Authors & Presenters

Michelle Dillard is an assistant superintendent for Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville, Kentucky, where she oversees two high schools, three middle schools, fifteen elementary schools, and three Success Pathways schools.

Chad M. V. Dumas, EdD, focuses primarily on collaborating to develop capacity for continuous improvement. An international educational presenter and award-winning researcher, he has led nationally recognized improvements for both students and staff.

Maria Espinoza, EdM, is the principal of Freeport Elementary in Freeport, Texas. With 17 years of experience, she specializes in early childhood education and implementing the professional learning community process to help underperforming schools.

John D. Ewald, EdD, is a former superintendent, principal, adjunct professor, and teacher. He has been an administrator and teacher at the elementary, middle, high school, and college levels.

Jody Gallimore, EdM, specializes in implementing professional learning communities (PLC) in the elementary and middle school settings. With over 38 years of experience, her roles of teacher, school leader, and district office leader enable her to coach using both experience and evidence-based practices.

Jacqueline Heller focuses on building capacity and collective efficacy with teachers, to ensure all students learn at high levels. As a literacy teacher and coach at Mason Crest Elementary, she helped the school become the first National Model Professional Learning Community to receive the DuFour Award.

Mary Hendricks-Harris is a highly experienced education professional with over 30 years in the field. Formerly the superintendent of the Francis Howell School District (FHSD) in Missouri, she currently serves as a leadership and improvement specialist at Education Plus in the St. Louis region. In her current role, she facilitates strategic planning and executive coaching, contributing to the advancement of educational leadership.

Sal Herrera is the principal at Robertson Continuation High School in Fremont, California. He specializes in coaching collaborative teams, designing an effective multitiered system of supports (MTSS), and building a culture of collective responsibility.

Jason Hillman is principal of Parkside Elementary School in Wyoming. He is an expert in school culture, school improvement, and professional learning community practices, and he has spent more than 20 years as an educational leader.

Joseph Ianora, principal on special assignment at Campbell Union High School District, has been an educational leader for more than 35 years, guiding schools by fostering learning communities for students, staff and parents. He has been lucky enough to hold almost every position within a school site, from custodian up to principal and everything in between. He has worked with inner city schools and suburban districts, and he has K–16 experience with an emphasis on high school.