Dr. Joyce VanTassel Baska, W&M Center for Gifted Education's founder and the brains behind the National Curriculum Networking Conference that started in 1996.
Dr. Joyce VanTassel Baska
Professor Emerita and Founding Director, Center for Gifted Education (CFGE) at William & Mary
Dr. Joyce VanTassel-Baska is a seminal figure in the field of gifted education, recognized globally for her extensive research, curriculum development, and leadership. She is the Founding Director of the Center for Gifted Education (CFGE) at William & Mary, where she served as the Jody and Layton Smith Professor of Education. Throughout her tenure, she established the center as a world leader in gifted research and developed both master’s and doctoral program emphases that continue to shape the next generation of educators.
A past President of the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), Dr. VanTassel-Baska has also held leadership roles with the Council for Exceptional Children’s Association for the Gifted (CEC-TAG) and the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children. Before her time at William & Mary, she founded and directed the Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University and served as the state director of gifted programs for Illinois. Her early career as a teacher of English and Latin profoundly influenced her advocacy for rigorous, content-based curriculum and classical education principles.
Dr. VanTassel-Baska’s academic contributions include the publication of over 30 books and more than 600 refereed journal articles and reports. She is best known for developing the Integrated Curriculum Model (ICM), which provides a framework for challenging high-ability learners through advanced content, higher-level process skills, and overarching themes. Her accolades include the NAGC Distinguished Scholar Award, the World Council Distinguished Service Award, and a Fulbright Scholarship. Now a Professor Emerita, she remains an active voice in the field through continued writing, consulting, and mentoring.
2026 NCNC Featured Speakers
Genein Letford
Genein Letford, M.Ed., is an international thought leader on brain capital and the creator of the concept of ‘Intercultural Creativity®, NeuroSomatic Creativity®’ and Prismatic Leadership®. She is the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of CAFFE Strategies, Inc which is a consulting, coaching and training company that trains corporations, educational leaders and educators to create sustainable creative and inclusive strategies, based on neuroscience, while unleashing their innovative thinking for themselves and in their businesses and classrooms.
Pulling from her twenty years of working with creative students, her unique curriculum utilizes neuroscience, metaphorical strategies, heightened observation techniques and the creative arts to reawaken intuitive thinking. She served as the GATE coordinator and educator for over ten years at her California elementary school. She recently published her third children’s book, My Brain, My Brain, My Beautiful Brain', and I AM CREATIVE! with her 6-year-old son, Shawn Letford to show how creative thinking develops in the brain. Her latest book, The Future Classroom Of Intercultural Creativity®: Building Students Who Connect and Create Together has been labeled groundbreaking for education in the 21st century. Genein believes creative thinking paired with brain health and cultural competency are critical 21st Century skills. She is often called ‘America’s Creativity Coach’ for her work in reigniting Intercultural Creativity® and in our youth and in our workforce.
Dr. Catherine Little
Catherine Little, Ph.D. is a Professor in Giftedness, Creativity, and Talent Development in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Connecticut. She received her MA and PhD in gifted education from William and Mary and worked in the Center for Gifted Education there prior to coming to UConn. Her research interests include professional learning, differentiation of curriculum and instruction for advanced learners, and classroom questioning practices. Catherine currently works as the Project Director for Project SPARK and Project LIFT, two Javits-funded initiatives focused on working with schools and teachers to recognize and respond to advanced academic potential in the early grades, particularly in students from underserved populations. She previously served on the NAGC Board of Directors as a Member-at-Large, as Treasurer, and as Governance Secretary.
Dr. Tamra Stambaugh
Tamra Stambaugh, Ph.D. is a professor and the Margo Long Endowed Chair in Gifted Education at Whitworth University. Stambaugh’s research interests include curriculum and instructional interventions that promote talent and expertise, and access and opportunity pathways, particularly for students who live in rural settings and students who are low income. Stambaugh is the co-author/editor of award-winning books and evidence-supported curriculum units. She frequently provides keynotes, workshops, and consultation to school districts nationally and internationally. She served on the NAGC Board of Directors as a member-at-large and Treasurer, and is the current AERA Gifted SIG Program Chair.
Stambaugh received her PhD at the College of William and Mary. She is the recipient of several awards, including the Margaret The Lady Thatcher Medallion for scholarship, service, and character from the College of William and Mary School of Education; the Doctoral Student Award, Early Leader Award, Distinguished Service Award, and multiple curriculum awards from NAGC; state awards from the Ohio and Tennessee Associations for Gifted, and university service and teaching awards from Vanderbilt University and Whitworth University. Prior to her appointment at Whitworth she served as the Executive Director of Programs for Talented Youth at Vanderbilt University.
