Our People
Lowell Milken
Founder
Lowell Milken's lifelong commitment to strengthening K-12 education has led to some of the country's most innovative means to dramatically advance educator effectiveness.
Dr. Joshua Barnett
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Joshua Barnett is the chief executive officer for NIET, responsible for overseeing all of the organization’s operations including service delivery, research and evaluation, professional learning and learning technology development, policy and communications, financial operations, and higher...
Nicole Bolen
Senior Director of Services
With over 23 years of experience, Nicole Bolen supports districts and schools in NIET's networks and serves on the content development team, contributing to various NIET projects.
Vicky Condalary
Senior Vice President of Partnerships and Innovation
Before serving as senior vice president of services, Vicky was executive director of the LA BOLD Project, assistant director of school services and was the project director for TAP Connect, a SEED grant in partnership with Texas Tech and five independent area school districts.
Patti Cruz
Senior Director of Services
Patti started with NIET in 2009 when she joined ASU Prep Academy as a TAP master teacher. She then went on to support the AZ Ready for Rigor Grant with TAP Implementation as a regional master teacher and assistant director of TAP Systems.
Amber Flores
Senior Director of Strategic Projects
Amber Flores is an accomplished education leader with more than 20 years of experience as an educator, instructional coach, and system-level leader.
Molly Kwas
Chief Financial Officer
As chief financial officer, Molly provides leadership, management, and oversight for all fiscal activities related to the operations of NIET.
Dr. Davita Lancelin
Senior Vice President of Services
As the senior vice president of services at NIET, Dr. Lancelin brings more than two decades of experience in strengthening teacher effectiveness and student outcomes through school, district, and state-level partnerships.
Sandra Kay Moore
Chief Financial Officer
Sandra Kay Moore joins NIET as Chief Financial Officer, where she provides strategic financial leadership to support the organization's continued growth and long-term sustainability.
Stephanie Mosqueda
Senior Vice President of Strategic Projects
Stephanie Mosqueda oversees NIET’s strategic projects which include special projects, events, educator pipeline, and NIET’s web-based tools.
Dr. Patrice Pujol
Senior Executive-in-Residence
Dr. Patrice Pujol serves as senior executive-in-residence at NIET. In this role, she is responsible for the advancement of NIET's strategic plan and business development activities.
Todd Setterlund
Special Assistant
Todd Setterlund currently serves as special assistant to the CEO, providing high-level strategic and operational support to advance organizational priorities and share the impact of NIET’s work with partners nationwide. His work with NIET draws on over 20 years working in education,...
Kristan Van Hook
Senior Vice President of Policy and Communications
As senior vice president of policy and communications at NIET, Kristan Van Hook develops and implements strategies to build support for NIET's education initiatives, with a focus on increasing teacher and school leader effectiveness.
Katrina Aponte
Senior Specialist, East Region
Katrina Aponte joins NIET with over 15 years of experience in education. Prior to joining NIET, Katrina served as a teacher, mentor, coach, and administrator working to create inclusive environments committed to establishing best practices and focusing resources towards improving student success.
Courtney Armistead
Senior Specialist, East Region
Courtney Armistead, a senior specialist with NIET, partners with district and school leaders across Tennessee and Arkansas to strengthen instructional systems and leadership practices. As assistant director of educator effectiveness team at the Tennessee Department of Education, she supported...
Lindsay Baggerly
Business Intelligence Strategist
Prior to joining NIET, Lindsay Baggerly's wheelhouse has been in Business Operations over the last 15 years. As a previous Director of Operations, Lindsay brings a thoughtful, data-driven approach to helping organizations clarify direction, identify opportunities, and drive sustainable growth. With...
Kennette Bardell
Senior Specialist, Southwest Region
Kennette Bardell, a Southwest Team Senior Specialist, joins NIET with 18 years of experience in education. She has held numerous roles in Texas and Louisiana including classroom teacher, Mentor Teacher, TAP Master Teacher, professional learning lead, literacy coach, and Director of Literacy.
Dr. Kyle Barrentine
Executive-in-Residence
After a 31-year career in public education, Dr. Kyle Barrentine joined NIET as an Executive-in-Residence in the summer of 2025. Dr. Barrentine is responsible for expanding the reach of NIET’s work, relationships, and partnerships in Indiana and the Midwest.
