2026 Annual Summit

Sarah DeShon joined the Center on Education and Training for Employment as a Family Engagement Learning Coordinator with the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center. As a learning coordinator, her primary role is designing and facilitating research-based professional development for out-of-school-time personnel and other family-facing professionals. She seeks to build their capacity for family engagement for all students and families. As a former classroom teacher, Sarah has learned and experienced the important role all families, schools, and communities play in the success of student achievement and wellness.

Summit Presenter

Dean of Instruction/Assistant Principal
Graham Elementary and Middle School

Cassie has been part of the Graham Elementary and Middle School community since 2012. She spent 10 years teaching mathematics in grades 5 – 7 before transitioning into her current role as Dean of Instruction/Assistant Principal, where she supports teachers in creating meaningful learning experiences for students. She earned her master’s degree in STEM Education from The Ohio State University and received the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation’s George B. Chapman, Jr. Math Teacher Award in 2020 in recognition of excellence in mathematics teaching and learning. She is passionate about student centered instruction, engaging lessons, and helping every student experience success. Outside of school, Cassie loves traveling, reading, playing volleyball, and spending time with her husband and daughter, who will celebrate her first birthday in October.

Interim Dean
College of Education and Human Ecology (EHE) at The Ohio State University

Erik J. Porfeli, PhD, is a professor and interim dean of the College of Education and Human Ecology (EHE). He served as chair of EHE’s Department of Human Sciences since 2017. Before that role, he was faculty member in the College of Medicine at Northeast Ohio Medical University, where he served as vice chair of Research in the Department of Family and Community Medicine and the college’s inaugural associate dean for Community Engagement and Admissions.

Porfeli focuses his leadership on initiatives that enhance access and opportunities for students to advance the health, education, and economic vitality of the communities they serve. During his 8.5 years as department chair, the Department of Human Sciences thrived in terms of its mission impact, financial health, and supportive climate and culture. The department is now the second largest at Ohio State in terms of enrollment and a college leader in procuring extramural funding for cutting-edge research.

At the national level, Porfeli is the immediate past chair of the Board on Health and Human Sciences of the Association of Public and Land Grant University (APLU), the leading board in the nation devoted to health and human sciences disciplines in public and land grant universities. He also is a member of the Cooperative Extension Health Leadership Committee, which sets the vision for advancing human health through the U.S. Cooperative Extension System. He has devoted over 20 years to serving in Ohio, especially in leadership and program implementation spanning K-12 education and higher education.

In his new role as interim dean, Porfeli will continue to devote himself to uniting public and land-grant universities with Pre-K-12 school districts, industry and community partners to enact the mission of EHE. His vision is to strengthen the capacity of communities to advance their health, education, and economic prosperity with their most vital assets, namely their community members.

Summit Presenter

Chief Strategy Officer
Ohio Department of Education and Workforce

Kari Jones serves as the Chief Strategy Officer at the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, where she leads strategic initiatives and fosters collaborative partnerships that align with the Department’s mission and priorities. She is dedicated to strengthening the agency’s family engagement efforts and building strong connections with communities across Ohio.

Previously Kari was the President and CEO of ElevateDD, where she championed advocacy, innovation, and family-centered leadership. She brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for advancing inclusive, community-driven solutions in public service.

CEO & Co-Founder, Zearn
National Bestselling Author, “Math Mind: The Simple Path to Loving Math”

Summit Keynote Presenter

Shalinee Sharma is the CEO and co-founder of Zearn, the nonprofit behind the top-rated K–8 math learning platform. Rated Strong (Tier 1) by Evidence for ESSA for demonstrating causal impact, Zearn Math is used by 1 in 4 elementary-school and more than 1 million middle-school students nationwide. In addition to her role at Zearn, she authored the national bestseller, “Math Mind: The Simple Path to Loving Math.” She has shared her ideas on making math rigorous and accessible for all kids in numerous keynote talks, including her TED Talk, ‘4 Steps to Unlock Your Kid’s Math Potential.’ Sharma also serves on the Braven Board of Directors, is a Pahara-Aspen Fellow and serves as co-chair of the Brown University Advisory Council for the College.

Before co-founding Zearn in 2012, Sharma spent more than a decade at Bain & Co. leading work for clients in various sectors including technology and education. She has a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Arts from Brown University. As a mom of twins, Sharma is passionate about universal access to an excellent education.

