Mentors
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MENTORS
We are thrilled to introduce the incredible team of mentors who will guide and inspire you at our upcoming Speech Retreat. Each mentor brings a wealth of experience, passion, and expertise in public speaking, leadership, and personal development. Whether you’re looking to refine your speaking skills, gain confidence, or unlock new opportunities, our mentors are here to support your growth every step of the way.
Get to know our mentors below and learn more about their backgrounds, accomplishments, and the unique insights they’ll be sharing during the retreat. Their diverse experiences and perspectives are sure to leave a lasting impact as you embark on your speech journey!
Renea L. Moss
Aka Mama Moss
Founder
Renea L. Moss, affectionately known as Mama Moss, is a seasoned and beloved Speech and Debate coach with over two decades of experience shaping young minds and fostering excellence in competitive forensics. As a coach, Mama Moss is known for her unwavering dedication to her students’ academic and personal growth. With a nurturing yet fiercely determined approach, she has impacted the lives of countless students, guiding them toward success both in competition and beyond.
Under Mama Moss’s leadership, her teams have consistently earned top local, state, and national accolades. She has coached over 20 National Champions and 50X various State finalists and champions. She has shaped multiple championship-winning teams and individual competitors, helping them hone their skills in public speaking, persuasive argumentation, analytical thinking, and research, empowering them to become confident communicators, empathetic listeners, and effective leaders. Her students have gone on to excel in both collegiate and professional arenas, many becoming leaders in their respective fields. She is known for her ability to inspire confidence in her students while fostering a competitive yet supportive environment. Her coaching philosophy goes far beyond teaching the mechanics of speech and debate—she instills a deep sense of purpose in her students, encouraging them to find their voices, advocate for what they believe in, and think critically about the world around them.
Mama Moss has made significant contributions to the Speech and Debate community by mentoring not only her students but also other coaches, ensuring that the next generation of educators can continue to uphold the values of integrity, passion, and excellence in forensics. Her work has been instrumental in cultivating a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment where students feel valued and motivated to reach their full potential.
Her impact extends beyond the competition arena. Many of her former students have gone on to excel in their careers, using the skills they developed through speech and debate to influence change in their communities, excel in their professional lives, and continue advocating for the causes they are passionate about. Mama Moss’ legacy is one of empowerment, leadership, and commitment to fostering the future voices of our society.
Her contributions to Speech and Debate have earned her respect and admiration from colleagues and competitors alike, making her a pillar in the forensics community. Whether coaching an individual student to a national title or fostering a supportive team environment, Mama Moss remains a tireless advocate for the transformative power of speech and debate.
Courtney Chipman:
House Mom/Advisor
Courtney Chipman is a dynamic and highly accomplished educator with over 18 years of experience in the debate circuit and 12 years as a professionally certified English teacher for grades 6-12. Recognized as a Highly Effective teacher, Courtney has built a reputation for not only fostering academic excellence but also inspiring students to think critically, communicate persuasively, and develop strong argumentative skills. Her background as a former competitor in Congressional Debate, Lincoln-Douglas, Original Oratory, and Interpretation events gives her a unique edge as a coach, equipping her students with the tools they need to succeed both in debate and in their everyday academic pursuits.
As a mom of two, Courtney is deeply committed to creating a balanced and supportive learning environment, where students feel empowered to reach their potential both academically and personally. Her passion for teaching and her commitment to each student’s success are evident in her personalized approach to education. Courtney earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Florida State University (Go Seminoles!) and later pursued a Master of Science in English Education at Nova Southeastern University, further sharpening her skills to better serve her students.
With significant experience working with students who have 504 plans and IEPs, Courtney is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of all learners. She’s known for creating inclusive learning pathways that ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive. Above all, Courtney is passionate about fostering a lifelong love of learning, empowering students to believe in their potential, and guiding them toward a bright, successful future!
LISA JANEL SMITH-GREENBERG, PERFORMANCE MENTOR:
Lisa Janel Smith-Greenberg is an Emmy Award-winning sports producer with a distinguished career in the world of broadcast journalism. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for capturing the most impactful moments in sports, Lisa has built a reputation as one of the industry’s most talented and innovative producers. Throughout her career, she has played a pivotal role in producing high-profile sports coverage, from live events to feature stories, earning her recognition and multiple accolades, including the prestigious Emmy Award.
Lisa’s ability to blend creativity with precision has allowed her to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences, showcasing the human stories behind the athletes and games. Her experience spans a wide range of sports, from major national leagues to international events, all while maintaining the highest standard of production excellence.
Known for her leadership, collaboration, and attention to detail, Lisa has worked with some of the top networks and production teams in the industry. She is driven by her love for the sports world and her commitment to delivering memorable, impactful content. Whether in the control room or on location, Lisa Janel Smith-Greenberg continues to set the bar for excellence in sports media production, inspiring the next generation of storytellers in the field.
