2024 Annual Summit

Thank you to all who attended our Summit! Recordings from the event are available below.

The Ohio Family Engagement Leadership Summit is a day of professional learning and networking with those dedicated to advancing effective family-school-community partnerships across Ohio and beyond. Our Summit brings research to action by providing schools, families, and community partners with the tools they need to work together to launch all children to success. If you are a teacher, leader, family liaison, parent/caregiver, or community partner looking for opportunities to design better family-school partnerships, this free, virtual summit is for you! The 2024 keynote speaker was Dr. Katie Novak.

9:00 a.m.

Welcome

Dr. Ana-Paula Correia
Dr. Ana-Paula Correia
Barabara Boone
Dr. Barbara Boone
Director Stephen D. Dackin
Stephen Dackin

9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

Keynote

Dr. Katie Novak
Dr. Katie Novak

Universally Designing Family Engagement

*In addition to her keynote presentation, Dr. Novak held an Office Hour on Monday, September 23, 2024. This free event replicated virtually those moments at a conference when you would connect with a presenter to ask a follow-up question or share an idea.

Session Materials

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Concurrent Learning Sessions #1

Dr. Brett Zyromski
Dr. Brett Zyromski

Families and Schools: Building Hope and Belonging Together By Design

Students that have high levels of Hope and Belonging are successful at school and in life. Participants will learn about the science of Hope and the ways that Belonging is a superpower for students. Participants will leave the session with practical insights into how we can all intentionally design effective strategies within schools, communities, and/or with our families to help build Hope and Belonging for our students and adults.
 
 
Carly Gilson
Dr. Carly Gilson

Engaging and Supporting Families of Students with Disabilities in the Post-School Transition Process

Attendees will learn about the importance of family, school, and community engagement to equip students with disabilities for a successful transition into adulthood.

Attendees will learn about ways to utilize person- and family-centered planning to engage with students and their families during the traditional Individualized Education Program (IEP) process.

Attendees will gain knowledge of tools and strategies they can use to navigate these collaborative relationships in school and community settings.

Key take-aways will be informed by the latest research in the area of family engagement for students with disabilities and collaborative transition planning.
 
Barabara Boone
Dr. Barbara Boone
Dr. Hadley Bachman
Dr. Hadley Bachman

Designing for All: Leading Strong Tier One Family Engagement Practices in Your School

Join Dr. Barbara Boone and Dr. Hadley Bachman for a preview of the upcoming Leading Multi-Tiered Family Engagement Institute in July 2025! Our presentation will help you design strong tier one family engagement, emphasizing proactive, collaborative, and family-centered strategies. Discover how to apply universal design to meet the strengths, preferences, and needs of all families in a school population. Learn about the Multi-Tiered Approach to Family Engagement Planning Guide, and explore tools for setting student outcome goals and developing effective universal strategies based on what families really want and need. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn leadership strategies for designing multi-tiered family engagement in your school!

*Note: We recommend reviewing our 2022 Summit session in advance to build background knowledge, but this is not required.

Session Materials

Dr. Rachel Renbarger
Dr. Rachel Renbarger
Dr. Felix Fernandez
Dr. Felix Fernandez

Supporting Districts' Collaboration with Families and CBOs: New Evidence-Based Resources

How can you support school districts in using best practices in collaborating with families and community-based organizations? Join researchers from FHI 360 on new resources created from equity-focused desk research, case studies, and conversations with experts around the country. This session features their Connected & Engaged online guide, an online toolkit that highlights opportunities for districts to use research-based strategies to foster authentic family and community collaboration. This interactive session will feature a variety of tools, such as videos, strategy briefs, and online resources to help districts foster collaborative decision-making, build trust, strengthen commitment and values, and develop capacity and infrastructure. Participants will explore the resources and identify ways they can use them for their work for their particular community.

Session Materials

Florrie Fei-Yin Ng
Dr. Florrie Fei-Yin Ng

Working with Families from Diverse Cultural Backgrounds: An Asian Perspective

In this session, we will focus on parental involvement and discuss factors that may foster or hinder involvement by parents from diverse cultural backgrounds, especially those from Asian cultures. Emphasis will be placed on understanding parental involvement from these parents’ perspectives and exploring ways to empower them.

Sarah Deshon
Sarah DeShon
Wesley Owens
Wesley Owens

Family Engagement: How it Can Be Designed for Out-of-School Time Programs

Participants will learn how family engagement can be redesigned for out-of-school time programs. They will hear about real-world experiences from 21stCentury Community Learning Center program managers who took part in the 21st Century Advancing Family Engagement program. Participants will reflect on ways they can design or redesign family engagement in their out-of-school time programs.

Session Materials

Thomas Capretta
Thomas Capretta
Max Zhang
Max Zhang

Partnering with Families to Reduce Absenteeism: Approaches for Attendance Teams

Chronic absenteeism is not just a challenge for schools but is now being discussed in major news publications, inviting all to consider solutions. Associated with negative academic and life outcomes and disproportionate impact on underserved student populations, in this session, we offer that addressing absenteeism with families as partners is essential in building shared expectations and identifying unique solutions to unique barriers. Together we will examine practical, accessible, and research-informed guidance for schools to tackle the persistent challenge of student attendance in education through high-quality partnerships with families.

Session Materials

12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Leading District-Wide Family Engagement using the Partnership Schools Approach

Leading District-Wide Family Engagement using the Partnership Schools Approach

Jhuma Acharya
Jhuma Acharya
Catherine Thomas
Catherine Thomas
Stancy Sykes
Stancy Sykes
Holly Christie
Dr. Holly Christie
Jhuma Acharya
Jhuma Acharya
Catherine Thomas
Catherine Thomas
Stancy Sykes
Stancy Sykes
Holly Christie
Dr. Holly Christie

Join us for a lunch panel presentation featuring leaders from the Ohio Network of Partnership Schools, a group dedicated to fostering strong connections among families, schools, and communities. Drawing on the work of Dr. Joyce Epstein from Johns Hopkins University, this approach is rooted in the belief that when families, schools, and communities work together, students benefit academically, socially, and behaviorally, with notable improvements in attendance and overall outcomes. In this session, you’ll hear firsthand from district and school leaders who have successfully implemented this partnership model.

12:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Special Afternoon Session with Dr. Epstein (2 Hours)

Dr. Joyce Epstein
Dr. Joyce Epstein

Excellent and Equitable Programs of Family and Community Engagement:  Lessons Learned on Design and Structure

Research and field work over 25 years in highly diverse communities taught 7 lessons about the design and conduct of goal-linked programs of family and community engagement.  With this information, district, region, and state Leaders for Partnerships can guide ALL schools to plan, implement, and continually improve their partnership programs.  The goal is to ensure that ALL families feel welcome as partners in their children’s education across grade levels, and that ALL students benefit from the support of home, school, and community. Time for Q & A: Your questions for me and my questions for you.

Session Materials

12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Concurrent Learning Sessions #2

Dr. Gabrielle Johnson
Dr. Gabrielle Johnson
Krisa Rhodes
Krisa Rhodes
Paula Drummer
Paula Drummer

Building Trust with Families Before, During, and Beyond Special Education Evaluation

This session focuses on establishing and maintaining trust between educators and families throughout the special education process. We will explore strategies to foster open communication and mutual respect from the initial stages of evaluation throughout the entire educational journey. Participants will learn how to engage families as active partners, address concerns with sensitivity, and create a collaborative environment that prioritizes the child’s needs. The session will emphasize culturally responsive practices and offer practical tips to ensure that families feel supported, valued, and heard at every step. We intend to equip attendees with the tools to build lasting relationships that extend beyond the evaluation, contributing to positive educational outcomes and a stronger school community.

Session Materials

Janis Bellon
Janis Bellon
Ana Martinez
Ana Martinez
Kelli Perrin
Kelli Perrin

Bring The Village to the Schoolhouse-One District's Multi-Prong Approach to Family Engagement

This session will demonstrate how Princeton City Schools used its equity goals to change its approach when reaching out to stakeholders. The session will also discuss the importance of the community partnerships surrounding Princeton to create engagement opportunities, and the necessity of creating a cadre of parent leaders from underrepresented communities.

Session Materials

Laura Gardner
Laura Gardner

Designing Family Engagement with Immigrant and Refugee Families in Mind: 4 Key Strategies

Engaging immigrant and refugee families in their children’s education definitely takes thought and planning and does not happen by chance. In this session, participants will

1) Gain awareness of the journeys, strengths, and challenges of immigrant families, particularly in regards to schools; and

2) Discover strategies and replicable practices in regards to language access, partnering with local immigrant and refugee organizations, and creating welcoming schools.

Session Materials

Dr. Eric Anderman
Dr. Eric Anderman

How Schools and Families Can Promote Academic Success in Adopted Students

In this session, attendees will learn about some of the challenges that students who are domestically or internationally adopted experience with their academic work. The goal of the session is to inform school personnel and families about some of these unique challenges, so that they can partner more effectively to promote students’ academic success.

Session Materials

Dr. Meredith Wellman
Dr. Meredith Wellman
Louise Fecicuh
Louise Feciuch
Jovanna Tyree
Jovanna Tyree
Suzy Marquis
Suzy Marquis
Rochelle Wilkerson
Rochelle Wilkerson
Karen Valenza
Karen Valenza

Three Ohio Districts Share about Implementing the Research-Based Partnerships for Literacy Program

Partnerships for Literacy© is a program for elementary schools developed by the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center at OSU. In this session, you will hear from educators in Kent City Schools, Columbus City Schools, and Brooklyn City Schools who participated in a Seminar with the OSU team to become internal facilitators of the program during the 2023-24 school year. They will share about how they are taking what they learned and applying it/adapting it within their schools! Participants will walk away with OSU’s free implementation guide, and examples of how schools have strategically designed their efforts to engage families in early literacy development. In addition, participants will learn about how to become a Partnerships for Literacy Facilitator using a new self-paced online seminar.

Session Materials

Keith Langford
Keith Langford
Jill Damore
Jill Damore

Enhancing Family Engagement with the BEAT Team and ONPS

Discover how the Boulevard Elementary Action Team (BEAT) is leading the way in improving school-wide family engagement by implementing the Ohio Network of Partnership Schools (ONPS) approach. This session will showcase BEAT’s innovative strategies to boost engagement and enhance learning through stronger family-school partnerships. Learn how BEAT’s collaborative efforts are creating a more inclusive, supportive environment for all students.

Session Materials

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Concurrent Learning Sessions #3

Sarah Deshon
Sarah DeShon
Whitney Gherman
Whitney Gherman

PD Party!: Designing Your Vision for Effective Family Engagement Professional Learning

Join us for a lively and interactive session designed just for family engagement specialists who are passionate about professional development! Get ready to reflect, connect, and create in this hands-on workshop. We’ll dive into your own PD experiences, uncover the secrets of adult learning principles, and discover what makes professional development truly top-notch.
 
Kick off with some personal reflection on your own PD journey. What worked? What didn’t? Let’s learn from each other! Team up with your peers to explore the principles of adult learning and pinpoint those high-quality PD indicators that make a real difference. Throughout the presentation, access a treasure trove of resources to supercharge your PD plans. Finally, put your creative hats on! You’ll craft a vision statement for your own setting, then give and receive constructive feedback to fine-tune your masterpiece.
 
This session is all about engaging, exchanging ideas, and leaving with actionable insights Let’s make PD fun and impactful together!
 
