Lauren, co-founder and COO of Betterment Works, is a process-driven problem solver who believes that curiosity, consistency, and connections are the greatest drivers of great things. She is also an extroverted Hufflepuff who loves puzzles, pizza, and fun questions! She studied design and psychology, has been managing people, projects, and clients since 2005, and previously helped grow the largest LEGO-inspired learning through play company in the United States.

Her experience from a decade of working with kids, informs her perspective and focus on how play, curiosity, and inclusion can improve productivity, innovation, teamwork, and leadership. Lauren truly enjoys getting to meet and interact with new people and has facilitated interactive workshops as well as been a keynote speaker for groups of all sizes, industries, and career levels. She has previously presented sessions at various organizations / companies (Dome Construction, Old Pal, Legal Aid At Work, Optimae LifeServices), schools (University of Michigan, Flint), and summits/conferences (BambooHR, CalGovHR, American Camp Association of New England's Camp Conference, Pihra's CAHR conference).

Maddy is a co-founder and CEO of Betterment Works. She is an impact-obsessed, life-long learner with a passion for leadership, data, and play.  As a neurodivergent executive, she is well-versed in the struggles of focus, productivity, time management, and leadership; and her facilitation and content are informed by that experience. Driven by a dedication to understanding and an unending belief in human betterment, Maddy envisions more empowering, engaging, and compassionate workplaces for all. Using play and analytics as the tools and her values as the compass, she pursues this vision relentlessly.

An expert in the practical applications of learning through play, Maddy facilitates playful professional development and consults on organizational betterment projects. When done well, playful environments provide low-risk, high-engagement opportunities for addressing complicated/nuanced subjects while building strong, trusting, and productive relationships. If people are able to play, they can more easily dive into co-creation, understanding, and progress. Maddy creates intentional spaces for shared learning and joyful practice that focus on areas of growth like leadership / team development, diversity and inclusion, organizational strategy, and communication.

Dave Barnett is the Chief Administrative Officer for DeVry University. Responsible for leading DeVryWorks partnership strategy, while also driving the direction of Human Resources, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Public Relations, Communications and Alumni Relations efforts for the university, Barnett is focused on creating impactful strategies to encourage outstanding outcomes for students, colleagues and partner organizations. He previously served as DeVry’s Chief Human Resources and University Relations Officer.

With more than 20 years of experience, he has worked with numerous universities and corporations, driving large-scale change during times of high growth and turnaround. 

Barnett earned his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in Chicago, and a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He holds numerous certifications and has been recognized by the American Society for Training and Development, Training Magazine, and the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Awards.

Sherry Gaugler-Stewart is the Director of Family and Spiritual Recovery at The Retreat in Wayzata, MN. She has worked with The Retreat's Family Program since its inception in 2005. Sherry is a certified Spiritual Director, a certified Structured Family Recovery® Counselor, a Nationally Certified Family Recovery Coach, and has been an active participant in family recovery since 1999. In addition to her work at with families and children, she has led spiritual retreats and workshops internationally, and is a meditation teacher. She speaks on the topic of family recovery regionally and nationally, as well as contributes to blogs and publications.

As Vice President of Advisory Services, Elaine Johnson works with clients to design and implement transformational HR strategies and solutions. She previously served as a Human Resources executive with national and international organizations in the transportation, telecommunications, financial services, and healthcare industries.  As a Corporate Development Principal, Johnson led strategic investment initiatives from deal qualification through post-acquisition integration. 

She has an MBA from the University of North Florida, a Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of South Florida, and is nationally accredited as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and a Senior Certified Professional through SHRM (SHRM-SCP).