Shalinee social handles:
X: @Shalinee_Sharma
Linkedin: @Shalinee-Sharma

Zearn social handles:
X: @Zearned 
Linkedin: @Zearn 
Instagram: @Zearnmath 
Facebook: @Zearn 

Summit Presenter

Director, Kentucky Family Friendly Schools
The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence

A first-generation college graduate from a low-income family, Grace McKenzie, MSW, has focused her career on supporting systems that work for all families and students. Her own experiences as a student in TRIO programs and her service year through AmeriCorps informed her understanding of the challenges in the education system and ignited a desire to be part of the change. In her role as Family Friendly Schools Director with the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence she collaborates to build partnerships to support student success. A questioner and explorer, she enjoys gathering research, data, and stories to make a more complete story of the ways families support students and the ways that schools and school staff can effectively partner with families to support students.

Summit Presenter

Middle School Principal
Washington County Middle School

Mandy Sagrecy is a lifelong resident of Springfield, KY where she lives with her husband, Eric. They have three children: Harper, Carsynn, and Colt. Mandy has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Louisville, a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in Special Education from the University of the Cumberlands, and her Educational Specialist Degree from the University of the Cumberlands. Mandy is currently the Principal at Washington County Middle School where she has led the school to becoming Family Friendly Certified since 2022 and becoming GOLD certified in 2024.

Summit Presenter

Assistant Principal
Rylan Heights Elementary

Beth Hathaway serves as the Assistant Principal at Ryland Heights Elementary in Northern Kentucky. With two decades of experience in education, including twelve  years as a 4th-grade teacher and seven years as Assistant Principal. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Kentucky, Master’s Degree in Teaching and Learning with a Specialty in Reading, and a Rank 1 in Educational Leadership from University of the Cumberlands.  She is also a graduate of the Administrator’s LETRS program of Early Literacy. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in building strong, trusting relationships with students, staff, and families.

Summit Presenter

Senior Research Assistant
The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Jingyang (Max) Zhang is a senior research assistant at the Child and Family Research Lab in the Department of Educational Psychology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Max received his Master of Education degree in Human Development and Education from Harvard University and his Ph.D. degree in Educational Psychology from the Ohio State University. Max worked as a graduate research associate at the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center from 2022-2024, where he led a literature review project and an interview study, exploring the importance of elevating student voice in family-school partnerships. Max’s other research areas include academic motivation, adolescent development, parenting beliefs and practices, cross-cultural differences, and qualitative methodologies.

Summit Presenter

Adjunct Faculty
University of Cinncinnati

Dr. Amy Kronberg is an adjunct instructor at the University of Cincinnati as well as an independent contractor/consultant specializing in infant/toddler care and education, social emotional development, play-based learning, early literacy, and family engagement. She began her work in early childhood education focusing on the Reggio Emilia philosophy, child-centered curriculum models, and playful learning environments. She completed her Masters of Science in Education, studying early childhood leadership and advocacy, and has her PhD in Educational Leadership both from the University of Dayton. Her work has focused on supporting families and educators about the value of play-based learning as a means for teaching vital language, literacy, and social-emotional skills.

Summit Presenter

Assistant Professor
Appalachian State University

Dr. Patrick D. Cunningham is an assistant prrofessor in the professional school counseling program at Appalachian State University. He earned his Ph.D. in counselor education from The Ohio State University and his Masters of Science in school counseling from the University of North Carolina Greensboro. He has worked as a school counselor in several different settings including a large public high school in Raleigh, North Carolina, as well as private, international schools in Dubai and South Korea. His research interests include school counseling intervention research, understanding and promoting the role of school counselors as family engagement leaders in schools, and school-based suicide prevention.

Summit Presenter

Director, Center for Family Math
NAFSCE

Holly Kreider, Ed.D., serves as Director of NAFSCE’s Center for Family Math, where she leads efforts to build a nationwide family math movement. Her work spans research, practice, field building, and strategic communications. Before joining NAFSCE, Dr. Kreider held a leadership role at the Heising-Simons Foundation, where she directed investments in family engagement, local community empowerment, organizational effectiveness, and democracy reform. Her early career at the Harvard Family Research Project and Raising A Reader grounded her in the research, evaluation, and practice of family engagement. She has authored and edited over 50 articles and books on family engagement. She holds an Ed.D. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She considers motherhood her most rewarding role of all.

