Kristie Leyba has enjoyed 27 years of teaching English, Speech, Composition, and Journalism in Fresno County high schools. She currently teaches Freshmen English, AP Research, Dual Enrollment English, and Leadership at Patino School of Entrepreneurship in Fresno. In addition, Kristie sits on the Board of the San Joaquin Valley Writing Project and is blessed to be a Teacher-Leader with them as well. She is excited about current learning with a “Teach Local Poets” study group and to write with a cohort of ELATE (a subcommittee of NCTE) educators on professional development projects. Kristie enjoys being a part of FACET because community, relationships, and advocacy are essential for teachers to nurture their practice and themselves throughout their careers. She enjoys the opportunities CATE provides for learning and connecting with teachers and schools across the state and nation. Outside of teaching, Kristie chases down independent bookstores, live music, and seashores. 

Janina Schulz is a National Board Certified Teacher, and has taught English at Edison High School in Fresno Unified School District for over 20 years. She currently teaches AP Language and AP Seminar at Edison, and she also teaches in the credential program at Fresno Pacific University as adjunct faculty. In addition, Janina is a doctoral candidate in the Literacy, Culture, and Language EdD program at Indiana University. Janina enjoys being a part of FACET because she believes that teachers deserve quality professional development for their field and that students deserve teachers who continually develop as professional educators. Every year she enjoys attending the CATE Conference because the speakers and presenters are relevant to her teaching situation and inspire her to grow professionally. When she is not teaching, she enjoys traveling with her husband and two children, attending book club gatherings, and visiting museums and antique stores for creative inspiration.

Duncan Rivera Wanless teaches English at his alma mater, Edison High School. In addition to ELA courses, he teaches Newcomer English Language Development classes for Newcomer students who have been studying English for less than a year. He values FACET for the community it creates with others doing similar work in the Central Valley and for its connection to CATE. He has benefitted immensely from the wisdom and professional development offered through FACET and CATE and believes in the value of collaboration between teachers who similarly value rigor, literacy, and education for the public good. He is a former swim coach and an avid home cook.