Authors & Presenters

Breauna C. Wall, EdD, is an esteemed education professional with over a decade of experience as a leader, scholar, and practitioner. She champions equitable and collaborative education, with a focus on empowering educators through transformative knowledge, training, and support.

Dr. Oliver Grenham is a visionary educational leader known for his expertise in competency-based learning, school transformation, and leadership development. With over 40 years in education, he has pioneered personalized, learner-centered systems and continues to advocate for sustainable, student-centered reform.

Dr. Pamela Swanson is an acclaimed educational leader with nearly four decades of experience. Most recently, she served as superintendent of Westminster Public Schools in Colorado, where she led the district’s transformation to a preK–12 competency-based education system.

Scott A. Laliberte is a career educational leader, presenter, and leadership coach with over 35 years of experience. He believes passionately in the impact school leaders have on both student learning and the long-term sustainability of educational systems.

Jennifer L. Parvin, PhD, PCC, is a proven educational leader with over 25 years of experience. She currently serves as an executive coach to campus, district, and organizational leaders.

Dr. Jim Cummins supports school leaders wanting to build student-centered cultures. During his 30 years of positively impacting students, he served as coach, teacher, principal, superintendent, and junior college vice president.

Dr. Dawn Brooks DeCosta, EdD, is a distinguished educator and leader, currently serving as the deputy superintendent for Harlem Community School District 5. She is a renowned advocate for culturally responsive teaching and social-emotional learning.

Mark Anthony Gooden, PhD, is a Christian Johnson Endeavor professor of education leadership at Teachers College, Columbia University. Dr. Gooden has spent over two decades in higher education developing and teaching courses in culturally responsive leadership, race, law, and research methods.

Pati Montgomery is the founder of Schools Cubed, a school consulting firm that specializes in collaborating with school and district leadership to increase reading and educational outcomes for all students.

Angela Hanlin is a passionate leader committed to driving change in schools and classrooms. Under her guidance, Matthews Elementary achieved remarkable success, reaching a 100 percent proficiency level.

As an educational leader with more than 25 years of experience, Donna J. Micheaux, PhD, founder/CEO of Micheaux Educational Consulting, provides executive coaching, leadership development, and expert guidance to campus, district, and system leaders.

Samuel Nix, EdD, has been an educator for more than twenty years with a background as a teacher, middle and high school principal, and chief of schools in a variety of school settings.

Richard Bernato, EdD, is an adjunct professor, education expert, author, podcaster, and blogger. With 55 years of experience, he specializes in higher education, extensive research, leadership positions in K–12 settings, and consultancy work alongside presentations for various school districts.

Margaret Coughlan, EdD, is a classroom teacher, district leader, researcher, and adjunct faculty member at Saint Mary’s College of California. Her professional work includes teaching elementary students, teachers, and graduate school master’s candidates.

Roxanne (Roxy) L. Mourant, MEd, has been an educator since 1987 and has worked in a variety of school settings. She is currently chief education officer of Educating for Leadership, Inc., in Alaska.

Adam R. Hill is an assistant superintendent overseeing 13 middle schools in a large metropolitan school district in Georgia.

Jenice Pizzuto is a system, change, and implementation expert. She is the founder and CEO of IMPACT Lead and Succeed.

Steven Carney is the executive director of Rooted School Vancouver, an innovative charter high school committed to building the roots of upward mobility.

Kyle is the principal of Powell Middle School in Powell, Wyoming. Prior to administration, he was an elementary teacher where he developed the passion for professional learning communities and the power behind building a strong culture and teamwork in a school.

Sheline Miller is a high school vice principal and was the former learning coach for the Washington County School District in Utah, where she successfully worked with teachers and teams to help establish professional learning community practices.

Ari Gerzon-Kessler is a sought-after speaker and professional learning provider working with schools and districts committed to forging stronger school-family partnerships. He’s presented at national and international conferences and his writings have been featured in a variety of educational publications.