Summit Presenter

Fellow
Brookings Institution

Dr. Emily Markovich Morris is a Fellow at the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution, where she leads research on family engagement in education and coordinates efforts to leverage family, school, and community partnerships to transform educational systems. She also teaches at American University. For two decades, Morris worked with non-profit and community-based organizations, government agencies, and international education institutions in the US, Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia to promote community and family engagement, education technology, youth development, gender and inclusion, and policy implementation. As a parent, she has been engaged in local school advisory efforts to support public schools.

Summit Presenter

Senior Research Assistant
Brookings Institution

Richaa Hoysala is a research associate in the Center for Universal Education within the Global Economy and Development program at Brookings, where she supports research, tool development, and partnerships to advance relational trust and meaningful family, school, and community partnerships. She also helps coordinate the Global Family Engagement in Education Network, a peer-learning community of practice of education actors who discuss and elevate strategies that tackle barriers to engagement. Prior to her current role, Hoysala held teaching, instructional leadership, and program management roles at Columbia World Projects and Teach For India. She holds a Master of Arts in international education development from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Science in economics and mathematics from the University of York.

Summit Presenter

Executive Director
Ohio Commission on Fatherhood-Department of Children and Youth

Kimberly A. Dent is currently the Executive Director of the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood, Ohio Department of Children and Youth. The Ohio Commission on Fatherhood provides funding, makes policy recommendations, trains professionals, and engages the community regarding the vital role fathers play in their children’s lives. Ms. Dent has over 28 years of government experience. During her time with the government, she has served in various capacities in the local and state Child Support Programs. Ms. Dent participated in the Recovery Ohio/Addiction Recovery Supports workgroup, the Governor’s Eliminating Racial Disparities in Infant Mortality, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction’s Family Engagement Advisory Council, and The Ohio State University’s Family Engagement State Advisory Council. She also participates in the National Fatherhood Roundtable. Ms. Dent holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s degree in public policy and administration from Ohio University.

Summit Presenter

Ashiko Hudson is the Project Manager for the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood, within the Ohio Department of Children and Youth. Ashiko possesses over 20 years of professional experience working in state, city and county government, as well as the non-profit sector, with more than 7 years managing fatherhood programs at Action for Children. In his current role, Ashiko oversees all aspects of the commission’s nine See Fathers programs and five Pilot programs. This includes contract management, fiscal oversight, program monitoring and site reviews. As a result of lived experience and his professional background, Ashiko is committed to improving the landscape of fatherhood in Ohio, by advancing OCF’s mission daily. Outside of work, Ashiko is a father of four and enjoys traveling and spending time with his family, children and grandchildren, and watching his youngest play sports. Ashiko also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Franklin University.

Summit Presenter

Ryan Sheppard is the Executive Director of ForeverDads, a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening fathers, families, and communities. Under Ryan’s leadership, ForeverDads has expanded its fatherhood programming across southeastern Ohio, growing from serving families in three counties to nine and significantly increasing the organization’s capacity to support fathers, families and communities. Ryan is passionate about the belief that fatherhood is one of the most influential roles a person can have and that every father deserves the opportunity, support, and encouragement to become the father his children need. His work focuses on helping fathers recognize their value, take accountability for their responsibilities, and build stronger relationships with their children and co-parents. Through his leadership at ForeverDads, Ryan has worked to expand services beyond traditional fatherhood programming to address the broader barriers that can affect family stability, including employment, wellness, relationships, and parenting. He believes that when we invest in fathers, we strengthen families—and when we strengthen families, we strengthen communities. Most importantly, Ryan is a father himself, and he brings to his work the conviction that supporting fathers is not simply a professional responsibility—it is an investment in the lives of children and in the future of our communities.

Ryan is passionate about the belief that fatherhood is one of the most influential roles a person can have and that every father deserves the opportunity, support, and encouragement to become the father his children need. His work focuses on helping fathers recognize their value, take accountability for their responsibilities, and build stronger relationships with their children and co-parents.

Through his leadership at ForeverDads, Ryan has worked to expand services beyond traditional fatherhood programming to address the broader barriers that can affect family stability, including employment, wellness, relationships, and parenting. He believes that when we invest in fathers, we strengthen families—and when we strengthen families, we strengthen communities.

Most importantly, Ryan is a father himself, and he brings to his work the conviction that supporting fathers is not simply a professional responsibility—it is an investment in the lives of children and in the future of our communities.

Summit Presenter

Antonio Smith is an author, professional development coach, and community activist who has reached unimaginable heights, simply because he’s not afraid to fail. Antonio’s experiences and platform have propelled him to do two simple things in life:  create and inspire.

