Karen Wild is the Director of School Improvement for Carrollton City Schools. She leads the Literacy Initiative and L4GA grant for CCS. She is married to Marty Wild and has two grown daughters, Bailey and Lindsey. She enjoys traveling and reading.

Mabry Blevins is a third-year Literacy Specialist working with Carrollton City Schools in Carrollton, Georgia. She currently serves teachers in grades 4 through 12. Before becoming a Literacy Specialist, she was a classroom teacher for 15 years. Mabry has a son in 5th grade and a daughter in 1st grade.

Rikki Chandler is a Literacy Specialist with Carrollton City Schools. She currently serves teachers through coaching and professional learning in grades K-12. Before becoming a literacy specialist, she taught 4th and 5th grade for 14 years.

Amber Gable is a Literacy Specialist for Carrollton City Schools who serves Pre-Kindergarten through 3rd grade. Before entering this role, Gable served as a 1st grade teacher, 5th grade teacher, and reading intervention teacher at Carrollton City Schools and as an Intervention Specialist at Haralson County Schools. Gable is married to Scott Gable, a native of Carrollton, and they have two children: Madison, 1st grader, and Sheffield, Pre-Kindergartner.

Alison Crawford has been in education with Carrollton City Schools since 2005. She has worked as a 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade teacher, and is currently serving as a Literacy Specialist. Mrs. Crawford is married to her high school sweetheart and they have four precious children.

Regina Rahimi is currently a professor in the department of Middle and Secondary Education of Georgia Southern University - Armstrong Campus where she has served on the faculty for 15 years. Prior to that she taught middle school for 15 years. Her research interests involve areas related to adolescent development and school practices. Among her publications are two books, Persuasive Vulnerabilities: Sexual Harassment in Schools and Promoting Social Justice through the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. She has recently been examining trauma-informed pedagogy and teachers' experience with working with challenging student behaviors.

Vanessa Keener is the Behavioral Services and Section 504 Program Manager for the Department of Specialized Instruction for Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. After working as a special education teacher, Vanessa’s interests have been related to critical disability studies, reducing disproportionate disciplinary practices in schools, social emotional learning, and a particular interest in the effects and resulting behavioral outcomes trauma has on students with disabilities.

Dr. Kristy Brown is the Assistant Dean of Accreditation, Partnerships, and Educator Preparation at Augusta University. Kristy also serves as a national edTPA consultant and is on the CEEDAR leadership team for the state of Georgia. Her professional background includes planning and policy development of academic programs, creating induction materials for school districts, teaching at the P-12, undergraduate, and graduate levels, coordinating and conducting data collection and analysis procedures, and facilitating professional development workshops.

Lisa Hill, Ed.S. has recently retired from special education with 30 years of service and is the founder of Hill Educational Consulting, LLC. Most recently, she served Region 10 of Georgia as the Director for the East Georgia Learning Resources System. She has more than 20 years in special education administration including work as special education director for large and small districts. She served on the CEEDAR State Leadership Team for Georgia and assisted with the development of the HLP Professional Learning Series for the State. She delivers high quality professional learning and technical assistance to improve the outcomes for students with disabilities

Mrs. Kerri Whitmire is the Director of Student Services for Lumpkin County Schools in Dahlonega, Georgia. Kerri holds a specialists degree in curriculum and instruction and district-level leadership. Through her many responsibilities in Lumpkin County, one of the most rewarding roles is getting to lead the teacher induction professional learning communities. She also serves as the Title IX Coordinator and the REACH Scholarship Coordinator for the district. She oversees hospital homebound, MTSS/RTI, counselors, nurses, system social worker, and parent involvement specialist. Kerri has served on the Family Connection Board for the past three years.

Bethany Vallio is currently a Personalized Learning Specialist for the GaDOE where she serves schools across the state working for the GRE4T Initiative. She has more than fifteen years of experience in the field of education. Bethany served as a teacher, Instructional Technology Coach, and PL Specialist in the Bibb County School District before coming to the GaDOE. Bethany believes that personalized learning provides a clear understanding of the needs and goals of each student and allows everyone to tailor and create a pathway of instruction to address those needs and goals. Bethany lives in Perry, Georgia with her devoted husband Christopher and her baby Piper.