Hiawatha Smith, PhD, is an associate professor of literacy education. Prior to his work preparing educators to teach literacy, Hiawatha worked as a classroom teacher and an instructional coach.

Dr. Daman Harris is an award-winning education leader focused on equity, instructional leadership, student advancement, and educator development.

Nancy Karlin Flynn, EdD, has been an administrator in the Saint Paul Public School district for 24 years, serving as an elementary, junior high, and middle school principal. She is passionate about coaching and mentoring aspiring principals and school leaders.

Evisha Ford, EdD, is the founding executive director of the iCan Dream Center in Illinois and a sought-after thought leader specializing in trauma-compassionate leadership, equity, and diverse learners. She is a former assistant superintendent and director of special education.

James Rawls serves as a principal in a large metropolitan school district in Georgia. His passion for education is evident through his experience of more than 20 years in the field.

Rob J. Meyer, EdD, is an experienced educator currently serving as the director of secondary teaching and learning at Monona Grove School District in Wisconsin. With over 20 years in education, he previously served as a teacher of social studies, an assistant principal at the secondary level, a principal at the primary level, and a 4K–12 C&I director.

Tim Solley is an experienced leadership coach for the Alabama Department of Education’s Office of School Improvement. With more than 35 years of service in public education, he was previously a classroom teacher, K–12 school administrator, and assistant superintendent.

Scott M. Beattie is the assistant superintendent for instruction of the Windsor Central School District in Windsor, New York. With over 15 years experience, he specializes in professional learning community and Community School implementation, technology integration, and K–12 career pathway development.

Nathan Manley serves as the assistant superintendent of instruction in the Neosho School District. During his nearly 20 years of experience, Nathan has also been a classroom teacher and principal, leading the development of five different professional learning community school recognitions.

Michael Meechin is an award-winning educational leader, strategist, and thought partner. Currently, Michael supports schools and districts nationwide to move their work forward by breaking down systemic barriers to improvement.

Joellen Killion serves as the senior advisor for Learning Forward. With more than 40 years’ experience, she leads, facilitates, and contributes to initiatives related to examining the link between professional learning and student learning.

Ann Delehant is an experienced facilitator, learning leader, and agent of systemwide change. Her work focuses on developing, supporting, and coaching leaders at all levels, building collaborative cultures, and facilitating systems change.

Gail Markin is a counselor and teacher who has worked to support health and well-being across British Columbia. She began her career as a social worker, family counselor, and parent educator.

Ryan Donlan, EdD, is a professor in the Department of Educational Leadership in the Bayh College of Education at Indiana State University and served for 20 years in traditional and charter schools in K–12 education.

Steve Gruenert, PhD, has been at Indiana State University since 2002 teaching educational leadership courses and doing research in the field of school culture and climate.

Heather Bell-Williams is principal of Milltown Elementary School in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada. She has been in education since 1988 and has served as a classroom teacher, resource teacher, vice principal, district coordinator, and elementary principal.

Kimberly Cullen is an education professional who has held a variety of teaching and leadership positions in an international school based in Madrid, Spain. She has also served international and independent K–12 schools as a coach.

Belinda Dunnick Karge, PhD, is a professor in the doctoral studies program at Concordia University Irvine and a professor emeritus at California State University, Fullerton. She has also served as a K–12 teacher and administrator.

David (Cal) Callaway, EdD, is the deputy head of school at the International Community School of Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. He has worked in international education since 1998 and has served as both a teacher and an administrator.

Delia E. Racines, PhD, has served in a variety of educational roles in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Over the past 17 years, Dr. Racines has focused on ensuring equitable opportunities and outcomes for all students.

Debra Lane, EdD, has been a teacher and administrator for more than 30 years in the United States and abroad. She has led several schools as principal, including Shanghai American School, one of the world's leading international schools.

