Leadership Learning Annual Convening Speaker Profiles

Dr. David K. Moore serves as Superintendent of the School District of Indian River County and is widely recognized as a transformational leader in public education. A 2025 Florida Superintendent of the Year and a 2025 National Superintendent of the Year Finalist, he is known for producing sustained, measurable gains in student achievement while building strong, high-performing systems.

Before coming to Indian River County, Dr. Moore served in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, where he led one of the most significant school improvement efforts in the nation. His work reduced the number of D and F schools from 83 percent to just 1 percent, establishing a model for strategic turnaround, leadership development, and accountability.

In Indian River County, Dr. Moore has focused on aligning vision, leadership, and execution around what matters most for students. Under his leadership, the district has risen from 38th to 5th in the state, earned three consecutive A ratings, and reached a milestone where every school is rated A or B. His approach centers on building leadership capacity, using data to guide decisions, and creating a culture where continuous improvement is expected and supported.

Dr. Moore’s leadership reflects a clear commitment to ensuring every student is prepared to thrive. Through strong community partnerships and a focus on excellence at every level, he continues to position the School District of Indian River County as a national model for high performance and student success.

Inez Mata serves as a Talent Acquisition Coordinator for The School District of Lee County, where she leads strategic recruitment initiatives focused on attracting and retaining high-quality talent, strengthening university partnerships, and developing innovative talent pipelines for one of Florida’s largest school districts. With more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience in public education, Inez brings a combination of instructional expertise, operational leadership, and talent development. Prior to her current role, she served in positions spanning classroom instruction, literacy coaching, school improvement leadership, grant administration, and district-level program management.

Her background in instructional coaching gives her a unique advantage in recruitment, allowing her to identify high-potential candidates, assess educator readiness, and recognize the instructional competencies needed for long-term classroom success. Having coached and developed teachers firsthand, she understands what effective practice looks like and how to align talent with school and student needs. Inez has led professional development initiatives while collaborating with school leaders to improve instructional outcomes and organizational performance. This experience allows her to bridge hiring and retention by helping schools recruit educators who are prepared to thrive. A proud mother of four daughters, Inez credits her family as a continual source of inspiration for her commitment to educational excellence, opportunity, and student success.

Jenny Bloom is a tenured Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology and the Founder of the Office of Appreciative Education (https://www.fau.edu/oae/) at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). She is also the founder of FAU’s Office of Appreciative Education. She previously served on the faculty at the University of South Carolina and as Associate Dean for Student Affairs & Medical Scholars Program at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Urbana-Champaign.

Dr. Bloom was the 2007-08 President of NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising and, in 2017, received NACADA’s Virginia N. Gordon Award for Excellence in the Field of Advising. She has co-authored six books and numerous articles, and has presented at over 500 institutions and conferences.

Dr. Kenneth Savage is the Deputy Superintendent for the School District of Lee County, Florida. He transitioned into his current role after twice serving as the district’s appointed Superintendent of Schools. His extensive leadership background includes tenures as Chief Strategy Officer, Chief Operations Officer, as well as executive leadership at the state level with the Florida Department of Education.

A specialist in data analysis and school improvement, Dr. Savage has led elementary, middle, high, and K-8 schools across diverse contexts. His impactful work in school turnaround earned him the prestigious title of Florida State Principal of the Year (2017-2018). His notable district and school-based leadership achievements include:

• Implementing district models for teacher salary differentiation, educational analytics, and instructional supports to drive improved school performance
• Turnaround Success: Elevating Lee County’s lowest persistently under-performing elementary school from an "F" to a "B" in one year with sustained success ever since
• Dunbar High School: Helping to sustain the transformed school from a "D" to an "A" grade with a repeat “A” the following year.
• Veterans Park Academy for the Arts: Achieving the second-highest performance among all Title I K-8 schools in Florida.