Dr. Shelagh Gallagher
Dr. Shelagh A. Gallagher is a distinguished leader and scholar in the field of gifted education, currently serving as the Executive Director of the Center for Gifted Education (CFGE) at William & Mary. With a career spanning over three decades, she has dedicated her work to closing the gap between research and practice, ensuring that high-potential learners receive the specialized support they need to thrive.
Her influence on the field is perhaps most notable through her service as the former President of the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC). In this role, she was a pivotal voice in shaping national policy, championing equity in gifted services, and advocating for the diverse needs of students across the United States. Dr. Gallagher is an internationally recognized expert in Problem-Based Learning (PBL), having authored numerous curricula that challenge students to engage with complex, real-world issues.
Beyond curriculum design, her research delves into the social and emotional development of gifted youth, providing educators and parents with essential insights into the unique personality patterns of high-ability children. As a prolific author and a sought-after speaker, Dr. Gallagher continues to drive innovation at CFGE, focusing on professional development and sustainable program design. Her leadership at William & Mary ensures the center remains a global hub for excellence in gifted education.
Breakout Session Speakers
Jennifer V. Callison
Curriculum specialist Jennifer V. Callison has been in the field of education for 26 years, including teaching and training on the English Language Arts units developed by the College of William and Mary Center for Gifted Education. After having taught elementary and middle school students, she currently trains teachers, writes and edits curriculum, owns and operates a Code Wiz coding and robotics learning center, and lives in St. Petersburg, FL with her husband and two sons.
Ashley Y. Carpenter, Ph.D.
Dr. Ashley Y. Carpenter is a scholar and leader in the field of gifted education, currently serving as a Clinical Assistant Professor and the Director of Professional Development and Publications at the Center for Gifted Education (CFGE) at William & Mary. Her work is defined by a commitment to equity and excellence, focusing on bridging the gap between academic research and classroom practice. Her leadership in the field was recently recognized with the prestigious 2024 Early Leader Award from the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), honoring her significant contributions to the growth and development of gifted and talented children.
Dr. Carpenter’s expertise lies at the intersection of underserved gifted populations, twice-exceptional (2e) learners, and the impact of socioeconomic status on talent development. At CFGE, she spearheads national and international professional development initiatives, training educators to implement research-based curricula and inclusive identification practices. She also serves as a key researcher for Project BUMP UP, a federally funded Javits grant focused on increasing math proficiency for high-potential students in high-poverty schools.
A former middle school teacher for 14 years, Dr. Carpenter brings a practical, practitioner-oriented lens to her work. She is a frequent speaker at local and national conferences, where she advocates for the "hidden" gifted student. Through her various roles, Dr. Carpenter continues to foster educational environments where diverse talents are not only recognized but meticulously nurtured.
Ann H. Colorado, Ed.D.
“A rising tide lifts all boats.” A believer in promoting high expectations and developing a challenging curriculum for all students to nurture student talent and create optimum engagement, Ann supports well-trained teachers, strong parent partnerships, and highly engaged students to ensure that gifted students, potentially gifted students, and all students thrive in school each day. Ann has been the Coordinator for Gifted Education and Talent Development in a suburban school division in southeastern Virginia since September 2019. Prior to her current position, she dedicated 18 years to instructing gifted students, two years as a high school Improvement Specialist, and four years as a high school and elementary school Assistant Principal. Her research areas of interest include the motivation of gifted learners, talent development, and student engagement. In addition to her K-12 work, she has taught Masters’ level gifted courses as an adjunct professor for the College of William and Mary and for Shenandoah University. She is honored to present some of her current work at her “gifted home” of William & Mary!
Darlene Wiggins Dockery, Ph.D.
Dr. Darlene Wiggins Dockery is an Academic Exchange Specialist in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of English Language Programs. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership with an emphasis in Gifted Education and a cognate in TESOL from The College of William & Mary.
In her current role, Dr. Dockery leads and supports teacher professional development initiatives, instructional materials development, and Communities of Practice that connect educators across global, higher education, and community-based contexts. Her work focuses on designing sustainable professional learning ecosystems that support instructional excellence, collaboration, and knowledge sharing at scale.
Dr. Dockery has served as an adjunct faculty member in Gifted Education, teaching graduate-level courses. Her research and professional interests include gifted education policy, the identification and support of high academic potential across multiple learning contexts, and professional learning models that expand access to rigorous instruction while maintaining high standards. In her free time, she enjoys creative writing, singing, and traveling with her young adult daughter.
Chandra B. Floyd, Ph.D.
