2025 GDEX SPEAKERS
GDEX is proud to host some of the most informative, and fun workshops, panels, and presentations of any gaming event. GDEX is a great platform to share your knowledge, story, and experiences with those eager to learn. Whether you are a AAA industry pro, a student, or an enthusiast looking to gain more experience, GDEX offers the opportunity for everyone to give high-quality and professional presentations.
New speakers will be added frequently — keep an eye on this page!
Jason Wheeler
A Senior Interactive Media Developer in the IT Research & Innovation division at Nationwide Children's Hospital with over 15 years of full stack development experience ranging from desktop applications and web apps to mobile games and interactive media. Nearly half his career has been dedicated to bringing innovation to healthcare providers in central Ohio.
Karen McHugh-Fornadel
Child Life Manager - Family & Volunteer Services Karen has been a certified child life specialist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital for 22 years, supporting children and families coping with hospitalization and healthcare experiences. In addition to being a certified child life specialist, she is also a licensed professional counselor. Karen’s clinical experience has always focused on providing emotionally safe, developmentally appropriate, family centered care. She has experience working in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Hospice and Palliative Care, Sibling Clubhouse, Radiology, Surgery Unit and treatment foster care. She currently is the manager of the Child Life Program which consists of Child Life Specialists, Coordinators for Creative Engagement, a Resource Coordinator, and a Gaming Technology Specialist.
Travis Faas
Chair of IGDA Indianapolis, professor at Ball State University, and alt control games nerd.