Nicole S. Turner is an educational coach and author with over 17 years of classroom and leadership experience. She has worked with thousands of educators, instructional coaches, and administrators across the United States through conferences and custom professional development sessions.

Brad Rogers is currently the principal at Cadott Elementary School in Wisconsin. He has been an educator for 28 years and specializes in helping schools implement collaborative processes that lead to high levels of learning.

Janelle McLaughlin is a former curriculum director for Manchester Community Schools in Indiana. Her experiences range from job-embedded coaching to leading reflective collaborations and facilitating action-plan development.

Stephanie Discher serves as the director of elementary education for Wasatch County School District in Utah. With a sincere passion for empowering educators, she is dedicated to fostering a deep understanding of and appreciation for the professional learning community process.

Jeff Byrnes is the current assistant superintendent for teaching and learning in the St. Helens School District in St. Helens, Oregon. With over 25 years of experience in education, Jeff specializes in the implementation of professional learning communities and multitiered systems of supports. He is certified to lead in Professional Learning Communities (PLC) at Work® and Response to Intervention (RTI) at Work™. He has also served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal in Arizona and Washington.

Chris Bergmann serves as an assistant principal at Timnath Middle-High School in Colorado. Previously, he spent 17 years as an administrator, science teacher, and coach at Kinard Middle School, a Model PLC at Work® School.

Keri Greener serves as assistant superintendent in Box Elder School District. An educator for more than 34 years, she has been an elementary school teacher, literacy coach, district literacy specialist, principal, and director of assessment and professional development.

Stephanie Kraft currently serves as an assistant principal of White River High School, which has been a Model PLC in Washington State since 2016. Previously, she served as a high school and middle school social studies teacher.

Luke Francois, EdD, is superintendent of Waterford Union High School in Wisconsin. He specializes in the continuous improvement process to support the work of PLCs in small rural and large suburban districts.

Blake Clark brings a wealth of experience from various educational settings, including schools, districts, and charter schools across North America. He is a firm believer that schools can achieve their fullest potential through collaborative efforts centered on intentional learning.

Keri Rathbun, EdD, is the director of Coordinated School Health and Career Counseling for Fort Smith Public Schools, Arkansas. She has worked in education for more than 20 years and served as an administrator at the middle and high school levels.

Ryan Siegle, EdD, serves as the principal of Cohasset Elementary in Minnesota. He is passionate about transforming school and classroom cultures and supporting both the whole child and the whole teacher.

Becky Jo Evers-Gerdes, EdD, is the dean of academics at Loyola Catholic School in Mankato, Minnesota. Becky earned her master’s degree from Minnesota State University and doctorate from Bethel University.

Rhonda J. Roos, PhD, is an educational expert coaching principals, district leaders, and administrative teams in the ever-challenging work of leading schools. Dr. Roos has served in diverse roles such as a guidance counselor, English teacher, and district administrator.

Marcia L. Tate, EdD, is the former executive director of professional development for the DeKalb County School System in Decatur, Georgia. During her thirty-year career with the district, she has been a classroom teacher, reading specialist, language arts coordinator, and staff development executive director.

Dr. Kim Wallace started her career in public education 30 years ago as a high school English and history teacher before becoming a site principal and district office administrator.

Phillip Page, EdD, is the superintendent of the Bartow County School System in Cartersville, Georgia. His experience spans more than 30 years and includes serving as a biology teacher, high school assistant principal, middle school and high school principal, and assistant superintendent.

Thomas Van Soelen, PhD, is a professional development trainer and leadership coach. His areas of expertise include instructional strategies, learning communities, critical friendship, leadership development, and teacher evaluation.

Meagan Rhoades is the former district assessment coordinator for White River School District in Buckley, Washington. She worked in this district for more than 20 years.

Bruce R. Fraser, EdD, is an assistant superintendent at a large metropolitan district in Georgia. He specializes in leadership, difficult conversations, coaching, creating a positive culture, and the power of influence.

