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...
Vicky Condalary
Senior Vice President of Services and Partnerships
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.
Stephanie Mosqueda
Senior Vice President of Strategic Projects
Stephanie Mosqueda oversees NIET's web-based tools, as well as content and technical assistance support for partners.
Kristan Van Hook
Senior Vice President of Policy
As senior vice president of policy at the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (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.
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
Vice President of Services Operations
As the Vice President of Services Operations at the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching, Dr. Lancelin brings more than two decades of experience in strengthening teacher effectiveness and student outcomes through school, district, and state-level partnerships.
Dr. Tanée Hudgens
Vice President of Research and Evaluation
As vice president of research and evaluation at NIET, Dr. Tanée Hudgens is responsible for establishing, managing, and overseeing research and evaluation initiatives within the organization.
Dr. Patrice Pujol
Senior Executive-in-Residence
Dr. Patrice Pujol serves as senior executive-in-residence at the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET). In this role, she is responsible for the advancement of NIET's strategic plan and business development activities.
Dr. Amy Wooten
Executive Dir. of Educator Pipeline Partnerships
Dr. Amy Wooten develops service offerings to enhance the effectiveness of teacher and administrator preparation programs, fostering partnerships with preparation programs, supporting policy discussions, and providing leadership for special projects.
Nicole Bolen
Executive 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.
Theresa D. Hamilton
South Central Regional Director
Theresa Hamilton oversees all 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.
Pilar Holtrop
West Regional Director
Pilar Holtrop serves schools and districts in the West, and brings two decades of experience with NIET's work in the state.
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.
Dr. Lori Line
Midwest Regional Director
Lori has been an educator for over 30 years. For the first 18 years of my career, Lori was an elementary teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal.
Patti Cruz
Executive 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.
Keely Potter
East Regional Director
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.
Amber Simpson
Executive Director of Strategic Projects
Amber Simpson spent much of her 20 years in education as a teacher leader before coming to NIET. She works alongside district and school leaders across Texas to strengthen systems and structures for increasing student achievement.
Jodi Leckbee Chan
Senior Specialist, TX Impact
Jodi Leckbee Chan has worked as a project director for the SEED 1 and SEED 2 grant projects, an executive master teacher, and senior specialist with schools in Texas and across the U.S. for going on 12 years.
Claire Murray
SC PLN Director
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.
Erin Foster
Senior Specialist
Erin Foster primarily provides support for NIET's Indiana partner schools, capitalizing on her drive to influence positive change for students through her zeal for working with educational leaders.
Lindsey Parker
Associate Director of 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.
Paulette Rowell
Sr. Manager of Virtual Learning Technology Services
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.
Teddy W. Broussard
Senior Advisor
In his recent years with NIET, Teddy Broussard has served as senior program specialist, project director, assistant director of school services, director of training and senior trainer.
Dr. Ann Shaw
Senior Advisor
Dr. Ann Shaw has over 25 years teaching experience and is a National Board Certified Teacher. Throughout her career Shaw has served as a regional master teacher for SC TAP, master teacher, instructional coach and teacher.
Dr. Saul Hinojosa
Executive-in-Residence
Dr. Saul Hinojosa serves as executive-in-residence at NIET. In this role, he is responsible for expanding the reach of NIET’s partnerships across Texas. Dr. Hinojosa served as Superintendent of Schools for Somerset ISD for 15 years and established strong collaboration with NIET which resulted in...
Liz Miller
Senior Specialist, Southwest
Elizabeth Miller brings over 25 years of service in a variety of roles in public education in both Louisiana and Texas school systems.
Britney Allen
Senior Specialist, South Central
Britney Allen has held several roles in various districts of teacher, instructional coach, master teacher, administrator, and most recently Director of Curriculum and Instruction.
Melissa Blossom
Senior Specialist, Midwest
Melissa Blossom joined NIET after serving as director of school improvement at the Indiana Department of Education. Prior to IDOE, she worked in secondary education as an administrator and social studies teacher.
Dr. Jennifer Board
Senior Specialist, South Central
Dr. Jennifer Board joins NIET as a Senior Specialist with 24 years of experience in education. During her tenure, Jennifer has served students, student athletes, and families of Ascension and East Baton Rouge Parishes as a classroom teacher, Instructional Coach, TAP Master Teacher, Assistant...