Catherine Thomas
Catherine Thomas

The Blueprint for Strong School, Family, and Community Partnership: Training & Technical Assistance

Attendees will learn about the “blueprint” that Universal Pre-Kindergarten uses to ensure successful school, family and community partnerships in early childhood settings throughout Cuyahoga County including public and private preschools, Head Start programs, community-based programs and family child care homes.
 
This “blueprint” includes providing training and technical assistance to principals, educators, community members and families (the Action Teams) on the National Network of Partnership Schools framework for family engagement and using themes to guide the work of the Action Teams and build best practices.
 
Yesenia Alvarez Padilla
Yesenia Alvarez Padilla

Exploring resources and strategies to enhance family engagement with multilingual families

This interactive session provides strategies and resources for promoting family engagement with multilingual families. Participants will reflect on their current family engagement practices and explore various strategies and resources to enhance these practices including the Family Roadmap developed by the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center. This resource includes videos and interactive pages on various education topics to empower families to empower families to partner with schools and support their child’s learning.

Session Materials

Jhuma Acharya
Jhuma Acharya

Building Trust, Communication, and Leadership with Multilingual Families in Licking Heights Schools

The presentation will focus on the NNPS approach implemented in our district and outline our family outreach and engagement strategies for multilingual families. As Licking Heights rapidly evolves demographically, it is crucial to tailor engagement strategies to meet the diverse cultural needs of our community. This presentation will showcase our model for effectively engaging multilingual families, ensuring that our approaches are inclusive and responsive to the community’s unique needs.

Session Materials

Fan Xu
Dr. Fan Xu
Wesley Owens
Wesley Owens

AI: A tool for teachers that saves time and builds partnerships with families

In an era where educators are increasingly tasked with balancing administrative duties and fostering meaningful family engagement, AI offers a powerful solution to streamline communication and enhance collaboration between schools and families. This presentation will explore practical ways teachers and administrators can harness AI tools, such as ChatGPT, to efficiently create and customize report card comments, newsletters, and emails, ensuring clear and easy-to-understand communication. We’ll discuss how AI can help educators draft text, simplify language, and shorten messages for app-based platforms, making information more accessible to families. Additionally, we’ll examine the role of AI in providing conversation tips, practicing stressful phone calls, and preparing for parent-teacher conferences, ultimately saving time and reducing stress for educators. Through real-world examples and actionable strategies, participants will learn how AI can be integrated into daily routines to not only save time but also strengthen partnerships with families, creating a supportive educational environment that benefits everyone.

Session Materials

Karla Poole
Karla Poole
Donniecia Cummings
Donniecia Cummings
Tiana Lee
Tiana Lee

Empowering Families: Strengthening Communities Through Leadership, Advocacy, and School Partnerships

In our presentation at the Ohio Family Engagement Leadership Summit, attendees will gain valuable insights into the transformative impact of the Central Ohio Parent Leadership Training Institute (COPLTI). We will share practical strategies for empowering parents and children through leadership training, advocacy, and civic engagement. Attendees will learn how to foster strong family-school-community partnerships by equipping parents with the tools they need to advocate effectively for their children’s education and well-being. Our session will also highlight successful community projects led by our alumni, showcasing how these initiatives drive systemic change and improve educational outcomes. By the end of the presentation, participants will have actionable ideas to enhance family engagement in their communities and schools.
 

Watch Recordings from Prior Years

Dr. Ana-Paula Correia

Ana-Paula Correia

Director
The Center on Education and Training for Employment

Ana-Paula Correia, Ph.D., is the director of the Center on Education and Training for Employment. She has more than 25 years of experience in learning design and instructional systems technology. Specifically, Dr. Correia’s expertise lies in learning design, online and mobile learning, collaborative learning, and entrepreneurial education. Her work has been published in top-tier academic journals, such as Educational Technology Research & DevelopmentTeachers College RecordBritish Journal of Educational TechnologyJournal of Computer Assisted LearningComputers in Human Behavior, and Distance Education. She has published over 100 journal articles and book chapters in three different languages: English, Portuguese, and Spanish. In 2018 she published the book, Teaching Online Simplified: A Quick Guide for Instructors, intended to serve as a practical guide or “handbook” for those with limited or no prior knowledge of teaching and education but are interested in online teaching.

Dr. Correia is also a Professor of Learning Technologies in the Department of Educational Studies at The Ohio State University. She leads the Learning and Experience Design Research Group, a group dedicated to investigating learning design processes and pedagogies to create deep learning. She was the Faculty Co-Coordinator of the Masters of Learning Technologies until September 2021. Launched in August 2016, this program is ranked 10th in the U.S. News and World Report rankings.

Dr. Correia has been involved with research projects funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Pappajohn Center/Kauffman Foundation, and the U.S. Department of Education. Her research was awarded for excellence several times by the Association for Educational Communication and Technology as well as the Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education. She has delivered innumerable presentations at local, national, and international conferences.

Dr. Correia earned her Masters and Ph.D. in Instructional Systems Technology from Indiana University-Bloomington. For more information, visit her professional website

Research Interests

  • Learning Technologies
    • Learning Design
    • Learner Experience Design
    • Collaborative Learning
    • Online Learning and Teaching
    • Entrepreneurship in Learning Technologies
  • Educational Statistics and Research Methods
    • Mixed Method
    • Correlational Studies
    • Naturalistic Inquiry

 

Barabara Boone

Barbara Boone

Program Director
Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center

Barbara Boone, Ph.D., is the Program Director for Family Engagement Programs at The Ohio State University, Center on Education and Training for Employment and is the Director of the federally funded Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center. In this role, Barbara leads a team conducting family engagement initiatives creating professional development and tools, providing technical assistance, and conducting research to promote high impact family engagement for all Ohio students. Barbara has enjoyed helping thousands of families and educational professionals grow, and her own family of five, and local schools too. A New Jersey native, Barbara is an avid hiker and beekeeper. You can reach her at boone.32@osu.edu, and find her on Twitter at @boonebbuzz.

