Keynote Speaker: Dr. Richard Koch
Dr. Richard Koch has taught writing at both the University of Iowa and Adrian College, Michigan. He is past Director of the Southeast Michigan Writing Project and now works with the Western Pennsylvania Writing Project at the University of Pittsburgh. He is author of The Mindful Writing Workshop: Teaching in the Age of Stress and Trauma and co-author (with Jean Petterson) of The Portfolio Guidebook: Implementing Quality in an Age of Standards, as well as of journal articles on teaching. He has worked with educator groups in Los Angeles and Minneapolis and with participants in Ireland and Zambia. His commitment is to help educators make use of restorative practices that achieve healing as well as quality.
To learn more about Richard and his work, or to purchase his book, The Mindful Writing Workshop: Teaching in the Age of Stress and Trauma, you can visit him at www.mindfulwritingworkshop.net/ |
Session Presenters
Sharlene Ballas, Norwin School District
Sharlene is celebrating 25 years at Norwin School District, where she works as a Library Media Specialist at Hillcrest Intermediate School. She also holds the positions of Lead STEM teacher and Library Curriculum Coordinator within the district. Sharlene is passionate about teaching students how to analyze, evaluate, and create media. She has been recognized as an Apple Teacher, MagicSchool AI pioneer, and Common Sense Educator.
Sharlene is celebrating 25 years at Norwin School District, where she works as a Library Media Specialist at Hillcrest Intermediate School. She also holds the positions of Lead STEM teacher and Library Curriculum Coordinator within the district. Sharlene is passionate about teaching students how to analyze, evaluate, and create media. She has been recognized as an Apple Teacher, MagicSchool AI pioneer, and Common Sense Educator.
Mark Curcio, English Teacher, Derry Area School District
High school ELA teacher and nightcapping adjunct professor Mark Curcio is an aspiring Ph.D. candidate, high-energy presenter, and passionate teacher-scholar. With a background in composition strategies, applied linguistics, and instructional technology, his career expands over a decade. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and a master’s degree from Duquesne University, Mark is currently working on his dissertation on adolescent reading motivation. He is married with a daughter, is an unapologetic word nerd, and coaches track and field.
High school ELA teacher and nightcapping adjunct professor Mark Curcio is an aspiring Ph.D. candidate, high-energy presenter, and passionate teacher-scholar. With a background in composition strategies, applied linguistics, and instructional technology, his career expands over a decade. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and a master’s degree from Duquesne University, Mark is currently working on his dissertation on adolescent reading motivation. He is married with a daughter, is an unapologetic word nerd, and coaches track and field.
Emily D’Amico, English Teacher Oakland Catholic High School
Emily D'Amico is an English teacher and certified reading specialist. In her ninth year of teaching, Emily has taught in a variety of schools, including international schools, and currently teaches at Oakland Catholic High School. Emily believes that making the invisible process of reading visible and demystifying the writing process are the most important parts of her job. She believes that student driven, empathetic learning will create curious learners who can make a difference in the world.
Emily D'Amico is an English teacher and certified reading specialist. In her ninth year of teaching, Emily has taught in a variety of schools, including international schools, and currently teaches at Oakland Catholic High School. Emily believes that making the invisible process of reading visible and demystifying the writing process are the most important parts of her job. She believes that student driven, empathetic learning will create curious learners who can make a difference in the world.
Nicole Fratrich, English Teacher, Bishop McCort Catholic High School
Nicole Fratrich is an English teacher at Bishop McCort Catholic High School and an alum of Saint Vincent Colllege. She is active in her school's campus ministry and creates the monthly newsletter. Outside of the classroom, Nicole is an author who has published a novel, as well as various poems and short stories.
Nicole Fratrich is an English teacher at Bishop McCort Catholic High School and an alum of Saint Vincent Colllege. She is active in her school's campus ministry and creates the monthly newsletter. Outside of the classroom, Nicole is an author who has published a novel, as well as various poems and short stories.
