Professional Learning Communities

Janet Nuzzie is a published author with over 28 years of experience in mathematics education, including curriculum and leadership roles at the district, regional, and state level. She specializes in supporting campus leaders and teachers in the implementation of professional learning communities and has facilitated her district’s implementation of a multitiered system of supports for mathematics intervention.

Michelle Garlick is a former classroom teacher and instructional coach and currently serves as assistant principal at Woodlawn Middle School for Kildeer Countryside School District 96 in suburban Chicago.

Kendra Bell, PhD, retired from Peoria Unified School District in Arizona in 2022 after serving as chief academic officer for the district. Throughout her career, Dr. Bell has emphasized the importance of continual improvement through professional learning communities.

Erika Chapa serves as the director of intervention, Section 504, and dyslexia for Pasadena Independent School District in Texas. Erika led Pasadena ISD towards full implementation of intervention structures and supports across 68 campuses.

Dr. Sanchioni serves as the superintendent of the Tiverton Public Schools in Tiverton, Rhode Island. He has a wide array of educational experiences including serving as the superintendent in Natick, Massachusetts (10 years) and in Millis, Massachusetts (three years). In addition, Dr. Sanchioni served as a principal for 10 years.

Dr. Tami Williams currently serves as an assistant professor in the educational leadership department at the University of Nebraska Omaha.

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.

Jennifer Dickson is an educator and presenter with a passion for working with preK–5 educators to ensure all students learn at high levels. With more than 25 years of experience in public school education, she loves to work with teams all over the country to implement and improve professional learning community practices.

Blake Clark brings a wealth of experience from various educational settings, including schools, districts, and charter schools across North America. He is a firm believer that schools can achieve their fullest potential through collaborative efforts centered on intentional learning.

Kimber Fessler serves as the principal of Clark Elementary in Evanston, Wyoming. An educator for nearly 20 years, she has experience in classroom teaching both primary and intermediate grades, instructional coaching (K–6), and administration.