Abby Barton
Project Manager, Services
Abby Barton brings over 16 years of experience in educational leadership, instructional coaching, and curriculum development to her role as Project Manager at NIET. She supports districts and schools by fostering strong partnerships and contributing to NIET's mission of improving teacher...
Latonzia Beavers
Specialist, Innovations
Latonzia Beavers is an instructional leader with more than a decade of experience advancing educator effectiveness and student achievement. After beginning her professional career in social work, she transitioned into education through an Alternative Certification Program and earned a Master of Arts...
Genelda Bedolla
Specialist, Southwest Region
Genelda Bedolla is passionate about working with NIET because its mission aligns closely with her own belief that great teaching is the foundation of student success. Throughout her career in education, she has found the greatest fulfillment in coaching educators, developing instructional capacity,...
Colleen Bergren
Regional Director, Midwest Region
Colleen Bergren is the Midwest Regional Director for NIET. She partners with school and district leaders to strengthen instructional systems, develop teacher and school leadership, and improve educator effectiveness through sustainable practices that increase student achievement.
Melissa Blossom
Senior Specialist, Midwest Region
Melissa Blossom joined NIET as a Senior Specialist for Indiana after serving at the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) as assistant director of secondary curriculum, then director of school improvement. At IDOE, Melissa made significant changes to how the department provided support to the...
Dr. Jennifer Board
Senior Specialist, South Central Region
Dr. Jennifer Board joins NIET as a Senior Specialist with extensive experience in education. Throughout her career, Jennifer has served students, student-athletes, and families in Ascension and East Baton Rouge Parishes in a variety of roles, including classroom teacher, Instructional Coach, TAP...
Robbin Boudreaux
Executive Assistant, Innovations
Robbin Boudreaux supports NIET in assisting staff, and monitoring schedules, correspondence, telephone, and travel.
Jen Oliver Brady
Partnership Coordinator
Jen Oliver Brady provides on-site training, support, and in-depth coaching to district and school leaders, teacher leaders, classroom teachers and university faculty.
Bobbie Jo Bright
Senior Specialist, Central Region
As Director of the Arkansas Rural Educator Network (AREN), Bobbie Jo provides oversight and management for a philanthropic project with 25 rural school districts across the state of Arkansas. The network is designed to increase collaboration among rural Arkansas district and school leaders and to...
Dr. Andrea Tory Broussard
Specialist, Strategic Projects
Dr. Andrea Tory Broussard is an educator and leader who resides in central Texas. Tory’s career has spanned many roles including classroom teacher, instructional coach, Master Teacher, and administration. In addition to working in a large public school district, Tory’s experiences also include...
Brandy Brown
Senior Specialist, Innovations
A dedicated servant leader, Brandy Brown, has served several Louisiana school districts including Bienville Parish Schools, Monroe City Schools, and Caddo Parish Public Schools. As an educator, Brandy believes that intentional instructional coaching and support of the administrators and teachers can...
Dr. Zacch Brown
Specialist, Central Region
Zacch Brown joins NIET as a Specialist on the Central Region team, bringing more than 20 years of experience in public education in Tennessee as a teacher, assistant principal, and assistant superintendent.
Liz Bryant
Senior Specialist, Midwest Region
Liz Bryant began her career in education in 2008. She earned her degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University and holds two master’s degrees, one in Curriculum and Instruction and another in Educational Leadership. Liz began her career as a second-grade teacher and later transitioned to...
Angelina Burrows
Regional Director, Southeast Region
A Chicago native now residing in South Carolina, Angelina Burrows is passionate about equipping educators to reach their full potential. As Southeast Regional Director at NIET, she brings deep experience in school leadership and a firsthand understanding of the Southeast region to her work.
Shayla Canady
Senior Specialist, Central Region
Shayla D. Canady is a Senior Specialist with the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET), bringing more than 18 years of experience in education across teaching, instructional leadership, and district support. Through her work with the Arkansas Rural Educators Network (AREN), Shayla has...
Robert Carlisle
Senior Research Analyst
Robert Carlisle is a Senior Research Analyst at NIET with previous experience working with public school districts conducting research and evaluation to support educational improvement.
