Kelly Nickel is the primary presenter and provides the leadership and creative energy behind Bucketfillers Forever programs. In the past thirteen years Kelly has delivered programs to more than 350,000 participants in over 675 schools all across the Western U.S.

 

Kelly applies his 20+ years of teaching experience, his ability to engage and entertain children (and adults), and his mastery of effective instructional practices to bring to life Donald Clifton’s metaphor of being a Bucketfiller when we think, speak, and act.  Children (and adults) easily grasp how the simple binary choice of “filling” versus “dipping” in someone’s bucket will affect themselves and others in either positive or negative ways.

 

They see how easy it can be to master the technique for activating their "lid of resilience."  They see and understand what Bucketfilling looks like, sounds like, and feels like.  They learn the difference between big things and small things and how to handle each.  They come away inspired to practice a positive mindset in everyday situations while navigating daily reality.

 

They really do get it.  Plus he is super funny, energetic and animated, and the kids absolutely love him.

 

In addition to traveling to schools, “Mr. 5-Cent” (as the kids call him) stays busy as a popular Commuication instructor at Shasta Community College in Redding, California.

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A gifted facilitator and community builder who is documented to be funny, Kelly fills his high-energy assemblies and workshops with boundless enthusiasm, heartfelt inspiration, delightful humor, and practical advice.

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A true education scientist at heart, Kelly’s professional passion is designing and delivering student-centered learning experiences that produce real, measurable outcomes.