WCPSS 2026 Summer Leadership Conference: Directory

2026 WCPSS Summer Leadership Conference Onward Together - Leading with Compassion and Courage

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

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Laura Abernethy

Company Title I
Position Family Engagement Coordinator

Laura Abraham is a proud product of public schools in NC. She has been employed by Wake County since 2012, serving as a classroom teacher (Kindergarten/2nd/4th grades) and Instructional Facilitator, before transitioning to her current role as Coordinating Teacher in the Elementary Regional Achievement and School Support team. Laura believes that every student deserves access to excellent teachers and excellent instruction every day, regardless of their race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or any other identifier. Every student is uniquely capable... Read more

Company Wake County Public School System
Position Coordinating Teacher, ERASS Region 2

Anne Marie Adkins

Company Herbert Akins Rd Middle School
Position Principal
Location [email protected]

Rene Alford

Company Yates Mill Elementary
Position Assistant Principal
Location [email protected]

Lisa Allred

Lisa Allred is a career educator with 40 years of experience with Special Education students. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Mercer University, a Master of Education Degree in Learning Disabilities from Georgia Southern University, and an Educational Specialist Degree from Nova Southeastern University in Educational Leadership. She has taught special education students in Georgia, Kentucky, and North Carolina. She also served as the Director of Instructional Student Support for Monroe County Schools in Forsyth, GA, and the Director of the Georgia Learning Resources Services... Read more

Company Wake County Public Schools
Position Assistant Superintendent Special Education Services

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Pamela Baker

Company WCPSS
Position School Psychologist, Section 504 Services

Dr. Michelle Bell

Company Keystone Solutions Educational Consulting
Position Retired WCPSS Principal
Location Retired

Susan Bock

Company Wake County Public School System
Position Senior Administrator, Library Media Services

Mary Bohr

Mary Bohr is the Senior Director of Professional Learning for Wake County Public School System. With a background in regular and special education, high-impact reading strategies, curriculum leadership, and school administration, she successfully led four elementary schools to high growth and state recognition. She now designs and delivers professional development on student engagement and instructional leadership across Wake County Public School System.MB

Company Wake
Position Senior Director of Professional Learning

Frederick Buskey

Frederick Buskey was a K-12 teacher and administrator for 17 years. He is a National Board-Certified Teacher, former middle school and high school teacher and coach, and county office Special Education Coordinator. He has experience working in international schools and rural schools in Ohio, North Carolina, and South Carolina. At Western Carolina University and Clemson University, Frederick led redesigns of principal licensure programs, which he also coordinated and taught in. Frederick has observed, worked with, and learned from hundreds of school leaders. He has used his unique combination of... Read more

Company Strategic Leadership Consulting
Position Speaker, Author, Podcaster, Coach
Location Cullowhee, NC

Dr. Eric Chancy

Technology in education and counseling, reaching every learner, reaching every parent

Company Wake County Public Schools
Position Director of Student Transfers
Location Eric Chancy

Tanya Churchill

Tanya has been an educator with Wake County Public Schools since 2000 as a 4th grade teacher, science specialist, Instructional Technology Facilitator and now a Digital Learning Coordinator. She is a Google for Education Certified Trainer as well as an ISTE Certified Educator and an Apple Learning Coach. Tanya is inspired by those who lead her into uncharted territory which is where she got her jump start into her passion for project based learning, coding, makerspaces, and providing 4C learning opportunities. Tanya advocates for teaching strategies that empower learners through student agency... Read more

Company WCPSS
Position Digital Learning Coordinator
Location Academics: Digital Learning and Libraries

Ashley Clark

I have been a public educator for almost 20 years. I started my teaching career in Pennsylvania as a 7th grade ELA teacher. After teaching middle school for 7 years, I began teaching high school English. When I moved to WCPSS, I served as an Intervention Coordinator and an Assisant Principal before moving into my current role as Senior Administrator of Secondary ELA.