Jo Ellen Harr, English Department Co-Chair, Derry Area School District
Jo Ellen Harr, M.Ed., is the ELA department co-chair at Derry Area School District, with 17 years of experience teaching across academic levels. She received her B.A. in English Writing from the University of Pittsburgh, obtained her 7-12 post-baccalaureate teaching certification from Saint Vincent College and her M.Ed. with PK-12 Administration certification from California University of PA.
Amy Jarosinski, English Teacher, Montour School District
Currently serving as Department Head and K-4 Curriculum Chair for Montour School District, Amy has over 23 years of experience in public education, instructing all levels of learners. A former middle and high school English teacher, the past eleven years have been dedicated to the elementary classroom. Amy’s areas of expertise lie in curriculum coordination and writing, vertical alignment of grade-level concepts and PSSA program implementation. A most recent achievement includes serving on the PSSA New Item Sample Review Committee for the Pennsylvania Department of Education in partnership with DRC in the editing, proofreading and revision of material for elementary PSSAs. Amy plans to return again this year, serving on the Rangefinding Committee for TDA’s and Short Answer Responses. A revered educator, her experience in curriculum writing and doctoral thesis editing have placed her at the forefront of her field, working with administrative teams and educators across the state of Pennsylvania. Prior to teaching, Amy worked in film and video production on numerous locally and nationally produced shows including Mister Rogers Neighborhood, The Young and the Restless, and several PBS programs, to name a few. She is a University of Pittsburgh graduate in Communications, Rhetoric, and English Writing along with holding a Masters in Education from Duquesne.
Currently serving as Department Head and K-4 Curriculum Chair for Montour School District, Amy has over 23 years of experience in public education, instructing all levels of learners. A former middle and high school English teacher, the past eleven years have been dedicated to the elementary classroom. Amy’s areas of expertise lie in curriculum coordination and writing, vertical alignment of grade-level concepts and PSSA program implementation. A most recent achievement includes serving on the PSSA New Item Sample Review Committee for the Pennsylvania Department of Education in partnership with DRC in the editing, proofreading and revision of material for elementary PSSAs. Amy plans to return again this year, serving on the Rangefinding Committee for TDA’s and Short Answer Responses. A revered educator, her experience in curriculum writing and doctoral thesis editing have placed her at the forefront of her field, working with administrative teams and educators across the state of Pennsylvania. Prior to teaching, Amy worked in film and video production on numerous locally and nationally produced shows including Mister Rogers Neighborhood, The Young and the Restless, and several PBS programs, to name a few. She is a University of Pittsburgh graduate in Communications, Rhetoric, and English Writing along with holding a Masters in Education from Duquesne.
Tina Kakadelis, Teen Screen Program Manager, Film Pittsburgh's Teen Screen
Tina Kakadelis is the Program Manager for Teen Screen, a program of Film Pittsburgh. She is finishing her MFA in Film & Digital Technology from Chatham University.
Katherine Kauffman Roth, Library/Gifted Teacher, Norwin High School
Katherine Kauffman is the Library Media Specialist for Norwin High School. She has a BA in English and a BS in Secondary Education from Penn State University along with an MS in Library Science from Clarion University. Ms. Kauffman is passionate about using technology to make the world more accessible for students, and she has gained many of these skills through her participation in the Google for Education Certified Innovator and PioNear programs, as well as the German-American Fulbright Commission Seminar in Mainz, Germany. When she is taking a break from talking about YA books, Ms. Kauffman enjoys hiking!
Katherine Kauffman is the Library Media Specialist for Norwin High School. She has a BA in English and a BS in Secondary Education from Penn State University along with an MS in Library Science from Clarion University. Ms. Kauffman is passionate about using technology to make the world more accessible for students, and she has gained many of these skills through her participation in the Google for Education Certified Innovator and PioNear programs, as well as the German-American Fulbright Commission Seminar in Mainz, Germany. When she is taking a break from talking about YA books, Ms. Kauffman enjoys hiking!
