Presenters

Zabdi Gonzalez is the senior director of English learner support for McKinney Independent School District. With over 20 years experience in education, she previously worked as a bilingual teacher, assistant principal, principal, and adjunct college professor.

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.

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.

Michael Grenda has spent 23 years of his educational career as a teacher, dean, and principal to the students and families of North Chicago School District #187. In 2021, he became a member of the high reliability schools’ network and is currently leading his middle school campus in HRS work while also leading his team in the adoption of The New Art and Science of Teaching.

Laura Hack, EdD, is the director of elementary education at the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation in Indiana. She has worked as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and Title I director.

Marisa Hafley, coordinator of talent development at Region 9 Education Service Center in Wichita Falls, Texas, specializes in supporting campuses and districts with professional development opportunities, school improvement efforts, and the Marzano High Reliability Schools framework.

Miranda Havins serves as a High Reliability Schools regional program lead and instructional coaching specialist at Region 9 ESC in Wichita Falls, Texas. Miranda specializes in supporting school districts and campuses operating in Marzano’s High Reliability Schools framework and designs specialized professional development, work sessions and coaching for educators based on their specific needs.

Logan Heflebower has been coaching baseball since his collegiate playing career came to a close in 2019. He is the infield coach at Division II, Colorado Christian University, in Lakewood.

Dr. Bret Heller, EdD, has over 20 years of public education experience and is the superintendent of the School Town of Munster, Indiana. He is dedicated to instructional leadership, assessment, and cultivating high reliability schools for academic excellence and student success.

Lynne Herr, PhD, is a technology-focused professional development specialist and Google Certified Educator and Trainer. She also teaches graduate courses in technology leadership and skill development for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Dr. Herr served as K–12 school technology director in Waverly, Nebraska for ten years.