Dr. Donica Cuspard is an experienced educator with over 20 years of experience. Currently, she serves as the Lead Personalized Learning Specialist for the Georgia Department of Education working with the GRE4T Initiative. Over the course of her 20-year educational career, she has held many roles which include, but are not limited to elementary teacher, teacher mentor, professional development trainer, and school administrator. Dr. Cuspard has served as a school administrator both in public and private schools in the United Arab Emirates and the state of Georgia. Her experiences have taught her that children should be educated in an environment that meets the individual needs of every student by aligning instruction and experiences which are tailored to meet their social, emotional, and academic needs. Donica holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership and a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education, both from Mercer University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Studies from Morris Brown College. Donica lives near Conyers, Georgia and loves to travel in her spare time. She is also active in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Brett James is a Certified School Improvement Specialist with North Georgia RESA in Ellijay. In addition to working as a CSIS he also serves as the agency's Science and Social Studies Consultant and also works in Induction Support. This is his fourth year with NGRESA and is a former teacher and administrator in Murray County Schools. He has been an educator and married to his wife Susanna for 22+ years and they have two daughters. Brett and his family reside in Chatsworth.

Elizabeth Perez has 20+ years of experience and holds certifications in Georgia and Texas in leadership and teaching. She currently serves on the NW Ga P-20 Collaborative, the Georgia Task Force for New Teacher Induction, and is assisting North Georgia RESA with building a resource depot for new teachers/mentors. Elizabeth’s motto for this year is #ENJOYandEMBRACE. Find ways to ENJOY the mundane and EMBRACE change.

She earned her Bachelor's of Arts from University of Texas Arlington and her Master’s of Education in Instructional Leadership from Howard Payne University.

Dan Ray has served 38 years in the field of education in Georgia ranging from a high school math teacher and head basketball coach to a principal to an assistant superintendent. In his tenure as a high school math teacher, he was nominated for “Teacher of the Year” and named “Who’s Who Among American Teachers” several times. In his role as a high school head basketball coach, he was named “Coach of the Year” by the media and the state coaches association. Under his leadership as a principal his school achieved the highest test and writing scores in school history along with being named a state demonstration school and a finalist for the Georgia Lighthouse Award that recognizes outstanding middle schools. Furthermore, he was named “Who’s Who Among American School Administrators” twice. While serving as Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Professional Learning, his department was named as the “most effective and efficient division within the entire organization” by an outside reviewing agency. Since his retirement in June 2014, he has worked as a consultant for school districts across the state along with Middle GA RESA by providing “Service & Support” in the areas of leadership development and a myriad of Human Resources areas including Recruitment, Retention and Customer Service Training. He is a graduate of Belmont University in Nashville, TN and received his advanced degrees from Georgia State University and the University of West Georgia. Dan and his gorgeous wife of 36 years, Sunni, reside in McDonough, Georgia. They have two adult children, Savannah and Brooks. He takes great pride in being “Pop D” to his 9-year-old granddaughter, Chloe who attends Monroe County Schools.

Mike Mauriello is the Professional Learning Director for the Rockdale County School system. Mike is in his 26th year as an educator and has served over 20 of those years in Rockdale County where he also attended school as a student. He worked as a classroom teacher in the area of special education, coached athletics, and drove the school bus. His leadership experience includes serving as an assistant principal and principal at both the middle school and high school levels. In his current role as the Director of Professional Learning he facilitates trainings for certified and classified employees, co-facilitates the district leadership academy, and oversees the school system accreditation process. Mike is married to an elementary school teacher and they have three children.

Karen Smith is a six-year principal at Dr. George Washington Carver Elementary School in Bryan County. She holds a Bachelor's of Science in Early Childhood Education and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership. She is finishing her eighteenth year in the field of education and has had the wonderful privilege of teaching first, second, and third grades. Mrs. Smith is passionate about building a school where every student is afforded the opportunity to learn from a master teacher. Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that students learn and grow as teachers develop professional knowledge and sound practices that strengthen the core instruction of a shared and inclusive curriculum.

Teresa Caldwell is an educator at Dr. George Washington Carver Elementary School. She taught fifth grade for nine years and is in her fourth year as an Instructional Coach. She is married to her best friend Jack, and they have a daughter named Isabella and a son named Grady.

