Authors & Presenters

Faith Short is the principal at East Pointe Elementary. With 25 years of experience in education, she is fiercely passionate about the work of collaborative teams as a vehicle to ensure high levels of learning for every student. She specializes in helping leaders and teachers implement the PLC process to impact teaching and learning.

Heather Silvia is a presenter with over 30 years of experience as an educational leader and inspirational keynote speaker. A Model PLC at Work® principal, she maintains laser focus on collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and leadership development.

During her more than 15 years in education, Tina Smith has proudly served Pasadena Independent School District, a Model PLC at Work® district, as a four-year, district-level summer school program manager while working as assistant principal at Nelda Sullivan Middle School, a Model PLC at Work school.

W. Richard Smith is former deputy superintendent of Sanger Unified School District in California. He has been involved in public education for more than 37 years.

Perry Soldwedel is a coach and consultant to district leaders. He specializes in systems thinking, shared leadership, strategic planning, data collection, measurement, and professional learning communities.

Bob Sonju is an award-winning educational leader, author, and speaker known for his energetic and passionate commitment to making the work of schools and teacher teams simple, doable, and impactful.

Susan K. Sparks has served as a teacher, staff developer, and executive director. Her areas of expertise include consensus building, decision making, contract negotiations, conflict resolution, strategic planning, and professional learning communities.

Jennifer L. Sparrow is deputy superintendent of Singapore American School. She spent 13 years as a middle school teacher and 11 years as a schoolwide administrator.

Dr. Spiller is executive director of Title IX Compliance and Investigations, a new division in Richardson ISD that he has been appointed to onboard. Previously he served for eight years as the Lake Highlands Learning Community executive director in Richardson ISD, a district with more than 10,500 preK–12 students. Darwin has served as classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, and school support officer.

With over 30 years of experience in K–12 education, author and education expert Jeanne Spiller is an associate with Solution Tree, supporting schools and districts through workshops, coaching, and collaborative initiatives to enhance instruction, foster innovation, and promote equity.