Emily Feltner, EdD, has over 30 years of experience at all levels in education. She works with schools and districts in the areas of leadership, literacy, and school improvement.

Leigh Colburn is a career educator and community leader with ten years of service as the principal of Marietta High School in Georgia. She specializes in promoting school equity through wraparound service opportunities.

Linda Beggs has more than 30 years of organizational development experience, specializing in culture, change, and team effectiveness. She collaborates with schools to create a high-trust culture essential to implementing wraparound resource centers.

Matt Thede is an assistant principal at Mount Vernon High School in Iowa. He has led curricular improvements and professional development initiatives in the areas of standards-based grading, unit design, instruction, and assessment.

Michael McDowell, EdD, has been a public school educator for the past 18 years serving in the roles of classroom teacher, academic and athletic coach, school principal, assistant superintendent of personnel and instruction, and superintendent.

Greg Curtis is an author and presenter. He has spent more than 30 years working with schools around the world as a teacher, curriculum and professional learning director, leadership trainer, strategic planner, and IT director.

Tommy Reddicks is the school director for Paramount Schools of Excellence in Indianapolis. He has worked in the public, private, and charter school sectors in three US states.

Tina (Merriweather) Seymour is a veteran principal and leadership coach with 21 years of experience in urban education. She began her educational career in 1998 as a middle school language arts teacher.

Alexandra Guilamo is an expert in the implementation, education, and effective leadership of dual-language, bilingual, and language-learner education. She has previously served as a teacher, academic coach, elementary school principal, and district-level educator.

Rusty Taylor has been a professional educator since 1997, serving as a science teacher, middle school assistant principal, and principal at both the middle and high school levels.

Melissa Dickson, EdM, is an outstanding presenter and educator. She is passionate about providing teachers with research-based ideas and strategies that they implement immediately. In her decades as an educator, Melissa has been a literacy coach, staff developer, site-based team leader, mentor teacher, inclusion teacher, classroom teacher, and early childhood teacher.

Jennifer Abrams, an author and educational presenter, is a former high school English teacher and new-teacher coach. She helps educators develop collaborative skills, effectively support new teachers, navigate difficult conversations, and create safe workplaces.

Dr. Tonya Balch is a professor in the Department of Applied Clinical and Educational Sciences in the Bayh College of Education at Indiana State University and has been the program coordinator for the School Counseling M.Ed. program for 15 years. She is passionate about ensuring excellence in graduate programming and providing authentic experiences in practice.

Alex Kajitani holds the title of California Teacher of the Year and has been a top-four finalist for National Teacher of the Year. He is a highly sought-after speaker and a top authority on engagement, building relationships, and teacher leadership.

Larry Brendtro, PhD, is director of The Resilience Academy and professor emeritus at Augustana University. He has rich, practical experience as a teacher, principal, and psychologist—including 14 years as president of Starr Commonwealth.

Michael J. Maffoni, an educator since 1987, has a diverse background that includes experience as a teacher, principal, and central administrator in a variety of districts in Colorado. He also teaches courses in educational leadership as an affiliate faculty member at Regis University.

Steve Meade is the executive director of curriculum and assessment at Singapore American School. He has been a teacher and administrator for over 29 years, with educational experience across elementary, middle, and high schools.

Chris Beingessner is the middle school principal of Singapore American School, located in the Woodlands area of Singapore. He has been a vice principal in elementary, middle and high schools around the world and has taught grades 1–12.

With a career spanning over three decades, Tesha Ferriby Thomas, EdD, is a seasoned educator whose dedication to fostering collaborative learning environments has significantly enhanced educational practices and student outcomes in schools nationwide.

Cindy Watters is currently the principal of Whittier Elementary School in Seattle Public Schools. With experience in large urban school districts and international schools, Cindy has worked and led in a wide variety of settings around the world.

Michael T. Adamson, Ed.D., is the Director of Board Services at the Indiana School Boards Association, Adamson is a former school board member of the Avon Community School Corporation in Avon, Indiana where he served for a total of 20 years, from 1974-78 and 1984-2000.