Hannah L. Lewis, English Teacher, PA Leadership Charter School
Hannah Lewis (she/her) has been teaching English Language Arts online since 2014 in the greater Pittsburgh area. She currently teaches eleventh-graders at the Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School. She began to serve as vice president of WPCTE in 2022. She is an avid reader, hiker, and traveler who loves poetry and her cats. Find her on LinkedIn or email her at hlewis3@palcs.org.
Hannah Lewis (she/her) has been teaching English Language Arts online since 2014 in the greater Pittsburgh area. She currently teaches eleventh-graders at the Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School. She began to serve as vice president of WPCTE in 2022. She is an avid reader, hiker, and traveler who loves poetry and her cats. Find her on LinkedIn or email her at hlewis3@palcs.org.
Dr. Sara Lindey, Professor, Saint Vincent College
Sara Lindey is a professor of English at Saint Vincent College and Faculty Fellow with the Fred Rogers Institute. She also directs the Campus Writing Program, supporting faculty who teach with writing. She is most recently the co-author of The Green Mister Rogers: Environmentalism in Mister Rogers Neighborhood and is currently working on another project about Fred Rogers, technology, and the inner child. Dr. Lindey teaches widely in American literature, with topics classes on environmental literature and women’s literature.
Sara Lindey is a professor of English at Saint Vincent College and Faculty Fellow with the Fred Rogers Institute. She also directs the Campus Writing Program, supporting faculty who teach with writing. She is most recently the co-author of The Green Mister Rogers: Environmentalism in Mister Rogers Neighborhood and is currently working on another project about Fred Rogers, technology, and the inner child. Dr. Lindey teaches widely in American literature, with topics classes on environmental literature and women’s literature.
Gina Ligouri, English Department Chair, Montour School District
Gina Ligouri is a well-respected, trailblazing educator from western Pennsylvania with over 15 years of experience in public education. She has earned numerous teaching accolades and credentials, to include receiving the Pennsylvania Technology Innovator of the Year Award in 2020. She currently chairs the English department at Montour High School in addition to teaching literature, project-based learning, and College in High School courses. Gina’s educational interests include co-teaching, autism advocacy and school safety. She has co-authored a school safety resource for elementary children titled BEE Ready to Run, Hide or Fight; Everything Will BEE Alright. Gina's academic achievements include degrees from Carlow University, Robert Morris University and Duquesne University where she studied English Literature, Instructional Technology, and Supervision/Curriculum Development, respectively. In addition, Ligouri serves on the Western Region Board for the Pennsylvania Association of Educational Communications and Technology. Gina will be co-presenting with colleagues and fellow Department Chairs from David E. Williams Middle School and Montour Elementary School.
Gina Ligouri is a well-respected, trailblazing educator from western Pennsylvania with over 15 years of experience in public education. She has earned numerous teaching accolades and credentials, to include receiving the Pennsylvania Technology Innovator of the Year Award in 2020. She currently chairs the English department at Montour High School in addition to teaching literature, project-based learning, and College in High School courses. Gina’s educational interests include co-teaching, autism advocacy and school safety. She has co-authored a school safety resource for elementary children titled BEE Ready to Run, Hide or Fight; Everything Will BEE Alright. Gina's academic achievements include degrees from Carlow University, Robert Morris University and Duquesne University where she studied English Literature, Instructional Technology, and Supervision/Curriculum Development, respectively. In addition, Ligouri serves on the Western Region Board for the Pennsylvania Association of Educational Communications and Technology. Gina will be co-presenting with colleagues and fellow Department Chairs from David E. Williams Middle School and Montour Elementary School.
Aspen Mock, English Teacher, Forest Hills Junior-Senior High School
Dr. Aspen Mock, winner of the 2022 Henry Ford Innovative Teacher award and finalist for NSTOY-PA 2024, is an ELA educator. Her certifications include: PBS Media Literacy Educator, K-12 Principal Certificate, NatGeo Certified Educator, Nearpod Certified Educator, Newsela Certified Teacher. She is a KQED Media Literacy Innovator and a Keystones Technology Innovator Star. She has written & staged several plays for major charitable organizations, winning the YWCA Tribute to Women Award and a House of Representatives Citation. She has published blog posts with NatGeo Education, KQED Education, PBS and NCTE. A two-time NatGeo Education grantee, she has presented at many conferences.