Kristina Carssow
Regional Director, Southwest Region
Kristina Carssow has 18 years of experience as a campus teacher, TAP master coach, instructional coach, and assistant principal.
Cassandra Carter
Senior Specialist, West Region
Cassandra has over thirty years of experience in the field of education, beginning as a classroom teacher and achieving the distinguished honor of National Board Certification. For nine years, Cassandra served as a NIET Master Teacher, providing mentorship and professional development to fellow...
Danielle Chretien
Senior Specialist, Southwest Region
Danielle Chretien is a servant leader and a perceptive educator with a consistent record of accomplishments in attaining and surpassing targeted goals.
Lauren Clark
Virtual and Learning Technology Services Systems Analyst
Lauren Clark assists with designing support documentation and tutorials, serves as a resource for internal and external training, and provides technology support to partners, field staff, and NIET leadership.
Dr. Brandi L. Clay
Specialist, Strategic Projects
Dr. Brandi Clay is a distinguished and innovative leader in education, with extensive experience in teaching, leadership, and program development.
Dr. Brandon Clifford
Senior Research Analyst
Dr. Brandon Clifford supports and leads research, evaluation, and scholarship efforts at NIET to strengthen the organization's work and impact.
Byrian Collins
Senior Specialist, Southwest Region
Byrian Collins is a passionate and purpose-driven instructional leader with a commitment to changing the lives of each individual student who walks into the school. She has served as a TAP Mentor teacher, a Tap Master Teacher, an Associate Principal, and a Founding Director of teaching and learning....
Starla Collins-Ross
Senior Specialist, South Central Region
Starla Ross is a passionate and innovative leader with over 20 years of experience committed to creating equitable learning experiences for adults and children in public and charter schools.Starla’s educational experiences include serving as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, principal,...
Dr. Alexandria Cooper
Specialist, South Central Region
Dr. Alexandria Cooper is a passionate, dedicated educational leader who has impacted students and teachers at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Alexandria believes that every student has the capability to succeed in life, despite the obstacles they may face.
Jill Crain
Senior Specialist, Innovations
Jill joins NIET with 25 years of educational experience. Since 2005, Jill has been a believer, advocate, and leader in NIET best practices. She has served students in Louisiana as a teacher, teacher leader, TAP Master Teacher at the school level, TAP Executive Master Teacher at the district level,...
Jill Crossley
Senior Specialist, West Region
Jill Crossley is an NIET Senior Specialist for the Southwest Team and lives in Arizona. She joins NIET after serving in a variety of positions for 31 years. Jill served as principal and district administrator in the Osborn School District in Phoenix, Arizona. Prior to that she was both a Mentor...
Dr. Angela Davis
Vice President of Services
Dr. Angela Davis' experience in a variety of roles in education and passion for increased student achievement have inspired her to ensure equitable instructional practices are present in all classrooms.
Tasha Dawson
Senior Specialist, South Central Region
Tasha is a dedicated and passionate professional educator with over 18 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in English/Language Arts in secondary grade levels, Tasha is committed to empowering and fostering a love for learning.
Kathleen (Kat) DeLeon
Assistant Director of Services
Kathleen (Kat) DeLeon has spent over half of her professional career in instructional leadership roles prior to joining NIET. She knows firsthand the benefits of having strategic and intentional support as she started as a TAP career teacher in her first year of teaching.
Cathy DeMeyer
Senior Specialist, Midwest Region
Cathy DeMeyer is an experienced instructional leader with more than 25 years in secondary education. She has served as a classroom teacher, instructional leader, and high school principal, focusing on strengthening instructional practice, developing teacher leadership, and improving student outcomes...
Andrea Divine
Senior Specialist, Professional Learning
Andrea Divine is a Senior Specialist with the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) and brings more than 20 years of experience in education. She is a multifaceted educator who has served in numerous roles, including Elementary Teacher, TAP Mentor Teacher, TAP Master Teacher,...
Scott Duncan
Senior Specialist, East Region
Scott Duncan is a senior specialist for the East Team in Tennessee. He works to support districts across the state in strengthening instructional leadership practices, teacher effectiveness, and teacher and administrator observation systems.
Ambra Dunn
Specialist, Southwest Region
Ambra Dunn brings almost 20 years of experience in education, serving students and educators across early childhood and secondary education. She began her career teaching preschool students ages 3–5 before transitioning to middle school English Language Arts and Reading. Throughout her career, she...