MARYEL EPPS, VOICE MENTOR
Maryel Epps is a talented singer and dedicated vocal coach known for her powerful voice and passion for helping others find their unique sound. With years of experience as both a performer and educator, Maryel has earned a reputation for her ability to connect with her students and guide them toward vocal excellence. As a singer, Maryel brings emotion, authenticity, and energy to every performance, captivating audiences with her dynamic range and distinctive style. Her versatile talents span across multiple genres, from gospel and R&B to pop and jazz, allowing her to bring a broad range of influences to her music and performances. Maryel Epps has performed with and for a variety of notable artists, organizations, and events throughout her career. She has shared the stage with prominent musicians and performers in the gospel, R&B, and pop music scenes, as well as having been featured in high-profile events and performances. Her experience includes backing up world-renowned artists, performing at major concerts, and participating in live televised events.
In addition to her successful career as a performer, Maryel is deeply committed to her work as a vocal coach. She is passionate about helping aspiring singers build confidence, refine their technique, and develop their vocal ability. Whether working with beginners or advanced students, Maryel uses her extensive knowledge of vocal techniques, breathing exercises, and performance skills to ensure each student reaches their full potential.
With her warm, encouraging, and results-driven approach, Maryel Epps continues to inspire and
empower the next generation of singers, helping them find their voice and achieve their musical dreams.
RASHON LEDAY, MENTOR
Rashon Leday is a proud alumni of Comeaux High School and Western Kentucky University, where he studied Political Science and African Studies. With over 11 years of active involvement in his community, Rashon is deeply committed to helping young advocates and speakers realize their highest potential in a competitive academic environment. His mission is to
educate students on the value of being both scholars and advocates for causes they are passionate about, while guiding them in constructing meaningful, practical solutions to some of the most pressing issues in society.
As a coach, Rashon focuses on preparing students to navigate complex social interactions and situations they will face throughout adulthood. He believes that by equipping them with the necessary tools to be productive, caring, and efficient members of society, they can drive revolutionary change and contribute positively to the world. His unique approach to mentorship is rooted in his own distinguished career in speech and debate, both as a competitor and educator.
In his early years as a coach, Rashon helped several students reach the final stage of the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) nationals. Over the course of his competitive career, Rashon earned 8 state championship titles and over 10 national championship titles across various speech and debate events at both the high school and collegiate levels. He set unbreakable records that remain unmatched on the state and national circuits. His achievements also include being the highest-scoring speech competitor upon his graduation, solidifying his status as one of the most decorated competitors of the last decade.
Rashon’s exceptional track record as both a competitor and coach gives him the confidence to inspire and elevate students as they strive to take their competitive learning experiences to the next level. With his guidance, students are prepared not only to succeed in speech and debate but to emerge as thoughtful, influential leaders in their communities and beyond.
DALISS HICKS - MENTOR
Daliss Hicks is a highly accomplished speaker and advocate for the arts, with an impressive track record of winning numerous Speech and Debational National Championships, State Championship and being a National Finalist both in high school and college. Her dedication to the art of public speaking and competitive debate has shaped her into a passionate mentor, committed to helping others excel in their communication skills.
Currently studying at Berea College, Daliss is pursuing her academic and professional goals while making a significant impact through her work. She is in the process of launching a
nonprofit organization focused on making the arts accessible to underserved communities, providing safe outlets of expression for individuals to find their voices and connect with others.
Daliss’s journey is one of resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to giving back. As a mentor at the Speech Retreat, she brings a wealth of experience, a love for the arts, and a heartfelt desire to empower others to reach their full potential.
Caitlin Williams – Mentor
Caitlin Williams is a highly accomplished speaker and media arts student at Emerson College, with a remarkable background in Speech and Debate. Having garnered success in both platform and interpretation events, Caitlin is a 5-time State Finalist, 2-time Florida State Champion, and 4-time NSDA (National Speech and Debate Association) Finalist. She is also an NSDA Champion and Final Round Winner, demonstrating her exceptional skills in competitive speaking and her dedication to the craft.
Her extensive experience in Speech and Debate has equipped Caitlin with the ability to engage, persuade, and inspire audiences with her powerful speeches, whether in the classroom, on stage, or in competition. In addition to her speech achievements, Caitlin is pursuing a degree in
Video and Media Arts Production at Emerson College, where she explores the intersection of storytelling, media, and public speaking.
As a mentor at the Speech Retreat, Caitlin combines her vast experience in competitive speaking with her creative expertise in media arts, helping participants refine their presentation
skills. She guides individuals in crafting compelling narratives, delivering impactful performances, and connecting with their audiences in dynamic ways. Caitlin’s mentorship empowers others to embrace their unique voices and achieve their full potential as speakers.