Dr. Aspen Mock, winner of the 2022 Henry Ford Innovative Teacher award and finalist for NSTOY-PA 2024, is an ELA educator. Her certifications include: PBS Media Literacy Educator, K-12 Principal Certificate, NatGeo Certified Educator, Nearpod Certified Educator, Newsela Certified Teacher. She is a KQED Media Literacy Innovator and a Keystones Technology Innovator Star. She has written & staged several plays for major charitable organizations, winning the YWCA Tribute to Women Award and a House of Representatives Citation. She has published blog posts with NatGeo Education, KQED Education, PBS and NCTE. A two-time NatGeo Education grantee, she has presented at many conferences.
Dr. Tim Oldakowski, Associate Professor of English, Slippery Rock University
Dr. Tim Oldakowski is an English Professor and former high school English and Communications teacher. He is currently the chair of the Department of Languages, Literatures, Cultures and Writing at Slippery Rock University and has been an educator for over 25 years. He is thrilled to invite 3 of his students to co-present. They are Secondary English majors Mason Cotelesse, Samantha Lybrook, and Tristin Viale. All three students valued the process drama unit Dr. Oldakowski presented last fall in the course Writing for Nonprint Media.
Dr. Tim Oldakowski is an English Professor and former high school English and Communications teacher. He is currently the chair of the Department of Languages, Literatures, Cultures and Writing at Slippery Rock University and has been an educator for over 25 years. He is thrilled to invite 3 of his students to co-present. They are Secondary English majors Mason Cotelesse, Samantha Lybrook, and Tristin Viale. All three students valued the process drama unit Dr. Oldakowski presented last fall in the course Writing for Nonprint Media.
Dr. James Paharik
Director of the National Catholic Center for Holocaust Education at Seton Hill University
James G. Paharik received his doctorate in Sociology from the University of Pittsburgh, and has undertaken additional study at Yale University and at Yad Vashem in Israel. His areas of research and teaching are sociological theory and research methods, the Holocaust and Genocide Studies, and the conflict in Israel/Palestine. His published works include The Long Journey: In Search of Justice and Peace in Jerusalem (Liturgical Press, 2009). He is, most recently, the editor of The Door that Opened and Never Closed: Essays in Honor of Eva Fleischner (Seton Hill University, 2023). Since 2019, Dr. Paharik has served as the Director of the National Catholic Center for Holocaust Education at Seton Hill University. Dr. Paharik is an Oblate of the Benedictine Dormition Abbey in Jerusalem.
Director of the National Catholic Center for Holocaust Education at Seton Hill University
James G. Paharik received his doctorate in Sociology from the University of Pittsburgh, and has undertaken additional study at Yale University and at Yad Vashem in Israel. His areas of research and teaching are sociological theory and research methods, the Holocaust and Genocide Studies, and the conflict in Israel/Palestine. His published works include The Long Journey: In Search of Justice and Peace in Jerusalem (Liturgical Press, 2009). He is, most recently, the editor of The Door that Opened and Never Closed: Essays in Honor of Eva Fleischner (Seton Hill University, 2023). Since 2019, Dr. Paharik has served as the Director of the National Catholic Center for Holocaust Education at Seton Hill University. Dr. Paharik is an Oblate of the Benedictine Dormition Abbey in Jerusalem.
Darla Posney, Director of Instruction, Edison Learning
Darla Posney has been in education for over thirty years. Primarily, her time has been spent as an administrator working with online schools and companies. At present she is the Director of Instruction for EdisonLearning, a company who provides teaching services to districts across the United States. At EdisonLearning she supervises 40 teachers who work asynchronously with school districts. Darla is involved in a nationwide exploration into how to best serve students who are out of age for their middle school grade level. Darla believes that all students should be given the boost they need to succeed.
