SPEAKERS
Our professional speakers team brings together a diverse group of advocates, social workers, therapists, counselors, and educators—each with powerful stories and proven expertise. With backgrounds rooted in advocacy, mental health, and education, every speaker is united by the mission to reach students with hope, inspire resilience, and equip schools with lasting resources. Through their unique experiences and specialized training, our team connects authentically with young people while partnering with administrators to address the real challenges of today’s culture. Together, they embody the heart of Stand Up, Stand Strong—transforming assemblies into opportunities for impact, growth, and change.
Caleb Monson – Certified Human Trafficking Investigator/Interventionist
Caleb Monson is the co-founder of Operation for Freedom and a Certified Human Trafficking Investigator. With a background as a counselor, Caleb has partnered with numerous organizations to combat sex trafficking through prevention, education, and direct outreach. Since 2019, he has led intervention teams, assisted in searches for missing children, and spoken to communities and schools across the country about the realities of trafficking and exploitation. His wife, Brittnee, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), works alongside him in this mission, bringing her expertise to supporting survivors and strengthening community responses. Together with their sons Maxwell and Everett, they live in Northern Minnesota, where they enjoy spending time outdoors and travel.
Andrew Sheldon – Professional Motivational Speaker, Certified Advocate, and Counselor.
Andrew Sheldon is a professional motivational speaker with more than 20 years of experience, a stand-up comedian, certified advocate, and counselor who knows how to capture a room. Students laugh hysterically at his quick wit and relatable humor, but they also walk away with powerful truths. Andrew and the team tackle some of the most challenging topics facing students today, including bullying, sexting, suicide, and addiction prevention. With a direct yet approachable style, he blends impactful stories, audience participation, and sharp comedy to connect with students on a personal level.
Andrew’s own journey through high school wasn’t easy. At a small stature, he faced bullying head-on and discovered that a strong sense of identity—and a lot of humor—could carry him through. Now, he brings that same resilience and encouragement to students, reminding them that while school can be tough, the choices they make today will shape their tomorrow. His message is simple: if he can make it through, anyone can.
Andrew Dawson, MA – Advocate, Educator, and trauma specialist
Andrew Dawson is a youth advocate, counselor, and speaker who has spent more than fifteen years working with students across the United States through school assemblies and youth events. His work focuses on helping young people navigate real issues they face today, including online safety, manipulation and grooming, bullying, mental health, and building healthy boundaries.
Andrew holds a master’s degree in leadership and brings both academic training and real-world experience into every presentation. As the founder and director of a national anti-trafficking organization, he has spent years working alongside communities, educators, and advocates to better understand how exploitation happens and how young people can recognize and avoid dangerous situations.
Through the Stand Up, Stand Strong school assembly program, Andrew speaks directly to the pressures students face in a world shaped by social media, peer influence, and online relationships. His presentations are honest, engaging, and practical, giving students clear tools to think critically, make safer choices, and look out for one another.
Andrew lives in Colorado with his wife and their two teenage daughters, and he remains committed to helping the next generation grow in confidence, resilience, and awareness.
On occasion, we bring professional guest speakers who include survivors, advocates, and storytellers with real-world experience. Each speaker shares their unique perspective through powerful stories and practical insight, creating an authentic connection with students while addressing today’s most pressing challenges—helping meet the specific needs of each school.