About

Visionary Thought Leader

Dr. Lori Schwartz Reichl is the founder of MAKING KEY CHANGES, LLC, a leadership consultancy focused on mentorship, motivation, and meaningful transformation. A former public school band director turned author, educator, speaker, and podcast host, she also created The Confidence Camp (for KIDS) and The Confidence Retreat (for ADULTS). Through keynotes, workshops, and the MAKING KEY CHANGES podcast and newsletter, Lori empowers individuals and organizations worldwide to build confidence, strengthen teams, and lead with purpose.

Visionary Thought Leader

Proud Public School Teacher

Lori proudly served in public education from 2001 to 2015 before expanding her impact to learners and leaders worldwide. She led thriving secondary music programs in Pennsylvania and Maryland—including rural, suburban, Title I, and “corrective action” schools—opening two new school buildings and launching initiatives that strengthened music education and student opportunity.

Her work earned numerous honors, including the Superintendent’s Excellence in Teaching Award (PA), an Honorary Resolution from the Howard County Council (MD), and finalist recognition for both Music Educator of the Year and Teacher of the Year (MD).

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Changemaker

As a sought-after speaker and consultant, Lori has inspired professionals and students worldwide through keynotes, 250+ workshops, and programs like The Confidence Camp & Retreat that cultivate confident, compassionate leaders. She hosts the MAKING KEY CHANGES podcast, publishes its companion weekly newsletter, and has authored 100+ articles reprinted by 16 organizations. Lori also teaches graduate courses at various universities grounded in her real-world experience.

Changemaker

Champion of Mentorship & Motivation

As a champion of mentorship and motivation, Lori models creativity, collaboration, and connection. Her journey from educator to entrepreneur—including the challenges of caregiving, setbacks, and rejection—became a catalyst for growth. By shifting her mindset and refining her habits, she discovered her purpose: empowering others to grow by “making key changes.”

Coaches & Cheerleaders

Lori grew up in York County, Pennsylvania, the daughter of two devoted educators. She and her brother were musically mentored by their father, while visits to her mother’s English classroom on “Take Your Child to Work Day” sparked her curiosity. With her mother as creative cheerleader and editor, Lori credits her parents for instilling her lifelong love of creativity, learning, and teaching.

Coaches & Cheerleaders

Family of Changemakers

Lori lives in Maryland with her husband—the other Dr. Reichl, an engineer and professor—who encourages her to see every situation from all angles. Together, they support each other’s ambitions while raising their active children with creativity, inclusion, and critical thinking in mind, leaving room for the occasional date night. They readily admit to parenting missteps but credit their children with teaching them more about life than any class ever could.

"Dr. Reichl wants to help people grow."

Preservice Educator, California

"As a keynote speaker, Lori had a caring yet captivating demeanor. She inspired the audience with simple tools to create actionable change in their lives."

Entrepreneur, Massachusetts

"Great energy, amazing and engaging speaker! LOVED the get-to-know-your-audience activity Dr. Lori utilized."

Lawyer, Maryland

"Lori spoke to our school district's teachers on collaboratively constructing and maintaining a shared vision. Though only a few weeks ago, the productive discussion both during and after her session has already brought improvement to our school."

Educator, Ohio

"Lori's way of presenting is unique and refreshingly different. I am eager to listen to her experiences, encouraged to reflect on her questions for consideration, and ready to make immediate key changes in my life and work."

School District Administrator, Massachusetts

"I loved Lori's session. I have been teaching for 26 years, and I definitely needed her ideas about establishing routines and building relationships as a reminder of what I have forgotten."

Educator, Delaware

"It was a refreshing change of pace to attend Lori's session, because it was focused on building us all up as educators and directing us to resources that will help us to become stronger teachers. She also gave us many opportunities to make new connections with the other attendees."

Educator, Nebraska

"I recently started listening to Lori's podcast, read some of her articles, and scheduled a mentoring session with her. As someone in the midpoint of my teaching career, her guidance really helped me to reflect on my current situation, to establish goals, to formulate a plan, and to pinpoint my reasons for wanting to make a change in my life. I highly recommend her expertise!"

Educator, Maryland

"I have enjoyed and found incredibly valuable the training and professional development that Lori Schwartz Reichl has provided to me. I feel a great sense of renewal, refreshment, and excitement for the coming years."

Educator, Indiana

"I started off the day with an amazing clinic with Lori Schwartz Reichl! Book this amazing woman and learn about her programs! Her approach is absolutely infectious!"

Educator, Pennsylvania

"Dr. Reichl presented a highly inspirational, reflective & motivational PD that any professional would be encouraged by!"

Educator, Nebraska

"The inspiration and messages that Dr. Lori Schwartz Reichl shares through her work are really impactful to me as I am also someone who works in education advocacy. Dr. Reichl gets right to the point, and she is the kind of person we need in education - motivational, inspiring, and hoping to improve education."

Collegiate Education Recruitment Coordinator, California

"Dr. Lori Schwartz Reichl has created a haven that is 3-part inspiration, research & best practices, and self-care. Having been "in the trenches," she understands the challenges teachers face, and she uses her gifts to provide well-researched and thought-provoking content delivered in ways that will keep you motivated and filled with hope. What a gift Lori is to educators everywhere!"

Leadership Coach, Pennsylvania

"Lori's podcast offers bite-sized pieces of wisdom that are practical, actionable, and timely. The key changes Lori suggests are realistic and offer tangible, accessible steps we can take as we grow in both our professional and personal lives. Give this a listen for some inspiration and wholesome food for thought!"