Director Stephen D. Dackin

Stephen D. Dackin

Director
Ohio Department of Education and Workforce

Preparing students for success means understanding the connections between the classroom, real-world experiences, and the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed for a bright future. With more than 40 years working in multiple educational settings, Stephen D. Dackin has amassed extensive experience in state education policy, instructional leadership, postsecondary education, and workforce readiness.

Director Dackin’s career has been guided by a personal focus to work in service to children and families. Prior to being appointed as director of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Director Dackin served in roles ranging from a classroom educator, school and district leader, and at the former Ohio Department of Education, the State Board of Education, and in higher education.

At the local level, Director Dackin worked in central Ohio school districts to advance achievement opportunities for all students. During his time in Reynoldsburg City Schools, he worked as a high school principal, assistant superintendent, and the district superintendent. Under his leadership, the district markedly improved student performance, including performance among minority and economically disadvantaged students, while reducing spending. During his tenure, the district developed one of the nation’s largest science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs, which served more than a third of the district’s students. He led a districtwide transformation of Reynoldsburg’s large, comprehensive high school into four, grades 9-14 college and career academies, each aligned to clusters of careers that are important to Ohio’s economic development plans.

Director Dackin understands the challenges and opportunities our young people and their parents and guardians face in effectively navigating the educational and workforce systems for their children. He brought this expertise to his position as superintendent of school and community partnerships for Columbus State Community College. He bolstered initiatives to grow a number of Columbus State Community College partnerships and programs originating from the Central Ohio Compact, a regional strategy initiative focused on a goal that 60% of central Ohio adults hold postsecondary degrees or credentials by 2025.

He continues to elevate the role partnerships play in achieving statewide goals, and is a member of several education, community, and workforce boards.

Education is part of the fabric of the Dackin family. Director Dackin’s wife, Susan, is a retired educator and they are the proud parents of two daughters, one of whom is an educator and the other an attorney, both in Central Ohio. Director Dackin enjoys golfing, cycling, and spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. 

Katie Novak Headshot

Katie Novak

Katie Novak, Ed.D., is an internationally renowned education consultant, author, graduate instructor at the University of Pennsylvania, and a former Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Massachusetts. With 20 years of experience in teaching and administration, an earned doctorate in curriculum and teaching, and fourteen published books, Katie designs and presents workshops both nationally and internationally focusing on the implementation of inclusive practices, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), and universally designed leadership. Novak’s work has impacted educators worldwide as her contributions and collaborations have built upon the foundation for an educational framework that is critical for student success.

Dr. Novak is the author of the best-selling books, UDL Now! A Teacher’s Guide to Applying Universal Design for Learning in Today’s Classrooms, Innovate Inside the Box, with George Couros, Equity by Design, with Mirko Chardin, and The Shift to Student-Led with Catlin Tucker.

Dr. Brett Zyromski

Brett Zyromski

Associate Professor; Program Chair
The Ohio State University

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.

Carly Gilson

Carly Gilson

Associate Professor of Special Education
The Ohio State University

Dr. Carly Blustein Gilson is an Associate Professor of Special Education in the Department of Educational Studies at The Ohio State University. She has published more than 40 peer reviewed publications focused on preparing students with disabilities for the post-school transition process. Specifically, her research interests center on equipping adolescents and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) for integrated employment and inclusive higher education; supporting individuals and families through the school-to-work transition; and equipping strong educational team collaborations among secondary special education teachers and paraprofessionals.
 
Dr. Gilson received her Ph.D. in special education from Vanderbilt University, with a focus on Severe Disabilities. She began her career as a middle school special education teacher in Atlanta and a college and career instructor in Boston.
Dr. Hadley Bachman

Hadley Bachman

Research Administration Management Consultant
Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center

Hadley Bachman, Ph.D., is a Research Administration Management Consultant at the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center, where she spearheads efforts to advance research, professional development, and the acquisition of grants and sponsored projects. In her role, she manages and implements large-scale professional learning projects of state, national, and international significance. Hadley holds a Ph.D. (2023) in Educational Studies specializing in Educational Administration from The Ohio State University. Before joining Ohio State, she was an English teacher and principal, serving in these roles for 14 years. When she’s not working, Hadley spends time outdoors with her husband, daughter, and dog. You can reach her at bachman.33@osu.edu, and find her online on LinkedIn and Twitter at @HadleyBachman

Dr. Rachel Renbarger

Rachel Renbarger

Research Scientist
FHI 360

Rachel Renbarger, PhD, is an educational researcher at FHI360, a global nonprofit focused on improving human wellbeing. Raised in a rural and low-income household, Renbarger obtained her teaching licensure to serve the students from her hometown. Upon recognizing the need for increased support for teachers and schools to ensure all students succeed, she obtained her PhD in Educational Psychology from Baylor University to study resilience and systemic change. Renbarger now works to improve research methods in education, prioritizing equity and criticality. Her current work includes systematic review, meta-analysis, and mixed methods research along with evaluation all for the goal of improving public education. She lives in Durham, North Carolina with her husband, baby daughter Lily, and two cats. In her free time she loves trying new foods, reading, hiking, kayaking, and traveling the world. You can email her at rrenbarger@fhi360.org.

Dr. Felix Fernandez

Felix Fernandez

Principal Research Scientist
FHI 360

Felix Fernandez, PhD, Principal Research Scientist at FHI 360, has over 15 years conducting research on education technologies, dropout prevention, college and career readiness, and family and community collaboration with specific focus towards underserved communities. Dr. Fernandez is an expert at translating research findings to practical applications, data visualizations, and the design and implementation of rigorous multi-method program evaluations.