As an inner city kid from Columbus, OH, raised by his caring grandmother, Antonio knew in order to create a better life for him and his family, he had to either excel in academics or athletics. Antonio chose to excel in both.

Antonio graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering from The Ohio State University, and played football for the Buckeyes, winning a national championship in 2002. Antonio also went on to play three seasons in the NFL for the Colts, Lions and Bengals.

Over the last 15 years, Antonio has used the lessons he has learned on and off the field to assist leaders, executives and high performing teams reach their fullest potential. No matter your title or position, Antonio will challenge you to strive to reach higher heights, while  motivating, and inspiring you to be the leader you’ve been called to be! 

Above all, Antonio is a proud and devoted father of two, who considers fatherhood one of his greatest responsibilities and accomplishments. He is intentional about leading by example, instilling confidence, discipline, compassion, and a strong work ethic in his children.

For Antonio, success is not simply about what he achieves, but the legacy he leaves for the next generation.

Summit Presenter

At age 13, Carlos Christian became involved in the drug trade – eventually leading to a 10-year prison sentence. He was incarcerated at the Marion Correctional Institution in Marion, Ohio from age 19 to 29. During his sentence, Mr. Christian dedicated himself to his rehabilitation and becoming a positive role model. He graduated from Marion Technical College, majoring in Business Management, with a 3.83 GPA. In addition, he successfully completed an Administrative Office Technology vocational program. Upon his release, Mr. Christian had support from his friends, family, and a case manager. After he obtained employment, Mr. Christian relocated from Cleveland to Columbus, where he became a homeowner, gained custody of his son, and began to mentor currently incarcerated individuals in penitentiaries and county jails.

During Mr. Christian’s prison sentence, he realized that he had more examples of individuals being released from prison and returning than he had examples of individuals being released from prison and going on to lead positive lives in the community. Mr. Christian co-founded The Starts Within Organization (SWO) in 2011 because of his determination to help currently incarcerated men build the same solid foundation – pre- and post-release – that he was able to build. Mr. Christian began his work with Action for Children in 2013 as a Facilitator for TAPP: Father Factor. Using the Father Factor curriculum, he has helped nearly 7000 fathers across central Ohio. TAPP: Father Factor is about building better parent-child relationships and opening doors to positive communication between co-parents. As a father himself, Mr. Christian knows how impactful fatherhood can be. He understands how a father’s role within a family can positively or negatively affect children’s social
and emotional development. Mr. Christian consistently strives for excellence when working with fathers because he knows that by bettering families, we are bettering the community as a whole.

Mr. Christian has written three books to date: Prison Without Bars It Starts Within, The Walking Logo Taking back my Life and The Greatest Responsibility Becoming the Parent Your Child Deserves. All three books are written as blueprints to accomplish the same level of success that Mr. Christian has been able to experience. Currently Mr. Christian runs The Starts Within Organization full time as the President/CEO that has programs implemented in prisons for adults, county jails, transitional houses, and juvenile facilities in Ohio.

In October 2022 Mr. Christian took the stage at The Lincoln Theater in Columbus, Ohio to deliver his first ever TEDx Talk titled New Underground Railroad: Freedom from Imprisonment. Mr. Christian is committed to the betterment of humanity as a whole and is truly on fire for the improvement of communities across the globe.

Summit Presenter

Co-Director, Center on School, Family, and Community Partnerships
Johns Hopkins University

Steven Sheldon is an Associate Professor in the School of Education and a Co-Director of the Center for School, Family, and Community Partnerships. His research focuses on the predictors and impact of family engagement in children’s education with a focus on the role of school and teacher outreach to families. Sheldon has led program evaluations of family engagement programs and statewide centers for family engagement, as well as district-led community school initiatives. His research examines how school leadership and program evaluation impact the development of school, family, and community partnership programs within schools and school systems. In addition, he has studied the extent to which teacher and school practices such as home visits, on-line communication, and family workshops are associated with family engagement in children’s learning and student outcomes such as student attendance and students’ perceptions of themselves and their school.

Senior Research Associate
Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center

Whitney Gherman is a Senior Research Associate with the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center at The Ohio State University. In this role, she leads initiatives to develop and advance professional learning among schools, district leaders, and other family-facing professionals. With more than a decade of experience as an educator and advocate for youth and families, Whitney supports the Ohio Network of Partnership Schools through capacity-building efforts that help district and school leaders implement research-based family engagement practices. Whitney holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan and a Master of Arts from The Ohio State University.

