Authors & Presenters

Nina Parrish has more than 18 years of experience working as a special education teacher, education center director, speaker, and educational presenter. She is the cofounder and chief academic officer of Parrish Learning Zone in Virginia.

Dr. Patrick B. Hardy is the current principal at Hinsdale South High School in Illinois and has enjoyed a distinguished 26-year career in education. Notably, Dr. Hardy was principal at Proviso East High School in Maywood, Illinois, which became the first certified Marzano Academy in the nation. Dr. Hardy’s work has focused on school transformation and innovation, leadership development and coaching, equitable education, and personalized competency-based education.

Angela Peery, EdD, is an experienced consultant who supports educators in designing curriculum, making data-driven instructional decisions, and improving student achievement.

Kathy Perez, EdD, is a professor emerita at Saint Mary’s College of California. She has extensive teaching experience as a general and special educator, literacy/ESL coach, administrator, and curriculum/staff-development coordinator.

Brian M. Pete comes from a family of educators—college professors, school superintendents, teachers, and teachers of teachers. He has a rich background in professional development and has worked with adult learners.

Yazmin Pineda Zapata, EdD, is a program specialist and teacher leader at Health Sciences High and Middle College in California. Her expertise in delivering special education services allows her to advocate for students in grades K–12 with varying learning differences.

B. Michelle Rinehart is an assistant superintendent, mathematics specialist, and instructional coach. As a former high school mathematics and science teacher, she is passionate about helping educators leverage high-impact teaching practices.

Dr. Ripley is currently teaching in the departments of elementary and secondary education at the University of Alberta and has over 35 years of experience at the elementary, junior high/middle school, high school, college, and university levels.

Madeleine Rogin is a change leader for Ashoka’s Start Empathy Initiative and Changemaker Schools Network. An educator for more than 20 years, she is a kindergarten and dance teacher at Prospect Sierra School in California.

Kevin Ryan, EdD, is the assistant superintendent for teaching and learning at North Shore School District 112 in Illinois. In his role, he is responsible for overseeing curriculum, instruction, and assessment to improve student growth and success.