Gabrielle Dunton
Assistant Director of Communications
Gabi Dunton serves as NIET’s Assistant Director of Communications, supporting strategic communications initiatives to elevate the organization’s mission and impact across the country. With nearly a decade of experience in school communications, Gabi brings a proven track record in developing and...
Betsy Fera
Senior Specialist, West Region
Betsy Fera serves as a Senior Specialist for the West Team at NIET. Betsy brings over 25 years of experience in public education, starting her career as a classroom teacher and taking on various roles throughout the years. Betsy has been affiliated with NIET since the early 2000’s, having served...
LaDazha Ford
Senior Specialist, Professional Learning
LaDazha Ford joins NIET as a Senior Specialist for Louisiana. She began her work with NIET as a consultant in the summer of 2021. Her belief is, to positively impact students, there must be a plan and process for intentional support for teachers and instructional leaders. With high-quality...
Erin Foster
Senior Specialist, Innovations
Erin Foster currently serves as a senior specialist supporting the NIET Fellows Program as well as Indiana partner schools.
Stephanie Free
Senior Specialist, Southwest Region
Stephanie Free brings over 30 years of service in the Texas public education system. She has served as a teacher in physical education and special education, At-Risk Coordinator, an elementary, freshman center, and high school principal, executive director of schools and school improvement, and a...
Siyun Gan
Research Analyst
Siyun Gan is passionate about doing research that serves students, especially those who are underserved. She has six years of experience working with large-scale education data to surface mechanisms and patterns that shape students' educational attitudes and outcomes.
Amy Gayle
Regional Director, Central Region
Amy Gayle, Central Regional Director, is an instructional leader committed to cultivating positive school cultures and providing strong, consistent support for teachers. Her work with the TAP system deepened her expertise in implementing and sustaining systems and structures that accelerate student...
Amrit Ghimire
Senior Director of Finance
Amrit leads all financial operations in alignment with the organization’s strategic plan, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, pricing, and cash flow management. Amrit oversees a team of accounting professionals to maximize performance in meeting the strategic plan goals and objectives....
Nicole Gonzalez
Senior Specialist, Strategic Projects
Before joining the NIET team in 2022 as a senior specialist, Nicole Gonzalez was a district science coordinator. This role allowed her to work with teachers, instructional coaches, and administration to strengthen instructional practices to improve students’ science achievement. Nicole is an...
Amy Graeber
Specialist, Strategic Projects
Amy Graeber is an instructional leader with a track record of designing and implementing systems that drive educator effectiveness and measurable student growth. With experience spanning counseling, campus leadership, and district-level instructional systems, she has led large-scale coherence work...
Angela Griffis
Senior Specialist, Southwest Region
Angela Griffis' passion and dedication to the education profession spans over 15 years. As an NIET Senior Specialist for Texas, Angela Griffis supports district and school leaders in implementing best practices of highly effective schools, increasing teacher effectiveness, and positively impacting...
Dr. Karen Grose
Senior Specialist, West Region
Karen is an NIET Senior Specialist for the West Team and lives in Phoenix, Arizona. Karen has extensive educational experience including that of a classroom teacher, instructional coach, technology coach, TAP Master Teacher, assistant principal, and principal.
Venitia Guerrieri
Executive Assistant, Strategic Projects
Venitia has been an advocate for teachers since 2004, when she started her career in Financial Services assisting them with their investments for retirement. Later, she volunteered at the elementary school her children attended, which led to helping teachers in the classroom as a Para Educator. Now,...
Chrissy Hadden
Director of Human Resources
Chrissy is an accomplished human resources leader with more than fifteen years of experience across the private and public sectors.
Theresa D. Hamilton
Regional Director, South Central Region
Theresa Hamilton oversees NIET's statewide initiatives and at-large partnerships in our South Central Region, and is a central point of contact for NIET's Louisiana higher education partnerships. Prior to this position, she supported East Feliciana and Madison Parish School Systems as an NIET senior...
Kim Herring
Senior Specialist, East Region
Kim Herring is an NIET senior specialist for the East team. She joins NIET after spending 31 years in Cumberland County Schools with her most recent positions as administrator of student information and district testing coordinator.
