Authors & Presenters

Tom Hierck has been an educator since 1983, and his career has spanned all grade levels and many roles in public education. He has presented to schools and districts across North America with a message of celebration for educators seeking to make a difference in the lives of students.

Garnet Hillman is an educator, author, presenter, and learner. She has served as an instructional coach at Caruso Middle School and as a Spanish teacher at Lockport Township High School, both in Illinois.

Jan K. Hoegh has been a classroom teacher, building-level leader, professional development specialist, assistant high school principal, and curriculum coordinator.

Justin Holmquest is the principal of New Prairie Middle School (NPMS) in New Carlisle, Indiana. NPMS gained recognition as a Model PLC at Work® school for its success in improving student achievement and commitment to the PLC at Work process.

Monica Jackson has many years of experience in education as a principal, counselor, and teacher. Currently, she is a managing director of elementary leadership at Frisco ISD in Frisco, Texas, where she helped lead schools to become successful professional learning communities.

Brian Jaffe is an educational leader with 18 years of experience. He specializes in fostering positive learning environments, promoting self-care for educators, and implementing data-driven strategies for student success.

Chris Jakicic, EdD, an author and a consultant, was principal of Woodlawn Middle School in Illinois from 1999 to 2007. She began her career teaching middle school science.

Dr. Jacye Jamar, a former principal, has 20 years of experience in education. As a principal in progressive school districts in Texas and Oklahoma, she led initiatives that successfully achieved recognition as a Model PLC at Work school.

Chrissy Jolly is an experienced educator passionate about transforming professional learning into meaningful, results-driven success. Guided by the principles of explore, engage, empower, she works collaboratively to identify needs, implement innovative strategies, and create sustainable systems for continuous improvement.

April Severino Kennedy is an award-winning speaker, literacy consultant, former principal, and educator. She is a dynamic and energetic presenter whose accolades include being Florida’s Teacher of the Year and a nominee for Disney’s American Teacher Award.