Taylor Gonzalez is a yoga teacher and holistic athletic coach. She launched her career within education through Reading Partners, serving as one of the first Site Coordinators in Baltimore, Maryland. After her year of service, she joined Teach For America's corps and taught second grade. In 2015, she was named a Regional Semi-Finalist for the Sue Lehmann Excellence in Teaching Award. Since then, she has worked for Teach For America and now WorkMonger. Currently, Taylor is training for the 2023 Chicago Marathon. She has her 200 hour yoga teacher certificate from Charm City Yoga/YogaWorks, masters in education from Johns Hopkins University and her bachelors degree from Florida State University. She resides in South Florida and is dog mama to Luna and Axel.

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Milo is a graphic designer, artist, and roller derby coach living in Portland, Maine. After working as a reprographics manager of a print shop for three years, they went back to school to focus on their design skills. In May 2011, they graduated from the New England School of Art & Design with a Master of Arts in Graphic Design. A few months later, they started their graphic design firm. They have worked on print and web design projects for several companies including Gift & Housewares Marketing, HTI Buying Group, Triumph Books, Touchstone Associates, Maine Roller Derby, Turn Two Skate Shop, Student Universe, Light Impressions, and the Northern New England Poison Center. They also worked for over two years as the lead designer at Artist & Craftsman Supply in Portland. They love graphic design because it allows them to engage both sides of their brain—the creative and the analytical. They have dabbled in drawing, painting, bookmaking, sculpture, jewelry making, 3D modeling, and photography. They are a creative problem-solver that loves learning new creative techniques.

Emily Hemmingson is a former classroom teacher and certified health coach with five years experience helping educators prevent and recover from burnout. She coaches with compassion, offering actionable steps for individuals and whole staffs to keep wellbeing at the foundation of a successful, sustainable, and energized school year. She roots her health coaching in a global context - acknowledging the systems in place that can cause burnout, and offering strategies to reconnect to your community, your joy for teaching, and a sense of peace in your body.

Dr. Rebecca C. Itow is Principal of IU High School Online. She earned her PhD in Learning Sciences from Indiana University, and was a public high school teacher. Driven to facilitate safe spaces for learners to navigate their academic journeys in valuable and valued ways, Rebecca researches, designs, and implements Responsive Online Pedagogical practices in online learning environments. Her work guides current University & community partnerships that innovate online teaching, learning, and design.

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Shomari Jones is the Director of Equity and Strategic Engagement at Bellevue School District. He leads staff in thoughtful exploration of institutionalized racism and its impact on student learning and mentors students to raise their social awareness and help them feel more connected and engaged in the district and their communities, which has resulted in a community-wide conversation, bringing to light racial and socio-economic inequities. He serves as a powerful advocate for and witness to the experiences of students of color to help district leaders identify, confront, disrupt, and dismantle structures that limit the potential of those students. He developed several student empowerment initiatives like Students Organized Against Racism (SOAR), Breaking Out Of the Margins (BOOM), and Sistahs Having Outstanding Uniqueness Together (SHOUT), as well as parent advocacy groups like the Parent Alliance for Black Scholars (PABS). In 2019, Shomari was recognized as a “Leader to Learn From” by Education Week. He has served as the Chief Operating Officer at the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, a not-for-profit organization with 82 years of activism and community experience in the heart of Seattle’s most diverse neighborhood, the Central District. Shomari also volunteers at the Seattle University Center for Social Transformation and Leadership and the Bellevue Police Chief Diversity Committee. He holds a Bachelors in Science in Mathematics from Tuskegee University and has a daughter in college.

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Dr. Kathryn Kennedy is founder and principal consultant of Consult4ED Group. In the past, Kathryn served as the Director of the Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute, the research arm of Michigan Virtual, Director of Research for the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) (now the Aurora Institute), adjunct professor and advisor for the Ed.D. program at the Johns Hopkins University School of Education, and assistant professor of instructional technology at Georgia Southern University. She serves on the Leadership Team for the National Standards for Quality Online Learning. She is one of the founding editors-in-chief of both the Journal of Online Learning Research and the Handbook of Research on K-12 Online and Blended Learning. For additional information related to publications and education, please see Kathryn’s CV. In addition to her love for education and research is her love for wellness. She has combined her work in education and wellness to serve as founder and executive director of Wellness for Educators, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is invested in and passionate about supporting educators worldwide with research-based, trauma- and equity-informed trainings, coaching, and strategies for social, emotional, mental, and physical health and wellbeing through a variety of somatic (or mind-body) discipline. She is author of the forthcoming book The Mind-Body Connection for Educators (Jossey-Bass, spring 2023).

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Liz’s work at Consult4ED Group focuses on project management, finances, website design, instructional design, proofreading, and editing. She also serves as the Chief Operations Officer of Wellness for Educators. Liz holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Science with certification in Early Childhood Education from Lesley University and has worked as an administrator and project manager for health-related and education-based organizations for over 25 years. Liz is a yoga practitioner and earned a 500-hr Yoga Teacher Training certificate (YTT).

