Robert F. DeFinis, Ed.D.
Author - Behavioralist - Educator - Leader

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Dr. Robert F. DeFinis has worked with children, athletes, coaches, teams, leaders, and organizations for over twenty years while consistently leveraging optimal performance strategies into success stories. He has a diversified background with extensive experience in education, nonprofit leadership, law enforcement, and behavior analysis, which has gained him praise and recognition from organizations such as SmartCEO™ and the Philadelphia Social Innovations Journal. Born just outside of Philadelphia, Montgomery County, Dr. DeFinis received his Doctorate in Organizational Behavior and Leadership from Argosy University and a Master’s in Education from Chestnut Hill College while acquiring dozens of professional certifications, including a Graduate Certificate in Data Science from Johns Hopkins University, a Graduate Certificate in Ethical Leadership from the University of Notre Dame, a Six Sigma Black Belt from the Management and Strategy Institute, and a Project Management Certificate from IBM. When not traveling and spending time with family, Dr. DeFinis continues lecturing and teaching in the behavioral sciences and was recently selected as a Fulbright Scholar. He is the creator of Total Optimal Performance Solutions and RDF Books and cofounder of the Center for Teaching Excellence - Online. His latest books include The Hero Teacher, Gen-eXceptional, and several children’s books addressing contemporary issues.

A proven leader, Dr. DeFinis has held the positions of president, executive director, and vice president within academia and non-profit organizations. He has also served on the Board of Directors for several non-profits, such as Reading Recycled, Teach Rwanda, Team Children, THANKS Society, and The Asherah Foundation, focusing on critical initiatives such as childhood literacy, workforce development solutions, and educational opportunities. In addition, he was appointed in 2020 to serve a two-year term as Chair of the Board for the Saint Mary’s Catholic School Board of Limited Jurisdiction in Spring Mount, Pennsylvania. A champion for quality and positive change in education, Dr. DeFinis is an advisory board member with Rural Literacy Solutions in Ghana (West Africa), which enhances literacy and digital skills in underserved communities. In addition to his professional and personal commitments, Dr. DeFinis remains an active member of the Association of American Educators, the Association of Leadership Educators, and the International Leadership Association.


Areas of expertise, interest, and research:
Applied Ethics
Board Development
​Behavioral Psychology
Children’s Literature
Contemporary Issues
Criminal Justice
Educational Theory
Emotional Intelligence
Game Theory
​Gamification
Leadership Studies
Nonprofit Leadership
Personality Traits
Workforce Development

Total Optimal Performance Solutions (TOPS)

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Total Optimal Performance Solutions (TOPS) assists organizations in achieving peak performance through scientifically validated methods. Dr. DeFinis offers custom programs through consultation to meet the client's needs. There is no “one size fits all” approach to improving an organization's overall performance. For more information about what Dr. DeFinis can do for your organization, please contact him directly. Initial consultations are always FREE and worth the call!​

RDF Books, Projects and Community Engagement

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Dr. DeFinis writes and publishes children’s books focusing on “Helping Children Find Their Way!” Whether it’s contemporary issues children are navigating or simply trying to learn a new concept, these books help children and parents explore the opportunities that exist when we think creatively and apply our talents.

In addition, he has spent over two decades of service in the nonprofit space with organizations focused on childhood literacy, workforce development, and educational opportunities.

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