Authors & Presenters

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.

Alex Dixon supports children struggling with critical illness and other disabilities through motivational talks she provides across the United States. She shares her personal story of overcoming adversity as well as what she found most supportive and helpful throughout her recovery.

Louise E. Donaghey is an international educator and trainer with more than 20 years of experience. A former classroom teacher and Primary Years Programme coordinator, Louise currently serves as an elementary instructional coach at Singapore American School.

Craig Dougherty is superintendent of Sheridan County School District No. 2 in Sheridan, Wyoming. He has been an educator since 1983, with background as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent.

Chad M. V. Dumas, EdD, focuses primarily on collaborating to develop capacity for continuous improvement. An international educational presenter and award-winning researcher, he has led nationally recognized improvements for both students and staff.

Robert Eaker, EdD, is a professor emeritus at Middle Tennessee State University, where he also served as dean of the College of Education and interim vice president and provost.

Brandon Eighmy, EdD, is director of human resources and school services at Carlisle Community School District. An educator for more than 20 years, he has worked in districts with high levels of poverty and students from minority populations.

Cassandra Erkens is the author of eight books with more currently in progress, as well as chapters in several anthologies. Additionally, she is a facilitator, a trainer of trainers, an educator, and a coach. Her work focuses on educational topics, including assessment, instruction, leadership, school improvement, and professional learning communities.

Maria Espinoza, EdM, is the principal of Freeport Elementary in Freeport, Texas. With 17 years of experience, she specializes in early childhood education and implementing the professional learning community process to help underperforming schools.

Daniel Evans, Jr. currently serves as the principal of Moores Mill Intermediate School, a Model PLC in Alabama. Previously, he served as a high school career technical education teacher and a high school instructional assistant principal.