Florrie Fei-Yin Ng

Florrie Fei-Yin Ng

Professor
Department of Educational Psychology

Prof. Florrie Ng is Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Educational Psychology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She received a Ph.D. in developmental psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She was a postdoctoral fellow at New York University and the City University of New York Graduate Center. She was an Associate Editor of Child Development, the flagship journal of the Society for Research in Child Development. Prof. Ng grew up in Hong Kong and has lived in the U.S. for a number of years. Her research is concerned with understanding the role of parents in children’s development across cultures. She is particularly interested in how parents’ cultural values may shape their cognitions and practices and thereby, contribute to children’s academic and socioemotional functioning. Her research has been featured in overseas and local media, including the ABC, BBC, New York Times, and Al Jazeera English.

Sarah Deshon

Sarah DeShon

Family Engagement Learning Coordinator
Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center

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 equitable family engagement. 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.

Wesley Owens

Wesley Owens

Senior Research Associate
Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center

Wesley Owens is a Family Engagement Research Associate at the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center. In his role, he leads and supports research-based professional development for out-of-school personnel, other family-facing professionals, and for families. In his professional career, Wesley has worked with youth and families in recreation, sports, and educational settings.
 
Wesley received a BA in Coaching and Management, and a MA in Sports Management, both from The Ohio State University. He received his licensure in Health Education and Physical Education from Otterbein University. Prior to joining the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center in 2023, Wesley taught Physical Education for seven years and was the enrollment coordinator and community liaison for two years at a K-8 school in Columbus, OH.
Thomas Capretta

Thomas Capretta

Researcher
Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center

Thomas Capretta, MPA, is a researcher and project coordinator at the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center, part of the Center on Education and Training for Employment at The Ohio State University. Pursuing a PhD in Educational Studies, he focuses on the philosophy and history of education. Capretta manages the Ohio Family and Community Engagement Network, working to enhance the professional practice of family-facing professionals and addressing state and federal education policies, especially for students with exceptionalities.
 
Previously, Capretta supported schools and districts at the Ohio Department of Education, aiding students in foster care and coordinating statewide family and community engagement strategies. A Cleveland native, he holds a BA in religious studies and applied ethics from Seton Hall University and taught 4th and 5th grade as a Teach for America corps member. Capretta earned his MPA from the John Glenn College of Public Affairs and lives in Columbus with his cats and records.
Max Zhang

Jingyang (Max) Zhang

Lab Coordinator
The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Jingyang (Max) Zhang is a Ph.D. candidate in the Educational Psychology program at OSU’s College of Education and Human Ecology. Max previously worked as a graduate research associate at the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center, where he studied and wrote about (1) the roles and voices of adolescent students in family-school partnerships and (2) strategies based on family-school partnerships for addressing chronic absenteeism and improving student attendance. Currently working as a lab coordinator in the Educational Psychology program at the Chinese University of Hong Kong while conducting his dissertation study, Max is also passionate about how family engagement and school-family partnerships shape the academic and occupational aspirations and motivation of middle- and high-school students across cultures.

Jhuma Acharya

Jhuma Acharya

Family Engagement and DEI specialist
Licking Heights Local Schools

Jhuma Acharya has over 12 years of experience working with multilingual families in Central Ohio. A former refugee from Bhutan, Jhuma brings a personal understanding of these families’ challenges.
As a School-Family Engagement and DEI Specialist at Licking Heights Schools, Jhuma focuses on creating strong, culturally appropriate connections between schools and diverse families. He has a master’s degree in social work and is a Ph.D. student at OSU College of Social Work. He concentrates on developing effective engagement strategies for refugee and immigrant families through community-based participatory research to ensure that strategies are co-created with families to reflect their unique cultural backgrounds.
Jhuma believes building partnerships between schools and communities fosters a sense of belonging, enhances family engagement, and improves academic outcomes. Jhuma aims to enhance the educational experience for all students and foster an environment where every family feels valued and connected. He is a resident of Blacklick.
Catherine Thomas

Catherine Thomas

Director of Universal Pre-Kindergarten
Starting Point

Catherine Thomas, M.Ed. serves as the Director of Universal Pre-Kindergarten with Starting Point, the leading expert in quality child care, early education, and out of school time resources in Northeast Ohio. Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK), funded by Invest in Children, is Cuyahoga County’s award-winning program that helps 3-5-year-olds have access to high quality preschool. Catherine has worked with the Universal Pre-Kindergarten program since its inception in 2007. In her previous role as the UPK Family Engagement Coordinator, Catherine provided training and technical assistance to principals, administrators, teachers, and families members on the National Network of Partnership Schools (NNPS) family engagement framework. Under her leadership, UPK has received 6 Organization Awards from NNPS for excellence in school, family, and community partnership activities and has been highlighted in seven NNPS Promising Practices Publications. Catherine has presented at national conferences on various topics including involving fathers.

Stancy Sykes

Stancy Sykes

Family and Community Engagement, Coordinator

Stancy Sykes began her educational career at the university level, guiding students from orientation to graduation. She has worked as an educational specialist, college access advocate, and recruiter, promoting college-going culture in various communities. Currently, Ms. Sykes is with Akron Public Schools, focusing on systemic and sustainable family-school partnerships at the district level. Previously, she served as an elementary school administrator and intervention specialist. Ms. Sykes has represented the district on several committees, including Harvard University’s Proving Ground network, the Ohio Department of Education’s Mathematics Content Advisory Committee, and the Cleveland Browns Foundation’s Stay in the Game initiative. She is also a board member of the Salvation Army and Child Guidance & Family Solutions.