Company WCPSS
Position Senior Administrator, Secondary ELA

Andre Collard

Company Office of Professional Learning
Position Senior Administrator
Location Raleigh, North Carolina

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Kenneth Collishaw

Company WCPSS
Location Middle Creek High

Dr. Julie Crain

Julie began her career in WCPSS at Fuquay-Varina HS in 1995 where she taught English and served as School Improvement Team chair. She transitioned to Wake Education Partnership in 2007 where she managed and developed programs, provided professional development, and covered local education policy and issues for the Wake County business community. She rejoined WCPSS in 2016 and now serves as Senior Director of Policy where she works with district staff and the Wake County Board of Education to develop and revise policy, manage online policy manuals, and manage strategic projects. She received... Read more

Company WCPSS
Position Senior Director - Policy

Bridgette Crose

Company Wake County Public Schools, Human Resources
Position Coordinating Teacher, Teacher Support Program

Dr. Phil Echols

Dr. Echols is an organizational development and human connection consultant, speaker, and facilitator with more than 20 years of experience supporting individuals, teams, and organizations. A former teacher, school counselor, and professional learning leader, he works across education, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors, specializing in collaboration, coaching, leadership development, and inclusion. Dr. Echols has presented internationally for organizations including ASCD, Learning Forward, and Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools. In addition to his consulting practice, he serves in... Read more

Company Become Better Global, LLC
Position Org Development & Inclusion Specialist
Location Apex, NC & World At Large

Rob Epler

Rob Epler currently serves as an Executive Leadership Coach in the Wake County Public School System. His previous roles include Southwestern Area Senior Administrator, Elementary Principal, Assistant Principal, Magnet Coordinator, and High School English Teacher. As the Principal of Brentwood Magnet Elementary School, he and his team led the school to new heights of academic achievement and recognition, including STEM School of the Year, National Magnet Certification, MSA awards, and selection by the SRI International Center as a model STEM school.

Company Wake County Public School System
Position Executive Leadership Coach

Elc Estrera

Elc Estrera, PhD, works in the Data, Research & Accountability Office of the 15th largest school district in the nation (and the largest in North Carolina). He works with district leaders to identify opportunities to leverage data--especially longitudinal administrative data--to make evidence-based decisions that affect upwards of 160,000 students and 22,000 employees. As part of this work, Elc initiates and leads research(-practice) partnerships with university faculty and advanced graduate students that focus primarily on topics pertaining to human capital (i.e., the district's workforce). One... Read more

Company Wake County Public School System
Position Director of Data Strategy and Analytics
Location North Carolina

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Jimmy Ewing

I have been serving Wake County Public Schools for over 22 years. I currently lead the Oracle Support Team. I enjoy working with staff to identify where my team might help bridge a gap between technology and day to day operations.

Company Wake County Public Schools
Position Director - Business Systems

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Stacy Goode

Jesse Gore

Proud Principal at Centennial Campus Center for Innovation Magnet Middle School who believes in Leading Unapologetically, Channeling Influence, and Cultivating Excellence

Company WCPSS
Position Principal
Location Centennial Campus Center for Innovation Magnet Middle School

Wanda Hanley

Wanda Hanley is an innovative educational leader with over two decades of experience in Wake County Public Schools, specializing in transforming classrooms through strategic digital integration. As a Digital Learning Coordinator, she partners with school leaders and educators to build capacity, streamline instructional practices, and leverage technology to advance student achievement. A recognized expert in her field, Wanda serves on the State Board for the Technology Education Society and acts as a contractor for ISTE. Her deep expertise in instructional coaching is further demonstrated through... Read more

Company Digital Learning and Libraries
Position Digital Learning Coordinator
Location Academics

Lauren Haynie

Company Davis Drive MS
Position 7th Grade Science Teacher
Location Cary, NC

Mary Hemphill

Dr. Mary Hemphill is a human-centered leadership strategist, executive coach, and author with over 20 years of experience. As the CEO & Founder of The Limitless Leader LLC, she equips leaders to drive innovation, impact, and transformation through coaching, consulting, and executive workshops. She has served as North Carolina's first State Director of Computer Science and Technology Education, as Chief Academic Officer, and as an adjunct professor of Leadership Studies at UNC-Chapel Hill. Dr. Hemphill is a Forbes contributor and a 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award Finalist. She has been named one of... Read more

Company The Limitless Leader
Position CEO & Founder
Location Wake County

Dr. Terrance Hinnant

Dr. Hinnant is driven by a lifelong passion for learning and discovery, I blend my solid educational foundation with diverse professional experience to tackle new challenges with an adaptable mindset. Beyond my career, my worldview is continuously shaped by my love for traveling, diving into a great book, and seeking out new experiences. I thrive at the intersection of curiosity and execution, always looking for the next opportunity to grow, connect, and explore the world around me.

