Adam F.C. Fletcher is a widely-recognized advocate for youth engagement. Peter Lang published his book Democracy Deficit Disorder: Learning Democracy With Young People written with J. Cynthia McDermott (2023), and his most recent book is Steps to Youth Leadership in Modern Times (2024). Learn more about him at adamfletcher.net.
Dr. Agustín Cervantes is the Executive Director of the Bay Area K-16 Collaborative, leading strategic planning and implementation for the statewide K-16 Education Collaboratives Grant Program. A seasoned higher education administrator, he previously served as Director of Student Services at Cal State LA's College of Education, where he oversaw outreach, advisement, and credentialing operations.
Dr. Cervantes has also worked as a community college instructor and consultant, co-founded Teen Startup Academy, and currently sits on the Los Angeles Community Impact Hub Advisory Council. His earlier roles include leadership positions at Walden University and The National Hispanic University, as well as student support leadership at Stanford University.
He holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from UCLA and multiple degrees from Stanford University. His work centers on education equity, workforce pathways, and youth empowerment.
Akemi Hinzer, a graduate from Pasadena City College, now works at NASA in the Planetary Protection group, and worked on the Europa Clipper mission.
Angela has been an educator for approximately 20 years with most of her experience as a teacher at the elementary level. Recently she has transitioned out of the classroom and into a role that supports teachers as a curriculum professional development trainer, as well as, an instructor for the Los Angeles County Office of Education. She has acquired much knowledge on how to integrate technology into the classroom while providing engaging activities that increase student agency. Angela's expertise on how to incorporate various teaching strategies across subject areas has benefited her students by meeting the needs of her diverse learners.
Dr. Angie Nastovska, Ph.D., M.S., is the Director of Curriculum and Assessment at iLEAD Schools and an Adjunct Professor at United States University. Actively involved in the IB curriculum review process, she also conducts workshops for IB educators. With extensive experience in educational writing, research publications, and curriculum development, Dr. Nastovska is a passionate advocate for international education and IB principles. Her expertise in teacher support and development, combined with her deep engagement in the latest IB curriculum updates, makes her a leading voice in the field.
Ashley Ruiz is a dedicated educator with a wealth of experience in K-12, adult and post-secondary education. Ashley holds a Clear Administrative Services Credential & master’s degree in teaching. Her academic journey also includes a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Language & Literacy and a Multiple Subject Credential. Having played key roles such as teacher, credential analyst, professional development designer, and Induction mentor coordinator, Ashley is driven by a profound passion for education. Her overarching goal is to utilize her diverse skills to enrich learning environments and contribute to the advancement of equitable computer science education.
Brandon Rodriguez is the education specialist for CCE. He has taught high school and university science courses at several California schools and is currently a researcher at Caltech.
I began my journey in the CPTP program in 2020, transferred to UCLA in 2022, and proudly graduated in 2024 as a first-generation college student from a low-income immigrant household. Currently, I am pursuing a master’s degree and teaching credential at Stanford, where I am student teaching in East Palo Alto and deepening my commitment to educational equity and transformative teaching. This fall, I will be stepping into a full-time teaching role in the Palo Alto Unified School District, and I’m thrilled to bring creativity, heart, and purpose to the classroom.
Bronwyn Kennedy is a Consultant in the Professional Services Division with California’s Commission on Teacher Credentialing involved in the development of the new PK-3 ECE Specialist Instruction Credential, the Child Development Permit, and supporting other early learning initiatives across the state. She has over 25 years of experience in the field of Early Learning, ranging from supporting private and state preschools to family childcare homes, and acting as a liaison in childcare policy and planning. She holds a master’s degree in both Early Childhood Education and Public Administration.
Bryan Astrachan is the coordinator of the National Education Safety and Security Initiative (NESSI) in the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health. Bryan has spent several years in education including K-12, college and university. He is a leading expert in the arena of safe schools, school administration, school law, and juvenile procedures. He has held numerous posts dealing with administration, discipline, Child Welfare Attendance (CWA), and school safety, in addition to being primary school safety trainer including partnership development with school districts and the County Office of Education.
Crystal combines her academic excellence with practical innovation, developing the Crystal Clear Academics framework that has revolutionized professional development in ECE settings. Her philanthropic initiatives have created mentorship opportunities and resource access for underserved communities, embodying her commitment to systemic change.
A respected thought leader and captivating presenter, Crystal specializes in translating complex policy and pedagogical concepts into actionable strategies that empower educators at all career stages. Crystal's unique perspective as both an honored ECE professional and system alignment specialist offers workshop participants an unparalleled opportunity to envision and create new possibilities in early childhood education careers.