William D. Parker is the executive director of Oklahoma’s Association of Secondary Principals and Oklahoma’s Middle Level Educator Association. He is the former principal of Skiatook High School in Oklahoma.

Bradley Balch, PhD, is professor and dean emeritus at Indiana State University. He is currently a graduate faculty member in the Department of Educational Leadership, Bayh College of Education, and affiliate faculty member in the Department of Management, Information Systems, and Business Education, Scott College of Business.

Brian M. Stack is a superintendent of schools in New Hampshire and a former principal who specializes in supporting teachers and administrators in developing, sustaining, and enhancing structures to support all learners.

Mike Ruyle, EdD, has served as a classroom teacher, athletic coach, school principal, program director, university professor, and professional development presenter over a 30-year career.

Tina H. Boogren, PhD, is a fierce advocate for educators, particularly for their well-being. She is the author of numerous best-selling books centered around her passion areas of quality instruction, coaching, mentoring, and wellness and is co-director of Solution Tree’s Wellness Solutions for Educators with Dr. Timothy D. Kanold. She hosts the weekly podcast Self-Care for Educators with Dr. Tina H. Boogren and has received several accolades, including being ranked #5 among the Top 30 Global Gurus in Education. She is also a recipient of the Marquis Who’s Who of Professional Women award and has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal as a Who’s Who of Distinguished Leaders. Dr. Boogren resides in Denver, Colorado.

Justin Baeder is director of The Principal Center, where he helps school and district administrators build capacity for instructional leadership. Driven by the belief that leaders belong in classrooms—where the most important work is being done—he created the 21-Day Instructional Leadership Challenge, which has helped more than 10,000 leaders from 50 countries develop the habit of getting into classrooms and having evidence-based conversations with teachers.

Shawn Slakk, Chief Learning Officer for ABCDS&S Consulting, works with teachers, administrators, schools, and state agencies to offer strategies and support for multilingual learners and their classmates, in grades K–12 and adults.

Yong Zhao, PhD, is a Foundation Distinguished Professor of education at the University of Kansas and a professor of educational leadership at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education. He is an internationally known scholar, author, and speaker.

Tom Schimmer is an author and a speaker with expertise in assessment, grading, leadership, and behavioral support. He is a former district-level leader, school administrator, and teacher.

Tom Hierck has been an educator since 1983, and his career has spanned all grade levels and many roles in public education. He has presented to schools and districts across North America with a message of celebration for educators seeking to make a difference in the lives of students.

Todd Whitaker, PhD, is a professor at Indiana State University. Recognized as a leading presenter in the fields of education and leadership, his message has resonated with over a million professionals around the world.

Timothy D. Kanold, PhD, an award-winning educator and author, is former superintendent of Adlai E. Stevenson High School District 125, a Model PLC at Work® district in Lincolnshire, Illinois.

Thomas W. Many, EdD, dedicated his life's work to helping teachers, administrators, school boards, parents, and other education stakeholders. He focused his passion for school improvement on organizational leadership, implementation and change, and Professional Learning Communities at Work® strategies and concepts

Sheila A. Eller, EdD, is a middle school principal for Mounds View Public Schools in Minnesota. She is a former principal, university professor, special education teacher, Title I math teacher, and teacher.

Robert Eaker, EdD, is a professor emeritus at Middle Tennessee State University, where he also served as dean of the College of Education and interim vice president and provost.

Perry Soldwedel is a coach and consultant to district leaders. He specializes in systems thinking, shared leadership, strategic planning, data collection, measurement, and professional learning communities.

Nancy Frey, PhD, is a professor of literacy in the Department of Educational Leadership at San Diego State University. She is also a teacher leader at Health Sciences High and Middle College in San Diego.

Michael Fullan, PhD, is former dean of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. He is recognized as an international authority on educational reform.

