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Orinthia Swindell has centered the voices and experiences of youth and families as the focal point of her work as an educator for the past 28 years. She credits her mother for instilling in her the importance and value of education and of being connected to their community. As the youngest of six children growing up in Brooklyn, New York, Ms. Swindell developed a passion for learning and teaching others about social justice, equity, and inclusion work.

Betty Burks has more than 30 years of experience in Texas public education.

Justin T. Cooper is an Associate Professor and Assistant Department Chair in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Louisville. He received his Ed.D. in Special Education with an emphasis in learning and behavioral disorders from the University of Kentucky. He is a Past President of the Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders, a division of the Council for Exceptional Children.

David L. Harrison is the author or co-author of over 100 publications for children and educators. His work has inspired plays and been set to music. He has been featured at hundreds of conferences, workshops, literature festivals, schools, and colleges. David holds two science degrees and two honorary doctorates of letters. He is Drury University’s poet laureate. David Harrison Elementary School is named for him.

Latrenda Knighten is President (2024 - 2026) of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and a retired Mathematics Supervisor from Baton Rouge, LA. She has been an educator for more than 30 years during which she has been a classroom teacher, science specialist, mathematics coach, instructional coach, and a mathematics content provider.

Dr. Jamie Chaves, OTD, OTR/L, SWC, is a pediatric occupational therapist with over 8 years of experience working with children who have sensory processing differences and learning differences. She received bachelor’s degrees in health science and Psychology from Bradley University, and a doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Dr.

Dr. Ashley Taylor is a licensed clinical pediatric psychologist with a practice in Pasadena, California. She is endorsed in California as an infant-family and early childhood mental health specialist.  She received bachelor’s degrees in psychology and Spanish from the University of Vermont in Burlington, VT, and attended the Wright Institute in Berkeley California for her graduate training.

Jeanie Cash is the Co-founder of Lead Learner Associates. She retired as the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services in the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District in Southern California after 33 years in education. She taught elementary and middle school and served as a principal for 14 years.

Donnita Davis-Perry joined the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Training and Technical Assistance Center (T/TAC) at William and Mary in 2002, with 30+ years of experience as a general and special educator.  At T/TAC Donni provides professional learning sessions and follow along coaching to support educators to full implementation of evidence-based practices. 

George Manthey is the Co-founder of Lead Learner Associates. He retired as the Assistant Executive Director, Educational Services, of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) after 40 years in education. He taught elementary school as a regular classroom teacher and taught both elementary and middle school students as a special day class teacher and resource specialist.

Todd Whitney is an Assistant Professor of Special Education in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Louisville. He received his Ph.D. in Special Education with an emphasis in learning and behavioral disorders from the University of Louisville.