Beyond K-12 administration, Dr. Savage has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Florida. He has also contributed to turnaround leadership programs for Harvard Graduate School, Florida Atlantic University, and the University of Florida.

Angela Moran develops and delivers Engineers On Deck teacher training activities and materials. As president and program manager, she utilizes her many years of engineering experience and educational experience as a foundation for the workshop content and activities. As a professor of mechanical engineering (now emeritus) at the United States Naval Academy, she created and implemented the USNA STEM Center for Education and Outreach. In operation for over 10 years, the USNA STEM Center provides students, especially the under-represented, and teachers with learning activities and hands-on experiences designed to encourage further studies and work in all STEM fields. From teacher training workshops to summer camps to school- and USNA-based learning programs, Dr. Moran developed activities to make the USNA STEM Center one of the national leaders in STEM education and outreach. As a Navy engineer, she performed sponsored research in engineering for over 25 years, in areas from materials and manufacturing to rapid prototyping, nano-coatings, forensics, and advanced processing. She has earned numerous awards from engineering organizations, including the Women in Science and Engineering Achievement Award for most outstanding female engineer in the federal government. She has a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from Johns Hopkins University.

As Vice President for PK–12 and Pre-Baccalaureate Programs at Florida Atlantic University and Superintendent of Schools for the Florida Atlantic University School District, Dr. Herbst oversees the Center for Education Strategy and Innovation and all aspects of the district's strategic innovation, analytics, operational policies, research activities, community outreach, partnership development, and the supervision and management of off-site and special programs.

As Assistant Dean for the Office of PK-12 Schools and Educational Programs, Dr. Herbst oversees all aspects of the Center for Education Strategy and Innovation, A.D. Henderson University School, FAU High School, Bezos Academy, Pine Jog Environmental Research Center, and the Max Planck Academy.

Dr. Herbst began his career in education in 1990 as a Teacher for Broward County Public Schools. Additionally, he served as an Assistant Principal, Principal, Director of School Improvement, and Regional Superintendent of Schools. In 2012, he became the Assistant Dean of the College of Education at Florida Atlantic University, where he serves as both Assistant Dean and Superintendent of Schools. In 2025, he was appointed Vice President for PK–12 and Pre-Baccalaureate Programs at Florida Atlantic University

As a school leader, Dr. Herbst served as the President of the Florida Association of School Administrators, Board of Governor of the American Association of School Administrators, Member, The Coca-Cola Council for Corporate and School Partnerships, and Member, National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Christina Cornwell is an experienced educational leader, professional learning designer, and co-founder of EverForwardEducation, LLC, where she supports educators through professional learning focused on AI integration, instructional coaching, and support for English language learners. With more than 30 years of experience across Wisconsin, Texas, and Florida, Christina has served as a classroom teacher, vice principal, school principal, and supervisor of professional development. Her work centers on building aligned learning systems, strengthening instructional practice, supporting teacher growth, and creating positive school cultures where educators and students can thrive.

Christina has presented at state, regional, national, and international conferences, including the Cognia IMPACT Conference, the Leadership for Professional Learning Symposium, the Summer Leadership Conference, and the Recruitment and Retention Summit. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Teaching and Learning with an emphasis in Adult Learning at Grand Canyon University and holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida.

Her credentials include National Board Certification, National Institute for School Leadership Executive Development Program certification, and Florida certification in school principalship, educational leadership, and social science. Christina brings a practical, people-centered approach to professional learning and is passionate about helping educators turn new ideas into meaningful classroom practice.

Dr. Rebecca Savage is a dedicated educational leader with over 15 years of experience impacting positive outcomes for school improvement, curriculum design, and strategic leadership. Currently serving as the Director of Organizational Development and Retention for the School District of Lee County with over 12,000 team members and 100,000 students, she specializes in fostering professional growth and sustaining long-term organizational success. Her leadership background includes serving as a Title I school administrator at the elementary and secondary levels, representing educators as the Florida Department of Education’s Teacher Liaison, serving as the district coordinator for 6-12 English Language Arts, and coordinating leadership development. A former Subject Area Teacher of the Year, Dr. Savage has also played a pivotal role in implementing literacy and student success initiatives to drive school performance. She holds an Ed.D. in Educational Administration from the University of Florida, where her doctoral research centered on the critical mechanics of sustained school turnaround. Today, she leverages this data-driven foundation to build robust retention frameworks that empower educators and improve student outcomes.