Teacher of the Year - Los Angeles Unified School District, California

"Education (and the world) is in both an interesting and crucial time. We recognize that change must occur for the system to be sustainable, yet, we don't have the means to always do it. Dr. Reichl helps us make the necessary key changes, as a profession and as professionals. I highly recommend Lori's work and absolutely love the bite-size format that is digestible, while providing thought-provoking questions for self-reflection."

Elementary School Principal, California

"Lori’s course was one of the most impactful for my teaching career. I reflected a lot on my teaching and was highly motivated to start the new year after hearing Lori’s perspective on different topics. Lori has a lot of energy and passion for education which will rub off on you."

Educator, New Jersey

"Dr. Reichl changed the way I approach my job by giving me tools I use every day. She challenged me to be more thoughtful about every aspect of being a teacher, including designing assessments, recruiting students, ensuring equitable opportunities and representation, developing policies, building culture and identity, and interacting with parents."

Educator, Pennsylvania

"Lori’s 'Making Key Changes' presentations leave attendees inspired and motivated to make positive key changes in their own professional and personal lives."

Retired Educator, South Dakota

"Lori gives bite-sized nuggets of insight that I like to hear before lesson planning. As an educator, it feels supportive and empowering and a good reminder of community."

Educator, Pennsylvania

"Lori's passion for supporting educators not only resonates in every note she teaches but also in her unwavering commitment to fostering a collaborative and inspiring environment among educators and administrators. She's a true maestra in the art of teamwork and mutual inspiration."

Leadership Consultant, California

"Dr. Reichl's session was one of the most amazing and insightful presentations I've ever attended about the importance of representation in the classroom and so much more! Definitely check out Dr. Reichl's work!"

Educator, Pennsylvania

"The 'Making Key Changes' workshop was one of the most enlightening PD sessions I’ve EVER been in!"

Educator, New Jersey

"Lori is the first person I contact when I need career guidance and insight. Her value is boundless and she has a true passion for helping people grow. Lori is open-minded and practical, but beyond that, she is honest and direct, and her direct approach and determination often provide exactly the motivation I need for that next step."

General Counsel and Director of Administration, Pennsylvania

"I recently saw an AWESOME session by Lori Schwartz Reichl! Her talks ALWAYS force me to reevaluate what I am doing in the classroom!!!"

Educator, South Carolina

"Lori has spent a significant amount of time studying the mental health of teachers in our post-pandemic era. She is a quality sounding board and thought partner and she mentors the current generation of teachers. I highly recommend Lori for leading professional learning.”

School District Administrator, California

"Lori’s program has challenged me to provide as many mirrors and windows for my students as possible. I feel more confident as an educator after working with Lori."

Educator, Pennsylvania

"Lori has a wealth of ideas that she has thought out and organized intelligently. She brings passion and energy to every session that keeps PD time lively and upbeat. Whether it be learning new ideas and perspectives or re-energizing and reinforcing established concepts, Lori is good for both! Highly recommend."

School District Administrator, California

"Lori's friendship and mentorship are both priceless and precious to me. Her advice and inspiration have been invaluable to me during professional and personal growth—from novice to seasoned—across multiple states, buildings, and positions. I can't thank Lori enough for the positive influence she's had on my life both inside and out of the workplace."

Educator, North Carolina

"The mentorship, coaching, and friendship that Lori has shared with me over the years have been invaluable both personally and professionally. Her creativity and insightfulness inspire me to strive for self-improvement every day!"

Director of Interior Design, Maryland

"Dr. Reichl wants to help people grow."

Preservice Educator, California

Scholarly Synopsis

Education

Doctorate in Music Education from Liberty University, Virginia
Certification for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Workplace from the University of South Florida
Administrator I Certification from McDaniel College, Maryland
Leadership & Supervision Coursework (additional 30 credits beyond Masters) from Walden University, Minnesota
Master of Music Education from Lebanon Valley College, Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science in Music Education from West Chester University, Pennsylvania
K-12 Education from Northeastern School District, Pennsylvania

Research Interests

Mentorship and Motivation
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Belonging
Dissertation: “The Student Voice: Perception of Students’ Representation of Themselves in the Secondary Band Curriculum”

Significant Achievements

Founder & Principal Consultant, Making Key Changes, LLC

Founded, led, and scaled a leadership and organizational effectiveness consultancy serving public and private sector clients nationwide.
Designed and delivered 250+ leadership development programs across 24 U.S. states, aligning talent strategy, engagement, and culture transformation with business objectives.
Published 100+ thought leadership articles reaching 130,000+ professionals monthly; reprinted by 16 national organizations and consistently ranked among “Top 10 Most-Accessed Articles.”
Host of leadership podcast (7,000+ downloads) and weekly newsletter (2,000+ subscribers, with 40+% open rate), extending influence across cross-sector leadership communities.
Invited speaker at Yale University (twice) and facilitator for executive, corporate, and education leadership cohorts.

Founder & Principal Consultant, Making Key Changes, LLC

Founded immersive leadership development experiences for adult and youth leaders, overseeing strategy, curriculum architecture, parternships, sponsorships, and full lifecycle execution: The Confidence Camp (for KIDS) & The Confidence Retreat (for ADULTS)
Directed large-scale county-wide initiatives serving 1,500+ participants annually; managed cross-functional stakeholders, 40+ evaluators, and 200+ volunteers to ensure operational excellence.
Led programs within high-needs school environments (two Title I; one in corrective action), increasing participation by 50%+ and improving measurable performance outcomes.
Partnered with cross-functional leaders to assess talent needs, address systemic roadblocks, and implement leadership development strategies that strengthened engagement and organizational performance.
Recognized for translating complex change initiatives into clear, actionable strategies for diverse stakeholder groups.

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