Company WCPSS
Position Senior Administrator: Region 2 Secondary Regional Achievement and School Support
Location Cary Crossroads

Kelly Holland

I dedicated 22 years to education with Johnston County Schools, serving in a variety of leadership roles, including 5 years as an Assistant Principal and 5 years as a Principal. In March of this year, I transitioned to Wake County Public Schools, where I currently serve as Senior Administrator for Performance. I am excited to support Wake County Public Schools in advancing excellence and positive outcomes for students, staff, and families.

Company Wake County Public School System
Position Senior Administrator for Performance

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Neti Hopkins

Company WCPSS

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Sandi Hunnicutt

Company WCPSS
Position Director

Dr. Jennie Hyde

Hi! I'm Jennie Hyde, Lead School Psychologist for Counseling and Student Services. I've been with WCPSS since 2014 and currently support our district team of school psychologists while helping lead district initiatives focused on student wellness and support services.

Company Wake County Public School System
Position Lead School Psychologist

Dr. Vonda Martin Jenkins

Company WCPSS
Position Principal

Dr. Kendra King

Dr. Kendra Core King is a seasoned educational leader, author, and advocate for sustainable leadership practices. With more than 25 years of experience in public education, Dr. King has served in teaching, school leadership, district administration, and executive leadership roles across North Carolina and Virginia. Her professional experience also includes service with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, where she supported statewide efforts to improve teaching, learning, and student achievement.Throughout her career, Dr. King has led work in curriculum, instruction, assessment... Read more

Company Wake County Public School System
Position Senior Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Location Cary, North Carolina

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Meg Kovacs

Company WCPSS
Position 2nd grade teacher

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Chris Lassiter

Dr. Jennifer Lecorchick

Dr. Jennifer Lecorchick is an educational leader and speaker who redefines the metrics of student success by centering wellness and academic excellence within school cultures. Serving as an Assistant Principal within the Wake County Public School System, Dr. Lecorchick leverages more than a decade of leadership experience to demonstrate that future-ready students thrive when emotional safety, strong relationships, and rigorous instruction work in tandem. With a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development from NC State University and a robust background as a STEM... Read more

Company WCPSS
Position Assistant Principal
Location Jennifer Lecorchick

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Joseph Man

Joseph Man currently serves as a Senior Administrator with WCPSS 504 Services. In this role, he supports 504 non-discrimination policy implementation, ECATS 504 data management, staff training, administrative consultation around non-discrimination challenges, and complaints resolution at the local and federal levels. His previous roles include 504 Psychologist for WCPSS 504 Services and School Psychologist for Chatham County Schools (NC). In private practice, he provides corporate consultation related to managing critical incident response and improving stress management within the workplace... Read more

Company WCPSS
Position Senior Administrator 504
Location Joseph Man

Jaime Mousty

Company WCPSS
Position Teacher Support Program Coordinating Teacher

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Bonnie Mwanda

Jennifer Ouellette

Jennifer Ouellette started her career as a high school Social Studies teacher at Millbrook High before transitioning to Wakefield High. Jennifer is a Coordinating Teacher with the Teacher Support Team with a focus on coaching and beginning teacher support.

Company Wake County Public Schools
Position Coordinating Teacher
Location Human Resources

Amber Pearce

Amber Pearce is an Information Designer with the Wake County Public School System who turns complex technology processes into clear, practical resources for staff and students. She collaborates with Technology Services and school teams to improve communication, streamline support, and make district technology a little less overwhelming. From leading tech contact trainings to building toolkits and support resources, Amber enjoys creating systems that actually work for people. When she’s not organizing information or simplifying workflows, she’s probably planning her next travel adventure.