Pilar Holtrop
Regional Director, West Region
Pilar Holtrop serves schools and districts in the West, and brings two decades of experience with NIET's work in the state.
Christina Hulin
Assistant Director, South Central Region
Christina Hulin currently serves as the assistant director of the South Central Regional Team at NIET. Prior to joining NIET as a senior specialist in 2022, Christina served 20 years as an educator with the Iberia Parish School System, most recently as principal of Johnston-Hopkins Elementary in New...
Terry Hussey
Senior Specialist, Midwest Region
Theresa Hussey is a Senior Specialist on the Indiana Team. Prior to joining NIET, she served as both a Mentor and Master Teacher at Goshen Junior High in Goshen Indiana. In the more than ten years she served as a teacher leader, Theresa supported aspiring teachers, new teachers, and experienced...
Tracy Hypolite
Director of Services
Tracy Hypolite joins NIET team with 30 years of dedicated experience in the field of education. Having served in multiple leadership roles, Tracy has demonstrated a commitment to innovation and strategic planning.
Sarah Jolly-Swift
Senior Specialist, South Central Region
Sarah Jolly-Swift serves as a senior specialist with NIET, where she partners with district and school leaders to strengthen instructional leadership, educator effectiveness, and systems that support high-quality teaching and learning.
Tiffaney Kelly
Master Specialist, Services
Tiffaney comes to NIET after spending over a decade in Louisiana's Rapides Parish Schools, where she started her career as a fourth grade math teacher. She then went on to serve in several leadership capacities including teacher leader, Master Teacher and dean of students. In these roles, she helped...
Angie Kendall
Senior Specialist, Midwest Region
Angie Kendall joined NIET as a Senior Specialist on the Indiana team. She served as a Master Teacher in the TAP System for Teacher and Student Advancement for Southport Elementary at Perry Township for seven years, beginning in 2011. During Angie's time as Master Teacher, Southport Elementary...
Dr. Ruhi Khan
Director of Educator Pipeline
Dr. Khan is an education leader with more than 25 years of experience spanning K–12 education, teacher leadership, educator preparation, professional learning, and instructional improvement. Her work is grounded in a commitment to developing educator capacity and strengthening teaching and...
Jodi Leckbee
Senior Specialist, Southwest Region
Jodi Leckbee is currently a Senior Specialist with NIET and has supported NIET’s mission since 2013 through a range of leadership and implementation roles. Her experience includes serving as project director for the SEED 1 and SEED 2 grant initiatives, Texas Director, and Senior Specialist,...
Dr. Lori Line
Senior Regional Director
Lori has been an educator for over 30 years. For the first 18 years of her career, Lori was an elementary teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal.
Dr. Handrea Logis
Senior Director of Research
Dr. Handrea Logis leads NIET's research and evaluation activities. Her portfolio spans federal and non-federal grants, where she guides program evaluation and ensures rigorous, data-driven insights inform the organization's work.
Dr. Dawn Love
Specialist, Strategic Projects
Dr. Dawn Love is an educational leader with a passion for providing all students with a high quality education that equips them with the tools needed to access the opportunities and experiences they deserve.
Jessica Major
Senior Specialist, South Central Region
Jessica Major brings 20 years of experience in the field of education. She has served as a Master Teacher and Principal under the TAP System, demonstrating a deep commitment to instructional excellence and leadership development.
Marjorie Manuel-Rabun
Senior Specialist, South Central Region
Marjorie is a dedicated educator with a rich and diverse background in education. Her journey in the field of education began as a TAP teacher, where she honed her teaching skills and passion for education.
Parker Marano
Digital Content Manager
Parker Marano has joined NIET as a Digital Content Manager with his years of experience in social media management and content creation. In college, he discovered a love for web design and development, and decided to pursue his degree in that field. While working in his previous positions, he was...
Jeffry Martin
Specialist, West Region
Jeff Martin brings more than 15 years of experience as an educator and school leader committed to strengthening teaching and learning. Throughout his career with the Osborn Elementary School District, he has served as a classroom teacher, NIET TAP Mentor Teacher, assistant principal, and principal....
Abigail McKamey
Senior Specialist, East Region
Abigail’s mission in education is to support every child in reaching their unique potential through the collaboration and shared-learning of excellent educators.