Hello I'm a physics major currently enrolled at Cerritos community college. In my free time I'm a humongous nerd. This past year I finished up being an after school group leader for a 5th grade class to increase my unit load. I look forward to teaching high school school and college level physics.
Debra has more than 40 years of professional experience in Early Childhood Education as a teacher, site director, program director serving 2400 children in PK and TK, author, and university professor in both the private and public sector. Currently, she is a Consultant with the Professional Services Division with California’s State Commission on Teacher Credentialing involved in the development of the new PK-3 ECE Specialist Instruction Credential, the CDP Permit work, and supporting teacher preparation programs to universities across the state. Debra holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership
Emily Felder is a graduate from Pasadena City College and worked on the Lunar Trailblazer mission at Caltech, and is now studying paleontology at UCSB.
Emma is a curious and determined 4th grade student with big dreams for the future. She’s interested in math, enjoys gymnastics, and likes listening to podcasts in her free time. Emma wants to become a lawyer—and one day, a Supreme Court Justice. She’s excited to share her story to help teachers better understand how to support students who learn in different ways. Emma believes every student deserves the chance to succeed and feel confident in school.
Ericka Hines mother of 4. Obtained A A in child development and AA in Liberal Arts from West Los Angeles Community College, Transferring to Cal State Dominguez Hills.
Dr. McDermott began her teaching career as a high school English teacher and has been a teacher educator for 50 plus years. A university professor she is recently retired from Antioch University As a Soros Fellow she began her work in Eastern Europe and her first Fulbright Scholar award took her to Sarajevo and her second Fulbright was at Wroclaw University in Poland. Her pedagogical philosophy is based on the work of John Dewey. Published in a variety of areas her latest effort (Democracy Deficit Disorder) was published in March 2023. Her publications can be accessed at http://antiochla.academia.edu/CynthiaMcDermott
Jess is an experienced and versatile workforce development professional. She has a background in non-profit program management, education, and international development with expertise in teaching, teacher training, research, and career advising for youth. Educated in public schools from the beginning, she holds Master's in Community and Regional Development from UC Davis and a Bachelor's in Socio-Cultural Anthropology from UC San Diego and is dedicated to supporting people, families, and communities through the power of public schools. In her off time you can find her exploring trails with her dog, trying new recipes and restaurants, making jewelry, and possibly watching the latest binge-worthy post-apocalyptic show.
My experience includes 25 years in ECE programs working with diverse children and families.
Currently I am a Core Faculty at Pacific Oaks College at the Department of Early Childhood Education & Master Teacher at Pacific Oaks Children's School. I also teach Child Development upper division courses at CSULA and ELAC. I am also a teacher mentor with California Early Childhood Mentor Program with ELAC, CSULA, USC, Rio Hondo College. I want to be a resource for the future generations of child development professionals. I want to share my knowledge, experience, and strategies to guide others through a resourceful career path.
Dr. Joya Chavarin is an experienced educator and workforce development leader specializing in early childhood education, apprenticeship programs, and equity-driven initiatives. She is dedicated to expanding career pathways and strengthening partnerships that support student success.
With an extreme commitment to the work I do, I keep a significant priority on instituting analytical and critical-thinking directions with attention to detail for maximum excellence. My competency in training and development and public relations surely enable me to exceed demands. With years of substantial experience, I bring my track record of championing institutional culture by showcasing accountability, dedication, and a growth-oriented mindset. My mastery lies in training, needs assessment, and issue resolution. Instructional delivery, skill assessment, progress monitoring, and performance optimization are also areas where I have expertise.
I am currently teaching in a 4th grade classroom at Foster Elementary in Compton Unified School District. Alumnus of California State University Long Beach 2024 and Cerritos College 2022. I am a mother of two children that returned to school as an adult to pursue my dream of teaching.
Kim Baljet, iLEAD Charter Schools' Director of Educational Technology, brings 20+ years of expertise in differentiated learning for diverse students, earning awards like Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year and the California Association for the Gifted Distinguished Service Award. She champions ethical AI integration, aiming to revolutionize education. With a deep understanding of AI's potential, she offers practical insights and prioritizes student success and responsible innovation.
Kim Sakamoto Steidl is Associate Faculty for Cabrillo College Early Childhood Education (ECE) and Education Departments where she currently teaches and serves as faculty project lead for ECE and Education apprenticeships. Kim is also a clinical coach for Cal State University Monterey Bay Department of Education & Leadership. Her background is in Lifespan Human Development, EC-16 teaching and administration, and higher education teacher education preparation.