Jaelyn Quintero is a Coordinator of Organizational Development and Retention for the School District of Lee County, supporting more than 12,000 team members and over 100,000 students. They hold a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Florida Gulf Coast University and bring experience as an instructional coach, a district content specialist for K–5 science instruction, and a coordinator for professional learning. Jaelyn leads initiatives that enhance educator support, engagement, and retention. Drawing on their perspective from classroom instruction to district leadership, they translate complex workforce data into clear, actionable strategies. Through cross-department collaboration, Jaelyn develops programs and sustainable systems that empower district leaders and drive organizational success. Passionate about innovative solutions, they focus on creating systems that strengthen both educators and the organization as a whole.

Dana Philpott serves as a Coordinator of Organizational Development and Retention for the School District of Lee County, where she supports a workforce of over 12,000 and a student body of over 100,000 students. Her professional background encompasses classroom instruction, intervention systems, literacy initiatives, and school and district administration. As a strategic advocate for professional growth, Dana led the collaborative implementation and expansion of a comprehensive onboarding initiative focused on teacher readiness and long-term retention. Using data-informed strategies, she works to ensure professional learning and organizational systems are impactful and aligned with district-wide goals. A graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University with a Master’s in Educational Leadership and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Dana is committed to streamlining organizational processes and building sustainable systems that drive collective workforce success and enhance student outcomes.

Joelle McLaughlin serves as a Coordinator of Organizational Development and Retention for the School District of Lee County. She specializes in strengthening teacher retention, enhancing employee engagement, and developing systems that support educators from entry through long-term career success. With a background in professional learning, certification pathways, and instructional support, Joelle leads key initiatives, including the AlternativeLee Certified Program (PLCP), reading endorsement pathways, and district-supported renewal systems. She also supports Project Thrive, the district’s comprehensive retention strategy, partnering with school and district leaders to design data-informed approaches that strengthen workplace culture and support educator retention. Joelle’s work focuses on removing barriers to certification and professional growth by creating flexible, accessible pathways aligned to workforce needs. She leverages structured feedback systems to translate employee voice into actionable strategies and continuous improvement. She holds a Master’s degree in Professional Studies in Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Joelle is committed to building systems where educators choose to stay, grow, and thrive.

Dr. Jason Kurtz serves as the Principal of Hector A. Cafferata, Jr. K-8 School in Cape Coral, FL. He grew up in Kendall, NY graduating from Kendall Jr. Sr. High School and received his undergraduate degree from Hamilton College in Comparative Literature with a minor in education. Dr. Kurtz earned his Master’s Degree in Special Education from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2004 and his Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership and Exceptional Student Education from the Adrian Dominican School of Education at Barry University in 2011. His interests include special education, organizational learning and change.

Dr. Kurtz began his career in education at Immokalee Middle School, where he taught 7th grade Language Arts and Reading. He has taught elementary, middle, and college level students and has served as an administrator at both the school and district levels in his more than 18 years with the School District of Lee County. Dr. Kurtz believes in meeting the needs of all students and views a collaborative school environment as the key to creating successful students and teachers. He believes partnerships with parents and community partners are essential to enriching the educational experience at Cafferata K-8.

During his free time, Dr. Kurtz enjoys sailing, baseball, reading, and spending time with his family.