Robbin Boudreaux
Executive Assistant
Robbin Boudreaux supports NIET in assisting staff, and monitoring schedules, correspondence, telephone, and travel.
Bobbie Jo Bright
Director of AREN
Bobbie Jo Bright brings more than 25 years of experience as an educator to her role at NIET and has served in a variety of school communities.
Angelina Burrows
Senior Specialist, Southeast
As a lifelong educator and first-generation college graduate, Angelina Burrows is passionate about helping educators and school leaders become the best in their field.
Kennette Bardell
Senior Specialist, East
Kennette Bardell, an East 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. Sherrie Fairchild-Keyes
Senior Specialist, East
Dr. Sherrie Fairchild-Keyes joins NIET after a 25-year career in public education. She has served as a secondary science teacher in Tennessee and Florida and, most recently, as a school administrator.
Amy Campbell
Senior Specialist, TX IMPACT
Amy has served as TAP master teacher and district executive master teacher for nine of the last 12 years of service in public education. These opportunities, in multiple educational settings with learners of all ages and skills topped off with ever-growing TAP knowledge and experiences, are...
Amy Campbell
Senior Specialist, LIN
Amy Campbell joins NIET as a seasoned educator with 23 years of classroom experience and
extensive expertise in foundational literacy.
extensive expertise in foundational literacy.
Shayla Canady
Senior Specialist, AREN
A lifelong learner, Shayla Canady has served in a variety of educational roles − including TAP mentor teacher, master teacher, and administrator − and holds a decade of experience using NIET's rubrics.
Kristina Carssow
Southwest Regional Director
Kristina Carssow has 18 years of experience as a campus teacher, TAP master coach, instructional coach, and assistant principal.
Danielle Chretien
Senior Specialist, South Central
Danielle Chretien is a servant leader and a perceptive educator with a consistent record of accomplishments in attaining and surpassing targeted goals.
Matt Connor
Controller
As controller, Matt Connor assists in financial and accounting functions of NIET with the goal of helping the organization meet its mission.
Robin Cornet
Senior Specialist, AREN
Robin has over 15 years’ experience in education and now her work is centered on coaching rural districts in Arkansas to implement best practices of highly effective schools, increasing teacher effectiveness, and positively impacting student achievement.
Jill Crain
Senior Specialist
Jill joins NIET with 23 years of educational experience, and currently supports Louisiana partners.
Jill Crossley
Senior Specialist, West
Jill Crossley is an NIET Senior Specialist for the West 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 Teacher...
Alison Cutler
Staff Writer
Alison Cutler is a Staff Writer with an award-winning background in journalism and communication. Constantly pursuing the human element of a story, Alison found her niche in narrative reporting and writing. Her previous experience in both local and national publications has equipped her to reach...
Bobby Cox
Executive-in-Residence
Bobby Cox is responsible for expanding the reach of NIET's work, relationships, and partnerships in Tennessee, Alabama, Iowa, and Kentucky. Bobby joins NIET after serving Warren County Schools, Tennessee, for 29 years − including eight as superintendent.
Dr. Angela Davis
Associate Director of Professional Learning
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
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
Senior Specialist, Southwest
As a Senior Specialist at the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET), Kat works to support educators and the work they do each day.
Andrea Divine
Senior Specialist, East
Andrea Divine joins NIET with over 16 years of educational experience. She is a multifaceted educator who has served in numerous roles, including an Elementary Teacher, TAP Mentor Teacher, TAP Master Teacher, Instructional Coach, Professional Development Specialist, and Academic Facilitator for the...
Scott Duncan
Senior Specialist, East
Scott Duncan works to support districts across the state of Tennessee in strengthening instructional leadership practices, teacher effectiveness, and teacher and administrator observation systems.
LaDazha Ford
Senior Specialist, South Central
LaDazha Ford joins NIET after serving as a TAP mentor and master teacher Ascension Parish. She believes that to positively impact students, there must be a plan and process for intentional instructional support.
Trey Forrester
Senior Specialist, SC PLN
Trey Forrester is an NIET senior specialist in South Carolina. He joins NIET after serving as an educator at diverse levels and specialties for 15 years.
Amy Gayle
Assistant Director of Services (South central)
Amy Gayle is an instructional leader with a passion for positive school culture and strong teacher support. Prior to NIET, she served in a variety of different roles in education, including classroom teacher, coach, master teacher, and administrator.
