Authors & Presenters

Brenda Duncan-Davis is an education consultant. She specializes in bridging education and industry through work-based learning opportunities, registered apprenticeship programs, and professional development in workplace readiness skills.

Samantha K. Dykes is an instructional coach at Linn-Mar Community School District in Marion, Iowa, where she has been a driving force in inspiring innovation through professional development.

Brett Erdmann is assistant director of science at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois. In his role, he continues to teach AP biology while also supporting teacher development and helping to lead science department initiatives.

Dr. Amy Gaumer Erickson is an associate research professor at the University of Kansas whose practice-based research focuses on guiding educators to embed competency instruction within coursework and evaluate students’ social-emotional growth.

Kjell Fenn has been an educator since 1995 as a teacher, coach, and curriculum coordinator. He is currently an assistant professor with the Center for Teaching Excellence at Liberty University and an educational specialist with KFenn Education.

Amos Fodchuk, a consultant, works with organizations in the midst of significant change. He has earned a rich record of success with school districts, universities, corporations, and foundations.

Theodore Goergen, EdD, is the director of student activities at the award-winning Adlai E. Stevenson High School. A practitioner for nearly 20 years, he has served as a middle school and high school science teacher as well as a curriculum team leader.

Peg Grafwallner is an instructional coach and reading specialist at Ronald Reagan College Preparatory High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. With over 25 years of experience in the field of education, Peg has also served as an English teacher and an alternative education teacher.

Jody Guarino, EdD, is manager of the Teaching, Learning and Instructional Leadership Collaborative at the Orange County Department of Education and a School of Education lecturer at the University of California, Irvine (UCI).

Tammy Heflebower, EdD, is a highly sought-after school leader and presenter with vast experience in urban, rural, and suburban districts throughout the United States, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Great Britain, and the Netherlands.