Dr. Kristilynn Turney is a nationally recognized leadership expert, TEDx speaker, and former two-time principal who helps schools and organizations transform culture, strengthen leadership, and drive measurable results.
With over 25 years of experience in education, Dr. Turney has served as a teacher, literacy coach, assistant principal, middle school principal, high school principal, curriculum director, and human resources leader with a focus on diversity and equity. She has led schools through significant cultural and instructional shifts, including improving student achievement, strengthening instructional practices, and building systems that support both educators and students.
Known for her high-energy, no-fluff approach, Dr. Turney delivers powerful keynotes and professional learning experiences that blend real stories, practical strategies, and actionable systems. She doesn’t just inspire audiences—she equips them with the tools to lead differently the very next day.
Her signature talk, “Breaking Barriers: From Problem Child to Problem Solver,” is rooted in her personal journey from a student who struggled with behavior and expectations to becoming a transformational school leader and national speaker. Her message challenges leaders to examine their beliefs, shift their practices, and create environments where all individuals can succeed.
Dr. Turney has worked with schools, districts, and organizations across the country, supporting leadership development, literacy improvement, equity-focused practices, and school transformation. Her work consistently centers on one core belief: when leadership shifts, everything changes.
Whether she’s speaking to educators, leaders, or students, Dr. Turney brings both strategy and soul—leaving audiences energized, equipped, and ready to take action.
Dr. Kristilynn Turney is a nationally recognized leadership expert, TEDx speaker, and former two-time principal who helps schools and organizations transform culture, strengthen leadership, and drive measurable results.
With over 25 years of experience in education, Dr. Turney has served as a teacher, literacy coach, assistant principal, middle school principal, high school principal, curriculum director, and human resources leader with a focus on diversity and equity. She has led schools through significant cultural and instructional shifts, including improving student achievement, strengthening instructional practices, and building systems that support both educators and students.
Known for her high-energy, no-fluff approach, Dr. Turney delivers powerful keynotes and professional learning experiences that blend real stories, practical strategies, and actionable systems. She doesn’t just inspire audiences—she equips them with the tools to lead differently the very next day.
Her signature talk, “Breaking Barriers: From Problem Child to Problem Solver,” is rooted in her personal journey from a student who struggled with behavior and expectations to becoming a transformational school leader and national speaker. Her message challenges leaders to examine their beliefs, shift their practices, and create environments where all individuals can succeed.
Dr. Turney has worked with schools, districts, and organizations across the country, supporting leadership development, literacy improvement, equity-focused practices, and school transformation. Her work consistently centers on one core belief: when leadership shifts, everything changes.
Whether she’s speaking to educators, leaders, or students, Dr. Turney brings both strategy and soul—leaving audiences energized, equipped, and ready to take action.
From Problem Child to Principal: The Power of Belief, Identity, and Leadership
Format: 45–60 minute keynote (also available as a 90-minute workshop or student assembly version)
This program is perfect for:
• School and district leaders are committed to shifting outcomes for all students
• Educators, organizations, and teams working to break cycles of low expectations and labels
The audience will leave with:
• A renewed understanding of how beliefs shape...
Leading with Grace, Strength, and High Heels: Confidence, Clarity, and Impact for Women Who Lead
Format: 45–60 minute keynote or 60–90 minute leadership workshop
This program is perfect for:
• Women in leadership roles seeking to lead with confidence and authenticity
• Organizations committed to developing and empowering strong female leaders
The audience will leave with:
• Strategies to lead with confidence without compromising authenticity
• Tools to navigate...
From Burnout to Buy-In: Shifting Culture, Climate, and Commitment in Your Organization
Format: 45–60 minute keynote or half/full-day workshop
This program is perfect for:
• School and district leaders facing staff burnout, disengagement, or low morale
• Organizations seeking to improve culture, climate, and team performance
The audience will leave with:
• Clear strategies to move teams from compliance to commitment
• Systems and structures that create...
Unapologetically Leading: Power, Presence, and Purpose for Women in Leadership
Format: 45–60 minute keynote or 60–90 minute workshop
This program is perfect for:
• Women leaders ready to elevate their voice, visibility, and influence
• Organizations committed to cultivating confident and impactful female leadership
The audience will leave with:
• Tools to lead with authority while staying authentic
• Strategies to overcome self-doubt and external...
3 recommend Dr. Kristilynn
Post your own verified review when you hire this speaker through eSpeakers.
Dayton Independent Schools
On-Site
J.T., Teacher and Dept. Chair, Dayton Independent Schools
Dr. Turney is literally the only speaker that we've had that I enjoyed!
Youngstown City Schools
On-Site
D.T.C., Educator, Youngstown City Schools
I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Kristilynn Turney several years ago at a national conference, and her authenticity, wisdom, and passion for equity left a lasting impression on me. Since then, she has stayed in contact—consistently following up on any questions or needs I’ve had and generously sharing valuable resources. In her recent guest appearance at Thriving Educators "School Behavior Solutions", she introduced the Addressing Disproportionality Framework—a practical, step-by-step guide that empowers schools to confront equity issues through data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and measurable action plans. Her continued support and leadership have been a true gift to my professional journey. Dr. Turney’s expertise spans K–12 education, with experience ranging from classroom teaching to district leadership, and she is widely respected for her work as a consultant, coach, speaker, and author who helps educators promote literacy, equity, and school improvement across diverse communities.
Cincinnati Charter School
On-Site
D.A.J.P., Director, Cincinnati Charter School
Dr. Turney is an amazing consultant and expert in leadership and instruction. She led professional development for teachers to provide strategies to increase engagement and use data-driven instruction--from lesson planning to assessments. Dr. Turney was professional, positive, sensitive to the needs to the teachers, and knowledgeable. Educators respond to her because she has "walked the walk"--teacher, school-level and district-level leadership and other roles in education. I recommend Dr. Turney to any school that is ready to do the work to improve academic outcomes for students.
Videos
Photos
Certifications & Awards
