Authors & Presenters

Regina Stephens Owens, EdD is an internationally recognized presenter and practitioner who specializes in creating a culture of connectivity and collaboration while utilizing systems thinking.

Kyle Palmer, EdD, is the former principal of Lewis and Clark Elementary in Liberty, Missouri. He is a passionate believer in the power of PLCs and uses his expertise to help schools build collaborative cultures to improve student learning.

Geri Parscale spent 28 years in education and has worked as a classroom teacher, principal, professional development director, and finally deputy superintendent of Fort Leavenworth Schools, USD 207. Her mode of operation was always the same: learning for all kids.

Cristi Parsons has 28 years of education experience as a teacher, counselor, principal, curriculum director, and assistant superintendent. She was named National Distinguished Principal in 2013 and has led two campuses in PLC practices to become Model PLC schools.

Karen Power is an educational presenter and a former teacher, principal, superintendent, and senior advisor for professional learning and leadership. Karen has implemented the PLC process both as a principal and as a superintendent, and for several years, she has supported collaborative work in schools to meet the needs of students.

Keri Rathbun, EdD, is the director of Coordinated School Health and Career Counseling for Fort Smith Public Schools, Arkansas. She has worked in education for more than 20 years and served as an administrator at the middle and high school levels.

Dana Renner has over 30 years of experience as a preK–12 educator and has extensive experience teaching in large urban and suburban districts. She is passionate about organizational leadership, school improvement, leadership coaching and mentoring, professional learning, and systems and processes.

Vanessa Reyes is a high school principal with over 22 years of experience in secondary education. She is passionate about leading in ethnically and socioeconomically diverse communities and has led two different schools to Model PLC at Work® certification.

Michael Roberts is an author and consultant with over two decades of experience in education. Michael has been a teacher and administrator at every level from elementary school to the district office and has worked with students from all demographics.

Veronica C. Rodriguez, EdD, is the curriculum and instruction world languages and dual language coordinator at Pasadena Independent School District. With more than 23 years in education, she has served as a teacher, counselor, assistant principal, and district-level administrator.