Jennsey McGee has 30 years of experience teaching at the elementary level and is currently the early intervention ELA teacher at Carver Elementary School in Richmond Hill, Georgia.

Mrs. McGee has a rich history of investing in teachers as a Teacher Support Specialist and serving two years in the Bryan Builds Mentoring Program.

Over the course of her career, she has twice been named Teacher of the Year, and in 2020 completed her Master’s degree.

Abby Layfield knows that strategic and successful feedback causes successful learning. A third-year teacher at Dr. George Washington Carver Elementary School in Richmond Hill, Georgia, Miss Layfield has taught both fourth and fifth grade. She believes in the value of creating a safe space where students are able to express themselves and take risks. Miss Layfield received her undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Southern University, where she is also currently pursuing her Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction.

Dr. Karen Cliett has 33 years of experience in education working with students and educators. She obtained her doctoral degree in educational leadership from Georgia Southern University in 2010. She has been an elementary and middle school teacher, instructional coach, Instructional Coach Coordinator, and English Language Arts Coordinator at the district level. In December 2017, she joined the Georgia Department of Education and has worked in the Title I, Part A and Title II, Part A Programs. She currently is a Title I, Part A Education Specialist with a focus on Professional Qualifications, In-Field, and Equity.

Dr. Ken Banter is the Senior Title I Program Manager with the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) and has served with GaDOE since 2015. Before moving into this position, he served as a Title I Area Specialist for GaDOE and worked with 14 school districts implementing their Title I initiatives. Prior to joining GaDOE, Ken was an educator for 31 years in the Peach County School system in Middle Georgia where he held numerous positions (Teacher, Assistant Principal, Dean of Students, Principal, and Federal Programs Director). He also served as the Finance Manager for Cardinal Manufacturing Inc. which was a subsidiary of the Blue Bird Body Company.

Ginger Sims Crosswhite has over 30 years of educational experience. She has been a middle and high school teacher, a school-level administrator as well as a district leader. Today, she works as a Title I, Part A Program Specialist serving the Southeast three districts.

Staci Vickers worked for Pulaski County School System for 31 years before retiring as Assistant Superintendent. She served as a middle school teacher and Assistant Principal, Pre-K Director, System Assessment Director and Federal Programs’ Director. She is presently a Title II, Part A Education Specialist with the Georgia Department of Education. She is from Monroe, Georgia, but she has lived in Hawkinsville, Georgia for the past 36 years. She is married and has two sons and daughters-in-law, and they have two of the cutest grandchildren!

Shauntice Wheeler is a 22-year veteran educator with seven years of experience as a classroom teacher – K through 8^th grade. She has served as a district office lead teacher and assistant principal at the middle and high school levels. During her nine-year tenure as a district/school leader, Mrs. Wheeler supported professional learning, elementary instruction, school improvement, and secondary instruction. In May 2012, she joined the Georgia Department of Education and served as an evaluation system specialist and professional learning specialist for Teacher/ Leaders Support and Development. Shauntice currently serves as Title II, Part A Program Manager for State Activities and Professional Learning.

Julie Beck is the Director of Non-Traditional Educator Preparation with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. She provides support for all GaTAPP and Endorsement providers across the state. Her professional history includes work as a P-5 classroom instructor, technology educator for students and teachers, professional development instructor, and GaTAPP supervisor.

Enjolia Farrington is an Education Specialist with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission working with both the traditional and nontraditional programs. She works with the program approval team to develop policies and procedures for educator preparation providers, facilitates approval reviews for both traditional and nontraditional programs, and participates in workshops, trainings, and other initiatives. Enjolia is passionate about the process of continuous improvement as it is a concept that we must all embrace in life. She is a servant leader and committed to the in the future of all students throughout Georgia.

Michele Dugan serves as the Alternative Certification and Induction Coordinator for Forsyth County Schools. Prior to her role at the district level, she gained experience as a professional learning coordinator, instructional coach, technology specialist, and teacher. Michele serves on state committees for the Georgia Professional Standards Commission and the Georgia Department of Education. She is also a doctoral student at the University of Georgia researching the effectiveness of alternative certification programs. As a GaTAPP provider and education leader, she is dedicated to ensuring equitable access to effective educators for all students.

