FOUNDER AND CEO
DE'RON SMITH
White House Recognition and National Impact Book Award Recipient: Mr. De’Ron Smith is a renowned author, inspirational speaker, founder, and CEO of “I Dream Academy,” an organization dedicated to mentoring and development. He also serves as an intervention consultant and Professional Life Coach. Mr. Smith first gained national recognition when he was invited to participate in a White House roundtable discussion panel as part of the Honorable Barbara Bush’s “Mentoring Initiative Movement” in 2008.
Achievements in Mentoring and Youth Development
Since that pivotal moment, Mr. Smith’s accomplishments in the areas of mentoring, youth development, and social and emotional stability have continued to grow. He has been featured in numerous newspaper articles, as well as radio and television interviews, both locally and nationally. His expertise, experience, and knowledge in these fields are now in demand beyond the United States. Partnerships and Consulting Roles: Due to his demonstrated expertise and proven results, Mr. Smith has been contracted to partner with various agencies in his hometown of Cincinnati. His professional reach has extended to influential institutions and organizations seeking his guidance and leadership.
Hamilton County Juvenile Courts
Cincinnati Public School System
University of Cincinnati (Research and Criminal Justice Department)
Adult Parole Authorities
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections
Lighthouse Youth Services
Northern Kentucky University
Academic and Conference Engagements Mr. Smith has served as a recurring lecturer and presenter at Northern Kentucky University, specifically for the Master of Social Work (MSW) Students Department. In addition, he has accepted invitations to speak at other respected colleges, including the College of Mt. St. Joseph, National College, and at youth violence conferences in Atlanta and Chicago. Professional Credentials Alongside his personal memoir, Mr. Smith holds a wealth of professional credentials that further establish his authority and commitment to the field of mentoring and youth development.
Six years of advance education
CDCA -Board of Chemical Dependency
Career Development Practioner – (National Institute of Correction/DOJ)
Workforce Development Specialist
Specializing in youths with Trauma (Certification)
PASTOR/ACADEMIC COACH/IT ADMIN
ROBERT BRADLEY
Robert Bradley is a former Adjunct Professor who has taught courses from presentation graphics and animation to business communications to information systems and e-commerce and various courses in between.
Pastor Bradley was a martial arts instructor and meditative movement coach. he taught courses through the Japanese Karate-Do, Center For Closing the Health Gap, through Weight of Faith, and I Dream Academy.
For several years, he has worked as a Freelance Website Creator, doing business under the name of SW Graphix, as a ministry of The Church Connected. He has created websites ranging from one-page business card websites to multi-layered websites that include e-commerce, event registration, and password-protected forum areas within the website.
Robert Bradley is the Pastor of The Church Connected. SW Graphix (Spirit Warrior Graphics) is a ministry of the Online Church, The Church Connected.
