Presenters

James Neihof, EdD, is the director of deeper learning for the Green River Region Educational Cooperative in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He works directly with district and school leaders as a leadership coach, mentor, and professional learning facilitator.

Brad McCloskey is the associate superintendent of Ottumwa Community Schools. With over 20 years of experience in education, he is a mission-driven leader focused on student success, professional collaboration, and lifelong learning through a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability.

Lynn Leslie is an elementary school principal in Casper, Wyoming. Throughout her 20 year career she has demonstrated a passion for sharing the impact of standards-referenced education with teachers and school leaders to support lasting change in the education system.

Maria Lantz, EdD, is the director of curriculum and instruction in the Ottumwa Community School District. Dr. Lantz works to challenge the status quo and promote equitable outcomes for kids through safe, supportive, collaborative learning environments in student-centered, rigorous classrooms.

Dr. Hawar Khalandi is an experienced educator and leader with a passion for creating inclusive, student-centered learning environments and has led impactful work aligning instruction, assessment, and wellness to empower all learners.

Jennifer Ingram is a curriculum and instruction leader dedicated to supporting teachers in building clear, standards-based systems that drive student learning. With over 18 years of experience in education, she has helped schools transform learning by aligning curriculum, assessment, and instruction to better serve both teachers and students.

Nancy Guerrero, PhD, has served as an educator for over 28 years in Round Rock ISD, Texas. She is a devoted practitioner of the High Reliability Schools framework, attaining Level I and II certification during her principalship.

Crystal Green-Braswell is an experienced educational leader in Arkansas and owner of The Crystal Dragonfly Education Consulting. She currently serves as coordinator of staff wellness and culture for Little Rock School District.

Jeni Gotto, EdD, is the Superintendent of Westminster Public Schools and a visionary leader with over 25 years of transformative experience in education. Renowned for her pioneering work in Competency-Based Education (CBE), she oversees the nation’s largest district-wide PK–12 implementation, blending rigor with personalized pathways to success.

Michelle Freeman leader currently serving as the principal of Lehigh Acres Middle School. Her leadership focuses on developing organizations that support student success by enabling faculty and staff to collaborate toward maintaining a school climate that fosters student engagement and growth.