Darla Posney has been in education for over thirty years. Primarily, her time has been spent as an administrator working with online schools and companies. At present she is the Director of Instruction for EdisonLearning, a company who provides teaching services to districts across the United States. At EdisonLearning she supervises 40 teachers who work asynchronously with school districts. Darla is involved in a nationwide exploration into how to best serve students who are out of age for their middle school grade level. Darla believes that all students should be given the boost they need to succeed.
Laura Roop, Former Director of the Western PA Writing Project & the Oakland Writing Project
Laura Roop is the former director of the Western Pennsylvania Writing Project at University of Pittsburgh and the Oakland Writing Project at University of Michigan. She is the co-author of Doing and Making Authentic Literacies (NCTE, 2014) and Language and Reflection: An Integrated Approach to Teaching English (Macmillan, 1992) as well as a number of chapters, articles, and poems.
David Safin, Associate Professor, Saint Vincent College
Dave is Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in Film and Digital Technology from Chatham University in Pittsburgh where he completed the thesis paper, "You Had to Be There: Documentary Techniques in Narrative Comedies." His thesis film, "The Birthday Present," which applied many of the theories detailed in his paper, has won multiple awards and screened at numerous festivals. His areas of interest include video production, television criticism, digital culture, and film studies. He and his wife Kate live in Jeannette, Pennsylvania with their daughter Lily and son Andy.
Dave is Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in Film and Digital Technology from Chatham University in Pittsburgh where he completed the thesis paper, "You Had to Be There: Documentary Techniques in Narrative Comedies." His thesis film, "The Birthday Present," which applied many of the theories detailed in his paper, has won multiple awards and screened at numerous festivals. His areas of interest include video production, television criticism, digital culture, and film studies. He and his wife Kate live in Jeannette, Pennsylvania with their daughter Lily and son Andy.
Jennifer Schmidt, English Teacher/Instructional Support Specialist, Oakland Catholic High School
Jennifer Schmidt is an English teacher and Instructional Support Specialist at Oakland Catholic High School. She has a wide variety of experiences which include teaching in both private and public schools, middle and high school settings, and taking on several leadership roles. Jen believes that classrooms should include student-centered activities that challenge students to be active participants in the learning process. She has a strong commitment to cultivating global leaders which align with her love of travel and life-long learning!
Jennifer Schmidt is an English teacher and Instructional Support Specialist at Oakland Catholic High School. She has a wide variety of experiences which include teaching in both private and public schools, middle and high school settings, and taking on several leadership roles. Jen believes that classrooms should include student-centered activities that challenge students to be active participants in the learning process. She has a strong commitment to cultivating global leaders which align with her love of travel and life-long learning!
Mallory Truckenmiller Saylor, Assistant Professor & Writing Center Director
Saint Vincent College
Mallory Truckenmiller Saylor is the Writing Center Director and an assistant professor of English at Saint Vincent College. She is a graduate of the MFA in literary translation program at the University of Iowa where she was an Iowa Arts Fellow. She is also an editor at Eulalia Books and a translator of Latin American literature. Her writing and translations have appeared in Latin American Literature Today, Asymptote, and The Scores.
Ben Schachter, Professor, Saint Vincent College
Ben Schachter, Professor of Digital Art and Media, recently published Binder Bound and Mizbeyach, a comic based on a Biblical story. Schachter was selected as a finalist for graphic literature by Solstice Magazine.
Ben Schachter, Professor of Digital Art and Media, recently published Binder Bound and Mizbeyach, a comic based on a Biblical story. Schachter was selected as a finalist for graphic literature by Solstice Magazine.
