Authors & Presenters

Jason D. Cummins (Awachíikaate) is an Indigenous scholar with over 20 years of experience in education, having served in various roles including teacher, instructional coach, and administrator. He is a contributing author of The School Wellness Wheel, coauthor of Humanized Education, and a professor of educational leadership at Montana State University. Jason has worked with schools on a range of initiatives, from implementing traditional school improvement efforts to culturally sustaining, trauma-informed, and restorative approaches.

Edward P. Darrah is a licensed and certified professional counselor and is triple board-certified in counseling, school counseling, and telemental health. He serves as a mental health and performance counselor for Temple University athletics.

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.

Gayle Gregory, a former teacher, has extensive experience as a staff developer and administrator. She has taught at the elementary, middle, and high school levels as well as in university settings.

Nathaniel Hansford has taught every grade from preK to 12 in many interesting and diverse locations—from South Korea to the subarctic of Quebec. He specializes in using meta-analysis research to help teachers implement proven methodologies.

Michele A. Herold has been an integrated preschool teacher in the Metuchen School District in New Jersey since 2018. Her educational philosophy is to create an uplifting, compassionate, and nurturing classroom that encourages confidence, kindness, and love for learning.

Martha Kaufeldt is a professional development specialist and author. She travels internationally doing workshops and trainings on curriculum development, differentiated instruction, assessment, mindfulness, and brain-friendly strategies for teachers.

Sarah Kesty is an executive function and ADHD coach, author, and speaker. A former special educator, she empowers students, educators, and families with practical tools to build executive function skills through coaching, speaking, and The Executive Function Podcast.

Kathleen Kryza is a master teacher, consultant, and coach who has presented highly practical, brain-based, and inspirational workshops internationally for more than 25 years.

Christine Mason, PhD, is an educational psychologist, researcher, consultant, and mindfulness yoga meditation instructor. She facilitates dynamic workshops for educators that incorporate the latest neuroscience research with practical strategies for improving school climate and academic achievement.