Authors & Presenters

Lyndsi Smith, PhD, has served the education community for over 20 years in a variety of capacities. Throughout her career, Dr. Smith has delivered professional learning workshops, provided in-classroom instructional support, and presented at local, state, and national conferences.

With over 30 years of experience in K–12 education, author and education expert Jeanne Spiller is an associate with Solution Tree, supporting schools and districts through workshops, coaching, and collaborative initiatives to enhance instruction, foster innovation, and promote equity.

Kate Stavish is a middle school English teacher at Loudoun Country Day School in Leesburg, Virginia. A former assistant principal, she works with instructors from all divisions to build school and classroom culture and to implement disciplinary literacy for all students.

Martina Stovall is a seasoned teacher with more than nine years of experience in fast-paced academic settings. She has supported school and district strategic plans by designing, coordinating, and delivering literacy-focused professional development.

Lisa Tartaglia is a high school assistant principal in Loudoun County Public Schools in Virginia. She has been an educator since 1994 and has experience as an elementary classroom teacher, reading specialist, and high school literacy coach.

Julie A. Taylor, PhD, is an education and curriculum consultant providing professional development, training, and coaching to educators, administrators, and leaders in nonprofit organizations and state education agencies nationwide and internationally.

Marisol Thayre is a teacher at Health Sciences High and Middle College in California. She teaches American literature and expository writing to upper division students of varying abilities and levels.

Paige Timmerman is a high school English teacher at Salem Community High School in Salem, Illinois and a National Board Certified Teacher member since 2019. She strives to provide authentic, real-world writing opportunities that meet her students’ skills and interests.

Renee Tristan is an English language arts content specialist for Tomball Independent School District in Northwest Houston, TX. As an instructional leader and literacy coach, her work focuses on the implementation of standards-aligned teaching and higher levels of literacy for all students.

Javier Vaca is a teacher and instructional coach at Health Sciences High and Middle School in California. He previously served as an elementary school teacher and a reading intervention specialist.