Holly Christie

Holly Christie

Director of Student Support Programs
Mansfield City Schools

Dr. Holly Christie is starting her 32nd year in education with the Mansfield City Schools. She has served as the Director of Student Support Programs for the last seven years. In addition to her responsibilities for monitoring state and federal funding, she is responsible for supporting students in the district experiencing homelessness, learning English, with gifted identification, and in the justice system. Dr. Christie has experience consulting with non-public schools, 21st Century Community Learning Center programming, Open Doors Academy (ODA) programs, and assisted in implementing a School-Based Health Care in one of the schools in her district. She is passionate about engaging families and community partners through a partnership process she learned when training with Dr. Joyce Epstein,  Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center, and the National Network Partnership Schools (NNPS). Her classroom experience teaching kindergarten and first grade laid the foundation for her work as a Teacher Leader later in her teaching career. She has found her work as an administrator of State and Federal funding to be challenging but just as rewarding as being in the classroom.

Dr. Joyce Epstein

Joyce Epstein

Co-Director
Johns Hopkins University – National Network of Partnership Schools (NNPS)

Joyce L. Epstein, Ph.D. in sociology from Johns Hopkins University, is Director of the Center on School, Family, and Community Partnerships and Professor of Education in the Johns Hopkins University School of Education. In 1995,she established the National Network of Partnership Schools(NNPS), which provides professional development for leaders to develop research-based programs of family and community engagement. She has over one hundred fifty publications including School, Family, and Community Partnerships: Your Handbook for Action, 4th Edition (2019)and a textbook for college courses, School, Family, and Community Partnerships: Preparing Educators and Improving Schools, 2nd Edition. (2011). Dr. Epstein was named a Fellow of the American Educational Research Association in 2009 and received the Elizabeth Cohen Award for Applied Research (2009) from AERA’s Sociology of Education Special Interest Group. In all of her work she is interested in the connections of research, policy, and practice.

Dr. Gabrielle Johnson

Gabrielle Johnson

Research Administration Management Consultant
Center on Education and Training for Employment (CETE)
The Ohio State University

Dr. Gabrielle Johnson is a Research Administration Management Consultant at the Center on Education and Training for Employment (CETE) where she works as a member of the Equity, Engagement, and Evaluation Team. Dr. Johnson possesses a longtime passion for the pursuit of equity, social justice, and systemic change in education which led her to earn her PhD in Educational Studies, with a focus on School Psychology from The Ohio State University. Dr. Johnson is a core leader of CETE’s Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) Movement and serves as an advisory member of the REDI Steering Team. Dr. Johnson is an Ohio Licensed School Psychologist and leverages her experience in this field as director of the Parent Mentor Oversight & Professional Development Program, CETE’s leadership of Ohio’s Parent Mentor Project.

Krisa Rhodes

Krisa Rhodes

Parent Mentor

Krisa Rhodes is a Parent Mentor of 3 years. But, first and foremost, she is the mother of 3 children: Mikayla (24) who received her master’s in special education this year and is teaching in Logan, Ohio; Zain (20) who attends the Adult Success Program-Transition Program through the Muskingum Valley ESC, and Ashtin (15), a sophomore at Sheridan High School. Krisa has been a social worker for over 25 years serving children’s services in Fairfield County in multiple positions such as long-term care case management and Parent Project Instructor for the Visitation Center that served at-risk youth and their families. Krisa has found the Parent Mentor position to be her dream job as it finally meets her personal goal of assisting families of Special Needs children as she describes being a Special Needs parent as one of the toughest and most rewarding roles a person can have.

Paula Drummer

Paula Drummer

Parent Mentor

Paula Drummer is a Parent Mentor with a passion for supporting families as they navigate through the complexities of the special education system. With firsthand experience as a parent of a child with exceptional needs, she understands the unique challenges and emotions that come with advocating for a child’s educational rights. Her passion lies in supporting and providing resources to families, particularly those with students who have more complex needs. Before entering this field, Paula built a career in the pharmaceutical industry, holding a BA in Chemistry. This background provides her with a strong analytical and problem-solving skill set, which she now applies to her work in special education. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Janis Bellon

Janis Bellon

EL Coordinator
Princeton City Schools

Janis Bellon has worked with English Learner populations for nearly two decades, across three states and from people that have lived on every continent. The one commonality that Bellon finds amongst students and families from various nations is this – they all have needs to be met, and they want someone who will listen to their stories. Bellon has worked with Princeton City Schools and Hamilton County ESC for four years, and enjoys working with the English Learner community, and its teachers, in the Cincinnati area.

Ana Martinez

Ana Martinez

Bilingual Parent Liaison Family Engagement Leader
Princeton City Schools

Ana Martinez. With over 25 years of experience working with the community and 15 years in education, my journey began in a diverse community in New York City. I later brought my expertise to Cincinnati, Ohio, where I have been actively engaged with the community for over 19 years. My personal challenges in navigating the education system highlighted the need for support, inspiring me to become a family engagement leader and parent advocate. I co-host various successful family engagement programs focused on education and community empowerment. I introduced and co-lead several successful family and community engagement programs that address the diverse needs of our community. Some notable programs include the Hispanic Heritage Festival, 2nd Cup of Coffee, and Parent Academy. I am excited to share my experiences and learn from all of you. Thank you for the opportunity to connect.

Kelli Perrin

Kelli Perrin

Director of English Learner Services
Princeton City Schools

With over 30 years of experience in education, Kelli Perrin has established a career specializing in advancing English Learners (EL) in urban school districts. As the Director of English Learners at Princeton City Schools, Kelli leads initiatives that focus on family engagement and community involvement, including the successful Parent Academy.
 
Kelli’s leadership in the Parent Academy fosters collaboration between home and school, empowering families to support their children’s education. The program provides resources and workshops that equip parents to navigate the educational system effectively.
 