Liz Miller
Assistant Director, Southwest Region
Elizabeth Miller brings over 25 years of service in a variety of roles in public education in both Louisiana and Texas school systems.
Kelly Minick
Senior Specialist, Southeast Region
Kelly Minick's educational experience spans over two decades in South Carolina. Prior to her time at NIET, she spent 14 years as a secondary English instructor who worked to grow learners' love of writing, critical thinking, and to build their ability to see the world with a multi-lens approach.
William Mock
Specialist, Strategic Projects
William Mock is an NIET Specialist with more than 13 years of experience in education. Before joining NIET, he served as an Executive Master Teacher, Master Teacher, department chair, and secondary mathematics teacher. Throughout his career, he has focused on strengthening instructional practices,...
Jennifer Morales
Executive Assistant
Jennifer brings more than 15 years of experience in education, spanning classroom teaching, instructional leadership, educator support, and nonprofit work. After earning a B.S. in Exercise Science and Physical Education with a concentration in Exercise Wellness from Arizona State University,...
Claire Murray
Senior Specialist, Central Region
As an English Language Arts teacher and response to intervention coordinator, Claire empowered students to find their voices and celebrate learning. She has served as a mentor teacher, master teacher, and regional master teacher for SC TAP.
Rossette Osamba
Senior Specialist, Southwest Region
As she approaches the 20-year milestone in education, Rossette Osamba strives to serve as a resource to school teams in providing professional developments that aid in their improvement of practices and exemplary leadership.
Lindsey Parker
Associate Director, Professional Learning
In addition to ensuring existing services and materials are representative of current research and partner needs, Lindsey works with colleagues to develop innovative training and support materials for implementation across multiple projects.
Jeanetta Penniston
Specialist, Midwest Region
Jeanetta Penniston is a Specialist with the Midwest Region team. Based in Indiana, she brings 22 years of experience developing leaders, educators, and students. A passionate educational leader, Jeanetta is committed to growing and supporting adults to strengthen instructional practices and improve...
Tammy Peterson
Contracts and Billing Manager
Tammy Peterson supports the finance team as a Billing Specialist. She comes from a strong background with experience as an Accounting Specialist, Administrative Assistant and Customer Service Manager. She prides herself in dedication and accuracy.
Keely Potter
Regional Director, East Region
Keely Potter brings her background as an educator and a director at the Tennessee Department of Education to NIET, where she primarily supports schools in the state.
Carrie Pullins
Senior Specialist, Strategic Projects
Before joining the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) in 2021 as a Senior Specialist, Carrie Pullins served as a district mathematics coordinator. In this role, she collaborated closely with instructional coaches, teachers, and school leaders to strengthen instructional practice...
Stephanie Reiners
Senior Specialist, Central Region
Stephanie Reiners brings more than 30 years of experience strengthening instruction and building leadership capacity in high-needs school systems. Prior to joining NIET, she served as a teacher, school principal, instructional specialist, and director of district academic improvement, with a career...
Dr. Rhea Ren
Research Associate
Dr. Rhea (Rong) Ren joins NIET as a research associate with a linguistics and language teaching and learning background. She has 7 years of teaching experience in higher education and has taught students across various languages and cultures
Megan Rischard
Senior Director of Business Operations
Megan Rischard supports NIET’s organizational partnership development, project management and contracting efforts as the senior director of business operations. She brings years of business management, customer service, and finance experience to the role.
Paulette Rowell
Virtual Learning Technology Services Operations Coordinator
As senior manager of virtual and learning technology services, Paulette Rowell provides technical assistance support for multiple web-based platforms that integrate NIET best practices.
Dena Rooks
Senior Specialist, Central Region
Dena has spent her educational career in Arkansas Public Schools. With 24 years in the field, a decade of that time as an administrator, she has learned a great deal through her experiences. One of which is the realization that this journey is not just about teaching; it is about mentoring future...
Christina Robillard
Senior Specialist, Central Region
Christina Robillard is an experienced educational leader with more than 15 years in K–12 education, specializing in instructional leadership, educator coaching, and curriculum implementation.
Theresa Sands
Specialist, Strategic Projects
Theresa Sands brings 28 years of experience in education, with a focus on effective instruction, educator development, instructional leadership, and school improvement. She began her career as a paraprofessional and classroom teacher before moving into school and district leadership.
