• Search Institute, past director of training
• Quest International, training manager
• High school English teacher
• At-risk youth coordinator
 
Education
• M.A. in Human Development, St. Mary’s University, Minneapolis, Minnesota
• B.A. in Education, University of Washington, Seattle

Author of five books, including Stopping at Every Lemonade Stand: How to Create a Culture That Cares for Kids—reviewed by Chinaberry Press as "the best book I've ever read on how to create real change in our kids' lives"—Vollbracht's dynamic and inspiring keynote focuses on the key shifts that need to occur in our culture and how to apply them in our schools, organizations, and communities.

During his keynote you'll have the opportunity to reflect upon how these key shifts can happen within your own circle of influence, why we need to shift from focusing on deficits to assets, and how youth are not the problem, but underutilized resources who can help transform the culture in their own backyards.

With cutting edge data and heartwarming stories you will come away hopeful, inspired, and wanting to share the message with colleagues and friends.

This message is we can all make a difference right where we are, we can start right now, and we can intentionally create a culture that is intergenerationally transformed from the inside out as we move into the new century.

Vollbracht also provides follow-up sessions on how to integrate these shifts into schools, communities, families, juvenile justice system, and youth serving organizations. Participants develop an action plan based on powerful focusing on a strength based approach that engages the head and the heart to create positive change.

James currently lives in Tucson, AZ with his wife, Mary.