Venitia Guerrieri
Executive Assistant to CEO
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,...
Nicole Gonzalez
Senior Specialist
As a former district science coordinator, Nicole has worked with teachers, instructional coaches, and administration to strengthen instructional practices to improve students’ science achievement.
Angela Griffis
Senior Specialist, Southwest
Angela Griffis supports district and school leaders in implementing best practices of highly effective schools, increasing teacher effectiveness, and positively impacting student achievement.
Kim Herring
Senior Specialist, East
Kim Herring joins NIET after serving Cumberland County Schools for 31 years as a high school math teacher, then district administrator of school information and testing coordinator. She has broadened her impact on state and district committees on math and data.
Christina Hulin
Senior Specialist, South Central
Christina’s successful experiences leading high-quality professional development and data studies, coaching teachers at a variety of levels, as well as her knowledge of the NIET Teaching and Learning Standards Rubric, make her passionate about her work with NIET.
Terry Hussey
Senior Specialist, Midwest
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...
Sarah Jolly-Swift
Senior Specialist, South Central
Sarah Jolly-Swift joins NIET after serving Louisiana's Rapides Parish School System for the past 13 years. Sarah is a passionate advocate for educational equity and access to effective instruction for every child, every day.
Tiffaney Kelly
Senior Specialist, South Central
Tiffaney's work as centers on supporting schools and district personnel to positively impact instructional practices and improve student achievement.
Angie Kendall
Senior Specialist, Midwest
Angie joins NIET after having served as a TAP master and mentor teacher in Perry Township Schools, Indiana, for seven years, as well as having worked in Reading Recovery and Project Lead the Way.
Dr. Ruhi Khan
Director of Educator Pipeline
Dr. Ruhi Khan has been an educator for over 20 years, serving in Arizona's Deer Valley School District and at Arizona State University's Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.
Stacy Knoop
Senior Specialist, AREN
As a senior specialist, Stacy supports educators and leaders throughout the country as they work to provide each and every student with a high-quality education.
Kyle Kovach
Southeast Regional Director
Kyle Kovach joined NIET as a senior specialist for the East team after spending the previous 12 years serving the students and families in West Greenville, South Carolina. He has held diverse roles in education, both in the classroom and in administration.
Dr. Trevor Leutscher
Senior Research Associate
Dr. Trevor Leutscher's work at NIET involves conducting studies to evaluate and improve NIET's programs.
Dr. Handrea Logis
Director of Research
Dr. Handrea Logis supports all aspects of the NIET research activities, such as monitoring data collection efforts for the SEED grants, performing quantitative analysis to evaluate the impact of NIET's initiatives, as well as providing data and research support for various projects.
Caroline Martin
Director of Strategic Projects
Caroline Martin works to enhance strategy and innovation, and increase efficiency and effectiveness both internally and across projects focused on teacher and leadership development with external partners.
Quinn McInnis
Digital Content Manager
Quinn McInnis is an experienced Digital Content Manager who possesses a deep understanding of the power of digital outreach. Quinn has invested his career in amplifying the organization’s message to a wider audience. With several years of experience in digital content creation, he brings a wealth...
Abigail McKamey
Senior Specialist, LIN
Abigail’s mission in education is to support every child in reaching their unique potential through the collaboration and shared-learning of excellent educators.
Kim Melancon
Senior Specialist, Southcentral
Kim Melancon brings over 23 years of experience in education in Ascension and East Baton Rouge Parishes in Louisiana to her role as a senior specialist with NIET. She served as a master teacher and assistant principal at Donaldsonville High School in Ascension Parish, a trailblazing high school...
Kelly Minick
Senior Specialist, Southeast
Kelly Minick's educational experience spans nearly 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.
Chrissy Murphy
Human Resources and Payroll Generalist
Chrissy enjoys the day-to-day aspects of working in human resources, from helping staff members with payroll, preparing for retirement, and understanding their benefits, to writing policies to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.
Dr. Ann Nielsen
Director of Virtual and Learning Technology Services
Dr. Ann Nielsen is an accomplished educator and scholar committed to advancing educational excellence and promoting student success. With an expansive career trajectory, Dr. Nielsen's professional contributions reflect her dedication to educational improvement.
Rossette Osamba
Senior Specialist, TX Impact
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.