Kim is active in regional and statewide educator preparation initiatives where she has served as regional lead for the Bay Area Community Colleges Consortium Teacher Preparation Program/Regional Joint Venture (BACCC TPP/RJV) and Region V Representative for the California Perkins Joint Special Populations Committee (JSPAC) under the California Department of Education and the California Community College Chancellor’s Office.
Kristan Hinze is a dedicated educational professional with a strong background in special education and administration. She began her career as a substitute and long-term substitute teacher, gaining foundational experience before focusing on special education as a full-time inclusion teacher and SDC math teacher. Kristan developed expertise in creating individualized education plans (IEPs) and adapting curriculum for diverse learners. Progressing into administration, she managed areas like ASB, events, and athletics, demonstrating a commitment to positive school environments. Since 2021, Kristan has supported the growth of special education within iLEAD California.
Ms. Capezio has been in education for over 17 years. She has worked as a Reading Interventionist, an Instructional Coach and presently, serves as a building administrator at a public school in Massachusetts. In her current role, she balances managing discipline with instructional support and leadership. She values restorative practices and student-centered approaches to learning and discipline. She has a Bachelor Degree in Secondary Education / English, a Master in Education, a CAGS in Education Administration, and is working toward a PhD in Educational Leadership. Above all, she loves dogs!
Kristin is an Education Marketing & Community Coordinator for Common Sense Media, directly supporting educators through the Common Sense Recognition and Ambassador Programs. She also works for the LA County Office of Education as a Practicum Supervisor and Induction Mentor, working with intern teachers and newly minted educators. Prior to her work at Common Sense, Kristin was a classroom teacher for 14 years, most of that spent teaching students with special needs. She’s an advocate for the creative, thoughtful, and innovative use of technology, and is passionate about sharing her knowledge, experience, and expertise with others. She presents regularly on UDL/accessibility.
An educator for over a decade, Dr. Minaiy has served as a middle school Science educator, educational technology coordinator, professional development advisor, STEM coordinator, Dean of Academics, faculty and supervisor at CalTeach program at UCI, and most recently as a program facilitator at UCI Science Project. Dr. Minaiy's passion for STEM education includes a deep commitment to improve access to K-12 STEM education, particularly Computer Science courses, and better prepare students for STEM majors and career pathways.
A veteran teacher and administrator with large district, private, and charter schools, Matt has seen it and lived it all. He is twice a graduate from Cal State Northridge (B.A., History; M.A., Educational Leadership). Matt has been an educator for 30 years, teaching at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. He now serves as the Executive Director of Development for iLEAD California Charter Schools, a network of 6 charter schools in Southern California.
Matt Zuchowicz is the dynamic Director of College and Career Readiness/ Pathway Coordinator at iLEAD California. With a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Organization, Matt also brings extensive experience from his previous role as Director of Educational Technology Services at the Santa Barbara County Education Office. Actively involved in shaping college and career pathways, he assisted with securing iLEAD's first K12 Strong Workforce Program grant and has a history of building CTE pathways and developing resources for students, teachers, administrators, and industry partners. Matt is a dedicated advocate for career technical education and educational technology, demonstrated by his experience in mentoring CTE teachers and providing professional development in Computer Science. His diverse background makes him a valuable voice in college and career readiness.
My name is Melissa Baez, the dedicated Urban Learning Major Advisor. This major is geared towards future elementary and special education teachers. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from UC Riverside and a Master of Social Work from CSU Fullerton.
I am Thomas Gebreyesus, the Transfer and Black Student Success Advisor at CSU Fullerton. As a first-generation Eritrean-American college graduate, I support underrepresented students pursuing education. I earned an A.A. from El Camino College, a B.A. in Communication Studies from CSU Long Beach, and an M.S. in Education from the University of Miami.
Nicole Herrera is currently a high school teacher in Spain, working abroad after graduating from CSUN and teaching at Toluca Lake Elementary.
Rachel Sutherland is the Director of Mathematics at iLEAD California, with over 20 years of experience in K-12 as a classroom teacher. She is currently a doctoral student at UCLA, where her research focuses on community and math identity. As the president of the Ventura County Math Council and a regular columnist for the California Mathematics Council’s peer-reviewed publication The Communicator, Rachel actively participates in the work of the broader mathematics education community. She is dedicated to empowering educators to grow their student self-concept and agency in math. She believes that everyone is a math person!