Karli Saracini
Executive-in-Residence
Karli Saracini is an Executive-in-Residence at the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET), based in Arkansas. She brings 38 years of experience in education, including extensive leadership at the school, district, and state levels.
Dr. Tad Savage
Senior Specialist, Innovations
Dr. Tad Savage is a senior specialist at NIET. He joined NIET after 33 years of experience in education including ten years as a teacher, 19 years as a principal, and five years as an assistant superintendent.
Aimee Schade
Senior Specialist, Midwest Region
Aimee Schade brings experience as a teacher, coach, and school leader to her role as a partner with NIET, where she supports schools and districts in strengthening instructional practices and building systems that positively impact student learning. She is passionate about creating structures that...
Tanjela Sims
Senior Specialist, Strategic Projects
Tanjela Sims boldly embraces a growth mindset, positivity and a "can-do" spirit as a senior program specialist.
Kimberlyn Slagle
Senior Specialist, South Central Region
Kimberlyn Slagle brings 24 years of experience to her role at NIET. Her core values include coaching, facilitating, and leading with respect, integrity, and compassion.
Dr. Christa Stewart
Senior Specialist, Innovations
Christa Stewart joins NIET with over 25 years of experience in education. Prior to joining our team, Christa worked as an educator and instructional coach, and also holds a license in administration. Christa gained extensive experience as an educator in a TAP school, which contributed to her early...
Robert Stell
Senior Specialist, Southwest Region
Robert Stell brings 26 years of Texas public education service to NIET. He has served as a fifth grade teacher, a sixth grade teacher and a Title I reading teacher.
Dr. Lydia Stevenson
Director of Services
Dr. Lydia Stevenson joins NIET as director of services after spending the last decade in education in Louisiana schools. She began her educational career as a middle school math and science teacher.
Natalie Szakacs
Senior Specialist, Southeast Region
Natalie Szakacs works with district and school partners to increase their impact on instructional excellence and student achievement.
Laura Tew
Senior Specialist, Southeast Region
Laura Tew serves as a Senior Specialist on NIET’s Southeast team, partnering with schools and districts to strengthen teaching and leadership in ways that improve student outcomes.
Taylor Townsend
Business Manager
Taylor Townsend serves as the Business Manager at the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching, where he helps manage operations and financial processes that support NIET’s mission to improve educator effectiveness and student outcomes.
Robin Variest
Senior Specialist, South Central Region
Robin brings 26 years of experience in public, parochial, and charter schools in Texas and Louisiana.
Sandra Walker-Parker
Senior Specialist, South Central Region
Sandra Walker-Parker is a New Orleans native and has been an educator in Georgia and Louisiana for over 20 years, with the latter 16 years being spent in NIET schools.
Amanda Warwick Perrino
Director of Policy
Amanda Warwick supports NIET's policy efforts at the federal and state levels.
Tiwanaha Washington
Master Specialist, Services
Tiwanaha has 20 years of experience in education. She has served as a classroom teacher, TAP Master Teacher, and in a district level leadership role.
Devon Willis-Jones
Director of Service Operations
Devon Willis-Jones' dedication to the education profession spans over 15 years. Prior to her NIET role, Devon served as principal of Jeanerette Elementary School in Iberia Parish, Louisiana, for seven years.
Charday Wilson
Specialist, Professional Learning
Charday Wilson embodies what it means to be a “hometown hero.” Born and raised in Logansport, Wilson’s plans did not initially include becoming a Master Teacher at her alma mater, Logansport High School (LHS). She went on to play collegiate softball, became the first in her family to graduate...
Dr. Chastity Wilson
Senior Specialist, Central Region
Chastity has over 20 years of experience in public education and has worked to build capacity in district and building-level administrators across Louisiana.
Jennifer Woods
Master Specialist, Services
Jennifer Woods joins NIET with over 24 years of educational experience at the secondary and district levels.
April Woolard
Senior Specialist, Innovations
April Woolard serves as a senior specialist on NIET’s Innovations team, supporting the implementation and management of district and school improvement services.
Jessica Worthington
Senior Specialist, Strategic Projects
Jessica brings more than 20 years of dedication to the education system, serving as both an educator and leader within the Avondale Elementary School District.