Presenters / Workshop Resources
Come Meet Our Presenters
Christine Johns-Harris
DEI
is a native New Yorker, who now resides in Atlanta, Georgia. She received her undergraduate degree from Syracuse University, in Inclusive Elementary and Special Education, and African-American Studies, and her graduate degree in Curriculum and Instruction, with a focus on Urban Education, from Columbia University Teachers College. She began her career in
preschool and early childhood education, as an itinerant special education teacher, serving communities and schools in the Bronx, NY.
Since relocating to Atlanta, she has continued to support students and families as a middle school special education teacher, special education coordinator, curriculum developer, district instructional coach, charter school board member, advocate, and professional development facilitator and consultant. Her experience ranges from early childhood, through high school, and adult learning, rural, urban, and suburban districts, and across traditional public school, charter school, and virtual school environments. While much of her career has focused on special education and literacy development, she also supports schools, leaders, and teachers with Social-Emotional Learning, Positive Behavior Intervention Systems, Muti-tiered Systems of Support, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. In 2018, Christine established Johns-Harris Consulting, to provide non-profits, community organizations, schools, and families with creative solutions, including, but not limited to leadership and academic coaching, customized professional development and facilitation, keynote addresses, and special education advocacy. Christine has enjoyed serving students and teachers for the past 25 years.
Presentations Include:
Dr. Tiffany Layton
Reading and Writing
Dr. Tiffany Layton is excited to present and share her expertise when focusing on educational leadership, instructional planning, and improving literacy, Dr. Layton invites all educators, both novice and those with classroom experience to come join this series to refresh and strengthen reading and writing in schools.
Presentations Include:
John Matula
Technology
John Matula has consulted for over 100 schools in New York including religious, independent, and charter schools. He also achieved a National Blue Ribbon as a leader of a high-performing charter school. His goal is to improve schools by making education more engaging and effective.
John started his career working for AIG as a Risk Analyst and has transferred his skills and knowledge of data into the field of education. He has worked in K-12 schools for over 15 years and just has an overall passion for helping teachers in the classrooms in a way that is simple, saves time, and gets students excited.
Presentations Include:
Jessica Ramdhany
Engagement / PBL
Jessica is an enthusiastic Education Manager and Learning Development Specialist with over 8 years of experience in working with people, facilitating professional development programs, Train-the-Trainer sessions, and instructional workshops that improve employee engagement. Designs unique training presentations that accomplish instructional goals, promote collaboration, and drive content proficiency. Skilled in utilizing instructor-led training, eLearning, learning management systems, and innovative learning solutions with adult learners. Engaging coach who performs training needs analyses with a strategic vision to deliver quality learning programs and close training gaps. Proven track record for successfully identifying target audiences, developing curriculum, and improving training curriculum. Thought leader motivated to improve employee trainings, performance management, and leadership development through excellence in training programs.
Presentations Include:
Liz Gallo
Supporting All Learners
Liz Gallo is excited to share her expertise in planning for a strong year. Liz will bring her hands-on approach to guide you through instructional best practices from Lesson planning to strategies for supporting all learners. Liz invites all educators, both novice and those with classroom experience to come join this series to refresh and or to strengthen best classroom practices.
Presentations Include:
Dennis Desormier
Leadership / Math / Assessments
Dennis Desormier meets thousands of teachers each year in his workshops through Catapult Learning. His professional experience includes years of teaching, curriculum design, and instructional design for several organizations. However, his greatest love in the education field is professional development for teachers in the areas of mathematics and assessment. He has written (or cowritten) most of the mathematics and assessment workshops currently presented by Catapult staff around the country. His passion for rigorous but lighthearted teaching and learning comes through in every workshop he presents.
Julia Baly
Differentiation / Wellness/Classroom Routines
As a professional woman of over 25 years, Julia has merged her years of experience in the field of education with health and wellness. She has been very fortunate throughout her career. Her passions have been her purpose. She's covered the gamete from teaching to teacher leadership to school administration. During this time, she is always reminded her colleagues about self-care and incorporated mental health wellness as part of keeping themselves whole.
Her goal is to support educators transform and help sustain the outcomes, with a personalized lifestyle blueprint.