Chandra Floyd is a Clinical Assistant Professor and the Director of Curriculum at the Center for Gifted Education. With teaching and administrative experience at the P12 and higher education levels, Dr. Floyd's experience spans over 25 years. Her research centers on equity in gifted education. Under this umbrella, she examines gifted education’s relationships to the broader educational enterprise; leadership that advances equitable access to gifted education; and teacher preparation that results in not only instructional excellence but also robust advocacy for individuals, marginalized groups, and the field at large.
Helen Fotinos
Helen Fotinos is a 17-year veteran teacher, currently working for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in Virginia. She has worked with students from pre-K through high school Currently, Helen works as the administrator of the gifted program for MCPS as well as serving as the gifted resource teacher for all four high schools in the county. Ms. Fotinos has presented at district-level professional development, statewide and national conferences on topics ranging from best practices for gifted students, student engagement, passion projects, gifted service models and student-led conferences.
Sarah Ghandil
Sarah is currently a Gifted Specialist and Adult Education Instructor with Suffolk Public Schools. Prior to taking on the role of a Gifted Specialist, she taught seventh grade English and Social Studies. As a Gifted Specialist, Sarah collaborates with families, supports underachieving gifted students, and supports all learners in differentiated instruction to ensure the diverse needs of children are met. As an Adult Education Instructor, Sarah teaches GED courses in the evening and is also a Career Coach for Nurse Aide students. Sarah is passionate about helping people, building meaningful relationships, and using data to inform instructional decisions.
Dr. Jessica Harris
Dr. Jessica Harris serves as a Secondary Gifted Coordinator for Henrico County Public Schools, bringing over 20 years of experience in gifted education. She has served as a Gifted Resource Teacher, Gifted Zone Center Teacher, Enrichment Program Coordinator, and Gifted Coordinator in diverse Virginia districts. Jessica is an active voice in the gifted education community, serving as Vice President-Elect of the Virginia Association for the Gifted. Jessica enjoys collaborative projects and writing and is currently serving on the National CEC-TAG Advanced Standards workgroup. She facilitates the Gifted Microcredential course for educators in Henrico and regularly presents at local, state, and national conferences. Jessica earned her Doctorate in Gifted Administration from William & Mary in 2025, with dissertation research focused on the design and development of a content-based psychosocial curriculum. Her work focuses on talent identification, curriculum development, and supporting students' affective needs.
Adrienne Haskins, NBCT
Adrienne Haskins is a first-grade teacher endorsed in gifted education. She has a passion for nurturing curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in young learners. Adrienne enjoys designing engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that challenge and inspire students to reach their full potential.
With a strong background in early childhood education and gifted instruction, Adrienne is committed to meeting the diverse academic and social-emotional needs of advanced learners. Her work emphasizes differentiation, talent development, and inclusive practices that ensure gifted students are supported and empowered from the earliest grades.
Adrienne's dedication to excellence in teaching has been recognized at both the local and national levels. She has been honored as Elementary Gifted Teacher of the Year for Chesterfield County Public Schools and is a National Board Certified Teacher, highlighting her dedication to reflective practice and ongoing professional growth.
Reginald Johns, Ph.D.
Dr. Reginald Johns is an award winning educational researcher, consultant, author, and gifted director who holds a passion for teaching and gifted education. He currently serves as the director of the Department of Academic Advancement and Enrichment for Hampton City Schools where he develops K-12 gifted programs, curriculum, and teacher training that connect best practices to innovative learning.
Stephanie Lambrecht Ed.D.
Dr. Stephanie Lambrecht has two decades of experience in public education, with a professional focus on curriculum design, equitable access, and instructional programming for students in exceptional education. Her career spans roles as a paraeducator, classroom educator, school-based administrator, and central office leader. She currently serves as a district specialist supporting 16 specialty centers across Henrico County Public Schools, where her work centers on inclusive, strength-based programming for gifted and high-achieving learners. Dr. Lambrecht is also an adjunct professor at Rappahannock Community College. Her doctoral research examines school choice in rural communities through the development of a logic model to strengthen public understanding and support of public education.
Stacy Lynch
Stacy Lynch is a Gifted and Talent Development Resource Teacher in Williamsburg, Virginia, with 30 years of experience in education. She has served as a classroom teacher, cluster teacher, and school-based gifted itinerant, bringing a deep understanding of instructional design and student needs to her work. With a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, Stacy is passionate about developing curriculum that emphasizes depth and complexity to challenge and inspire learners. She has also authored cluster teacher training courses for educators in Williamsburg–James City County Public Schools.
Stacy finds great fulfillment in mentoring new teachers, supporting them as they expand their instructional practices and encourage students to reach their highest potential. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys boating and fishing with her husband and grown children and is a devoted golden retriever enthusiast.
