Presenters

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mark Gardner currently teaches high school English in Washington state, where he has been an instructional mentor, union leader, and professional developer for over 20 years. In addition to his work in the classroom, he supports teacher and principal learning around effective teaching and instructional support.

Kim Frees has worked in education for over 25 years and currently serves as an elementary school principal. She has worked with Marzano Academies for the past three years with a focus on competency-based learning.

David Franklin, EdD, is an author, professor of education, and consultant and has worked with school leaders and teachers around the country in the areas of school vision, instruction, technology, and collaboration.

Susanne Foote takes a systems strengths and capacity-building approach to continuous school improvement. She has over 15 years of combined experience as a teacher, instructional coach, and consultant. Susanne supports districts and schools implementing research-based practices.

Greg Figenser brings over 25 years of diverse experience in education, having served in the roles of district professional development leader, curriculum director, principal, and classroom teacher. Over the past decade, Greg has shared his expertise by presenting nationwide to school administrators, as well as novice and experienced educators, providing the tools and strategies necessary for success in today's evolving educational environment.