Company WCPSS
Position Information Designer

Gioia Perry

Coordinating Teacher, ERASS Region 2, Wake County Public School SystemMy name is Gioia (Joy-ah) Perry, and I am driven by the belief that every child deserves a high quality education. I also believe that literacy is the key to dismantling inequity. By leveraging the Science of Reading, we can establish a clear pathway to ensure each student graduates fully prepared for the future. My background includes teaching grades Pre-K–4, Literacy Intervention, and ESL. Additionally, I am a district LETRS facilitator and a Nationally Board Certified Teacher, holding specialized licenses as a Reading Specialist... Read more

Position Coordinating Teacher, ERASS Region 2

Dr. Janeen Perry-Campbell

Dr. Janeen Perry-Campbell is the Director of Student Agency in the Office of Professional Learning, where she champions student voice, ownership, and engagement. A lifelong educator with more than 20 years of experience, Janeen has served as a high school science teacher, Master STEM Teacher, adjunct professor, assistant principal, principal, and district leader.She holds degrees from Old Dominion University (B.S. in Biology and Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction), Virginia State University (M.Ed.), and Capella University (MBA). Her research on disciplinary outcomes for Black girls has been presented... Read more

Company Office of Professional Learning
Position Director of Student Agency
Location Office of Professional Learning

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Sally Pitofsky

Company Pine Hollow Middle School
Position 8th Grade ELA

Jessalyn Saunders

Hi there! My name is Jessalyn Saunders and I have been an educator since 2009. After receiving my bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, I spent 8 years as a middle school math/science teacher. In 2017, I earned my Master's of Arts in Educational Media-Instructional Technology from Appalachian State University and joined Wake County Public Schools.

As a Digital Learning Coordinator for the Eastern Area schools, I look forward to working with educators to help plan and support transformative student learning experiences through the integration of technology.

*Apple Le... Read more

Company Wake County Public Schools
Position Digital Learning Coordinator

Paul Scholl

I have been serving as a Coordinating Teacher with the Teacher Support Program since 2023. I support principals, mentor coordinators, mentors, and beginning teachers.

Company WCPSS
Position Coordinating Teacher - Talent Development / Teacher Support Program

Niko Schutte

Niko is the Principal of Alston Ridge Elementary School in Wake County Schools. He has served as an elementary school principal and assistant principal for 15 years at Alston Ridge Elementary, Fuller Magnet Elementary in Southeast Raleigh, and Forestview Elementary in Durham Public Schools. Previous to his work in school administration Niko was a high school English teacher and Department Chair in Durham, Chapel Hill, and Charlotteville, VA. He holds a Master's of School Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill and a Master's of Teaching and Bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia. He was... Read more

Company Alston Ridge Elementary School
Position Principal
Location North Carolina

Rob Siwiec

The Office of Geospatial Analytics, part of the Facilities division, collects, maintains and provides geographic data for the district's administrators, educators, and families. Our mission is to enhance the educational experience and support decision-making processes by leveraging the power of geospatial data and analytics. Through innovative mapping technologies and spatial analysis, we aim to promote equitable access to quality education, optimize resource allocation, and foster a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.

Company Office of Geospatial Analytics
Position Senior Director
Location Wake County, NC

Dr. Syreeta Smith

Dr. Syreeta Smith is a dynamic transformational and instructional leader currently serving as the Eastern Area Superintendent for Wake County Public Schools. Driven by a deep passion for student success, she fiercely believes that education offers students a powerful opportunity for social and economic mobility. However, she operates with the vital understanding that educators must provide access, but access without readiness is destined for failure. Armed with a Doctor of Education degree from NC State University, she works tirelessly to advocate for students who are often overlooked.