Dr. Kevin Forehand is an Assistant Teaching Professor and Program Director for the nationally ranked Educational Leadership and Administration (M.S./Ed.S.) programs at Florida State University Anne's College. He was also the inaugural Board Chair for The Collegiate School-FSU @Panama City. Before this, Dr. Forehand was the principal of Crossroad Academy Charter School (CACS) from 2007 to 2022 after serving five years previously as a teacher. As principal, Dr. Forehand led phenomenal teams to earn 12 High-Performing School grades including nine A grades, seven of which were consecutive, two distinguished Title-one school designations, and the only National Blue-Ribbon School designation in Gadsden County. Under his leadership, CACS has had multiple Best School rankings on US News charts. Dr. Forehand is the Chief Education Officer for” The Knowledge Firm: Knowledge & Fidelity Consulting” He earned a certificate in School Leadership & Management from the Harvard Business School and Harvard Graduate School of Education; a doctorate in Organizational Leadership; M.S. in Educational Leadership; and B.S. in Computer Information Systems. Dr. Forehand is a member of the Florida Association of School Administrators (FASA), the Association for School Curriculum Development (ASCD), The Florida Association of Professors of Educational Leadership (FAPEL), The University Council of Education Administrators (UCEA), and has served as the Education Co-Chair of the National Education Law Association.

Daniel Reyes-Guerra, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology (ELRM) at Florida Atlantic University and the Executive Director of the Office of Educational Leadership Learning (FAU’s School Leaders Program’s professional learning arm), dedicated to providing Florida and national school districts with the professional learning they need and want. He is committed to research, learning, and support for school leaders, addressing complex socioeconomic and contextual issues that hinder the full implementation of quality preK-12 education both locally and globally. Notably, his efforts as Principal Investigator on the University Principal Preparation Initiative (UPPI) grant from The Wallace Foundation have transformed the School Leaders Program in six partnering school districts, earning him the recognition as the 2023 FAU College of Education Researcher of the Year and recently earned the distinction of 2023 Champion of Education from the Florida Association of School Administrators (FASA).

Dr. Reyes-Guerra prides himself on the development and implementation of high quality Master’s/Specialist and PhD Degree programs in Educational Leadership, as well as strong, cooperative partnerships between universities, school districts, and the Florida Department of Education – always centered on meeting the learning needs of all students in Florida – especially those from historically underperforming subgroups. He currently holds and has held offices on various professional and research organizations’ executive boards/committees, including the Florida Association of School Administrators (FASA), the Florida Association of Professors of Educational Leadership (FAPEL), the American Educational Researchers Association (AERA) Learning and Teaching Special Interest Group (LTEL-SIG), the Plenum of the University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA), and the Florida Educational Leadership Exam (FELE) Steering Committee.

Cynthia B. Bauman, Ph.D., serves as Associate Director of the Office of Educational Leadership Learning in the School Leaders Program at Florida Atlantic University. She received her PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of South Florida. A former principal, her work focuses on instructional leadership and data-informed continuous school improvement. Dr. Bauman designs and facilitates professional learning that helps leaders leverage coaching, collaborative inquiry, and professional networks to strengthen teaching and learning. She teaches graduate courses in instructional leadership and continuous school improvement and is a frequent presenter at national conferences, contributing to the field through both scholarship and applied practice.

John E. Critelli Jr., PhD is the Director of the PROPEL School Leadership Master’s Degree Partnership Program at Florida Atlantic University. His work centers on leadership development, district-university partnerships, and preparing current and aspiring school leaders to lead effectively in complex educational environments.

Dr. Critelli has extensive experience designing and supporting professional learning systems that strengthen leadership pipelines, instructional improvement, and organizational capacity across school districts. He has helped develop innovative partnership models that connect university preparation programs with district talent development needs.

More recently, Dr. Critelli has focused on the responsible integration of artificial intelligence in educational leadership and professional practice. He developed the Reason First, Evaluate Critically, Add Your Voice, Lead Transparently (Get REAL) framework to help educational leaders approach AI with sound judgment, ethical awareness, and human-centered decision-making.