Christan Martin
Christan Martin is a Gifted Education Support Specialist in Chesterfield County Public Schools. Christan has been in the field of gifted education for 24 years, previously serving Arlington Public Schools as an elementary classroom teacher and Colonial Heights Public Schools as a middle school gifted resource teacher. For the past nine years, Christan has supported multiple elementary and middle schools, including the county's elementary Center-Based Gifted Academies, as a gifted support specialist. Christan earned her Bachelor of Science in Family and Child Development from Virginia Tech, a Master of Arts in Teaching from American University, and a gifted education endorsement from James Madison University.
Amanda Nevetral
Amanda Nevetral currently serves as the Director for the Office of Advanced Learning at the Virginia Department of Education. Previously, she was a classroom teacher, gifted resource teacher, and gifted resource teacher. She holds degrees from the University of Virginia, Longwood University, and University of Richmond.
Dr. Jeanne L. Paynter
Jeanne L. Paynter, Ed.D. is the Executive Director of Educating Innovators LLC, founded with the mission to view
all learners as tomorrow’s innovators, today. Jeanne’s wide variety of experiences in K-12 and higher education have shaped her interest in talent development, leading to the design of a new “talent-targeted” teaching and learning approach presented in her recent book, Teach to Develop Talent: How to Motivate and Engage Tomorrow’s Innovators Today. Her personal passions are motivation theory, creativity, and talent development in K-12 education, and she presents widely on these topics to national and international audiences. An advocate for equity in excellence, as Maryland state director for gifted and talented education, Jeanne directed numerous grant projects to increase the participation and success of low income and minority students in PK-12 advanced programming. Previously, she coordinated gifted education and magnet Programs K – 12 in Baltimore County Public Schools, a large urban-suburban district. She currently serves as the President of the Maryland Coalition for Gifted and Talented Education (MCGATE). Jeanne earned her master’s and doctoral degrees from the Johns Hopkins University. She resides in Baltimore, Maryland.
Katie Plum, Ph.D.
Katie Plum is a Gifted and Talent Development Resource Teacher in Williamsburg James City County Public Schools. She collaborates with classroom teachers to differentiate for students. Katie is just completed her PhD in Curriculum & Instruction at William & Mary. In her co-authored book, Thinking Like a Mathematician, she challenges students to use authentic projects to investigate math concepts. Her research focuses on talent development in STEM fields and experiential learning. Outside of the classroom, Katie can be found learning to sail, adventuring with her 3 children, and seeking out the perfect cup of coffee.
Alicia Schroeder-Schock, EdD
Alicia Schroeder-Schock, Ed.D. is a K-5 Gifted and Talented teacher in West Fargo, ND. She holds an Ed.D. in Educational Policy, Planning and Leadership with a concentration in gifted administration from William & Mary and a master’s degree in educational psychology specializing in giftedness, creativity, and talent development from the University of Connecticut. Alicia has also contributed as a teacher consultant to curriculum developed by William & Mary’s Center for Gifted Education and volunteers with the North Dakota Association for Gifted Children. She regularly presents statewide and nationally, focusing on instructional practices and lesson design for high-ability learners.
Dayna L. Walger
Dayna Walger is a Gifted Education Support Specialist in Chesterfield County Public Schools. Dayna has been an educator for the past 18 years, previously as a middle school teacher in Chesterfield County Public Schools and a gifted resource teacher in Colonial Heights Public Schools. For the past 3 years, Dayna has supported all middle and high schools in Chesterfield County as a gifted support specialist. Dayna earned her Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Secondary Education from West Chester University, a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction, and a gifted endorsement from Regent University. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Liberty University.
Dr. Dornswalo Wilkins-McCorey
Dr. Dornswalo Wilkins-McCorey is a distinguished leader in gifted education, currently serving as the Coordinator of Gifted Programs for Chesapeake Public Schools. A tireless advocate for equity, she focuses on expanding access for underrepresented populations and ensuring that identification practices are culturally responsive and inclusive.
Her influence extends nationally as a member of the Board of Directors for the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC). Dr. Wilkins-McCorey has also held significant leadership roles at the state level, including serving as President of the Virginia Association for the Gifted (VAG).
Ashley Y. Carpenter, Ph.D.
Ann H. Colorado, Ed.D.
Chandra B. Floyd, Ph.D.
Sarah Ghandil
Dr. Jessica Harris
Adrienne Haskins, NBCT
Stephanie Lambrecht Ed.D.
Stacy Lynch
Christan Martin
Katie Plum, Ph.D.
Alicia Schroeder-Schock, EdD
Dayna L. Walger
Dr. Dornswalo Wilkins-McCorey