Mark Van Clay, EdD, is an educational presenter who specializes in aligning school systems. He also works with the Consortium for Educational Change and has 30 years of experience in education.

Lyle Kirtman is a management advisor specializing in organizational development, strategic planning, conflict resolution, and executive coaching. He is a frequent keynote speaker, webinar presenter, and radio and television guest.

Lisa Almeida is a recognized educator with over 20 years of experience delivering professional development and implementation support to educators. Most notably, she is known for effective leadership and teacher coaching in the areas of standards, assessment, data-driven decision-making, and professional learning communities.

Kimberly Williams, PhD, is a faculty member at the Plymouth State University College of Graduate Studies, Dr. Williams teaches graduate courses for teachers on cognition, history, and philosophy of education.

Kenneth C. Williams, a former teacher, assistant principal, and principal, shares his experience and expertise as a recognized trainer, speaker, coach, and presenter in education and leadership.

Karen Power is an educational presenter and a former teacher, principal, superintendent, and senior advisor for professional learning and leadership. Karen has implemented the PLC process both as a principal and as a superintendent, and for several years, she has supported collaborative work in schools to meet the needs of students.

John Wink currently serves as the Director of School Success for the Longview Independent School District in Longview, Texas. As a renowned superintendent, assistant superintendent and principal at elementary, middle and high schools, John's work in school improvement has transformed schools by transforming teachers and leaders.

Dr. John F. Eller is a much sought-after consultant and presenter who offers engaging and informative workshops in a variety of leadership, teaching, and learning topics.

With over 30 years of experience in K–12 education, author and education expert Jeanne Spiller is an associate with Solution Tree, supporting schools and districts through workshops, coaching, and collaborative initiatives to enhance instruction, foster innovation, and promote equity.

Jay McTighe brings a wealth of experience developed during a rich and varied career in education. He served as director of the Maryland Assessment Consortium, a state collaboration of school districts working together to develop and share formative performance assessments.

Janel Keating is former superintendent of the White River School District in the state of Washington. She is a former elementary and middle school teacher, elementary principal, director of student learning, and deputy superintendent.

Jane A. G. Kise, EdD, is the author of more than 25 books and has extensive experience in leadership development, executive coaching, instructional coaching, and differentiated instruction.

James H. Stronge, PhD, is a consultant specializing in policies and practices related to teacher quality and effectiveness, teacher and administrator evaluation, and teacher selection.

Eric Twadell, PhD, is superintendent of Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois. He has been a social studies teacher, curriculum director, and assistant superintendent for leadership and organizational development.

Douglas Reeves, PhD, is the author of more than 40 books and more than 100 articles on leadership and education. He has twice been named to the Harvard University Distinguished Authors Series and was named the Brock International Laureate for his contributions to education.

Cassandra Erkens is the author of eight books with more currently in progress, as well as chapters in several anthologies. Additionally, she is a facilitator, a trainer of trainers, an educator, and a coach. Her work focuses on educational topics, including assessment, instruction, leadership, school improvement, and professional learning communities.

Casey Reason, PhD, is an award-winning author, speaker, coach, and thought leader in the areas of leadership development, digital learning, and the deep and substantive implementation of professional learning communities.

Brian M. Pete comes from a family of educators—college professors, school superintendents, teachers, and teachers of teachers. He has a rich background in professional development and has worked with adult learners.

Anthony Muhammad, PhD, is an author and international thought leader. He served as a practitioner for nearly twenty years where he served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. He is recognized as one of the fields leading experts in the areas of school culture and Professional Learning Communities at Work (PLC).

Anne E. Conzemius, a trainer and coach, has served as director of employee development and training for Wisconsin’s Department of Employment Relations, and as assistant state superintendent at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

Andy Hargreaves, PhD, is the Thomas More Brennan Chair in Education in the Lynch School of Education at Boston College. He has taught primary school and lectured in several English universities, including Oxford.