Presenters

Douglas Finn III has been an active participant in the personalized competency-based education (PCBE) community since 2004. Through his years of teaching in Alaska and Maine, Doug has taught all grade levels. From that hands-on work within PCBE, he transitioned to supporting students, teachers, and administrators as a mentor, instructional and administrative coach, and associate who has presented all over the country and the world.

Michael D. Evans, EdD, brings over 30 years of experience as a classroom teacher, counselor, principal, and administrator. He helps schools implement personalized, competency-based learning and High Reliability Schools frameworks, providing practical guidance to improve student-centered outcomes nationwide.

Dirk DeBoer is an experienced educational leader and consultant specializing in student support, instructional improvement, and the High Reliability Schools Framework. He empowers schools with practical strategies rooted in The New Art and Science of Teaching.

Kathy Cawthron has worked in public education for 34 years, with 26 of those years in campus and district leadership roles. She led her last two campuses through High Reliability Schools Levels 1–3 certifications and rebranded her former elementary campus as an arts integration academy.

Debbie Aholt is a leadership coach in Meridian, Idaho. She has over 30 years of experience as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, building administrator, and leadership coach. Debbie works with districts and schools to support systemic transformations that impact student and adult learning.

Mario Acosta, EdD, is an award-winning educator, author, speaker, and presenter. He spent 20 years of his career as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, academic director, and principal. He was named the 2022 Principal of the Year in Texas while serving Westwood High School.