Our Founder
Meet Lisa!
Teach Your Heart Out was started in 2017 by educators Lisa Dunnigan and Tosha Wright. They wanted to offer teachers a fun way to get their professional development credits while also learning research-based strategies that can be implemented right away in their classrooms. They have had conferences all over the United States and also in the Bahamas and Western Caribbean.
Teach Your Heart Out is committed to curating events, experiences, and products that empower educators everywhere. These women understand how valuable teachers are and the impact they make in the lives of their students.
Through their companies Teach Your Heart Out, The Wright Stuff Chics and The Pink Santa Hat Movement, they are making positive impacts on educators, students, and the future of education.
Lisa Dunnigan
MEET THE TEAM
Dr. Deonna Smith - Business Strategist
Dr. Smith is a former teacher, school leader, and educational justice advocate with over a decade of experience in K-12 and higher education. Witnessing the inequities in schools firsthand, she saw the potential for these institutions to be spaces of liberation and joy. With a doctoral degree in education and social justice, Deonna connects theory with practice to make educational theories accessible and applicable. Now, she works with education stakeholders nationwide to promote joyful, inclusive, and equitable spaces for students. Her book Rooted in Joy: Creating a Classroom Community of Equity, Belonging, and Care, provides practical tools for building thriving classrooms.
Ashley DiMercurio - Conference Director
Ashley is a certified Reading Interventionist and passionate educator based in sunny South Carolina, a teacher, podcaster, and a mom to two. She excels in making online learning engaging, specializing in tutoring young learners using Koala Go. Ashley's expertise spans PreK through Middle School, focusing on Reading, Writing, and Spelling. She thrives on making authentic connections with students, families and educators, fostering their confidence and growth. Ashley values collaboration among educators, believing in the power of shared learning experiences. She has hosted several online summits for online teachers and is excited to apply her skills to the Teach Your Heart Out Team.
TYHO Celebrates Our Sponsors
We are grateful for the support of our incredible sponsors, whose contributions help us bring top-notch professional development to educators nationwide.
Interested in becoming a sponsor and making a lasting impact?
Click here to contact us about our sponsorship opportunities.