Renée Marshall is a Teacher Preparation Administrator (Program Evaluation and Research) at the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Her work focuses on Early Childhood Education teacher preparation and California’s ECE workforce. Renée joined the Commission in October 2022. She comes from the CA Community College Teacher Preparation Programs, where she spent 15 years operationalizing teacher preparation at the campus, region, and state levels. Renee served as ECE/EDU faculty in the community college system, taught elementary school, and early in her career, Renee was a preschool teacher at the UC Santa Cruz lab school.
Rokeya Rahman is a professor and vice-chair of the Child, Family, and Education Studies Department at East Los Angeles College (ELAC). With over 15 years of experience, she has worked as a preschool teacher, program supervisor, director, and instructional coach. As a Site Director and Coach, she has conducted staff orientations and facilitated coaching sessions for groups of teachers on various topics. Additionally, she has presented multiple workshops for community college students and faculty members, at the CAAEYC Conference, and at the Teach for LA on life science and dramatic play. Rokeya is pursuing her Ed. D. in ECE.
Shelby Clatterbuck serves as the Faculty Lead for Irvine Valley College's Teacher Preparation Pathway and is the Chair for the Human Development Department. She specializes in education preparation courses and co-advises the Aspiring Educator's Club, promoting careers in teaching. As a member of the EXCEL Leadership Academy's Class of 2025, Shelby demonstrates a strong commitment to leadership within the South Orange County Community College District.
Stephanie Agudo is a dedicated educator with 10 years of experience in general education and 5 years as a Resource Specialist Teacher at Carpenter IB World School. She specializes in supporting students with mild to moderate disabilities, particularly those facing challenges in reading. Stephanie is committed to empowering students with special needs to develop self-advocacy skills that will enhance their success within the general education environment.
Teresita Galvizo has been teaching Career Technical Education courses since September 8, 2004.
Teresita is currently a Business Education/Adjunct Instructor at East Los Angeles College. Mentor for Community Partnerships for Teacher Pipeline Mentor (CPTP) at Rio Hondo College. She was a Career Technical Education Pathway Adviser for the Division of Instruction, Los Angeles Unified School District. She taught at El Monte Rosemead Adult School as a CTE Teacher at El Monte, CA. Teresita has over 17 years of instructional experience which includes Community College, Adult Education and High School Teaching experience.
I am Thomas Gebreyesus, the Transfer and Black Student Success Advisor at CSU Fullerton. As a first-generation Eritrean-American college graduate, I support underrepresented students pursuing education. I earned an A.A. from El Camino College, a B.A. in Communication Studies from CSU Long Beach, and an M.S. in Education from the University of Miami.
Tim Smyth is an Eisner nominated author and high school social studies teacher, MS Reading Specialist, who travels the country giving professional development to educators on the power of teaching with comics. Smyth was also part of a global online comics in education program through the US State Department, He has been published by many outlets, such as PBS, MacMillan, Scholastic, and others. He shares many resources on his website, Teachingwithcomics.com.
Tracy Burt EdM., has taught in the Child Development and Family Studies Department at City College of San Francisco since 2003. She coordinates the SF Educators Rising Program, an Early Childhood, Special Education and Elementary Para Apprenticeship with SFUSD and Kingmakers of Oakland.
Tracy is passionate about inclusive education, creative writing and building community centered on connection and building a better world together. When she’s not teaching you can find her at the beach with her dogs, spending time with family and friends, writing, doing Pure Barre or dancing in the kitchen.
Venusia K. Jemere is a community college student studying Education and Data Science. On campus, she is a part of the Grow Your Own Pathway Teacher Prep. program at West L.A college and the Ralph Bunche Honors Program. She works at a tutor for students with disabilities at Los Angeles City College in the subjects English, Statistics & ESL. She has applied to UCLA, UC Berkeley, Yale, Stanford, and more and wishes to share her experiences with the process as an immigrant.
Wendy Muzien is the Outreach & Recruitment for CSULB College of Education and provides information on all undergraduate, teaching credentials and masters of Education degrees. Georgina Ramirez is the PK-3 Advisor and has worked in Early Childhood Education in LBUSD.
Hello! My name is Yunuen but I go by Yuni. I'm from Inglewood, CA and a proud alum of El Camino College. As a first-generation Latina transfer student, I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Education and Social Transformation from UCLA. I'm currently completing my first year at USC's Master's in Educational Counseling program and interning as a success coach at El Camino College and Los Angeles Trade Tech.