTQ+ characters. 
*Finalized description and and title to come*

RAISING EMPOWERED ATHLETES

Join Kirsten Jones, a seasoned Nike executive and author of "Raising Empowered Athletes," along with Katie Steele, family therapist and author of "The Price She Pays," for an insightful discussion on youth sports. Both accomplished athletes, they'll share strategies to enhance resilience and mental well-being in young athletes facing the often extraordinary pressures of youth sports. They'll offer parents, coaches, and athletes valuable insights and practical advice for empowering children to live joyful and thriving lives, both inside and outside the world of sports.

This event is ideal for parents, coaches, middle and high school students, and anyone else who's involved in developing young athletes.

Wednesday, January 24, 6 - 7:30 PM

Cascades Academy
19860 Tumalo Reservoir Road
Bend, OR 97703

Kirsten Jones boasts a diverse and accomplished background. A former Division I volleyball player, she earned her place in The College of William and Mary's Hall of Fame in 2018. With over fourteen years at global sporting goods giant NIKE, Kirsten served as a footwear executive in Europe and at the World Headquarters in Portland, Oregon. Today, she is a motivational speaker, skilled writer, and Peak Performance Coach, working closely with both teenage and professional athletes, as well as entrepreneurs and business leaders. Her presence graces esteemed stages, including The Winning Summit and Women's Empowerment Symposium at The Rose Bowl Institute. As the co-host of the #RaisingAthletes Podcast with Susie Walton, Kirsten engages in enlightening discussions with coaches, athletes, trainers, and industry experts, covering diverse youth sports topics. She's also a contributing author to "Winning Mindset: Elite Strategies for Peak Performance," an Amazon bestseller. Additionally, Kirsten is the author of a new book, "Raising Empowered Athletes." Alongside her husband Evan, Kirsten is passionately dedicated to raising three teenage and young adult athletes in Los Angeles.

Katie Steele, LMFT, became passionate about mental health and athletics after a negative experience as a D1 athlete. She earned her graduate degree in Couples and Family Therapy at the University of Oregon. Katie is a licensed marriage and family therapist, co-founder of Thrive Mental Health, an outpatient mental health clinic in Bend, Oregon, and Executive Director of Athletes Mental Health Foundation. Katie is a mom to three children with her husband, Adam Steele (2003 NCAA Champion in the 400-meter dash), who also serves as Chief Operating Officer of Athletes Mental Health Foundation. Her forthcoming book, "The Price She Pays: Confronting the Hidden Mental Health Crisis in Women's Sports―from the Schoolyard to the Stadium," lifts the veil on the crisis in women’s athletics, offering parents and coaches urgently needed advice and support and shows how female athletes can find joy in whatever sport they choose, at whatever level they compete.

Artificial Intelligence: Pre-K Through Life

Envision a future where artificial intelligence not only transforms the way we learn but also revolutionizes the professions we enter. What does this evolving landscape mean for education and the workforce? How do we prepare our students for a world where AI is a key player from early education to professional careers? Join us in unraveling these exciting possibilities with national experts at "AI: Pre-K Through Life."

Thursday, November 30, 5:30 -7 PM

Cascades Academy
19860 Tumalo Reservoir Road
Bend, OR 97703

Panelists

Tom Vander Ark
Tom Vander Ark is an advocate for innovations in learning. As a CEO of Getting Smart, he advises schools, districts, networks, foundations, and learning organizations on the path forward. A prolific writer and speaker, Tom has published thousands of articles, and co-authored and contributed to more than 50 books and white papers. Previously, Tom served as the Executive Director of Education for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He also served as a public school superintendent in Washington state and has extensive private sector experience. Tom is a Director of Digital Learning Institute, 4.0, Latinx Education Collaborative, Mastery Transcript Consortium, and Getting Smart Collective. He is also an advisor to numerous schools, startups and impact projects. Read more about Tom. 

Erica Johnson
Erica Johnson is Vice President of Enrollment at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah. Previously she spent two decades in the Admissions Office at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, ultimately leading the office as Associate Vice President for Admissions. With robust experience in higher education admissions and enrollment management, she is a passionate advocate for ethical practices in college admissions. 