As an educational consultant and advocate, Kelli champions best practices to support EL students’ success. She has presented at numerous conferences, sharing insights that have positively impacted students and educators. Her commitment to educational equity is demonstrated through comprehensive family engagement initiatives.
Laura Gardner

Laura Gardner

Founder and CEO
Immigrant Connections

Laura has 20 years of experience working in education, refugee resettlement, and social work. While in education, she worked as a district level manager for immigrant family and community engagement as well as a school social worker. Laura also worked for Bridging Refugee Youth and Children’s Services (BRYCS) managing their national technical assistance initiative to federal Refugee School Impact Grantees. Laura has facilitated professional development on building the capacity of teachers and school systems to engage immigrant families in their children’s education, language access, cultural competency, equity, unaccompanied immigrant children, immigrant family reunification, and refugee resettlement. Laura holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Columbia University and a Bachelor’s degree in Education. Laura founded Immigrant Connections in 2017.
Dr. Eric Anderman

Eric Anderman

Professor
The Ohio State University

Eric Anderman is Professor of Educational Psychology at The Ohio State University. His research focuses on student academic motivation. He has several programs of research, including studies of (a) adolescent risk-taking behavior, (b) academic integrity (i.e., cheating), and (c) academic success in domestically and internationally adopted youth. He also conducts research on violence perpetrated against educators. He is a fellow of both the American Psychological Association and the American Educational Research Association. He is the editor of the journal Theory into Practice, and he co-edited the Visible Learning Guide to Student Achievement with John Hattie, and the 2016 Handbook of Educational Psychology. He is the co-author of three textbooks, and has published over 150 peer-reviewed articles and invited chapters. His research has been featured in numerous media outlets, including CBS News, NBC News (Dateline NBC), CNN, NPR, The Huffington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and New York magazine.

Dr. Meredith Wellman

Meredith Wellman

Program Manager
Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center

Dr. Meredith Wellman has worked as a Program Manager at the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center since 2014 supporting strong family, school, and community partnerships within Ohio’s education system. She has developed dozens of resources for schools and families to better communicate back and forth about student literacy development and dyslexia. She co-authored the Partnerships for Literacy© program for Elementary Schools with Dr. Barbara Boone. She also conducts program evaluations for educational and community programs, and has been the Principal Investigator for several grant-funded projects. She routinely presents at local, state, and national conferences/events about topics such as family engagement in literacy, mental health, and program evaluation. She earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2016. Meredith lives in Westerville, OH with her husband and two children, and enjoys biking, hiking, playing frisbee, and baking pies.

Louise Fecicuh

Louise Feciuch

Consultant
Kent City Schools

Mrs. Louise Feciuch is an enthusiastic professional who is solution focused. She has over 18 years of professional experience ranging from non-profit, government, higher education and PK-12 education. She’s a social worker by heart and by trade, but her solution focused drive also brought her opportunities in policy writing, process mapping, employee training and program development/oversite.
 
She has her bachelor’s degree in human development and families’ studies with a concentration in youth development from Kent State University. She also has her certificate in non-profit management, is a certified career development facilitator and certified in lean six sigma and a published children’s book author.
 
Mrs. Feciuch has many accomplishments in her professional career that set her apart from others, but it is her drive for solutions, building partnerships and leading by example that make the work she does settle so deeply in the foundations she is helping to build and the community she is serving.
Jovanna Tyree

Jovanna Tyree

Early Childhood Education Specialist
Columbus City Schools

Jovanna Tyree is an Early Childhood Education Specialist at Columbus City Schools and a graduate of The Ohio State University, where she earned a B.S. in Early Childhood Education. Throughout her career, she has excelled in both the private and public sectors, starting and leading several quality preschool and Head Start programs. Jovanna also contributed as a Content Coordinator for the OSU Virtual Lab School. Her passion lies in enhancing child development through dynamic family engagement and professional development for educators, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to advancing early childhood education.

Suzy Marquis

Suzy Marquis

Interventionist
Brooklyn City Schools

Suzy Marquis is an interventionist at Brooklyn City Schools. She holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Ashland University and certificates in Autism Spectrum Intervention and Behavior Intervention from Kent State University. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education degree in interprofessional leadership at Kent State University. Suzy is invested in fostering educational excellence and community engagement. Her commitment to excellence has been further acknowledged through awards such as the NOACC Bright Star Award in 2021, the Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Educator Recipient award in 2002 from the Cuyahoga Special Education Service Center, and a nomination for Ohio Teacher of the Year 2024. With over 29 years of teaching experience, Suzy understands the importance of parent-teacher partnerships and actively fosters collaboration between home and school to support student success in her district.

Rochelle Wilkerson

Rochelle Wilkerson

Supervisor in Early Childhood Education
Columbus City Schools

Rochelle Wilkerson is a Supervisor in the Division of Early Childhood Education for Columbus City Schools. With over two decades of experience, Rochelle brings a wealth of knowledge to over 1,900 early learners served. With a master’s in special education from The Ohio State University (OSU), a masters in educational administration from Ashland University, and completion of The Accelerated Licensure Program for Superintendents also at OSU, Rochelle has strong commitment to lifelong learning. Rochelle’s dedication to high quality early childhood practices shines through her presentations at national and local conferences, including the OAESA and AERA annual conferences and NAEYC Professional Learning Institutes. Rochelle regularly speaks on the topics related to the advocacy of early learners and the adults who serve them; the needs of neurodivergent adults, children, and their families; and providing a trauma informed/person centered approach to leadership. Rochelle lives in Worthington, Ohio with her two children, Alaina and Julia.

Karen Valenza

Karen Valenza

Instructional Coach
Brooklyn City Schools

Karen Valenza has 35 years of experience working in Educational settings in Ohio. She is currently in her fifth year as an Instructional Coach at Brooklyn City Schools, OH. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from The Ohio State University, a K-8 teaching license, a Masters in Education Administration from John Carroll University, and a K-12 principal’s license. Her prior educational experience includes 2 years as a first grade teacher at St. Rita School in Solon, OH, 2 years teaching fifth grade at St. Gregory the Great School in South Euclid, OH, 7 years as a junior high ELA teacher at Memorial Junior High School in the South Euclid-Lyndhurst City Schools, OH, and 19 years as a Curriculum Coordinator in the South Euclid-Lyndhurst City Schools, OH. 