Wina H. Low serves as a Program Manager Senior with the Georgia Department of Education, Division for Special Education Supports and Services. Her primary responsibilities include: support for the Teacher/ Provider Retention Program, leadership for the CEEDAR project, CCSSO Advancing Inclusive Principal Leadership, and Special Education Leadership Development Academy, effective transition, assistive technology and professional learning while maintaining a focus on improved post-secondary outcomes for students with disabilities. Her work includes collaboration with other state agencies such as Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, Tools for Life, IHEs, and community partners. She also has extensive experience with project implementation, budget management, program evaluation, and performance reporting. Mrs. Low has 38 years of experience as an educator having served as a classroom teacher, educational diagnostician, and local district Student Services Director for 17 years prior to joining the Georgia Department of Education in 2013.

Amy Colpo, M.P.P., is a researcher and Technical Assistance Consultant at the American Institutes for Research. Ms. Colpo serves as a content expert, technical assistance facilitator, and knowledge development specialist for the Collaboration for Effective Educator Development, Accountability, and Reform (CEEDAR) Center; National Center on Intensive Intervention (NCII); the Georgia Teacher/Provider Retention Program, and the Promoting Rigorous Outcomes and Growth by Redesigning Educational Services for Students with Disabilities (PROGRESS) Center. She builds the capacity of federal clients, state and local education agencies, and educator preparation programs to design and implement systems related to special education, educator preparation, intensive intervention, educator talent management, and evaluation and accountability systems. Prior to joining AIR, Ms. Colpo served as the Special Populations Coordinator for the Tennessee State Board of Education and as a Research Assistant on Dr. Lynn Fuchs’ Accelerated Academic Achievement initiative. Ms. Colpo received her Master of Public Policy degree in Education Policy from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College.

Stacey Lutz is currently the Director of Strategic Programs and Evaluations with the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA). In this role, she oversees multiple leadership and educator development programs including the Governor’s School Leadership Academy (GSLA) and Growing Readers. The purpose of the GSLA is to help ensure that every Georgia school is led by transformational leaders capable of maximizing student achievement. Through four independent programs, the GSLA serves four specific groups of school leaders and developing leaders – current principals in chronically underperforming schools or new principals, aspiring principals from targeted districts throughout the state, mid-career educational leaders interested in exploring leadership roles, and new teachers in their first one to three years of practice. The goals of the GSLA are to establish a leadership pipeline that will move capable, aspiring principals into the highest need schools in Georgia and to support the development of current principals in these schools to establish an instruction-focused, collaborative model of school leadership. Growing Readers is a K-3 literacy initiative that began in 2015 and represents a partnership between GOSA, Georgia’s 16 RESAs, and the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE). Stacey joined GOSA in July of 2015 as the Program Manager for Strategic Professional Learning. In her first role, she oversaw the development and implementation of competitive and targeted professional learning grants for the state ranging from Growing Readers to AP Rural STEM Grants. Prior to beginning her work with GOSA, she served for three years as an Evaluation Systems Specialist with the Teacher and Leader Effectiveness Division of the GaDOE. Her work with there centered on the development and rollout of Georgia’s new teacher and leader evaluations, the Teacher and Leader Keys Effectiveness Systems. Stacey has served as an administrator in both K-12 and secondary schools and as an Instructional Lead Teacher in a school serving grades 4-7. She was also a National Board Certified teacher. Stacey holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education in the field of Secondary English from Valdosta State University, as well as an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Valdosta State University. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership.

Kim Creagh has been with the agency since July 2015, first supporting schools as a Language and Literacy Specialist with the Reading Mentors Program, and then later as a Strategic Waivers School Systems Specialist and the Program Manager of Operations. Prior to joining GOSA in 2015, Kim taught for 16 years in elementary schools around the state and worked as a professional learning developer/facilitator for teachers in the metro area. She earned her Bachelor of Art degree in History from Agnes Scott College, her Elementary Education Certification and Master of Education in the field of Learning Disabilities from Brenau University, and her Education Specialist degree in Instructional Technology from Valdosta State University.