Speaker Bios

Dr. Breit (she/her) is Professor in the Literacy and Second Language Studies program in the School of Education at the University of Cincinnati. Drawing upon her years working as a school-based speech-language pathologist, Dr. Breit’s expertise includes oral language and language comprehension and foundational literacy skills. Her research specifically examines the development and testing of evidence-based structured literacy programs and interventions. Dr. Breit teaches graduate and undergraduate courses inthe University of Cincinnati’s Reading Endorsement and Elementary Education programs. In particular, she teaches the Phonological Awareness and Phonics course to prepare future educators in the application of structured literacy practices.  

Anna currently serves as a Graduate Assistant in the Office of the University Ombuds at the University of Cincinnati. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences from Bowling Green State University and is currently in the second year of the Education Specialist (Ed.S.) program in School Psychology at the University of Cincinnati. Through her graduate training, she is involved in the National Association of School Psychologists, the Ohio School Psychologist Association, and the Association for Behavior Analysis International. She recently completed a practicum experience providing early reading intervention tutoring in a Cincinnati Public School. Through her work at the Office of the University Ombuds, she is dedicated to helping undergraduate students navigate conflict.

Dana is a Palestinian American educator and advocate dedicated to supporting multilingual learners and newcomer students. After immigrating to Ohio as a teenager, she developed a passion for education and community service. With more than 13 years of experience, including international teaching and leadership roles in Cincinnati Public Schools, she has focused on expanding equitableopportunities for students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Dana serves as an ESOL teacher and Department Chair at Western Hills University High School, where she has helped grow programs for English learners, including SLIFE students. Her expertise includes curriculum development, teacher mentorship, and language acquisition. A Teacher of the Year honoree, she remainscommitted to creating inclusive learning environments and connecting families with essential community resources.

Dr. Ebbrecht has been with the University of Cincinnati for the past 8 years and has served in public education and higher education leadership for more than 35 years. He earned a doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, a master’s degree in Educational Administration from The Ohio State University, and a bachelor’s degree from Capital University, where he also played collegiate basketball. Dr. E. began his career as a teacher before serving as a principal and district administrator, primarily within the Westerville City Schools, for 30 years. Since 2001, he has taught research, writing, leadership, and sports management courses at universities across the United States, and is a two-time UC Golden Apple Award recipient for Excellence in Teaching and Student-Faculty Relations. His professional interests include organizational change, artificial intelligence, data analysis, ethics, and leadership development.

Kieli G. Ferguson, a Cincinnati native, is an accomplished educator and school leader with more than 13 years of administrative experience. A graduate of Kentucky State University, the University of Kentucky, and Miami University, she currently serves as Principal of North Avondale Montessori. Known for her data-driven approach, Kieli’s guiding philosophy—“Show me the data!”—reflects her commitment to using evidence-based decision-making to improve student outcomes and school performance. She is also a strong advocate for representation in education, intentionally recruiting and supporting minority educators so students see themselves reflected in their school leaders. Through her focus on inclusion, high expectations, and continuous improvement, Kieli is making a lasting impact on students, staff, and the Cincinnati educational community.

Debra Fricke is the Digital Learning Manager for Cincinnati Public Schools and a 26-year district veteran with experience spanning civil service, administrative, and instructional roles. A Certified ScrumMaster, Certified Product Owner, and lifelong technology enthusiast, she leads district initiatives focused on educational technology, artificial intelligence, and digital learning. Debra is passionate about helping educators leverage technology to create engaging, personalized learning experiences while ensuring students have equitable access to the tools and skills they need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. 

Dr. Tapia is an Assistant Professor at the University of Cincinnati, in the department of Middle Childhood Education. He is a first generation immigrant and was undocumented for most of his K-12 schooling. He was a middle school teacher with the Los Angeles Unified School District. His expertise is social justice and mathematics education and currently researches informal mathematics in and outside of the mathematics classroom. He has volunteered at various Cincinnati Public Schools as a tutor as well as leading after-school Puzzle and Rubik’s Cubing Clubs with his son. 

Dr. Jordan E. Grossman is the Superintendent of Schools for the Canton Public Schools in Canton, Connecticut. collaboration. He earned his Doctorate in Educational Administration and a Sixth-Year Diploma from the University of Connecticut, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Central Connecticut State University, and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Southern Connecticut State University. Dr. Grossman serves on the faculty in the Educational Leadership Program at the University of Cincinnati, where he helps prepare the next generation of school leaders. His expertise lies in educational research and school safety, with a strong focus on creating learning environments that are both academically rigorous and safe for all students. Dr. Grossman has presented at local, national, and international conferences, sharing strategies on effective leadership, student learning, and school safety.