Kim Loomis has over 20 years in growing K-12 digital learning, from online teaching, virtual school admin, course design, supporting pedagogical shift, and designing deployment models. She retired in 2019 as the Director of Digital Learning in Nevada’s Clark County (the 5th largest) and continues to support digital learning nationwide. Her passion is to help others create actively engaging learning environments so that students are empowered to take ownership of their own learning.

Kate Loughrey is the former statewide coordinator for the Texas Education Agency's (TEA's) online learning initiative, the Texas Virtual School Network.

She also developed and managed a series of the state's first online and blended learning pilots and spearheaded its supplemental and full-time virtual school programs. An early pioneer in the field, she brings more than 30 years of leadership experience to the ongoing evolution of digital learning.
Kate took on leadership roles in a number of other programs and initiatives for the state of Texas as well, such as the

• K-12 and higher education collaboration, the Educational Technology Coordinating Council; and

• the statewide connectivity research project and resulting report to the Texas Legislature.

Kate was the Texas state affiliate member to the Digital Learning Collaborative and served for many years as the state representative to the

• Southern Regional Education Board’s (SREB’s) Educational Technology Co-Op, where she helped develop the very first national standards for quality online courses and online teaching;

• iNACOL (now Aurora Institute); and

• Evergreen Education Group.

After beginning her career in the media and communications industry in the northeast, Kate relocated to Texas where she served as the public relations director for several for-profit and non-profit organizations.

Consulting for a private research company, Kate moderated live focus groups, analyzed the resulting information, and summarized key findings and insights. 

Prior to her tenure at TEA, Kate worked for the Austin, Texas PBS station as a television producer, writer, and on-air host for programs addressing a wide variety of topics, including public education, arts, civic affairs, and social issues—including an award-winning series on caregiving.

Abigail “Abby” Manahan grew up in rural Maine, 50 miles northwest of Bangor and attended both public and town academy schools. The fields, farms, and forests of Alna remind her of her childhood in Atkinson, as does the independent and industrious mindset of her neighbors. She has a deep understanding of the importance of the significance that education represents for small communities. Abby has been a resident of Alna since 2004. As a certified science teacher, she brings 22 years of educator experience to the table. She has taught in Rockland and Auburn public schools, developed science and project-based curriculum, evaluated program effectiveness, and been a strong advocate for at-risk students. A common theme throughout her career has been supporting teachers in professional growth. After four years of service to the Maine Department of Education, she returned to directly support teachers and students with instructional technology in the Boothbay Region Schools. She holds a bachelor’s degree in marine science and a master’s degree in science education, both from the University of Maine, Orono.

Brenda Maurao has been a dedicated educator for over twenty years, eleven of which have been in school and district administration, primarily at the elementary level. Five years ago she left school administration to become the Assistant Director of Elementary Education in Framingham. She has supported all areas of curriculum, instruction, and assessment across 9 elementary schools and in collaboration with the secondary team. After her first year in Framingham, Brenda was placed on special assignment at Stapleton Elementary School in Framingham as principal to improve systems and supports during some administration challenges.  She worked with school and district teams to rebuild this school by prioritizing culture, inclusivity, and health and safety. After returning briefly to district work in Framingham this past fall, Brenda was hired by the Belmont Public Schools to serve as the principal of the Mary Lee Burbank Elementary School (K-4) which began in January 2022. Brenda also serves as a program supervisor for student teachers at Framingham State University, MASCD board member, Soul of Leadership Fellow through MASCD, and mentor to school leaders. She lives in Holliston, MA with her husband Michael, daughter Lucy and son Max.

With experience in the business, education, and nonprofit sectors, Kate Mayfield brings a deep knowledge of best practices in education, as well as strategies to effectively implement and manage projects and programs. Innovative and results-driven instructional designer with a robust background in project management, curriculum development, and educational technology. Skilled in designing engaging learning experiences and leading cross-functional teams to achieve their goals.

Kate approaches projects with a user-centered, solution oriented approach. She taught middle school English for seven years before moving into the nonprofit sector. She holds a BA in English from Louisiana State University, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching from Eastern Kentucky University and a Master of Education in School Administration from Murray State University.

Kate worked with a nonprofit for four years to bring innovative practices to teaching and curriculum in Kentucky’s schools. Additionally, Kate led the Kentucky Online Learning Experience Collaborative convening district online programs together to determine collective best practices, provide support and professional learning, as well as continuous improvement efforts.

Emma Lucille McCabe is an illustrator with experience in design, bookbinding, hand lettering, pattern design, murals, and animation. She graduated from the Maine College of Art with honors in 2015 and has exhibited her work across the U.S. and India. In 2017 Emma completed a two-month artist residency at Elsewhere Studios in Paonia, Colorado. From there she ventured on a six-month road trip through America's National Parks to create work dedicated to protecting public lands. Emma started 2019 with a residency hosted by the Goethe Institut in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Emma currently lives in Roxbury, Massachusetts, with her husband.