A frequent presenter at state and national conferences, Dr. Critelli shares practical strategies related to leadership preparation, scalable professional learning, and emerging trends shaping schools. His work is grounded in helping educational organizations move thoughtfully from ideas to implementation while keeping people, purpose, and trust at the center.

Mrs. Jennifer Dale is a dedicated educational leader with a comprehensive academic background and extensive professional experience in K-12 school leadership. Bringing over two decades of experience in instructional leadership and school improvement, she serves as the Director of Leadership Development for Broward County Public Schools, supporting school and district leaders through strategic leadership coaching, data-driven systems, and capacity-building for sustainable student achievement.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Dale has demonstrated exceptional skills in collaborative leadership, program and project development, mentoring, coaching, and data-driven decision-making. She has successfully implemented school turnaround initiatives, developed effective instructional programs, and provided leadership coaching to K-12 principals and assistant principals.

Mrs. Dale's dedication to improving student outcomes and building strong, positive school cultures is reflected in a consistent record of increased academic performance and efficient school operations. The strategies she offers are actionable and designed to enhance instructional quality and strengthen overall systems alignment.

Dr. Ducarmel S. Augustin serves as Director of Teaching & Learning in the Regional Superintendent’s Office for Broward County Public Schools. As a principal supervisor, Dr. Augustin provides instructional leadership, coaching, and strategic support to a diverse portfolio of schools, resulting in strong student achievement outcomes.

With a strong background in instructional leadership, school improvement, and leadership development, Dr. Augustin works closely with principals and district leaders to strengthen teaching and learning practices, improve student outcomes, and cultivate positive school cultures. This work emphasizes high-quality instruction, data-informed decision-making, and leadership accountability aligned with Florida’s Educational Leadership Standards.

Dr. Augustin is deeply committed to building leadership capacity through professional learning and collaborative problem-solving. Experience includes supporting school leaders in navigating legislative changes, instructional initiatives, and operational challenges while maintaining a focus on excellence and continuous improvement.

As a speaker, Dr. Augustin brings a practical, systems-level perspective grounded in real-world leadership experience. The strategies shared are designed for immediate implementation to strengthen instructional impact and organizational effectiveness.

Michelle Vaughan-McGovern is a professor at Florida Atlantic University in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. She teaches courses in curriculum design, action research, and global education. Her scholarship explores teacher growth and change through action research, living educational theory methodology, and the integration of technology into practice. She serves as the graduate program coordinator and oversees top-ranked online graduate programs in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Additionally, she serves as the co-chair of the Teacher Inquiry strand of the Florida Educational Research Association annual conference as well as the Associate Editor of the Teacher Inquiry section of the Florida Journal for Educational Research. Her most recent scholarship explores the outcomes of the Comprehensive Educator Research Program, a collaboration with AD Henderson University School/FAU High where she serves as the Principal Investigator and Supervisor of K-12 Educator Research Practices.

Dr. Tricia L. Meredith is a scientist, educator, and administrator dedicated to advancing hands-on inquiry and mentorship across disciplines and grades. She serves as Director of Research for Florida Atlantic University’s on-site lab school and holds a faculty appointment as Assistant Research Professor in FAU’s College of Education.

At the intersection of STEM, education, and institutional innovation, Dr. Meredith leads four flagship initiatives:

• FAUHS Research Program – empowering dual-enrolled high school students to engage in authentic undergraduate research
• Marcus Research and Innovation Center – a 12,000 sq ft hub for collaborative science, education, and mentorship
• Comprehensive Educator Research Program – supporting K–12 teachers in classroom-based action research
• OPK12 Research Committee – facilitating strategic research partnerships between FAU and its lab school

As a biologist, Dr. Meredith’s research spans understanding olfaction in sharks as well as best practices in STEM education, with a particular focus on dual enrollment and undergraduate research experiences. Her work is united by a core commitment to project-based learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the transformative power of mentorship.

