Authors & Presenters

Chad 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.

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.

Emily Feltner, EdD, has over 30 years of experience at all levels in education. She works with schools and districts in the areas of leadership, literacy, and school improvement.

Elizabeth Ferguson is a former teacher, district trainer, and campus administrator with experience in establishing and growing professional learning communities (PLC) to ultimately become Model PLC at Work® schools, primarily through her work with special populations and challenging demographics.

Jody Gallimore, EdM, specializes in implementing professional learning communities in elementary and middle schools. With over 35 years of experience, her roles of teacher, school leader, and district office leader enable her to coach using both experience and evidence-based practices.

Mike Hagadone, MEd, served as the assistant superintendent of White River School District in Washington State until his retirement in 2020. With 40 years of experience, he is a former teacher, assistant principal, principal, and director of secondary education.

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 the superintendent of the Francis Howell School District in Missouri. Previously, she served as the chief academic officer, in which role she supported improvement efforts at both the building and district levels.

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

Jason Hillman is principal of Parkside Elementary School in Wyoming. As a consultant, he has spent more than a decade studying and researching leadership strategies in professional learning communities.