Authors & Presenters

Kelly U. Pew, PhD, began her career as a high school English teacher. She then transitioned into school leadership, eventually becoming superintendent of two 16,000-student school districts in South Carolina.

Chavez Phelps, PhD, is an assistant professor of school psychology at Indiana State University. There he directs the Hoosier Whole Child Resilience Initiative, which offers professional development and technical support to schools and other community agencies that support youth with trauma-related behavior and emotional needs.

Dan Phelps serves as a dedicated middle school principal in northern Illinois. Dan is deeply committed to advocating for adult and children’s health and wellness, viewing it as a fundamental cornerstone for effective schooling and academic success.

Barbara Phillips is an educational presenter and researcher from upstate New York with over 20 years of experience in public education. She specializes in effective instruction and leveraging teacher strengths to maximize student achievement and learning.

David Pillar, EdD, a former Model PLC at Work® middle school principal, is assistant director at Hoosier Hills Career Center with the Monroe County Community School Corporation in Bloomington, Indiana.

Yazmin Pineda Zapata, EdD, is a program specialist and teacher leader at Health Sciences High and Middle College in California. Her expertise in delivering special education services allows her to advocate for students in grades K–12 with varying learning differences.

Jenice Pizzuto is a system, change, and implementation expert. She is the founder and CEO of IMPACT Lead and Succeed.

Jennifer McCarty Plucker, EdD, is the director of learning and development and a literacy consultant at Mackin Educational Resources in Burnsville, Minnesota. Her current work with educators is grounded in an inquiry approach that puts students in the driver’s seat for learning.

Dr. Melisha Y. Plummer is assistant principal at an urban high school in the Atlanta Public School District. With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Plummer brings a wealth of knowledge about practical ways schools can infuse and ensure that literacy is embedded in the fabric of urban education.

Woodsen E. Plummer is a K–12 English language arts coordinator at DeKalb County School District in Georgia. Woodsen specializes in supporting implementation of literacy best practices, as well as leadership development to support the cultivation of school culture.