Dr. Gumm is the Principal of Dater Montessori Elementary School, where he has served for the past two years, leading efforts to strengthen instruction, foster equitable learning, and build a supportive school community. Originally from Chicago and raised in Atlanta, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Dayton. With more than a decade of experience, Dr. Gumm has served as a classroom teacher, behavior coach, curriculum design coach, assistant principal, and principal. He earned a doctorate in Educational and Professional Practice from Antioch University in 2024, specializing in Social Justice Leadership. Active in community service and alumni leadership, he is also a devoted husband and father of four.

Michael Gustin is the Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer for Cincinnati Public Schools.  He has served the district since 2014 in several financial roles, including Director of Financial Technology and Assistant Treasurer/Controller.  During his tenure, Mr. Gustin has led the implementation of new software systems, deployed a quality improvement framework for the Treasurer's Office, and managed annual budgets of over $700 M.  He also hosts a monthly podcast, "Money Matters with Mike", that provides the public details on the district's finances.   

Daniel Hoying is General Counsel for Cincinnati Public Schools and a member of the Superintendent’s Executive Leadership Team.  Dan attended Loyola University Chicago and the University of Chicago Law School, before returning home to Cincinnati to practice law.  Dan has worked for Cincinnati Public Schools since 2011.  Dan has a particular interest in the rich history of the school district, and has presented on the origins of public education in Cincinnati, the district’s history of educating black students, and the Cincinnati Bible Wars – one of the turning points of secularized public education.  

Dr. Jamison serves as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and brings more than 29 years of leadership experience in education. Throughout his career, he has held roles including director of student services, regional manager of schools, special education coordinator, principal, assistant principal, and counselor. He holds degrees from the University of Cincinnati, Xavier University, and Nova Southeastern University, as well as an executive certificate from Georgetown University. A recognized leader in labor relations, student services, and educational equity, Dr. Jamison has received state leadership awards and served on numerous education and community advisory boards. He also serves as the district’s wellness coordinator, supporting initiatives focused on health, safety, trauma-informed practices, and student success through strategic planning, collaboration, and systemwide problem-solving. 

Dr. Kennedy (she/her) is Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Kennedy received her PhD in Education Policy from the University of Southern California; Master of Educational Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University; Master of Arts in Elementary Education from Loyola University; and a Bachelor of Arts in Women’s Studies from The Ohio State University. Dr. Kennedy holds expertise in K-12 school leadership, politics, and policy. Her research agenda is broadly focused on three interwoven strands of inquiry that explore organizational management and change in school systems, care, and the politics of education. Dr. Kennedy's work has been published in Educational Administration Quarterly, American Journal of Education, and Teachers College Record.

Paula (she/they) serves as Associate Ombuds at the University of Cincinnati, providing informal, impartial, confidential, and independent support to all members of the university community navigating conflict. Before joining the Ombuds team, Paula held leadership roles in post-secondary academic advising and academic affairs. Paula holds M.A. degrees in Educational Measurement & Statistics and in Student Development in Post-Secondary Education from the University of Iowa, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution & Mediation from Colorado State University. Paula is certified as a 3Practices Circle Referee and as a facilitative mediator by the Supreme Court of Ohio. A member of the International Ombuds Association (IOA), Paula is also pursuing certification as a Certified Organizational Ombuds and CINERGY conflict coaching practitioner.

Brandon is the principal of College Hill Academy, where he strives to promote a safe, positive, and student-centered learning environment for all students. With over 17 years with Cincinnati Public Schools, Principal Kingman works collaboratively with colleagues to ensure every student has access to a supportive, engaging, and equitable education. Outside of school, he enjoys running, traveling, and college football.

Antwan D. Lewis is an educational leader committed to academic excellence, positive school culture, and collaborative leadership. A graduate of Baldwin Wallace University and the University of Cincinnati, he began his career with Cincinnati Public Schools in 2009 and has served as a teacher, department chair, team leader, ELL coordinator, assistant principal, and principal. Since becoming Principal of Hartwell School in 2016, Mr. Lewis has focused on strengthening instructional practices, expanding intervention supports, and building a culture centered on relationships, accountability, and student success. Under his leadership, Hartwell increased extracurricular opportunities, expanded family and community partnerships, achieved strong academic growth for English Language Learners, and successfully transitioned into a middle school model guided by the belief that “All Hands on Deck” leads to student achievement.

