Lake County Safety Conference 2026

Keynote Presenter:
Joshua Wayne, MA
Top Youth Speakers
 
Joshua Wayne, MA, has worked with students in just about every setting imaginable since 1996: drug and alcohol treatment, with at-risk foster youth, community mental health, private practice, and as a Director of Special Education at the District of Columbia Public Schools.

A former struggling teen himself, Joshua deeply understands what they are going through. He inspires teens to courageously face the challenges in front of them, build their self-confidence, and look toward the future with a sense of possibility. He also teaches parents, teachers, and other caring adults how best to support them through the often rocky teenage years.
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With students, he addresses topics such as mental health, risky behavior, and making healthy choices.
With educators, administrators, and paraprofessionals, he addresses topics such as maintaining strong relationships, helping them avoid risky behavior, and managing tech in a healthy, positive way.
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Joshua holds a Master’s Degree in Counselor Education from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago and is a Nationally Certified Counselor.