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Brian and Joni Stamford take center stage as they bring their contrasting yet complementary perspectives on the interplay between AI and human experience. Brian, a Program Director with a penchant for innovative tech, shares his humorous escapades with smart assistants, while Joni, a thoughtful mental health counselor, raises important questions about technology's impact on our emotional well-being. This lively exchange beautifully illustrates the fine line between technological enthusiasm and the essential need to preserve our humanity. Together, they explore how we can enjoy the benefits of AI while staying grounded in our personal connections.
About our guests:
With over 20 years of experience, Joni Staaf Stamford (formerly Sturgill) is a licensed professional counselor, speaker, and author with expertise in emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and positive psychology. As a long-time student and teacher of Eastern philosophy and Western psychology, Joni offers secular, integrative mental and emotional insights to participants of her programs so they can heal themselves through breathwork, movement, awareness, perspective-shifting acceptance, and skilled action toward a life they want. In all avenues of her work, she empowers individuals to live with purpose and perspective. She is also an Amazon best-selling author. Learn more at www.insightwithjoni.com.
Dr. Brian Stamford is a Program Director at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU), an organization providing professional development to districts across Western Pennsylvania. Dr. Stamford also serves as state co-lead for the Classroom Diagnostic Tools, leading professional development efforts statewide, as well as co-lead for the statewide PA Association of Intermediate Units (PAIU) Curriculum Directors group. He is a Code.org regional manager, and a certified Apple Education Trainer, offering high-quality professional development on innovative teaching practices, including integrating AI tools into planning and instruction. Prior to this, Dr. Stamford worked in public education as a science and computer teacher, instructional coach and administrator.
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