SEEK Conference 2026

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Check In: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.)
Sinclair Community College Dayton Campus
Sinclair Conference Center, Building 12, Smith Auditorium

Registration Fee: $10 (includes all sessions, box lunch, and parking under Building 12)
Click here to register for the conference and your breakout sessions.
Register by Wednesday, July 29 to reserve your seat.

Featured Opening Speaker: Thane Maynard, Executive Chairman, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Thane Maynard has written more than a dozen books focused on wildlife and conservation. His most recent work, Hope for Animals & Their World, was coauthored with primatologist, Dr. Jane Goodall. For many years, he also brought science and environmental stories to audiences nationwide through his long-running public radio program, The 90-Second Naturalist.

Maynard’s travels span five continents in support of biological diversity, natural history, and wildlife conservation—efforts that earned him membership in the prestigious Explorers Club. He is an active member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Margo Marsh Biodiversity Foundation, a Washington, D.C.–based organization dedicated to primate conservation.

Breakout Sessions: 10:00 a.m. - 10:40 a.m.

Sinclair PED Department: Move Your Body: Stretch, Flex & Flow
Yamika Leeper, PED Instructor
This session will incorporate physical activity and deep breathing practices to engage participants in a full body workout performed in a chair. This low impact activity will demonstrate ways to build strength, improve flexibility, and increase cardio without putting excess pressure on your joints. Modifications will be given for all fitness levels. There is one requirement for this session, show up!

The Benefits of Toastmasters
Steven Moore
An overview of what one can gain by joining a group of Toastmasters. Toastmasters is a supportive and positive learning experience where its members are empowered to improve their communication and leadership skill. Resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.

Stronger Together: LIVESTRONG® Cancer Recovery - for Building Health, Hope and Wellness
Merrilyn Mills-Wogoman, Manger, Education, and Development, Premier Physician Network; Kathy Ferriell, Healthcare Ministry, Salem Church of God; Gary Bowman, Physical Therapist, Kettering Sports Medicine

LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, in partnership with the LIVESTRONG Foundation, has developed a 12-week small-group cancer survivorship program for individuals who are living with, through, or beyond cancer. The program provides survivors with an opportunity to experience healing, wellness, and renewed strength in a safe, supportive, and caring environment. This interactive presentation, led by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare and wellness professionals, will introduce the LIVESTRONG® Cancer Survivor Program and its successful evidence-based approach to helping participants regain confidence and improve their physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Attendees will learn how individualized and group-based exercise programs—including strength training, flexibility, balance, cardiovascular conditioning, and wellness education related to nutrition and medication management—help cancer survivors rebuild function, reduce fatigue, improve overall health, and promote lifelong fitness and well-being.

RSVP of Axess Family Services
Jessica Sabin
TBA

Friendship Force International: Making Friends, International and Domestic, Promoting Peace
Gary Mitchner, President
Will present a short history of Friendship Force International, present our mission to promote peace and friendship, and recount the Dayton club's activities.

St. Leonard: Habits of a Healthy Brain: What Nuns Taught Us About Aging, Resilience, and Renewal
Lori Horstman, Dementia Specialist
Join us for a fascinating presentation exploring how a group of remarkable women-the School Sisters of Notre Dame-taught scientists some of the most important lessons about brain health, aging, and resilience. Based on the groundbreaking Nun Study, this presentation will dive into the habits, attitudes, and routines that helped these nuns maintain mental sharpness and emotional vitality well into their 80s, 90s, and beyond.

We'll discuss

What daily behaviors support long-term brain health
How purpose, community, and lifelong learning protect the mind
The surprising role of gratitude and optimism in cognitive aging
Simple habits you can start now for a healthier brain

This session offers inspiration, science, and practical tips.

Dayton Metro Library: The Life and Times of Fredrick Douglass
Karen D. Brame, Information Services Librarian, Africana Archives of Special Collections
Presenter Karen D. Brame in Special Collections of Dayton Metro Library presents this exhibition of letters, newspapers, portraits and speeches by and about Fredrick Douglass (1817-1895), the African-American abolitionist who escaped slavery and became one of the most famous authors, journalists and orators of the 19th century.

During his long-esteemed career, Douglass was not only a prominent activist and leader of the early civil rights movement, he also served as a diplomat, publisher, statesman and was a loving husband and father.

Breakout Sessions: 11:00 a.m. - 11:40 a.m.

The AI Excellence Institute: Sharing Knowledge to Educate our Community!
Chris Prokes, Director
The Excellence Institute brings Sinclair's expertise, resources, and community-focused mission together to support lifelong learning. In this session, participants will learn how the Excellence Institute creates opportunities for collaboration while sharing practical knowledge with the broader community.

The presentation will introduce the basics of artificial intelligence, discuss responsible use, and offer practical guidance on protecting yourself when using AI tools. This 40 minute session will include a 30 minute presentation followed by 10 minutes of Q&A.

