Speaker Bios
Speaker Bios
Director of Learning and Brain Programs
Allison is an international leader in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), dedicated to transforming education through the lens of the human brain. With a specialized degree in Mind, Brain, and Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education, she sits at the vital intersection of cutting-edge neuroscience and daily classroom practice. Allison doesn’t just teach pedagogy; she decodes the why behind how we learn. Her work is fueled by a commitment to making scientific research accessible and actionable for educators worldwide. Her greatest professional joy? The "aha!" moments—those fleeting, powerful seconds when a student’s brain makes a new connection and the world opens up a little wider.
When she isn’t talking about neuroplasticity or instructional design, you can find Allison:
Chasing Horizons: An avid hiker, she is known to go to great lengths (and elevations) to catch the perfect sunset.
Navigating Motherhood: She is the proud mom of two young adults, ages 21 and 24, who keep her grounded in the real-world application of growth and development.
Whether she's presenting on a global stage or trekking up a mountain trail, Allison is driven by a singular curiosity about the world and a deep belief in the potential of every learner.
Kathy Clapsaddle has been a champion of special educators for over 20 years. She has used her passion and experience serving pre-service educators and district professionals as the slightly nerdy, yet enthusiastic, special education voice at lead4ward since 2016. Kathy serves a wide range of educators, including teachers, related service providers, assessment staff, and special education leaders. She feels strongly that engaging and accessible instruction – for both educators and students – is the key to meaningful growth for all. Kathy has served on the faculty at Texas Tech University and The University of Texas and has supported districts as an Education Specialist and Special Education Coordinator at Education Service Center Region 13. She developed content for the Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism and has implemented innovative professional learning in the areas of instruction for students with disabilities, inclusive practices, IEP development, Universal Design for Learning, and assistive technology.
Anissa Moore is an independent educational consultant specializing in the field of early childhood education, special education, autism and behavior disorders, and the science of motivation. She is also the author of The Self-Determined Teacher: Using the Behavior Principles of Motivation to Re-Inspire Your Educational Fire (2025). As a certified early childhood and special education teacher, certified principal/administrator, and BoardCertified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over 30 years of public school experience, Anissa currently consults as a national presenter, program consultant, and motivational speaker for school districts and educational agencies across the nation. Anissa balances research-based principles with humor and personal experience in all her public speaking topics, encouraging participants to celebrate the gifts of all children while addressing and supporting student, parent, and educator challenges.
Heidi Brewer is an Education Specialist for Inclusive Services at Region 16 ESC in Amarillo. With 30 years in education, most in special education, she has supported students in resource, co-taught, and inclusive classrooms. She now guides teachers on meaningful access practices, IEP development, and paraprofessional support, while also teaching online courses at WTAMU. Passionate about both people and learning, Heidi brings a wealth of knowledge, energy, and heart to her work, finding new ways to connect, grow, and make a difference.
Brandi is a behavior consultant serving districts across the Texas Panhandle, where she partners with educators to build positive, accessible, and student-centered systems. With 21 years of experience, she brings deep expertise, empathy, and a people-first mindset to every campus she supports. In her current role at Region 16, Brandi leads professional development and supports districts in implementing behavior systems and structures. She is passionate about helping teachers understand the “why” behind behavior. Her work is grounded in collaboration, clarity, and the belief that every educator deserves systems that help them thrive. Outside of work, Brandi enjoys spending time with her husband and their three daughters. Whether she’s trail running with her girls, gardening, or relaxing on the patio, she finds joy in being outdoors and staying connected to the people she loves.
Heather Sutton works alongside PreK and ECSE educators to ensure every student has meaningful access to learning. Through hands-on coaching and professional development, she helps teachers navigate the PreK Guidelines and provides practical strategies for social-emotional growth and classroom behavior. Beyond the classroom, Heather assists districts in tackling High-Quality PreK requirements. Whether providing technical assistance or partnering with teachers to turn CLI and informal data into clear instructional next steps, Heather is dedicated to bridging the gap between state standards and everyday classroom success.