Keith Langford

Keith Langford

Family and Community Engagement Supervisor
Shaker Heights Schools

Mr. Langford served as the Educational Support Specialist at Lomond Elementary School in Shaker Heights for more than three years before creating the structure and foundation for the Office of Family and Community Engagement for Shaker Heights Schools. Before entering education, Langford spent more than eight years in the business world as a finance manager and sales representative for Wells Fargo, Citizens Bank, and Mercedes Benz. Mr. Langford also worked as a Rehabilitation Technician rehabbing stroke patients and joint replacement patients at hospitals and nursing homes in Greater Cleveland for over 12 years. Mr. Langford has spoken Nationally on Family and Community Engagement, Youth Mentoring, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Mr. Langford attended both Cuyahoga Community College and Cleveland State University. Certificates from the following: Asset Based Community Development from Case Western Reserve University, Diversity Equity and Inclusion from Cleveland State University, Family and Community Engagement from Harvard.

Jill Damore

Jill Damore

Family and Community Engagement Supervisor
Shaker Heights Schools

Jill Damore is an ELL teacher and FACE Liaison. She enjoys getting to know the international community she serves as well as connecting families with resources.

Whitney Gherman

Whitney Gherman

Learning Coordinator
Ohio Family Engagement Center

Whitney Gherman is a Family Engagement Learning Coordinator with the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center at The Ohio State University. She leads efforts to support, develop, and advance professional learning among schools, district leaders, and other family-facing professionals. Based on over a decade of experience as an educator and advocate for youth and families, Whitney supports the Ohio Partnership Schools Network through capacity-building activities that enhance the adoption of research-based practices among district and school leaders who engage with families. Whitney holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan and is currently a Ph.D. student at The Ohio State University. When she’s not working or studying, Whitney connects to the natural world with her partner, Chris, and their 10-year-old daughter, Isa. She loves to read, eat good food, and spend time outdoors. Her sign is Libra, and her Instagram handle is @whitneygherman.

Yesenia Alvarez Padilla

Yesenia Alvarez Padilla

Project Coordinator
Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center

Yesenia Alvarez Padilla, a Project Coordinator at the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center, focuses on outreach to multilingual families. She develops professional resources for effective family engagement and promotes family financial literacy, especially among immigrant and multilingual families. As a PhD Candidate at the Ohio State College of Social Work, Yesenia investigates family financial literacy in mixed-immigration families.
 
A Nevada native, she has embraced Central Ohio as her second home, enjoying hiking, playing guitar, and evading deadlines!
Fan Xu

Fan Xu

Senior Learning Designer
The Ohio State University

Dr. Fan Xu is a senior learning designer at the Center on Education and Training for Employment. She earned her Ph.D. degree in Education Studies (Learning Technologies) from the College of Education and Human Ecology at The Ohio State University. She holds a master’s degree in information technologies in Education from The University of Hong Kong. Xu works more than five years in learning design and has experience in designing both online and in-person learning and training experiences with interactive technologies and data-driven assessment. Her research focuses on Artificial intelligence, computational thinking, learning technologies and learning design.

Karla Poole

Karla Poole

Executive Director
Central Ohio Parent Leadership Training Institute

Karla Poole is the Executive Director of the Central Ohio Parent Leadership Training Institute (COPLTI), where she passionately leads initiatives to empower parents and children through leadership development, advocacy, and civic engagement. With a strong background in community organizing and a commitment to social justice, Karla has been instrumental in expanding COPLTI’s impact, including the introduction of Spanish-language cohorts and the development of the Children’s Leadership Training Institute (CLTI). Under her leadership, COPLTI has successfully graduated multiple cohorts, with alumni launching over 70 community projects that address critical issues such as education, health, and economic stability. Karla’s work is driven by her belief in the power of informed, engaged parents to create lasting, positive change in their communities. She continues to inspire and guide families in Central Ohio to become active participants in shaping the future for their children.

Donniecia Cummings

Donniecia Cummings

Director of Innovation and Technology
Central Ohio Parent Leadership Training Institute

Donniecia Cummings is the Director of Innovation and Technology for the Central Ohio Parent Leadership Training Institute (COPLTI). A proud graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, Donniecia has dedicated her career to community development and empowerment. As the founder of NextGen Knowledge Network, she launched the Rising Stars Literacy Leadership Program, a transformative initiative focused on improving third-grade literacy through innovative literacy and technology activities.
 
With a deep commitment to service, Donniecia leverages her background in social work and technology to create programs that empower parents and children to advocate effectively for their communities. Her work at COPLTI is instrumental in driving the organization’s mission to provide essential advocacy and leadership skills and educational resources to families across Central Ohio, ensuring they have the tools needed to foster positive change in their lives and communities.
 
 
Tiana Lee

Tiana Lee

Alumni Coordinator
Central Ohio Parent Leadership Training Institute

Tiana S. Lee, a Columbus, Ohio native, is a dedicated community leader with over a decade of experience in Relationship Marketing. Recognized as “The Networking Princess,” Tiana is passionate about creating safe spaces for personal and professional growth. She operates “The Korner,” a free store providing essential resources to parents in transition. She hosts THE Slumber Party, an empowering event for young girls and teens focused on leadership, self-esteem, and community engagement. A 2022 graduate of Central Ohio Parent Leadership Training Institute (COPLTI), Tiana serves as Alumni President and Coordinator, leading initiatives that amplify parent voices in civic spaces. Her work extends to co-chairing the Parent Leadership Committee with All in For Ohio Kids, advocating for equitable funding in Ohio’s public schools. Tiana’s mission is to connect resources and empower communities, ensuring every individual has the support they need to thrive.