Jared Schultz, K-6 Instructional Technology Support Teacher, Norwin School District
Jared is a passionate technology coach dedicated to empowering educators and students with digital skills. As an Apple Learning Coach, he combines his pedagogical expertise with cutting-edge tech knowledge. He has transformed numerous classrooms, guiding teachers in integrating technology effectively. His professional development and personalized coaching sessions have inspired educators to embrace innovative teaching methods, and foster a dynamic learning environment. Mr. Schultz's commitment to bridging the digital divide is evident through his approach in the classroom, ensuring that all students have equal access to technology.
Jared is a passionate technology coach dedicated to empowering educators and students with digital skills. As an Apple Learning Coach, he combines his pedagogical expertise with cutting-edge tech knowledge. He has transformed numerous classrooms, guiding teachers in integrating technology effectively. His professional development and personalized coaching sessions have inspired educators to embrace innovative teaching methods, and foster a dynamic learning environment. Mr. Schultz's commitment to bridging the digital divide is evident through his approach in the classroom, ensuring that all students have equal access to technology.
Olave O. Sebastien, MTSS Teacher, Duquesne University
I am currently an MTSS teacher and a Duquesne University EdD. candidate (2024). I am originally from Brooklyn, NY and came to Pittsburgh through the Heinz Fellowship in 2011. I developed a passion for writing as an outlet in my adolescence and still see its purpose in my career and personal life. My opportunity to participate in the Western Pennsylvania Writer’s project inspired me to start writing again and to take joy in it whether it be a lesson plan or grocery list.
Jason Stragand, Student Services Supervisor, Westmoreland Intermediate Unit
Jason A. Stragand, Ed.D., joined the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit’s team in 2019 as a Student Services Supervisor. His 25-year career in education has afforded him once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to serve as a teacher, leader, and educational consultant throughout the country. Since landing his dream job as an elementary school teacher with the Pittsburgh Public Schools in 1998, Jason has worked as a Reading Coach, Director of Reading, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and Co-founder of a high-performing Charter Management Organization. His passion and training in structured literacy have enabled him to guest present at state-wide conferences and co-lead the facilitation and training of all Science of Reading workshops at the intermediate unit. Jason earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership from PennWestern University, master's degrees from the University of Pittsburgh and Chatham University in K-12 Curriculum and Supervision and Elementary Education, and bachelor's degree from Westminster College in Elementary Education.
Jason A. Stragand, Ed.D., joined the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit’s team in 2019 as a Student Services Supervisor. His 25-year career in education has afforded him once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to serve as a teacher, leader, and educational consultant throughout the country. Since landing his dream job as an elementary school teacher with the Pittsburgh Public Schools in 1998, Jason has worked as a Reading Coach, Director of Reading, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and Co-founder of a high-performing Charter Management Organization. His passion and training in structured literacy have enabled him to guest present at state-wide conferences and co-lead the facilitation and training of all Science of Reading workshops at the intermediate unit. Jason earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership from PennWestern University, master's degrees from the University of Pittsburgh and Chatham University in K-12 Curriculum and Supervision and Elementary Education, and bachelor's degree from Westminster College in Elementary Education.
Laura Swick, Instructional Technology Support Teacher, Norwin School District
My name is Laura Swick and I work at Norwin School District as an Instructional Technology Support teacher for grades 7-12. My role is unique as I work with teachers as a technology coach, provide and plan professional development in collaboration with the IT Department, and work with students as a technology mentor and instructor. In addition to my typical duties, I am currently the advisor of the Video Production Club, Girls Who Code Club, Student Help Desk, and the Castle Production Lab which is a student-run graphic design and printing business. In my 25 years in education, I have taught Kindergarten, ELA in grades 3-6, 5th grade Math, K-4 Computer Science, and served as the Elementary Gifted Coordinator prior to my current position which I have held the past three years.
My name is Laura Swick and I work at Norwin School District as an Instructional Technology Support teacher for grades 7-12. My role is unique as I work with teachers as a technology coach, provide and plan professional development in collaboration with the IT Department, and work with students as a technology mentor and instructor. In addition to my typical duties, I am currently the advisor of the Video Production Club, Girls Who Code Club, Student Help Desk, and the Castle Production Lab which is a student-run graphic design and printing business. In my 25 years in education, I have taught Kindergarten, ELA in grades 3-6, 5th grade Math, K-4 Computer Science, and served as the Elementary Gifted Coordinator prior to my current position which I have held the past three years.