Company WCPSS
Position Eastern Area Superintendent
Location Raleigh, NC

Dr. Ruth Steidinger

I am a certified leadership coach, speaker, and teacher. I have over 25 years of leadership experience. My passion is helping others tap into their greatest potential and to learn how to live in and lead with purpose. My primary focus is developing and coaching high-potential female leaders of any age. As a mother of twin daughters, and a Meredith graduate, I understand the critical need to help our young women find their voice in a male dominant culture. The world needs more mindful, authentic leaders and my aspiration is to aide others in leveraging their potential.“Knowing and understanding... Read more

Company Steidinger Consulting
Position Leadership Coach
Location Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Area

Dr. Brooksie B. Sturdivant

Dr. Sturdivant serves as the Senior Administrator of Community Partnerships in Strategic Operations for Wake County Public School System. Having served in public schools for 26 years as a teacher, literacy coach, curriculum facilitator, and equity and intervention specialist, Dr. Sturdivant loves developing and facilitating professional development to inspire fellow educators, coaching teachers in equitable instructional practices, volunteering in the community, and designing and facilitating mentoring opportunities for underserved students. She completed her undergraduate studies at UNC-Chapel... Read more

Company WCPSS
Position Senior Administrator of Community Partnerships
Location Strategic Operations

Mayra Szeto

Position Director, Teacher Development

Rozanne Todd

Building capacity in all staff to best serve the diverse needs of students has been the guiding purpose throughout my leadership journey that included serving as an Administrative Intern at A.B. Combs Elementary, the Senior Administrator for High School Special Education at SES, the Assistant Principal at Davis Drive Elementary, and now as the proud Principal of White Oak Elementary. Leveraging the skills and talents within each staff member to intentionally address growth opportunities is an administrative responsibility that provides me with deep satisfaction and joy.

Company WCPSS
Position Principal
Location White Oak Elementary

Annika Vecchi

With over 12 years of experience in WCPSS, I have developed a comprehensive perspective across both school-based and central services environments. I leverage this background to foster a strong, district-wide culture of safety. My work focuses on cross-departmental collaboration, along with the design and implementation of outreach initiatives, systems, and daily processes that promote loss prevention and operational safety.

Company Wake County Public School System
Position Senior Administrator Risk Management & Safety
Location 111 Corning Road, Cary NC 27518

Dawn Vinson

With over two decades of experience in public education, I am passionate about navigating the intersection of pedagogy and technology. I spent 18 years in the elementary classroom and three years as a School Library Media Coordinator before stepping into my current role as a Digital Learning Coordinator. This extensive background allows me to view educational technology through a practical lens, focusing on purposeful integration that empowers teachers and inspires students in our ever-evolving digital world.

Company WCPSS
Position Digital Learning Coordinator

Courtney Wall

Company WCPSS
Position Senior Director

Laura Wood

My name is Laura Wood and I am the Environmental Connections Integration Specialist at Lincoln Heights Environmental Connections Magnet Elementary school. My school is in Fuquay-Varina in southern Wake County and it is a public magnet school in the Wake County Public School System. I am a certified NC Environmental Educator and this is the perfect job for me. I get to share my love of the environment with the staff and students. I collaborate with teachers to plan lessons that integrate the environment and help them take learning outside. I also apply for grants and awards, line up guest speakers... Read more

Company Lincoln Heights Environmental Connections Magnet Elementary
Position Environmental Connections Integration Specialist
Location Fuquay-Varina, NC

Michele Woodson

With over 30 years of service in education, Michele Woodson brings a wealth of leadership experience to the mission of student success. Her career path—spanning roles from classroom teacher and instructional coach to Principal, Chief Academic Officer, and now Assistant Superintendent—reflects a deep-seated commitment to every level of the school system. A lifelong learner, Michele holds degrees and advanced licensure from East Carolina University, Elon University, UNC-Chapel Hill, and Liberty University.Michele is a fierce advocate for improving student outcomes through systemic change. She...

Company WCPSS
Position Assistanat Superintendent Student Support Services

Spencer Ziegler

Throughout the years, Spencer has worked as a teacher (middle and high school ELA and History), coach (Instructional Facilitator, Technology Facilitator, Intervention Coordinator), and district administrator (Senior Data Trainer in Data, Research, and Accountability). His team seeks to make educational research and data more accessible and actionable for staff.

Company Wake
Position Senior Data Trainer
Location Crossroads I

WCPSS 2026 Summer Leadership Conference

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