Ohio Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Region 2
Chip Wilkins, Amy Scott, and Dotty Young
Know anyone who is receiving Long-term care in a nursing home, assisted living facility, group home, or their private home? Our team advocates for these consumers in many ways. Come learn about who we are and what we do, Resident Rights, the New Generation of MyCare Ohio and how you can help! Think about joining our team as a volunteer.

Oak Street Health: Preventative Healthcare
April Hickman, Nurse Practitioner, Center Medical Director
Most patients only go to the doctor when they are sick or something is seriously wrong and go to the hospital. What if there was a better way to manage your health? What if you could prevent sickness and hospitalization by living a healthy, happy and long life? Stop by to find out how!

The Rosko Group: Downsizing Roadmap
Jodie Rosko, Realtor
Considering downsizing but not sure where to start? Join us to learn about the mindset of moving, tips and tricks to downsize your belongings, how to maximize your home sale price, and much more to get you where you want to go!

Alzheimer's Association: Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia and Recognize the 10 Warning Signs
Holly Elkins-Lopez, Senior Program Manager
Alzheimer's is not normal aging; it's a disease of the brain that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. This session covers the impact of Alzheimer's, the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia, stages, risk factors and current treatments. The session will also explore how to recognize common signs of Alzheimer's and dementia in yourself and others, typical age related brain changes, the importance of early detection, benefits of a diagnosis and most importantly, how to approach someone about memory concerns.

Huntington Bank: Caregiver Banking: 5 Scams Aimed at Seniors and How to Protect Yourself or Your Loved One
Jeff Hudson, Branch Manager, AVP
Scams targeting older adults are becoming more common and more convincing. We will discuss 5 of the most common scam topics and how Huntington Bank is helping to protect their customers. Caregiver Banking is for anyone who could use a little extra support with their finances, like aging adults, people in recovery, and adults with disabilities-helping you protect your loved ones while preserving their independence.

Washington-Centerville Public Library: What Can Your Library Do for You?
Katherine Watson, Outreach Agent
What do museum passes, pressure washers, board games, and genealogy resources all have in common? You can find them at the library! Join a librarian to talk about all the amazing things the Washington-Centerville Public Library can do for you, from providing tools to learning with free resources to fun activities that connect you to your community.

Breakout Sessions: 12:45 p.m. - 1:25 p.m.

Institute of Holistic Leadership: Safe Nutrition - What Is In Your Food? What Is In the Label?
Patti McCormick, President
We are what we eat! And many times you are eating more than you bargained for! Did you know there are many chemicals in our food that are not permitted to be used in other countries? These ingredients are in the form of colorings, sweeteners, thickeners and preservatives. In this presentation, we will discuss some of those chemicals, the possible dangers (and research) and give you the information to make healthier choices. It is Your Health & Your Choice and we want You to have the knowledge to make the right choices.

Humane Society of Greater Dayton: Benefits of Owning & Helping Pets
Ashley Schmitt, Corporate Relations Coordinator
Join us to learn about the history and programs offered by the Humane Society of Greater Dayton, as well as the following topics.

Benefits of owning a pet
Legacy giving/people can will their pet to HSGD
Fostering/Volunteering
Low cost vet care
Ways to get involved/help

Smart Smiles: Tooth Talk - The Mouth and Body Connection
Lynn Weaver, Registered Dental Hygienist
Your mouth and your body are completely connected. If you have untreated gum disease, your gums become a gateway for harmful bacteria to enter your bloodstream. Once inside, they travel through your body and cause inflammation, which is why mouth health and whole-body health go hand-in-hand.

Vietnam Veterans
Jerry Ferris, Department of Ohio Military Order of Purple Heart
Purple Heart, what is it? Come learn about how Purple Heart started and what it means to have received the award from the personal history and experience of Jerry Ferris.

American Senior Benefits: Estate Planning
Stacey Dixon, Retirement & Legacy Solutions Licensed Professional
Do you need an electronic trust? Figuring out the essential puzzle pieces to your family's peace of mind?

Discover Classical: Benefits of Listening to Classical Music
Adam Alonzo, Afternoon Host, Dr. Sharon Vander Gheynst, Board Member
Listening to classical music is not only enjoyable, but it also has tangible benefits on our minds, bodies and emotions. Join members of Discover Classical, Dayton's classical music radio station, for a summary of scientific research on the effects of music on our lives. We'll also engage in some fun activities that involve listening and reacting to music.

Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office: Common Fraud and Theft Schemes
Kerry Smoot, Tyson Dillon, Investigators
This presentation will address common fraud and theft schemes targeting Montgomery County residents. We will discuss Power of Attorney theft, Deed Fraud, Telecommunication Fraud, Contractor Fraud, Cyber Fraud, and other types of fraud. Topics discussed will include examples of cases investigated by our office. We will cover prevention tips, warning indicators, and best practices to help prevent these frauds as learned from those investigations, and from industry standards.