Oliver Wisco
Dr. Oliver Wisco is Director of Cutaneous Oncology for the Department of Dermatology of the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. He also splits time as the President of Dermatology Health Specialists, a clinic system focused on serving high-risk and underserved populations within rural Oregon. He has a deep research background in using informatics and AI to integrate patients, clinicians, health systems, and city governments to drive the creation of healthy sustainable communities. Dr. Wisco has two Cascades Academy students; one graduated in 2023 and one is currently in 11th grade.

Andy Wilson
​​Andy Wilson, an entrepreneur who co-founded Logikcull.com in 2004 with Sheng Yang, his fellow Virginia Tech alum, has played a pivotal role in bringing automation and artificial intelligence to the antiquated legal industry. Over his 19-year tenure as CEO, Andy transformed a bold idea born in his dining room into a preeminent force in the legal tech space. Logikcull, under his vision, built from scratch one of the world's most robust eDiscovery platforms—servicing the mightiest in the Fortune 500 and thousands of organizations globally. By leveraging artificial intelligence to cull through vast digital piles of evidence, Andy's leadership enabled Logikcull to simplify the complexities of data analysis for legal teams of any size, making it a leader in AI-powered, self-service eDiscovery. This legacy of innovation and disruption in a traditionally low-tech field led to Logikcull's strategic acquisition by Reveal Data in 2023, marking a significant chapter in legal tech evolution. Andy, now temporarily retired, lives in Bend Oregon with his wife and three kids — all three are current Cascades Academy students.

Finding the Magic in Middle School Talk and Book Signing with Chris Balme

Tuesday, October 10, 7 - 8:30 PM
Light Refreshments, 6:30 - 7 PM

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
61980 Skyline Ranch Road
Bend, OR 97703

In this talk, author and acclaimed educator Chris Balme shows how to tap into the positive potential of middle school. It begins with understanding what's going on inside the middle school brain. Balme introduces three key developmental needs for middle schoolers, offering practical tips to support them at each step of the way. Drawing on his experience as a middle school founder and principal, as well as the latest neuroscience, he offers a fresh and uplifting take on the transformative years of middle school.

This talk is based on Balme's book, Finding the Magic in Middle School, which was published in 2022 and quickly became an Amazon bestseller for adolescent psychology. Renowned adolescent psychologist and author Madeline Levine called it "a must-read for anyone who has a tween or works with tweens."

This evening community gathering is intended to support the wellbeing and growth of parents, adolescents, educators and mental health professionals. Interconnected Diversity in the lead organizer in collaboration with Cascades Academy and Seven Peaks.

Filmed over five years in Kansas City, Transhood chronicles the lives of four young people (aged 4, 7, 12, and 15 at the start of filming) and their families as they navigate growing up transgender in America’s heartland. By sharing personal realities of how gender expression is reshaping their lives, the film explores how these families struggle and stumble through parenting, and how the kids are challenged and transformed as they experience the complexity of their identities.

​Directed by Sharon Liese, produced by Sasha Alpert (Autism: The Musical), and executive-produced by Kimberly Reed, Transhood offers a long-range understanding of transgender youth through the nuanced and authentic stories of Jay, Avery, Leena, and Phoenix.

While every journey is different, these families share their honest and varied experiences as the young people display incredible resilience, facing rejection from their peers and escalating political rhetoric that strives to invalidate LGBTQ+ lives. All the while, the older kids navigate the minefield of adolescence. Sharing their most vulnerable moments, the parents reveal their ambivalence, doubts, and missteps as they themselves transform over time.

Our panel discussion with feature film director Sharon Liese and film subjects and parents Bryce Ford and Debi Jackson. They will all join us via Zoom. The screening is in person.

Visit hbo.com/documentaries/transhood for more information.

We are thrilled to partner with Central Oregon Community College and the Nancy Chandler Visiting Scholar Program on their Season of Nonviolence events again this school year. Please visit their website to register for their upcoming programming.

Workshop: The Courage of Compassion—an Interactive Evening of Exploration and Connection with Ruth Williamson

Courage and compassion are essential skills as we navigate the complexity of our fast-paced world. Listening with an open heart builds trust, and connects us, seeing each other as whole and unique human beings. Join leadership consultant, coach and community builder Ruth Williamson for a collective exploration of what it feels like to connect with the courage of compassion.

