Shari Rusch Furnstahl was born with a variety of challenges including learning disabilities and motor coordination problems. Shari was also nearly legally blind in her left eye and spoke with an impediment causing many to believe that she should be institutionalized. Thankfully, some individuals chose to look beyond her differences. With their help and her own determination, the child that was described as uneducable beyond the fifth grade level became a certified teacher.

Shari is now able to draw upon her life experiences to inspire individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their potential. A "latchkey" child from a single parent household, Shari learned early the importance of education and the necessity of hard work. With her mother unable to afford a baby sitter, Shari became a part of the "family business" at an early age. This fledgling trade show business has become a thriving year-round production company creating events such as "A Victorian Country Christmas," the largest festival of its kind in the United States.

Shari serves as entertainment director for L. P. Productions and has developed an arm of the company responsible for producing stage shows for community theaters and festivals, as well as a non-profit organization that provides innovative assembly and concert programs to schools, educational and community organizations.

Shari has earned a Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology, a Graduate degree in Teaching, and a Masters degree in Education with an emphasis in multicultural issues and "at risk" students from the University of Washington. A sought-after presenter, Shari has traveled throughout the United States and Canada since 1987 speaking to thousands of individuals in educational and corporate settings.

Shari is available for keynotes, half-day, and full-day presentations.