Authors & Presenters

Laurie Gelinas has more than 20 years of experience in education. She has implemented professional learning communities as a teacher, building learning coordinator, assistant principal and principal at the elementary level.

Brandi Genenbacher, EdD, serves as the director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment at Orchard Farm R-V School District in Missouri, where she supports K–12 staff in implementing professional learning communities and data-driven interventions.

George Georgiou, a University of Alberta professor, focuses on reading and literacy development. He leads the J. P. Das Centre on Developmental and Learning Disabilities and is an award-winning scholar and Royal Society of Canada member.

Natasha E. Gerstenschlager, PhD, is an efficacy research manager for Imagine Learning, where she studies the impact of educational products on student outcomes. Formerly, she taught mathematics courses in Kentucky and led professional development sessions on innovative, research-based teaching practices.

Ari Gerzon-Kessler is a sought-after speaker and professional learning provider working with schools and districts committed to forging stronger school-family partnerships. He’s presented at national and international conferences and his writings have been featured in a variety of educational publications.

Emily L. Gibson, EdD, is a teacher-consultant with the Redwood Writing Project, providing professional development in writing and literacy instruction for K–college teachers in Humboldt County.

Janet Gilbert, PhD, is the lead instructional coach for Deer Valley Unified School District in Phoenix, Arizona. With more than 25 years of experience, Dr. Gilbert has led the work of professional learning communities across campuses.

Katherine Gillies is the lead architect of districtwide literacy improvement at Niles North High School in Illinois. Her work includes building a comprehensive system of intervention and support for struggling readers and developing a research-based curriculum to ensure continued literacy growth for all students. She is currently a doctoral candidate at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education in Nashville, Tennessee.

Kathy Tuchman Glass is an accomplished author, presenter, and former classroom teacher with more than twenty-five years of experience in education.

Amy Gluck is assistant superintendent of teaching and learning in Grayslake CCSD 46 in Illinois. Her work focuses on ensuring all students achieve high levels of learning.