Summit Presenter

Program Director
Teen Science Cafe / STEM Next Opportunity Fund

Sheila is a transformative leader with over 25 years of experience in youth development, known for elevating the quality of programs that serve children and youth. Her expertise in coaching, training, and mentoring equips educators and program staff with innovative strategies and practical tools. With a keen eye on trends in afterschool and early childhood education, Sheila stays ahead of the curve to ensure excellence in the field. Her dedication to equity and empowering others has been the cornerstone of her impactful and purpose-driven leadership.

Summit Presenter

Program Associate
Teen Science Cafe / STEM Next Opportunity Fund

My love of marine biology and scuba diving sparked a lifelong curiosity about the natural world, and that curiosity has fueled my career in STEM education. Over the past 15+ years, I’ve taken care of dozens of marine species in Aquariums, led summer youth STEM programs, mentored teens, and designed hands-on curriculum that connects students to real-world science. As a Resource Guide for the Teen Science Café Network, I’ve supported the launching of 70+ programs and developed the Teen Catalyst leadership program, guiding teens in public speaking, event coordination, and professional skills. I’m passionate about empowering young people to explore STEM, careers, build confidence, and become future innovators.

Summit Presenter

Senior Research Analyst
The Brookings Institution

Emma Venetis is a senior research analyst with the Center for Universal Education at Brookings, where she supports the AI in Education and Family, School, and Community Engagement initiatives. She previously worked as a monitoring and evaluation specialist, supporting USAID’s Center for Education with data, research, and training on topics such as education program cost analysis, disability-inclusive education, and distance learning. Emma holds a master’s degree in communication.

Summit Presenter

Literacy Specialist
Ohio Department of Children and Youth

Dr. Kristin Farley is the Literacy Specialist at the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY). She firmly believes in the importance of early childhood and is particularly interested in how children develop their reading and writing skills. Kristin studied children’s language and literacy development during her master’s and doctorate programs. She taught preschool for several years before earning her doctorate, then joined the faculty in Wittenberg University’s Education Department working with pre-service teachers. She is now the literacy specialist at DCY where she develops resources for families and professionals to support children’s language and literacy growth.

Summit Presenter

Prinicipal Consultant
The Columbus Foundation

Heather Tsavaris is a nationally recognized leader in community well-being, participatory design, and social innovation. In 2019, she founded The Columbus Foundation’s Designing for Community Well-being Practice and has led its evolution ever since, pioneering philanthropy’s use of community problem-solving to address complex social challenges. Under her leadership, the Practice has conducted more than 50 co-design projects with partners including Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Columbus Metropolitan Library, and Smart Columbus, generating significant follow-on investment in solutions shaped with communities. Tsavaris has also led national co-design efforts with military veterans focused on belonging and purpose after service. Prior to her work in philanthropy and design, she spent 11 years in senior roles at the U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security. Tsavaris holds an MBA from New York University, an MA in International Affairs from George Washington University and has studied design thinking at Stanford.

Summit Presenter

Director of Educational Partnerships/Education Director
Just Equations/LRM Foundation

Dr. Shakiyya Bland is the Founder of the Center for Universal STEM and Humanities, Director of Education at the LRM Foundation, and Director of Educational Partnerships at Just Equations, a national math equity policy institute. She serves on the board of TODOS: Mathematics for ALL. As a 2020–22 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow, Dr. Bland contributed expertise to the U.S. Congress and the Executive Office of the U.S. Department of the Interior. A PreK–12 mathematics educator and district instructional coach, she has been recognized as 2015 Secondary Educator of the Year, 2019 Champion of Equity, and 2025 Call to Action Impact Award recipient. Her work — including a curriculum unit on geometric modeling and food security featured in “High School Mathematics Lessons to Explore, Understand, and Respond to Social Injustice” — reflects her commitment to mathematics education rooted in culture, community, and equity.

