St. Louis Docent Council Symposium

Join us for the 2025 Gin Wachter Symposium, “Big Ideas, Small Steps,” where we explore innovative approaches to education and engagement. This event is designed to inspire and equip docents with practical tools to enhance their roles in museums and cultural institutions. Network with fellow docents and gain insights from industry leaders through presentations and discussions.

This event is free thanks to the generosity of the Docent Council of Metropolitan Saint Louis.

Meet the Speakers

Dr. Amy Narishkin

Communicate Confidently with Just About Anyone – People won’t speak up at work or in their community if they feel sidelined, especially those who have been historically silenced. Rather than inadvertently minimizing unique voices, in this program leaders will learn why and how diverse perspectives are valuable when cultural intelligence is present. At home this creates more genuine productive relationships; in our communities this creates more collaboration and communication; in the workplace this creates more engagement and commitment because people can bring their authentic selves.

With a PhD in adult education and 30 years of experience, Dr. Amy is a speaker, author, and coach working with organizations and their leaders who want to be confident communicators so that they can attract and retain diverse talent. As CEO of Empowering Partners, LLC, she has worked with more than 400 leaders—CEOs, Executive Directors, and management teams in the U.S. and internationally—to effectively increase their ability to lead, retain, and engage people who have different perspectives and backgrounds.

Dr. Piper Hutson

Neurodiversity: Docents as Advocates – Dr. Hutson presents the importance of neuroinclusion in museums and other cultural institutions, with a focus on understanding the experiences for neurodivergent individuals. Through the social framework of Neurodiversity, the differences in processing patterns of the brain are seen from a strength-based lens, where the environment supports universal access. Explaining the benefits of sensory maps and kits, along with the integration of AI, AR, and VR evolving technologies, an overview of how organizations can support cognitive access.

Piper A. Hutson, EdD, is at the intersection of neurodiversity, art, and health, focusing on how cultural spaces can promote well-being and accessibility. As the Arts and Health Specialist for the Missouri Arts Council, she is dedicated to advancing community arts, with a focus on underserved populations. Her scholarly contributions include co-authoring several influential publications in peer-reviewed journals, and her accomplishments include curating over 30 art exhibitions across the country and co-author to two books.

Datyn Sodsaikitch

Living Beyond Limits: My Journey with Quadriplegia – Join Datyn Sodsaikitch as she shares her inspiring journey of resilience and empowerment as a person living with quadriplegia. In this candid and motivational talk, Datyn will discuss the challenges she has faced, the triumphs she has achieved, and how she has built a fulfilling life through adaptive sports, fitness, and mentorship. Her story is a testament to the power of determination, self-advocacy, and the importance of fostering inclusivity in every aspect of life.

Datyn Sodsaikitch is a fitness professional and adaptive sports advocate with over 13 years of experience in health, wellness, and community outreach. She holds a degree in Exercise Science and is a certified personal trainer specializing in inclusive fitness. Currently, she works as a Fitness Specialist at Move by BJC and a Peer Outreach Specialist at Paraquad, empowering individuals with disabilities to lead active and independent lives.

A passionate athlete, Datyn participates in adaptive sports like sled hockey and hand-cycling through the Disabled Athlete Sports Association (DASA). Her dedication to mentoring and coaching others with disabilities highlights her commitment to building inclusive communities and inspiring others to live beyond limitations.

Schedule of Events

Thank you to the Humane Society of Missouri for sponsoring our symposium site.