Authors & Presenters

Joellen Killion serves as the senior advisor for Learning Forward. With more than 40 years’ experience, she leads, facilitates, and contributes to initiatives related to examining the link between professional learning and student learning.

Lyle Kirtman is a management advisor specializing in organizational development, strategic planning, conflict resolution, and executive coaching. He is a frequent keynote speaker, webinar presenter, and radio and television guest.

Jane A. G. Kise, EdD, is the author of more than 25 books and has extensive experience in leadership development, executive coaching, instructional coaching, and differentiated instruction.

Megan Knight, PhD, is a secondary instructional coach at North Scott Community School District in Iowa. She provides formal and embedded professional learning and feedback to educators.

Stephanie Kraft currently serves as an assistant principal of White River High School, which has been a Model PLC in Washington State since 2016. Previously, she served as a high school and middle school social studies teacher.

Debra Lane, EdD, has been a teacher and administrator for more than 30 years in the United States and abroad. She has led several schools as principal, including Shanghai American School, one of the world's leading international schools.

Benjamin Luis is assistant superintendent of Lemoore Union Elementary School District in California. He specializes in building capacity in leaders and collaborative teacher teams through the professional learning communities (PLC) process and positive school culture.

Michael J. Maffoni, an educator since 1987, has a diverse background that includes experience as a teacher, principal, and central administrator in a variety of districts in Colorado. He also teaches courses in educational leadership as an affiliate faculty member at Regis University.

Nathan Manley serves as the assistant superintendent of instruction in the Neosho School District. During his nearly 20 years of experience, Nathan has also been a classroom teacher and principal, leading the development of five different professional learning community school recognitions.

Thomas W. Many, EdD, works with teachers, administrators, school boards, parents, and other education stakeholders on organizational leadership, implementation and change, and Professional Learning Communities at Work™ strategies and concepts.