Passionate about education and driven to support the professional success of early career educators, Emily McCord serves as the Associate Director for Professional Community Programs in Career Connections at Indiana University – Bloomington’s School of Education.  In this role, she is an educator, career coach, and professional community curator. With energy, intentionality, and creativity, she envisions and coordinates professional development experiences that allow students to develop knowledge and skills needed to thrive in their early years as education professionals.  As an adjunct instructor for the School of Education, Emily teaches the courses Self-care for New Teachers and Mind-Body Skills Group.  She has also worked to develop a new Educator Wellbeing Distinction co-curricular program designed to help teacher education students develop knowledge and skills necessary to remain personally optimistic, hopeful, strong and resilient as they enter the field of K-12 teaching, including being able to effectively apply this expertise to help their professional communities and students thrive.  Emily has completed both the Professional Training Program and Advanced Training Program in Mind-Body Medicine offered through the nationally and globally recognized Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM.org).

Jen McDonald is a Licensed Master Social Worker, and mom to twin toddler girls. Jen’s passion for walking alongside people who are struggling was ignited almost 20 years ago when she was working/living residentially at a therapeutic boarding school in East Texas. She then went on to get her Masters in Social Work from the University of Texas Arlington. Jen has been working in the mental health field for over 13 years. Most of her tenure has been focused on managing, supervising and mentoring other mental health professionals along with presenting at the local and state level on mental health and wellness topics. Jen is trained in Critical Incident Stress Management {group and individual} along with TBRI and uses an eclectic approach of modalities when working with groups or individuals. Throughout the years Jen has worked closely with the local school districts to provide mental health education and support.

Stephanie McGary is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist. She is a mental health clinician at a local preschool for children and families experiencing homelessness and is the owner of Tots-N-Teachers Counseling and Consultation Services, LLC, a private practice limited exclusively to children and educators. During her 10+ years in non-profit work, Stephanie has worked closely with children impacted by individual and collective trauma. She has also walked alongside educators in assisting them in the integration of SEL practices and academics while also helping to increase the awareness around specific mental health needs of children and adults. Stephanie received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Dillard University in New Orleans, LA and a master's in counseling from Southern Methodist University in her hometown of Dallas, TX.

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Caitlin is an educational consultant that specializes in curriculum and instructional design, educational research, professional learning, and purposeful technology integration. Before consulting, she spent eight years in PK-12 independent schools as an academic technology specialist. Caitlin earned an Ed.D. in Technology Integration in K-16 Education from Johns Hopkins University and also has a B.A. in Elementary Education and M.Ed. in Educational Technology, both from the University of Florida. Caitlin is a Google Certified Innovator and Trainer and an ISTE Certified Educator. In 2018, Caitlin was named the ISTE Outstanding Young Educator. You can learn more about Caitlin through her website and connect with her on Twitter.

Saro Mohammed holds a Ph.D. in educational psychology from The University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Science in brain and cognitive sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is Founder and Principal of Ed Research Works where she works to ensure research equitably improves K-12 learning experiences.

Kelly Montes De Oca brings over 30 years of experience in educational and executive leadership, with a focus on creating lasting change in schools, universities, and state departments across the nation. Known for her ability to turn complex theories into practical, effective solutions, Kelly has a proven track record of guiding teams and individuals to achieve meaningful results.

Kelly’s expertise lies in her unique ability to empower teams and individuals through strategic guidance and personalized mentorship. She’s known for her keen insight in identifying strengths and areas for growth, and for crafting tailored solutions that lead to tangible, sustainable results. Her extensive experience includes working with over 25 school districts, state departments, and organizations nationwide, providing high-impact teacher and leadership coaching, mentorship, and specialized training in areas such as GATE program development, differentiated instruction, literacy integration, and technology-driven instructional design.

As a consultant, Kelly offers more than just advice; she builds capacity through a relational, individualized, and targeted approach. Her work is anchored in job-embedded application and implementation support, ensuring that every initiative not only aligns with the unique needs of her partners but also delivers lasting impact.

Kelly’s leadership roles have been marked by significant achievements, including her time as Chief Academic Officer for Partnerships to Uplift Communities (PUC Schools), where she led the instructional vision for 13 high-performing schools. She also managed a $60 million Teacher Effectiveness Grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which contributed to the development of the College Ready Promise consortium. Most recently, as Chief Learning Officer at BloomBoard, Kelly helped shape the BloomBoard Learning Model, supporting over 8,000 learners nationwide, and co-developed a portfolio-based degree program to address the teacher shortage in partnership with universities.

Kelly’s approach is grounded in practical, sustainable strategies that make a difference where it counts most—in the day-to-day work of educators and leaders.

Verbal and visual language has been a running theme throughout Lisa’s professional and personal journey. From a childhood filled with fine art extracurriculars and notebooks crammed with creative writing, to a dual education in journalism and graphic design, to helping her Ethiopian-born son learn English, Lisa has been ever fascinated with the power of art, writing, music, and dialogue to communicate and connect. Prior to Paraphrase Communications, Lisa founded and operated Blue Marble Creative for sixteen years where she led communication strategy, brand identity and message development, and design execution for her clients. Lisa was also responsible for Blue Marble’s marketing activities and business operations including co-management of Blue Marble’s team. Near the end of 2016, Lisa sold her ownership interest in Blue Marble to her business partner so she could shift her focus to incorporate more writing and teaching into her work.