Liz is the Assistant Treasurer and Controller for Cincinnati Public Schools. Liz is a graduate of CPS who went on to earn a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration in Accounting from Xavier University. She worked for 5 years as an auditor with a public accounting firm, where she earned her CPA, and later went on to work in corporate accounting specializing in variance analysis for a large corporation. She is in her first year with the school district, but in her short time has worked on process improvements in stipend processing, revenue posting and variance analysis for complex school district departments.

Mr. McGowan has dedicated the past 13 years to education, including 11 years with Cincinnati Public Schools. During his career, he has served as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, and now principal of Covedale School, where he is beginning his fourth year in the role. Mr. McGowan is passionate about empowering students to become leaders by fostering a positive school culture rooted in Leader in Me and the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. He is also committed to using technology and data-driven practices to support student growth and achievement. A proud graduate of the University of Cincinnati, he earned both his undergraduate and master’s degrees there. Mr. McGowan is dedicated to helping students find their voice and continue Covedale’s Tradition of Excellence.

Dr. Mecoli is an Assistant Professor, Educator at the University of Cincinnati. She serves as a member of the literacy faculty, working primarily with undergraduate students seeking to become middle school teachers and intervention specialists. Her courses aim to prepare teachers in supporting students with Science of Reading-aligned literacy instruction across content areas. She also teaches courses focused more specifically on English Language Arts education. As a former high school language arts teacher herself, Dr. Mecoli is passionate about the teaching of reading and writing.

Emily serves as the College Manager for Cincinnati Public Schools. In this role, she oversees higher education partnerships, student pipeline initiatives, school counseling programs, graduation readiness efforts, College, Career, Workforce, and Military Readiness (CCWMR) strategies, and grant-funded initiatives that support student success. With more than 20 years of experience across the K–20+ educational continuum, including work in K–12 education, higher education, and community partnerships, Emily brings a collaborative, equity-focused approach to expanding postsecondary access and opportunity. Guided by the belief that education is a universal right, not a privilege, she is committed to strengthening pathways that empower all students to achieve their academic, career, and lifelong goals.

LaVaugn is a Cincinnati native and dedicated educational leader with nearly 20 years of experience serving students and families. She holds degrees from the University of Cincinnati and Indiana Wesleyan University and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Advanced Leadership Education at Regent University. Throughout her career, she has served as a middle school science teacher, Algebra I teacher, science instructional coach, and now principal of Shroder High School. LaVaugn is committed to ensuring every student has access to a high-quality education and leads with a strong instructional focus and passion for student success. Her leadership emphasizes high expectations, collaboration, and building positive relationships with students, staff, families, and the community to create a supportive environment where all learners can thrive.

Dr. Pennerman is an Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership in the School of Education at the University of Cincinnati. She serves as the Program Coordinator for the Principal Leadership Program and has taught several courses in this program, including Principal Internship, Educational Leadership Theory, and Leadership for Social Justice. Dr. Pennerman earned her PhD in Educational Studies from UC. Before that, she earned both her Master of Arts in Education and her Teacher as a Leader endorsement from Northern Kentucky University. She earned her Bachelor of Education and Secondary Mathematics Teacher Certification from the University of The Bahamas. Dr. Pennerman’s scholarly work centers students' experiences in learning spaces. She uses theoretical lenses attentive to race, intersectional identities, positioning, and placemaking to examine school practices, structures, systems, and policies.

Dr. Yvette M. Pennington is an Associate Professor of Special Education at the University of Cincinnati and Director of The Porter Institute. She serves as Coordinator of the Graduate Certificate in Special Education Leadership and has extensive experience in K–12 and higher education leadership, educator preparation, program development, and implementing gifted individualized education plans. Dr. Pennington’s research and professional work focus on special education leadership, teacher effectiveness, student support systems, and improving outcomes for students with disabilities through research-informed practice. She has served in faculty governance leadership roles, including Chair of the Faculty Senate Human Relations Committee and Faculty Senator for the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services. Her work advances leadership development, applied learning, and innovative practices that support educators, schools, and communities.