Dr. William Visco, Assistant Professor of Education, The University of Akron
Dr. Visco is an Assistant Professor of Education at The University of Akron. His research focus is on linking Pop Culture to Content Learning in ELA as well as focusing on Social Emotional Learning. He is the 2023 recipient of the OCTELA Outstanding Teacher of the Year award and the University of Akron Outstanding Professor award.
Dr. Annie White, Director of Research and Evaluation, Fred Rogers Institute
As the Director of Research and Evaluation, Annie seeks to extend the legacy of Fred Rogers by learning from and working with educators to support their everyday interactions with children, families, and communities. She leads and contributes to ongoing research and professional learning efforts across developmental contexts, including out-of-school learning, museums, childcare, school, and others. Annie holds a Ph.D. in Applied Developmental Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh, a Masters in Applied Developmental and Educational Psychology as well as a BA in Elementary Education and Human Development from Boston College.
As the Director of Research and Evaluation, Annie seeks to extend the legacy of Fred Rogers by learning from and working with educators to support their everyday interactions with children, families, and communities. She leads and contributes to ongoing research and professional learning efforts across developmental contexts, including out-of-school learning, museums, childcare, school, and others. Annie holds a Ph.D. in Applied Developmental Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh, a Masters in Applied Developmental and Educational Psychology as well as a BA in Elementary Education and Human Development from Boston College.
Speed Learning Session Presenters
Delia Brown, Junior, Winchester Thurston School
Delia Brown is a junior at Winchester Thurston School and is a Co-Editor in Chief of her school’s academic journal, Sigma. Delia loves to learn, especially math and fields that involve math. She enjoys juggling and can unicycle, but not at the same time (yet!) She can often be found running and is a cross country enthusiast. Delia is also a voracious reader and recently read all six Jane Austen novels.
Delia Brown is a junior at Winchester Thurston School and is a Co-Editor in Chief of her school’s academic journal, Sigma. Delia loves to learn, especially math and fields that involve math. She enjoys juggling and can unicycle, but not at the same time (yet!) She can often be found running and is a cross country enthusiast. Delia is also a voracious reader and recently read all six Jane Austen novels.
Caitlyn Chirdon, English Teacher, Norwin Middle School
Caitlyn is a 7th-grade English Teacher and a Lead Teacher in STEM at Norwin Middle School. As an undergraduate, Caitlyn studied Middle Grades Education with a concentration in English and a minor in Psychology at Saint Vincent College. Currently, Caitlyn is pursuing a master’s degree in Instructional Design and Technology at Saint Vincent College.
Debbie Coppula, Professional Development Manager, Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
Debbie Coppula, Professional Development Manager, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, M. Ed., is a former teacher and instructional coach with more than 15 years of experience designing professional learning for educators and a decade of classroom experience. In addition to her master's degree, she is a former National Board Certified teacher with certifications in Elementary Education; Middle School ELA, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies; and Secondary English. A student and practitioner of Universal Design for Learning, she strives to create learner experiences that promote individual autonomy, collaboration, self-reflection, and goal-setting – as well as creativity, curiosity, and joy.
Debbie Coppula, Professional Development Manager, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, M. Ed., is a former teacher and instructional coach with more than 15 years of experience designing professional learning for educators and a decade of classroom experience. In addition to her master's degree, she is a former National Board Certified teacher with certifications in Elementary Education; Middle School ELA, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies; and Secondary English. A student and practitioner of Universal Design for Learning, she strives to create learner experiences that promote individual autonomy, collaboration, self-reflection, and goal-setting – as well as creativity, curiosity, and joy.
