Authors & Presenters

Ellen Linnihan is a National Board Certified English and public speaking teacher in Wisconsin. Her passion is using video to improve teaching and learning to empower students of all levels.

Paula Maeker is an educator, consultant, and advocate for learner-centered education. She has more than twenty-three years’ experience as an elementary teacher, literacy specialist, instructional coach, Title 1 program coordinator, campus administrator, director of elementary literacy, and director of instructional design.

Erica Martin is a literacy specialist at Kildeer Countryside School District 96, located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. As a result of her work as a district leader, reading interventionist, and classroom teacher, Erica has helped to build the collaborative cultures necessary to guide teams in the process of unpacking, prioritizing, and pacing standards.

Jacie Maslyk, EdD has over 25 years of experience in education. She has previously served as a teacher, reading specialist, instructional coach, elementary principal, curriculum director, and assistant superintendent.

Lisa May is an award-winning literacy coach at Kildeer Countryside School District 96, a Model PLC School District. With more than twenty years in the field of education, she has classroom experience ranging from kindergarten through fourth grade.

Mary Mazariegos has worked in a variety of education roles, including English teacher, instructional coach, ELL facilitator, secondary English curriculum coordinator, and principal. She was integral in the work at U.S. Grant High School in Oklahoma City.

JoEllen McCarthy is a literacy expert, speaker, and author dedicated to integrating academic and affective learning through inclusive mentor texts. She supports educators and students by promoting joyful, student-centered literacy practices that connect reading, writing, and life skills.

Mario Miner, a native of Hamtramck, Michigan, has been in education for nearly 20 years. As a former working-class student, Mario strives to help his scholars see themselves and their lives in his classroom by building their capacity for literacy.

Pati Montgomery is the founder of Schools Cubed, a school consulting firm that specializes in collaborating with school and district leadership to increase reading and educational outcomes for all students.

Abby Morris, EdD, specializes in developing effective teaching strategies and fostering a collaborative environment. She is a passionate 4th-generation educator with over 15 years of experience in Houston area public schools, specializing in literacy, instructional coaching, and school leadership.