Summit Presenter

Finance Director
LRM Foundation

Dr. Julitha Rials brings a distinctive perspective to education, shaped by over 15 years in Corporate America — holding a Bachelor’s in Personnel Administration and an MBA — before answering a deeper calling to the classroom. For the past 22 years, Dr. Rials has focused on mathematics and supporting students with special needs, driven by a passion for inclusive, student-centered learning. She holds a Master’s in Special Education and a Doctorate in School Leadership, and is a Certified Equity Facilitator. In 2020, she was honored as Lawrence Public Schools Secondary Kansas Teacher of the Year. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Rials serves as Finance Director for the LRM Foundation, where she co-leads hands-on STEM initiatives across Douglas County, Kansas, and collaborates closely with the Foundation’s Educational Director on community impact programs. Whether in a classroom, boardroom, or community event, Dr. Rials leads with heart and an unwavering belief that every student deserves to feel seen, supported, and inspired.

Summit Presenter

Director of Family, School, and Community Partnerships
Colorado Department of Education

Darcy Hutchins, Ph.D. in Education Policy from the University of Maryland—College Park, is the Director of Family, School, Community Partnerships for the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). She provides support to districts to implement family partnership programs for student success. In her role at CDE, Dr. Hutchins staffs the State Advisory Council for Parent Involvement in Education (SACPIE). She also teaches in the School of Education at University of Denver and serves on various advisory boards.

Summit Presenter

Assistant Director Family Center and Cultural Excellence in Greeley

David Reyes Jr. is the Assistant Director of the Family Center and Cultural Excellence for Greeley-Evans School District 6. With 20 years of service in the district, he has dedicated his career to advancing educational equity and supporting first-generation, Migrant, and historically underserved students and families.  David has served in leadership roles across GEAR UP, the Migrant Education Program, school administration, and family engagement, with a focus on removing barriers to student success through authentic Family School Community Partnerships. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Educational Leadership from the University of Northern Colorado. David is passionate about empowering schools and communities to build authentic partnerships that remove barriers, elevate family voice, and create equitable opportunities for every student to thrive.  

Summit Presenter

Family School and Community Partnership Coordinator in Fort Collins

Clare Barquero is the Family, School, and Community Partnerships (FSCP) Coordinator for the Department of Language, Culture, and Equity at Poudre School District in Fort Collins, Colorado. With 26 years in education, she has served as a classroom teacher, English Language Development (ELD) teacher, ELD instructional coach, Family Engagement Program Specialist, and FSCP Coordinator. She has also taught English to adult learners. Clare leads districtwide efforts to strengthen partnerships with multilingual families by supporting family liaisons, coordinating language access services, and developing professional learning focused on equitable family engagement. She is passionate about creating welcoming school communities, building staff capacity through professional learning, and ensuring every family has meaningful opportunities to engage in their child’s education.

Summit Presenter

Consultant
SST 11

Barry Bay is a consultant with the State Support Team in Region 11. His focus areas are Instructional Improvement and Family Engagement. Prior to working with SST 11, Barry served 43 years in public education as a teacher, coach and building level administrator.

Summit Presenter

Superintendent
Oakstone Community School

I am the Superintendent of OCS. I began my career as a special education teacher and have been with OCS since it began in 2004. My goal is to continue to bring students and families the support they need to help navigate an ever changing educational world for students with disabilities.

Summit Presenter

Intervention Specialist
Oakstone Community School

I am beginning my fifth year teaching as Intervention Specialist, all of which have been at OCS. I just earned my Transition to Work endorsement in June. My biggest goal is for my students to leave OCS as prepared as they can be for their future.

Summit Presenter

VP Academics
Education Resource Consultants of Ohio/Past SST11 consultant

Dr. Linda Gibson Fletcher is an educational leader committed to strengthening schools through relationships, collaboration, meaningful support, and a belief in the potential of every student. She currently serves as Vice President of Academics for Education Resource Consultants of Ohio (ERCO), supporting community schools through academic oversight, leadership development, professional learning, and continuous improvement. Previously, Dr. Fletcher served for more than seven years as a State Support Team 11 Consultant, partnering with educators, school leaders, families, and communities to improve opportunities and outcomes for students. It was through this work that she partnered with Flex High School and supported its family engagement efforts. Throughout her career, Dr. Fletcher has remained passionate about ensuring that student and family voices are heard and valued. She believes meaningful change begins by listening, building authentic relationships, and creating opportunities for students, families, educators, and communities.