Mary Helen Immordino-Yang (Ed.D., Harvard University), Fahmy and Donna Attallah Professor of Humanistic Psychology, is a professor of education, psychology, and neuroscience at the University of Southern California and founding director of the USC Center for Affective Neuroscience, Development, Learning and Education (candle.usc.edu). Her work pairs in-depth qualitative interviews with longitudinal brain imaging and psychophysiological recording to reveal coordinated mental, neural, and bodily processes by which adolescents and their teachers build meaning—deliberating on the abstract, systems-level, and ethical implications of complex information, social situations, and identities. Her research underscores the active role youth play in their own brain and psychosocial development through the narratives they construct, and capacities teachers cultivate to support student belonging and deep learning. She conducts her work in partnership with expert educators and diverse youth from the low-SES communities where she works. She writes and speaks extensively on the implications for redesigning schools around curiosity and civic reasoning to promote intellectual vibrance and thriving. She has received numerous awards for her research and impact on society, including from the AAAS, the PNAS editorial board, the AERA, APS, FABBS, IMBES, the US Army, and others. She served on the National Academies committee writing How People Learn II, as a distinguished scientist on the Aspen Institute’s National Commission on Social, Emotional, and Academic Development, and was a Spencer Foundation midcareer fellow. Elected to the National Academy of Education in 2023.

Doug Knecht is the Senior Director of Education Practice and Innovation following 11 years at Bank Street College of Education. Most recently, Doug was the Dean of Children’s Programs, leading Bank Street’s School for Children and supervising the Family Center early care program, and the Liberty LEADS after school and college prep program for 5th-12th grade low-income public school students.

Doug previously served as the founding Vice President of the Bank Street Education Center, where he led school system improvement partnerships with district and school leaders across the country, leveraging Bank Street’s expertise in adult learning and child development to connect central offices, school communities and classrooms for more ambitious and equitable instruction at scale. Over six years building the Ed Center, Doug helped to raise over $70M in grants and contracts while impacting thousands of educators and hundreds of thousands of students through system-wide professional learning partnerships.

Doug began his career as a high school science teacher in New Jersey after graduating from Princeton University. He then joined the staff of a new small New York City public transfer school for adolescents marginalized by the larger education system. Later, Doug earned a master’s degree from Harvard Graduate School of Education and returned to the New York City Department of Education, serving in various school support and academic policy roles that culminated in an opportunity to lead 10 school networks, where he was responsible for the quality and effectiveness of over 300 schools.

Before graduate school, Doug worked for four years in a Bay Area-based educational non-profit, teaching and providing academic and social-emotional support and scholarships to low-income middle school students and families as they enrolled in Bay Area independent and parochial schools.

Mr. Matthew Fritzius serves as the Director of OELL. His role includes establishing the OELL Leadership Micro-credential/Certificate Program, serving as the facilitator for the Florida Educator Preparation and Leadership Network (FEPLN), and managing a variety of service contracts and grants. As the OELL Director, Matthew supports the development of current and future professional learning as well as grant proposal development. He brings a strong perspective on the current and future needs for teachers and leaders in Florida’s schools and districts, with a focus on how best to provide learning success for students, teachers, and leaders in Florida and national districts.

Matthew joined the OELL team after a 17-year career in public education. He is a passionate educator who champions Career and Technical Education (CTE) as an avenue towards community revitalization. As a school-based administrator he was influential in strengthening CTE pathways through the establishment of high-quality community partnerships. As a district-based CTE administrator he championed the expansion of work-based learning programs and as well as industry certification offerings across Broward County Public Schools.

Matthew holds a Master of Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and is a PhD candidate in FAU’s School Leaders Program. Matthew was a 2025 ECMC Foundation Post-Secondary CTE Research fellow and was a 2023 University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA) Clark Scholar. His research interests include school leaders’ perspectives on CTE and their approaches to leading CTE and promotion of post-secondary pathways.