Encouraged reading ahead of event: Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown

Documentary Film Screening & Discussion
Blend: On Being Black in Bend

Documentary filmed & edited in Central Oregon that asks 10 Black Central Oregonians about their experiences living, working and playing in the High Desert. This film was shot, edited and produced by Kenny Adams, Executive Director of The Father's Group. Kenny will be joining us for the post-screening discussion.

Thursday, February 23, 2023
6:00pm - 8:00pm
In partnership with BendFilm

Challenge Success

Challenge Success partners with schools, families, and communities to embrace a broad definition of success and to implement research-based strategies that promote student well-bring and engagement with learning. 

Join us for this informative, eye opening workshop with Jennifer Cote to discuss a healthy approach to the sometimes daunting college admissions process. 

About Jennifer Coté

Jennifer Coté, M.A., is a School Program Director.  She facilitates professional development and parent education workshops and supports Challenge Success schools across the country.  Jen is a passionate educator with over 25 years of experience in schools – teaching, coaching, developing curriculum, and empowering both students and teachers alike. Most recently, she worked as a classroom teacher inspiring young minds with her love of mathematics at Marin Academy. Her graduate work in curriculum studies and teacher education fueled her desire to help teachers and schools look at ways they can marry curriculum and pedagogy to create more equitable, engaging, and effective classrooms.

Expanding Gender Understanding

Join us for an evening of learning led by Bex Mui, M.Ed. of LGBTQ+ & Equity Consulting. Bex taught in the elementary classroom for ten years before moving to national LGBTQ+ school-based advocacy with a focus on adult learning in 2016. In this presentation, she will provide context for the gender binary and the ways that it continues to show up in our society, including our schools. Participants will learn gender terminology, have chances to reflect on their own experiences, and find out why those little words (pronouns) can make such a big difference. 

October 5, 2022 | 6:00 - 7:30 PM 
 

About Bex Mui

Bex Mui, M.Ed, (she/her) is a biracial, first generation, queer femme and founder of LGBTQ+ & Equity Consulting, LLC. Bex is committed to the work of LGBTQ+ affirmation at the intersections of education, spirituality, and wellness. She created the online class, Decolonzing Gender, for the Institute for Anti-Racist Education. 

Bex started her journey studying systems of oppression with a queer feminist lens at the College of New Rochelle where she received a B.A. in English and a certification for Elementary Education.  Dedicated to progressive education and facilitated learning, Bex chose Bank Street College to receive her Master’s in Education with a specialization in Literacy.  She worked for ten years as an elementary classroom teacher, Equity and Inclusion Director, and LGBTQ coordinator. Bex has worked on national LGBTQ+ -affirmation since 2016. Learn more on her website: BexMui.com. 

About Denise Pope, Ph.D.

Denise Pope, Ph.D., is a Senior Lecturer at the Stanford University Graduate School of Education, where she specializes in student engagement, curriculum studies, qualitative research methods, and service learning. She is co-founder of Challenge Success, a school reform nonprofit that partners with schools and families to embrace a broad definition of success and implement research-based strategies that promote student well-being and engagement with learning.

She is the author of, "Doing School": How We Are Creating a Generation of Stressed Out, Materialistic, and Miseducated Students (Yale University Press, 2001), which was awarded Notable Book in Education by the American School Board Journal, 2001, and lead author of Overloaded and Underprepared: Strategies for Stronger Schools and Healthy, Successful Kids (Jossey-Bass, 2015). She also co-hosts the Stanford University SiriusXM radio show called “School’s In.”

Dr. Pope lectures nationally on parenting techniques and pedagogical strategies to increase student health, engagement with learning, and integrity. She is a 3-time recipient of the Stanford University School of Education Outstanding Teacher and Mentor Award and was honored with the 2012 Education Professor of the Year "Educators' Voice Award" from the Academy of Education Arts and Sciences. Prior to teaching at Stanford, Dr. Pope taught high school English in Fremont, CA and college composition and rhetoric courses at Santa Clara University.

We look forward to supporting our partners at World MUSE with their (un)Conference again this year. Registration opens February 1, 2022.

