Authors & Presenters

Analexis Kennedy, EdD, is a lecturer of reading at the University of Central Florida. She spent 15 years working with K–12 students, teachers, and administrators as a classroom teacher, literacy coach, district reading specialist, and professional development coordinator.

Gene M. Kerns, EdD, is a third-generation teacher with experience from elementary school to the university level, as well in K–12 administration. He has nearly 20 years of experience leading staff development.

Dr. Jeryl Kimbrough-Scott is a lifelong educator, who has worked to transform school culture and climate through a collaborative approach that involves staff and students. She supports schools in literacy, effective strategies for English learners, differentiation, and diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.

Diane Lapp, EdD, is a distinguished professor of education at San Diego State University and an English teacher and literacy coach at Health Sciences High and Middle College.

Doug Lillydahl is recently retired after 12 years as director of communication arts at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Illinois. He has been an integral part of professional learning communities for three decades while supporting literacy interventions and staff development.

Ellen Linnihan is a National Board Certified English and public speaking teacher in Wisconsin. Her passion is using video to improve teaching and learning to empower students of all levels.

Paula Maeker is an educator, presenter, and advocate for learner-centered education. She has more than 23 years’ experience as an elementary teacher, literacy specialist, instructional coach, Title 1 program coordinator, campus administrator, director of elementary literacy, and director of instructional design.

Erica Martin is a literacy specialist at Kildeer Countryside School District 96, located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. She has experience as a district leader, reading interventionist, and classroom teacher.

Jacie Maslyk, EdD has more than two decades of experience in education. She has previously served as a teacher, reading specialist, elementary principal, and assistant superintendent.

Lisa May is an award-winning literacy coach at Kildeer Countryside School District 96, a Model PLC School District. With more than twenty years in the field of education, she has classroom experience ranging from kindergarten through fourth grade.