Authors & Presenters

Brenda Davis is an experienced educator originally from New Zealand. As an educator, Brenda is committed to educational equity for all students and has served in Title 1, urban, high poverty, and high multilingual learner populations for over 20 years.

Jennifer Deinhart is a K–8 mathematics specialist working as a mathematics instructional coach at Rose Hill Elementary in Virginia. A passionate educator with more than 20 years of experience working with diverse populations within Title I schools, she works collaboratively with teams of teachers to provide quality mathematics instruction.

Matt Devan is director of school support and improvement for Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland. He provides guidance and feedback to schools as they develop professional learning communities.

Michelle Dillard is an assistant superintendent for Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville, Kentucky, where she oversees two high schools, three middle schools, fifteen elementary schools, and three Success Pathways schools.

Chad M. V. 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.

Maria Espinoza, EdM, is the principal of Freeport Elementary in Freeport, Texas. With 17 years of experience, she specializes in early childhood education and implementing the professional learning community process to help underperforming schools.

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 (PLC) in the elementary and middle school settings. With over 38 years of experience, her roles of teacher, school leader, and district office leader enable her to coach using both experience and evidence-based practices.