Dr. Stephanie F. Reid (she/her) is an Assistant Professor in the Literacy and Second Language Studies program in the School of Education at the University of Cincinnati. She studied English Literature at the University of Cambridge (BA and MA) and secondary English education at the University of Oxford. She achieved her MA in Education and K-12 Reading Teacher endorsement at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, and her doctoral degree in Learning, Literacies, and Technologies at Arizona State University (2020). Prior to pursuing her doctoral degree, Dr. Reid taught English for three years to grades 6-12 students in England. She was then a middle school Reading and/or Language Arts teacher for 12 years in Wisconsin. Dr. Reid achieved national, state, and local recognition for her middle school teaching excellence. 

Melissa is the newly appointed Montessori Director for Cincinnati Public Schools, bringing more than 33 years of experience in public Montessori education. A strategic leader grounded in the Montessori philosophy, she is deeply committed to innovation, equity, and student success. Melissa earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and post-graduate degrees from Xavier University in Montessori Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Administration, and Superintendency. She is an active member of both the Cincinnati Montessori Society and the American Montessori Society. Throughout her career, Melissa has remained dedicated to advancing high-quality Montessori education for all children, with a leadership approach grounded in service, collaboration, and a deep respect for the developmental needs of every learner. 

Stephanie has worked as Assistant General Counsel of Cincinnati Public Schools since 2020.  A native of Cincinnati, Stephanie attended the Ohio State University and NKU Chase College of Law.  Prior to her legal career, Stephanie worked in the nonprofit sector for almost 20 years. The daughter of a retired CPS teacher, she has long been an advocate for public education and youth development.

Natalie is an experienced educator with more than 20 years in education and currently serves as an ESOL Specialist for Cincinnati Public Schools. Fluent in Spanish, she has extensive experience supporting multilingual learners through immersion programs and collaborative classroom models at the intermediate and high school levels. A proud CPS graduate, Natalie participated in the district’s bilingual education programs before earning her diploma from Withrow High School’s International Baccalaureate program. As the daughter of an immigrant mother, she brings a personal understanding of the multilingual learner experience to her work. Throughout her career, she has supported students in grades K–12, helping them achieve academic success and graduation goals. In the 2026–27 school year, she will return to a school-based role serving students in grades 4–8. 

Mr. Tate is the Principal of Rothenberg Preparatory Academy in Cincinnati with over 20 years of experience as a teacher, coach, and school leader. A former Teacher of the Year, he has served across elementary, middle, and high school settings, leading with a focus on student achievement, equity, and strong school culture. Under his leadership, Rothenberg has demonstrated measurable academic growth while expanding support for students and families through meaningful community partnerships. Grounded in a coaching philosophy, he is committed to developing people, building strong teams, and creating systems that drive results. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Otterbein College and a Master’s in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University. Through his leadership, Mr. Tate continues to create a school community where students and educators feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed.

Michael serves as the Director of Strategic Planning including Career Tech for Cincinnati Public Schools. In this role, he helps lead districtwide work connected to career-technical education, strategic planning, school improvement, graduation readiness, workforce partnerships, and student success initiatives. With four decades of experience in education, including service as a teacher, school leader, and district administrator, Michael brings a practical, student-centered perspective to systems improvement and postsecondary readiness. He is committed to strengthening pathways that connect students to meaningful careers, high-quality learning experiences, and long-term opportunities beyond graduation. 

Dr. White is an Assistant Professor Educator in the School of Education at the University of Cincinnati, where she teaches courses in higher education and educational leadership. She earned her Ph.D. in Higher and Postsecondary Education from New York University (NYU), her master’s degree in Education Policy and Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and her bachelor’s degree in Economics from Wake Forest University. Dr. White previously worked in college access, mentoring, and K–12 education leadership roles serving marginalized students and families. Her research focuses on student thriving and well-being, social connection and belonging in K–12 and higher education, parent and community engagement, and K–16 education policy.

Dr. Jennifer S. Williams is the Principal of Hughes STEM High School and a transformational educational leader with more than 20 years of experience. Committed to equity, excellence, and student success, she has led Hughes to achieve and maintain both International STEM Accreditation and Ohio State STEM Designation while improving school performance and outcomes. Her leadership philosophy, “The Big Red Way,” emphasizes courage, respect, empathy, integrity, and teamwork. Dr. Williams holds degrees from the University of Cincinnati, Xavier University, and Kentucky State University. Recognized for her innovative leadership and advocacy, she has received honors including the James Jacobs Principal of the Year Award, the Hamilton County Education Champion Award, and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Cincinnati Humanitarian Award.