Request a Speaker
Looking for a speaker on self-directed education, alternative schooling, or democratic schools?

Sudbury International connects you with experienced educators, founders, parents, and alumni who live and breathe the Sudbury model.


Our speakers have shared their insights at education conferences, parenting summits, innovation panels, and on podcasts around the world.


Invite them to speak about student agency, trust-based learning, school democracy, and rethinking education for the 21st century.

  • Melissa Riley Bradford
    Tallgrass Sudbury School
    Melissa Riley Bradford (she/her/hers) is a Senior Professional Lecturer in the department of Leadership, Language and Curriculum at DePaul University in Chicago, IL. Her research interests include dialogue and civil discourse in education and democratic and self-directed educational approaches. In addition, she coordinates the College of Education doctoral program. In 2008, she founded Tallgrass Sudbury School in LaGrange, IL, a K-12 democratic school, and currently serves as the president of its board of directors.
  • Christen Parker-Yarnal
    The Miami Sudbury School
    Christen is the founder of Miami Sudbury School (est. 2018) and has over 15 years of experience in education and child development. After teaching in traditional and alternative settings — from high schools to universities — she was drawn to the Sudbury model through Free to Learn by Dr. Peter Gray.
    As a speaker, Christen brings deep insight into transitioning from traditional to self-directed education, building a Sudbury school, and supporting trust-based learning communities. She also directs an educational nonprofit in Haiti and speaks fluent Spanish and Haitian Creole.
  • Caroline Chavasse
    Arts & Ideas Sudbury School
    Caroline is the founder of Arts & Ideas Sudbury School in Baltimore, Maryland, established in 2008. Before creating the school, she built a career as a performer and writer in theatre, film, and television — experiences that shaped her deep appreciation for creativity, collaboration, and self-expression.
    Drawing on both the arts and education, Caroline speaks about nurturing intrinsic motivation, building creative communities, and how the arts connect to self-directed learning. With over 15 years of experience leading a Sudbury school, she offers grounded insight into what it takes to sustain democratic education long-term.