Summit Presenter

Mr. Eric Smith is a Columbus, Ohio native, graduate of Columbus Public Schools, and proud Ohio State University alumnus, where he attended as a scholar athlete. His professional journey reflects a longstanding commitment to service, relationships, and strengthening his community. Eric spent approximately 12 years in social work, supporting children, individuals, and families while connecting them with resources and advocating for their needs. He later transitioned into education, serving as a substitute teacher and paraprofessional before joining Flex High School in 2019. Today, as Community Liaison at Flex High School, Eric builds meaningful relationships among students, families, schools, and community organizations. He develops partnerships, connects families with resources, and creates opportunities that support students both inside and beyond the classroom. Throughout his journey, one commitment has remained constant: serving others. Eric believes strong relationships and community partnerships can create meaningful opportunities for students and families to learn, grow, and thrive.

As a Family Engagement Research Associate, Wesley leads and supports research-based professional development and communities of practice for educators and other family-facing professionals, and leads the Center’s family leadership program. Throughout his professional career, he has worked with youth and families in recreation, sports, and educational settings, including teaching elementary and middle school Physical Education. Wesley received a BA in Coaching and Management, and an MA in Sports Management, both from The Ohio State University. He received his licensure in Health Education and Physical Education from Otterbein University.

Summit Presenter

Director, STEMx network
Battelle Education

Heather Sherman leads the STEMx Network, a national organization managed by Battelle, that brings together state STEM network leaders who collaborate to advance STEM education. Prior to STEMx, she directed the Ohio STEM Learning Network, overseeing STEM school designations and leading the statewide student Design Challenge. In addition to STEMx, Heather leads the $2.3M Manufacturing Pathways Pilot, expanding manufacturing and engineering pathway programs in 21 Ohio districts. Her project management portfolio includes the Manufacturing and Engineering Externship Program (MEEP) and the Ohio Rural Educator Program, designed to help rural teachers infuse agriculture-based authentic learning into their science classrooms. She holds a BA from Roanoke College and an MBA from Franklin University.

Summit Presenter

Implementation Specialist, Stay in the Game Attendance Network
Battelle Education

As the Implementation Specialist for Stay In the Game!, Kat Vaughan collaborates with districts across Ohio to advance attendance improvement efforts through data analysis, strategic planning, professional learning, and peer-to-peer collaboration. She supports the development of sustainable, district-wide attendance structures that promote student engagement, strengthen cross-functional teams, and improve outcomes for all students. Previously, Kat served as the Director of Student Life (K-5) at KIPP Columbus. In this role, she drove strategies to promote equitable learning environment for educationally and economically disenfranchised students. Oversaw a team supporting more than 1100 students in attendance, culture, family engagement and DEI. Kat collaborated with staff to connect students and families with support services. With a background in dance performance and education with a BFA from Ohio University, to a powerful career within a large school community, Kat brings a wealth of knowledge to the Stay in the Game! network.

Summit Presenter

Research Manager
Harvard University

Thelma Ramirez is a researcher at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Her work focuses on elevating caregiving in early care and education and home visiting; integrating family voices and experiences into social and emotional learning; and using participatory action research to honor community knowledge in research and practice. Through her work, Thelma seeks to strengthen relational connections that foster inclusive and safe spaces, empowering the voices of children and families from all backgrounds. Before joining Harvard, Thelma oversaw home‑visiting programs supporting families with young children. She is a certified Infant Family Specialist (II) and a Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework trainer, providing professional development for early childhood educators and family‑serving professionals. Thelma holds an A.B. in Sociology from Princeton University and an Ed.M. in Prevention Science and Practice from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Summit Presenter

School Counselor
Cincinnati Public/ Walnut Hills High School

Becky Junewick serves as a school counselor and department co-chair at Walnut Hills High School, Ohio’s top-ranked public high school. In her leadership role, she helps guide the counseling department’s work supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally as they navigate a rigorous college-preparatory environment.

Becky began her career in social work, partnering with families involved in the foster care system. That early experience shaped a practice grounded in advocacy, trauma awareness, and the understanding that a student’s success is inseparable from the network of support surrounding them. Now in her 11th year as a school counselor, she continues to bring that family-centered lens to her work with students and colleagues.

Having served in both rural and urban school settings, Becky offers a broad perspective on the varied challenges students face and the resources that make a difference – an asset in shaping counseling systems that meet every student where they are.

Summit Presenter

School Counselor
Cincinnati Public/ Walnut Hills High School

Tanya Ficklin brings 30 years of experience in education to her work at Walnut Hills High School, Ohio’s top-ranked public high school. She began her career as a special education teacher, spending eight years supporting students with diverse learning needs before transitioning into school counseling, where she has served for the past 22 years.