Dr. Stephanie Guffey, Teacher, Franklin Regional School District
Stefanie Guffey, Ed.D, NBCT, is a teacher a Franklin Regional Senior High School. She's been teaching for 20 years. She earned her Doctorate of Education in Policy and Administration from the University of Pittsburgh in 2022.
Vivian Loh, Senior, Winchester Thurston School
Vivian is a 12th grader at Winchester Thurston School. She has a large passion for Math, but enjoys other academic subjects too. She has been Co-Editor in Chief of the Sigma Academic Journal for two years, and has worked together with her team to collect articles, edit and review them, and then compile them into the Journal. In her free time, she enjoys doing geometry problems, participating in math competitions, and sometimes recreational writing.
Vivian is a 12th grader at Winchester Thurston School. She has a large passion for Math, but enjoys other academic subjects too. She has been Co-Editor in Chief of the Sigma Academic Journal for two years, and has worked together with her team to collect articles, edit and review them, and then compile them into the Journal. In her free time, she enjoys doing geometry problems, participating in math competitions, and sometimes recreational writing.
Dana Metzgar, English Teacher, Franklin Regional School District
Dana Metzgar, M.Ed. She has 30 years of experience teaching in public education. She serves as a key figure in the local educator's union.
Chrissy Mumford, Teacher, Jeannette McKee Elementary School
Mrs. Mumford taught ELA for 18 years in the Jeannette City School District. She earned her Bachelors in Elementary Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from St. Vincent College.
David Nassar, Chair, Computer Science Department, Winchester Thurston School
David Nassar is the chair of the Computer Science department at Winchester Thurston School, and he has taught computer science, mathematics and physics in his fifteen years with the school. He has been the faculty advisor of Sigma Academic Journal for all seven years it has been in publication, and enjoys watching students see the joy in authentic research opportunities and creative problem solving. Learning how to build an academic journal alongside his students and co-faculty advisor has been one of his most rewarding experiences as an educator.
David Nassar is the chair of the Computer Science department at Winchester Thurston School, and he has taught computer science, mathematics and physics in his fifteen years with the school. He has been the faculty advisor of Sigma Academic Journal for all seven years it has been in publication, and enjoys watching students see the joy in authentic research opportunities and creative problem solving. Learning how to build an academic journal alongside his students and co-faculty advisor has been one of his most rewarding experiences as an educator.
Dr. Christopher Olshefski, English Teacher, Winchester Thurston School
Having worked in English Language Arts (ELA) education since 2009, Chris has experience in both secondary and post-secondary environments across a variety of contexts (US and international, independent, religious, some public). He completed his PhD in Language, Literacy & Culture in 2021, and now works at Winchester Thurston School in Pittsburgh as an English teacher and academic journal facilitator. He also co-facilitates the school’s comedy club.
Having worked in English Language Arts (ELA) education since 2009, Chris has experience in both secondary and post-secondary environments across a variety of contexts (US and international, independent, religious, some public). He completed his PhD in Language, Literacy & Culture in 2021, and now works at Winchester Thurston School in Pittsburgh as an English teacher and academic journal facilitator. He also co-facilitates the school’s comedy club.
Alayna Pesce, Graduate Student, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Alayna Pesce is currently a full-time student working towards her master's degree in English Composition and Literature from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and will graduate in the spring of 2024. She obtained her undergraduate degree from the same university in secondary English education in the spring of 2023. Alayna has always had a deep love of linguistics, finding great joy in reading and studying dialects, and is looking forward to sharing this love with her future students!
Scott Tuffiash, High School Language Arts/Journalism Teacher - Student Media Advisor
Avonworth High School
If I knew in my first few years of teaching what I will share with you today, I think I would have smiled more often, hurt with better purpose, and hoped with deeper joy.
Leslie Wessner, Regional Affiliate Coordinator, Greater Scholastic Writing Awards
Leslie Wessner, a fellow of the Western Pa Writing Project since 2005, has organized the Scholastic Writing Awards for the Pittsburgh Region since 2015 both at the University of Pittsburgh and currently at the Honors Program at Point Park University.