About Elizabeth Denevi

Elizabeth works with schools nationally to increase equity, promote diversity pedagogy, and implement strategic processes for growth and development. She is also an assistant professor at Lewis & Clark College in the Graduate School of Education and Counseling. Previously, she served as a director of studies and professional development and was responsible for the stewardship and integration of curriculum from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. She coordinated professional development and evaluation for all faculty and served as a co-leader of the school’s accreditation team. At Georgetown Day School (DC) she served as the co-director of diversity and a senior administrator for 10 years. Elizabeth also worked at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School (VA) to create a comprehensive professional development program. She has taught English and history at a number of schools, including Castilleja School (CA), San Francisco University High School (CA), and Vail Mountain School (CO). Elizabeth has published and presented extensively on diversity and academic excellence, social justice, and equity issues. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of London, Institute of Education, a master’s degree from Columbia University, and a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University. She also holds an Oregon Preliminary Administrative License and lives on the Ancestral and Traditional lands of the Chinook. 

About Randolph Carter

Randolph is the founder and associate director of the Eastern Educational Resource Collaborative (East Ed). As a member of the Black Panther Party, Randolph has devoted his career to promoting equity and diversity in education and communities. He was a Fellow in the Harvard University School Leadership Program, Graduate School of Education, where he received a master’s degree in education with a school leadership qualification. He is currently a doctoral student in the School of Education Leadership and Change at Fielding University. He was a middle school reading specialist, a school administrator, and while at the National Association of Independent Schools, he directed their equity programming and founded two of their signature projects: People of Color Conference and Student Diversity Leadership Conference. Randolph has also served on numerous school boards, including Fielding Graduate University and the Institute for Community Enrichment. He is a member of the Education Committee of the New Press. His publications include peer-reviewed articles and book reviews published in national journals.

Braiding Sweetgrass Two-Part Virtual Book Discussion

As part of COCC's Season of Nonviolence programming, we will be hosting a two-part book discussion of Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer:

January 26, 5:30-7:00pm

(Parts 1-3: Planting Sweetgrass, Tending Sweetgrass, Picking Sweetgrass)

February 24, 6:00-7:00pm

(Parts 4-5: Braiding Sweetgrass, Burning Sweetgrass)

About the Book and Author, from Milkweed Editions

As a botanist, Robin Wall Kimmerer has been trained to ask questions of nature with the tools of science. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she embraces the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers. In Braiding Sweetgrass, Kimmerer brings these two lenses of knowledge together to take us on “a journey that is every bit as mythic as it is scientific, as sacred as it is historical, as clever as it is wise” (Elizabeth Gilbert).

Drawing on her life as an indigenous scientist, a mother, and a woman, Kimmerer shows how other living beings—asters and goldenrod, strawberries and squash, salamanders, algae, and sweetgrass—offer us gifts and lessons, even if we’ve forgotten how to hear their voices. In a rich braid of reflections that range from the creation of Turtle Island to the forces that threaten its flourishing today, she circles toward a central argument: that the awakening of a wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgment and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world. For only when we can hear the languages of other beings will we be capable of understanding the generosity of the earth, and learn to give our own gifts in return.

• A New York Times Bestseller
• A Washington Post Bestseller
• A Los Angeles Times Bestseller
• Named a “Best Essay Collection of the Decade” by Literary Hub
• A Washington Post “2020 Holiday Gift Guide” Recommendation
• A Minneapolis Star Tribune “2020 Holiday Book Recommendation”
• A Book Riot “Favorite Summer Read of 2020​”
• A Food Tank Reading Recommendation for Fall 2020

We are thrilled to partner with Central Oregon Community College and the Nancy Chandler Visiting Scholar Program on their Season of Nonviolence events again this school year. Please visit their website to register for their upcoming programming, including: 

• Braiding Sweetgrass Author Event, January 24, 2022
• The Green Path Ahead: Indigenous Teaching for the Next Economy, with Winona LaDuke, February 1, 2022
• Panel Discussion: Examining Inequities in Central Oregon, February 22, 2022
• Inequity in Healthcare: Seeking Mental Health Services after Experiencing Healthcare Discrimination
• Climate Justice as Freedom, March 10, 2022