Ms. Ficklin has held significant leadership roles throughout her counseling career, serving as Lead School Counselor for Cincinnati Public Schools and as both Chair and Co-Chair of the Walnut Hills Counseling Department. Her expertise has also been recognized at the state level, where she has contributed to several committees and workgroups – including the High School Success & Postsecondary Connections Workgroup, the Advisory Committee for High School Graduation Requirements, and the Graduation and High School Redesign Task Force.

Of all her professional experiences, Ms. Ficklin considers working alongside the innovative team at Walnut Hills to be her greatest.

Summit Presenter

School Counselor
Cincinnati Public/ Walnut Hills High School

William M. Harris, II, is a dedicated Professional School Counselor at Walnut Hills High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he has served since 2020. With a career spanning over three decades, William is a transformational leader and equity advocate known for his trauma-informed, data-driven approach to student success. He seamlessly integrates the ASCA National Model with restorative and trauma-informed practices, ensuring that the 450 students in his caseload receive comprehensive academic, social-emotional, and career guidance.

Before his current role, William served as a Principal Educational Consultant at The Village Institute and held various leadership positions at the University of Cincinnati, where he focused on diversity, inclusion, and community engagement. His commitment to public service is also deeply rooted in his 20-year career as a Captain in the US Army Ohio National Guard. William holds a Master of Arts in Professional School Counseling from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies from the University of Cincinnati.

Summit Presenter

Assistant Principal
Cincinnati Public/ Walnut Hills High School

Dr. Daniel Coleman serves as an assistant principal at Walnut Hills High School, Ohio’s top-ranked public high school, where he provides administrative leadership for the counseling department, the science department, and the school’s continuous improvement work. In this role, he supports the systems and structures that connect academic rigor with student support, ensuring that Walnut Hills’ college-preparatory tradition is matched by responsive, data-informed practice.

Dr. Coleman began his career in the classroom, teaching English for eight years before moving into administration. Now in his eighth year as a school leader, he brings a teacher’s perspective to instructional supervision and a systems-builder’s orientation to school improvement, designing frameworks for intervention, counseling support, and professional development that help both students and staff grow.

His leadership reflects a sustained commitment to equity, continuous improvement, and the belief that strong systems create the conditions for exceptional student outcomes.

Brett Zyromski is an Associate Professor and Program Chair of the Counselor Education Program at The Ohio State University. His scholarship focuses on how school-based counselors can enhance protective factors and positive childhood experiences for students that have experienced adverse childhood experiences, while at the same time deconstructing the systems that create the need for such interventions. His research also explores the impact of socially-just evidence-based interventions in school counseling. Dr. Zyromski has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters related to school counseling issues, delivered over 150 international, national, regional, and local presentations and has served as numerous international and state conference keynote. He co-founded and is co-chair of the annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference (http://www.ebscc.org) and has served as co-primary investigator or project manager for over $12,000,000 worth of federal grants.

Summit Presenter

STEM & Tech Education Advisor
STEM Next Opportunity Fund

Bunmi Esho is a STEM education consultant with a focus on family and community engagement. She has over 20 years of experience in corporate, education and nonprofit sectors in the US and Global South. Bunmi’s previous roles were VP of Programs at Endless, a global edtech nonprofit, California Executive Director at Techbridge Girls and STEM Program Director at Kids City Asia. Bunmi believes in the critical intersection between community, education, and STEM, and in addition to her work, she advises RightOn! Education, was a recent co-chair of the Steering Committee for the National Academy of Engineering’s Pathways into Engineering program, is a Community Founder at The Harbor School, and is part of the External Advisory Council of the University of Texas’ McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering. Bunmi has a bachelor’s in chemical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and a master’s in education from the University of Arizona.

Summit Presenter

Vice President
Beyond School Bells

Alison O’Toole, Ph.D., is Vice President of Beyond School Bells, Nebraska’s statewide afterschool network, housed in the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation (NCFF). A strategic nonprofit leader, she brings expertise in workforce development, grant administration, and statewide youth programming. Since joining NCFF in 2021, she has led the design and scaling of innovative initiatives such as the Engineering Learning Pathways, STEM Family Engagement, and Exploring Career Connections projects. Alison is known for building high-impact partnerships, aligning data with practice, and cultivating near-peer leadership pipelines that uplift rural youth. Her work has helped secure national funding, expand STEM opportunities, and influence thought leadership in expanded learning. A systems thinker and responsive leader, she blends research, evaluation, and practical experience to shape programs.