Authors & Presenters

Chrissy Jolly is an experienced educator passionate about transforming professional learning into meaningful, results-driven success. Guided by the principles of explore, engage, empower, she works collaboratively to identify needs, implement innovative strategies, and create sustainable systems for continuous improvement.

Dennis King, EdD, has focused on school improvement throughout his career, first as a practicing school administrator and now as an educational presenter. His 28 years in education include teaching in an alternative school, an urban high school, and two suburban school districts where he also served as a district administrator.

As an author and a leader in the field, Sharon V. Kramer, PhD, emphasizes the importance of creating and using quality assessments as a continual part of the learning process. Dr. Kramer served as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction of Kildeer Countryside School District 96 in Illinois.

Gearl Loden is the superintendent of Nixa Public Schools. Under Dr. Loden’s leadership, Nixa Public Schools has been recognized as a Model PLC at Work® district and includes multiple Model PLC at Work schools.

Ryan Mahn is currently the assistant principal at a K–6 STEAM elementary school. He is passionate about fostering innovative learning environments, STEAM education, and transforming school culture to prepare students for a bright future.

Emily McClain lived and led the work of professional learning communities as an elementary school teacher, school and district instructional coach, and district literacy specialist. She continues her passion by supporting districts and schools across the nation as a coach, presenter, and author.

JoAnna McIlroy has worked in education for over 25 years in her home country of New Zealand and internationally. A passionate educator, JoAnna has taught across elementary grade levels and has been a guidance counselor and a school leader.

Amanda Meadows, EdD, is a middle school resource specialist for Madison County School System in Huntsville, Alabama. She has supported the work of professional learning communities as a middle school instructional coach, assistant principal, and K–12 assessment specialist.

Brad Moore currently serves as the chief academic officer in Anderson School District One, located in upstate South Carolina. In this role, he oversees preK–12 curriculum and instruction while also supporting professional learning communities throughout the district.

Maria Nielsen, educational speaker and author, specializes in supporting teachers and administrators in the areas of PLCs, RTI, school culture, curriculum design, the highly engaged classroom, and assessment systems. Her life’s work is to help schools build successful systems to ensure high levels of student learning.