Janna is dedicated to equipping educators with the research-based strategies and knowledge necessary to support all learners, especially those with reading difficulties. With 26 years of experience in education, serving students across the educational spectrum from Pre-kindergarten to fifth grade, she strives to bring a unique and practical perspective. She transitioned from the role of a classroom teacher to that of a Reading Interventionist and Literacy Coach, where she directly supported teachers in implementing effective reading instruction. Her academic focus led to pursuing a Master's degree in Educational Leadership, complemented by certifications in Elementary Reading and Early Childhood Education.
For the past seven years, at Region 16 ESC, her work has included roles such as Reading Academies Cohort Leader, building foundational literacy expertise across the region, and, most recently, serving as a Dyslexia and Section 504 Consultant. She aims to leverage her experience to guide districts in successfully implementing structured literacy in inclusive learning environments. Outside of work, Janna is a wife of almost 25 years to her husband, Dominic, and a mom to two children, Jakob (21) and Audree (17). She enjoys spending time with her family, shopping, reading, watching movies, and taking a good nap.
Mandie Duggan is a Strategic Integration Liaison who specializes in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Meaningful Access. She leads district‑wide systems design to strengthen outcomes for all learners. With a background in leadership and coaching, she specializes in helping teams translate complex frameworks into clear, sustainable practices.
Mandie is known for her ability to make challenging concepts accessible, build shared understanding across diverse groups, and design structures that support both educators and students. Her work centers on equity‑driven decision‑making, collaborative problem‑solving, and creating environments where variability is welcomed, and the learners needs guide the work. She brings a people‑first approach to systems change, ensuring that processes not only function well but also empower those who use them.
Kaylie Massie is a Strategic Integration Liaison specializing in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), where she partners with districts and campuses to build cohesive systems that ensure success for all learners. With experience as a campus principal and a strong background in curriculum and instruction, she supports leaders in aligning Tier 1 instruction with targeted Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions. Kaylie is passionate about turning data into action, helping educators use screening, progress monitoring, and collaborative problem-solving to drive instructional decisions. Through coaching, modeling, and systems design, she works to build educators' capacity so that MTSS is a sustainable, impactful practice rather than just a framework.
Outside of her professional role, Kaylie enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and two kids, whether that’s watching or playing sports. Family time is her happy place.
Emily Dunn is a LMSW and the Behavioral Health Partnership Program Liaison at Region 16. The partnership program helps Region 16 and Texas Panhandle Centers work together to ensure all schools within the region have access to training and best practices to deliver mental health and substance use resources. Through Texas Panhandle Centers, she serves as a resource for school districts and work with personnel to implement initiatives related to mental health or substance use. She is very passionate about mental health in adolescents and being able to increase awareness about mental health in the panhandle.
Megan Wade, M.Ed., is a dedicated counselor and mental health specialist at Region 16 Education Service Center. With over 15 years of experience in the field, Megan has served in many diverse roles in education, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faculty face daily. She is a fierce champion for all educators, passionate about empowering the "heart" of those in the classroom. Megan is dedicated to helping individuals cultivate resilience and sustain their joy for education through compassionate support and intentional daily care.
With 15 years of dedicated service in education, Cecilia Favela has built a career defined by a deep commitment to student well-being and academic success. As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a Master of Education, serving as a counselor and mental health specialist at Region 16, Cecilia bridges the gap between pedagogical excellence and psychological support, ensuring that learners are supported both intellectually and emotionally.
As the Gifted and Talented Specialist for Region 16 ESC, Christina Hairgrove creates engaging enrichment experiences and supports the gifted community. She supports educators with practical, people‑centered strategies that honor student voice, agency, and belonging. Christina brings warmth, clarity, and humor to every collaboration and believes professional learning should feel both joyful and relevant.