Tammy Peterson
Billing Specialist
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.
Carrie Pullins
TX Impact Director
Carrie joins NIET after serving as a district mathematics coordinator, master teacher, and secondary mathematics teacher.
Courtney Rayburn
Senior Specialist, LIN
Courtney Rayburn has over a decade of urban, rural, and suburban educational experiences including serving as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, testing coordinator, and RTI coordinator.
Stephanie Reiners
Senior Specialist, South Central
Stephanie Reiners joins NIET after serving 29 years as an educator in Acadia and Lafayette Parish School Systems.
Megan Rischard
Contract and Business Administration Manager
Megan Rischard supports NIET’s organizational partnership development, project management and contracting efforts as the Contracts and Business Administration Manager. She brings years of business management, customer service, and finance experience to the role.Megan graduated with a Bachelor of...
Dr. Tad Savage
Senior Specialist
Dr. Tad Savage brings 33 years of experience as a student-centered leader who prioritizes relationships and character development.
Dr. Marina Serdiouk
Senior Research Associate
Dr. Marina Serdiouk brings her experience as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Virginia, and a researcher at Marzano Research in Denver, Colorado.
Kimberlyn Slagle
Senior Specialist, South Central
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.
Courtney Smith
Senior Specialist, South Central
Courtney Smith joins NIET with over 15 years of experience as a Louisiana Educator. Her most recent roles include Principal and Executive Master Teacher/TAP Coordinator in Claiborne Parish. Courtney's passion is ensuring all students are provided the opportunities for success through building...
Robert Stell
Senior Specialist, Southwest
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.
Lydia Stevenson
Senior Specialist, East
Lydia Stevenson has spent the last decade in education in Louisiana schools, which she brings to her role as senior specialist.
Christa Stewart
Senior Specialist, East
Christa Stewart joins NIET with over 20 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.
Natalie Szakacs
Senior Specialist, Executive Specialist
Natalie Szakacs works with district and school partners to increase their impact on instructional excellence and student achievement.
Laura Tew
Senior Specialist, Southeast
Laura Tew supports schools across South Carolina and Tennessee, bringing over 20 years of teaching experience to her NIET role.
Lucia Thallas
Event Manager
Lucia Thallas is a member of the Events Team at NIET. She oversees the events from start to finish and ensures that no detail is left behind.
Dr. Nicole Teyechea
Senior Specialist
To her role as a senior specialist, Dr. Nicole Teyechea brings 25 years of experience working across educational communities ranging from preschool to higher education.
Robin Variest
Senior Specialist, South Central
Robin brings 26 years of experience in public, parochial, and charter schools in Texas and Louisiana.
Tiwanaha Washington
Senior Specialist, South Central
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. For the past ten years, she has worked in St. James Parish serving as a Curriculum Facilitator, Supervisor, and Instructional Director. Tiwanaha holds...
Sandra Walker-Parker
Senior Specialist, South Central
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
Senior Policy Associate
Amanda Warwick supports NIET's policy efforts at the federal and state levels.
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.
Dr. Chastity Wilson
Senior Specialist, South Central
Chastity has over 20 years of experience in public education and has worked to build capacity in district and building-level administrators across Louisiana.
Kevin Winters
Senior Specialist, East
Kevin Winters brings 13 years of experience as a teacher and instructional leader in Tennessee, including the roles of classroom teacher, master teacher, technology coach, and instructional coach.
Christina Valdes
Federal Award Senior Manager
Christina Valdes supports the senior director of grant management and business operations in the oversight and management of NIET's sponsored projects as well as NIET's grant management practices, policies, and procedures.
Michelle Wolfenbarger
Director of LIN
Michelle Wolfenbarger has served in various roles in education in Tennessee since 2001, most recently as a Knox County principal. She is a certified cognitive coach and has experience in various types of school communities.
Lauren Waldow
Virtual and Learning Technology Services Systems Analyst
Lauren Waldow 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.
Jennifer Woods
Senior Specialist
Jennifer Woods joins NIET with over 24 years of educational experience at the secondary and district levels.
April Woolard
Senior Specialist, South Central
April joins NIET with 23 years of experience in Education. She has taught in Texas, North Carolina, and Louisiana. April has experiences in both elementary and middle school settings serving as a classroom teacher, TAP Mentor Teacher, Academically Intellectually Gifted Coordinator and Assistant...