Authors & Presenters

Linnea Devine, LICSW, is a licensed therapist, consultant, fierce advocate, and former school social worker who is deeply passionate about creating space for educators to explore and deepen both mental and physical wellness mindsets. Her expertise includes mental health literacy, compassion fatigue, trauma, and empowerment of educators.

With more than 40 years of experience as an educator, J. Richard Dewey is currently a university teacher, a master PLC coach and PLC virtual coach for Solution Tree, and a recognized authority on best practices in school improvement and successful leadership.

Donyall D. Dickey, EdD, is a nationally recognized authority on curriculum, instruction, organizational development, and district improvement. He has over 20 years of experience as an educational leader, guiding the way for educators to see enhanced student achievement and school improvement.

Melissa Dickson, EdM, is an outstanding presenter and educator. She is passionate about providing teachers with research-based ideas and strategies that they implement immediately. In her decades as an educator, Melissa has been a literacy coach, staff developer, site-based team leader, mentor teacher, inclusion teacher, classroom teacher, and early childhood teacher.

Jennifer Dickson is an educator and presenter with a passion for working with preK–5 educators to ensure all students learn at high levels. With more than 25 years of experience in public school education, she loves to work with teams all over the country to implement and improve professional learning community practices.

Heather K. Dillard, EdD, is an associate professor of education at Middle Tennessee State University. She has authored and coauthored book chapters, research articles, and magazine articles, primarily about Professional Learning Communities at Work®.

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.

Nicole Dimich works with elementary and secondary educators in presentations, trainings, and consultations that address today’s most critical issues, all in the spirit of facilitating improved support of student learning.

Stephanie Discher serves as the director of elementary education for Wasatch County School District in Utah. With a sincere passion for empowering educators, she is dedicated to fostering a deep understanding of and appreciation for the professional learning community process.

Juli K. Dixon, PhD, is a professor of mathematics education at the University of Central Florida. An active researcher, she has also taught mathematics at the elementary, middle, and secondary levels.